Chloe Bridges to Star in NBC Comedy Pilot “Non-Evil Twin”

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Chloe Bridges is twinning…

The 31-year-old half-Honduran American actress will star in the NBC comedy pilot Non-Evil Twin.

Bridges, who most recently starred in the short-lived series Maggie, will star opposite Dexter Darden, Robert Buckley, Amber Ruffin and Kenny Smith in the pilot.

The multi-camera pilot stars Ruffin playing the dual roles of twin sisters Angie and Amber. Angie is the ruthless CEO of AngieCorp, who is as heartless as she is rich. Angie instills fear in everyone she meets, except her caring sister, Amber, who only sees the good in her. Amber—a pushover when it comes to Angie—is forced to step in as the leader of AngieCorp, a Fortune 500 company, despite knowing little about business and even less about the way her sister has been running the corporation.

In addition to being the show’s star, Ruffin will also write and executive produce under her production banner, Straight to Cards, alongside Smith who will also serve as showrunner. Additionally, Kelly Park will direct and executive-produce.

Bridges plays Robin, the CEO of Dandee Sports Apparel and Angie’s (Ruffin) corporate nemesis. She’s a self-described woman of faith who’s a shark in the boardroom.

Bridges most recently co-starred on the Hulu comedy series Maggie. She previously appeared on Schooled, Insatiable, Daytime Divas and Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars. Bridges is most notably known for her role in Camp Rock 2, opposite the Jonas Brothers.

Her film roles include Game Over Man!, Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates and Final Girls.

Trailer Released for Season 2 of Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell,” Starring Mario Lopez

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mario Lopez is being saved again…

Peacock’s Saved by the Bell revival, starring the 48-year-old Mexican American actor, television and radio host, returns for Season 2 on November 24.

The premiere will reunite original castmates Lopez, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley-Lauren and Lark Voorhies.

All five appeared in the show’s debut season, though Voorhies’ Lisa Turtle was living in Paris at the time and connected with her old Bayside High chums via video chat.

Next season — made up of 10 episodes that run 30 minutes each — will also see the students as they prepare to compete in the Southern California School Spirit Competition. Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) is determined not to get sidetracked by “Bayside nonsense,” but when a cute new student is elected student council VP, she finds herself in way over her head.

Mac (Mitchell Hoog) sees the competition as a way to finally step out from his father’s shadow. Jamie (Belmont Cameli) leans on Lexi (Josie Totah) in the wake of his parents’ divorce while Lexi struggles to be a more understanding girlfriend; Aisha (AlyciaPascual-Peña) seeks a new outlet after football is canceled; DeVante (Dexter Darden) finds love with a rich Bayside girl, and Slater (Lopez) and a newly single Jessie (Berkley-Lauren) grow closer despite their tumultuous romantic past.

Dustin Diamond and Dennis Haskins are the only original cast members that didn’t appear in Season 1. Diamond, who was in talks to appear in Season 2, died of cancer in February.

Peacock Renews Mario Lopez’s “Saved By the Bell” Series Reimagining for Second Season

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mario Lopez is still being saved…

Peacock has ordered a 10-episode second season of the critically praised comedy Saved By the Bell, a reimagining of the classic NBC series starring the 47-year-old Mexican American actor and television personality.

“I’m thrilled that Saved By the Bell has been renewed. I’ve been blown away by all the love for the show and can’t wait to go back and make more episodes,” said writer and executive producer Tracey Wigfield. “Hopefully we stay on Peacock for many more seasons, and then in 30 years, somebody does a reboot of our reboot and invents the threeboot.”

The No. 1 show on the NBCUniversal streaming service is the second Peacock Original series to get a renewal. A.P. Bio, which originated on NBC, was renewed for its fourth season on the streaming service in December. Peacock picked up the comedy for a third season after it was canceled by NBC after two seasons.

In the reimagined series, when California governor Zack Morris gets into hot water for closing too many underfunded high schools, he proposes they send the affected students to the most well-funded schools in the state – including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the privileged Bayside kids (who never have a problem that can’t be solved in 22 minutes) a much-needed dose of reality.

Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Lopez star in the new series, reprising their roles as Jessie Spano and A.C. Slater, respectively. John Michael Higgins also stars as Principal Toddman alongside the new class featuring Belmont Cameli, Dexter Darden, Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Josie Totah and Haskiri Velazquez.

“Saved By the Bell brought a fresh and modern take to the beloved original series that resonated with viewers of all ages,” said Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Season 1 tackled topical, relevant issues with wit, heart, humor and just the right amount of nostalgia. And we look forward to bringing fans back to Bayside next season.”

Season 1 addressed many important topics such as race, inclusion, class and education. In the season finale, Daisy (Velazquez) stages a walkout in order to keep the Douglas High students at Bayside.

“We are immensely proud of Tracey’s innovative reimagining of Saved By the Bell for a new generation. The stories told in Season 1 are both authentic and meaningful, and are elevated by outstanding performances from our cast,” said Erin Underhill, President, Universal Television. “We are grateful to our partners at Peacock and the fans for their continued support of the series. We can’t wait to be back next semester at Bayside High – a place where all are welcome!”

Wigfield serves as writer and executive producer for the series alongside executive producer Franco Bario. Peter Engel also serves as executive producer. Saved By the Bell is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Peacock Releases Official Trailer for Mario Lopez’s “Saved by the Bell” Reboot

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Bells are ringing for Mario Lopez…

Peacock has released the official trailer for the Saved by the Bell reboot, starring the 47-year-old Mexican American actor and television personality.

The trailer for the NBC streaming platform’s original title gives Saved by the Bell fans, both new and original, a first look into the updated, quirky world of Bayside High.

The trailer kicks off with Alycia Pascual-Peña’s Aisha and Haskiri Velazquez’s Daisy in a school bus en route to the iconic television high school. But upon their first minutes at Bayside, they realize things are far from what they’re used to. “Why is everybody so rich?” asks Aisha as Mitchell Hoog’s Mac parks his red Corvette.

After getting a glimpse at the new members of the Bayside family, the trailer gives viewers a look at Lopez’s A.C. Slater and Elizabeth Berkley Lauren’s Jessie Spano.

“We all want these new kids to feel welcome. It’s not going to work unless we get to know them,” says Jessie.

Upon feeling alienated from her affluent peers, Daisy confronts the Bayside legacies, calling them out for their limited perspectives.

The trailer sees a return of the go-to grub spot The Max, as well as its quirky staff and regulars. The teaser also shows a collection of parties, performances and cast reunions only a true Bayside Tiger could love.

Saved by the Bell premieres on Peacock on November 25. Tracey Wigfield writes and executive produces alongside executive producers Franco Bario and Peter Engel. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, produces the series.

Peacock to Debut Mario Lopez’s “Saved By The Bell” Reboot in November

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Mario Lopez is being Saved this November…

Peacock has announced plans to launch the reboot of Saved By The Bell, starring the 46-year-old Mexican American actor, on November 25.

The Saved By the Bell reboot follows California Governor Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) who gets into trouble for the state’s many underfunded high schools and proposes they send affected students to California’s highest-performing schools. Thus enter the iconic Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the overprivileged Bayside kids a much-needed dose of reality.

Lopez will reprise his role as A.C. Slater, while Elizabeth Berkley will also reprise her role from the original series.

Also rounding out the reboot cast are Josie Totah, Dexter Darden, Haskiri Velazquez, Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Pena and Belmont Cameli.

Tracey Wigfield serves as writer and executive producer for the series, alongside executive producer Franco Bario. Peter Engel also serves as executive producer.

Saved By the Bell is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Melissa Fumero Taking Part in NBCUniversal’s New “The More You Know” Social Justice, Equality and Equity PSAs

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Melissa Fumero is helping people get in the know…

NBCUniversal will launch a new series of its popular The More You Know PSAs that tackle systemic racism and speak up for social justice, equality and equity, with the 38-year-old Cuban American actress and Brooklyn Nine-Nine star among the artists taking part.

