In Simon Pegg’s immortal comedy series Spaced, his character Tim declares: “Every odd-numbered Star Trek movie is shit.” This is, of course, hilarious today, because Pegg was in two odd-numbered Trek films, and even co-wrote the 13th movie, 2016’s Star Trek Beyond. But, the fandom myth of the odd-numbered Star Trek “curse” almost certainly begins with 1984’s Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Released in movie theaters on June 1, 1984, the third Star Trek feature film was really the second part of what would become a trilogy of films, concluding with The Voyage Home in 1986. But, more than that, The Search for Spock was a pivotal moment in which the more mature aesthetic of Star Trek truly came into its own. Despite the unkind things said about The Search for Spock over the years, the truth is, the movie is perhaps more representative of the franchise as a whole...
- 6/3/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
“Seinfeld” fans got a shock last month when Michael Richards made a public appearance at the Hollywood premiere for Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix movie “Unfrosted.” It was one of the rare times Richards has showed up on a major red carpet in nearly 18 years, as his career more or less ended in 2006 after he was recorded hurling the N-word and other racial insults at a group of hecklers during an infamous outburst while onstage at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.
Richards, who played Kramer on “Seinfeld” for nearly a decade and won three Emmys for his performance, is now returning to the spotlight due to the upcoming release of his memoir, “Entrances and Exits.” He recently told People magazine that “I’m not looking for a comeback” and stressed that he was “immediately sorry the moment” he said racial slurs onstage in November 2006.
“I’m not racist,” Richard said...
Richards, who played Kramer on “Seinfeld” for nearly a decade and won three Emmys for his performance, is now returning to the spotlight due to the upcoming release of his memoir, “Entrances and Exits.” He recently told People magazine that “I’m not looking for a comeback” and stressed that he was “immediately sorry the moment” he said racial slurs onstage in November 2006.
“I’m not racist,” Richard said...
- 5/22/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
A few months ago, I wrote an article listing ten movies that – despite being well known – were difficult to find (legally) on any streaming service or even on disc. Those titles ranged from Ron Howard’s Cocoon to movies like Dawn of the Dead (the original). In the comments, many of our readers chimed in with their two cents on films they’ve found difficult to find over the years, so here are a few more challenging-to-find flicks, some of which may surprise you.
Panic Room:
The fact that David Fincher’s Panic Room has never been issued on Blu-ray blows me away. It’s been announced a few times, but a physical release never seems to happen (although you can stream it in HD pretty easily). What gives? You’d think the fact that it has Fincher’s name on it, and stars Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker,...
Panic Room:
The fact that David Fincher’s Panic Room has never been issued on Blu-ray blows me away. It’s been announced a few times, but a physical release never seems to happen (although you can stream it in HD pretty easily). What gives? You’d think the fact that it has Fincher’s name on it, and stars Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Doctor Who Space Babies: Easter Eggs You Probably Missed - Main Image
After thrilling fans with the Christmas episode last December, Doctor Who series 14 is finally here with its first proper episode. Aside from enjoying the Doctor and Ruby Sunday’s new adventure, Doctor Who fans can also spot easter eggs in the Space Babies episode.
Based on the show’s trailers and previews, the new season will be chock-full of easter eggs that eagle-eyed fans will have a fun time spotting.
In the first episode though, there are already some references to iconic movies which is no surprise given its story.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Doctor Who’s Space Babies episode, so proceed with caution.
Space Babies’ Story is Seemingly Inspired by Look Who’s Talking
As its title implies, the first episode of Doctor Who’s latest season will be all about space babies. Sure,...
After thrilling fans with the Christmas episode last December, Doctor Who series 14 is finally here with its first proper episode. Aside from enjoying the Doctor and Ruby Sunday’s new adventure, Doctor Who fans can also spot easter eggs in the Space Babies episode.
Based on the show’s trailers and previews, the new season will be chock-full of easter eggs that eagle-eyed fans will have a fun time spotting.
In the first episode though, there are already some references to iconic movies which is no surprise given its story.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Doctor Who’s Space Babies episode, so proceed with caution.
Space Babies’ Story is Seemingly Inspired by Look Who’s Talking
As its title implies, the first episode of Doctor Who’s latest season will be all about space babies. Sure,...
- 5/10/2024
- EpicStream
Cheers actress Kirstie Alley passed away on December 5, 2022, after a battle with cancer. And now, it appears that items from her homes are for sale — including some of her beautiful outfits from Dancing With The Stars.
It’s a great opportunity for long-time DWTS fans who enjoyed watching Kirstie compete in two different seasons of the show. She never brought home the Mirrorball Trophy, but she did bring a lot of fun and life into her performances.
Read on and learn more about the estate sale.
Kirstie Alley Loved Competing On DWTS
Actress Kirstie Alley first competed on Dancing With The Stars Season 11 with Maks Chmerkovskiy. They finished in second place out of 11 couples, just behind NFL star Hines Ward and pro dancer Kym Johnson. Maks and Kirstie teamed up once again in Season 15 during the all-star season. That year, they came in 7th place out of 13 couples.
The two...
It’s a great opportunity for long-time DWTS fans who enjoyed watching Kirstie compete in two different seasons of the show. She never brought home the Mirrorball Trophy, but she did bring a lot of fun and life into her performances.
Read on and learn more about the estate sale.
Kirstie Alley Loved Competing On DWTS
Actress Kirstie Alley first competed on Dancing With The Stars Season 11 with Maks Chmerkovskiy. They finished in second place out of 11 couples, just behind NFL star Hines Ward and pro dancer Kym Johnson. Maks and Kirstie teamed up once again in Season 15 during the all-star season. That year, they came in 7th place out of 13 couples.
The two...
- 5/3/2024
- by Nikole Behrens
- TV Shows Ace
Given her one-of-a-kind awards resume and irrefutable status as an acting legend, it’s no wonder Meryl Streep is widely expected to be honored at this year’s Emmys for her work on Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” Taking the gold for her first regular comedy series role would be impressive enough, but the noteworthiness of her win would extend far beyond that. Having joined her show in its third season, she would be only the 10th non-original comedy series cast member to ever pull off a lead or supporting Emmy victory.
Not including sketch performers, Streep would be said winners club’s first new entrant in over three decades. The last was Kirstie Alley, who replaced Shelley Long as the female lead of “Cheers” at the start of season six and prevailed on her third Emmy bid in 1991. That same year, supporting “Cheers” actress Bebe Neuwirth achieved...
Not including sketch performers, Streep would be said winners club’s first new entrant in over three decades. The last was Kirstie Alley, who replaced Shelley Long as the female lead of “Cheers” at the start of season six and prevailed on her third Emmy bid in 1991. That same year, supporting “Cheers” actress Bebe Neuwirth achieved...
- 5/2/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The Story: A goofball gym teacher (Mark Harmon) is forced to teach a remedial English class over the summer.
The Players: Starring: Mark Harmon, Kirstie Alley, Dean Cameron, Courtney Thorne-Smith & Shawnee Smith. Music by Danny Elfman. Directed by Carl Reiner.
The History: Hollywood spent a couple of years trying to make Mark Harmon happen as a movie star. Fresh off an arc on “St. Elsewhere” which infamously had his character contract AIDS from a one-night stand, his career was red hot. For a while, he was seriously considered to replace Don Johnson on “Miami Vice” after contract negotiations fell through, and in 1987-88, we got a bunch of starring vehicles that would try him out in a variety of genres to see if one would stick. He did action in The Presidio (even doing his own stunts – although the film was stolen by co-star Sean Connery), drama in Stealing Home,...
The Players: Starring: Mark Harmon, Kirstie Alley, Dean Cameron, Courtney Thorne-Smith & Shawnee Smith. Music by Danny Elfman. Directed by Carl Reiner.
The History: Hollywood spent a couple of years trying to make Mark Harmon happen as a movie star. Fresh off an arc on “St. Elsewhere” which infamously had his character contract AIDS from a one-night stand, his career was red hot. For a while, he was seriously considered to replace Don Johnson on “Miami Vice” after contract negotiations fell through, and in 1987-88, we got a bunch of starring vehicles that would try him out in a variety of genres to see if one would stick. He did action in The Presidio (even doing his own stunts – although the film was stolen by co-star Sean Connery), drama in Stealing Home,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
"Cheers" was the third highest-rated show on television when Shelley Long opted to quit the series at the end of its fifth season and pursue movie stardom. Though the show had long since settled into its ensemble groove, the on-again/off-again Sam Malone and Diane Chambers romance was the primary generator of water-cooler chatter. Moreover, the chemistry between Long and Ted Danson was the stuff of a series showrunner's dream. Their banter was worthy of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. You don't just go out and find another Katharine Hepburn. Could "Cheers," brilliant and popular as it was, survive Long's departure, especially when fans had so much invested in Diane?
This was the conundrum faced by casting director Jeff Greenberg, who'd joined "Cheers" during Long's last season. He knew chasing the next Long was courting disaster, so he looked for an actor who could hold her own with Danson and...
This was the conundrum faced by casting director Jeff Greenberg, who'd joined "Cheers" during Long's last season. He knew chasing the next Long was courting disaster, so he looked for an actor who could hold her own with Danson and...
- 4/20/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Former Dancing With The Stars pro Maks Chmerkovskiy is opening up about an awkward encounter with one dance partner. He and the late actress Kirstie Alley competed on DWTS Season 12 together. While the two developed a strong friendship, things didn’t always run smoothly in the rehearsal room.
In fact, Maks recently revealed he and Kirstie argued over perceived “flirty” behavior during rehearsals. Keep reading and see what he had to say.
Kirstie Alley Thought Maks Chmerkovskiy Was Hitting On Her
Maks Chmerkovskiy has moved on from Dancing With The Stars, but he’s elated about his newest gig as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. These days, he’s doing plenty of interviews to discuss the world of professional dance.
People obtained an exclusive look at an upcoming interview with the Ukrainian dancer. In the video, he talks about his partnership on DWTS Season 12 with Kirstie Alley.
In fact, Maks recently revealed he and Kirstie argued over perceived “flirty” behavior during rehearsals. Keep reading and see what he had to say.
Kirstie Alley Thought Maks Chmerkovskiy Was Hitting On Her
Maks Chmerkovskiy has moved on from Dancing With The Stars, but he’s elated about his newest gig as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. These days, he’s doing plenty of interviews to discuss the world of professional dance.
People obtained an exclusive look at an upcoming interview with the Ukrainian dancer. In the video, he talks about his partnership on DWTS Season 12 with Kirstie Alley.
- 3/31/2024
- by Nikole Behrens
- TV Shows Ace
The Story: It is the future (like say – 1989). Robots are now commonplace, being used for everything from manual labor to childcare. But, robots go bad and when they do, the LAPD calls in Sgt. Jack R. Ramsay (Tom Selleck), an expert in so-called “Runaways”. When a madman (Gene Simmons) invents a microchip that turns all robots into runaways, Ramsay, and his new partner (Cynthia Rhodes) must put a stop to his evil plan – the fate of the world just may depend on it! Oh, and also Ramsay is afraid of heights. Trust me, that’s important.
The Players: Starring: Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes, Kirstie Alley, G. W. Bailey and Gene Simmons. Written and directed by Michael Crichton.
The History: While most famous for his novels, Michael Crichton actually had a decent Hollywood career as a director, having a couple of solid hits under his belt by the time 1984 rolled around.
The Players: Starring: Tom Selleck, Cynthia Rhodes, Kirstie Alley, G. W. Bailey and Gene Simmons. Written and directed by Michael Crichton.
The History: While most famous for his novels, Michael Crichton actually had a decent Hollywood career as a director, having a couple of solid hits under his belt by the time 1984 rolled around.
- 3/30/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Celebrity Big Brother UK is back after a more than five-year absence. The cast of the first season of ITV was revealed by Aj Odudu and Will Best during the live launch on, Monday, March 4.
ITV resurrected the Big Brother format in 2023 and following positive results announced a celebrity edition of the reality competition. The names of the contestants had been kept under wraps and weren’t officially revealed until the start of the show.
Sharon Osbourne was the first to enter the house and was tasked with putting three celebrities in the danger zone and would follow up with selecting one of them who would face eviction via the public vote. Big Brother reunited Osbourne with her The X-Factor UK co-star Louis Walsh, who would help her judge the housemates as they come in.
Other celebrity housemates included Love Island UK Season 8 and contestant of The Traitors US Season 2 Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu,...
ITV resurrected the Big Brother format in 2023 and following positive results announced a celebrity edition of the reality competition. The names of the contestants had been kept under wraps and weren’t officially revealed until the start of the show.
Sharon Osbourne was the first to enter the house and was tasked with putting three celebrities in the danger zone and would follow up with selecting one of them who would face eviction via the public vote. Big Brother reunited Osbourne with her The X-Factor UK co-star Louis Walsh, who would help her judge the housemates as they come in.
Other celebrity housemates included Love Island UK Season 8 and contestant of The Traitors US Season 2 Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
When Shelley Long left "Cheers" in 1986, it was such a big deal that, as producer David Lee once put it, "I thought it might be the end of it [...] because we didn't know what we were gonna do and we didn't know if that relationship was so essential to the success of the show that it just might slip away." Of course, "Cheers" did anything but slip away. The beloved sitcom ran for a further six years following Long's departure, airing the series finale on May 20, 1993. By that point, there was no doubt that the show had maintained its status as one of the all-time great TV series, with the final episode becoming the second-highest-rated series finale of all time (behind CBS's "M*A*S*H").
Still, you can understand why Lee was so concerned. Long played Diane Chambers, the longtime love interest of co-star Ted Danson's Sam Malone.
Still, you can understand why Lee was so concerned. Long played Diane Chambers, the longtime love interest of co-star Ted Danson's Sam Malone.
- 2/24/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
By the end of its fifth season, "Cheers" had become one of the most popular sitcoms on television. Every Thursday night, viewers tuned in to hang with the regulars at the Boston pub where everybody knows your name, and the gang always delivered. You could put the "Cheers" gang up against the very best in the history of the medium.
Most amazingly, the series didn't miss a beat when Woody Harrelson stepped in for Nick Colasanto after the latter's unexpected death. It just became a different kind of excellent.
And yet, as the show headed into its sixth season, no one was sure if "Cheers" could survive the departure of Shelley Long. The actor's combustible, Tracy-Hepburn chemistry with Ted Danson gave every episode the charge of the unexpected, and kept everyone in their orbit perpetually unsettled. Without her, the entire dynamic of the show might change, turning fans off a...
