Jamie Lynn-Sigler to Star in ABC’s Medical Drama Pilot “Triage”

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jamie Lynn-Sigler is experiencing trauma like never before…

The 39-year-old half-Cuban American actress has been cast as a series regular opposite Parisa Fitz-Henley and Michael Ealy in Triage, ABC’s second cycle medical drama pilot from David Cornue, Erica Messer, Jon M. Chu and 20th Century Fox Television.

Created by Cornue, Triage is a character-driven medical drama that follows pioneering surgeon Finley Briar (Fitz-Henley) over three distinct decades at the same hospital. With the evolution of medicine as the backdrop, the show explores the interconnected careers, friendships and romances of Finley and her colleagues, and their tenuous relationship with time.

Sigler will play Dr. Elisa Jeffers, a no-nonsense New Yorker and Finley Briar’s (Fitz-Henley) best friend and roommate.

Chu will executive produce and direct.

Sigler, best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on The Sopranos, recurred for two seasons on HBO’s Entourage and was a series regular on NBC’s Guys With Kids.

She just booked a starring role in the new Eric Wareheim and Tim Heidecker Adult Swim series, Beef House.

On the feature side, she starred in Gangster Land and will be seen opposite Penelope Ann Miller in indie feature All The Leaves Have Fallen.

Anthony Ruivivar to Star on Disney+’s Television Series Reboot of Tom Hanks’ “Turner & Hooch”

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Anthony Ruivivar is about to Turner up on Disney+…

The 49-year-old part-Spanish American actor has been cast as a series regular on Turner & Hooch, Disney+’s reboot of the classic 1989 buddy-cop comedy feature.

The television series, which has a 12-episode order, hails from Matt Nix and 20^th Century Television.

Ruivivar joins the previously cast Josh Peck, Lyndsy Fonseca, Carra Patterson and Vanessa Lengies.

Other new additions to the cast include Brandon Jay McLaren and Jeremy Maguire as series regulars, and Becca Tobin as a recurring actor.

Like the movie, the hourlong series centers on Scott Turner (Peck), who now is a U.S. marshal — versus the police detective played by Tom Hanks in the film. When the ambitious, buttoned-up marshal inherits a big unruly dog, he soon realizes the pet he didn’t want may be the partner he needs.

Ruivivar will play US Marshall Chief James Clark, Scott Turner’s boss. Chief Clark respects Scott, but is very uncomfortable around Scott’s new dog, the slobbery Hooch, who is actually quite fond of the Chief. However, when Hooch helps solve a case, Chief Clark has a change of heart and bends the rules to allow him to receive K-9 training.

Nix is the Turner & Hooch series writer/executive producer. Josh Levy is co-executive producer. 20th Century Fox Television, part of Disney Television Studios, is the studio.

Ruivivar can most recently be seen in a recurring role on Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House. Other credits include Frequency, American Horror Story and Hawaii Five-O and the features The Adjustment Bureau, Tropic Thunder and High Art among others.

Steven Canals Developing Drama Series “In The End” for ABC

Posted on September 12, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the beginning of The End for Steven Canals…

ABC has put in development In The End, a drama from the 39-year-old Afro-Puerto Rican screenwriter, producer and Pose co-creator and his Story Ave. Productions, and 20th Century Fox Television, where Canals is under a deal.

Written and executive produced by Canals, the project centers on Kiona Brown, who, incapable of living life to the fullest, makes the only logical choice – to embrace death as an end-of-life doula. With an eclectic list of patients – including cancer survivor Mariana Cortez – Kiona soon discovers the secret to a new beginning is to embrace what happens…in the end.

In The End is among the first projects for Canals under his overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television.

Canals co-created and executive produces the Emmy– and Golden Globe-nominated and Peabody Award-winning drama series Pose, named one of the Best TV Programs of the Year by the American Film Institute in 2018 and 2019. It will return for a third season in 2020.

A 2015 graduate of UCLA’s MFA Screenwriting program, Canals began his journey as a storyteller in high school, producing the documentary short Turf Violence: What’s It All About?co-funded by HBO Family. He went on to earn a BA in Cinema, and a Masters in Student Affairs & Diversity from Binghamton University. While attending UCLA, Canals served as a Research Assistant at Hungry Jackal Productions. In 2016 Canals was a staff writer on Freeform’s Dead of Summer, the same year his short film, Afuera, premiered at the LA Film Festival.

He made his TV directorial debut with the eighth episode of the second season ofPose titled “Revelations.”

Eva Longoria Developing Latinx Family Drama “Chicano,” Based on Richard Vasquez’s Novel, for ABC

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Longoria’s hoping to bring the Chicano story and struggle to the small screen.

The 45-year-old Mexican American actress and former Desperate Housewives star has joined forces with Natalie Chaidez and Forest Whitaker to develop the family drama Chicano, inspired by Richard Vasquez’s novel of the same name, for ABC.

Written by Chaidez, known for her work on 12 Monkeys, Hunters and The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the drama is a multi-generational saga about the Sandovals, a Mexican-American family that immigrates to Los Angeles in pursuit of the American Dream.

