Judy Reyes to Star in ABC’s Character-Based Procedural Drama Pilot “HPI (High Intellectual Potential)”

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Judy Reyes is reaching new potential…

The 55-year-old Dominican American actress and former Scrubs star has landed a series regular role opposite Kaitlin Olson and Daniel Sunjata in ABC’s character-based procedural drama pilot based on TF1’s popular detective series HPI (High Intellectual Potential).

The project hails from top TV and film writer Drew Goddard and ABC Signature, where Goddard and his Goddard Textiles are based.

Written by Goddard, the untitled HPI remake centers on Morgan (Olson), a single mom with three kids and an exceptional mind who helps solve an unsolvable crime when she rearranges some evidence during her shift as a cleaner for the police department. When they discover she has a knack for putting things in order because of her high intellectual potential she is brought on as a consultant to work with a by-the-book seasoned detective, Karadec (Sunjata), and together they form an unusual and unstoppable team.

Reyes will play Selena Soto.

In addition to Olson and Sunjata, series regular cast also includes Javicia Leslie as Daphne and Deniz Akdeniz as Lev “Oz” Osman.

In the original French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI), created by Alice Chegaray-Breugnot, Stéphane Carrié and Nicolas Jean, the leads were played by Audrey Fleurot and Mehdi Nebbou.

Goddard and Sarah Esberg executive produce the ABC adaptation for Goddard Textiles; Rob Thomas, who serves as showrunner, and Dan Etheridge for Spondoolie Productions; and Pierre Laugier and Anthony Lancret for Itinéraire Productions, a UGC company. Alethea Jones is director and executive producer. Olson serves as producer.

Known for her work on Scrubs, Devious Maids and Claws, Reyes was recently seen in Birth/Rebirth, the AMC/Shutter film that premiered this year at Sundance.

Up next, Reyes can be seen in recurring roles in Season 2 of the Peacock anthology series Dr. Death and in Amazon’s The Horror of Dolores Roach.

On the film side, she’ll next be seen in a lead role in New Line’s Turtles All The Way Down for HBO Max. Most recently, she starred on the big screen in Paramount’s Smile.

Judy Reyes to Appear on Season Two of Peacock’s “Dr. Death”

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Judy Reyes is embracing death…

The 55-year-old Dominican American actress and former Scrubs star will appear on Peacock’s Dr. Death in a recurring role.

Reyes joins a roster of new cast additions that includes Rita Volk, Jack Davenport (Ten Percent), Annika Boras (Succession) and Sandra Andreis (Snabba Cash).

Season 2 of the anthology series will feature the “Miracle Man” storyline based on the most recent third season of the Wondery podcast.

Paolo Macchiarini, played by Edgar Ramirez, is a charming surgeon, renowned for his innovative operations that earn him the nickname “Miracle Man.” When investigative journalist Benita Alexander (Mandy Moore) approaches him for a story, the line between personal and professional begins to blur, changing her life forever. As she learns how far Paolo will go to protect his secrets, a group of doctors halfway across the world make shocking discoveries of their own that call everything about the “Miracle Man” into question.

Previously announced Season 2 cast also includes Luke Kirby, Ashley Madekwe and Gustaf Hammarsten.

Season one of Dr. Death, based on the first season of the hit Wondery podcast, explored the psyche of disgraced Texas Neurosurgeon, Dr. Christopher Duntsch (Joshua Jackson), who maimed or killed 33 out of 38 patients over his career. The series was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best Limited Series.

Season 2 hails from showrunner, writer, and executive producer Ashley Michel Hoban.

Reyes is known for her starring role as Carla in Scrubs, Zoila on ABC’s Devious Maids, and Quiet Ann on TNT’s Claws. On the film side, she’ll next be seen in a lead role in New Line’s Turtles All The Way Down for HBO Max.

Tatyana Ali Lands Recurring Role on Peacock’s “Bel-Air”

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Tatyana Ali is heading to Bel-Air…

The 43-year-old half-Afro-Panamanian actress and former The Fresh Prince of Bel Air star is joining the cast of Bel-Air.

