Disney+ Gives Green Light to Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s Drama Series “Afterlife with Archie”

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is preparing for the afterlife

Disney+ has given the green light to Afterlife with Archie, an hourlong drama series based on the best-selling Archie comic book series by the 52-year-old Nicaraguan American playwright, screenwriter and comic book writer and Francesco Francavilla.

Roberto Aguirre-SacasaIt’ll have a Halloween 2027 premiere on the streamer.

The order comes nine months after the project landed at Disney+ with a big script-to-series commitment.

Afterlife with Archie comes from the same auspices as the CW’Riverdale and Netflix’Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: writer Aguirre-Sacasa, Greg Berlanti‘s Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television where Aguirre-Sacasa and Berlanti are under overall deals.

Penned by Aguirre-Sacasa based on the Archie Comics characters, Afterlife with Archie turns the all-American town of Riverdale into a zombie-overrun apocalypse — where the only thing scarier than the undead is trying to survive your teenage years. When a supernatural spell from a certain teen-witch backfires, unleashing an army of the possessed dead upon Riverdale, Archie and his friends must fight to stay alive, testing the friendships, romances, and loyalties that have always held them together.

Afterlife with Archie is executive produced by Aguirre-Sacasa and Jimmy Gibbons via Muckle Man; Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman via Berlanti Productions; and Jon Goldwater via Archie Comics Studios.

Afterlife with Archie has always been about more than just zombies — it’s about the friendships, loyalty and humanity that make Riverdale worth fighting for,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “Roberto, Greg, Sarah and Jon have such a deep appreciation for these characters, and they’ve built something that’s equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. Fans are going to fall hard for this new version of the gang … and maybe scream a little too.”

This is Aguirre-Sacasa, Berlanti Prods. and Warner Bros. TV’s third live-action Archie Comics series adaptation — and the first to launch on the outlet it was originally sold to. Riverdale was initially set up at Fox before moving to theCWChilling Adventures of Sabrina started at the CW before relocating to Netflix. Riverdale spawned a short-lived spinoff series on the CW, Katy Keene.

Afterlife with Archie also marks Warner Bros. TV’s first series for Disney+, which has been increasingly opening up its slate to outside studios.

“The world of ‘Archie’ and Riverdale is the gift that keeps on giving,” said Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks. “To bring Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s incredible story to life with our partners at Berlanti Productions, ArchieComics and Disney+ is a thrill for all of us at WBTVG.”

Aguirre-Sacasa, a film, TV and comic book writer, had written Archie Comics’ two best-selling horror series, Afterlife With Archie and Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, when he was named the publisher’s Chief Creative Officer in March 2014. Twelve years later, he continues in his role while also expanding his TV footprint — and the Archie TV universe which launched with the 2017 Riverdale. 

“This was the comic book that started it all. Before there was a Riverdale, before there was a Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, there was Afterlife with Archie, which I collaborated on with the best horror artist in the business, Francesco Francavilla,” Aguirre-Sacasa said. “Getting to turn Afterlife into a TV series for the amazing team at Disney+ with our incredible partners at Berlanti Productions, WB and, of course, Jon (Goldwater) and his Archie family is truly a full-circle moment — and the ultimate dream project for me. Time to say a prayer for Archie, Betty, Veronica and the whole gang, ‘cause THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING!!!!”

Berlanti Prods. and WBTV also have the upcoming Scooby-Doo! live-action series at Netflix, the HBO drama pilot How To Survive Without MeStillwater, based on the Skybound comic books, which has a series commitment at Amazon, as well as All American, which just launched its eighth and final season on the CW.

“We are so happy to reunite with Roberto on this exciting series that takes us back into the Riverdale world that we so love, and we are thankful to Disney+ and WBTV for giving us the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite characters in a unique and thrilling way,” Berlanti and Schechter said. “A special thank you to Jon Goldwater for letting us continue to play within the beloved ‘Archie’ universe and trusting us to bring Archie’s various stories to life.”

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton to Compete on Season 5 of “Celebrity Name That Tune”

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton is ready to test her music skills.

Fox has unveiled the complete list of stars taking part in Celebrity Name That Tune Season 5, with the 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian American actress, singer and television personality among the competitors.

Adrienne HoughtonThe competition show premieres on Monday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.

The hour-long game show tests contestants’ music knowledge as they battle it out in an assortment of challenging musical games for a chance to win over $100,000.

