As TV news continues to rollout for neworks' upcoming slates of new and returning shows, we’ll be bringing you the latest and greatest from the next season of Peak TV. We’ve already run down the lineups forFoxandABC, with more still to come. On tap for today’s TV guide are new and returning efforts from Turner’s networks, TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. Take a look at the latest below:
TBS has given the greenlight to four new series:
TBS has also closed a new four-year deal withConan O’Brien’s Team Cocothat will keep the hit late-night showCONANon TBS through 2022 and will extend the brand into digital content, podcasting, gaming, pay TV and live events.
Super Deluxe, which has quickly grown to average more than 40 million unique users every month on social and recently hit the billion views milestone, will have its own 90-minute interactive, alternative late-night block on TBS calledSuper Deluxe.
TBS has castCedric the Entertainer,Taylor MosbyandDante Hoaglandin its new comedy starring Tracy Morgan entitledThe Last O.G.
TNT has greenlit two non-fiction series:
TNT is also working with master storyteller and filmmakerRidley Scottto develop a night of original science-fiction programming. Initial plans call for the block to serve as a showcase for hour-long series, short-form programs and other formats to be developed in collaboration with Scott.
On the development front, TNT has ordered a pilot forHighland, a scripted drama written byLiz Sarnoffand starring actress-comedianMargaret Cho, and announcedDaveed Diggs, who earned a Tony® for the Broadway hitHamilton, will star in the network’s drama pilotSnowpiercer, which will be directed byDoctor StrangehelmerScott Derrickson.
Check out more details below:
TBS: ‘Miracle Workers’ with Daniel Radcliffe and Owen Wilson
Turner’s TBShas greenlitMiracle Workers, an anthology comedy series starringDaniel Radcliffe(Swiss Army Man,Now You See Me 2, Harry Potter Films) andOwen Wilson(Midnight in Paris,Masterminds). The series is executive-produced byLorne Michaels(Saturday Night Live) and created bySimon Rich(Man Seeking Woman), who will also serve as showrunner on the series. Joining Michaels as executive producers are Rich, Wilson, Radcliffe andAndrew SingerofBroadway Video, which will produce the series in association with Turner’sStudio T.
Scheduled to launch on TBS in 2018 with seven episodes, the first season ofMiracle Workerswill be a Heaven-set workplace comedy based on Rich’s bookWhat in God’s Name. Radcliffe will play Craig, a low level angel responsible for handling all of humanity’s prayers and Owen Wilson will play Craig’s boss, God, who has pretty much checked out to focus on his favorite hobbies. To prevent Earth’s destruction, Craig must achieve his most impossible miracle to date.
“Having Daniel Radcliffe and Owen Wilson join the TBS family is proof of the continued evolution of this comedy brand as the home of the most creative minds in the business,” saidBrett Weitz, executive vice president of original programming for TBS. “Owen Wilson has long been a comic genius, and Daniel’s performance in last year’sSwiss Army Manreally proved that there’s a sophisticated comedian under the surface of those brilliant dramatic chops. Simon and Lorne are total pros in walking the tightrope between reality and ridiculousness, and they do it with a lot of heart and wit.”
TBS and Super Deluxe Developing a 90-Minute Comedy Block
Turner’s TBSis developing a fully interactive late-night programming block with sister companySuper Deluxe. The block will feature a wide variety of content from the multiplatform studio’s rapidly growing creative stable, all presented with compelling interactive components to further engage the members of the mobile-first generation. TBS plans to launch the weekly 90-minute block this fall with a comedy lineup that ranges in tone from dark humor to Generation Z ennui. It will be divided into quarter-hours, each comprised of scripted series, culturally relevant docu-series and unconventional creative voices from diverse backgrounds.
Among the projects slated to appear as part of TBS’s upcoming Super Deluxe late-night block:
As a key element of the new block, viewers will have the opportunity to forge a deeper connection to the Super Deluxe content through an immersive interactive experience. Details about the block’s interactive components will be announced in the coming months.
“With this block, we are combining TBS’s power as America’s most popular comedy network with Super Deluxe’s phenomenally creative output and interactive engagement tools to create a vital new entry in the late-night landscape,” saidBrett Weitz, executive vice president of original programming for TBS. “The Super Deluxe block will also provide TBS with an enticing new connection point for young adult viewers.”
“As we continue to build Super Deluxe into the entertainment brand of the future, having a regular block on TBS will make us one of the only omniplatform brands to have a meaningful TV presence,” saidWolfgang Hammer, president of Super Deluxe. “We’re not just selling shows. We’re creating series for the largest comedy network in the country. We look forward to showcasing Super Deluxe’s unique brand of original programming on TBS and engaging with viewers through the block’s interactive components.”
Since launching last year, Super Deluxe has quickly become a formidable digital force with its targeted audience of young, mobile-centric consumers. It currently averages 40 million unique viewers per month on social media and recently hit 1 billion video views. In addition, it was recently cited during the Facebook F8 conference as thegold standard in Facebook Live video programming.
Not only is Super Deluxe a success on its own platforms, it has also sold two of its series to other networks:The Chances, written by and starring deaf creators Shoshannah Stern and Josh Feldman, which is coming to Sundance Now, the premium streaming service backed by AMC Networks, and two seasons ofMagic Funhouseto Fullscreen, an adult show about the making of a kids show.
TBS: ‘The Last O.G.’ with Cedric the Entertainer
Turner’s TBShas castCedric the Entertainer(Barbershop),Taylor Mosby(Criminal Minds) andDante Hoagland(The New Edition Story) as regulars in the upcoming comedy seriesThe Last O.G., starring multiple Emmy® nomineeTracy Morgan(30 Rock). They join previously announced regularsAllen Maldonado(Straight Outta Compton),Ryan Gaul(Identity Thief) andTiffany Haddish(Keanu) in the scripted comedy. Produced by Turner’sStudio T, the series was created byJordan Peele(Get Out,Key & Peele) andJohn Carcieri(Vice Principals), who also serve as executive producers with Morgan,Eric Tannebaum(Two and a Half Men), Kim Tannenbaum(Two and a Half Men) andJoel ZadakofPrincipato Young(Key & Peele).
The Last O.G., is slated to launch later this year on TBS centers on Tray (Morgan), an ex-con who is shocked to see just how much the world has changed when he is released on good behavior from a 15-year prison stint. Returning to his newly gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood, he discovers that his former girlfriend, Shay (Haddish), has married an affable, successful white man who is helping raise Tray’s twin sons who he never knew existed. Wanting nothing more than to connect with his kids, but having neither the money to support them nor himself, Tray falls back on the skills he learned in prison to make ends meet while treading unfamiliar territory.
Cedric the Entertainer will play Miniard Mullins, the head of the halfway house where Tray comes to stay after prison. He thinks of himself as the pinnacle of charisma at the house. Cedric the Entertainer has been a popular figure since his co-starring role on the hit comedy seriesThe Steve Harvey Show. His extensive credits include the moviesBarbershop,Madagascar,Ice AgeandA Haunted House, as well as the television seriesThe Soul Man,The Proud FamilyandThe Comedy Get Down.
Mosby and Hoagland will portray Amira and Shahzad, Shay’s fraternal twins. They both physically resemble Tray but grew up in private schools and can’t relate to his hardscrabble upbringing. Tray is pretty certain that the twins are his, although Shay hasn’t admitted it yet.
TBS: ‘The Joker’s Wild’ Hosted by Snoop Dog
Turner’s TBSis teaming up with entertainment icon and actorSnoop Doggto refresh and update the classic game showThe Joker’s Wild. Snoop Dogg, who countedThe Joker’s Wildas his favorite game show growing up, will host TBS’s new version. The half-hour game show with a comedic edge is being produced bySony Pictures Television, in association with Turner’sStudio T.Snoop Dogg will executive produce along with two-time Emmy winner and Super Bowl ChampionMichael Strahan(co-hostGood Morning America).Constance Schwartz-Morini(Religion of Sports), forSMAC,Ted Chung(Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party), forSnoopadelic Films, andVincent Rubino(The $100,000 Pyramid) will also serve as executive producers on the series, which TBS plans to launch later this year.
“When you hear the words ‘game show host,’ Snoop Dogg probably isn’t the first name to pop into your head,” saidMichael Bloom, senior vice president of unscripted series and specials for TNT and TBS. “But it turns out he is a great fit that brings passion to this game show with a laid-back vibe to the casino-inspired craziness surrounding him. This is a labor of love for Snoop Dogg and Michael Strahan, and a perfect addition to TBS’s comedy lineup.”
“I’m a huge fan of game shows andThe Joker’s Wildwas my favorite show growing up,” said Snoop Dogg. “It always matched the flavor and personality of Snoop Dogg! Me and the Snoopadelic team are excited to bring back the show and put my own personal touch on it. Get ready ya’ll, it’s gonna be a wild ride!”
TBS’s updated take on the classic game show will go beyond the traditional trivia slot machine as the set’s only backdrop, and set Snoop’s Joker’s Wild in his very own casino.While the gigantic slot machine remains a major feature, entertaining mini-games replace the straight trivia questions. Giant dice, playing cards, streetwise questions and problem solving, not just book smarts, rule the floor with all the action is controlled by the one and only Snoop D-O Double G.
