News

There are some big changes at Starz, and it's bad news for four shows.

Variety reported Monday evening that the premium cabler has canceled Heels, Run the World, and Blindspotting and is scrapping The Venery of Samantha Bird ahead of its premiere.

Heels, Run the World, and Blindspotting lasted for two seasons on the premium cabler, but it seems that the trio didn't have enough interest to sustain additional seasons.

The highest profile of the three shows was Heels, which starred Stephen Amell as Jack Spade, a man who inherited the league from his father.

However, he struggled to keep things running well, leading to plenty of drama across the two seasons.

The cast also included Alexander Ludwig, Chris Bauer, Mary McCormack, Kelli Berglund, Allen Maldonado, and Trey Tucker.

Rounding out the cast were Robby Ramos, Alice Barrett Mitchell, Roxton Garcia, David James Elliott, Joel Murray, and Cm Punk.

Fans...

Starz is canceling four of its series, Variety has learned exclusively. Specifically, “Heels,” “Run the World,” and “Blindspotting” will not get new seasons at the cable network, while “The Venery of Samantha Bird” Season 1 is being scrapped without airing.

“Heels,” “Run the World,” and “Blindspotting” all recently aired their second season at Starz, while “The Venery of Samantha Bird” was in production on its first season. Production was shut down, however, at the onset of the WGA strike. It was reported at the time that only two episodes of the first season were left to shoot.

“The Venery of Samantha Bird” was to star Katherine Langford as the title character. Per the official logline, “Samantha, while visiting family in New England, reconnects with her childhood sweetheart and falls headlong into a seemingly perfect storybook romance. But the couple’s picture-perfect love story isn’t as sweet as it seems on the surface.

Starz announced the cancellation of four of its series, including “Blindspotting,” “Heels,” “Run the World” and “The Venery of Samantha Bird,” TheWrap has learned.

An individual with knowledge of the decisionmaking told TheWrap that the shows “unfortunately did not find a large enough audience” to be renewed for more episodes. A decision has yet to be made on the series “Minx,” which aired its Season 2 finale on Sept. 8.

The decision to remove the shows from the slate came after strong consideration, and per the insider, the network hopes to work with Rafael Casal (“Blindspotting”), Daveed Diggs (“Blindspotting”), Rachelle Williams-Benary (“Run the World”) and Mike O’Malley (“Heels”) in the future. Each of these shows have all aired their second seasons.

“The Venery of Samantha,” starring Katherine Langford and created by Anna Moriarty, only had two more episodes of its first season left to film, but the writers’ and actors’ strikes impacted its cancellation.

“Blindspotting” seemed to neatly tie the story of Ashley (Jasmine Cephas Jones) and Miles (Rafael Casal) by the end of the Starz comedy’s eventful Season 2 finale. But a surprise cameo in the episode’s final moments presented a nod to the show’s predecessor — and an exciting path forward.

The episode, titled “Return to Ithaca,” followed the aftermath of Miles’ surprise release from prison. He arrived back home near the end of the penultimate episode just as Trish (Jaylen Barron) confronted Ashley about kissing another man while Miles was in prison, which led them to a big rift in the couple’s relationship.

The finale followed as Ashley and Miles, along with the rest of their family, tried to figure out a way to move on after her betrayal and Miles’ surprise return. Though it took some time and difficult conversations, the couple was willing to put their troubles...

Screen Rant is thrilled to present an exclusive new clip from the second season of Blindspotting. Serving as a continuation of the 2018 film, Blindspotting picks up following the events of the movie and centers on Ashley as she copes with the fallout of her partner Miles unexpectedly being sent to prison. The series stars Hamilton's Jasmine Cephas Jones as Ashley, alongside actors like Good Trouble's Candace Nicholas-Lippman as Janelle and Jaylen Barron of Shameless as Trish.

Just like the film, Blindspotting balances comedic and dramatic moments, containing just as many tense moments and reveals as it does times of hilarious absurdity. One of the biggest of these recent reveals came at the end of the first season, where the audience finally learned of the husband and step-child Janelle left behind in Bali. Despite leaving him in Bali, Janelle has stayed in touch with her ex-husband Mustafa, with the two frequently corresponding over text.