Jane Krakowski hosts the game show with former American Idol judge Randy Jackson serving as band leader. Each episode of Celebrity Name That Tune is comprised of two stand-alone half-hour contests, each pitting two players—either celebrity or civilian pairings—against each other as they test their knowledge of songs, performed by the live band.

Each contest features a rotating variety of games from the original format, before the iconic Bid-a-Note round. The player with the most money at the end of Bid-a-Note wins the game and takes his or her bank into the Golden Medley bonus round, for a chance to win additional cash and potentially the life-changing $100,000 grand prize. The celebrity contestants compete for their chosen charities in each episode.

In addition to Bailon-Hougho, who will be playing for Birthfund, the other stars of Season 5 include Modern Family alums Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Pronoun” Nick Leung) and Ariel Winter (SOSA).

Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna (St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital) and Comedian Matteo Lane (Doctors Without Borders) will be featured in the same episode.

Other celebrities that will take part in Season 5 include Actress Aisha Tyler (Planned Parenthood), Actress Mira Sorvino (UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons), Lil Jon (Pencils for Promise), Chord Overstreet (A Sense of Home), Omar Epps (The Creative Coalition), Kal Penn (World Central Kitchen), Chris Harrison (Experience Camps), Emily Osment (Project Angel Food), Nia Vardalos (Hope 4 Kids), Jillian Michaels (ASPCA), Ron Funches (Next For Autism).

Former Real Housewives of New York City alum Sonja Morgan (The Trevor Project) and Project Runway mentor Christian Siriano (GLAAD) will also be part of the new season.

Other stars in the game show include Debi Mazar (World Central Kitchen), Reggie Watts (Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund), Rob Riggle (Riggle Foundation), Finesse Mitchell (Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation), Torrey Devitto (SafeBae) and Craig Robinson (Saint Leonard’s Ministries).

Celebrity Name That Tune is produced by Fox Entertainment Studios, Prestige Entertainment and BiggerStage.

Cree Cicchino to Star in Fox‘s Upcoming Medical Comedy “Best Medicine”

Cree Cicchino is landed the best role…

The 23-year-old half-Ecuadorian American actress will star as a series regular in Fox‘s upcoming medical comedy Best Medicine.

Cree CicchinoThe actress joins previously announced series stars Josh Charles, Abigail Spencer, Annie Potts and Josh Segarra.

The one-hour show was originally announced in May and serves as an American adaptation of the popular British series Doc Martin.

The official description of the show states:

“The series centers on Martin Best (Charles), a brilliant surgeon who abruptly leaves his illustrious career in Boston to become the general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent summers as a child. Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, especially local school teacher Louisa Glasson (Spencer), however tenacity is the creed of everyone in their small village, and the people who live there may be exactly what the doctor ordered.”

Cree will play Elaine Denham. The character is described as “adorable, energetic, ambitious with enormous dreams — she’s getting out of this two-bit town as soon as possible. Elaine is somehow incredibly charming while being completely inept at her job, too busy hatching schemes on how to become a YouTube star. She is clueless on why Martin is always so upset with her. Her energy is upbeat, positive, basically the opposite of Martin.”

The character of Elaine was played by Lucy Punch in the original series.

Cree is best known for her starring role in the 2024 film adaptation of the John Green novel Turtles All the Way Down.

Her other credits include shows like And Just Like That, Big Sky and Mr. Iglesias.

She recently wrapped up on the production of the play One of the Good Ones at the Old Globe Theatre.

Mel Rodriguez Signs with Innovative Artists Entertainment for Representation

Mel Rodriguez is ready to innovate

The 51-year-old Cuban American actor has signed with Innovative Artists Entertainment for representation in all areas.

Mel Rodriguez,Most recently, Rodriguez was seen recurring on Shonda RhimesNetflix series The Residence as White House engineer Bruce Geller, a deceptively central figure in the show’s murder mystery.

The actor is perhaps best known for his role as Todd on Fox’s Emmy-nominated comedy The Last Man on Earth, which ran for four seasons.

Rodriguez first came to prominence for his Critics Choice-nominated performance on HBO’s Getting On, alongside Laurie Metcalf and Niecy Nash. He was a series regular on the Netflix animated series Carol & The End of the World, as well as Showtime’s On Becoming a God in Central Florida, and appeared as Marco Pasternak on AMC’s Better Call Saul.

