HBO’s new satire series ‘The Franchise’ set to premiere
HBO is gearing up to launch its latest original series, “The Franchise”, a biting satire on Hollywood’s superhero movie industry. The show is set to debut on October 6 at 10 p.m. ET on both HBO’s linear channel and Max. Directed by the Oscar-winning Sam Mendes, the premiere episode promises to deliver a unique blend of humor and behind-the-scenes chaos.
A peek into the chaotic world of superhero filmmaking
According to the official synopsis, “The Franchise” follows the crew of a struggling franchise movie as they navigate the tumultuous waters of the cinematic universe. The comedy series delves into the often chaotic and secretive world of superhero moviemaking, posing the question: how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Every mishap has an origin story, and this series aims to uncover them all.
Star-studded cast
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Himesh Patel (“Greedy People”)
- Aya Cash (“The Boys”)
- Jessica Hynes (“Shaun of the Dead”)
- Billy Magnussen (“Road House”)
- Lolly Adefope (“Ghosts”)
- Darren Goldstein (“Ozark”)
- Isaac Powell (“American Horror Story”)
Recurring guest stars include Richard E. Grant (“Saltburn”) and Daniel Brühl (“All Quiet on the Western Front”).
Behind the scenes
The executive production team is equally noteworthy, featuring Mendes, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown, and Julie Pastor for Neal Street Productions; Armando Iannucci for Dundee Productions; showrunner Jon Brown and Jim Kleverweis. The pilot episode was penned by Jon Brown.
For a sneak peek, check out the trailer for The Franchise.
New cast additions to ‘Sherlock & Daughter’
The CW’s upcoming series “Sherlock & Daughter” has expanded its cast, adding Fiona Glascott, Ivana Miličević, Phillip P. Keene, Antonio Aakeel, and Shashi Rami. The series presents a fresh take on the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes, who finds himself out of his element and unable to investigate a sinister case without endangering his closest friends.
Plot and characters
The show follows young American Amelia, who discovers that her missing father might be the esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes after her mother’s mysterious murder. The series stars:
- David Thewlis as Sherlock Holmes
- Blu Hunt as Amelia Rojas
- Dougray Scott as Professor Moriarty
Glascott plays Lady Violet, an aristocrat with deep connections in London society. Keene portrays Ambassador Paul Anderson, the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain, with Miličević as his wife Marjorie. Their lives are thrown into chaos when their daughter is kidnapped, and they turn to Holmes and Amelia for help.
Aakeel plays the idealistic young detective Swann, while Rami is a formidable insurance investigator whose inquiry into a theft becomes central to Holmes’ investigation.
The series, produced by Starlings Television Distribution, will air on The CW in the U.S., with the premiere date yet to be announced.
‘Mission Unstoppable’ renewed for two more seasons
Hearst Media Production Group and Lyda Hill Philanthropies have renewed the educational series “Mission Unstoppable” for two additional seasons, extending its run through 2025-2026 on CBS. Hosted by Miranda Cosgrove and executive produced by Geena Davis, the show celebrates women who have achieved success in STEM fields.
Accolades and impact
This season, “Mission Unstoppable” has garnered 16 international Telly awards, a 2024 Webby award nomination for its digital series “Stem Loft,” and recognition from the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy as the only TV show focused on encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers.
‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ returns with ‘Choose Joy’ theme
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” is set to return for a new season on Monday, September 16, with the theme “Choose Joy”. The show aims to deliver a powerful message that underscores every segment and conversation. Premiere week guests include Angela Bassett, Sofía Vergara, Dave Bautista, and Marlon Wayans.
Celebrity lineup
Other confirmed guests for the season include Saweetie, Andrea Bocelli, Jimmy Kimmel, Ariana DeBose, Rob Lowe, and Kristen Bell. Produced by JHud Productions and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, the show airs on various station groups, including Fox Television Stations and Hearst Television.
New leadership at Banff Foundation
Sean Cohan, president of Bell Media, has been elected as the new chair of the Banff Foundation Board of Directors, succeeding Kevin Beggs of Lionsgate TV Group. Cohan expressed his excitement about leading the foundation, emphasizing the festival’s potential for growth and its role in the global media industry.
SCAD AnimationFest to honor Genndy Tartakovsky
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced that its annual SCAD AnimationFest will take place from September 26 to 28, 2024, in Atlanta. This year’s festival will honor animator Genndy Tartakovsky, known for his work on Hotel Transylvania and Dexter’s Laboratory.
Festival highlights
The event will feature sessions with executives and creatives from major studios like Adult Swim, Bad Robot, DC Studios, and Netflix. It will also showcase the work of SCAD students and alumni, including the latest creation from SCAD Animation Studios, Chelita.
PaleyFest NY 2024 lineup announced
The Paley Center for Media has revealed the schedule for the 11th annual PaleyFest NY, set to take place from October 16 to 22, 2024. This year’s festival will feature a diverse lineup of shows, including:
- “Outlander” (Starz)
- “Blue Bloods” (CBS)
- “Somebody Somewhere” (HBO)
- “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon—The Book of Carol” (AMC/AMC+)
- “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)
- “The Diplomat” (Netflix)
- A Conversation with Chip & Joanna Gaines (Magnolia Network)
- “CBS Mornings” (CBS)
A celebration of diverse genres
From vampires and zombies to international diplomacy, PaleyFest NY offers something for every television fan. The event promises behind-the-scenes looks at some of today’s most acclaimed shows.
Vir Das to host International Emmy Awards
Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das has been chosen to host the International Emmy Awards on November 25, 2024, in New York. Das, who won an Emmy in 2023 for his Netflix comedy special “Landing”, brings his unique humor and global perspective to the prestigious event.
For more information on the shows and events mentioned, visit their respective trailers and information pages: