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Good News for “Conners” Fans: Katey Sagal Will Have More Time for Show as “Rebel” is Cancelled

Roger Friedman
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Good News for “Conners” Fans: Katey Sagal Will Have More Time for Show as “Rebel” is Cancelled

It’s a good thing Katey Sagal didn’t quit her “day job.” Her series, “Rebel,” has been cancelled by ABC.

Luckily Katey is a semi-regular on “The Conners.” She could be bumped up now to full time if everyone agrees. It’s funny that Peg Bundy came to replace Roseanne Conner, but that’s life.

“Rebel” was a valiant try at having an Erin Brokovich type legal zealot fighting underdog cases. It even co-starred Andy Garcia and John Corbett. But the writers were hamstrung by the premise and couldn’t make it work.

Also, for some reason they made Mary McDonnell, a great actress, play a very old lady when she’s the same age as Katey! It was very weird. Why McDonnell agreed to do it is beyond me.  The heavens may be punishing the producers for that infraction.

ABC cancelled five shows including “Mixed-ish,” which was very charming. The mothership show “Black-ish,” was renewed for its 8th and final season.

Three other shows that no one watched or thought about, “American Housewife,” “Call Your Mother,” and “For Life,” are gone as well.

The best news is that there’s a Black version of “The Wonder Years” coming, produced by Lee Daniels, and starring as the parents two really, really great actors, Dule Hill and Saycon Sengbloh. You probably know Hill from “Psych,” but he’s got a big theater background, and so does Saycon, who is featured this summer in the Aretha Franklin film, “Respect.” I will watch it just for them, and they better get some awards love!

Aretha Franklin “Respect” Movie Soundtrack Includes Title Track But Omits Key Hits Written by Legend Herself

Roger Friedman
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Aretha Franklin “Respect” Movie Soundtrack Includes Title Track But Omits Key Hits Written by Legend Herself

Every fan of Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Hudson is chomping at the bit to see the bio pic, “Respect.” We’ve had a few clips in which JHud sounds amazing, but no one knows too much else about Liesl Tommy’s film set for release in August.

Today the tracklist for the soundtrack CD came out, and it tells us a little of what to expect at least musically.

Eleven of the fourteen tracks are Aretha hits including “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Ain’t No Way,” “Think,” and “Spanish Harlem.” There are are also three gospel numbers.

But missing from the list are two major hit songs Aretha herself wrote, “Rock Steady” and “Daydreaming.” I was a little surprised about those. Aretha was very proud of those songs, and they have remained classics.

There’s also no version of “Until You Come Back to Me.” Or “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” I knew “Don’t Play That Song for Me” and “Call Me” wouldn’t be here. They were used in the Aretha mini series with Cynthia Erivo.

Well, there’s only so much time in a two hour movie, I guess. Maybe we’ll hear snippets of these records in the background. But it might have been nice to have songs Aretha herself wrote. Just sayin’…

We wait and we’ll see. If nothing else, I fully expect JHud to score an Oscar nomination from this film.

 

 

NBC Turns Over ALL of Wednesdays and Thursdays to Dick Wolf, Who Also Has a Chunk of CBS

Roger Friedman
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NBC Turns Over ALL of Wednesdays and Thursdays to Dick Wolf, Who Also Has a Chunk of CBS

Dick Wolf is pretty much running prime time TV.

A hundred years ago, he just had “Law & Order” on NBC. We used to run into him at Elaine’s celebrating his success.

Now with the new NBC schedule, the network has turned over ALL of Wednesday and Thursday to him.

On Wednesday he has three “Chicago” shows, albeit without Bob Fosse. They are Police, Fire, and Med.

On Thursday, Wolf has three “Law & Order” shows: SVU. Organized Crime, and For the Defense.

And that’s not all– on CBS Wolf has three “FBI” shows. Three. That’s NINE hours of prime time.

Are there more? I’m sure they’re coming. And the thing is, they are all entertaining and engaging. Wolf’s teams know how to do these shows, whether they’re police procedurals or set in a hospital.

But to own so much “real estate” in prime time. No one’s done it before, I don’t think, not even Quinn Martin (may he rest in peace). At this point, Wolf is the biggest employer in “Hollywood”– even though his shows aren’t shot there.

The Emmys should really take note of that this year and do something special for him.

NBC FALL 2021-22 SCHEDULE
(New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 PM — The Voice
10-11 PM — ORDINARY JOE

TUESDAY
8-9 PM — The Voice
9-10 PM — LA BREA
10-11 PM — New Amsterdam

WEDNESDAY
8-9 PM — Chicago Med
9-10 PM — Chicago Fire
10-11 PM — Chicago P.D.

THURSDAY
8-9 PM — LAW & ORDER: FOR THE DEFENSE
9-10 PM — Law & Order: SVU
10-11 PM — Law & Order: Organized Crime

FRIDAY
8-9 PM – The Blacklist
9-11 PM — Dateline NBC

SATURDAY
8-9 PM — Drama Encores
9-10 PM — Dateline Weekend Mystery
10-11 PM – SNL Vintage

SUNDAY
7-8:20 PM — Football Night in America
8:20-11 PM — NBC Sunday Night Football

“American Idol” Reject Hunter Metts Gets Last Laugh, Drops Single And It’s Already on iTunes Top 100

Roger Friedman
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“American Idol” Reject Hunter Metts Gets Last Laugh, Drops Single And It’s Already on iTunes Top 100

Talk about making lemonade from lemons.

Pop singer Hutner Metts dropped a single today called “20,000 Kisses.” It’s already number 91 82 on iTunes and selling.

Ironically, Metts was dropped himself last Sunday from “American Idol.” He didn’t make the final 5 contestants. One singer who did make the top 5 has subsequently been dropped from the show.

“Idol” made a huge mistake. If this single really takes off, Metts could be on the radio as “Idol” is choosing its winner in two weeks. Good lord.

Also, Metts has put this out as an indie single. He can sign with anyone if he has a hit. I’ve no doubt he’s gotten the attention of few record labels already.

Christopher Meloni’s “Law & Order Organized Crime” Gets a Second Season Despite Soft Ratings

Roger Friedman
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Christopher Meloni’s “Law & Order Organized Crime” Gets a Second Season Despite Soft Ratings

Benson and Stabler will get to go another round.

NBC has renewed “Law & Order Organized Crime” as the companion show to “Law & Order SVU.”

Hardcore fans will be thrilled as the saga of Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson and Chris Meloni’s Elliot Stabler will continue in cross overs galore, no doubt, and more fevered proclamations of love.

But “Organized Crime” has soft ratings. It’s really very much like “The Colbys” or “The Girl from UNCLE.” It’s not generating new fans or ideas. It’s completely dependent on “SVU.”

“OG” also suffers from structural issues. Instead of putting Stabler in situations with all kinds of organized crime, he’s just got Dylan McDermott to fight every single week. Even on “The Fugitive,” David Janssen had different adventures. He wasn’t always battling Lt. Gerard or the one armed man.

Dick Wolf says next season will be broken into three 8 episode arcs. I really hope the plotting fans out to just more of Stabler vs. (lol) Sinatra. Maybe they’ll have a Sinatra singalong.

UPDATE: Broadway Musical About Princess Diana Will Open a Month Early, On November 17th

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE: Broadway Musical About Princess Diana Will Open a Month Early, On November 17th

“Diana: The Musical” cannot be stopped!

The Broadway show that will premiere on Netflix first has moved up its Broadway opening date.

The new date is November 17th, with previews set to begin November 2nd. That’s a short preview window, but the show has played in La Jolla and was in previews before the pandemic shut it down.

First, however, we’ll get to see it on Netflix on October 1st. That has never been done before.

Originally “Diana” was going to bow in December. But I guess the producers felt that was too much lag time between Netflix and a live start.

In a joint statement, the “Diana” producers said “There is a huge groundswell of energy surrounding Broadway’s reopening news and we are looking forward to having many things to celebrate with our Broadway colleagues this Fall.  We are very happy to get our company back onstage a month earlier than we had anticipated and are eager to safely welcome audiences back to the Longacre Theatre.  We are also eager to move forward with our cast and company with a firm commitment to the list of actionable items we have created together  to help make both Diana and our industry a more inclusive, equitable and safe space in which to work.”

(I don’t know if ‘actionable’ is the word they meant. Are they suing the audience?)

“Diana: The Musical” stars Jeanna de Waal as Diana, Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles and Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth.

Exclusive: Norwegian Journalist Wants $1.6 Mil AND Membership to Settle Golden Globes Case That She Lost Twice

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Norwegian Journalist Wants $1.6 Mil AND Membership to Settle Golden Globes Case That She Lost Twice

EXCLUSIVE The Golden Globes are already in the middle of a lot of chaos. NBC has been cancelled their 2022 show and the Hollywood Foreign Press (HFPA) is under fire for not having any Black members and for its entire financial stand. Some of the 87 members are resisting changes even though the group voted last week for sweeping reforms that still haven’t been implemented.