Blindspotting has grown from a cult hit in 2018 to a critically acclaimed Starz series, and its second season is now in full swing. The original film centered on Collin (played by Hamilton star Daveed Diggs) who had recently been released from prison, and how he made it through his parole alongside his best friend Miles (played by Rafael Casal). The pair wrote the film together, but the series now focuses instead on Miles' wife Ashley (Hamilton costar Jasmine Cephas Jones) after he goes to prison.

With Casal serving as showrunner and Diggs onboard to co-write episodes, Blindspotting follows Ashley's home life with Miles' family —especially his mother Rainey (Helen Hunt) and sister Trish (Jaylen Barron) — as she seeks to raise her son right in his father's absence. Candace Nicholas-Lippman belongs to Collin's family, on the other hand, playing his sister and Ashley's best friend. After having returned from her extended...

Though it began life as a small film in 2018, Blindspotting has since gone on to become a critically acclaimed Starz series that dives into the life of supporting character Ashley (played by Hamilton star Jasmine Cephas Jones) and the people in her life. Now in its second season, Blindspotting sees Ashley dealing with the aftermath of her partner Miles' prison sentence as her son Sean gets older and starts asking more questions.

Casal writes Blindspotting alongside Daveed Diggs, who starred in the film but whose presence is felt rather than seen in the series. Though the two are still best friends in-universe and out, the show keeps Ashley and her struggles while living in Miles' family home as its focus. Blindspotting also stars Jaylen Barron as Miles' sister Trish, Candace Nicholas-Lippman as Collin's sister Janelle, Atticus Woodward as Ashley's son Sean, Helen Hunt as Miles' mother Rainey, and more.

Related: Blindspotting: Every Main Character,...

Hollywood welcomed Jeremy Renner back with open arms as he proved he actually is a superhero, returning to the red carpet only a few short months since his terrifying accident. Meanwhile, at the TCM Classic Film Festival, Angie Dickinson proved that 91 is still young; and at the “Schmigadoon!” Season 2 Premiere, Jane Krakowski brought shock and awe (and squad goals) to everyone over 50. We were also inside the “Blindspotting” bash, partied with nuns at the “Mrs. Davis” debut and began to say goodbye to “Mrs. Maisel,” all here in our inside glimpse into what Hollywood’s most interesting people have been doing lately.

“Blindspotting” Season 2 Premiere

NeueHouse Hollywood

Jasmine Cephas Jones vamps a bit at the “Blindspotting” Season 2 Premiere at NeueHouse Hollywood. (Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Starz)

The “Blindspotting” Season 2 Premiere party at NeueHouse Hollywood felt like attending a family reunion, as the cast and crew of the Starz comedy...

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Beau Is Afraid, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mrs. Davis and The Last Thing He Told Me.

Beau Is Afraid premiere

Joaquin Phoenix and Ari Aster debuted their new A24 film in Los Angeles on Monday, alongside co-stars Parker Posey, Zoe Lister-Jones, Armen Nahapetian, Kylie Rogers and Richard Kind.

Ari Aster and Joaquin Phoenix Zoe Lister-Jones, Julia Antonelli, Kylie Roger, Michael Gandolfini, Armen Nahapetian, Ari Aster, Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Kind and Lars Knudsen

Rennervations premiere

Jeremy Renner made his return to the red carpet, three months after his snowplow accident, on Tuesday for his Disney+ series Rennervations, alongside executive producers Rory Millikin, Romilda de Luca and Patrick Costello.

Rory Millikin, Romilda de Luca, Jeremy Renner and Patrick Costello Bob Iger and Jeremy Renner

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel premiere

Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino,...

The TV incarnation of “Blindspotting” debuted and captured fans’ attention in 2021, and a year and a half later, Season 2 is finally here! The first installment received outstanding ratings and even scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s time to catch up with Ashley as she is still dealing with Miles being behind bars. The long-awaited, two-episode season premiere airs on the Starz linear channel on Friday, April 14 at 9 p.m. Et. You can watch Blindspotting: Season 2 with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. You can watch Blindspotting: Season 2 with a 7-Day Free Trial of Starz. You can also watch with Sling TV, Directv Stream, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.