Ali, who played Ashley Banks in The Fresh Prince, is set to recur as an English literature teacher in the second season of the Peacock reboot.

Ali joins stars Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks) and Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks) in the new, 10-episode season that kicks off on February 23 on Peacock.

Ali will play Mrs. Hughes, a teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley Banks (Akira Akbar).

Per the logline: Season two of Bel-Air picks up with Will at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he’s learned in Bel-Air and competes for control of his influence. He juggles this while navigating his home life with the Banks family and trying to rebuild the trust that was broken at the end of last season. We’ll see Will and Carlton’s brotherhood start to evolve as they grow closer, but still challenge each other about their differences. We’ll also see Hilary evolve as she becomes more of a boss in her influencer world and how that spills over into her relationship with Jazz, and also highlight the relatable struggles around Viv and Phil balancing marriage and family while trying to forge their own career paths and reconnect to the things that are important to them.

“In season two, the show will continue to find ways to push the envelope and feel refreshing and unique while also honoring the heart of the legacy series,” said Carla Banks Waddles, the new showrunner who took over for TJ Brady and Rasheed Newson in October. “Last season was very much about the introduction to the Banks family world, and this season we get to go deeper with some of the themes we touched on … What it truly means to be a family even when it’s challenging. We’ll also explore Will’s character beyond feeling like a fish-out-of-water. He’s now struggling to find a balance of maintaining his independence and his West Philly identity while also being open to new opportunities for himself in Bel-Air.”

Bel-Air is from Universal Television and Westbrook Studios.

Jenna Ortega To Serve as Presenter at This Week’s Golden Globes Awards Show

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jenna Ortega is preparing for an extra golden night…

The 20-year-old Puerto Rican and Mexican American actress will serve as a presenter at this year’s Golden Globes awards ceremony.

Ortega, who is a first-time nominee this year for her starring role in Netflix’s Wednesday, was among the latest list of presenters announced today.

But she isn’t the only Latinx talent to be added to the presenter’s list.

Harvey Guillén, who rose to acclaim in What We Do in The Shadows, and former Golden Globe-nominee Salma Hayek Pinault will also take the stage.

Other newly announced presenters include Jennifer Hudson, Claire Danes, Cole Hauser, Henry Golding, Hilary Swank, Glen Powell, Jay Ellis, Jennifer Coolidge, Letitia Wright, Mo Brings Plenty and Regina Hall.

Also participating on the telecast will be Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, offering a special message of peace which will be introduced by actor Sean Penn.

They join the previously announced presenters, which include Ana De Armas, Ana Gasteyer, Colman Domingo, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Natasha Lyonne, Niecy Nash-Betts, Quentin Tarantino, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tracy Morgan and Nicole Byer.

The Golden Globes are set to air live coast-to-coast on January. 10 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. PT/8:00-11:00 pm ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Jerrod Carmichael will host the ceremony, which will held at the Globes’ usual home, the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Calif.

Eddie Murphy will be the recipient of the 2023 Cecil B. DeMille Award. Ryan Murphy will receive the Carol Burnett Award.

Peacock Releases Trailer for “The Traitors” Competition Series Featuring Ryan Lochte

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Is Ryan Lochte a traitor or a faithful?

Peacock has released the trailer for the inaugural season of The Traitors, featuring the 37-year-old half-Cuban American swimmer and former Olympian.

The Traitors is based on a Dutch format and the U.S. version comes on the heels of the success of the BBC version, which concluded in December 2022.

Set in a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands, the show brings celebrities and civilians together to complete a series of challenges with the objective of earning a cash prize of up to $250,000.

The catch? Three of the contestants coined “the traitors” will devise a plan to steal the prize from the other contestants coined “the faithful.”

Peacock will drop all 10 episodes of the series on January 12.

