HBO has announced that Real Time with Bill Maher, its Emmy-winning political talk show fronted by the controversial comedian, has been renewed through 2020. The deal with Maher also includes a stand-up special whose premiere date should be announced soon.
“We are incredibly proud to continue our longstanding relationship with Bill Maher,” said Casey Bloys, President of Programming at HBO. “As part of the HBO family for nearly 30 years, Bill’s distinctive point of view, coupled with his passion and commitment to insightful and informative entertainment, has remained unparalleled.”
National Geographic has announced that Antonio Banderas has joined the second season of praised anthology Genius, where he’ll be portraying Pablo Picasso. The first season earned Geoffrey Rush an Emmy nomination for portraying Albert Einstein.
“The life story of Pablo Picasso has long since fascinated me and I have so much respect for this man, who also comes from my birthplace Málaga,” said Banderas. “I am thrilled to work with National Geographic, Brian, Ron, Ken and the rest of the Genius team to tell an authentic story of one of the most innovative painters in the world.”
Sister Sister alum Tim Reid and The Originals actor Alkoya Brunson will be recurring on CBS comedy Me, Myself & I. They’ll be playing the older and younger versions of Jaleel White’s present-day character Darryl.
Scream Queens actress Keke Palmer is set for a recurring role on Lee Daniels musical drama Star. She’ll be playing Gigi, a buzzed about recording star who alienates her record label while courting Ayanna and Midtown. Her goal? Finding the best producers that can make her the hottest songs.
The first round of Emmy presenters has been unveiled. Confirmed to hand out trophies at the ceremony, which airs Sunday, September 17th on CBS, are Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Alec Baldwin, Riz Ahmed, Anthony Anderson, Alex Baldwin, Allison Janney, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jason Bateman, Jessica Biel, Edie Falco, Anna Faris, Rashida Jones, Debra Messing, Lea Michele, Shemar Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Jim Parsons, and Adam Scott.
Hulu’s Locke & Key pilot has added another It star in Megan Carpenter, who will play the transformational daughter of Rendell and Nina Locke.
In development news:
Gina Rodriguez has brought new dramas to CBS and The CW through her production deal with CBS Studios. At the former is Have Mercy, a medical drama centering on a Latina doctor unable to practice when she immigrates to Miami. After beginning work as a nursing assistant, she makes the decision to open a makeshift clinic in her apartment. The latter is home to Illegal, a lighter drama that follows awkward teenager Rafael as he realizes that he’s not American after all.
CBS is home to its own immigration series, as the network has put workplace comedy Welcome to Maine in development. Executive produced by Greg Garcia, Welcome to Maine tells the story of a ninth-generation Maine family and a recent immigrant — believed to be a Syrian refugee — and his daughter who all must learn to embrace change when they share the same workplace in a tiny rural town.
FOX has ordered retirement comedy pilot Cool Kids from It’s Always Sunny star Charlie Day and Paul Fruchbom (Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television). The series revolves around three guy friends in a retirement community who are the top dogs until they’re blown out of the water by the newest member of the community, a female rebel who’s ready to challenge their place – it’s high school with 70 somethings.
From around KSiteTV’s affiliates:
KryptonSite has news about two Supergirl recastings.
X-Men TV has word about The Gifted‘s participation in this fall’s New York Comic-Con.
Thinking about picking up the Blu-Ray of Flash season four? Flash TV News tells you why you should.
GreenArrowTV has a photo of Manu Bennett on the Arrow season six set.
BBC has released a promo for upcoming drama Rellik, which will also air on Cinemax.
NBC has released a new promo for its revival of Will & Grace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5lEno2FDYc
ABC has released a new promo for the second season of comedy American Housewife.
NBC has released a new promo for the upcoming second season of Emmy nominee This Is Us.
ABC has released a new promo for the seventh and final season of Scandal.
