Tag: Report From TCA

Here’s Why Danny Pudi Says He and Donald Glover Will Always Be ‘Troy and Abed’

There are few television friendships that rival that of “Community”s Troy Barnes (Donald Glover) and Abed Nadir’s (Danny Pudi) — an unlikely match that stole the hearts of fans everywhere from pretty much Episode 1.

Because it’s been over two years since the series wrapped (and three since Glover’s exit) and fans may be wondering if the actors are just as close as they appeared in the Dan Harmon-created series. Well, we were too, so TheWrap asked Pudi during the Television Critics Association press tour last week. And, as you may have guessed, the answer is yes.

“I mean we’re, you know, we’re brothers. We’ve gone through a very unique experience,” Pudi told TheWrap, laughing. “And an amazing experience. So I think we’ll always be tight because of that. You know?”

Also Read: Yes, Danny Pudi ‘Absolutely’ Still Wants to Do a ‘Community’ Movie

As for how he feels about his buddy’s professional milestones since “Community” ended, the “Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits and Monsters” actor couldn’t be happier.

“Yes [I did]! Yeah, yeah it’s a big deal,” Pudi said of congratulating Glover after he won both Best Actor and Best Director at the 2017 Emmys for the freshman season of his FX series “Atlanta.”

“And it’s incredible to see him, and others, like Alison [Brie], at the Golden Globes,” Pudi continued, giving a nod to another “Community” alum, who is currently starring in Netflix’s “GLOW.” “And other people just kind of move on and do different things. You know?”

Also Read: ‘Community’ Creator Dan Harmon Apologizes Again, Details Sexual Harassment of Show Writer

The series also starred Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Ken Jeong, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jim Rash and Chevy Chase.

“We’re still very tight — all of us, as a group,” Pudi said. “I think in some ways we’ll always be. Because we went through a very strange, wonderful, up and down process. And that really brings you together.

Oh, we hope they stay that way, since we’re holding out for the “movie” part of the fans’ “six seasons and a movie!” battle cry. But don’t worry, Pudi tells us he is too. You can read more about that here.

Also Read: Dan Harmon Apologizes for ‘Abusing My Position’ With Female ‘Community’ Writer

In case you’ve forgotten how amazing Troy and Abed’s friendship was, check out one of their classic “Community” scenes below.

“Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters” will premiere on truTV this summer.



Related stories from TheWrap:

Yes, Danny Pudi ‘Absolutely’ Still Wants to Do a ‘Community’ Movie

‘Community’ Creator Dan Harmon Apologizes Again, Details Sexual Harassment of Show Writer

Dan Harmon Apologizes for ‘Abusing My Position’ With Female ‘Community’ Writer

Dan Harmon on ‘Community’ Movie: Justin Lin and I Are ‘Trying’ to Make It Happen

There are few television friendships that rival that of “Community”s Troy Barnes (Donald Glover) and Abed Nadir’s (Danny Pudi) — an unlikely match that stole the hearts of fans everywhere from pretty much Episode 1.

Because it’s been over two years since the series wrapped (and three since Glover’s exit) and fans may be wondering if the actors are just as close as they appeared in the Dan Harmon-created series. Well, we were too, so TheWrap asked Pudi during the Television Critics Association press tour last week. And, as you may have guessed, the answer is yes.

“I mean we’re, you know, we’re brothers. We’ve gone through a very unique experience,” Pudi told TheWrap, laughing. “And an amazing experience. So I think we’ll always be tight because of that. You know?”

Also Read: Yes, Danny Pudi 'Absolutely' Still Wants to Do a 'Community' Movie

As for how he feels about his buddy’s professional milestones since “Community” ended, the “Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits and Monsters” actor couldn’t be happier.

“Yes [I did]! Yeah, yeah it’s a big deal,” Pudi said of congratulating Glover after he won both Best Actor and Best Director at the 2017 Emmys for the freshman season of his FX series “Atlanta.”

“And it’s incredible to see him, and others, like Alison [Brie], at the Golden Globes,” Pudi continued, giving a nod to another “Community” alum, who is currently starring in Netflix’s “GLOW.” “And other people just kind of move on and do different things. You know?”

Also Read: 'Community' Creator Dan Harmon Apologizes Again, Details Sexual Harassment of Show Writer

The series also starred Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Ken Jeong, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jim Rash and Chevy Chase.

“We’re still very tight — all of us, as a group,” Pudi said. “I think in some ways we’ll always be. Because we went through a very strange, wonderful, up and down process. And that really brings you together.

Oh, we hope they stay that way, since we’re holding out for the “movie” part of the fans’ “six seasons and a movie!” battle cry. But don’t worry, Pudi tells us he is too. You can read more about that here.

Also Read: Dan Harmon Apologizes for 'Abusing My Position' With Female 'Community' Writer

In case you’ve forgotten how amazing Troy and Abed’s friendship was, check out one of their classic “Community” scenes below.

“Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters” will premiere on truTV this summer.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Yes, Danny Pudi 'Absolutely' Still Wants to Do a 'Community' Movie

'Community' Creator Dan Harmon Apologizes Again, Details Sexual Harassment of Show Writer

Dan Harmon Apologizes for 'Abusing My Position' With Female 'Community' Writer

Dan Harmon on 'Community' Movie: Justin Lin and I Are 'Trying' to Make It Happen

18 Things We Learned at TCA 2018: Logan Paul’s Future, Joanna Gaines Dissed, and One Dead Cat

With all due respect to PBS’ second day of presentations in the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California, the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour has (mercifully) come to a close.

TheWrap sat through about 1,000 panels from what feels like 100 platforms over a legitimate 13 days (and attended probably a dozen parties, where we consumed [REDACTED] drinks). All told, we wrote roughly a million stories.

We can boil that down further though. In recognition of the new year, below are 18 things we learned from the first (of two) TCA of ’18.

Also Read: PBS Chief Says She Hopes Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, New #MeToo Series Will ‘Tee Up a Conversation’

Paige Davis Has a Different Design Sense Than Joanna Gaines
Don’t expect to see a bunch of shiplap on the revived “Trading Spaces”: Paige Davis isn’t a fan of Joanna Gaines’ (HGTV’s “Fixer Upper”) favorite wood siding. The TLC personality made her negative feelings on the trend known while occupying the stage, eliciting laughter from the folks that got that message loud and clear.

Also Read: Marcia Clark Says A&E Docuseries Uncovered New Evidence in Casey Anthony Case

“The Simpsons” Will Address “The Problem With Apu”
“The Simpsons” will address documentary film “The Problem with Apu” within “the context of the show,” Hank Azaria said.

“The idea that anybody, young or old, past or present, was bullied or teased or worse based on the character of Apu … it’s distressing,” the voice behind Indian immigrant Apu Nahasapeemapetilon said. “The idea that anybody was marginalized based on it or had a hard time was very upsetting to me personally and professionally.”

Also Read: ‘Supergirl’ Star Melissa Benoist on Fired Show Creator: ‘Major Disappointment’

Danny Pudi (Still) Wants to Do a “Community” Movie
Danny Pudi is still down to do a “Community” movie.

“Yes, absolutely,” Pudi told TheWrap. “I’ve told Dan [Harmon] multiple times — we have a text chain —  we’re ready for the movie! So yeah, absolutely.”

And Bobcat Goldthwait wants to direct.

Also Read: Harvey Weinstein Won’t Be in Credits for Paramount Network’s ‘Yellowstone,’ ‘Waco’

Why “Game of Thrones” Season 8 Has to Wait
It’s the special effects, man. Do you know how long those dragons take to come to life? HBO chief Casey Bloys does, and he gave us a rough idea here.

“Could we force them to do something — to come back early? I suppose we could force it,” he told us. But that’s just not how they roll.

Also Read: ‘Hard Sun’: How David Bowie Inspired Hulu’s Apocalypse Drama

Mira Sorvino Is Finally Busy
Mira Sorvino says Harvey Weinstein had her blacklisted after she rejected his advances — but her phone’s been ringing lately.

“I have to say the general atmosphere since those allegations came out, those revelations, there seems to be a lot of goodwill towards me in the entertainment business and I’ve been getting offers,” she told reporters.

Sorvino is starring on AT&T Audience Network’s “Condor” and just joined Season 3 of Sony Crackle’s “StartUp.”

Also Read: All 330 ‘ER’ Episodes Resuscitated by Hulu (Video)

Why Kelly Clarkson Chose “The Voice” over “Idol”
The honorable Kelly Clarkson wants all to rise. The first ever American Idol would rather be a coach than a judge, so choosing “The Voice” over the show that made her a star was a no-brainer.

Basically, she didn’t want to feel “sh—y” about herself, in Clarkson’s words.

Also Read: ‘Genius’ Showrunner: ‘Hopefully’ Next Season Will Feature Female Genius

Why “Rise” Turned a Gay Character Straight
NBC’s “Rise” is based on a true-life story of drama teacher Lou Volpe, a gay man, but when the drama premieres in March, the lead character played by Josh Radnor will be a straight man.

“We took [the book] as an inspiration, and then I really felt like I needed to make it my own story,” showrunner Jason Katims said. “With Lou’s family life and Lou’s family itself, there’s a lot of re-imagination. Not just in terms of gay or straight, but in terms of the family structure.”

Also Read: Logan Paul Still Has ‘Opportunity to Prove’ Himself to YouTube

Don’t Hold Your Breath for More “Twin Peaks”
Guys, it took David Lynch like 25 years to bring “Twin Peaks” to Showtime for a revived run. So don’t expect it to just be another year or two before he does it again.

Still: “The door at Showtime is always open for Mark [Frost, co-creator] and for David — for ‘Twin Peaks’ or anything else they want to talk about,” the premium-TV channel’s Gary Levine said.

Also Read: TLC’s ‘Trading Spaces’ Star Takes Shot at HGTV Darling Joanna Gaines

But How About More “Fargo”?
OK, this one is good news. More “Fargo” should hit FX in 2019, and Jon Landgraf seems pretty excited about Noah Hawley’s new (top secret) idea.

Also Read: ‘Portlandia’ Star Fred Armisen: Donald Trump Could Save Punk

What the Hell Is “Robbin’ Season”?
“Atlanta” Season 2 isn’t called “‘Atlanta’ Season 2.” We’ll explain. The sophomore run of Donald Glover’s FX comedy is officially titled “Atlanta Robbin’ Season.” Why? We’ll also explain that. Better yet, Stephen Glover can.

“Robbin’ Season, for most of you that I guess don’t know, is a time in Atlanta right before Christmastime and New Year’s,” the executive producer and writer said. “Basically, a bunch of crime happens in the city right during that time.”

Also Read: Watch a Baby Duck Try His First Flight on New Nat Geo Wild Show (Exclusive Video)

Furguson the Cat May Be a Goner
Someone’s gonna die on the final season of Fox’s “New Girl.” TheWrap may have uncovered that it’s Furguson, Winston’s (Lamorne Morris) beloved cat.

Sorry for the spoiler, and for the (probably) dead cat.

Also Read: ‘John Wick’ TV Spinoff Coming to Starz; Keanu Reeves Expected to Guest

Marcia Clark May Have Just Solved Casey Anthony Case
Marcia Clark was unsuccessful in prosecuting O.J. Simpson, but she may have just convicted Casey Anthony of murder. The A&E docuseries host says her show has uncovered some “pretty big” new evidence that points to Caylee Anthony’s mom in the young girl’s death.