Fumero joins a roster of NBC talent that includes Dulé Hill, James Roday Rodriguez and Kelly Clarkson, among others.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with social and racial justice organizations Fair Count, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP, the National Action Network and the National Urban League, and focuses on standing up against injustice, teaching children about equity, and the importance of voting and completing the census, especially for how it impacts the Black community and communities of color.

The campaign kicked off this week on NBC’s Today with a spot on teaching children about inclusion and acceptance. The campaign will be rolling out over the next few weeks, with spots now available on TheMoreYouKnow.com and YouTube.

The More You Know site also includes comprehensive resources and educational guides.

“For over 30 years, ‘The More You Know’ has sought to bring light to the nation’s most pressing social issues,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal, “and we hope this new iteration will continue to educate, encourage and inspire people of all ages to take an active role in improving the world we live in.”

In addition to Fumero, Hill, Roday Rodriguez and Clarkson, stars participating in the campaign include: Carlos Adyan (En Casa con Telemundo), Freema Agyeman (New Amsterdam), Notah Begay III (NBC Sports), Gizelle Bryant (The Real Housewives of Potomac), Kandi Burruss (The Real Housewives of Atlanta), Victor Cruz (E! News), Dexter Darden (Saved by the Bell), Ester Dean (Songland), Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam), Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster), Damon Hack (Golf Channel), Zuri Hall (Access Hollywood), Ana Jurka (“En Casa con Telemundo and Titulares y Más), Aneudy Lara (100 Días Para Enamorarnos), Howie Mandel (America’s Got Talent), Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: Organized Crime), Wendy Osefo (The Real Housewives of Potomac), Jeimy Osorio (Telemundo), Nina Parker (E! News’ Nightly Pop), Nichole Sakura (Superstore), Jocko Sims (New Amsterdam), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us”), Justin Sylvester (E! News’ Daily Pop), Elyfer Torres (Enemigo Íntimo) and Reno Wilson (Good Girls).

Haskiri Velazquez to Star in Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” Reboot

Posted on January 28, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Haskiri Velazquez has been saved…

The Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress has been cast as one of the leads in Peacock’s upcoming Saved by the Bell reboot, alongside Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Pena and Belmont Cameli.

They join previously announced original-series cast members Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopezand Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who are returning for the reboot, along with new leads Josie Totahand Dexter Darden.

In the new Saved by the Bell, California Governor Zack Morris (Gosselaar) gets into hot water for closing too many low-income high schools and proposes they send the affected students to the highest-performing schools in the state, including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the over-privileged Bayside kids a much-needed dose of reality.

Velazquez will play Daisy, a smart, ambitious sophomore who’s excited at the prospect of attending Bayside High after her local school gets shut down.

Hoog will portray Mac Morris, the handsome, charming, privileged son of Governor Zack Morris.

Pascual-Pena plays Aisha, Daisy’s fun-loving but ultracompetitive best friend. She grew up playing on boys’ sports teams and causes a stir when she tries to play football at Bayside.

Cameli plays Jamie Spano, captain of the Bayside football team and Jessie’s sensitive man-child son.

The original Saved by the Bell ran on NBC for four seasons from 1989-92. It starred Gosselaar as Zack Morris, the fulcrum of a group that included A.C. Slater (Lopez), Jessie Spano (Berkley), Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen), “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond), Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies) and Dennis Haskins as Principal Belding. A spinoff, Saved By the Bell: The College Years, ran one season in 1993-94.

The series is produced by Universal Televisionfor Peacock.

Velazquez’s most recent credits include the series regular role of Charlotte in Facebook Watch’s The Birch, the role of Rosa in the feature film The 40-Year-Old Version, which just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and the guest starring role of Melissa in Blue Bloods

Pascual-Pena recently wrapped filming as one of the leads in Amy Poehler’s Moxie for Netflix, which is set for release this summer.

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