How to Watch ‘Blindspotting’ Season 2 Premiere When: Friday, April 14, 2023 at 9:00 Pm Edt Where: Starz, Starz Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo and 7-Day Free Trial of Starz. 7-Day Free Trial$25 / month philo.com 7-Day Free Trial$8.99 / month starz.

The Los Angeles premiere for Season 2 of the Starz original series “Blindspotting” was held on Tuesday, April 11 at the NeueHouse Hollywood. Gold Derby’s associate editor Latasha Ford interviewed several cast members and behind-the-scenes talent including co-creators Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, actors Jasmine Cephas Jones, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Benjamin Turner, Atticus Woodward, Helen Hunt, Andrew Chapelle, Lance Holloway and Katlynn Simone, choreographer Jon Boogz and executive producer/director Jess Wu Calder on the red carpet. Watch the video above.

“Blindspotting” debuted to critical acclaim in 2021 and remains Certified Fresh at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It recently won the Audience Award for TV Spotlight at this year’s SXSW Film and TV festival. The series centers on Ashley (Jones), who was nipping at the heels of a middle-class life in Oakland until Miles (Casal), her partner of 12 years and father of their son, Sean (Atticus Woodward) was suddenly incarcerated, leaving...

Blindspotting is returning to Starz for its second season next month, and the cable channel has released a trailer and poster. The first season of the comedy-drama premiered in August 2021 and ran for eight episodes.

Starring Jasmine Cephas Jones, Helen Hunt, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, and Candace Nicholas-Lippman, the series is a sequel to the 2018 feature film of the same name. The story follows a woman named Ashley (Jones), whose partner of 12 years and the father of her son is suddenly incarcerated. Thrown for a loop, Ashley and her son must move in with her partner's mother and half-sister. Season two picks up nine months after the events of the first season.

Read More…...

“Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head” returns to Paramount+ for its second season, beginning with two episodes on Thursday, April 20.

According to Paramount+, Beavis and Butt-Head will “triumphantly return as two guys who like things that are cool and don’t like things that suck.” Ahead of the Season 2 premiere, fans can check out “Beavis and Butt-head Do the Universe,” the 1996 movie “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America” and the remastered versions of the original MTV series all on Paramount+.

Judge executive produces the series alongside Lew Morton, Michael Rotenberg, Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Ben Kalina and Antonio Canobbio for Titmouse.

Watch below for the “Beavis and Butt-Head” teaser.

Also in today’s TV news:

Casting

Mattel announced Melissa Benoist will voice heroine Teela in “Masters of the Universe: Revolution,” a sequel to Netflix’s “Masters of the Universe: Revelation.”

Benoist joins the cast after her run as Supergirl in CW...

Ashley insists that she’s fine in the official trailer for Starz’s Blindspotting season two. It’s been more than year and a half since season one wrapped up, and the new season will move the action forward nine months from the events at the end of the critically acclaimed first season.

Season two will premiere on April 14, 2023 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes will arrive on subsequent Fridays at 9pm Et/Pt on Starz.

Returning cast members include Emmy winner Jasmine Cephas Jones as Ashley, series co-creator Rafael Casal as Mike, Oscar winner Helen Hunt as Rainey, Jaylen Barron as Trish, and April Absynth as Jacque. Lance Holloway plays Cuddie, Candace Nicholas-Lippman is Janelle, Atticus Woodward is Sean, Benjamin Turner is Earl, and Margo Hall is Nancy.

Casal and Daveed Diggs co-created the critically acclaimed half-hour comedy and serve as executive producers. Casal is...

The premiere date for season two of Blindspotting has been set. Starz has announced the half-hour comedy series will return on April 14th and has released some first photos for the season.

Starring Helen Hunt, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and Jasmine Cephas Jones, the series follows Ashley (Jones) as she deals with life after her partner is sent to prison. Season two will pick up nine months after the end of the first season which finished airing in August 2021.

Read More…...

‘Blindspotting’ season 2 (Photo Credit: Starz)

Starz has released the first five photos from the much-anticipated new season of Blindspotting and announced season two will premiere on April 14, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt. The second season will finally arrive a year and eight months after the season finale of season one aired.

