The second season of the Netflix series ‘Dear White People‘ has dug even deeper into race, sexual norms, classism, ‘good negro’ and homosexuality AND detoured into white nationalism with a season finale that had me SHOOK! I’m hoping to have the chance to ask Justing Simien, Creator, Writer, Executive Producer & Showrunner about his surgical casting of new guest stars (Tessa Thompson star of the original film AND Giancarlo Esposito star of School Daze AND Better Call Saul), the inspiration for the new mystery, and the interweaving of history this season that had me laughing and thinking simultaneously!
The PaleyLive Spring 2018 Season kicking off spring with a kicked in door and I’m all for it! The event starts at 7PM with a screening, panel conversation and an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the cast/creator.
PaleyLive programs offer television fans the rare opportunity to engage with the cast and creative teams of their favorite programs in intimate settings held at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills. All PaleyLive programs are selected by the Paley Center to not only expand society’s understanding of the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, but also for their ability to educate and entertain the public. For more information, panel updates, and to purchase tickets please visit paleycenter.org
About The Paley Center for Media: The Paley Center for Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the Paley Center’s permanent media collection, which contains over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements, and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit paleycenter.org.
I had to write a brief review about season 5 of the 100 (the CW) after joining the Afterbuzztv panel. Eden and Red Queen are the framework with a time jump of six years, shocking death of a ‘beloved’ character AND meeting new sky people. Taylor Gates, Sayrie and myself round out the all new panel.
The CW Writers Room has me shook with the aftermath of Praimfaya and trouble in the bunker. Who would’t go a little crazy with the barren wasteland, no food and being alone for years? Clarke well she’s Clarke always trying to find someone to rescue but did she REALLY have to kill the buzzard that led her to Eden (that was a jerk move girl). I found her equally pragmatic mini-me a great addition for her. She’s a independent wild child who (rightly so) fears random stranger and has to protect herself. Clarke being wounded (less of a threat) the only way the half wildling would ever get close enough to eventually become a family unit. I especially liked the cross over of the two episodes with Clarke trying to get in and the bunker dwellers realizing they were trapped. It set up the tribes going to war for limited resources and the sky people (as usual) feeling superior. I did like that Octavia likely will include Niylah in her inner circle because that woman knows marketing! I had wondered if Jaha was going to survive the bunker and it turns out .. not so much. I was shocked that he died but rather you liked Jaha or not he has ALWAYS been concerned with humanity’s survival so he went out educating Octavia about the hard choices leaders have to make over life and death.
I was beyond impressed with the two episodes and getting to know the new sky people. I’m curious when everyone will be back on Earth, what will happen to the crew when they go to the prison ship, and how they will get out of the bunker! I’ll be watching every Tuesday and make sure you watch our Afterbuzztv Panel on Tuesdays (we are at 11PM but will move to 10PM in a few weeks)!
Archie fans let’s make a date on April 27th to see the CW’s Riverdale Premier Screening and Conversation at the Paley Center for Media
Alas if you did not buy tickets they are sold out but you may be able to screen it partially on Hulu or at the Paley Center archives. Of course the best way to avoid missing out on these great events is to join the Paley Center as a member with the benefits of early member only sales, events and supporting the museum in NYC/LA.
This series is turning the Archie comic book we grew up watching in a new direction and I LOVE it! I had a chance to chat with some of the cast and producers at Wondercon where we chatted about the process to bringing the comic book to network TV, that the show is based on the rebooted comic book series and that the hardest part was finding the perfect actors for the roles. Any fan who’s watching has to agree the chemistry and strong acting coupled with the writing has fans tuning in every week!
Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and Josie are the core of the series but the entire cast from parents to the supporting cast has created a Riverdale that feels so real … I mean real where everyone is GORGEOUS it is on the CW <guffaw> so it’s still the dream hometown of America but with a naughty twist of teachers dating students, a HS getting pregnant, family rivalry, catty mothers, jerk dads and high school where EVERYONE feels out of place.
The PaleyLive event is one of many Paley Center year-round public programs that offer TV fans the opportunity to engage with the cast and creative teams of their favorite programs in exclusive and intimate events. All PaleyLive programs are selected by the Paley Center to not only to expand society’s understanding of the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, but also for their ability to educate and entertain the public.