Read the details here.

Also Read: That Time a ‘Playful’ Sperm Whale Nearly Killed a ‘Blue Planet II’ Cameraman

Logan Paul Could Still Return to YouTube
Logan Paul has been downgraded and suspended from YouTube — but it’s not a lifetime ban.

“Actions should speak louder than words,” YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl said. “Logan has the opportunity to prove that,” Kyncl says.

Also Read: Ryan Seacrest Tells Us About His Coffee Routine, Chronic Fatigue

Glenn Howerton’s Dennis Ain’t Dead Yet
One of the biggest ongoing dramas in sitcom-land is whether or not Glenn Howerton return to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

At TCA, Howerton said he “has not officially left” the FXX comedy, and that his “A.P. Bio” schedule would “absolutely” allow him to do both. You know, if he wants to.

Also Read: Jenna Fischer on ‘The Office’ Revival: ‘I Haven’t Been Approached’

Jimmi Simpson Is Returning to “Westworld” – And Maybe the USS Callister
Jimmi Simpson confirmed that he’ll be back on “Westworld” for Season 2, but we’ve got bigger fish to fry here: WILL THERE BE A “U.S.S CALLISTER” SPINOFF???!?

“I’ve heard little buzzes,” Simpson told reporters about a standalone series based on his popular “Black Mirror” episode. “But I don’t believe anything until I’m working on set. I would love it.”

Also Read: WWE Executives Update Us on Recently Arrested Superstar Rich Swann’s Status

“AHS” Is Heading to the Future for Season 8
“American Horror Story” is fast-forwarding a few decades into the future for Season 8. But no, we’re not going into outer space here.

Also Read: Roseanne Barr Says Her TV Character Supports Trump: ‘It’s Just Realistic’

Why Tatiana Maslany Was Recast on Ryan Murphy’s “Pose”
Here’s something you don’t hear very often in Hollywood: Tatiana Maslany wasn’t old enough to star on Ryan Murphy’s “Pose.”

“This show does have an element of shows that I grew up loving, like ‘Fame,’” Murphy said of recasting his show’s dance instructor. “We needed a Debbie Allen character, to be blunt. And that’s what we decided to do.”

Also Read: Why ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8 Has to Wait Until 2019 – HBO Boss Casey Bloys Explains

Why the “Grey’s Anatomy” Spinoff Still Doesn’t Have a Title
The untitled “Grey’s Anatomy” firefighter spinoff is still untitled. Um, why?

“Coming up with a title is one of the most challenging things that we do,” ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey told TheWrap.

Ironically, “Grey’s Anatomy” itself didn’t have a title almost until premiering.

Also Read: New Snapchat Scripted Original Content ‘Imminent,’ Content VP Says

See you in July.

Related stories from TheWrap:

‘For the People’ Cast on TV Workplace Romance in Post-Weinstein Era: It’s ‘Still Okay to Fall in Love’

Michael J Fox to Guest Star on 5 Episodes of ABC’s ‘Designated Survivor’

ABC’s ‘Deception’: Here’s the Actual Series Description

With all due respect to PBS’ second day of presentations in the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California, the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour has (mercifully) come to a close.

TheWrap sat through about 1,000 panels from what feels like 100 platforms over a legitimate 13 days (and attended probably a dozen parties, where we consumed [REDACTED] drinks). All told, we wrote roughly a million stories.

We can boil that down further though. In recognition of the new year, below are 18 things we learned from the first (of two) TCA of ’18.

Also Read: PBS Chief Says She Hopes Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, New #MeToo Series Will 'Tee Up a Conversation'

Paige Davis Has a Different Design Sense Than Joanna Gaines
Don’t expect to see a bunch of shiplap on the revived “Trading Spaces”: Paige Davis isn’t a fan of Joanna Gaines’ (HGTV’s “Fixer Upper”) favorite wood siding. The TLC personality made her negative feelings on the trend known while occupying the stage, eliciting laughter from the folks that got that message loud and clear.

Also Read: Marcia Clark Says A&E Docuseries Uncovered New Evidence in Casey Anthony Case

“The Simpsons” Will Address “The Problem With Apu”
“The Simpsons” will address documentary film “The Problem with Apu” within “the context of the show,” Hank Azaria said.

“The idea that anybody, young or old, past or present, was bullied or teased or worse based on the character of Apu … it’s distressing,” the voice behind Indian immigrant Apu Nahasapeemapetilon said. “The idea that anybody was marginalized based on it or had a hard time was very upsetting to me personally and professionally.”

Also Read: 'Supergirl' Star Melissa Benoist on Fired Show Creator: 'Major Disappointment'

Danny Pudi (Still) Wants to Do a “Community” Movie
Danny Pudi is still down to do a “Community” movie.

“Yes, absolutely,” Pudi told TheWrap. “I’ve told Dan [Harmon] multiple times — we have a text chain —  we’re ready for the movie! So yeah, absolutely.”

And Bobcat Goldthwait wants to direct.

Also Read: Harvey Weinstein Won't Be in Credits for Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone,' 'Waco'

Why “Game of Thrones” Season 8 Has to Wait
It’s the special effects, man. Do you know how long those dragons take to come to life? HBO chief Casey Bloys does, and he gave us a rough idea here.

“Could we force them to do something — to come back early? I suppose we could force it,” he told us. But that’s just not how they roll.

Also Read: 'Hard Sun': How David Bowie Inspired Hulu's Apocalypse Drama

Mira Sorvino Is Finally Busy
Mira Sorvino says Harvey Weinstein had her blacklisted after she rejected his advances — but her phone’s been ringing lately.