The half-hour comedy will kick off season two with back-to-back episodes, followed by new episodes dropping on subsequent Fridays at 9pm Et/Pt.

Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal created the critically acclaimed comedy and serve as executive producers. Casal also stars in the show, directed four season two episodes, and serves as showrunner. Emily Gerson Saines, Ken Lee, Tim Palen, and Snoot Entertainment’s Jess Wu Calder and Keith Calder of Snoot Entertainment also executive produce, with Wu Calder directing two episodes.

In addition to Rafael Casal as Miles, the season two cast includes Emmy winner Jasmine Cephas Jones as Ashley,...

Blindspotting is finally coming back, y’all!

Starz announced Wednesday that the series created by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs will return for Season 2 with a double-episode premiere on Friday, April 14, starting at 9/8c. New episodes will air weekly each Friday at 9 pm and stream on demand on the Starz app. (Season 1 aired back in 2021.)

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The network...

Starz has set the Season 2 premiere of Blindspotting for April 14 and released first-look images (below).

The two-episode premiere will air linearly on Starz in the U.S. and Canada at 9 p.m. Et/Pt immediately followed by episode two at 9:30 pm Et/Pt. All subsequent episodes will air Fridays at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.

From Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, Blindspotting centers on Ashley (Jasmine Cephas Jones), who was nipping at the heels of a middle-class life in Oakland until Miles (Casal), her partner of 12 years and father of their son, Sean (Atticus Woodward) was suddenly incarcerated, leaving her to navigate a chaotic life when she is forced to move in with Miles’ mother, Rainey (Helen Hunt), and sister, Trish (Jaylen Barron).

Season 2 picks up nine months after Ashley and Miles’ prison nuptials in the season one finale as Ashley is trying and raise their son on her own.

On Friday, May 20, Multiple Sclerosis (Ms) advocate and Center Without Walls founder, Nancy Davis, welcomed guests to the Fairmont Century Plaza for the 29th Annual Race to Erase Ms Gala.

Siedah Garrett, Nancy Davis and guests are seen onstage with Chic during the 29th Annual Race To Erase Ms

Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Race to Erase Ms

The event raised over 1.4 million to benefit the Race to Erase Ms and its Center Without Walls program, a collaboration of top Ms research centers working together as a team on ground-breaking research with the goal of treating and, ultimately, finding a cure for Ms. The star-studded event featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning composer, producer, and guitarist Nile Rodgers and Chic. Additionally, Tommy Hilfiger presented its latest adaptive collection in a fashion show at this year’s gala. First launched in 2017, the adaptive line features innovatively designed clothing that...

After two highly successful years of drive-in events due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Race to Erase Ms gala makes its long-awaited return to the foundation’s original home at the newly renovated Fairmont Century Plaza on May 20th, 2022.

This year’s guests will be treated to a celebration featuring a performance from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Nile Rodgers & Chic to help raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. The event will also boast a fashion show featuring Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive’s latest collection. Launched in 2017, the line features innovatively designed clothing that makes dressing easier for adults and children with disabilities.

Expected to attend are Race to Erase Ms founder Nancy Davis, Headliners Nile Rodgers & Chic, and additional special guests including Alan Bersten, Amanda Kloots, Angela Lewis, Anna Fiamora, Anna Trebunskaya, Anne Heche, Big Boy, Brandee Evans, Brian Austin Green, Camerone Parker, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Carmen Electra, Christine Devine,...

Filming of the second season of Blindspotting is currently underway, and several additions have been made to the cast of the Starz comedy series. LeVar Burton, Katlynn Simone Smith, Tamera Tomakili and Tim Chantarangsu are joining Helen Hunt, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and Jasmine Cephas Jones on the series.

revealed more about the second season of the series in a press release.

“Starz announced today that LeVar Burton, Katlynn Simone Smith Tamera Tomakili and Tim Chantarangsu have joined the cast of its critically acclaimed comedy series Blindspotting for season two, in recurring roles. Additionally, rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort will guest star as themselves in the upcoming season.

Starz additionally confirmed today that...

Blindspotting Season 2 has added LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Katlynn Simone Smith (Empire), Tamera Tomakili (Winning Time), and Tim Chantarangsu (Laid in America) to the cast in recurring roles, Starz announced April 14. Rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort will also guest star as themselves in the second season. Details about the new roles are being kept under wraps. But according to IMDb, Burton will appear in eight episodes, and Smith, Tomakili, and Chantarangsu will appear in 5. Returning in expanded recurring roles are Margo Hall (Nancy), April Absynth as (Jacque), Lance Holloway (Cuddie), Andrew Chappelle (Scotty), and Utkarsh Ambudkar (Niles Turner). Blindspotting stars Jasmine Cephas Jones, Helen Hunt, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and Rafael Casal. In it, Cephas Jones plays Ashley, a woman “nipping at the heels of a middle-class life in Oakland” when Miles (Casal), her partner of 12 years and father of their son,...

LeVar Burton, Katlynn Simone Smith, Tamera Tomakili, and Tim Chantarangsu have been cast as recurring characters for the second season of the crime comedy-drama “Blindspotting,” Starz announced on Thursday.

Rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort will guest star as themselves in the upcoming season.

Burton will also appear on the final season of “Star Trek: Picard,” reuniting him with several of his “Star Trek: Next Generation” castmates.

Season 1 “Blindspotting” recurring cast members Margo Hall, who plays Nancy, April Absynth (Jacque), Lance Holloway (Cuddie), Andrew Chappelle (Scotty) and Utkarsh Ambudkar (Niles Turner) are returning in expanded recurring roles for the second season.

The series, based on the 2018 film of the same name, stars Jasmine Cephas Jones, Helen Hunt, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman and Rafael Casal.

“Blindspotting” is co-created by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, who both executive produce and write on the series, with Casal serving as showrunner.

“Blindspotting” is adding some fresh faces to Oakland.

LeVar Burton Katlynn Simone Smith Tamera Tomakili and Tim Chantarangsu have joined Season 2 of the critically-acclaimed comedy series in recurring roles, Starz announced Thursday. Information regarding the characters they will be playing has yet to be announced.

In addition, Starz also announced that Margo Hall, April Absynth, Lance Holloway, Andrew Chappelle and Utkarsh Ambudkar, who recurred in the first season, will return in expanded capacities for the second season. An episode of the season will also feature guest appearances from rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort, who will all play themselves.

A spin-off of the 2018 film of the same name, “Blindspotting” stars Jasmine Cephas Jones as Ashley Rose, an ordinary woman whose life is upended when her boyfriend Miles (Rafael Casal) is sent to prison for 12 years. Forced to move in with her mother-in-law Rainey (Helen Hunt), Ashley begins relying on her community of friends and family,...

LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Katlynn Simone Smith (Empire) Tamera Tomakili (Winning Time) and Tim Chantarangsu (Laid in America) are set for recurring roles on the second season of Starz’s Blindspotting. Additionally, rappers E-40, P-Lo and Too hort will guest star as themselves in the TV spin-off sequel from Lionsgate TV. Production on Season 2 is currently underway in Los Angeles and Oakland, CA.

Co-created by Rafael Casal, who also stars, and Daveed Diggs, the series centers on Ashley, played by Jasmine Cephas Jones, who was nipping at the heels of a middle class life in Oakland until Miles, her partner of 12 years and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, leaving her to navigate a chaotic and humorous existential crisis when she’s forced to move in with Miles’ mother and half-sister.

In addition to Cephas Jones and Casal, Helen Hunt, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron...

One of the best aspects of television is its ability to tell long-lasting stories. Whether they’re episodic or serialized, TV series invite us to visit again and again, for years on end, as characters grow, stories develop, and ideas proliferate. If you’re lucky, a cherished TV show can last through the awkwardness of adolescence, the glory days of high school, or even mature along with you into middle-age. Not everything has to last that long and all stories must end, but some of the most beloved programs can lull us into believing they never will.

With that unique attribute in mind, IndieWire has assembled the best new series on TV in 2021 — not limited series, not one-and-done specials, and not “six-hour movies”. These are the new shows that you can look forward to watching season after season, for years to come. We’ve got nothing against short-term treats like “Mare of Easttown” and “Maid,...

“Blindspotting” has been renewed for Season 2 at Starz, Variety has learned.

The series picks up six months after the events of the film of the same name. It stars Jasmine Cephas Jones, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and Helen Hunt. Rafael Casal appears in a recurring role as Miles. He and Daveed Diggs wrote, produced, and starred in the film.

“The award-worthy artistry and creativity that Rafael, Daveed and the entire ‘Blindspotting’ team poured into the series took the comedy genre to a new level and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for season two,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, president and CEO of Starz. “The series deservedly garnered critical acclaim and is a wonderful example of our programming mandate focused on unique, authentic stories by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences.”

In the series, Ashley is nipping at the heels of...

Starz is doubling down on Blindspotting. The pay network has ordered a second season of the TV spin-off sequel after the first season premiered in June.

The series centers on Ashley, played by Jasmine Cephas Jones, who was nipping at the heels of a middle class life in Oakland until Miles, her partner of 12 years and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, leaving her to navigate a chaotic and humorous existential crisis when she’s forced to move in with Miles’ mother and half-sister.

Rafael Casal, who created the series with Daveed Diggs, plays Miles in addition to serving as showrunner.

Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and Helen Hunt also star.

Casal also exec produces alongside Diggs, Jess Wu Calder and Keith Calder of Snoot Entertainment, and Emily Gerson Saines, Ken Lee, and Tim Palen of Barnyard Projects. Starz’ SVP, Original Programming Kathryn Tyus-Adair oversees...

Real ones, like Blindspotting’s Ashley (played by Jasmine Cephas Jones) and Janelle (Candace Nicholas-Lippman), use their extremely sophisticated and covert system for exchanging contraband without getting their friend in trouble.

In a sneak peek at this week’s episode (airing Sunday at 9/8c on Starz), the longtime pals show Earl (Benjamin Earl Turner), who’s out on parole, their covert method for sharing weed. It involves some funny robot dancing, a rope, several hooks and some clothespins.

More from TVLineRun the World Recap: Two Truths and an 'I Quit' in Episode 7Run the World's Andrea Bordeaux Talks Black Girl Joy,...

At the “Blindspotting” premiere at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Sunday, cast member Candace Nicholas-Lippman highlighted the significance of television programming about communities of color.

“I want young girls, Black and brown, biracial girls, I want them to be able to see themselves when they look at us on screen, to know that someone that looks like Janelle, you look like her, you can do this, too,” Nicholas-Lippman, who plays Janelle, told Variety.

The new series from Starz is based on the 2018 movie of the same name, written by Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. The TV show pivots to focus on Ashley, played by Jasmine Cephas Jones, who is left to grapple with the sudden incarceration of longtime boyfriend Miles (Casal). She and their son (Atticus Woodward) move in with Miles’ free-spirited mom Rainey (Helen Hunt) and sex worker half-sister Trish (Jaylen Barron).

“When we were making the film, we...

“Blindspotting” moves like a song: from opening verse to swelling chorus, emotional bridge and back again. Sometimes, this manifests quite literally, as the characters turn to the camera and burst into emphatic spoken word, turn on their heels and break into a staccato dance, or dream up an entire music video starring themselves. Other times, scenes just rock back and forth between banter and mood swings as everyone grapples with a new twist in their ever-complicating lives. It’s a lyrical series with so much to say that it sometimes stumbles over its words, but always with style.

The new Starz show acts less as an adaptation of Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal’s 2018 film of the same name than a continuation of it. Set six months later, the show picks up with Diggs’ character Collin building a new life somewhere offscreen in Montana as his best friend Miles (Casal...

In 2018 Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs wrote and starred in “Blindspotting,” a look at the gentrification of Oakland alongside a parolee witnessing an officer-involved shooting. The film was bold, in-your-face, and utterly fantastic. How could lightning possibly strike twice? That comes in the form of Starz’s television adaptation, also called “Blindspotting.”

This expansion of the existing feature isn’t as simple as plopping a new character in the same exact situation. There has to be enough material to extend for several episodes. Thankfully, Casal and Diggs crack the code, crafting a series that is, at times, hilarious, thought-provoking, lyrical, and provocative.

Jasmine Cephas Jones, who played Ashley in the original film, takes centerstage here. It’s New Year’s Eve, presumably after the events of the film have concluded, and Ashley is ready to celebrate with Miles (Casal). Unfortunately, Miles is being arrested for drug possession, another screw-up in...

Apple TV Plus released a trailer for the second season of comedy “Trying,” which will launch on May 21.

The second season will continue to follow Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) navigating the adoption process. After being approved by an adoption panel, they now find that matching with a child is not as straightforward as they had hoped. Helped by their eccentric social worker Penny (Imelda Staunton), they are determined to do everything they can. When Nikki meets a little girl called Princess at an adoption event, she knows instantly that this is the child for them. However, there are obstacles to Nikki’s plan that may prove insurmountable. Ophelia Lovibond, Oliver Chris, Sian Brooke, Darren Boyd and Robyn Cara will also return this season.

“Trying” is created, written and executive produced by Andy Wolton, directed and executive produced by Jim O’Hanlon, produced by Sam Pinnell, co-produced by Tim Mannion...

Series from Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs debuts June 13

Starz released the first trailer for its upcoming “Blindspotting” spinoff series on Wednesday.

Set six months after the events of the 2018 film, Starz’s “Blindspotting” series centers on Jasmine Cephas Jones’ Ashley, who is “nipping at the heels of a middle-class life in Oakland until Miles, her partner of 12 years and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, leaving her to navigate a chaotic and humorous existential crisis when she is forced to move in with Miles’ mother and half-sister.”

The film’s co-stars and co-writers Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal are writers and executive producers on the TV adaptation, with Casal serving as showrunner and reprising his role as Ashley’s partner Miles.

The Lionsgate Television series also stars recording artist Benjamin Turner, Candace Nicholas-Lippman (“Good Trouble”), Jaylen Barron, Atticus Woodward (“Shameless”) and Helen Hunt.

Jess Wu Calder and Keith Calder of Snoot Entertainment,...

The Tribeca Festival is bringing back in-person events for its 2021 lineup, and that includes programming typically seen at home. The Tribeca TV lineup will feature nine shows total, consisting of eight series premieres and a season premiere, as well as panel appearances by featured guests Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, Joshua Jackson, Helen Hunt, and more.

Oh, and to kick things off, Kiss will be performing. Yes, Kiss the band. At a film and television festival. Just go with it.

“When we launched Tribeca TV five years ago, we created space within the film festival to recognize the incredible, boundary-pushing work being done by filmmakers in the episodic format as official festival selections,” Cara Cusumano, Festival Director and VP of Programming, said in a statement. “In a year defined by at-home entertainment, we are proud to continue that tradition with an exciting Tribeca TV lineup of new series from today’s...

World premieres from Disney+, AMC, Startz, Peacock, A&e, OWN, FX and National Geographic are among the highlights of the 2021 Tribeca Festival’s 20th anniversary celebration, announced today.

The events will take place in New York City June 9-20 and claim to be the first major film festival to host in-person events since the worldwide pandemic began.

The Tribeca Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The festival focus is on new and returning TV series, new indie episodic storytelling, and an industry-facing Creators Market. The Tribeca TV lineup will include nine shows made up of six series premieres, one season premiere, two docuseries, and speaking appearances by Tina Fey, Christian Slater, Joshua Jackson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and Helen Hunt.

The Tribeca Festival will also feature a performance by rock icons Kiss.

Mad About You star Helen Hunt has been added to the cast of Starz series Blindspotting.

Hunt, who also recently starred in BBC drama World on Fire and features I See You and The Night Clerk, will play Rainey, mother to Rafael Casal’s Miles in the adaptation of Casal and Daveed Diggs feature film.

“It is such an honor to have Helen Hunt in this series,” Casal said. “We became friends after she tweeted about her love of the film and we have long looked for a project to do together. She has been our first choice for the character Rainey since we dreamed this show up.”

It comes after Starz unveiled more cast for the film yesterday including musician Benjamin Earl Turner, Shameless actors Atticus Woodward and Jaylen Barron and Good Trouble’s Candace Nicholas-Lippman.

Produced by Lionsgate Television, the series will start production in Oakland and Los Angeles.

Helen Hunt has signed on for a role in the upcoming “Blindspotting” series at Starz, Variety has learned.

Hunt joins previously announced series lead Jasmine Cephas Jones, who is reprising the role of Ashley from the film on which the series is based. Variety exclusively reported yesterday that Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, and Candace Nicholas-Lippman will also star in the eight-episode, half-hour dramedy.

“Blindspotting” centers on Ashley (Cephas Jones) who is nipping at the heels of a middle class life in Oakland until her partner Miles (Rafael Casal) is suddenly incarcerated, leaving her to navigate a chaotic and humorous existential crisis when she is forced to move in with Miles’ mother Rainey (Hunt).

Rainey is described as a woman who has strong opinions and holds family above all else.

“It is such an honor to have Helen Hunt in this series,” Casal said. “We became friends after...

Helen Hunt is joining Starz’s “Blindspotting” TV series.

Hunt will play Rainey, the mother of Rafeal Casal’s Miles. The series features Jasmine Cephas Jones reprising her role as Ashley, Miles’ partner, from the 2018 film. Starz’s TV spinoff will follow Ashley, following Miles’ sudden incarceration, as she is forced to move in with Miles’ mother (Hunt) and half-sister.

The film’s co-stars and co-writers Daveed Diggs and Casal will write and executive produce the TV adaptation. Casal will serve as showrunner, while Cephas Jones serves as a producer. Along with Jasmine Cephas Jones and Hunt, the series stars Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron and Candace Nicholas-Lippman. Casal will also recur as Miles.

“It is such an honor to have Helen Hunt in this series,” Casal said. “We became friends after she tweeted about her love of the film and we have long looked for a project to do together.

Starz’s upcoming TV spinoff of the 2018 film “Blindspotting” added four to its main cast to star alongside Jasmine Cephas Jones, who reprises her role from the film.

Recording artist Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward (“Shameless”), Jaylen Barron and Candace Nicholas-Lippman fill out the main cast. Production started today in Oakland.

Cephas Jones starred as Ashley in film, which was distributed by Starz’s parent company Lionsgate. The film’s co-stars and co-writers Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal will write and executive produce the TV adaptation. Casal will serve as showrunner, as well as return as Miles in a recurring role. In addition to starring in the show, Cephas also serves as a producer. Seith Mann will executive produce and direct the first two episodes.

Ashley was Miles’ partner in the film. Starz’s TV spinoff will follow Ashley, following Miles’ sudden incarceration, as she is forced to move in with Miles’ mother and half-sister.

Musician Benjamin Earl Turner is among the cast set for Starz’s TV adaptation of Blindspotting, the 2018 feature film from Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs.

Turner is joined by Shameless actors Atticus Woodward and Jaylen Barron and Good Trouble’s Candace Nicholas-Lippman in the eight-part series. Casal also will reprise his character Miles in a recurring role for the series, while Justin Chu Cary will reprise his role as Tin.

Produced by Lionsgate Television, the series will start production in Oakland and Los Angeles.

The show is a spinoff of the film written and produced by Casal and Diggs and is being turned into a half-hour dramedy. Jasmine Cephas Jones, who starred in the Lionsgate film, will reprise her role and also will serve as a producer. Casal serves as showrunner.

The series centers on Ashley (Cephas Jones), who was nipping at the heels of a middle-class life in Oakland until Miles,...

The “Blindspotting” series at Starz has cast several key roles as production kicks off in Los Angeles and Oakland, Variety has learned exclusively.

Along with previously announced series lead Jasmine Cephas Jones, the eight-episode, half-hour dramedy will also star Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, and Candace Nicholas-Lippman. The writers, producers, and stars of the film on which the series is based, Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, will also write and executive produce the series. Casal will serve as showrunner in addition to reprising the role of Miles in a recurring capacity. He will also direct an episode of the show. Jones will serve as producer in addition to starring.

“Diggs and I are thrilled to continue our partnership with Lionsgate by expanding the ‘Blindspotting’ world as a series on Starz,” Casal said. “This story, the incredible cast and the production are a dream. We are making the kind...