TBS: New Series from The Dress Up Gang
TBShas greenlit a new series from the comedy trioThe Dress Up Gang, whose viral videos include the popularMy Roommate, My Friendseries. The Dress Up Gang’s creators,Donny DivanianandCory Loykasekare set to star in the series, with special appearances by fellow team-member and creatorRobb Boardman, who will also write and direct.Dave Kneebone(Comedy Bang! Bang!,The Eric Andre Show),Tim Heidecker(Decker,Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories) andEric Wareheim(Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule,Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories) serve as executive producers on the series, which is produced byAbsolutelyin association with Turner’sStudio T.
TBS’s new series from The Dress Up Gang is set in a surreal version of Los Angeles. Donny and Cory are roommates who look out for each other. Donny, a responsible adult with the temperament and outlook of a child, relies on guidance and life advice from Cory, the dad-like 30-something who has been crashing on his couch for quite some time.
“The Dress Up Gang are experts at mining comedy gold from otherwise serious situations,” saidBrett Weitz, executive vice president of original programming for TBS. “This new series is another example of how TBS is stretching beyond the confines of television to bring fresh talent and unique comedic voices to our lineup.”
The Dress Up Gang began when two high school friends (they refuse to say which two) met another friend (it doesn’t matter which one) in San Francisco. The three instantly bonded and began making the very sketches that appear on their YouTube channel. In addition to their work with The Dress Up Gang, Cory and Donny are pretty funny stand-up comedians, but that’s neither here nor there.
TBS: Animated ‘Close Enough’ from ‘Regular Show’ Creator
Turner’s TBShas greenlitClose Enough, a new animated series fromRegular ShowcreatorJ.G. Quintel. The surreal comedy about a family growing up without getting old marks the first collaboration betweenCartoon Network StudiosandStudio T, both divisions of Turner. It also marks Quintel’s first project for the company since his Emmy®-winning work on Cartoon Network’s long-runningRegular Show. TBS has ordered 13 episodes ofClose Enough, which is slated to launch next year.
Close Enoughis a surreal take on transitioning from 20-something to 30-something. The show centers on a married couple juggling such everyday challenges as parenthood, friendship, ham theft, stripper clowns and choosing the right day care.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add one of animation’s most impressive and popular voices, J.G. Quintel, to our growing slate of animated series,” saidBrett Weitz, executive vice president of original programming for TBS. “J.G. hit the center of the demo target withRegular Show, and we’re counting on him to bring this younger and more engaged audience to our network.”
TNT Developing Ridley Scott Sci-Fi Block
Turner’s TNThas begun working with master storyteller and filmmakerRidley Scott(The Martian, Blade Runner,Alien: Covenant) to develop a night of original science-fiction programming. Initial plans call for the block to serve as a showcase for hour-long series, short-form programs and other formats to be developed in collaboration with Scott. The slate is being produced by Scott’sScott Free Productionsin association with Turner’sStudio T, with Scott andDavid W. Zucker(The Good Wife,The Man in the High Castle) serving as executive producers andJordan Sheehan(The Good Fight,The Terror) andClayton Krueger(JCVJ, Mercy Street) as co-executive producers.
“We’re looking to create a programming block filled with the kind of imaginative, awe-inspiring storytelling that has made science fiction such a beloved and enduring genre,” saidSarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. “Ridley Scott has created some of the best and most popular science-fiction movies of all time, and we look forward to bringing his fans even more of his smart, sophisticated stories.”
One of the world’s foremost directors and producers, Ridley Scott is known for his work on such films asThe Martian, Thelma & Louise,Alien,Black Hawk Down,Blade RunnerandGladiator. Throughout his illustrious career, Scott has been lauded with Emmys®, Producers Guild of America Awards and Directors Guild of America Awards. Scott serves as head of RSA and Scott Free Productions.
“Being given the creative license to generate and develop science fiction programming in a variety of formats for TNT is very exciting,” said Scott. “This genre is one of my favorites, and there are an infinite amount of original and innovative story ideas out there that we are looking forward to exploring with TNT. It is very exciting for all of us.”
TNT’s new sci-fi block will mark Scott’s second project for the network. He previously served as executive producer on the network’s award-winning CIA miniseriesThe Companyin 2007.
TNT: Non-Fiction Series ‘Michael Moore Live from the Apocalypse’
Turner’s TNT has greenlitMichael Moore Live from the Apocalypse(working title), a new non-fiction series from Oscar® and Emmy® winner Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine,TV Nation). Set to premiere in the late fall, the series will pull back the curtain on everything from Washington politics to Wall Street shenanigans. Moore will direct and star in the series, as well as executive-produce with frequent collaborator and Oscar-nominee Meghan O’Hara (SiCKO). Veteran producer Nick McKinney (The Daily Show,30 Days) will produce.
Michael Moore Live from the Apocalypseis part of TNT’s ongoing shift to more premium scripted dramas and high-profile documentary original programming. In the series, Moore and his merry band of journalists, pranksters and citizen-rebels will fearlessly go where the mainstream media and political hacks of both parties are afraid to go. The series will dive deep into the abyss of Washington, stalk the scions of Wall Street and crash the playgrounds of America’s wealthiest 1% – and they’ll do it by not just flying over the Heartland. No one in power will be spared either the unblinking lens of Moore’s camera nor the sting of his pointed satire.
“Live from the Apocalypsewill be a raucous gathering place for millions of our fellow citizens in desperate need of a break from the screaming pundits and the purveyors of ‘alternative facts,'” said Moore. “Our show will be dangerous and relentless. And it will be the destination for those who want to know what’s really going on and what they might be able to do about it.”
Moore is considered a pioneer in the modern era of primetime television satire. HisTV Nationwon the first-ever primetime Emmy for a nonfiction series, with every season ofTV Nationand his subsequentThe Awful Truthbeing nominated for the same primetime Emmy. Both shows are considered to be the inspiration for similar work that followed, using humor to inform the public about the issues of the day.
“Michael Moore has proven himself to be a master at exposing the truth behind American politics, Wall Street abuses and economic injustice,” said Michael Bloom, senior vice president of unscripted series and specials for TNT and TBS. “His powerful and unique voice combines truth and humor on all sides of an issue.”
TNT: ‘Highland’ Pilot Ordered from Liz Sarnoff and Margaret Cho
Turner’s TNT has ordered a pilot forHighland, a scripted drama written and executive produced by Liz Sarnoff (Lost,Barry) and actress-comedian Margaret Cho (Margaret Cho: PsyCHO,Drop Dead Diva), who will also star. The pilot, which is inspired by Cho’s personal history with substance abuse, is a co-production of Marty Adelstein’s Tomorrow Studios and Turner’s Studio T, with Cho serving as executive producer
Highlandwill chronicle what happens when two extended, dysfunctional Korean-American families who share the same patriarch must come together after tragedy strikes. As it turns out, the most reliable person in both families is the one who just got out of rehab.
“Liz Sarnoff and Margaret Cho’s brilliant script exposes Margaret’s warm heart and bracing humor, balancing powerful emotional truths with laugh-out-loud scenes and characters,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. “Highlandcontinues TNT’s commitment to bringing diverse voices and worlds to television. We look forward to making a pilot with such a singular talent as Margaret Cho.”
TNT: ‘Who Run the World?’ with Sarah Jessica Parker and Morgan Spurlock
Turner’s TNT has greenlitWho Run the World?(working title), a new documentary series executive-produced by Emmy® winner Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City,Divorce), Oscar® nominee Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me,The Greatest Movie Ever Sold) and Refinery29. The new docu-series will focus on the issues that women face in today’s world.Who Run the World?is produced by Spurlock’s Warrior Poets and Parker’s Pretty Matches Productions, in partnership with Refinery29 and in association with Turner’s Studio T.
Who Run the World?is part of TNT’s ongoing shift to more premium scripted dramas and high-profile documentary programming. Slated to premiere later this year, the series will unpack the most divisive and complicated issues facing women today, from the policing of their bodies and judgments of their family planning choices, to the micro-aggressions they face in the media, the workplace and everyday life. Exploring the complexities, advances and persistent inequalities that encapsulate how far women have come and how far society still has to go, it will ask if – and how – we can ever live in a truly equal world.
“It is important to me to explore the gendered experience, including the successes as well as the challenges,” said Parker. “As we continue the fight for equality in pay, access to healthcare, childcare and more, I hope we can give a voice to the unheard and invite every human to be a part of the conversation. I am thrilled to be partnered with Warrior Poets, Refinery 29 and TNT on this timely and important project.”
“There’s never been a better time for this series than right now, and I couldn’t have asked for better partners to make it happen,” said Spurlock. “I’m so excited to tell these stories with Pretty Matches & Refinery29 and to share them with the world on TNT.”
“Sarah Jessica and Morgan are great storytellers who know how to be both informative and enormously entertaining,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. “Who Run the World?provides us with the opportunity to work with our producing partners at Refinery29 on a project that will resonate with their powerful, young female audience.”
“We are so thrilled to be collaborating with Morgan and his amazing team again, as well as the iconic Sarah Jessica Parker on our first foray into television,” said Amy Emmerich, Chief Content Officer of Refinery29. “This series represents our enduring commitment to put women first through relatable and culturally responsive content. Turner and TNT have been invaluable partners to us, and we’re inspired by their active efforts to change the way women are seen on-screen.”