It will follow the struggles and triumphs of the Sandoval family from 1920 through present and explores the question of what it means to be American.

20th Century Fox Television is the studio on the project, which is being produced in association with Longoria and Ben Spector’s UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions.

ABC has handed the project a script and additional development material plus penalty commitment. Chaidez, Longoria, Spector, Whitaker, Yang Bongiovi serve as executive producers.

It’s the latest ABC project for UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which is currently under a deal at 20th Century Fox Studios Television. The company previously produced Grand Hotel.

Development of the project began with one of the executive producers, Doug Pray, working with Sylvia Vasquez, daughter of Chicano author Richard Vasquez, while Chaidez is a third generation Mexican-American whose own family’s immigration journey closely parallels the story told in Chicano.

“Chicano is just the first of many projects that we expect from Eva and Ben as we look to ramp up our slate of Latinx programming. As part of our studio family, they are valuable partners in helping us expand our commitment to compelling stories for underrepresented communities,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “With Forest, Nina, Natalie and Doug also at the helm of this project, we know we have the perfect powerhouse team to bring this Mexican-American family’s story to life and cultivate the next generation of Latinx storytelling.”

Steven Canals Developing Gay Rights-Themed Limited Series “81 Words” for FX

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Steven Canals is ready to spread the Words…

FX is developing the limited series 81 Words,from the 39-year-old Afro-Puerto Rican screenwriter, producer and Pose co-creator, Pal Pictures and 20th Century Fox Television.

Written by Canals, the series centers on gay rights pioneers Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings.

It’s based on Alix Spiegel’s award-winning This American Life episode, “81 Words” and the soon-to-be-released PBS documentary Cured,directed by Bennett Singer and Patrick Sammon.

Until 1974, the medical establishment considered gay people sexually deviant and diagnosed them as mentally ill.

81 Words tells the true story of gay activists Kameny an Gittings, who risked their careers and reputations to conspire with the GAYPA – a clandestine group of closeted psychiatrists – and challenge the American Psychiatric Association’s definition of homosexuality.

Canals will executive- produce the project via his Story Ave. Productions.

Canals is the co-creator and executive producer, alongside Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, of the Emmy– and Golden Globe-nominated and Peabody Award-winning drama series Pose.

The series, named one of the Best TV Programs of the Year by the American Film Institute in 2018 and 2019, will return for its third season in 2021.

Canals was a staff writer on Freeform’s Dead of Summer and made his television directorial debut with the eighth episode of the second season of Pose titled “Revelations.”

James Roday Rodriguez Developing “Good Serial” Series at 20th Century Fox Television

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

James Roday Rodriguez is feelin’ Good…

The 44-year-old Mexican American actor and Psych star, who recently changed his stage name, has teamed up with frequent collaborator Todd Harthan on Good Serial, a darkly twisted, genre mashing comedy project.

It has been set up at 20th Century Fox Television, where The Resident showrunner Harthan is under an overall deal.

Written by Roday Rodriguez and Harthan, Good Serial is centered on a trio of roommates, bonded by tragedy, who become vigilantes serving cold dishes of revenge in the spirit of Dexter and Three’s Company.

As a writing team, Roday Rodriguez and Harthan, previously collaborated on the feature films Gravy(2015), directed by Roday Rodriguez, and Skinwalkers (2006) as well as the Treehouse episode of Hulu’s Into the Dark anthology (also directed by Roday Rodriguez).

Additionally, Roday Rodriguez and Harthan worked together on the long-running USA Network dramedy series Psych, starring and produced by Roday Rodriguez, where the duo wrote multiple horror-themed episodes over the four seasons Hartahan worked on the show as consulting producer and co-executive producer.

“Todd and I have been horror hounds since we were kids. The genre feels more fluid than ever and this was an opportunity to take another unorthodox swing,” Roday Rodriguez said.

Roday Rodriguez stars in the ABC drama A Million Little Thingsfor 20th Century Television sibling ABC Studios and in Peacock’s Psych 2: Lassie Come Home, which he also co-wrote and executive-produced. He also has directed multiple episodes of The Resident.

Hulu Releases Official Trailer for Michael Cimino’s “Love, Victor” Series

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Here’s a first look at Michael Cimino’s Love project…

Hulu has released the official trailer for Love, Victor, its upcoming Young Adult (YA) series, starring the half-Puerto Rican actor in the lead role.

The dramedy is set in the world of the 2018 groundbreaking film Love, Simon.

Inspired by Becky Albertalli’s novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,the series follows Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city and exploring his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school.

Cimino stars alongside Ana Ortiz, James Martinez,Isabella Ferreira, Mateo Fernandez, Rachel Naomi Hilson, Bebe Wood, George Sear, Anthony Turpel and Mason Gooding.

Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger. 20th Century Fox Television serves as the studio.

Love, Victor will premiere with all 10 episodes on June 19 on Hulu.

Hulu to Stream Michael Cimino’s LGBTQ-Themed Series “Love, Victor”

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Michael Cimino’s Love is headed to Hulu…

Love, Victor, starring the half-Puerto Rican actor, is moving from Disney+ to the Disney-controlled Hulu streaming service. It will debut in June, during LGBTQ Pride month.

The half-hour comedy, inspired by the acclaimed film Love, Simon, has been re-titled Love, Victor after its protagonist.

The series, from This Is Us executive producers/co-showrunners Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, who wrote the film, and 20th Century Fox Television, just wrapped production on its 10-episode first season.

Hulu appears bullish on the show and has already commissioned a writers’ room to start exploring stories for a possible second season.

Hailed for its LGBTQ inclusivity, the 2018 Love, Simon,based on Becky Albertalli’s young adult novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, is a coming-of-age film about Simon, a closeted gay teen growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta.

The series centers on Victor (Cimino), a new student at Creekwood High School, the high school featured in the movie, on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation.

Love, Victor’s move from Disney+ to Hulu mirrors a similar relocation from Disney+ to Hulu of another series based on a movie, High Fidelity, headlined by Zoë Kravitz.

Both involve realistic portrayal of issues faced by young adults that may not be appropriate for families to watch with their young kids, something that has become imperative for a Disney+ program.

Love, Victordepicts alcohol use, parents’ marital issues and sexual exploration. At Hulu, it will join several other comedic series with drama elements about teens in high school, including fellow Hulu originals PEN15 and Looking For Alaskaand Freeform’s Grown-ish,which streams on Hulu.

Michael Cimino to Star in Disney Plus’ TV Series Adaptation of the Film “Love, Simon”

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Simon says Michael Ciminohas found a new Love…

The half-Puerto Rican actor Cimino has been cast as Victor in Disney Plus television series adaptation of the film Love, Simon.

“Love, Simonis a powerful story embraced by critics and audiences alike for its universal messages of authenticity, love, and acceptance,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president of content for Disney Plus. “We are honored to partner with the talented team at 20th Century Fox Televisionto bring this new chapter of a beloved story to Disney+, continuing the personal and uplifting narrative that captivated fans of the original film.”

Cimino’s character Victor is a new student at Creekwood High School on his own journey of self-discovery, facing challenges at home, adjusting to a new city, and struggling with his sexual orientation. When it all seems too much, he reaches out to Simon to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school.

Cimino joins previously announced cast member Ana Ortiz, who will play Victor’s mother Isabel. Nick Robinson, who starred in the film, will narrate the half-hour series in addition to serving as producer.

The cast will also include: James Martinezas Armando, Victor’s regular blue collar “guy’s guy” father who loves his family deeply and works hard for his family; Isabella Ferreiraas Pilar, Victor’s sullen younger sister in the throes of teenage angst; Mateo Fernandezwill make his acting debut as Adrian, Victor’s adorable, good-natured little brother; Johnny Sequoyahas Mia, Victor’s whip-smart friend with a quick wit and easy laugh; Bebe Woodas Lake, Mia’s quirky and social media-obsessed best friend; George Searas Benji, Victor’s confident and charming classmate; Anthony Turpelas Felix, Victor’s lanky, awkward new neighbor; and Mason Goodingas Andrew, Creekwood’s cocky and popular basketball-loving jock.

Cimino’s previous credits include the film Annabelle Comes Homeand the Training Daytelevision series at CBS.

The series is set to begin production this month in Los Angeles.

Greg Berlantidirected the 2018 film, which was based on Becky Albertali’s novel of the same name. He’s not involved in the TV adaptation because of his massive overall TV deal with Warner Bros.The film, produced by the now-shuttered label Fox 2000, was produced for $17 million, earning nearly $67 million worldwide.

Mariah Carey Writes & Performs Theme Song for ABC’s “black-ish” Spinoff “mixed-ish”

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is Mix’ingthings up…

The 49-year-old half-Venezuelan American five-time Grammy-winning singer has been tapped to write and perform the theme song for ABC’s new black-ish spinoff mixed-ish.

Titled “In the Mix”, the track is written by Carey and produced by Carey and Daniel Moore. Sung by Carey, the new theme song will be heard when the series premieres on Tuesday, September 24 at 9:00 pm ET on ABC.

“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, black-ish and grown-ish, I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” said Carey. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of mixed-ish, especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”

ABC’s mixed-ish will follow Rainbow Johnson as she recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the dilemmas they face to acclimate in the suburbs while staying true to themselves. Bow’s parents, Paul and Alicia, decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents struggle with the challenges of their new life, Bow and her siblings navigate a mainstream school in which they’re perceived as neither black nor white. This family’s experiences illuminate the challenges of finding one’s own identity when the rest of the world can’t decide where you belong.

The series stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Paul Johnson, Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Christina Anthony as Denise, Arica Himmel as Bow Johnson, Ethan William Childress as Johan Johnson, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Santamonica Johnson and Gary Cole as Harrison.

Karin Gist, Peter Saji and Barris are writers and executive producers, along with Tracee Ellis Ross, Randall Winston, Artists First (Brian Dobbins), Cinema Gypsy (Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland) and Anthony Anderson.

Anton Cropperdirected the pilot. The series is produced by ABC Studios, a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: 20th Century Fox Television