In film, Rodriguez’s credits include MGM/UA’s Overboard, as well as Fat, writer-director Mark Phinney’s film in which he stars as Ken, a food-addicted man struggling with getting his life in order.

Jordana Brewster to Guest Star on CBS’ Drama Series “Elsbeth”

Jordana Brewster has landed a special guest-starring role…

The CBS drama series Elsbeth has added the 44-year-old half-Brazilian Panamanian actress to its growing list of guest stars for Season 2.

Jordana BrewsterNew episodes return on January 30 at 10 p.m.

Based on the character featured in The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the series follows Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston), the astute but unconventional consent decree attorney working with the NYPD to catch New York’s well-heeled murderers utilizing her unique point of view.

Brewster will play Chloe, a beautiful, elegant “lifestyle consultant,” usually found on the arms of the high rollers on billionaire’s row. Of course, one man’s “lifestyle consultant” is another man’s high-price escort. Chloe will do anything for her clients, even murder.

Elsbeth is produced by CBS Studios.

Brewster is best known for her portrayal of Mia Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise.

Her recent film credits include Simulant with Robbie Amell and Sam WorthingtonWho Invited Charlie? with Adam Pally and Cellar Door with Laurence Fishburne.

Her next project is Heart Eyes, which will be released next month.

Her television credits include Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story, Fox’s Lethal Weapon, TNT’s Dallas and ABC’s Secrets and Lies.

María Gabriela de Faría to Star in New Serial Killer Film “Romanticizing Monsters”

María Gabriela de Faría has landed a monster(s) of a role…

The 31-year-old Venezuelan actress and singer, who was recently tapped to play villain The Engineer in Warner Bros/DC’s Superman, will play the lead in Romanticizing Monsters, a new serial killer film from director Berkley Brady.

María Gabriela de FaríaThe film centers around de Faría’s character, Amelia Velez, a reporter and true crime podcaster investigating a series of missing person cases linked to an active serial killer that her boss and the police don’t believe exists.

With Justin Kelly and Katisha Shaw aboard to produce, the project is set to participate in the Frontières International Co Productions Market at Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal later today. Nicole Hilliard-Forde and Matthew Lessall are overseeing casting.

Soon to wrap her role in James Gunn’s Superman, the first title in a revamped DC slate, which is slated for release on July 11, 2025, de Faría will next be seen starring alongside Dylan Sprouse in the comedy The Duel, which Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment are releasing in theaters at the end of July.

Prior to Superman, de Faría was best known for a lead role in Lionsgate’s The Exorcism of God, a supernatural horror film co-written and directed by Alejandro Hidalgo, which was released through Saban Films after world premiering at Fantastic Fest.

In addition to the indie drama R#J, a modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the actress has also been seen on Fox’s Animal Control and The Moodys and Syfy’s Deadly Class.

Danny Pino to Star in FOX‘s Anthology Crime Series “Accused”

Danny Pino is among the accused

The 50-year-old Cuban American actor will star in FOX‘s anthology crime series Accused for Season 2.

Danny PinoPino is among a roster of new cast additions that includes Taylor Schilling and Justin Chambers.

New episodes will drop this fall.

They join the previously announced actors Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Nick Cannon and Michael Chiklis.

The project reunites Pino and Chiklis who most recently co-starred in the MGM+ series Hotel Cocaine.

From FOX Entertainment and Sony Pictures TelevisionAccused is a collection of intense, topical human stories of crime and punishment. Told from the defendant’s point of view through flashbacks, each episode is a fast-paced provocative thriller, exploring a different crime, in a different city with an entirely original cast.

The series is based on the BBC BAFTA Award-winning crime anthology of the same name created by Jimmy McGovern.

Schilling, Chambers and Pino will star in “April’s Story” where a nurse commits a crime that changes the trajectory of her life. Schilling will play ‘April,’ Chambers will play ‘Tyler’ and Pino will play ‘Jake.’

Accused is developed for American television by Howard Gordon, who executive produces with Alex Gansa, David Shore, Erin Gunn and Daniel Pearle.

Pino currently stars as the general manager of the Mutiny Hotel and Club, Roman Compte, in the MGM+ series, Hotel Cocaine.

Before that, he completed his run in the fifth and final season of FX’s Mayans M.C., where he starred as “Miguel Galindo” and directed two episodes.

Additionally, he played opposite Amy Adams in Stephen Chbosky’s film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen and portrayed NYPD detective Nick Amaro in four seasons of Law & Order: SVU.

