Kelly Clarkson to Be NBC’s Newest Talk Show Host?
American Idol winner and The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson is getting her own daytime talk show? Hmmm…. I mean, she’s a nice girl and a talented singer, but carrying a whole show on her own? NBCUniversal Domestic TV seems to think she’s perfectly capable, as it’s just sold The Kelly Clarkson Show to the NBC Owned Television Station Group for a fall 2019 debut.
The one-hour show will air as the lead-in to Ellen (replacing Steve Harvey’s talker) on NBC-owned stations in New York, LA, Chicago, Philly, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco, D.C., Miami, San Diego, Boston and Harford. The stations can be viewed in nearly 30% of U.S. households.
“She’s genuine, warm, fun and interacts with her fans in a meaningful way,” said Valari Staab, president, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.
That well may be, but an hour-long dose of Kelly every day? I suppose I’m not the best person to ask. I wouldn’t watch anyone, not even Ryan Gosling, for an hour each week day afternoon. because, you know…work.
An Important Takeaway From Last Night’s Emmys
By now you’ve heard all about the Emmy’s. If you missed anything, see a complete list of winners and commentary here.
This year’s Emmy’s pointed out, more than ever, the vastly changed landscape of programming for the small screen. The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, in addition to the multitudinous cable stations that have popped up, have left those accustomed to major network TV often scratching their heads and feeling left out.
My mom, for example, would love to see The Amazing Mrs. Maisel and The Handmaid’s Tail, but has no idea how to watch Hulu or Amazon programming on her big screen TV. That’s on me, for not showing her how yet. I’m now committed to helping her, and I’d encourage those of you who are more technologically gifted to share this outstanding programming with those who aren’t.
And if you’re one of those who hasn’t yet figured out how to watch these wonderful shows. Here’s permission and encouragement to ask the nearest teenager to set you up.
One other thing:
For the first time, a streaming service, Netflix, had the most nominations (112) ending HBO’s 17-year streak as the most nominated platform. They ended up tying for the most amount of awards won: both came away with 23 Emmys each, with HBO claiming the top prize with Game of Thrones winning for best drama.
This is the Netflix response:
“Tonight’s recognition is a tribute to the creativity and talent of thousands of artists and we are thrilled to see their work awarded by the Academy. We are honored to share this night with our friends at HBO, who have paved the way for years by setting the highest possible standard.”
Cindy Holland, Netflix VP Original Series
That is a statement of noble graciousness, full of admiration for the virtues of the competitor and for those who worked to create the content and make the network a success.
It’s an excellent and important example to set. Let’s hope people in all walks of life take note.
THIS IS US Star Gets Her Own Production Deal
Although she was snubbed by the folks who make the Emmy nominations, This is Us star Mandy Moore has just snagged an honor that can be much more lucrative: 20th Century Fox TV, the studio that produces NBC’s hit weepy, has just signed her to a two-year production deal.
That means Moore gets to develop and produce new projects for both broadcast and cable television through her newly launched company. Word’s out she’s looking for an executive to run it, as she’s extremely busy on the the show that could win as many as eight Emmys Monday night. Good luck, Ms. Moore! We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Turns Out Trader Joe’s is a Great Place to Audition — Geoffrey Owens Gets Another Gig
Remember a few weeks ago when Geoffrey Owens, who played Elvin Tibideaux on the Cosby Show, was job shamed on social media for working at Trader Joe’s? And the bit about how when Tyler Perry heard about it he stepped up and offered Owens a part on his drama series The Haves and the Have Nots on OWN? Well it seems Owens has landed yet another acting gig—this time on NCIS: New Orleans.
This time he’ll take on the guest starring role of Commander Adams on the CBS drama. The character is described as “an old and valued friend who Pride goes to for both medical and spiritual advice.” This will take place in the sixth episode of the upcoming Season 5, which will air in late October.
What viewers might not realize is that Owens, who starred in the final five seasons of the Cosby Show, lost an income stream of residuals when several networks canceled reruns after Bill Cosby’s legal problems surfaced. It’s nice to see him overcome.
Get more info on TheWrap.com.
https://youtu.be/4X1LJb8_7mI
It’s a Date for My Favorite Awards Show!
Not the Oscars, not the Emmys and especially not the Golden Globes, my favorite awards show of all time is…drum roll please…the Critics Choice Awards, which I actually vote for, work on, and attend each year. The 24th annual Critics’ Choice Awards will air live on The CW Network on Sunday, January 13, 2019 (7:00-10:00p.m. Live ET/ Delayed PT).
That means I’ve got a whole lot of TV and movies to watch, and one fabulous dress to buy, between now and then. It might sound easy to you, but do you realize there are over 400 TV series airing each year, and thousands of films released? Poor me, right? And the perfect dress (or slinky jumpsuit, which I’m leaning towards) is not easy to find.
I’ll keep you posted on nominations and attire. But in the meantime, mark you calendars!
Me and my favorite Hollywood fixer at the 2018 Critics Choice Awards.
Do You Believe in Marriage at First Site?
Yes, there’s a reality show called Married at First Sight, and the couples, put together by experienced matchmakers, really do meet at their weddings — no lie. Some of these matches actually work out! I watched a couple of seasons and was intrigued, but after seeing a couple of particularly cruel people, I had to let it go.
But apparently, many viewers have stuck with it, and I’d recommend checking out a few episodes to see if it sticks for you. You’ll have lots of opportunities, because Lifetime‘s “Real Love Tuesdays” have just been announced, and will include two new Married at First Sight spin-off series:
Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island follows a group of singles looking for love on an exotic island starting Tuesday, October 23 at 10pm, and will move to its regular 9pm time slot the next week.
Married at First Sight: Happily Ever After, offers the stories of three happily married couples from past seasons of the franchise, starting Tuesday, October 30 at 10pm.
Pssst…Wanna See a Sneak Peek of ‘Outlander’ Season Four?
Here’s what it’s about:
“Season Four of “Outlander” continues the story of time-traveling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser, as they try to make a home for themselves in colonial America. As Claire and Jamie build their lives together in the rough and dangerous back country of North Carolina, they must negotiate a tenuous loyalty to the current British ruling class, despite Claire’s knowledge of the American Revolution to come.
Along the way, the Frasers cross paths with notorious pirate and smuggler Stephen Bonnet in a fateful meeting that will come back to haunt the Fraser family. Meanwhile in the 20th century, things are complicated between Brianna Randall, Claire and Jamie’s daughter, and Roger Wakefield, the historian who helped Claire search for Jamie in the past. But when Roger and Brianna search for proof that Brianna’s parents reunited in the 18th century, a shocking discovery makes both of them consider following in Claire’s footsteps.
And here’s what it looks like:
Get a Hint of What’s to Come on ‘This Is Us’ Preview Video
Are Toby and Kate pregnant? How did Jack and Rebecca meet and fall in love? What happened to Jack in Vietnam, and how does Beth react to Kevin and her cousin Zoe “knockin’ boots?”
From the looks of teaser below, we’ll likely get the answer to these burning questions and more in the upcoming season of This Is Us.
We won’t have long to wait. This Is Us returns Sept. 25 on NBC. Find out more about the upcoming season at TheHollywoodReporter.com.
What Happened to ‘Project Runway’ and What’s Up Next for Heidi and Tim
If you, like I, have been wondering what would happen to our beloved Project Runway now that its production company, The Weinstein Co, is no more, I have both good and bad news for you:
First the bad news: Project Runway is done, Done, DONE.
Now for the good news: Hosts Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn will be starring in and producing another fashion reality series on Amazon! And of course, since Amazon is first and foremost a retailer, you will be able to buy the glorious creations. Get official details here.
A Job at Trader Joe’s Works for a TV Star — I’d Do it Too!
I find no shame in the fact that former Cosby Show star Geoffrey Owens took a job at Trader Joe’s. Every time I go into a Trader Joe’s, I’m always impressed by the friendly, interesting employees, and I’ve heard that the working conditions are excellent. I’ve always thought that I wouldn’t mind working there, if conditions (and parking) allowed.
I do find shame in people making a big deal of it, and “outing” him on social media. But his dignified response to the situation is impressive and inspiring. “There is no job that’s better than another job,” Owens told Robin Roberts on ABC’s Good Morning America. “It might pay better, it might have better benefits, it might look better on a resume and on paper. But actually, it’s not better. Every job is worthwhile and valuable.” Amen!
I was also impressed by media icon Tyler Perry’s immediate response. He Tweeted: “I’m about to start shootings OWN’s number one drama next week! Come join us!!! I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs. The measure of a true artist.”
Great story with a happy ending…or beginning, as the case may be.
Superman to Become a Monster Hunter
Hunky Henry Cavill, the latest Superman in the Justice League franchise, and Tom Cruise nemesis in Mission Impossible – Fallout, has just been cast in an eight episode limited series based on the best-selling fantasy known as The Witcher. He’ll play the lead role of Geralt of Rivia.
I know. If you’re as unfamiliar with the book series as I am, it sounds a little strange. But wait until you hear the log line: “The Witcher is s an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.”
Eyebrows still raised? Check this out: The director/EP of four episodes is Alik Sakharov (House of Cards, Game of Thrones), and Charlotte Brändström (Outlander, Counterpart, Disparue) is directing to more. That’s some heady helming!
Maybe a little Game of Throney, a bit Lord of the Rings-ish and very Cavill. It’ll be interesting to see how it comes out.
‘The Bachelor’ Pick — I’m Not On Team Colton, Are You?
I know, I know—the latest pick for ‘The Bachelor,’ Colton Underwood, is an ex-NFL football player who likes dogs and helps children with Cystic Fibrosis…oh yes, and he’s a virgin. Sorry/not sorry, I’m still not a fan.
Those who approve the pick are saying that given the previously mentioned qualifications, plus the fact that the 26-year-old isn’t afraid to cry, make him the ideal choice. But for me, the last qualification is a deal breaker. The guy simply cries too much. Wah wah wah. With those chubby cheeks, that vulnerable smile and those innocent blue eyes, I see him as a big man baby, not interesting or mature enough to inspire female passion and sustain it for three months, with the women involved, or with viewers.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I would have loved to see an edgier choice, like Kenny the professional wrestler, or Jason, one of Becca’s final three, who came from a good, working class family in upstate New York, had some grit about him, and didn’t seem to be looking for his big media moment.
So I guess I’m now outed as a follower of “The Bachelor.” My husband gives me more than enough grief about it, so you don’t have to.