“I have to say the general atmosphere since those allegations came out, those revelations, there seems to be a lot of goodwill towards me in the entertainment business and I’ve been getting offers,” she told reporters.

Sorvino is starring on AT&T Audience Network’s “Condor” and just joined Season 3 of Sony Crackle’s “StartUp.”

Also Read: All 330 'ER' Episodes Resuscitated by Hulu (Video)

Why Kelly Clarkson Chose “The Voice” over “Idol”
The honorable Kelly Clarkson wants all to rise. The first ever American Idol would rather be a coach than a judge, so choosing “The Voice” over the show that made her a star was a no-brainer.

Basically, she didn’t want to feel “sh—y” about herself, in Clarkson’s words.

Also Read: 'Genius' Showrunner: 'Hopefully' Next Season Will Feature Female Genius

Why “Rise” Turned a Gay Character Straight
NBC’s “Rise” is based on a true-life story of drama teacher Lou Volpe, a gay man, but when the drama premieres in March, the lead character played by Josh Radnor will be a straight man.

“We took [the book] as an inspiration, and then I really felt like I needed to make it my own story,” showrunner Jason Katims said. “With Lou’s family life and Lou’s family itself, there’s a lot of re-imagination. Not just in terms of gay or straight, but in terms of the family structure.”

Also Read: Logan Paul Still Has 'Opportunity to Prove' Himself to YouTube

Don’t Hold Your Breath for More “Twin Peaks”
Guys, it took David Lynch like 25 years to bring “Twin Peaks” to Showtime for a revived run. So don’t expect it to just be another year or two before he does it again.

Still: “The door at Showtime is always open for Mark [Frost, co-creator] and for David — for ‘Twin Peaks’ or anything else they want to talk about,” the premium-TV channel’s Gary Levine said.

Also Read: TLC's 'Trading Spaces' Star Takes Shot at HGTV Darling Joanna Gaines

But How About More “Fargo”?
OK, this one is good news. More “Fargo” should hit FX in 2019, and Jon Landgraf seems pretty excited about Noah Hawley’s new (top secret) idea.

Also Read: 'Portlandia' Star Fred Armisen: Donald Trump Could Save Punk

What the Hell Is “Robbin’ Season”?
“Atlanta” Season 2 isn’t called “‘Atlanta’ Season 2.” We’ll explain. The sophomore run of Donald Glover’s FX comedy is officially titled “Atlanta Robbin’ Season.” Why? We’ll also explain that. Better yet, Stephen Glover can.

“Robbin’ Season, for most of you that I guess don’t know, is a time in Atlanta right before Christmastime and New Year’s,” the executive producer and writer said. “Basically, a bunch of crime happens in the city right during that time.”

Also Read: Watch a Baby Duck Try His First Flight on New Nat Geo Wild Show (Exclusive Video)

Furguson the Cat May Be a Goner
Someone’s gonna die on the final season of Fox’s “New Girl.” TheWrap may have uncovered that it’s Furguson, Winston’s (Lamorne Morris) beloved cat.

Sorry for the spoiler, and for the (probably) dead cat.

Also Read: 'John Wick' TV Spinoff Coming to Starz; Keanu Reeves Expected to Guest

Marcia Clark May Have Just Solved Casey Anthony Case
Marcia Clark was unsuccessful in prosecuting O.J. Simpson, but she may have just convicted Casey Anthony of murder. The A&E docuseries host says her show has uncovered some “pretty big” new evidence that points to Caylee Anthony’s mom in the young girl’s death.

Read the details here.

Also Read: That Time a 'Playful' Sperm Whale Nearly Killed a 'Blue Planet II' Cameraman

Logan Paul Could Still Return to YouTube
Logan Paul has been downgraded and suspended from YouTube — but it’s not a lifetime ban.

“Actions should speak louder than words,” YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl said. “Logan has the opportunity to prove that,” Kyncl says.

Also Read: Ryan Seacrest Tells Us About His Coffee Routine, Chronic Fatigue

Glenn Howerton’s Dennis Ain’t Dead Yet
One of the biggest ongoing dramas in sitcom-land is whether or not Glenn Howerton return to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

At TCA, Howerton said he “has not officially left” the FXX comedy, and that his “A.P. Bio” schedule would “absolutely” allow him to do both. You know, if he wants to.

Also Read: Jenna Fischer on 'The Office' Revival: 'I Haven't Been Approached'

Jimmi Simpson Is Returning to “Westworld” – And Maybe the USS Callister
Jimmi Simpson confirmed that he’ll be back on “Westworld” for Season 2, but we’ve got bigger fish to fry here: WILL THERE BE A “U.S.S CALLISTER” SPINOFF???!?

“I’ve heard little buzzes,” Simpson told reporters about a standalone series based on his popular “Black Mirror” episode. “But I don’t believe anything until I’m working on set. I would love it.”

Also Read: WWE Executives Update Us on Recently Arrested Superstar Rich Swann's Status

“AHS” Is Heading to the Future for Season 8
“American Horror Story” is fast-forwarding a few decades into the future for Season 8. But no, we’re not going into outer space here.

Also Read: Roseanne Barr Says Her TV Character Supports Trump: 'It's Just Realistic'

Why Tatiana Maslany Was Recast on Ryan Murphy’s “Pose”
Here’s something you don’t hear very often in Hollywood: Tatiana Maslany wasn’t old enough to star on Ryan Murphy’s “Pose.”

“This show does have an element of shows that I grew up loving, like ‘Fame,'” Murphy said of recasting his show’s dance instructor. “We needed a Debbie Allen character, to be blunt. And that’s what we decided to do.”

