HBO Sets Premiere Date for Hollywood Satire Series ‘The Franchise’ (TV News Roundup)

HBO has unveiled that its original Hollywood satire series “The Franchise” debuts on its linear channel and Max Oct. 6 at 10 p.m ET. The premiere episode of “The Franchise” is directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes.

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According to the official logline, “‘The Franchise’ follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story.”

Cast members include Himesh Patel (“Greedy People”), Aya Cash (“The Boys”), Jessica Hynes (“Shaun of the Dead”), Billy Magnussen (“Road House”), Lolly Adefope (“Ghosts”), Darren Goldstein (“Ozark”) and Isaac Powell (“American Horror Story”). Richard E. Grant (“Saltburn”) and Daniel Brühl (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) will serve as recurring guest stars.

Executive producers include 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 was penned by Jon Brown.

Watch the trailer below.

CASTINGS

The CW’s “Sherlock & Daughter” has added Fiona Glascott, Ivana Miličević, Phillip P. Keene, Antonio Aakeel and Shashi Rami to the cast.

The series follows a Sherlock Holmes who is “out of his comfort zone. The renowned sleuth finds himself mysteriously unable to investigate a sinister case without risking the lives of his closest friends. Meanwhile, young American Amelia learns her missing father may be the esteemed detective after her mother’s shocking and unexplainable murder,” reads the show’s logline.

BAFTA-nominated David Thewlis (“Fargo,” “The Artful Dodger”), Blu Hunt (“The New Mutants,” “Another Life”) and Dougray Scott (“Crime,” “Mission Impossible 2”) will lead the series and play Sherlock Holmes, Amelia Rojas and Holmes’ notorious adversary Professor Moriarty, respectively.

Glascott plays Lady Violet, an aristocrat with deep connections throughout London society. Keene plays Ambassador Paul Anderson, the United States ambassador to Great Britain, with Miličević playing his wife Marjorie; their lives are thrown into chaos when their only daughter is kidnapped, and they entrust her safe return to Holmes and his mysterious new assistant, Amelia Rojas.

Aakeel plays the idealistic young detective Swann, who single-handedly brings scientific innovations to Scotland Yard. Rami plays a formidable insurance investigator whose inquiry into a theft becomes central to Holmes’ investigation.

The series, from Starlings Television Distribution, will broadcast on The CW in the U.S. The premiere date is yet to be announced.

PROGRAMMING

Hearst Media Production Group and Lyda Hill Philanthropies have renewed the educational/informational series “Mission Unstoppable” for two more seasons, through 2025-2026, on CBS. The show airs weekend mornings as part of the ‘CBS WKND’ block. Miranda Cosgrove (“iCarly”) continues as host and exec producer, while Geena Davis, through the Geena Davis Institute, is also an EP. Per the description, “This season, ‘Mission Unstoppable’ will continue to celebrate outstanding women who have achieved success in STEM fields and beyond.” This year the show landed 16 international Telly awards, was nominated for a 2024 Webby award for its digital series “Stem Loft,” and was recognized by the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy as the only show on television focused on encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers.

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Syndicated talker “The Jennifer Hudson Show” returns for a new season on Monday, Sept. 16, with the theme “Choose Joy,” described as a “powerful message that underscores every segment and conversation.” Premiere week guests nclude Angela Bassett, Sofía Vergara, Dave Bautista, and Marlon Wayans. Other celebs confirmed to appear this season include Saweetie, Andrea Bocelli, Jimmy Kimmel, Ariana DeBose, Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell and more.  Produced by JHud Productions and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Telepictures and distributed in national syndication by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, “The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs on station groups including Fox Television Stations, Hearst Television, Sinclair Broadcast Group, TEGNA, Nexstar Media Group, Scripps Media and Gray Media Group, among others.

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EXECUTIVES

Bell Media president Sean Cohan has been elected as the new chair of the Banff Foundation Board of Directors, taking over for Lionsgate TV Group chair/chief creative officer Kevin Beggs. Beggs, who had served as board chair for the past three years, will continue to serve on the Banff board.

“I am honoured to assume the Board Chair position at Banff,” Cohan said. “With a reputation as a robust event at the forefront of the conversations that matter most in our global industry, the festival is primed for growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team and continuing the work of the incomparable Kevin Beggs to expand BANFF’s global impact while showcasing the many opportunities Canadian companies, organizations and creatives bring to our industry.”

Added Banff executive director Jenn Kuzmyk: “We’re delighted to welcome Sean as the new Chair to guide Banff into its next chapter. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Sean’s forward-thinking vision and global perspective will be invaluable in shaping the future of the festival and fostering innovation across the industry. We’re deeply grateful for Kevin’s incredible contribution over the last few years as chair. His dedication has elevated the festival to new heights, strengthening its position as a premiere global media event. We’re so pleased to have Kevin remain on board, continuing to lend his expertise.”

EVENTS

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced that its annual SCAD AnimationFest in Atlanta will take place from Sept. 26 to 28, 2024. Taking place at the school’s SCADshow theater, this year’s festival will honor animator Genndy Tartakovsky.

“This year, SCAD AnimationFest proudly honors a titan of animation and a hero to Bees across the world — Cartoon Network and Adult Swim legend Genndy Tartakovsky, the genius behind Hotel Transylvania and Dexter’s Laboratory,” said SCAD president/founder Paula Wallace. “SCAD students grew up on Genndy’s classics, and now, in true SCAD fashion, they’ll experience this 2D icon in 8K reality. And I’ll be first in line to see the latest creation from brilliant Bees at SCAD Animation Studios, Chelita — an homage to classic Mexican cinema — the latest animated jewel in SCAD student portfolios ready to launch them into this $260 billion industry.”

The event will include sessions with executives and creatives from Adult Swim, Bad Robot, Crafty Apes, DC Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Animation, as well as showcase SCAD students and alumni.

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The Paley Center for Media announced the schedule for the 11th annual PaleyFest NY, which will take place Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Paley Center for Media in New York. The 2024 festival selections include:

Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30 pm – “Outlander” (Starz)
Thursday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m.— “Blue Bloods” (CBS)
Friday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. – “Somebody Somewhere” (HBO)
Saturday, October 19 at noon – “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon—The Book of Carol” (AMC/AMC+)
Saturday, October 19 at 7 p.m. – “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)
Sunday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. – “The Diplomat” (Netflix)
Monday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. – A Conversation with Chip & Joanna Gaines (Magnolia Network)
Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. – “CBS Mornings” (CBS)

“From vampires and zombies to the high-stakes world of international diplomacy and more, there is something for every television fan to enjoy at this year’s PaleyFest NY,” said Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “We look forward to hosting what promises to be can’t-miss behind-the-scenes looks at today’s most buzzworthy and acclaimed shows.”

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Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das has been tapped host the International Emmy Awards on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 in New York. Das was previously nominated in the comedy category in 2021, and won in 2023 for his Netflix comedy special “Landing.”

“We’re delighted to welcome back Vir Das to our stage and to add International Emmy host to his impressive list of talents.” said Bruce L. Paisner, president /CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “With his unique humor and perspective on the world, he now joins a distinguished group of Gala hosts over the years who fit in perfectly with our global audience.”

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