About The Paley Center for Media: The Paley Center for Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit paleycenter.org
About RIVERDALE: Based on the Archie Comics characters, Riverdale stars KJ Apa (The Cul de Sac), Lili Reinhart (Surviving Jack), Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody), Marisol Nichols (24), Madelaine Petsch (The Curse of Sleeping Beauty), Ashleigh Murray (Appearances: Younger, The Following), with Mädchen Amick (Twin Peaks), and Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210). Riverdale is produced by Berlanti Productions (The Flash, Supergirl, Blindspot, Everwood) in association with Warner Bros. Television, and the series airs Thursdays (9:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on The CW.
I was on pins and needles at the end of Season 2 trying to figure out what did everything mean! Well the season premier ‘Heaven Just Got a Little Bit Smoother’ answered a lot of questions and set up the overall moral quandary not only for Liv (Team Human or Team Zombie) and how her friends (human and zombie) will navigate the reality of what would happen if people learned that we have zombies among us.
On the S3 premier Tuesday Liv and Clive headed to Fillmore Graves HQ. It was the moment when it hit both of them that they were dealing with some major badasses with superhuman powers and the money to make life a lot simpler for assimilation. One of the more touching moments of this episode that will be a more emotional core for Clive is when he sees a cute little boy, Wally that used to live in his apt building. Neither of them had thought about zombie kids and what that would entail (education, living life and eating brains). I think as the season progresses the murder of Wally and his mother Anna will propel Clive to find who killed them and make zombies seem more like individuals. I suspect it might be a conspiracy nut who called into the radio station saying that he had ‘zombie’ neighbors after Liv & Clive weren’t able to stop the security guard from spilling the beans.
Liv and Clive driving to the radio station
I thought it was quite cleaver to take care of the investigation by blowing up the space so that it will burn up most of the bodies and forensic evidence. As well as getting to all of the survivors of the Chaos Killer to have a good cover story absolving Major. Sadly a few witnesses will not stop people from still thinking that Major is guilty and he WAS guilty so …. As Major tries to get back to normal he was reminded that it’s hard to find a job when people think your a serial killer! Luckily he’s a man with a special skill set so he signs on with Fillmore Graves. Hopefully Vivian never learns that HE killed her husband cause she doesn’t seem like a forgiving type of woman! But Major is basically a decent guy which is why he didn’t kill anyone but he still kidnapped people and left the entire city terrorized. His new life is going to have him evaluate what he wants to do next from taking the cure to finding the hooker with a heart of gold or embracing the life of a mercenary and how those decisions will affect his friendships. It wasn’t the life he planned as a teacher!
It’s always good to be rich and as Vivian Still, CEO of Fillmore Graves begins to use her position to set up a Zombie Homeland off Seattle. As they prepare for ‘Discovery Day’, when humans learn about their brain-eating living dead neighbors the plan is to have a self sustaining place for them to live with schools, homes and of course her mercenary business! I can imagine a LOT of people wanting to hire some undead mercenaries <guffaw>. I mean they are mercenaries so how moral can the business or leadership truly be??
Liv is coming off the mercenary brain and is having some major emotional fallout after she had to
Girl you need some bronzer and hair dye!
shoot her zombie boyfriend when he was brain crazy and going to kill Clive (BFF). I think this season is going to be a major upheaval for the entire gang from Peyton, Ravi and Blaine love triangle as she’s torn between a sexy good doctor or a sexy drug dealing kingpin … such a hard choice! Not that Ravi doesn’t have a LOT on his plate with only 19 cures and no way to make more and working on offsetting the memory loss he’s going to be one busy doctor. I’m also thinking his arch-nemesis who fired him might come back to the lab as she tries to figure out WHY the body was in such a advanced state of decay and had brain in the stomach! I’m not sure how Liv & Ravi will explain that but am sure it will be a doozy of jumping through hoops.
Am so excited to hear that the Paley Center for Media is welcomingPrison Break, Riverdale, Speechless, and the New ABC Musical Event, Dirty Dancing for the 2017 PaleyLive LA Spring Season! <scream> so many great programs that my head is spinning!
“The programs selected for our PaleyLive events represent the best television has to offer and tackle today’s most compelling themes and issues,” said Maureen J. Reidy, President and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “The programs in our PaleyLive Spring Season run the gamut from thriller to mystery, from romance to the challenges facing a special needs family. Each one promises to spark the entertaining and informative conversations that have made PaleyLive programs the premier experience for both the public and industry professionals.”
PaleyLive LA this Spring selection of programs, feature screening, premier episodes, panel talks AND the opportunity for the audience to ask questions! I just found out about these new panels and if you are a member you can buy tickets before the general public!
An Evening with Speechless
Tuesday, May 9 at 7:00 pm
I’m a huge fan of ABC Studios, and Twentieth Century Fox Television’s Speechless it’s a show that represents the challenge of a family struggling to live in a neighborhood to offer the best to their kids. The portrayal of JJ DiMeo by Micah Fowler that shows a HS kid living his life and not allowing anyone to stand in front of his wheels! Out of the entire family I must admit I want to hang with JJ and not just to cut in line <guffaw>. The Paley Center will host Minnie Driver (Maya DiMeo); John Ross Bowie (Jimmy DiMeo); Mason Cook (Ray DiMeo); Micah Fowler (JJ DiMeo); Kyla Kenedy(Dylan DiMeo); Cedric Yarbrough (Kenneth); Scott Silveri, Creator & Executive Producer; Melvin Mar, Executive Producer; and Jake Kasdan, Executive Producer; for a premiere screening and conversation.
Prison Break: Premiere Screening & Conversation
Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00 pm
I’m ready for a new adventure with Prison Break and the new nine part event series with original series stars reuniting for an all-new adventure that has the thrills and cliff-hangers of the Golden Globe Nominated original series when it aired on FOX (2005-2009). The Paley Center welcomes back members of the cast & creative team including Wentworth Miller (Michael Scofield); Dominic Purcell (Lincoln Burrows); Sarah Wayne Callies (Sara Tancredi); Robert Knepper (T-Bag); Paul T. Scheuring, Creator & Executive Producer; Vaun Wilmott, Executive Producer; and Executive Producer, Michael Horowitz, who last appeared on the Paley stage in 2008; for this special screening and conversation in advance of the broadcast premiere on April 4 at 9:00 pm ET/PT.
Riverdale: Screening & Conversation
Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 pm
Riverdale, the CW and Warner Bros. Television’s newest series has turned Archie and the gang into a modern teen soap series heavy on the mystery! Archie Comics has always stayed relevant over the decades but this new story has introduced them to not only old but new fans! The show has captured the CW viewers and has already been renewed for Season 2! Archie, Betty Veronica, Jughead and Josie are living a small town life with big city dreams and murder simmering under Pop’s shop as the teens sip milkshakes and exchange very simmering glances! The Paley Center welcomes the talented ensemble cast and creative team for screening and conversation including: KJ Apa (Archie Andrews); Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper); Camila Mendes (Veronica Lodge); Madelaine Petsch (Cheryl Blossom); Marisol Nichols (Hermione Lodge); Mӓdchen Amick (Alice Cooper); Ashleigh Murray (Josie McCoy); Sarah Schechter,Executive Producer;Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Executive Producer; Jon Goldwater,Executive Producer; and additional guests to be announced.
Dirty Dancing: The New ABC Musical Event
Premiere Screening & Conversation
Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 pm
No fan of the 1987 movie classic can miss the 30th anniversary musical premiering this year on ABC! Paley Center is offering a first look AND talk with the talent and team behind the upcoming three hour filmed musical event that will be produced by Lionsgate and Allison Shearmur Productions. We get to see the romance of Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman and Johnny Castle during a summer vacation in the Catskills that I think will have all of us singing the songs from the original movie and era. Those lucky enough to score tickets to the premier screening will have a chance to hear from Abigail Breslin, Bruce Greenwood, Nicole Scherzinger, Colt Prattes, and Katey Sagal just before the ABC Television Network TV premiere on May 24. So don’t put baby back in the corner instead have a Dirty Dancing Party at PaleyLive: Los Angeles!
As part of the many benefits of Paley Center Membership, Paley Center Supporting and Patron Members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets starting March 7. Tickets go on sale for Paley Center Individual Members on March 8, and to the general public on March 9. To learn more about other benefits of Paley Center Membership, which includes the opportunity to experience more intimate events with today’s most famous television stars and other noteworthy personalities, please visit paleycenter.org/join-us.
For more information, panel updates, and to purchase tickets please visit paleycenter.org.
About The Paley Center for Media
The Paley Center for Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit paleycenter.org
Who’s excited about the new fall series coming to Fox? MEEEEE
Well if you are a TV nut like myself and are in Los Angeles you can attend the PaleyFest with sneak previews of the first episodes of some of the shows that have fanboys and fangirls pretty excited. Fox is bringing a slate that will compliment returning series as well as bringing new fans to the network with a mix of original series and movies inspired by classic films. I’m very curious about Pitch a series created by Dan Fogelman & Rick Singer starring Kylie Bunbury who’s character is the first woman playing major league baseball breaking the glass baseball diamond. I’m planning to catch the first episode to support a series that reminds me of my beloved Sleepy Hollow (namely a lead black actress not that it’s supernatural mystery). The other series that fans get to have a panel is Lethal Weapon from a movie franchise from the 80’s that I never thought would be rebooted as a TV series. It’s starring Damon Wayans, Sr. and Clayne Crawford in a buddy cop series that has to walk a fine line between humor and gritty cop drama. Damon has come far from his days as a comic and has turned in good performances over the years so the question will be if the two guys have the chemistry necessary to make the show work. Now as a geek the series that has me salivating is Son of Zorn that will join my Sunday Fox animation domination. From the moment I saw the snippets at San Diego Comic Con I felt it was a great addition to Sundays! The voices are great and the mix of live action with animation looks like such fun! I was hoping they’d have a panel but hopefully I’ll see them at Wondercon or SDCC next year! The Exorcist is closing out the Fox night and am not a horror or exorcist fan I must admit I’ve never seen the movie or any real desire it looks horrifying! Sadly I won’t be covering the red carpet but plan to watch all of the new shows!
Are you heading to PaleyFest Fox Night? Let me know in the comments below what show you are looking forward to seeing this fall either a returning favorite or a new show!
2016 LA PaleyFest Fall TV Previews Events Initial Lineup*
The Better Call Saul cast took to the red carpet at PaleyFest 2016 on March 12th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Bromantic co-creators Peter Gould (Creator, EP) and Vince Gilligan (Showrunner, EP, Writer) showed their excitement about their flourishing Breaking Bad spinoff (airing Monday nights on AMC)
BFFs Michael Mando and Rhea Seehorn were in hot pursuit, followed by the rest of the Saul cast (as seen in the video).
Variety media strategist, Debra Birnbaum, praised the first season for its “depth, humor and heartbreak”. Before the audience of hardcore Saul fans could collect themselves, we were surprisingly treated to a first look at the newest episode, before the rest of the world could lay eyes on it!
The booming and bumping of Atmos technology was palpable inside the Dolby Theatre – it was a real treat to see each brilliantly calculated shot matched with such expert sound design from the Saul creativeteam.
The crowd at PaleyFest roared its approval in sheer delight and surprise as a surprise guest appearance of Mark Margolis (Tio Salamanca) lit up the screen! Even title star Bob Odenkirk (“Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman”) was a little shocked, watching it all back: “I can’t remember what happens in these episodes.”
Peter Gould tied up the dynamic PaleyFest conversation with his personal discipline mantra on integrating Breaking Bad characters: “The difficulty is not to overdo it…to have characters walking in the background or having mud splashed on them as Jimmy drives by.”
Fans of Better Call Saul will surely enjoy the new season, which the writers can promise is full of difficulties between Jimmy and Chuck (Michael McKean), and an ensuing struggle between Jimmy and Kim (Rhea Seehorn) to re-kindle their romance and reclaim their own narratives. Her character’s “I save me” line is a huge slap in the face for Jimmy, who will evidently go through a lot more until Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan see fit to transition him to sleazy fan-favorite, Saul Goodman! Will it happen anytime soon?
In the words of Peter Gould himself: “I hate to say it, but there is no master plan.”
I’m ready for a new adventure with Prison Break and the new nine part event series with original series stars reuniting for an all-new adventure that has the thrills and cliff-hangers of the Golden Globe Nominated original series when it aired on FOX (2005-2009). The Paley Center welcomes back members of the cast & creative team including Wentworth Miller (Michael Scofield); Dominic Purcell (Lincoln Burrows); Sarah Wayne Callies (Sara Tancredi); Robert Knepper (T-Bag); Paul T. Scheuring, Creator & Executive Producer; Vaun Wilmott, Executive Producer; and Executive Producer, Michael Horowitz, who last appeared on the Paley stage in 2008; for this special screening and conversation in advance of the broadcast premiere on 
No fan of the 1987 movie classic can miss the 30th anniversary musical premiering this year on ABC! Paley Center is offering a first look AND talk with the talent and team behind the upcoming three hour filmed musical event that will be produced by Lionsgate and Allison Shearmur Productions. We get to see the romance of Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman and Johnny Castle during a summer vacation in the Catskills that I think will have all of us singing the songs from the original movie and era. Those lucky enough to score tickets to the premier screening will have a chance to hear from Abigail Breslin, Bruce Greenwood, Nicole Scherzinger, Colt Prattes, and Katey Sagal just before the ABC Television Network TV premiere on May 24. So don’t put baby back in the corner instead have a Dirty Dancing Party at PaleyLive: Los Angeles!
Who’s excited about the new fall series coming to Fox? MEEEEE