The Traitors will feature reality stars and celebrity contestants including:

Arie Luyendyk Jr. (Bachelor/Bachelorette)
Brandi Glanville (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills)
Cirie Fields (Survivor)
Cody Calafiore (Big Brother)
Kate Chastain (Below Deck)
Kyle Cooke (Summer House)
Rachel Reilly (Big Brother)
Reza Farahan (Shahs of Sunset)
Ryan Lochte (Olympian)
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick (Survivor)

Civilians who will join the celebrities in alliances, deception, and even “murder” include:

Christian De La Torre (Veteran & Van Life Influencer) — Los Angeles, CA
Michael Davidson (DMV Office Manager) — Oneida, KY
Andie Thurmond (Director of Music Services) — Reno, NV
Quentin Jiles (Political Analyst) — Houston, TX
Shelbe Rodriguez (Public Affairs Manager) — Beaumont, TX
Geraldine Moreno (Actress) — North Hollywood, CA
Robert “Bam” Nieves (Tech Sales Executive) — Rye, NY
Anjelica Conti (Hair Stylist) — Staten Island, NY
Azra Valani (Yoga Instructor) — Los Angeles, CA
Amanda Clark (Emergency Room Nurse) — Carlisle, PA

Ana de Armas Among First Presenters Announced for Upcoming Golden Globe Awards

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ana de Armas is pretty for her golden hour…

The first string of presenters for the 80th Golden Globe Awards have been announced, with the 34-year-old Cuban and Spanish actress among those set to take the stage.

de Armas, who previously earned a Golden Globe nod for her breakout role in Knives Out, is up for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama this year for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez will also present at this year’s awards show.

The 31-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress made history when she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series Drama, becoming the first transgender actor to win a Golden Globe in the history of the awards.

Colman Domingo has also made the presenters list…

The 52-year-old Belizean-Guatemalan American actor and social justice activist is an Emmy Award winner for his performance on HBO’s Euphoria.

Others set to present Ana Gasteyer, Billy Porter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Natasha Lyonne, Nicole Byer, Niecy Nash-Betts, Quentin Tarantino and Tracy Morgan.

As the Hollywood Foreign Press Association looks to get back on its feet after weathering diversity controversies, it has been buzzed that personal reps wouldn’t allow their clients to get back on stage. However, as the HFPA has expanded its ranks with journalists of color, it appears that the industry is pivoting in its attitude toward the organization.

Jerrod Carmichael will host the ceremony airing live coast-to-coast on January 10 from 5-8 p.m. PT/8-11 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Produced by dick clark productions and Jesse Collins Entertainment in association with the HFPA, the Golden Globe Awards are viewed in more than 210 territories worldwide. Helen Hoehne is president of the HFPA. Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon will serve as executive producers.

Mario Lopez to Co-Host This Year’s Rose Parade

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Everything’s comin’ up roses for Mario Lopez.

The 49-year-old Mexican American actor/television personality will co-host NBC’s live broadcast of the 134th Rose Parade with Ana Gasteyer.

Lopez, who returns as co-host for the second consecutive year, and American Auto star Gasteyer will lead the network’s coverage of the annual event from 11:30-1:00 pm ET (8:30-10:00 am PT) on Monday, January 2 in Pasadena, CA.

The parade will also be livestreamed on Peacock.

This will be NBC’s 96th year broadcasting the Rose Parade, beginning on radio in 1927 and then televising the annual event beginning in 1954.

Former Arizona congresswoman and gun violence survivor and prevention advocate Gabby Giffords will serve as the 2023 Grand Marshal of the parade, which is themed “Turning the Corner.”

The parade begins with a B-2 Spirit flyover and features floral covered floats, performers, marching bands, equestrian teams and more.

The Rose Parade is produced by LX.TV, a production unit of the NBC Owned Television Stations.

Lopez, a two-time Emmy winner, is host of Access Hollywood and Access Daily with Mario & Kit. He’s known for his starring role on the hit teen series Saved By the Bell and appeared and produced two seasons of the Saved By The Bell reboot for NBC’s Peacock. Lopez, who is under an overall development deal with NBCUniversal, recently appeared on NBC’s This is Us and CW’s Jane the Virgin.