Most amazingly, the series didn't miss a beat when Woody Harrelson stepped in for Nick Colasanto after the latter's unexpected death. It just became a different kind of excellent.
And yet, as the show headed into its sixth season, no one was sure if "Cheers" could survive the departure of Shelley Long. The actor's combustible, Tracy-Hepburn chemistry with Ted Danson gave every episode the charge of the unexpected, and kept everyone in their orbit perpetually unsettled. Without her, the entire dynamic of the show might change, turning fans off a...
- 2/11/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Recently, I wrote an article about movies that were surprisingly hard to find on streaming or Blu-ray, and one of the movies I mentioned was a little-remembered 1988 thriller called Shoot to Kill (aka Deadly Pursuit in the UK). The film was a decent box office hit in its day, but outside of a DVD release many years ago, it has sunk into obscurity.
This is a shame, as Shoot to Kill is a nifty little movie. After a few comments praised the film, I decided to revisit it for myself, as I honestly hadn’t seen it since the nineties and had no idea if it would hold up. To my surprise, not only did it hold up, but Shoot to Kill is a bit of a lost 80s action classic.
The film stars Sidney Poitier as a veteran FBI agent investigating a strange robbery where the owner of a...
This is a shame, as Shoot to Kill is a nifty little movie. After a few comments praised the film, I decided to revisit it for myself, as I honestly hadn’t seen it since the nineties and had no idea if it would hold up. To my surprise, not only did it hold up, but Shoot to Kill is a bit of a lost 80s action classic.
The film stars Sidney Poitier as a veteran FBI agent investigating a strange robbery where the owner of a...
- 1/28/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
"Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" is a memorable entry into the "Trek" canon for several reasons. The 1984 movie hesitantly followed up franchise high point "The Wrath of Kahn," introduced new Federation starship designs, and resurrected everyone's favorite half-human, half-Vulcan officer, played by Leonard Nimoy. "The Search For Spock" is a story for Spock lovers, and though it doesn't quite match the thrilling emotional and narrative highs of its predecessors, it still feels like "Star Trek" boldly going where it never has before. Unfortunately, though, there's one thing "Star Trek III" is missing: Kirstie Alley's Vulcan junior Lieutenant Saavik.
Saavik does appear in "The Search For Spock," but future "Cheers" star Alley is missing, replaced by actor Robin Curtis. Curtis does a fine job as Saavik and would go on to reprise the role in the next "Star Trek" film as well, but the recast is jarring for close watchers of the saga.
Saavik does appear in "The Search For Spock," but future "Cheers" star Alley is missing, replaced by actor Robin Curtis. Curtis does a fine job as Saavik and would go on to reprise the role in the next "Star Trek" film as well, but the recast is jarring for close watchers of the saga.
- 1/25/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Nicholas Meyer's 1982 film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" is all about growing older. Admiral Kirk (William Shatner) is rounding middle age and has to start wearing glasses. He also has to face the fact that he fathered a child many years ago, while also facing a foe he abandoned on a distant planet and forgot about. Kirk's youthful days of recklessness are catching up to him.
Meanwhile, Spock (Leonard Nimoy) is on the cusp of retirement and has found a protégé he intends to train as his replacement. This is the young lieutenant Saavik (Kirstie Alley), a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer who is as baffled by humanity as Spock was in his early Enterprise days. Saavik is also confident and even a little arrogant, qualities she will start to outgrow by the film's conclusion.
Prior to "Star Trek II," Alley had only appeared in an uncredited role in the sci-fi sitcom "Quark,...
Meanwhile, Spock (Leonard Nimoy) is on the cusp of retirement and has found a protégé he intends to train as his replacement. This is the young lieutenant Saavik (Kirstie Alley), a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer who is as baffled by humanity as Spock was in his early Enterprise days. Saavik is also confident and even a little arrogant, qualities she will start to outgrow by the film's conclusion.
Prior to "Star Trek II," Alley had only appeared in an uncredited role in the sci-fi sitcom "Quark,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name – and that place could be a watering hole in Boston or a recreation of it on stage at the Primetime Emmy Awards. As was teased, a portion of the cast of Cheers reunited on Monday night, complete with a recreation of the iconic set.
The Cheers reunion found Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt (Norm!) presenting the awards for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, both of which went to The Bear. Throughout its 11-season run, Cheers won both of these twice. Notably, Wendt’s nephew, Jason Sudeikis, was nominated for Ted Lasso.
Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone on Cheers, expressed his gratitude to host Anthony Anderson by saying, “Anthony, thank you for getting us all here. Ah, this feels so nice to be here in front of all of you,...
The Cheers reunion found Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt (Norm!) presenting the awards for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, both of which went to The Bear. Throughout its 11-season run, Cheers won both of these twice. Notably, Wendt’s nephew, Jason Sudeikis, was nominated for Ted Lasso.
Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone on Cheers, expressed his gratitude to host Anthony Anderson by saying, “Anthony, thank you for getting us all here. Ah, this feels so nice to be here in front of all of you,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers took the stage at the 2023 Emmys to pay tribute to their former colleague Norman Lear, in addition to other notable television figures who passed away since the previous ceremony.
Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty — comprised of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter — performed the former’s hit 2015 song “See You Again” for the In Memoriam segment. They finished the segment with a rendition of the Friends theme song that coincided with Matthew Perry being featured as the final name in the video tribute.
In keeping with the ceremony’s theme of celebrating television reunions, Reiner and Struthers reminisced about their time together as co-stars on All in the Family, the classic CBS sitcom that debuted in 1971 and ran for nine seasons.
“There’s a Yiddish word that describes Norman’s genius — it’s ‘kochleffel,'” Reiner said. “For all you non-Jews out there,...
Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty — comprised of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter — performed the former’s hit 2015 song “See You Again” for the In Memoriam segment. They finished the segment with a rendition of the Friends theme song that coincided with Matthew Perry being featured as the final name in the video tribute.
In keeping with the ceremony’s theme of celebrating television reunions, Reiner and Struthers reminisced about their time together as co-stars on All in the Family, the classic CBS sitcom that debuted in 1971 and ran for nine seasons.
“There’s a Yiddish word that describes Norman’s genius — it’s ‘kochleffel,'” Reiner said. “For all you non-Jews out there,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Late star Matthew Perry, who gained the spotlight for playing Chandler Bing in ‘Friends’, received an emotional tribute during the 2023 Emmys In Memoriam segment. The segment also included late stars such as Len Goodman, Andre Braugher, Lance Reddick, Paul Reubens, Barbra Walters, Kirstie Alley, among others.
Pop singer Charlie Puth and singer-songwriter duo The War and Treaty performed during the segment, first starting with a rendition of Puth’s ‘See You Again’ before delivering a stripped-down cover of the ‘Friends’ theme song “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts, reports variety.com.
Perry died unexpectedly in October 2023 at 54 years old. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, according to law enforcement.
There were no signs of foul play or drugs on the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed that he died from “the acute effects of ketamine...
Pop singer Charlie Puth and singer-songwriter duo The War and Treaty performed during the segment, first starting with a rendition of Puth’s ‘See You Again’ before delivering a stripped-down cover of the ‘Friends’ theme song “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts, reports variety.com.
Perry died unexpectedly in October 2023 at 54 years old. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, according to law enforcement.
There were no signs of foul play or drugs on the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed that he died from “the acute effects of ketamine...
- 1/16/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Matthew Perry received an emotional tribute during the 2023 Emmys In Memoriam segment, which also included late stars such as Len Goodman, Andre Braugher, Lance Reddick, Paul Reubens, Barbara Walters, Angela Lansbury, Kirstie Alley and more. Pop singer Charlie Puth and singer-songwriter duo The War and Treaty performed during the segment, first starting with a rendition of Puth’s “See You Again” before delivering a stripped-down cover of the “Friends” theme song (“I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts).
Perry died unexpectedly on Oct. 28, 2023 at 54 years old. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, according to law enforcement. There were no signs of foul play or drugs on the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed that he died from “the acute effects of ketamine.”
Perry was best known for playing the hilarious, sarcastic Chandler Bing on “Friends” in the ’90s and early 2000s.
Perry died unexpectedly on Oct. 28, 2023 at 54 years old. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, according to law enforcement. There were no signs of foul play or drugs on the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed that he died from “the acute effects of ketamine.”
Perry was best known for playing the hilarious, sarcastic Chandler Bing on “Friends” in the ’90s and early 2000s.
- 1/16/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
It’s 2024 and our troubles are all the same: The cast of Cheers have reunited at the 2023 Emmy Awards on Monday night.
The cast — Ted Danson, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and John Ratzenberger — appeared onstage behind their infamous bar, with George Wendt doing his signature “Norm!” arrival. They presented two awards; Shelley Long and Woody Harrelson were the only cast members not present.
Cheers garnered 117 Emmy nominations across its 11 seasons, which ran from 1982 to 1993. Its theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” landed at No. 13 in Rolling Stone‘s recent...
The cast — Ted Danson, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and John Ratzenberger — appeared onstage behind their infamous bar, with George Wendt doing his signature “Norm!” arrival. They presented two awards; Shelley Long and Woody Harrelson were the only cast members not present.
Cheers garnered 117 Emmy nominations across its 11 seasons, which ran from 1982 to 1993. Its theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” landed at No. 13 in Rolling Stone‘s recent...
- 1/16/2024
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
On May 20, 1993, NBC's ultra-successful sitcom "Cheers" aired its finale episode, and it was almost instantly entered into the history books. Approximately 93 million people nationwide tuned in to watch the episode in 42.4 million homes, and untold thousands more watched it in bars across the country. Those numbers were good enough to make it the second highest-watched program in TV history, according to The L.A. Times — only the series finale of "M*A*S*H" scored more viewers.
That same night, 15 million people tuned into "The Tonight Show," which went on the road to the Bull & Finch Bar in Boston, which served as the exterior of the bar in the show, and host Jay Leno interviewed cast members Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt.
Well, at least he tried to interview them.
As "Cheers" writer Ken Levine remembered in a 2013 article for Vulture, "The [series finale] ended at eleven.
That same night, 15 million people tuned into "The Tonight Show," which went on the road to the Bull & Finch Bar in Boston, which served as the exterior of the bar in the show, and host Jay Leno interviewed cast members Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt.
Well, at least he tried to interview them.
As "Cheers" writer Ken Levine remembered in a 2013 article for Vulture, "The [series finale] ended at eleven.
- 1/14/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
It's hard to imagine "Frasier" without the supporting cast that made it such a beloved show. That said, we don't have to imagine. The recent "Frasier" revival show, which is neither disappointing nor remarkable, has given us a glimpse of what the stellar '90s sitcom would have looked like if Kelsey Grammer's fussy psychiatrist was surrounded by less likable characters.
In the original series, Grammar was brilliant as Dr. Crane, but much of that was down to how well he played off the rest of the cast. Whether it was David Hyde Pierce's Niles, Jane Leeves' Daphne, or Peri Gilpin's Roz, each member of the cast brought something unique to the show that helped highlight various aspects of the titular doctor's flawed yet endlessly endearing personality.
On the revival, however, that same magic just isn't quite there. Still, it seems the producers weren't entirely unaware of...
In the original series, Grammar was brilliant as Dr. Crane, but much of that was down to how well he played off the rest of the cast. Whether it was David Hyde Pierce's Niles, Jane Leeves' Daphne, or Peri Gilpin's Roz, each member of the cast brought something unique to the show that helped highlight various aspects of the titular doctor's flawed yet endlessly endearing personality.
On the revival, however, that same magic just isn't quite there. Still, it seems the producers weren't entirely unaware of...
- 1/1/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Actress Kirstie Alley’s children, William True Stevenson and Lillie Price Stevenson, announced that they will be holding an auction of a curated selection of her possessions.
“Our mom collected so many fun and unique things over her incredible life,” the actress’ children said in a statement. “We want to share some of them with others in the hopes of spreading her love of decorating.”
The sale, organized by Those Two Girls Estate Sales, is called “Property from The Collection of The Late Kirstie Alley.”
It will happen in three parts on the online bidding platform, Live Auctioneers.
This announcement was made a little over a year after Alley died of colon cancer on December 5, 2022.
The first sale is going to be launched on December 21 and will continue until January 7, 2024. The belongings in this part will mainly consist of Alley’s household furnishings and salvage pieces collected from her three homes in Maine,...
“Our mom collected so many fun and unique things over her incredible life,” the actress’ children said in a statement. “We want to share some of them with others in the hopes of spreading her love of decorating.”
The sale, organized by Those Two Girls Estate Sales, is called “Property from The Collection of The Late Kirstie Alley.”
It will happen in three parts on the online bidding platform, Live Auctioneers.
This announcement was made a little over a year after Alley died of colon cancer on December 5, 2022.
The first sale is going to be launched on December 21 and will continue until January 7, 2024. The belongings in this part will mainly consist of Alley’s household furnishings and salvage pieces collected from her three homes in Maine,...
- 12/24/2023
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
For 11 seasons, "Cheers" (1982-1993) was, as NBC put it back then, "must-see TV." For five of those seasons, we watched Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) and their on-again-off-again relationship in a Boston bar. When Long left for a movie career, Kirstie Alley was hired as the female lead, Rebecca Howe. She was a business woman who was brought in to manage the bar after a corporation buys it, and Sam, lothario that he was, hits on her constantly.
As the show went on, Rebecca went from a put-together woman with a penchant for rich men to a neurotic and decidedly annoying woman. (I watched it as it happened and I just couldn't stand her character.) She was funny, sure, and they definitely leaned into her falling apart, but it was ... a lot. It also led the show to its very first Emmy Award in 1989. It was...
As the show went on, Rebecca went from a put-together woman with a penchant for rich men to a neurotic and decidedly annoying woman. (I watched it as it happened and I just couldn't stand her character.) She was funny, sure, and they definitely leaned into her falling apart, but it was ... a lot. It also led the show to its very first Emmy Award in 1989. It was...
- 12/23/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
In Nicholas Meyer's 1991 film "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," the usual crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise-a was joined by a new member of the senior staff, Lieutenant Valeris (Kim Cattrall). Valeris, Trekkies will be able to tell you, was initially meant to be the character of Saavik, played by Kirstie Alley in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and by Robin Curtis in "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." According to a DVD commentary track provided by longtime "Star Trek" designer Mike Okuda, Saavik was changed into a new character when show creator Gene Roddenberry objected to the character's unexpected turn to villainy. Valeris proves to be in league with some of the villains of "Star Trek VI," you see, and Roddenberry couldn't abide a turncoat.
Additionally, Cattrall didn't like the idea of being the third actress to play the same role.
Additionally, Cattrall didn't like the idea of being the third actress to play the same role.
- 12/16/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The "Star Trek" franchise was nearing a crossroads in 1986. 20 years after the premiere of The Original Series on NBC, moviegoers were showing up in significant numbers to follow the big-screen exploits of Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise. But while 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and 1984's "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" were hits for Paramount (they both grossed in the $78 million range domestically), they were not blockbusters. So when stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy asked for salary bumps, the studio had some tough decisions to make.
Paramount almost received an unexpected windfall when their under-contract box office juggernaut, Eddie Murphy, asked to be in the fourth "Star Trek" movie. Murphy had just starred in "Beverly Hills Cop," the highest-grossing movie of 1984, and, as a hardcore Trekker, wanted to be a part of Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi universe. The studio was thrilled,...
Paramount almost received an unexpected windfall when their under-contract box office juggernaut, Eddie Murphy, asked to be in the fourth "Star Trek" movie. Murphy had just starred in "Beverly Hills Cop," the highest-grossing movie of 1984, and, as a hardcore Trekker, wanted to be a part of Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi universe. The studio was thrilled,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Martin Gage, a veteran Hollywood and New York talent agent whose client roster over the decades included Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Geraldine Page, Kim Basinger and Tim Robbins, died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 89.
His death was announced by the Brs/Gage Talent Agency.
Born in New York on May 4, 1934, Gage began his show business career as an actor in the 1950s, performing on and Off Broadway, as well as in summer stock and the Las Vegas production of the musical comedy La Plume De Ma Tante.
Gage shifted his focus to representation in the 1960s, first as a manager, and then as an agent. He joined the Fifi Oscard Agency, and after four years became a partner in the newly-dubbed Oscard-Gage Agency. In 1973, he opened The Gage Group in New York, and two years later moved to Los Angeles to expand the agency.
In 2014, his agency merged with Brs...
His death was announced by the Brs/Gage Talent Agency.
Born in New York on May 4, 1934, Gage began his show business career as an actor in the 1950s, performing on and Off Broadway, as well as in summer stock and the Las Vegas production of the musical comedy La Plume De Ma Tante.
Gage shifted his focus to representation in the 1960s, first as a manager, and then as an agent. He joined the Fifi Oscard Agency, and after four years became a partner in the newly-dubbed Oscard-Gage Agency. In 1973, he opened The Gage Group in New York, and two years later moved to Los Angeles to expand the agency.
In 2014, his agency merged with Brs...
- 11/21/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Woody Harrelson made a name for himself by starring in the hit television series Cheers. But he figured the classic sitcom might be the peak of his career after he couldn’t find any more work.
Woody Harrelson couldn’t find acting work for years while starring in ‘Cheers’ Woody Harrelson | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Before he was known for his film career, Harrelson was recognized for his work as Woody Boyd in the 1980s sitcom Cheers. Ironically, the actor wasn’t completely sold on lending his talents to the small screen. But he auditioned for the role, anyway.
“I was 23, and I kind of had an idea that I didn’t want to do television because I generally didn’t like the quality,” Harrelson told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2017 interview.
Harrelson revealed that his Cheers audition successfully, and perhaps surprisingly, convinced the casting director that he suited the role.
Woody Harrelson couldn’t find acting work for years while starring in ‘Cheers’ Woody Harrelson | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Before he was known for his film career, Harrelson was recognized for his work as Woody Boyd in the 1980s sitcom Cheers. Ironically, the actor wasn’t completely sold on lending his talents to the small screen. But he auditioned for the role, anyway.
“I was 23, and I kind of had an idea that I didn’t want to do television because I generally didn’t like the quality,” Harrelson told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2017 interview.
Harrelson revealed that his Cheers audition successfully, and perhaps surprisingly, convinced the casting director that he suited the role.
- 11/15/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The NBC series "Cheers" ran for 11 seasons from 1982-1993. The show, which earned an incredible 28 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, took place in a bar in Boston. Former baseball star Sam Malone (Ted Danson) now runs a bar and has an on-again-off-again relationship with Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), a sort of stuck-up woman who has to become a cocktail waitress to make ends meet. The bar was littered with characters like Norm (George Wendt), a barfly whose name everyone does indeed know, Cliff (John Ratzenberger), the bar know-it-all, Carla (Rhea Perlman), the acerbic waitress, Coach (Nicholas Colasanto), the doddering but loveable owner, and Woody (Woody Harrelson) as the dopey bartender. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), the prissy psychiatrist who got his own show out of it (that is currently in revival form), also appeared, as well as Rebecca (Kirstie Alley), who replaced Diane as a waitress and love interest after Long left.
- 11/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
It's been 41 years since "Cheers" premiered, and 30 years since it's ended. Although other popular sitcoms like "The Bill Cosby Show" and "Newhart" gave it a run for its money, it's clear by now that "Cheers" has most effectively withstood the test of the time. When the average person thinks of '90s sitcoms, they think of "Friends" or "Seinfeld," but when you ask them to name a sitcom from the '80s, "Cheers" is almost always the first to come to mind.
It helps that so much of the "Cheers" cast has continued to have a major presence in pop culture long after the finale, even if they haven't all returned to the sheer height of popularity they had back in the '80s and early '90s. Even many of the actors who have passed away in the years since, like Kirstie Alley who died of stage four colon...
It helps that so much of the "Cheers" cast has continued to have a major presence in pop culture long after the finale, even if they haven't all returned to the sheer height of popularity they had back in the '80s and early '90s. Even many of the actors who have passed away in the years since, like Kirstie Alley who died of stage four colon...
- 10/26/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
When NBC closed shop on "Cheers" in 1993, it felt like the right time to bid farewell to our favorite broadcast barflies and a death in the family. For 11 consistently great seasons, viewers knew that every Thursday evening, they could drop by the neighborhood tavern where everybody knows their name. We couldn't begrudge the actors for wanting to move on to other opportunities, but their characters were so rich and relatable that we wanted to grow old with them.
"Cheers" fans were more than happy to settle for "Frasier," which transplanted Kelsey Grammer's neurotic psychiatrist to Seattle, where he had to contend/coexist with his equally neurotic brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and his retired cop father Martin (John Mahoney). Under the aegis of creators David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, "Frasier" quickly established itself as the wittiest, most erudite sitcom on network television. It was the perfect spinoff.
"Cheers" fans were more than happy to settle for "Frasier," which transplanted Kelsey Grammer's neurotic psychiatrist to Seattle, where he had to contend/coexist with his equally neurotic brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and his retired cop father Martin (John Mahoney). Under the aegis of creators David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, "Frasier" quickly established itself as the wittiest, most erudite sitcom on network television. It was the perfect spinoff.
- 10/21/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
As one of the most popular pros in DWTS history, Maksim Chmerkovskiy knows a bit or two about the chemistry of making a partnership work on the dance floor. He danced alongside 16 female celebrities throughout his career on the ABC series. However, even the most innocent dances could appear flirtatious. Chmerkovskiy explains why DWTS contestants catch feelings for their pros: “sexual energy.”
Maksim Chmerkovskiy explains why ‘DWTS’ contestants catch feelings for their pros
During an appearance on former DWTS pro Cheryl Burke‘s podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, Chmerkovskiy discussed why contestants sometimes fall for their pros. He says it has a lot to do with the environment celebs find themselves in, which involves a lot of body contact and pros who are “out of this world.”
“That type of sexual energy, because they walk in and you’re standing there with Sasha [Farber] with his chest open. Val [Chmerkovskiy] with his shirt off and abs,...
Maksim Chmerkovskiy explains why ‘DWTS’ contestants catch feelings for their pros
During an appearance on former DWTS pro Cheryl Burke‘s podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, Chmerkovskiy discussed why contestants sometimes fall for their pros. He says it has a lot to do with the environment celebs find themselves in, which involves a lot of body contact and pros who are “out of this world.”
“That type of sexual energy, because they walk in and you’re standing there with Sasha [Farber] with his chest open. Val [Chmerkovskiy] with his shirt off and abs,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Fox’s The Masked Singer Season 10 is finally here. And fans can’t wait to see which celebrities sing under the new masks. This season is slated to be bigger and better than ever, marking a milestone for the series. Unfortunately, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike continues to impact TV shows — but The Masked Singer won’t feel this impact.
The SAG-AFTRA strike reportedly won’t impact ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 10 celebrity cast
The Masked Singer Season 10 marks a significant milestone for the series. Fox plans to celebrate that milestone with the show’s biggest season yet. “In honor of its milestone 10th season, The Masked Singer is celebrating with the biggest and boldest costumes in the show’s history — with the buzziest and brightest celebrities underneath!” the promo claims, according to Variety. “The Emmy Award-nominated singing competition features host Nick Cannon alongside fan-favorite panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong,...
The SAG-AFTRA strike reportedly won’t impact ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 10 celebrity cast
The Masked Singer Season 10 marks a significant milestone for the series. Fox plans to celebrate that milestone with the show’s biggest season yet. “In honor of its milestone 10th season, The Masked Singer is celebrating with the biggest and boldest costumes in the show’s history — with the buzziest and brightest celebrities underneath!” the promo claims, according to Variety. “The Emmy Award-nominated singing competition features host Nick Cannon alongside fan-favorite panelists Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Nicole Scherzinger, Ken Jeong,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Cheryl Burke enjoyed a “Dancing With the Stars” reunion when she welcomed fellow pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy as a guest on her new podcast, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans.”
During his visit, their conversation turned to their experiences on the show. At one point, Burke surprised him with 15 rapid-fire questions about the celebs he’s been partnered with, beginning with who’d been the most challenging.
“I’m like, ‘Kirstie, please, not right now, I’m begging you.'”
“Oh man,” Chmerkovskiy said, before revealing that celeb to be Kirstie Alley.
Read More: Peta Murgatroyd Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 2 With Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Next, she asked him to identify the celeb who’d been the most fun. “I have to say Kirstie, I’m sorry,” he replied.
Meanwhile, in another part of the podcast, Chmerkovskiy revealed that the late “Cheers” star took a flirtatious approach to dance training.
“Celebrities always fall in love with dancers,...
During his visit, their conversation turned to their experiences on the show. At one point, Burke surprised him with 15 rapid-fire questions about the celebs he’s been partnered with, beginning with who’d been the most challenging.
“I’m like, ‘Kirstie, please, not right now, I’m begging you.'”
“Oh man,” Chmerkovskiy said, before revealing that celeb to be Kirstie Alley.
Read More: Peta Murgatroyd Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 2 With Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Next, she asked him to identify the celeb who’d been the most fun. “I have to say Kirstie, I’m sorry,” he replied.
Meanwhile, in another part of the podcast, Chmerkovskiy revealed that the late “Cheers” star took a flirtatious approach to dance training.
“Celebrities always fall in love with dancers,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Etcanadadigital
- ET Canada
In the expansive "Star Trek" universe, some of its brightest stars embarked on unforeseen journeys, abruptly departing the franchise to both the dismay and intrigue of fandom.
Why didn't Kirstie Alley return as the beloved Lt. Saavik? What prompted Jeffrey Hunter to relinquish the role of Captain Pike? Who ejected Gates McFadden's Dr. Crusher from the airlock? How come Diana Muldaur, her replacement, endured only a single season? Why did Wil Wheaton part ways with Wesley Crusher? And why was Grace Lee Whitney, as Yeoman Janice Rand, dropped from the cast even before the original series premiered in 1966?
These departures stemmed from a myriad of forces: financial constraints, contract negotiations, miscasting, yearnings for new horizons or strange new opportunities, life-altering events, creative and personal conflicts, or a blend of these influences. Most were unexpected and frequently controversial. Whether these exits bolstered or hindered the franchise, the judgment is yours,...
Why didn't Kirstie Alley return as the beloved Lt. Saavik? What prompted Jeffrey Hunter to relinquish the role of Captain Pike? Who ejected Gates McFadden's Dr. Crusher from the airlock? How come Diana Muldaur, her replacement, endured only a single season? Why did Wil Wheaton part ways with Wesley Crusher? And why was Grace Lee Whitney, as Yeoman Janice Rand, dropped from the cast even before the original series premiered in 1966?
These departures stemmed from a myriad of forces: financial constraints, contract negotiations, miscasting, yearnings for new horizons or strange new opportunities, life-altering events, creative and personal conflicts, or a blend of these influences. Most were unexpected and frequently controversial. Whether these exits bolstered or hindered the franchise, the judgment is yours,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Maurice Molyneaux
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers
John Carpenter is hands down one of America’s greatest filmmakers and composers, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a horror geek that doesn’t adore at least one of his movies. Born in 1948 to a a college music professor, Carpenter fell in love with cinema as a child and was out there making his own short films before he’d even started high school.
As the decades flew by, he was at the helm of some of the most beloved sci-fi and horror pictures of all time, whilst also composing the music for most of them, including the iconic scores for Halloween and Escape from New York.
Today, we’re ranking the director’s output, from Dark Star in 1974 to The Ward in 2010, but we should note that we haven’t included TV movies like Elvis or Someone’s Watching Me here, as we...
John Carpenter is hands down one of America’s greatest filmmakers and composers, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a horror geek that doesn’t adore at least one of his movies. Born in 1948 to a a college music professor, Carpenter fell in love with cinema as a child and was out there making his own short films before he’d even started high school.
As the decades flew by, he was at the helm of some of the most beloved sci-fi and horror pictures of all time, whilst also composing the music for most of them, including the iconic scores for Halloween and Escape from New York.
Today, we’re ranking the director’s output, from Dark Star in 1974 to The Ward in 2010, but we should note that we haven’t included TV movies like Elvis or Someone’s Watching Me here, as we...
- 9/1/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
With Phil Dunster’s supporting comedy actor nomination for “Ted Lasso” on Friday, the much-decorated Apple TV+ series is now in some rare and esteemed company in having each of its original regular cast members honored with at least a single Emmy nod. Only seven other major shows in television history can make a similar claim: “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” “The Golden Girls,” “Seinfeld,” “Sex and the City,” “Will & Grace” and “Schitt’s Creek.”
Here are the eight nominated performers for “Lasso”: Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Nick Mohammed, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt and now Dunster.
See‘Jury Duty,’ James Marsden, Harrison Ford, other surprises at the 2023 Emmy nominations
The other shows with Emmy nominations for all of its original cast members stack up as follows:
“All in the Family”: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
“Cheers”: Ted Danson, Shelley Long,...
Here are the eight nominated performers for “Lasso”: Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Nick Mohammed, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt and now Dunster.
See‘Jury Duty,’ James Marsden, Harrison Ford, other surprises at the 2023 Emmy nominations
The other shows with Emmy nominations for all of its original cast members stack up as follows:
“All in the Family”: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
“Cheers”: Ted Danson, Shelley Long,...
- 8/18/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
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Before "Cheers" ever got to rolling cameras on its very first episode, "Give Me a Ring Sometime," the show went through a great deal of evolution. In fact, the central "will they or won't they" relationship at the heart of the show's first five seasons between barkeep Sam Malone and waitress Diane Chambers didn't exist. The original pitch was to have Sam be a barkeep with a female boss, a dynamic the series would come back around to when Kirstie Alley joined the cast in season 6.
Television, maybe more so than any other storytelling medium, lends itself to constant evolution and change. Not only is there constant writing and rewriting while you are making an episode, you have audience feedback that informs how you tell your story as it goes. And sometimes a collaborator comes in that forces the creators...
Before "Cheers" ever got to rolling cameras on its very first episode, "Give Me a Ring Sometime," the show went through a great deal of evolution. In fact, the central "will they or won't they" relationship at the heart of the show's first five seasons between barkeep Sam Malone and waitress Diane Chambers didn't exist. The original pitch was to have Sam be a barkeep with a female boss, a dynamic the series would come back around to when Kirstie Alley joined the cast in season 6.
Television, maybe more so than any other storytelling medium, lends itself to constant evolution and change. Not only is there constant writing and rewriting while you are making an episode, you have audience feedback that informs how you tell your story as it goes. And sometimes a collaborator comes in that forces the creators...
- 8/5/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Leah Remini‘s two years into her education at New York University and she’s taking a step back to admire her progress despite, she says, “spending 35 years in a cult.”
The 52-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to share that she recently completed her second year at the prestigious university. She was in tears just two years ago after announcing her admission into an associate’s program in liberal arts. Fast forward to now, the “King of Queens” star is adamant that it’s “never too late to start again.”
“Two years ago, I had an 8th-grade education thanks to spending 35 years in a cult,” she began her post. “And now, at age 52, I’ve successfully finished my second year at NYU. Undertaking this educational journey has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. There have been days where I’ve thought about giving up.
The 52-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to share that she recently completed her second year at the prestigious university. She was in tears just two years ago after announcing her admission into an associate’s program in liberal arts. Fast forward to now, the “King of Queens” star is adamant that it’s “never too late to start again.”
“Two years ago, I had an 8th-grade education thanks to spending 35 years in a cult,” she began her post. “And now, at age 52, I’ve successfully finished my second year at NYU. Undertaking this educational journey has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. There have been days where I’ve thought about giving up.
- 6/3/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
With “Cheers” reaching its 30th anniversary since the series finale — and with a revival of its popular spinoff, “Frasier,” expected later this year — it was time for the Atx Television Festival to do what it does best: host a reunion. Stars Ted Danson, George Wendt, and John Ratzenberger sat down with co-creators James Burrows, Len, and Glen Charles for an hourlong discussion about the impact of NBC’s landmark series.
Danson, every bit as thoughtful and tender as his “Cheers” character Sam Malone was single-minded and unrefined, made sure to honor who wasn’t in attendance, as well as those who made the trip to Austin, TX for Friday night’s panel. Initially, he credited co-star Shelley Long for getting him the career-making role in the first place.
“I don’t think we’ve seen a character like that since Lucille Ball,” he said of Long’s ebullient lead, Diane Chambers.
Danson, every bit as thoughtful and tender as his “Cheers” character Sam Malone was single-minded and unrefined, made sure to honor who wasn’t in attendance, as well as those who made the trip to Austin, TX for Friday night’s panel. Initially, he credited co-star Shelley Long for getting him the career-making role in the first place.
“I don’t think we’ve seen a character like that since Lucille Ball,” he said of Long’s ebullient lead, Diane Chambers.
- 6/3/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Thirty years after “Cheers” came to an end, the cast and creatives got back together on Friday night, courtesy of the Atx TV Festival in Austin, Texas. The reunion panel, hosted by Variety‘s Michael Schneider, included co-creators James Burrows, Les Charles and Glen Charles and actors Ted Danson, George Wendt and John Ratzenberger.
During the conversation, the iconic creators reflected on the making of the show and the cast opened up about how they joined the series and how it’s affected their lives over the years.
“Teddy and Shelly auditioned together and they had chemistry that only makes writing better,” Burrows said of casting Danson and Shelley Long, who portrayed Diane Chambers, Sam’s love interest for five seasons.
For Danson, he praised Long, who wasn’t in attendance: “I don’t think we’d seen a character like that since Lucille Ball. I do believe I was on ‘Cheers’ because of Shelley,...
During the conversation, the iconic creators reflected on the making of the show and the cast opened up about how they joined the series and how it’s affected their lives over the years.
“Teddy and Shelly auditioned together and they had chemistry that only makes writing better,” Burrows said of casting Danson and Shelley Long, who portrayed Diane Chambers, Sam’s love interest for five seasons.
For Danson, he praised Long, who wasn’t in attendance: “I don’t think we’d seen a character like that since Lucille Ball. I do believe I was on ‘Cheers’ because of Shelley,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
This post contains spoilers for "Ted Lasso" season 3.
"Ted Lasso" season 3 has just come to an end, leaving the fictional team of AFC Richmond at a crossroads after their head coach leaves his fish-and-chips-out-of-water life in London behind. Overall, the supposedly last season of the Apple TV+ phenomenon left a lot to be desired, failing to live up to the high points of the first two seasons where the jokes that hit far outweighed the ones that fell flat. While a lot of the episodes in season 3 felt overly long and unnecessarily melodramatic, the overall spirit of the show managed to stay intact thanks to Jason Sudeikis' naively positive "aw shucks" attitude as Ted.
Ted isn't only a sports fan, he's a pop culture aficionado raised on Thursday night primetime sitcoms from the '80s. Throughout its entire run, "Ted Lasso" has peppered in a number of clever references to the golden years of U.
"Ted Lasso" season 3 has just come to an end, leaving the fictional team of AFC Richmond at a crossroads after their head coach leaves his fish-and-chips-out-of-water life in London behind. Overall, the supposedly last season of the Apple TV+ phenomenon left a lot to be desired, failing to live up to the high points of the first two seasons where the jokes that hit far outweighed the ones that fell flat. While a lot of the episodes in season 3 felt overly long and unnecessarily melodramatic, the overall spirit of the show managed to stay intact thanks to Jason Sudeikis' naively positive "aw shucks" attitude as Ted.
Ted isn't only a sports fan, he's a pop culture aficionado raised on Thursday night primetime sitcoms from the '80s. Throughout its entire run, "Ted Lasso" has peppered in a number of clever references to the golden years of U.
- 5/31/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Creating a great TV finale is truly a work of art. Somehow a single episode is expected to provide closure to a story that fans have been dedicatedly following for years. It has to be satisfying but not too perfect, conclusive but not too cutesy, sad but not in a way that’s too self-serious. And while juggling all those contradictory extremes, it also has to stay true to the distinct tone of its universe.
With “Succession” and “Barry’s” finales on the horizon, it’s worthwhile to look back through the greats. From CBS stables to critically-acclaimed anime, here are some of TV’s best series finales that went above and beyond.
Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill in “Better Call Saul.” (AMC)
“Better Call Saul” (AMC)
Heading into “Better Call Saul’s” sixth season, no one thought that Gilligan and Peter Gould could top “Felina.” But, by god, they did it.
With “Succession” and “Barry’s” finales on the horizon, it’s worthwhile to look back through the greats. From CBS stables to critically-acclaimed anime, here are some of TV’s best series finales that went above and beyond.
Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill in “Better Call Saul.” (AMC)
“Better Call Saul” (AMC)
Heading into “Better Call Saul’s” sixth season, no one thought that Gilligan and Peter Gould could top “Felina.” But, by god, they did it.
- 5/28/2023
- by Kayla Cobb, Adam Chitwood and Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Bee–ah, that was a close one! A massive success upon release, Beetlejuice went through a strange and unusual production that saw multiple rewrites and firings, not to mention the dodging of some seriously questionable casting choices. But through the terrific performances by its cast and creative skirting around a small budget, the movie became one of the best horror-comedies ever, worthy of a sequel that has been in development hell for over three decades.
So let’s open up the handbook for the recently deceased and shake, shake, shake senora because it’s showtime! Let’s to find out…Wtf Happened to this movie?!
Following the massive success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which pulled in $40 million on a $7 million budget, Tim Burton had his pick of what his next project would be. One thing he knew, it wouldn’t be talking horse movie Hot to Trot.
So let’s open up the handbook for the recently deceased and shake, shake, shake senora because it’s showtime! Let’s to find out…Wtf Happened to this movie?!
Following the massive success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which pulled in $40 million on a $7 million budget, Tim Burton had his pick of what his next project would be. One thing he knew, it wouldn’t be talking horse movie Hot to Trot.
- 5/10/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be introducing four new diversity and inclusion standards that must be met in order for a film to be considered for an Oscar nomination.
Richard Dreyfuss, who won an Oscar in 1978 and a nomination in 1996, is not fan of these new requirements, and came out swinging in a recent interview with PBS’ “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover”.
“They make me vomit,” Dreyfuss said when asked what he thought about the Oscars’ inclusion standards, and proceeded to explain why.
Read More: Kirstie Alley Calls New Diversity Rules For Best Picture Oscar A ‘Disgrace To Artists Everywhere’
“Because this is an art form,” Dreyfuss stated.
“It’s also a form of commerce, and it makes money. But it’s an art. And no one should be telling me as an artist that I have to give in to the latest, most...
Richard Dreyfuss, who won an Oscar in 1978 and a nomination in 1996, is not fan of these new requirements, and came out swinging in a recent interview with PBS’ “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover”.
“They make me vomit,” Dreyfuss said when asked what he thought about the Oscars’ inclusion standards, and proceeded to explain why.
Read More: Kirstie Alley Calls New Diversity Rules For Best Picture Oscar A ‘Disgrace To Artists Everywhere’
“Because this is an art form,” Dreyfuss stated.
“It’s also a form of commerce, and it makes money. But it’s an art. And no one should be telling me as an artist that I have to give in to the latest, most...
- 5/7/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
It was a night of firsts, lasts and an upset win as TV’s finest gathered together to celebrate the 45th Primetime Emmy Awards on ABC on September 19, 1993. Even the host made history — in more ways than one. Read on for our Emmys flashback 30 years ago to 1993.
For the first time ever, the ceremony was hosted solely by a female — who was also, ironically, the unluckiest actress in Emmy history. Up for her 13th Emmy nomination that evening, Angela Lansbury guided the ceremony with her usual grace. Lansbury passed away in 2022, with the record of most Best Drama Actress bids as well as the record for most overall nominations without a win at 18. However, she wasn’t the only one nominated at this ceremony who has never won despite numerous nominations, or the only one to lay claim to an unfortunate record.
After a stellar year in 1992, reigning Best Drama...
For the first time ever, the ceremony was hosted solely by a female — who was also, ironically, the unluckiest actress in Emmy history. Up for her 13th Emmy nomination that evening, Angela Lansbury guided the ceremony with her usual grace. Lansbury passed away in 2022, with the record of most Best Drama Actress bids as well as the record for most overall nominations without a win at 18. However, she wasn’t the only one nominated at this ceremony who has never won despite numerous nominations, or the only one to lay claim to an unfortunate record.
After a stellar year in 1992, reigning Best Drama...
- 5/3/2023
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
As passionate fans of “The Masked Singer,” Gold Derby’s editors would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of the celebrities who’ve passed away through the years. Fox’s wild and wacky reality TV show tasks famous faces with dressing up in extravagant costumes and singing for audience votes. The regular panelists are Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Nicole Scherzinger, though special guest judges also pop up from time to time, including the late Leslie Jordan.
To honor the memories of the show’s fallen stars, tour our “The Masked Singer” deaths photo gallery above (or click here for direct access) that remembers all of the contestants we’ve lost.
See ‘The Masked Singer’: Most famous celebrities of all time
Jerry Springer as Beetle
February 13, 1944 – April 27, 2023 (age 79)
Though he initially rose to fame thanks to his self-titled daytime talk show, which...
To honor the memories of the show’s fallen stars, tour our “The Masked Singer” deaths photo gallery above (or click here for direct access) that remembers all of the contestants we’ve lost.
See ‘The Masked Singer’: Most famous celebrities of all time
Jerry Springer as Beetle
February 13, 1944 – April 27, 2023 (age 79)
Though he initially rose to fame thanks to his self-titled daytime talk show, which...
- 4/27/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
In 1982, Paramount Pictures released Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Despite carrying a considerably lower budget than its predecessor, the film was a smash hit at the box office, grossing $78 million, good enough to make it the sixth highest-grossing movie of the year. A sequel, at this point, was a given, but the question remained, would Mr. Spock be involved? After all, Leonard Nimoy had been outspoken for years about wanting to move away from the role, even writing a memoir called “I’m Not Spock.” He was killed off in Star Trek II, but a last-minute insert showing him doing a mind-meld with Dr. McCoy teased that perhaps Spock wasn’t quite as dead as he seemed. Indeed, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock would hit theatres in 1984 and be directed by Nimoy, with the film launching a successful career behind the camera for the actor. How did it all happen?...
- 4/17/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
In 1979, Paramount’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture hit theaters to a somewhat mixed reception from critics and audiences. Many had predicted that the film would be a big money loser because it had gone dramatically over-budget, making it one of the most expensive films ever made up to the point. In the end, the film eked out a profit. It did well enough that Paramount was willing to take another chance on the franchise. Still, their approach would be pretty different, drastically slashing the budget and hiring fewer A-listers behind the camera. But, to the surprise of all, this proved to be precisely the right move, with the resulting film, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, a smash-hit that relaunched the franchise as a legitimate big-screen property and introduced the adventures of Kirk, Spock and McCoy to a whole new generation.
When Paramount Pictures was preparing for a sequel,...
When Paramount Pictures was preparing for a sequel,...
- 4/9/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
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