So it’s eye opening to see the settlement demand from Kjersti Flaa, the Norwegian journalist who last year sued the HFPA after her membership application was denied. Flaa’s case was dismissed not once but twice, but she vowed to file an appeal.

This week, seizing on the moment of the HFPA being in trouble publicly, Flaa’s attorney, David Quinto, who once counted among his clients the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, sent an email to the HFPA’s lawyer this week demanding a settlement of $1.6 million and membership in the group.

This column has obtained the exchange of emails exclusively.

Quinto wrote to the HFPA’s lawyers at Latham & Watkins LLP on May 10th: “I’m writing to ask whether the HFPA is finally willing to discuss a potential settlement of my clients’ claims. One would think that the HFPA does not now want the distraction and expense of continuing to litigate.”

One of the HFPA’s lawyers, Marvin Putnam, shot back an email immediately in an effort to end a case they’d essentially already won, twice: “I am more than happy to convey to my clients any good faith proposal you might present.”

On May 11th, Quinto issued his settlement demand in a new email:

“Admission of both Kjersti Flaa and Rosa Gamazo Robbins this summer, payment of $1.6mm to Kjersti (payable in equal quarterly installments over three years with interest only to the extent that inflation exceeds 4% annually), payment of $700K to Rosa (again, payable in equal quarterly installments over three years with interest only to the extent that inflation exceeds 4% annually), and payment of $200K in attorney’s fees (also payable in equal quarterly amounts paid over three years with interest only to the extent that inflation exceeds 4% per annum), a mutual (including Magnus Sundholm*) waiver and dismissal of all claims, whether known, unknown, or fraudulently concealed, a mutual non-disparagement provision, and the HFPA’s agreement not to retaliate against anyone suspected either of providing assistance to me or to the L.A. Times.“

Robbins’ name had been added to an amended complaint from Quinto that was dismissed in March 2021. The first case was dismissed last November. After the second ruling by the judge to dismiss — leaving no room for further amendment–  Flaa said in a statement that she would appeal the rulings. She told Variety in an email: “It’s disappointing that the district judge didn’t see anything wrong with the HFPA’s conduct when the rest of America does,” she said. “We will of course appeal and are confident that the trial courts dismissal will be reversed and that we will finally get our day in court. In the meantime we fear that the HFPA will not make good on its recent promises to reform its bylaws and conduct to become more inclusive, transparent and representative of foreign entertainment reporters.” (*Sundholm, a photographer and member of the HFPA, is Flaa’s boyfriend. She is his lone featured follower on Instagram. He backed her in her efforts to gain membership.)

Flaa’s seemingly outrageous demand for $1.6 million certainly comes off as greedy and having nothing to do with inclusivity, transparency, or representation. She and Quinto don’t seem to get the current issues with the HFPA, the lack of Black journalists. She just wants money. When Flaa originally sued the HFPA, late president Lorenzo Soria responded that her lawsuit was merely a “shakedown.” This exchange of emails would seem to prove him right.

Copyright c2021 Showbiz411.

 

 

 

John Mulaney Goes from Sympathetic to Calculating in Three Short Days, and Social Media Doesn’t Like It

Roger Friedman
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John Mulaney Goes from Sympathetic to Calculating in Three Short Days, and Social Media Doesn’t Like It

Wow, that was fast.

On Monday afternoon, before John Mulaney’s return to the stage after rehab, news broke that he was getting a divorce from his wife of six years, Anna Marie Tendler.

Tendler’s official quote was that she was disappointed Mulaney was ending their marriage. It sounded like she didn’t have much prior warning.

At City Winery, Mulaney presented as sympathetic and battered, but pulling himself together. He didn’t mention the divorce, no one did, and I didn’t write about it. Instead of his trademark suit and tie, he dressed like a high school kid: striped long sleeved polo shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Mulaney, who usually comes off as shrewd and hip, was asking for empathy with puppy dog eyes.

Now this afternoon every tabloid in earshot, from People to Page Six, has announced that Mulaney “already” has a girlfriend. He’s dating actress Olivia Munn, who is famous for dating quarterback Aaron Rodgers and appearing in small roles. (Aside from “The Newsroom,” I’ve never seen her in anything.)

The whole story has classic Hollywood PR markings. “A source” told outlets that the pair met “at church.” I nearly died laughing. Church is also where Donald Trump met Marla Maples. Let’s say these couples engaged other “religiously.”

In fact, in a weird twist, Munn was interviewed by the Huffington Post in 2015. She said she met Mulaney and Tendler at a wedding and proceeded– my words– to stalk Mulaney. She said: “I was just so obsessed with hanging out with and talking with him.”

Uh huh.

Mulaney said in his shpiel on Monday night that he could not form intimate relationships with anyone. Yes, he drove that point home. Apparently, he’s been able to after all.

Mulaney’s fans on Twitter are ignited by this development. Previously, they were all “poor John.” Now they are hurt, and confused. Mulaney regularly talked about his marriage in his routine. He was a married guy telling ironic jokes about his relationship. So that  material is out the window.

So now fans on social are wondering if Tendler suspected what was going on? When did it start? How does all this line up with his failed rehab stint in September 2020, and the next one from December 2020 to February 2021. I want to know, based on Monday’s stand  up confessional, how he had time for the affair, to buy lots of drugs on a daily basis, work for Seth Meyers, and so on?

But one thing I learned a long time ago, drug addicts are great at lying. They are gifted at duplicity.

PS Just to put a pin in this now, at 8:40pm on Thursday, I’ve been holding a Mulaney work related item. As a favor to someone else, I agreed to wait. I’m keeping up my end of the bargain. But I sure don’t feel like it now.

Here’s a typical Tweet:

 

Broadway Surprise: Tony Winner Sutton Foster Will Do 12 Weeks in London in “Anything Goes” Before “The Music Man”

Roger Friedman
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Broadway Surprise: Tony Winner Sutton Foster Will Do 12 Weeks in London in “Anything Goes” Before “The Music Man”

This is called a curve ball.

Sutton Foster, who won the Tony for starring in “Anything Goes” as Reno Sweeney a decade ago, has made a surprising decision. She’s going to do the Cole Porter musical this summer and fall in London’s West End right before heading into rehearsals for “The Music Man” on Broadway. (She’s replacing Megan Mullaly, who probably got tired of waiting for this show after a year on hold.)

Hmmm….

Sutton’s London run ends October 17. Previews for “The Music Man” with Hugh Jackman begin December 20th. So she will have four weeks before rehearsal for the second show, a much bigger deal in that she hasn’t done it before, it’s a new production with a big movie star, and the producer is gone.

Indeed, Scott Rudin was the producer for “The Music Man” and we all know he is no longer there. So far there’s been no announcement of a producer taking over the show. On the Internet Broadway Database, producers’ names for that show have been erased.

Can Sutton work all summer, every day, before taking on “The Music Man” for a year? She certainly doesn’t need to. Her TV series, “Younger,” which just wrapped, was a big success. You’d think she’d want the time off before a big new gig. Or maybe this is her way of warming up.

In the meantime, lucky London. Sutton Foster in “Anything Goes” is like gold. The original production had 9 Tony nominations and won 3 — for Sutton, for Best Revival of a Musical, and best choreographer for Kathleen Marshall, who directs this London company.

 

“Friends” Reunion Jammed with All Star Cast Besides the Regulars, Including Lady Gaga, BTS, and Justin Bieber

Roger Friedman
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“Friends” Reunion Jammed with All Star Cast Besides the Regulars, Including Lady Gaga, BTS, and Justin Bieber

The “Friends” reunion show is set for May 27th on HBO Max.

In addition to the six regular cast members, the reunion will also feature a bunch of people who have nothing whatsoever to do with the show. They include David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin, Mindy Kaling, Thomas Lennon, and Malala Yousafzai.

Also, several of the secondary characters from the show will return including Elliot Gould and Christina Pickles as the Gellers, Tom Selleck as Richard, Maggie Wheeler as the infamous Janice. No word on Marlo Thomas as Rachel’s mother, or Morgan Fairchild as Chandler’s mother/father.

Reese Witherspoon is back as Rachel’s sister, however, which is convenient since Reese and Jennifer Aniston now star together on Apple TV’s “The Morning Show.” James Michael Tyler, whose name no one ever knew, returns as Gunther, who now presumably owns Central Perk. And James Corden will be part of the proceedings because his executive producer, Ben Winston is the producer here.

No word on Paul Rudd, who played Phoebe’s fiancee (did they get married?), and may be too busy with the “Ant Man.” And what about those triplets Phoebe carried for her brother and sister in law? They’re in their 20s now. So, too, are Monica and Chandler’s kid. Ross’s kids are even older.

Clearly, the “Friends” reunion is more than just a talk show with clips. It’s a full fledged event. And this is all to promote the “Friends” reruns for which HBO paid a fortune to show over and over again.

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