NBC Orders Additional Episodes of America Ferrera’s “Superstore,” Bringing Total to 22

America Ferrera’s shift is being extended…

NBC has prdered four additional episodes of the 35-year-old Honduran American actress and Emmy-winner’s blue-collar comedy Superstore, bringing its Season 5 total to 22.

America Ferrera

Superstorecontinues to be the unsung hero of the network’s Thursday comedy lineup with its solid ratings performance, leading to the additional episode order.

That is considered a full-season order, and, besides the first season, which was short as Superstore started off as a midseason replacement, the comedy has gotten full-season orders every year. It is expected to be the only NBC comedy series this season to produce 22 episodes.

It’s unclear why Superstore had a 18-episode fifth season pickup to begin with, but the back order is a vote of confidence to the series following the showrunner change at the end of Season 4, with creator Justin Spitzerstepping down and Gabe MillerJonathan Greentaking over.

So far in its fifth season, Superstore is averaging a 1.2 rating in adults 18-49 and 3.9 million viewers overall in Live+7. It is NBC’s highest rated series on Thursday and the highest rated comedy.

The Season 5 premiere of Superstore has surged to a 2.8 rating in 18-49 and 6.7 million viewers to date when viewing on all platforms is counted, easily tripling the episode’s next-day Live+Same Day 0.8 rating in 18-49. Superstore ranks as one of NBC’s strongest digital performers with a 17% gain in its 18-49 audience on digital platforms this season versus last.

Superstore stars Ferrera, Ben FeldmanMark McKinneyLauren Ash,Colton DunnNico SantosNichole Bloomand Kaliko Kauahi. The comedy centers around Amy (Ferrera), who recently was promoted to be the store manager and is the glue holding the place together, and Jonah (Feldman), a dreamer determined to prove work doesn’t have to be boring.

Superstore was created by Spitzer, who serves as an executive producer with director Ruben FleischerDavid Bernadand Ferrera. Miller & Green serve as executive producers and co-showrunners. The series is produced by Universal TelevisionSpitzer Holding Companyand The District.

Ally Brooke Earns Perfect Score for Her Paso Doble on “Dancing with the Stars”

Ally Brooke Hernandezis celebrating perfection

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer and former Fifth Harmony member, simply known as Ally Brooke, completed a perfect paso doble in her most recent performance on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

Ally Brooke "Dancing with the Stars"

For round eight, Ally Brooke and her dancing partner Sasha Farberperformed a routine to her recent single “Higher,” with Matoma. Ally Brooke began the performance at the mic, delivering the vocals for real impact. 

It was all class and substance and the judges loved it, giving the pair a perfect score of 30 out of 30, the first ace of the season. 

Ally Brooke broke down in tears with the result, which sees her and Farber hit the top of the leaderboard.

Len Goodman praised her good technique and high performance. Fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba didn’t hold anything back when she reflected on Ally Brooke’s transformation into a “superstar.” She added, “Ally, it’s just amazing. My mind is blown and you better work, honey.” 

FKA Twigs Releases New Pensive Single “Sad Day”

FKA Twigs is feeling pensive…

The 31-year-old part-Spanish singer has released the single “Sad Day,” the fourth cut to arrive from her long awaited sophomore album, Magdalene.

FKA Twigs

FKA Twigs lightly sings through heartbreak, as bombastic 808s mimic explosives going off in a warzone to fill the chaotic background. 

“Would you make a, make a, make a wish on my love,” she sorrowfully repeats on the chorus.

“When I wrote my first album I was 23, and when I wrote my second album I was 30,” she told Billboard of her growth as a songwriter since her debut. “I think I’ve always been truthful, but I’ve been digging deeper for Magdalene; I knew I didn’t want to release any new music until I’d found the bottom of the well.”

FKA Twigs’ new album will be released this Friday, November 8 via Young Turks

The LP1 artist continues her North American tour this week with a show in Seattle.

Robin de Jesus to Star in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Directorial Debut Project “tick, tick…BOOM!”

Robin de Jesus’ career is in full boom

The 35-year-oldPuerto Rican actor and Broadway star has joined the cast of tick, tick…BOOM!, the feature directorial debut project from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Robin de Jesus

de Jesus will star opposite Andrew GarfieldAlexandra Ship and Vanessa Hudgensin the Netflix adaptation based on the autobiographical Off-Broadwayshow written by the late Jonathan Larson.

The musical, written by Steven Levenson, is set in 1990 and will follow Jon (Garfield), an aspiring theater composer who waits tables in New York City while writing Superbia, which he hopes will be the great American musical that will finally give him his big career break. The young man is feeling pressure from his girlfriend Susan (Shipp), who is tired of continuing to put her life on hold for Jon’s career aspiration. Meanwhile, Jon’s best friend and roommate Michael has given up on his creative dream and has taken a high paying advertising job on Madison Avenue and is preparing to move out. As Jon approaches his 30th birthday, he is overcome with anxiety, wondering if his own impossible dream is worth the cost.

Miranda is producing with Brian GrazerRon Howard, and Julie Ohof Imagine EntertainmentJulie Larson, sister of Rentcreator Jonathan, will serve as an executive producer along with Levenson and Celia Costas.

de Jesusearned a Tony Award nomination for his performance on Miranda’s In the HeightsLa Cage aux Folles, and The Boys in the Band. He’s also starred in stage productions of Rentand Wicked.

Camila Cabello to Take Part in Kacey Musgraves’ First Holiday Special to Air on Amazon Prime Video

Camila Cabello is ready to celebrate a country Christmas

Country singer Kacey Musgraveshas announced her first holiday special, The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show, with the 22-year-old Cuban and Mexican singer and former Fifth Harmony member among her all-star cast of collaborators on a variety of classic and original holiday songs.

Camila Cabello

Musgraves’ special, directed by Dan Levy will premiere globally on November 29 on Amazon Prime Video and feature Musgraves teaming up with Cabello on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Her other collaborators include Fred Armisen on “Silent Night,” Leon Bridgeson “Present Without a Bow,”James Corden on “Let It Snow,” Zooey Deschanel on “Mele Kalikimaka,” Lana Del Rey on “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and Troye Sivanon the world debut of “Glittery.”

Musgraves will also be joined by the Radio City Rockettes, who will do one of their famous kickline routines as Musgraves sings “Ribbons and Bows,” as well as special guest Kendall Jenner.

The show “invites fans in as Musgraves prepares for a most joyful Christmas gathering with a whimsical set and dazzling wardrobe influenced by the artist’s fresh aesthetic,” according to a release announcing the special. “Equal parts heart-warming and cleverly absurd, Musgraves pays tribute to holiday specials of the past whilst also reinventing just what a Christmas special can be, with a magically modern twist.”

 “I can say without a doubt that this project is unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” Musgraves says in a statement. “What started as the small seed of an idea one night over a year ago has turned into something I’m so proud of.  Some truly brilliant comedic and musical guests are featured in the show — as well as my own Grandma. My vision was to bring my old Christmas album to life visually and create a modern and fashionable, fresh take on a classic format. It’s a nostalgic, Wes Anderson-inspired reimagining of the holidays. It’s heartfelt, funny, and most of all, real. I can’t wait to finally share.”

The show will be accompanied by an official soundtrack available on Amazon Musicand other digital services on November 29 as well.

Bella Thorne to Make Feature Directorial Debut

Bella Thorneis heading behind the lens…

The 22-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer has signed on to direct her first feature film, an elevated thriller written by Zander Coté, the plot of which is being kept under wraps.

Bella Thorne

Thorne will also take on a supporting role in the film, which will begin shooting this coming summer.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bella on her feature directing debut,” says Bernon, “She’s about to leave an indelible mark on the genre, and we can’t wait for audiences to discover her bold vision.”

Thorne is also a best-selling author, director, philanthropist musician and entrepreneur. She entered the entertainment business at six months of age and at 21 has built an empire that stretches from acting to various entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic endeavors.

Her unapologetic authenticity and ability to be raw with her fans has generated a loyal and diehard following on her social media pages, which consists of 21.5M on Instagram, 6.9M on Twitter, 529k subscribers on YouTube

Thorne’s feature credits include Netflix’s The Babysitter franchise, BlendedStuck on You, The DUFFMidnight Sunand the Sundance AGBO Studiosfeature Assassination Nation

Her television credits include Disney Channel’s Shake It UpHBO’s Big LoveABC’s Dirty Sexy Money and Freeform’s Famous in Love

Her first foray into directed came in an unusual way… Thorne directed PornHub’s Visionaries Director’s Serieswith the short Her & Him.

Yul Vazquez to Star in “Books of Blood”

Yul Vazquez is hitting the books

The 54-year-old Cuban actor is set to star in Books of Blood, an original film based on Clive Barker’s horror anthology.

Yul Vazquez

Huluis currently finalizing deals on Books of Blood,which hails from The Orvilleduo of Brannon Braga, who is co-writing, executive producing and will direct in his feature directorial debut, and Seth MacFarlane, who is executive producing.

In addition to Vazquez, the film will also star Anna FrielBritt Robertsonand Rafi Gavron

The film, which hails from Fox 21 Television Studiosand MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door Productions, is slated for premiere in fall 2020.

The project had been in the works at Hulu for over a year, long before the streamer becameThe Orville‘s new home this past summer.

Written by Braga and Adam Simonbased on a short story by Barker with contributing original material,Books of Bloodtakes a journey into uncharted and forbidden territory through three tales tangled in space and time.

Barker’sBooks of Bloodis a six-book series of horror fiction collections, which mix in fantasy themes as well. The tales take place in a contemporary setting, usually featuring everyday people who become embroiled in terrifying or mysterious events.

Vazquez will play Bennett, a professional killer who’s latest “hit” clues him in on a priceless book that may allow him and his wife to permanently retire. On his search for the tome, his quest leads him straight into supernatural territory.

Vazquez’s previous credits include the films Runaway BrideWar of the Worldand Bad Boys II, as well as the television series Midnight, Texas and Russian Doll.

J Balvin Earns 17th No. 1 on Billboard Latin Airplay Chart with “Loco Contigo”

Make that 17 for J Balvin

The 34-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer and rapper’s collaboration with DJ Snakeand Tyga, “Loco Contigo,”rises 2-1 on the BillboardLatin Airplaychart dated November 2. 

J Balvin

With the move, J Balvin goes into a four-way tie with Daddy YankeeRicky Martinand Romeo Santosfor the second-most No. 1s in the chart’s history , all with 17 (Enrique Iglesiascontinues at the helm with 30).

“Loco Contigo” arrives at the summit almost a year after DJ Snake claimed his first leader on the tally with “Taki Taki” (on the December 8, 2018-dated chart). Meanwhile, it marks the first No. 1 for American rapper Tygaon any BillboardLatin chart.  

The Spanglish track released via DJ Snake/Geffen/Interscopeon June 14, lands in the penthouse in its 14th week on the chart with 12.7 million in audience impressions (up 1%) earned in the week ending October 27, according to Nielsen Music.

Written by J Balvin, Tyga, Justin Quilesand DJ Snake, “Loco Contigo” is the sixth single off DJ Snake’s Carte Blanchealbum, which debuted at No. 2 on the Top Dance/Electronic Album Saleschart (August 10-dated list).As “Loco Contigo”  arrives at the pinnacle of Latin Airplay, it makes progress on other Latin rankings. The song climbs an equal 2-1 on both the Latin Pop Airplayand Latin Rhythm Airplaycharts.vaScript

Marianly Tejada to Star in YA Mystery Drama Pilot “One of Us is Lying”

Marianly Tejada won’t be Lying low for long…

The Dominican-American actress has been cast in One of Us is Lying, the YA mystery drama pilot fo PeacockNBCUniversal’s upcoming streaming service.

Marianly Tejada

In addition to Tejada, the ensemble cast includes Cooper van Grootel, Annalisa Cochrane, newcomer Chibuikem Uche, Jessica McLeod, Barrett Carnahan and Puerto Rican/Spanish actress Melissa Collazo. 

The project hails from NBCU’s UCP and John Sacchi’s 5 More Minutes Productions banner.

Written by Erica Saleh and based on Karen M. McManus’ bestselling novel, One of Us is Lying is the story of what happens when five high schoolers walk into detention and only four make it out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

Tejada will play Brownyn. Top of her class, Bronwyn is so focused on the future she rarely thinks about the present. Most classmates admire her more than they like her, and a few rivals wonder how far she’d go to get ahead.

van Grootel will portray Nate, the school’s most notorious drug dealer, a delinquent who lives alone with his alcoholic father. But that’s not the only reason he’s the police’s prime suspect.

Cochrane will play Addy. Addy makes high school look easy, but you don’t become the school’s most popular cheerleader without hiding secrets. If people really knew her, she fears, her whole world might fall apart.

Uche will portray Cooper. A dominant high school baseball pitcher, scouted by the major leagues, Cooper is on the verge of signing a life-changing professional deal – unless something (or someone) gets in his way.

McLeod is Janae. A punk outsider who hates her fake classmates, Janae is left angry and alone when her only friend is murdered. Rather than simply grieve his death, she promises to honor his bitter legacy.

Carnahan will play Jake, the captain of the football team and the boyfriend of Addy (Cochrane). Jake seems to have it all, but it’s never enough.

Collazo will portray Maeve, Bronwyn’s little sister, who developed a tough demeanor while losing years to a childhood fight with Leukemia. In remission now, she’s hungry to make up for lost time.

Jennifer Morrisonwill direct the pilot and also executive produce.

Tejada’s television credits include recurring roles on Orange Is The New Black and The Purge

Collazo recently recurred in Swamp Thing and plays the lead role in the upcoming feature film Lena and Snowball. 

One of Us is Lying is one of three pilot orders from Peacock, joining Punky Brewster, also from UCP, and Straight Talk.

Monica Raymund to Reprise Her Role on “Chicago Fire”

Monica Raymund is headed back to the station…

The 33-year-old half-Dominican American actress is set to reprise her role as Gabby Dawson on Chicago Fire

Monica Raymund

Raymund, whose departure after six seasons left fans of the NBC drama series devastated, will appear in the Season 8 midseason finale on November 20, according to Deadline.

When Gabby last appeared in the season 7 premiere, she’d returned from Puerto Rico, where she had accepted a full-time job working on hurricane relief efforts, and had asked her then-husband Matt Casey to leave his life in Chicago and move with her to the island, but he declined. The couple later filed for divorce.

In the upcoming episode, Gabby returns to Chicago to help raise money for her aid organization and stops by the firehouse to see her former co-workers, including Matt.

“Fans can expect sparks to fly from the Dawson and Casey reunion,” Raymund tells EW.com, which first reported her casting. “Dawson and Casey will always have an unbreakable bond, and their love is a special love that I think will forever stay alive. The fans don’t want to miss this episode — we get to see Dawson and Casey’s love in a new light.”

Raymund was one of five original Chicago Fire series regulars whose initial contracts expired after Season 6 and among the three, including Eamonn Walker and David Eigenberg, who had not been approached about signing new deals ahead of time.