Wilmer Valderrama Developing Drama Series Based on Anthony Almojera’s Memoir “Riding the Lightning”

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Wilmer Valderrama is riding high…

The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor is developing a drama series alongside Eric I. Lu based on Anthony Almojera’s memoir Riding the Lightning: A Year in the Life of a New York City Paramedic.

CBS Studios is the studio.

Riding the Lightning will follow a veteran team of EMS workers in New York City grappling with life-or-death emergencies while welcoming an eager group of new recruits to their tight-knit unit.

Lu will serve as the writer and executive producer; Valderrama and Kaitlin Saltzman will executive produce through his WV Entertainment. Almojera will serve as a consultant on the project.

Lu will feel right at home working on a medical drama due to his four years working as a writer and producer on Fox’s The Resident. He joined the show in Season 2 and departed after the sixth season.

Valderrama is an actor and producer who’ll next reprise the role of Fez in Netflix’s That ’70s Show spinoff That ’90s Show. The series’ freshman season premieres on January 19. Projects under development include the straight-to-series drama Keep This to Yourself for Peacock/Telemundo and a reimagined Zorro series for Disney Branded Television.

Sierra Teller Ornelas Developing Comedy Series “Amigos” for NBC with Marcos Luevanos

Posted on December 11, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Sierra Teller Ornelas is in the friend(s) zone…

The part-Mexican American showrunner, screenwriter and filmmaker and Marcos Luevanos are developing the half-hour comedy Amigos for NBC.

Teller Ornelas and Luevanos will draw inspiration from their own lifelong friendship for the Universal Television-produced project.

Amigos is about a group of six Latine friends living in Los Angeles who lean and rag on each other as they find love, grow up and figure out what success means in 2022.

Ornelas and Luevanos will write and executive produce alongside Morgan Sackett.

Most recently, Ornelas was showrunner of the Peacock comedy series Rutherford Falls, which she co-created with Mike Schur and Ed Helms.

Previously, she was a co-executive producer on Loot for Apple TV+ and NBC’s Superstore where she worked for three seasons. She has previously written for Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Splitting Up Together, and Happy Endings.

Luevanos is currently a co-executive producer on the new NBC multicam Lopez vs. Lopez starring George Lopez and his daughter Mayan Lopez.

Previously, Luevanos spent three seasons on the Hulu/Disney+ series Love, Victor produced by Aptaker & Berger and worked on Gloria Calderon Kellett’s With Love, Rutherford Falls, Charmed, and Life In Pieces.

He also currently has a project in the works at 20th Television with Steven Canals executive producing.

NBC Orders Additional Nine Episodes of George Lopez’s “Lopez vs. Lopez”

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

There are more family laughs in George Lopez’s future…

NBC has ordered an additional nine episodes of its new hit comedy series Lopez vs. Lopez, starring the 61-year-old Mexican American comedian and actor and his daughter Mayan Lopez.

With the additional episodes, it brings the first season total to 22 episodes.

Lopez vs. Lopez, which comes from creator/showrunner Debby Wolfe, is a working-class family comedy about dysfunction, reconnection and all the pain and joy in between.

Starring George and Mayan, the comedy tells the story of a working-class old-school Latino who moves in with his modern Gen Z daughter as they rebuild their dysfunctional relationship one argument at a time. It’s old vs. new, father vs. daughter, Lopez vs. Lopez.

Selenis Leyva, Brice Gonzalez, Matt Shively and Al Madrigal also star.

The freshman series has the strongest English-dominant Hispanic index among the major four broadcast networks and is the No. 1 NBC comedy launch on Peacock, according to the network.

The show’s pilot episode is up to a 1.6 rating in the 18-49 demo and 7.6 million viewers on linear and digital viewing.

Wolfe executive produces with Bruce Helford, George Lopez, Michael Rotenberg, and Katie Newman.

Lopez vs Lopez is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Mohawk Productions, Travieso Productions, Mi Vida Loba and 3 Arts.

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