Also Read: Why 'Game of Thrones' Season 8 Has to Wait Until 2019 - HBO Boss Casey Bloys Explains

Why the “Grey’s Anatomy” Spinoff Still Doesn’t Have a Title
The untitled “Grey’s Anatomy” firefighter spinoff is still untitled. Um, why?

“Coming up with a title is one of the most challenging things that we do,” ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey told TheWrap.

Ironically, “Grey’s Anatomy” itself didn’t have a title almost until premiering.

Also Read: New Snapchat Scripted Original Content 'Imminent,' Content VP Says

See you in July.

Related stories from TheWrap:

'For the People' Cast on TV Workplace Romance in Post-Weinstein Era: It's 'Still Okay to Fall in Love'

Michael J Fox to Guest Star on 5 Episodes of ABC's 'Designated Survivor'

ABC's 'Deception': Here's the Actual Series Description

PBS Chief Says She Hopes Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, New #MeToo Series Will ‘Tee Up a Conversation’

PBS will aim to become a leader in the conversation about sexual harassment and assault in the #MeToo era following the abrupt exits of hosts Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley at the network, President and CEO Paula Kerger said Tuesday.

“What we’ve observed is that there’s a lot of discussion around Hollywood, and a lot of the stories that continue to mushroom out, but it’s a much bigger problem that crosses every economic level and every industry,” Kerger told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour. “There isn’t a place that I’ve see yet to at least begin a conversation.”

But PBS had already found itself at the center of the conversation after two of its own hosts — Smiley and Rose — were accused of sexual misconduct late last year.

Also Read: PBS Gets in on #MeToo With 5-Part Sexual Harassment Series

Kerger said PBS was not aware of the accusations against Rose or Smiley before they were made public because of the broadcaster’s role as a distributor of independent content. The programming aired by PBS is all produced by outside partners — Rose, Kerger noted, managed the production of his own show.

“Even though we are a federated system and we have all of our stations independent,” she said, “that does not absolve us of the responsibility of trying to insure that we are supporting a culture where people are valued and respected.”

Kerger said PBS will implement “systematic change” to prevent future misbehavior, including the institution of a new policy mandating yearly sexual harassment training. She also promised PBS would endeavor to “be even clearer of our expectations” with outside producers.

In addition, PBS has given the greenlight to a five-part miniseries titled “#MeToo, Now What?” hosted by Women for Women International founder Zainab Salbi.

Each episode will focus on an aspect of sexual harassment, and will include reporting from Salbi both in the field and in studio, exploring topics such as the impact of popular culture on women in the workplace, how race and class factor into the discussion, the social costs of pay inequity and gender discrimination, how men can be engaged in this discussion, and how to begin charting a path forward.

Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS for ‘So-Called Investigation’ Prompting Show Suspension: ‘This Has Gone Too Far’

“I’m not suggesting that a five-part series on public broadcasting is going to solve a problem,” Kerger said. “But I think if we can begin talking to one another and begin to do that in real time as the story is unfolding, then I think we will do a great service.”

The series will not air live, but Kerger said the episodes would air “within a couple days” of taping to stay as up-to-date on the latest developments as possible.

“We’ll see how those five weeks go, and coming out of that we’re going to look at other ways … avenues that we have through broadcast to continue the conversation,” she said. “I’m hoping that this is just spiking the ball up so we can begin to tee up those kind of conversations. Because I think it is through discussion that we’ll come to some ideas for how to come to some real change.”

Also Read: PBS, CBS, Bloomberg Cut Ties With Charlie Rose After Sexual Misconduct Accusations

On a more logistical level, Kerger said the broadcaster had not made any decisions about how to proceed in filling the programming gaps left by its ousted hosts. “Charlie Rose” was a mainstay for PBS, airing in the late-night time slot since 1991.

The network replaced “Rose” with Christiane Amanpour’s interview program on an interim basis, but Kerger said she was still “looking at a lot of different possibilities” going forward.

“I’m happy [with ‘Amanpour’] right now,” she said. “When we’re ready to do something different, we will.”

Related stories from TheWrap:

Tavis Smiley Announces New Show After Being Dropped by PBS

Tavis Smiley Says PBS Will ‘Continue’ Investigation: ‘Little Bit Late for That Now’ (Video)

PBS Temporarily Replaces ‘Charlie Rose’ With Christiane Amanpour

PBS will aim to become a leader in the conversation about sexual harassment and assault in the #MeToo era following the abrupt exits of hosts Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley at the network, President and CEO Paula Kerger said Tuesday.

“What we’ve observed is that there’s a lot of discussion around Hollywood, and a lot of the stories that continue to mushroom out, but it’s a much bigger problem that crosses every economic level and every industry,” Kerger told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour. “There isn’t a place that I’ve see yet to at least begin a conversation.”

But PBS had already found itself at the center of the conversation after two of its own hosts — Smiley and Rose — were accused of sexual misconduct late last year.

Also Read: PBS Gets in on #MeToo With 5-Part Sexual Harassment Series

Kerger said PBS was not aware of the accusations against Rose or Smiley before they were made public because of the broadcaster’s role as a distributor of independent content. The programming aired by PBS is all produced by outside partners — Rose, Kerger noted, managed the production of his own show.

“Even though we are a federated system and we have all of our stations independent,” she said, “that does not absolve us of the responsibility of trying to insure that we are supporting a culture where people are valued and respected.”

Kerger said PBS will implement “systematic change” to prevent future misbehavior, including the institution of a new policy mandating yearly sexual harassment training. She also promised PBS would endeavor to “be even clearer of our expectations” with outside producers.

In addition, PBS has given the greenlight to a five-part miniseries titled “#MeToo, Now What?” hosted by Women for Women International founder Zainab Salbi.

Each episode will focus on an aspect of sexual harassment, and will include reporting from Salbi both in the field and in studio, exploring topics such as the impact of popular culture on women in the workplace, how race and class factor into the discussion, the social costs of pay inequity and gender discrimination, how men can be engaged in this discussion, and how to begin charting a path forward.

Also Read: Tavis Smiley Blasts PBS for 'So-Called Investigation' Prompting Show Suspension: 'This Has Gone Too Far'

“I’m not suggesting that a five-part series on public broadcasting is going to solve a problem,” Kerger said. “But I think if we can begin talking to one another and begin to do that in real time as the story is unfolding, then I think we will do a great service.”

The series will not air live, but Kerger said the episodes would air “within a couple days” of taping to stay as up-to-date on the latest developments as possible.

“We’ll see how those five weeks go, and coming out of that we’re going to look at other ways … avenues that we have through broadcast to continue the conversation,” she said. “I’m hoping that this is just spiking the ball up so we can begin to tee up those kind of conversations. Because I think it is through discussion that we’ll come to some ideas for how to come to some real change.”

Also Read: PBS, CBS, Bloomberg Cut Ties With Charlie Rose After Sexual Misconduct Accusations

On a more logistical level, Kerger said the broadcaster had not made any decisions about how to proceed in filling the programming gaps left by its ousted hosts. “Charlie Rose” was a mainstay for PBS, airing in the late-night time slot since 1991.

The network replaced “Rose” with Christiane Amanpour’s interview program on an interim basis, but Kerger said she was still “looking at a lot of different possibilities” going forward.

“I’m happy [with ‘Amanpour’] right now,” she said. “When we’re ready to do something different, we will.”

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PBS Gets in on #MeToo With 5-Part Sexual Harassment Series

PBS is getting in on the whole #MeToo movement with a little help from Women for Women International founder Zainab Salbi. The broadcaster supported by viewers like you has ordered a five-part, half-hour series “#MeToo, Now What?”

In the current moment, when sexual harassment is at the forefront of the national conversation, “#MeToo, Now What?” aims to take the discussion to another level, engaging both women and men from all generations and walks of life in dialogue about these difficult issues, per PBS. With the goal of making sense of these tumultuous times, the series seeks to answer this: How did we get here and how can we use this moment to effect positive and lasting change?

Each episode will focus on an aspect of sexual harassment, and will include reporting from Salbi both in the field and in studio as she facilitates open and authentic conversations that penetrate to the heart of the matter, the series’ official description continued. Topics to be explored include the impact of popular culture on women in the workplace, how race and class factor into the discussion, the social costs of pay inequity and gender discrimination, how men can be engaged in this discussion, and, ultimately, how we begin to chart a path forward.

Also Read: Tavis Smiley Announces New Show After Being Dropped by PBS

“‘#MeToo, Now What?’ will offer a much-needed space for honest conversation around this issue,” said Beth Hoppe, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming. “This series will provide context and perspective from a wide range of voices, with the goal of moving towards healing and understanding.”

“In order for this conversation to create true cultural change, we must talk with the man on the street, in our lives, our colleagues and friends,” added Salbi (pictured above). “Equally, we need to have the conversation with the women in our lives to examine why, when we’ve seen sexual misconduct, we’ve often looked the other way when it didn’t impact us directly.”

PBS presented “#MeToo” and other shows Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour. The network has not been immune to the current wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood and the media: Charlie Rose was dropped by PBS in November after admitting to “inappropriate behavior.”

Also Read: Ashleigh Banfield: Aziz Ansari’s Accuser ‘Chiseled Away’ at #MeToo (Video)

“#MeToo, Now What?” is set to premiere Friday, Feb. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS.

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PBS is getting in on the whole #MeToo movement with a little help from Women for Women International founder Zainab Salbi. The broadcaster supported by viewers like you has ordered a five-part, half-hour series “#MeToo, Now What?”

In the current moment, when sexual harassment is at the forefront of the national conversation, “#MeToo, Now What?” aims to take the discussion to another level, engaging both women and men from all generations and walks of life in dialogue about these difficult issues, per PBS. With the goal of making sense of these tumultuous times, the series seeks to answer this: How did we get here and how can we use this moment to effect positive and lasting change?

Each episode will focus on an aspect of sexual harassment, and will include reporting from Salbi both in the field and in studio as she facilitates open and authentic conversations that penetrate to the heart of the matter, the series’ official description continued. Topics to be explored include the impact of popular culture on women in the workplace, how race and class factor into the discussion, the social costs of pay inequity and gender discrimination, how men can be engaged in this discussion, and, ultimately, how we begin to chart a path forward.

Also Read: Tavis Smiley Announces New Show After Being Dropped by PBS

“‘#MeToo, Now What?’ will offer a much-needed space for honest conversation around this issue,” said Beth Hoppe, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming. “This series will provide context and perspective from a wide range of voices, with the goal of moving towards healing and understanding.”

“In order for this conversation to create true cultural change, we must talk with the man on the street, in our lives, our colleagues and friends,” added Salbi (pictured above). “Equally, we need to have the conversation with the women in our lives to examine why, when we’ve seen sexual misconduct, we’ve often looked the other way when it didn’t impact us directly.”

PBS presented “#MeToo” and other shows Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour. The network has not been immune to the current wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood and the media: Charlie Rose was dropped by PBS in November after admitting to “inappropriate behavior.”

Also Read: Ashleigh Banfield: Aziz Ansari's Accuser 'Chiseled Away' at #MeToo (Video)

“#MeToo, Now What?” is set to premiere Friday, Feb. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Sundance After #MeToo: Indie Buyers and Sellers Step Up Vetting of Filmmakers, Stars

Catherine Deneuve Apologizes for Criticizing #MeToo Movement

Lifetime's All-Women Showrunners Talk Creating a Safe Workplace in the #MeToo Era

New Snapchat Scripted Original Content ‘Imminent,’ Content VP Says

Snapchat’s second attempt at scripted original content is coming sooner rather than later, Snap Inc. VP of Content Nick Bell said during a panel at the Television Critics Association conference on Monday.

“It’s imminent… our preference is to get it right,” said Bell, before pointing to a recently-announced partnership with the Duplass brothers to bring new shows to the app.

Last summer, Bell hinted scripted originals would hit the app by the end of 2017. Missing that mark, according to Bell, was in part due to the app’s highly-publicized redesign getting “in the way a little bit.”

Also Read: China’s Tencent Snaps Up 10 Percent Stake in Snapchat Parent

Snapchat already has 40 shows airing on its Discover channel, with an emphasis on reality and unscripted shows; the app has featured several dating shows, including one from rapper Action Bronson, as well as airing content from NBC News and ESPN’s SportsCenter twice a day.

Discover continues to move towards shows as it shifts away from its “digital magazine” roots — largely because its publisher content have failed to gain major traction. Only 21 percent of Snapchat users check out Discovery’s publisher content on a daily basis, according to internal metrics shared by The Daily Beast last week.

In terms of partners or stars, Bell and Sean Mills, head of original content at Snap, had little to offer on Monday. The app’s next attempt at scripted originals will be its first since the poorly-received “Literally Can’t Even” debuted back in 2015. (That show centered on Sasha Spielberg — daughter of Steven Spielberg — as she tried to get over a breakup without the assistance of alcohol.)

News shows, so far, have been a successful genre for the app, according to Bell. The exec added 3.5 billion Snaps are created each day, and that Snap had “just started to embrace the creator community” — something more in-line with its chief competitor, Instagram. Bell said they’ll look to “double down” on a “small base” of creators moving forward.

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Snapchat’s second attempt at scripted original content is coming sooner rather than later, Snap Inc. VP of Content Nick Bell said during a panel at the Television Critics Association conference on Monday.

“It’s imminent… our preference is to get it right,” said Bell, before pointing to a recently-announced partnership with the Duplass brothers to bring new shows to the app.

Last summer, Bell hinted scripted originals would hit the app by the end of 2017. Missing that mark, according to Bell, was in part due to the app’s highly-publicized redesign getting “in the way a little bit.”

Also Read: China's Tencent Snaps Up 10 Percent Stake in Snapchat Parent

Snapchat already has 40 shows airing on its Discover channel, with an emphasis on reality and unscripted shows; the app has featured several dating shows, including one from rapper Action Bronson, as well as airing content from NBC News and ESPN’s SportsCenter twice a day.

Discover continues to move towards shows as it shifts away from its “digital magazine” roots — largely because its publisher content have failed to gain major traction. Only 21 percent of Snapchat users check out Discovery’s publisher content on a daily basis, according to internal metrics shared by The Daily Beast last week.

In terms of partners or stars, Bell and Sean Mills, head of original content at Snap, had little to offer on Monday. The app’s next attempt at scripted originals will be its first since the poorly-received “Literally Can’t Even” debuted back in 2015. (That show centered on Sasha Spielberg — daughter of Steven Spielberg — as she tried to get over a breakup without the assistance of alcohol.)

News shows, so far, have been a successful genre for the app, according to Bell. The exec added 3.5 billion Snaps are created each day, and that Snap had “just started to embrace the creator community” — something more in-line with its chief competitor, Instagram. Bell said they’ll look to “double down” on a “small base” of creators moving forward.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Snapchat's Redesign Will Separate 'Social From the Media"

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'Silicon Valley' Is Right: Snapchat's 'Phone Swap' Perfectly Taps My Millennial Angst

Comedy Central Renews ‘The Jim Jefferies Show’ for Season 2

America is keeping Jim Jefferies around for a little longer. Comedy Central has renewed “The Jim Jefferies Show” for a 20-episode second season, the Viacom cable channel’s chief Kent Alterman said on Monday.

“You’d think I’d stop being surprised at how smart and funny Jim is about everything,” the Comedy Central president said at the Television Critics Association press tour. “I’m just glad we’re still giving visas to people from whatever s—hole country he comes from.”

That would be Australia, Kent.

Also Read: ‘Conan’ Heads to ‘Shithole’ Haiti Despite Trump’s ‘Very Negative Yelp Review’

“I’m very happy that ‘The Jim Jefferies Show’ will be coming back for a second season,” added Jefferies. “Thank you so much to Kent Alterman and everyone else at Comedy Central that makes this show possible. We have great things planned for this season including field pieces in Europe and Israel that I’m recording right now. I have missed being on-air during the hiatus but luckily the President hasn’t said or done anything stupid worth talking about.”

Each week, Jefferies tackles the week’s top stories from behind his desk and travels the globe to far-off locations to provide an eye-opening look at hypocrisy around the world, per the show’s official description.

Jefferies, Scott Zabielski, Jason Reich, Alex Murray and Tim Sarkes are executive producers.

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America is keeping Jim Jefferies around for a little longer. Comedy Central has renewed “The Jim Jefferies Show” for a 20-episode second season, the Viacom cable channel’s chief Kent Alterman said on Monday.

“You’d think I’d stop being surprised at how smart and funny Jim is about everything,” the Comedy Central president said at the Television Critics Association press tour. “I’m just glad we’re still giving visas to people from whatever s—hole country he comes from.”

That would be Australia, Kent.

Also Read: 'Conan' Heads to 'Shithole' Haiti Despite Trump's 'Very Negative Yelp Review'

“I’m very happy that ‘The Jim Jefferies Show’ will be coming back for a second season,” added Jefferies. “Thank you so much to Kent Alterman and everyone else at Comedy Central that makes this show possible. We have great things planned for this season including field pieces in Europe and Israel that I’m recording right now. I have missed being on-air during the hiatus but luckily the President hasn’t said or done anything stupid worth talking about.”

Each week, Jefferies tackles the week’s top stories from behind his desk and travels the globe to far-off locations to provide an eye-opening look at hypocrisy around the world, per the show’s official description.

Jefferies, Scott Zabielski, Jason Reich, Alex Murray and Tim Sarkes are executive producers.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Colbert 'Would Love a Lawsuit' From Comedy Central Over Reprising 'Report' Character on CBS

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‘Supergirl’ Star Melissa Benoist on Fired Show Creator: ‘Major Disappointment’

Melissa Benoist opened up about “Supergirl”s split from former executive producer Andrew Kreisberg after an investigation into sexual misconduct accusations posed against the creator, during the Television Critics Association press tour on Monday.

Benoist says that The CW program, which currently in its third season, is healing as a group after the revelations about Kreisberg’s workplace behavior.

“That was a major disappointment,” Benoist said. However, she said the “Supergirl” team, “has recovered as a cast and a crew together. We have an atmosphere on set now that I’m extremely proud of. There are a lot of amazing men that work on our show and we have a lot of amazing women in powerful positions on our show as well.”

Also Read: ‘The Flash’, ‘Supergirl’ EP Andrew Kreisberg Fired After Sexual Harassment Accusations

Kreisberg was accused of inappropriate behavior by more than a dozen men and women last November. Speaking to Variety, the unnamed individuals accused Kreisberg of touching and kissing women without their permission, making sexualized comments about women’s appearances and requesting massages from female staff members.

Along with “Supergirl,” Kreisberg served as showrunner on both “The Flash” and “Arrow,” and was executive producer on “DC’s Legend of Tomorrow” and The CW Seed series “Vixen.” He’s been removed from all five shows and has seen his overall deal with Warner Bros. terminated.

“We’re all in the fight for equality and for a safer atmosphere in the working space,” Benoist said, after noting that executive producers Jessica Queller and Sarah Schechter are two women who act as real leaders on the show.

Also Read: ‘Arrow,’ ‘The Flash’ Executive Producer Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Accusation

Benoist also touched on the major movement in Hollywood to support women coming forward with accusations and changing the industry as a whole.

“I think that’s a matter of empathy,” she said. “I think that’s a matter of listening to each other. It’s as simple as standing in each other’s shoes for a day, across genders, across sexuality, across any platforms. I just think it’s a matter of listening to each other. It’s hard to talk about something when you’re still so in the thick of it and you’re still so engulfed by sorting out confusion. But I really have hope. And I think that people are better than the way things have been.”

Related stories from TheWrap:

‘The Flash’, ‘Supergirl’ EP Andrew Kreisberg Fired After Sexual Harassment Accusations

‘Supergirl,’ CW Stars Call for Hollywood Change After Showrunner Suspended: ‘You Are Weak and Complicit’

‘Arrow,’ ‘The Flash’ Executive Producer Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Accusation

Black Flash Is Coming to CW’s ‘Arrow’-‘The Flash’ Universe This Season

Melissa Benoist opened up about “Supergirl”s split from former executive producer Andrew Kreisberg after an investigation into sexual misconduct accusations posed against the creator, during the Television Critics Association press tour on Monday.

Benoist says that The CW program, which currently in its third season, is healing as a group after the revelations about Kreisberg’s workplace behavior.

“That was a major disappointment,” Benoist said. However, she said the “Supergirl” team, “has recovered as a cast and a crew together. We have an atmosphere on set now that I’m extremely proud of. There are a lot of amazing men that work on our show and we have a lot of amazing women in powerful positions on our show as well.”

Also Read: 'The Flash', 'Supergirl' EP Andrew Kreisberg Fired After Sexual Harassment Accusations

Kreisberg was accused of inappropriate behavior by more than a dozen men and women last November. Speaking to Variety, the unnamed individuals accused Kreisberg of touching and kissing women without their permission, making sexualized comments about women’s appearances and requesting massages from female staff members.

Along with “Supergirl,” Kreisberg served as showrunner on both “The Flash” and “Arrow,” and was executive producer on “DC’s Legend of Tomorrow” and The CW Seed series “Vixen.” He’s been removed from all five shows and has seen his overall deal with Warner Bros. terminated.

“We’re all in the fight for equality and for a safer atmosphere in the working space,” Benoist said, after noting that executive producers Jessica Queller and Sarah Schechter are two women who act as real leaders on the show.

Also Read: 'Arrow,' 'The Flash' Executive Producer Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Accusation

Benoist also touched on the major movement in Hollywood to support women coming forward with accusations and changing the industry as a whole.

“I think that’s a matter of empathy,” she said. “I think that’s a matter of listening to each other. It’s as simple as standing in each other’s shoes for a day, across genders, across sexuality, across any platforms. I just think it’s a matter of listening to each other. It’s hard to talk about something when you’re still so in the thick of it and you’re still so engulfed by sorting out confusion. But I really have hope. And I think that people are better than the way things have been.”

Related stories from TheWrap:

'The Flash', 'Supergirl' EP Andrew Kreisberg Fired After Sexual Harassment Accusations

'Supergirl,' CW Stars Call for Hollywood Change After Showrunner Suspended: 'You Are Weak and Complicit'

'Arrow,' 'The Flash' Executive Producer Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Accusation

Black Flash Is Coming to CW's 'Arrow'-'The Flash' Universe This Season