Month: September 2021

Schitt’s Creek co-creator and star Dan Levy has signed a new deal with Netflix. Netflix said in a press release that Levy, 38, will write and produce new film and TV projects for the streaming service.

Netflix head of global film Scott Stuber and Netflix head of global series Bela Bajaria said: “Dan Levy is an incredible all-around creative talent, who thoughtfully approaches every story with a meaningful perspective. His work on Schitt’s Creek charmed audiences around the world and we’re thrilled to partner and create new films and shows with Dan.” 

Levy’s first project will be an untitled romantic comedy film. Levy will write, direct and star in the film, as well as produce with Stacey Snider and Kate Fenske. Levy will begin work on his first TV series in July 2022.

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The 73rd annual Emmy Awards were held on Sunday night from Los Angeles, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and airing live on CBS as well as streamed on Paramount+. The big winner of the evening was Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ winning the Best Drama honor and sweeping the acting categories. The Crown stars Olivia Colman, Josh O’Connor, Gillian Anderson and Tobias Menzies all took home the statuettes for Best Actress, Actor, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor in a Drama. It also earned the Emmys for Best Writing and Directing for a Drama.

Apple TV+’s ‘Ted Lasso’ won for Best Comedy, with its stars Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham winning in the Best Actor, Supporting Actor and Actress in a Comedy categories. Jean Smart was named Best Actress in a Comedy for HBO Max’s ‘Hacks,’ which also won for Best Writing and Best Directing for a Comedy.

Kate Winslet, Evan Peters and Julianne Nicholson from HBO’s ‘Mare of Easttown’ picked up the prizes for Best Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.  Netflix’s ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ won for Best Limited or Anthology Series, and Ewan McGregor won for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Netflix’s ‘Halston’.

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Chris Rock revealed on social media Sunday that he has tested positive for Covid-19. “Hey guys I just found out I have COVID, trust me you don’t want this,” Rock tweeted Sunday. “Get vaccinated.”

Rock didn’t elaborate on his condition, but he had announced on The Tonight Show in May that he did receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In an interview with Gayle King earlier this year (via Variety), Rock criticized those who did not want to get the vaccine, noting, “Let me put it this way: Do I take Tylenol when I get a headache? Yes. Do I know what’s in Tylenol? I don’t know what’s in Tylenol, Gayle. I just know my headache’s gone. Do I know what’s in a Big Mac, Gayle? No. I just know it’s delicious.”

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Jeopardy! confirmed on its official Twitter account Thursday that actress Mayim Bialik, 45, and former champion Ken Jennings, 47, will fill in as hosts following Mike Richards’ exit for the remainder of 2021. The Twitter post read: “Not sure if you’ve heard but @missmayim and @kenjennings are hosting me until the end of the year. Everyone on the staff is supralunar.”

Sony Pictures Television said Bialik will host new episodes through Nov. 5, after which she and Jennings will “split hosting duties as their schedules allow.” Bialik was originally announced in August to host new Jeopardy! primetime specials and a potential spinoff series, and was later confirmed to guest host the regular game show in the wake of Richards’ departure. Jennings is a former Jeopardy! contestant who holds the record for the longest winning streak on the show and the highest winnings in regular season play. He previously guest hosted Jeopardy! following longtime host Alex Trebek’s death in November 2020.

Richards stepped down as the new permanent host of Jeopardy! in August following controversy over his past remarks. He later also exited the show as an executive producer.

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WarnerMedia announced that Helen Mirren will host ‘Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses,’ a four-part competition series based on the J.K. Rowling books and movies which will premiere on Cartoon Network and TBS.

Mirren said she was happy to finally join the franchise, sharing in a statement: “I knew someday I’d get a Harry Potter role, and I’m so pleased to take part in the 20-year film celebration. The films inspired such enchantment and wonder for so many of us, and it will be such a treat to reignite that magic for the countless fans who continue to revel in this spellbinding world.”

WarnerMedia did not release details of the competition as of press time. 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first film adaptation, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ The seven books eventually became eight movies, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows split into a two part finale.

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