Pino also recently completed the short film, Unión De Reyes, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in.

Daphne Zuniga Helps Launch “Still the Place,” a Rewatch Podcast of Fox’s “Melrose Place”

Daphne Zuniga is ready to help you rewatch her classic television series…

As a Melrose Place reboot is in the works at CBS, the original series is getting a new audio boost featuring the 61-year-old half-Guatemalan American actress.

Daphne ZunigaZuniga and two of the show’s other original stars, Laura Leighton and Courtney Thorne-Smith, are launching a rewatch podcast of the Fox drama.

Still The Place launched today, on the 32nd anniversary of the show’s launch. It comes from iHeartPodcasts.

Leighton, who played Sydney Andrews, Thorne-Smith, who played Alison Parker and Zuniga, who played Jo Reynolds will dissect each episode from the very beginning, share behind-the-scenes stories and interview special guests from the original cast and crew.

It comes after news in April revealed that a reboot featuring Leighton and Zuniga, as well as Heather Locklear, was in the works at CBS Studios and was being shopped to networks and streamers.

The reboot is being written by Lauren Gussis and will pick up years after the original series, created by Darren Star.

Locklear, Leighton and Zuniga, reprised their roles in guest starring appearances on The CW revival in 2009, which revolved around a new group of 20-30-somethings living on Melrose Place. The new reboot is expected to draw from the original series and not the follow-up where Leighton’s character was murdered.

Jordana Brewster to Star in Spyglass‘ Original Horror Rom-Com “Heart Eyes”

Jordana Brewster has set her sight(s) on a new role…

The 44-year-old half-Brazilian Panamanian actress will star opposite Devon Sawa in Spyglass‘ original horror rom-com, Heart Eyes, which is currently in production in New Zealand.

Jordana BrewsterThey join previously announced cast members Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding..

The Josh Ruben-directed, Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy-written feature follows a pair of co-workers in Seattle who are pulling overtime on Valentine’s Day. When the Heart Eyes Killer strikes, they’re mistaken for a couple by the elusive couple-hunting killer. The duo are forced to spend the most romantic night of the year running for their lives.

Republic Pictures picked up distribution rights to Heart Eyes excluding the U.S. and Canada.

The cast also includes Gigi Zumbado. Zumbado’s previous credits include Kenya Barris’ multi-cam comedy Unrelated and recurring roles on ABC’s Promised Land and Fox’s 9-1-1.

Zumbado stars opposite Emile Hirsch and Stephen Dorff in the indie feature The Price We Pay.

Brewster has starred in the $6 billion plus grossing Fast & Furious franchise as Mia Torretto.

Her feature credits include Simulant alongside Sam Worthington and Simu Liu, the horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, the cult classic D.E.B.S., the sci-fi horror The Faculty, the drama The Invisible Circus, The Integrity of Joseph Chambers, Hooking Up, Random Acts of Violence, North of Hell, American Heist, Annapolis and Who Invited Charlie?

She can next be seen in the feature film Cellar Door.

Sony Pictures Television Extends’s Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz’s Overall Development Deal

Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz is getting an extension…

Sony Pictures Television has extended the Latina comedy writer and showrunner’s overall deal, per Deadline.

Brigitte Muñoz-LiebowitzUnder the new two-year pact, Muñoz-Liebowitz will continue to develop scripted comedy series across cable and streaming as well as the possibility of exploring a drama, which is where she began her career.

Most recently, she served as showrunner of The Gordita Chronicles, created by Claudia Forestieri, which is currently streaming on Hulu and Tubi.

Before that, she was co-executive producer of the critically acclaimed comedy One Day at a Time for Sony Pictures Television and co-executive producer on the Max comedy anthology series Love Life, starring Anna Kendrick and William Jackson Harper.

She recently wrote and directed the short film Some of US Watch The Sunset, Too.

Muñoz-Liebowitz started her career as a writer on the Fox/NBC series Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Her other TV credits include co-executive producer on the Disney+ comedy Diary of a Future President for CBS Studios, supervising producer on the NBC comedy Abby’s for Universal Television, and supervising producer on TBS’ People of Earth with Greg Daniels and Warner Horizon. She has also developed for Hulu with Berlanti Prods./WBTV and CBS/CBS Studios.

Muñoz-Liebowitz is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and has a Masters in Producing from Columbia University School of the Arts. At Columbia, she developed and produced the short film Cigarette Candy, which won the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW.