Exclusive: There is a change at the helm of Peacock’s Based On a True Story, starring Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina. Physical creator Annie Weisman is joining the upcoming second season of the dark comedy thriller, from Aggregate Films and UCP, as new showrunner. She succeeds series creator Craig Rosenberg who remains an executive producer while pursuing other projects.
Season 2 of Based On a True Story will see Ava (Cuoco) and her husband Nathan (Messina) return for a new true crime adventure. The two stars are executive producing the new installment alongside Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan of Aggregate Films, writer/showrunner Weisman, Alex Buono, Rosenberg and Jaclyn Moore. Roxie Rodriguez of Aggregate Films, Sono Patel and Max Searle co-executive produce. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group , is the studio.
In the well received first season, the lives of a down-on-their-luck couple Ava (Cuoco) and Nathan (Messina) collide...
Season 2 of Based On a True Story will see Ava (Cuoco) and her husband Nathan (Messina) return for a new true crime adventure. The two stars are executive producing the new installment alongside Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan of Aggregate Films, writer/showrunner Weisman, Alex Buono, Rosenberg and Jaclyn Moore. Roxie Rodriguez of Aggregate Films, Sono Patel and Max Searle co-executive produce. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group , is the studio.
In the well received first season, the lives of a down-on-their-luck couple Ava (Cuoco) and Nathan (Messina) collide...
- 3/13/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Marlee Matlin, Ramy Youssef, Lauren Ridloff, Ryan O’Connell and Ali Stroker are among the Hollywood names supporting the Inevitable Foundation’s open letter calling on the industry to shift away from relying on disability consultants and instead hire creatives with disabilities on film and TV projects.
A total of 35 deaf, disabled and allied writers, actors, showrunners and producers signed their names to the letter written and published by the Inevitable Foundation’s co-founders Marisa Torelli-Pedevska and Richie Siegel as part of their new Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just A Disability Consultant initiative.
Paul Feig, Jason Katims, Sian Heder, Liz Tigelaar, Krista Vernoff, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Josh Feldman, Shoshannah Stern and Timothy Omundson also backed the open letter, pledging to, in their own creative capacities, put more disabled creatives in positions of power and move away from the consultant model. It’s a system frequently used “instead of — not...
A total of 35 deaf, disabled and allied writers, actors, showrunners and producers signed their names to the letter written and published by the Inevitable Foundation’s co-founders Marisa Torelli-Pedevska and Richie Siegel as part of their new Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just A Disability Consultant initiative.
Paul Feig, Jason Katims, Sian Heder, Liz Tigelaar, Krista Vernoff, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Josh Feldman, Shoshannah Stern and Timothy Omundson also backed the open letter, pledging to, in their own creative capacities, put more disabled creatives in positions of power and move away from the consultant model. It’s a system frequently used “instead of — not...
- 3/23/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dave Chappelle won best comedy album at the 2023 Grammys for his most recent special The Closer, which received backlash over material focused on the transgender community.
The comedian took the honor Sunday over Louis C.K. (Sorry), Jim Gaffigan (Comedy Monster), Randy Rainbow (A Little Brains, A Little Talent) and Patton Oswalt (We All Scream). The award serves as Chappelle’s fourth Grammy and follows C.K.’s controversial win last year for Sincerely Louis Ck, his first comedy album since his sexual misconduct revelations.
Chappelle was not in attendance during the Grammys Premiere Ceremony, where the comedy album prize and many of the other Grammy awards this year were presented, so presenter Babyface accepted the award on his behalf.
After Chappelle and C.K. were nominated for the 2023 Grammys, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. told The Hollywood Reporter in part, “We don’t control who the voters vote for.
The comedian took the honor Sunday over Louis C.K. (Sorry), Jim Gaffigan (Comedy Monster), Randy Rainbow (A Little Brains, A Little Talent) and Patton Oswalt (We All Scream). The award serves as Chappelle’s fourth Grammy and follows C.K.’s controversial win last year for Sincerely Louis Ck, his first comedy album since his sexual misconduct revelations.
Chappelle was not in attendance during the Grammys Premiere Ceremony, where the comedy album prize and many of the other Grammy awards this year were presented, so presenter Babyface accepted the award on his behalf.
After Chappelle and C.K. were nominated for the 2023 Grammys, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. told The Hollywood Reporter in part, “We don’t control who the voters vote for.
- 2/5/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Queer As Folk reboot will be short-lived. Peacock has opted not to pick up a second season of the series created by Russell T. Davies and Stephen Dunn.
A reimagining of the British series created by Davies, the new iteration, which premiered June 9, explores the lives of a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
The series starred Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, Johnny Sibilly, and Ryan O’Connell. The show featured a host of guest stars including Kim Cattrall, Juliette Lewis, Ed Begley Jr., and Nyle Dimarco.
Dunn shared the “disappointing news” of Queer as Folk‘s cancellation on Instagram Friday night.
“It’s a rare gift in these times, and in this country, to be able to make a show as fearless and unapologetic as Queer As Folk. This experience changed our lives forever and...
A reimagining of the British series created by Davies, the new iteration, which premiered June 9, explores the lives of a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
The series starred Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, Johnny Sibilly, and Ryan O’Connell. The show featured a host of guest stars including Kim Cattrall, Juliette Lewis, Ed Begley Jr., and Nyle Dimarco.
Dunn shared the “disappointing news” of Queer as Folk‘s cancellation on Instagram Friday night.
“It’s a rare gift in these times, and in this country, to be able to make a show as fearless and unapologetic as Queer As Folk. This experience changed our lives forever and...
- 9/24/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Queer as Folk” reboot has been canceled after one season at Peacock, Variety has learned.
The entire first season of the show was released on the streamer on June 9. It originally received a straight-to-series order at Peacock in April 2021.
The show followed a group of friends in New Orleans who must deal with the aftermath of a shooting at a queer nightclub. The cast included Fin Argus, CG, Jesse James Keitel, Ryan O’Connell, Johnny Sibilly, Devin Way, and Kim Cattrall, among others.
Stephen Dunn created the series and served as an executive producer along with Jaclyn Moore, Lee Eisenberg, Emily Brecht, original series creator Russell T. Davies, Nicola Shindler, and Richard Halliwell on behalf of Nent Studios UK, which distributes the format. UCP is the studio.
“It’s a rare gift in these times, and in this country, to be able to make a show as fearless and unapologetic as ‘Queer As Folk,...
The entire first season of the show was released on the streamer on June 9. It originally received a straight-to-series order at Peacock in April 2021.
The show followed a group of friends in New Orleans who must deal with the aftermath of a shooting at a queer nightclub. The cast included Fin Argus, CG, Jesse James Keitel, Ryan O’Connell, Johnny Sibilly, Devin Way, and Kim Cattrall, among others.
Stephen Dunn created the series and served as an executive producer along with Jaclyn Moore, Lee Eisenberg, Emily Brecht, original series creator Russell T. Davies, Nicola Shindler, and Richard Halliwell on behalf of Nent Studios UK, which distributes the format. UCP is the studio.
“It’s a rare gift in these times, and in this country, to be able to make a show as fearless and unapologetic as ‘Queer As Folk,...
- 9/24/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you haven’t watched “Bleep,” the sixth episode of “Queer as Folk,” now streaming on Peacock.
The first two shows that bared the name “Queer as Folk” presented a fairly narrow view of what “queer” is. While Russell T. Davies’ 1999 British original and its first American remake on Showtime were groundbreaking at the time for their depiction of LGBTQ people as the leads of their own stories, the shows overwhelmingly centered the experiences of white cisgender gay men. The newly launched Peacock reimagining of the series, which was developed by Stephen Dunn, presents a far more diverse and varied depiction of queer life, exploring characters in an interrelated group of queer friends living in New Orleans.
“What ‘Queer as Folk’ meant in 1999 and 2000, that’s actually what we’re trying to reboot,” Jaclyn Moore, who serves as co-showrunner with Dunn, tells Variety. “What is the modern version of that?...
The first two shows that bared the name “Queer as Folk” presented a fairly narrow view of what “queer” is. While Russell T. Davies’ 1999 British original and its first American remake on Showtime were groundbreaking at the time for their depiction of LGBTQ people as the leads of their own stories, the shows overwhelmingly centered the experiences of white cisgender gay men. The newly launched Peacock reimagining of the series, which was developed by Stephen Dunn, presents a far more diverse and varied depiction of queer life, exploring characters in an interrelated group of queer friends living in New Orleans.
“What ‘Queer as Folk’ meant in 1999 and 2000, that’s actually what we’re trying to reboot,” Jaclyn Moore, who serves as co-showrunner with Dunn, tells Variety. “What is the modern version of that?...
- 6/29/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
The third iteration of Russell T. Davies‘ Queer as Folk debuted June 6 on Peacock. Created by Stephen Dunn (Little America) with Jaclyn Moore, Peacock’s version is a vibrant reimagining of the original series and centers on queer people of color and disabled queer people. Dunn and Moore (executive producer and writer) don’t critique the U.K. and U.S. versions of Queer as Folk for the lack of diversity — it was miraculous to have any stories about Lgbtqia+ life told in the ’90s and early 2000s. But for that same reason, they felt it necessary to reimagine the groundbreaking series for modern audiences. Speaking with TV Insider, Dunn and Moore explained why they brought Queer as Folk back, why they chose the Pulse nightclub shooting as the jumping off point for the pilot, and reveal their favorite moments from Season 1 that they can’t believe are now ...
- 6/10/2022
- TV Insider
The new Peacock drama “Queer As Folk” opens with a video of naked men dancing in front of a psychedelic backdrop. As it loops, the camera pans out to reveal the TV screen its playing on and show the main lead of the series, Brodie (Devin Way), in the middle of a particularly messy hook-up.
For many viewers, the video might ring some bells to them — it’s similar to the opening sequence of the original U.S. version of “Queer as Folk,” which aired from 2000 to 2005 on Showtime. For Stephen Dunn, the co-showrunner (with Jaclyn Moore) of Peacock’s reimagining of the series, it was one of his first exposures to the queer community, and he wanted the opening to pay homage to it, before introducing them to one that’s completely new.
“There’s definitely a tongue-in-cheek energy with that opening scene,” Dunn tells Variety.
Dunn, a Canadian...
For many viewers, the video might ring some bells to them — it’s similar to the opening sequence of the original U.S. version of “Queer as Folk,” which aired from 2000 to 2005 on Showtime. For Stephen Dunn, the co-showrunner (with Jaclyn Moore) of Peacock’s reimagining of the series, it was one of his first exposures to the queer community, and he wanted the opening to pay homage to it, before introducing them to one that’s completely new.
“There’s definitely a tongue-in-cheek energy with that opening scene,” Dunn tells Variety.
Dunn, a Canadian...
- 6/9/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
In Peacock’s new Queer as Folk, Jesse James Keitel stars as Ruthie, a trans woman and onetime party girl trying — and sometimes failing — to mature. The 28-year-old actress (a queer trans woman) made history in 2020 when she won the role of private investigator and aspiring singer Jerrie Kennedy on ABC’s Big Sky, which just concluded its second season in May. Her casting on Big Sky marked the first time a nonbinary actor (at the time, Keitel identified as nonbinary) played a nonbinary series regular on primetime TV.
Keitel says it’s now “a dream come true” to be a part of the rich Queer as Folk legacy. “The previous two iterations changed the TV landscape for queer stories,” Keitel says. “As an audience, we expect more from television today than we did 20 years ago. The issues queer people are facing in...
In Peacock’s new Queer as Folk, Jesse James Keitel stars as Ruthie, a trans woman and onetime party girl trying — and sometimes failing — to mature. The 28-year-old actress (a queer trans woman) made history in 2020 when she won the role of private investigator and aspiring singer Jerrie Kennedy on ABC’s Big Sky, which just concluded its second season in May. Her casting on Big Sky marked the first time a nonbinary actor (at the time, Keitel identified as nonbinary) played a nonbinary series regular on primetime TV.
Keitel says it’s now “a dream come true” to be a part of the rich Queer as Folk legacy. “The previous two iterations changed the TV landscape for queer stories,” Keitel says. “As an audience, we expect more from television today than we did 20 years ago. The issues queer people are facing in...
- 6/9/2022
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex. on May 24, Quinta Brunson tweeted that it was “wild how many people have asked for a school shooting episode of the show I write,” referring to her ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary” and adding that the clear answer is “no.” Meanwhile, CBS pulled the season finale of “FBI” in response to the tragedy, while Netflix added a content warning for Season 4 of “Stranger Things” due to the show’s depiction of violence.
“Queer as Folk,” Stephen Dunn’s reimagining of the groundbreaking British television series for Peacock, also announced that the show’s pilot episode would include a warning card. Unlike its counterparts, however, “Queer as Folk” addresses the issue of gun violence head-on, centering its story on a mass shooting based on the 2016 massacre at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., that left 50 people dead. At the show’s premiere,...
“Queer as Folk,” Stephen Dunn’s reimagining of the groundbreaking British television series for Peacock, also announced that the show’s pilot episode would include a warning card. Unlike its counterparts, however, “Queer as Folk” addresses the issue of gun violence head-on, centering its story on a mass shooting based on the 2016 massacre at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., that left 50 people dead. At the show’s premiere,...
- 6/4/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Happy Pride Month! From concert stages and parades to film screenings and premieres, queer celebrations are here, there and everywhere.
June 1, Wednesday
Gottmik x Violet Chachki perform at the premiere of the docuseries “The Book of Queer.” Heart WeHo, West Hollywood
June 2, Thursday
Beverly Hills Pride Night is hosted by Tolliver and Kcrw’s Novena Carmel.
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills
June 3, Friday
Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, Johnny Sibilly and Ryan O’Connell attend the premiere of the reimagined “Queer as Folk” with creatives Stephen Dunn and Jaclyn Moore. The evening kicks off the four-day Outfronts.
The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles
As part of the SaMo Pride celebration, the Made with Pride Marketplace pop-up opens. LGBTQ-owned businesses and a rainbow light installation are featured. Every Friday-Sunday in June.
Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
WeHo Pride Weekend kicks off with the Dyke March,...
June 1, Wednesday
Gottmik x Violet Chachki perform at the premiere of the docuseries “The Book of Queer.” Heart WeHo, West Hollywood
June 2, Thursday
Beverly Hills Pride Night is hosted by Tolliver and Kcrw’s Novena Carmel.
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills
June 3, Friday
Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, Johnny Sibilly and Ryan O’Connell attend the premiere of the reimagined “Queer as Folk” with creatives Stephen Dunn and Jaclyn Moore. The evening kicks off the four-day Outfronts.
The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles
As part of the SaMo Pride celebration, the Made with Pride Marketplace pop-up opens. LGBTQ-owned businesses and a rainbow light installation are featured. Every Friday-Sunday in June.
Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
WeHo Pride Weekend kicks off with the Dyke March,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The groundbreaking British series “Queer as Folk” flies over to Peacock for its third iteration ripe for a whole new generation.
Showrunner Stephen Dunn (“Closet Monster”), who also writes, directs, and executive produces the Peacock original series. Here the creator reimagines the beloved original show created by Russell T Davies to center on a group of diverse, unapologetically queer friends in New Orleans whose lies are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. Watch the first trailer below.
The original British series ran for two seasons from 1999 to 2000. “Queer As Folk” later was revived in the U.S. on Showtime with a five-season run from 2000 to 2005. Dunn called the series his “awakening,” and while the Peacock show is not a reboot, the all-queer writing team uses the original show as inspiration.
The cast includes Devin Way as Brodie, a commitment-phobe who finds a reason to stay in New Orleans after...
Showrunner Stephen Dunn (“Closet Monster”), who also writes, directs, and executive produces the Peacock original series. Here the creator reimagines the beloved original show created by Russell T Davies to center on a group of diverse, unapologetically queer friends in New Orleans whose lies are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. Watch the first trailer below.
The original British series ran for two seasons from 1999 to 2000. “Queer As Folk” later was revived in the U.S. on Showtime with a five-season run from 2000 to 2005. Dunn called the series his “awakening,” and while the Peacock show is not a reboot, the all-queer writing team uses the original show as inspiration.
The cast includes Devin Way as Brodie, a commitment-phobe who finds a reason to stay in New Orleans after...
- 5/18/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peacock has released the first trailer for “Queer as Folk,” pulling the curtain back on its reimagining of the TV series created by Russell T. Davies.
The new series relocates from Pittsburgh, Pa. to New Orleans, La., exploring the lives of a diverse community of LGBTQ+ individuals whose lives are altered following a tragedy. The trailer takes a look into the world of the city’s queer clubbing scene and the private lives of characters played by series stars Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, Johnny Sibilly and Ryan O’Connell.
“Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original ‘Queer as Folk.’ Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen,” showrunner Stephen Dunn said in a statement. “The show offered a new paradigm — one where we could accept and celebrate queer love,...
The new series relocates from Pittsburgh, Pa. to New Orleans, La., exploring the lives of a diverse community of LGBTQ+ individuals whose lives are altered following a tragedy. The trailer takes a look into the world of the city’s queer clubbing scene and the private lives of characters played by series stars Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, Johnny Sibilly and Ryan O’Connell.
“Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original ‘Queer as Folk.’ Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen,” showrunner Stephen Dunn said in a statement. “The show offered a new paradigm — one where we could accept and celebrate queer love,...
- 5/18/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Outfest today unveiled the lineup for its second annual Lgbtqia+ television festival, The OutFronts—a four-day hybrid event with internationally accessible virtual panel discussions and ticketed in-person events in Los Angeles, featuring the talent from some of the most exciting Lgbtqia+ programs available on television today. The festival will run from June 3-6, kicking off with the world premiere in-person screening of Peacock’s Queer As Folk at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, which will be followed by a conversation with the reimagining’s creators and cast.
The festival’s in-person lineup to be held at Neuehouse will give an advanced look at the third and final season premiere of Hulu and Disney+’s Love, Victor, followed by a discussion with the cast and creators, including showrunner Brian Tanen and stars Michael Cimino, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, George Sear, Isabella Ferreira, and Ava Capri moderated by Tommy Dorfman.
The festival’s in-person lineup to be held at Neuehouse will give an advanced look at the third and final season premiere of Hulu and Disney+’s Love, Victor, followed by a discussion with the cast and creators, including showrunner Brian Tanen and stars Michael Cimino, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, George Sear, Isabella Ferreira, and Ava Capri moderated by Tommy Dorfman.
- 5/17/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Although summer used to be a time for TV fanatics to catch up on reading, that’s not the case these days, with new content constantly rolling out —— even during what used to be the TV off-season.
Networks and streamers continue to mine existing IP — HBO Max will bring “Harley Quinn” and “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” in July, while Prime Video has the highly anticipated adaptation of “A League of Their Own” and Netflix will debut “The Sandman.” There’s also a slew of unscripted content, as per usual.
Plus, expect buzzy, sure-to-be- trending supernatural shows battling it out. Below, Variety takes a closer look at some of this summer’s most anticipated new and returning premieres. Mark your calendars!
“Hacks” (HBO Max)
Following an Emmy-winning first season, Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance and Hannah Einbinder’s Ava leave Las Vegas, hitting the road in a tour bus — with...
Networks and streamers continue to mine existing IP — HBO Max will bring “Harley Quinn” and “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” in July, while Prime Video has the highly anticipated adaptation of “A League of Their Own” and Netflix will debut “The Sandman.” There’s also a slew of unscripted content, as per usual.
Plus, expect buzzy, sure-to-be- trending supernatural shows battling it out. Below, Variety takes a closer look at some of this summer’s most anticipated new and returning premieres. Mark your calendars!
“Hacks” (HBO Max)
Following an Emmy-winning first season, Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance and Hannah Einbinder’s Ava leave Las Vegas, hitting the road in a tour bus — with...
- 5/13/2022
- by Emily Longeretta, Kate Aurthur and Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Starzplay has acquired Stephen Dunn’s reimagining of groundbreaking British series “Queer as Folk” for a slew of territories including the U.K., several continental European countries, and Latin America.
The Peacock-produced reboot of the Russell T. Davies series from the ’90s about three clubgoing men in Manchester’s gay village, has been acquired by the streaming service for Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, Luxembourg, Spain, Netherlands, the Nordics and the U.K.
The eight-episode show will premiere in the U.K. on July 1, with other local premieres rolling out exclusively in the other territories on July 31. Two new episodes will be available each week.
Produced by UCP, a division of the Universal Studio Group, “Queer as Folk” is Stephen Dunn’s reimagining of the cult show created by Davies which has been transposed from Manchester to New Orleans where it looks at a diverse group of friends...
The Peacock-produced reboot of the Russell T. Davies series from the ’90s about three clubgoing men in Manchester’s gay village, has been acquired by the streaming service for Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, Luxembourg, Spain, Netherlands, the Nordics and the U.K.
The eight-episode show will premiere in the U.K. on July 1, with other local premieres rolling out exclusively in the other territories on July 31. Two new episodes will be available each week.
Produced by UCP, a division of the Universal Studio Group, “Queer as Folk” is Stephen Dunn’s reimagining of the cult show created by Davies which has been transposed from Manchester to New Orleans where it looks at a diverse group of friends...
- 5/10/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Outfest will expand its Screenwriting Lab this year, in partnership with Netflix.
The Outfest Screenwriting Lab was established in 1997 as a screenwriting contest, and has since become the cornerstone of the organization’s education and creative development programming. It will this year provide 10 Lgbtqia+ screenwriters with one-on-one mentorship from top industry showrunners, executives, and writers who will offer professional development, scriptwriting support and insight into the latest trends within the industry, having supported eight scribes in 2021.
The week-long intensive lab will take place virtually in October and will thus be accessible to storytellers across the globe, with applications opening today. Outfest is expanding access to its program with support from Netflix, by waiving submission fees for all applicants and providing grants to help financially support each of the selected screenwriters.
Netflix’s partnership with Outfest on its Screenwriting Lab comes as part of its Fund for Creative Equity—an...
The Outfest Screenwriting Lab was established in 1997 as a screenwriting contest, and has since become the cornerstone of the organization’s education and creative development programming. It will this year provide 10 Lgbtqia+ screenwriters with one-on-one mentorship from top industry showrunners, executives, and writers who will offer professional development, scriptwriting support and insight into the latest trends within the industry, having supported eight scribes in 2021.
The week-long intensive lab will take place virtually in October and will thus be accessible to storytellers across the globe, with applications opening today. Outfest is expanding access to its program with support from Netflix, by waiving submission fees for all applicants and providing grants to help financially support each of the selected screenwriters.
Netflix’s partnership with Outfest on its Screenwriting Lab comes as part of its Fund for Creative Equity—an...
- 5/9/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Dunn’s “re-imagining” of the groundbreaking British series “Queer as Folk” will premiere on Thursday, June 9, Peacock announced on Wednesday, along with a release of first-look photos and detailed descriptions of the cast and guest stars.
The new series explores a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
Dunn, who serves as creator, executive producer, writer, and director, described how much the original British series from Russell T. Davies meant to him. “Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original ‘Queer as Folk.’ Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen. The show offered a new paradigm — one where we could accept and celebrate queer love, families, and communities on a global stage. It was truly iconic. I am honored that Russell T.
The new series explores a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
Dunn, who serves as creator, executive producer, writer, and director, described how much the original British series from Russell T. Davies meant to him. “Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original ‘Queer as Folk.’ Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen. The show offered a new paradigm — one where we could accept and celebrate queer love, families, and communities on a global stage. It was truly iconic. I am honored that Russell T.
- 4/13/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
A new era of Queer as Folk launches this summer on Peacock.
The streamer announced Wednesday that the entire first season will drop Thursday, June 9.
The new take "is a vibrant reimagining of the groundbreaking British series created by Russell T. Davies, exploring a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy," according to the streamer.
Stephen Dunn created the new take, while Davies is on board as an EP.
"Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original Queer as Folk,” Dunn said in a statement.
“Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen…. It was truly iconic.”
“I wanted to create a new groundbreaking version of this show for this moment. Our new Queer as Folk is set in New...
The streamer announced Wednesday that the entire first season will drop Thursday, June 9.
The new take "is a vibrant reimagining of the groundbreaking British series created by Russell T. Davies, exploring a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy," according to the streamer.
Stephen Dunn created the new take, while Davies is on board as an EP.
"Like most queer ‘90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original Queer as Folk,” Dunn said in a statement.
“Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen…. It was truly iconic.”
“I wanted to create a new groundbreaking version of this show for this moment. Our new Queer as Folk is set in New...
- 4/13/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Peacock is unveiling a premiere date and first looks at the highly-anticipated reimagining of Russell T. Davies‘s Queer as Folk. The show is officially set to kick off on Thursday, June 9, and hails from creator, writer, and director Stephen Dunn who executive produces the drama alongside original British series creator Davies and writer Jaclyn Moore. In this new iteration, the action is set among a diverse group of friends in New Orleans who have their lives transformed in the aftermath of tragedy. (Credit: Alyssa Moran/Peacock) “Like most queer ’90s kids, I had a unique relationship with the original Queer as Folk. Growing up, I was desperate for any sort of connection with people like me. It was the first time I really felt seen,” showrunner Stephen Dunn shares in a statement. “The show offered a new paradigm — one where we could accept and celebrate queer love, families, and communities on a global stage.
- 4/13/2022
- TV Insider
The Critics Choice Association has announced the winners of the 2nd annual Critics Choice Super Awards, which honors the greatest achievements in genre storytelling across television and film.
“It’s an honor to showcase these incredible accomplishments in Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Comic Book films and television. The Super Awards will proudly continue to shine a brighter light on the talented people telling stories in these fields,” Critics Choice Super Awards branch president Sean O’Connell said in a statement.
In the television categories, “Squid Game” and “Wandavision” led the winners, earning three awards each. “Squid Game” swept the action categories, taking home the best action series trophy alongside individual honors for actors Lee Jung-jae and HoYeon Jung. “Wandavision” won best superhero series, and Elizabeth Olsen and Kathryn Hahn both received awards for best lead and best villain. “Station Eleven” and “Yellowjackets” closely followed with two awards each, while “Loki,” “Snowpiercer...
“It’s an honor to showcase these incredible accomplishments in Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Comic Book films and television. The Super Awards will proudly continue to shine a brighter light on the talented people telling stories in these fields,” Critics Choice Super Awards branch president Sean O’Connell said in a statement.
In the television categories, “Squid Game” and “Wandavision” led the winners, earning three awards each. “Squid Game” swept the action categories, taking home the best action series trophy alongside individual honors for actors Lee Jung-jae and HoYeon Jung. “Wandavision” won best superhero series, and Elizabeth Olsen and Kathryn Hahn both received awards for best lead and best villain. “Station Eleven” and “Yellowjackets” closely followed with two awards each, while “Loki,” “Snowpiercer...
- 3/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman, Sasha Urban and Wyatte Grantham-Philips
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock’s reimagining of the seminal LGBTQ+ series “Queer as Folk” is expanding its cast.
Lukas Gage, most recently of HBO’s “White Lotus,” Megan Stalter (“Hacks”), Olli Haaskivi and Calvin Seabrooks have joined as guest stars, Peacock announced Thursday.
Here’s what we know about their characters:
Gage is playing Eric, a personal trainer. Stalter plays aspiring singer Meg. Haaskivi plays George, a friend from the mall. Seabrooks plays a reluctant dinner party guest named Taylor.
The new “Queer as Folk” comes from creator and executive producer Stephen Dunn, EP Jaclyn Moore, and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. It’s based on the British show created by Russell T. Davies.
While the original series was set in Manchester, U.K., the new version is set in New Orleans. It follows a group of friends whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
Series regulars on the cast are Devin Way,...
Lukas Gage, most recently of HBO’s “White Lotus,” Megan Stalter (“Hacks”), Olli Haaskivi and Calvin Seabrooks have joined as guest stars, Peacock announced Thursday.
Here’s what we know about their characters:
Gage is playing Eric, a personal trainer. Stalter plays aspiring singer Meg. Haaskivi plays George, a friend from the mall. Seabrooks plays a reluctant dinner party guest named Taylor.
The new “Queer as Folk” comes from creator and executive producer Stephen Dunn, EP Jaclyn Moore, and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. It’s based on the British show created by Russell T. Davies.
While the original series was set in Manchester, U.K., the new version is set in New Orleans. It follows a group of friends whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
Series regulars on the cast are Devin Way,...
- 3/17/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Nyle Dimarco is booking a trip to the Big Easy. The actor will appear in Peacock’s upcoming Queer as Folk reimagining as a charming grad student, TVLine has learned exclusively.
Dimarco made history (twice!) as the first deaf contestant to win America’s Next Top Model (2015) and Dancing With the Stars (2016). His acting credits include roles on Switched at Birth, Difficult People, This Close and Station 19.
More from TVLineDead Day, From Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, Ordered to Series at PeacockDan Brown's The Lost Symbol Cancelled at Peacock After One SeasonJoe vs. Carole: Peacock's Tiger King Drama Gets Premiere Date,...
Dimarco made history (twice!) as the first deaf contestant to win America’s Next Top Model (2015) and Dancing With the Stars (2016). His acting credits include roles on Switched at Birth, Difficult People, This Close and Station 19.
More from TVLineDead Day, From Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, Ordered to Series at PeacockDan Brown's The Lost Symbol Cancelled at Peacock After One SeasonJoe vs. Carole: Peacock's Tiger King Drama Gets Premiere Date,...
- 2/1/2022
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
“Yellowjackets” lead and Academy Award and Emmy-nominated actress Juliette Lewis will recur as a guest star opposite Ed Begley Jr., Armand Fields, Chris Renfro, Eric Graise, Sachin Bhatt and Benito Skinner on Peacock’s reimagined “Queer as Folk” series. Lewis also joins previously announced recurring guest star, the iconic “Sex and the City” actress Kim Cattrall.
The “Queer as Folk” reboot is inspired by the British series of the same name created by Russell T. Davies. It follows a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. The show is helmed by creator and executive producer Stephen Dunn, executive producer Jaclyn Moore and Universal Studio Group division UCP.
Cattrall plays a martini-soaked, high society southern debutant with trailer park roots; Lewis (“I Know This Much Is True”) will play a single mom who is more of a friend than a parent...
The “Queer as Folk” reboot is inspired by the British series of the same name created by Russell T. Davies. It follows a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. The show is helmed by creator and executive producer Stephen Dunn, executive producer Jaclyn Moore and Universal Studio Group division UCP.
Cattrall plays a martini-soaked, high society southern debutant with trailer park roots; Lewis (“I Know This Much Is True”) will play a single mom who is more of a friend than a parent...
- 12/1/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
A perennial highlight at the Scad Savannah Film Festival (October 23-30), this year’s back-to-in-person (and virtually for pass-holders) Wonder Women: Producers panel was jam-packed with industry insights from a refreshing range of female perspectives. Engagingly moderated by SAGindie executive director Darrien Gipson, the event took place at the cozy Gutstein Gallery late on a Friday morning. On hand were Alison Owen, Seanne Winslow, Kaila York, Jaclyn Moore (Dear White People, […]
The post The Scad Savannah Film Festival presents Wonder Women: Producers first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post The Scad Savannah Film Festival presents Wonder Women: Producers first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 11/10/2021
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Update: Why star in one new series when you can star in two? On Tuesday, Nov. 9, it was announced that Kim Cattrall will be joining Peacock's Queer as Folk as a recurring guest star. Production is currently underway in New Orleans, Louisiana for the reimagined drama based on Russell T. Davies' British series. Created and written by Stephen Dunn and executive produced by Jaclyn Moore, the show will also star Grey's Anatomy's Devin Way, along with Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, Candace Grace, Johnny Sibilly and Ryan O'Connell. Per her official role description, Cattrall will play "a martini-soaked, high society southern debutant with trailer park...
- 11/9/2021
- E! Online
“Sex and the City” alum and Golden Globe winner Kim Cattrall has joined Peacock’s reimagination of the groundbreaking British series “Queer as Folk” as a recurring guest star. The highly anticipated drama hails from creator and executive producer Stephen Dunn, executive producer Jaclyn Moore and Universal Studio Group’s UCP.
The Emmy nominee will play a character described as a “martini-soaked, high society Southern debutante with trailer park roots.” Cattrall is currently shooting the Hulu series “How I Met Your Father,” the follow-up to “How I Met Your Mother, “and recently wrapped the film “About My Father” with Robert DeNiro.
Production for the show is currently underway in New Orleans. The original “Queer as Folk,” created by Russell T. Davies, chronicled the lives of three gay friends in Manchester. Peacock’s “Queer as Folk” will explore a diverse group of Louisiana residents whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
The Emmy nominee will play a character described as a “martini-soaked, high society Southern debutante with trailer park roots.” Cattrall is currently shooting the Hulu series “How I Met Your Father,” the follow-up to “How I Met Your Mother, “and recently wrapped the film “About My Father” with Robert DeNiro.
Production for the show is currently underway in New Orleans. The original “Queer as Folk,” created by Russell T. Davies, chronicled the lives of three gay friends in Manchester. Peacock’s “Queer as Folk” will explore a diverse group of Louisiana residents whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
- 11/9/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kim Cattrall has joined the cast of Peacock’s Queer As Folk in a recurring guest star role. The Golden Globe winner will portray a martini-soaked, high-society Southern debutant with trailer park roots in the series, which was picked up by the streamer in April.
The series, a reimagination of the hit British series of the same name from Russell T. Davis, follows the lives of a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. A U.S. remake, set in Pittsburgh, aired on Showtime from 2000-2005.
Cattrall joins previously announced cast members Ryan O’Connell, Jesse James Keitel, Candace Grace, Johnny Sibilly, Devin Way and Fin Argus.
Queer as Folk is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. The series is created, written and executive produced by Stephen Dunn, who will also direct the pilot episode. Executive producers also include Jaclyn Moore,...
The series, a reimagination of the hit British series of the same name from Russell T. Davis, follows the lives of a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. A U.S. remake, set in Pittsburgh, aired on Showtime from 2000-2005.
Cattrall joins previously announced cast members Ryan O’Connell, Jesse James Keitel, Candace Grace, Johnny Sibilly, Devin Way and Fin Argus.
Queer as Folk is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. The series is created, written and executive produced by Stephen Dunn, who will also direct the pilot episode. Executive producers also include Jaclyn Moore,...
- 11/9/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Dave Chappelle is denying a claim that he was invited, but declined, to meet with Netflix’s transgender employees/allies who took issue with his latest stand-up comedy special and on Oct. 20 staged a walkout. But he is open to such a sitdown, he said in a video posted Monday afternoon to his Instagram account.
“If they had invited me I would have accepted it, although I am confused about what we would be speaking about,” Chappelle says in the video below. “I said what I said, and boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not?...
“If they had invited me I would have accepted it, although I am confused about what we would be speaking about,” Chappelle says in the video below. “I said what I said, and boy, I heard what you said. My God, how could I not?...
- 10/25/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”
Wonder Woman approves of Robert Pattinson as the new Batman and Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman!
“Rob looks amazing,” Gal Gadot told me last night at Elle’s Women in Hollywood event at the Academy Museum when I asked if she had seen the new “The Batman” trailer. “I love his voice and I love the whole tone of everything.
“And I love Zoë. She looks incredible. She’s a sweetheart. She’s a talented woman,” she continued. “And I’m so happy to have another female as a comrade.”
So when does Gadot think we’ll see an all-female superhero movie with Wonder Woman? “That’s a good question,” she said. “We should ask [DC Films president] Walter Hamada.”
Gadot added with a laugh, “Actually, I’m going to write that in my notes to ask him.”
Unfortunately, former Catwoman Halle Berry...
Wonder Woman approves of Robert Pattinson as the new Batman and Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman!
“Rob looks amazing,” Gal Gadot told me last night at Elle’s Women in Hollywood event at the Academy Museum when I asked if she had seen the new “The Batman” trailer. “I love his voice and I love the whole tone of everything.
“And I love Zoë. She looks incredible. She’s a sweetheart. She’s a talented woman,” she continued. “And I’m so happy to have another female as a comrade.”
So when does Gadot think we’ll see an all-female superhero movie with Wonder Woman? “That’s a good question,” she said. “We should ask [DC Films president] Walter Hamada.”
Gadot added with a laugh, “Actually, I’m going to write that in my notes to ask him.”
Unfortunately, former Catwoman Halle Berry...
- 10/20/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix, addressing an employee walkout Wednesday protesting the streamer’s defense of Dave Chappelle’s stand-up special rife with transphobic and homophobic commentary, issued a statement acknowledging “deep hurt” the controversy has caused.
In a statement, Netflix said, “We value our trans colleagues and allies, and understand the deep hurt that’s been caused. We respect the decision of any employee who chooses to walk out, and recognize we have much more work to do both within Netflix and in our content.”
Chappelle’s “The Closer,” released Oct. 5, has stirred a major backlash inside and outside the company. On Wednesday (Oct. 20), hundreds of company employees plan to stage a walkout to protest Netflix management’s uncompromising position on the issue, and organizers have set a “Stand Up in Solidarity” rally (originally to be held at Netflix’s Epic building in L.A. but since relocated to the company’s office at 1341 Vine St.
In a statement, Netflix said, “We value our trans colleagues and allies, and understand the deep hurt that’s been caused. We respect the decision of any employee who chooses to walk out, and recognize we have much more work to do both within Netflix and in our content.”
Chappelle’s “The Closer,” released Oct. 5, has stirred a major backlash inside and outside the company. On Wednesday (Oct. 20), hundreds of company employees plan to stage a walkout to protest Netflix management’s uncompromising position on the issue, and organizers have set a “Stand Up in Solidarity” rally (originally to be held at Netflix’s Epic building in L.A. but since relocated to the company’s office at 1341 Vine St.
- 10/20/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has been a lightning rod for controversy in the weeks since Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special premiered on the platform, but Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is standing by the project, which has been widely criticized for Chappelle’s jokes about the transgender community.
Sarandos told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview on Tuesday evening that though Chappelle’s special was in line with Netflix’s stance on “artistic expression,” he believed that he had poorly responded to the controversy in internal communications with Netflix staff. The interview occurred after several weeks of controversy surrounding the Chappelle special, which has been criticized by organizations such as GLAAD and The National Black Justice Coalition, as well as Netflix’s own employees, including Jaclyn Moore, an executive producer on Netflix’s popular “Dear White People.”
As the controversy grew, Sarandos reached out to Netflix staff via two internal memos; the CEO...
Sarandos told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview on Tuesday evening that though Chappelle’s special was in line with Netflix’s stance on “artistic expression,” he believed that he had poorly responded to the controversy in internal communications with Netflix staff. The interview occurred after several weeks of controversy surrounding the Chappelle special, which has been criticized by organizations such as GLAAD and The National Black Justice Coalition, as well as Netflix’s own employees, including Jaclyn Moore, an executive producer on Netflix’s popular “Dear White People.”
As the controversy grew, Sarandos reached out to Netflix staff via two internal memos; the CEO...
- 10/20/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos is admitting that he “screwed up” his initial response to the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle‘s latest stand-up special The Closer, which drew ire for humor deemed transphobic by a number of the company’s employees.
In an internal memo leaked Oct. 11, Sarandos first acknowledged the controversy that had stemmed from The Closer, but defended Chappelle’s “artistic freedom.” He also said that Netflix had no plans to remove the special due to outside pressure. Then in a subsequent memo on Oct. 13, Sarandos doubled down on his defense of Chappelle, telling his staff that The Closer...
In an internal memo leaked Oct. 11, Sarandos first acknowledged the controversy that had stemmed from The Closer, but defended Chappelle’s “artistic freedom.” He also said that Netflix had no plans to remove the special due to outside pressure. Then in a subsequent memo on Oct. 13, Sarandos doubled down on his defense of Chappelle, telling his staff that The Closer...
- 10/20/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Organizers of a planned walkout this week at Netflix of the streamers’ trans employees said Monday that they will present a list of “firm asks” to company co-ceo and chief content officer Ted Sarandos and are working on a public service announcement supporting their cause that includes participation from Queer Eye‘s Jonathan Van Ness, upcoming She-Hulk star Jameela Jamil, Sara Ramirez, Angelica Ross, Ts Madison, Eureka O’Hara and Colton Haynes.
The news comes in a social media post outlining details of the Thursday 10:30 a.m. Pt walkout at Netflix’s Epic Building headquarters in Hollywood, spurred by backlash over transphobic comments in Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix stand-up special The Closer.
The fallout has included three Netflix staffers suspended (and ultimately reinstated) for crashing a virtual executive meeting about the blowback, and the firing of a longtime employee who leaked confidential financial information related to the special,...
The news comes in a social media post outlining details of the Thursday 10:30 a.m. Pt walkout at Netflix’s Epic Building headquarters in Hollywood, spurred by backlash over transphobic comments in Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix stand-up special The Closer.
The fallout has included three Netflix staffers suspended (and ultimately reinstated) for crashing a virtual executive meeting about the blowback, and the firing of a longtime employee who leaked confidential financial information related to the special,...
- 10/18/2021
- by Patrick Hipes and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“All philanthropy today,” Netflix’s Reed Hastings said Monday at the Milken Conference after moderator and CNBC correspondent Julia Boorstin lamented that she wasn’t able to ask the co-ceo about the Dave Chappelle backlash, earnings or anything else related to the streamer.
Staying strictly on message, Hastings today adamantly refused to answer to queries about the controversy around Chappelle’s The Closer special.
“It’s a no comment, we are really focused today on what we can do for kids around the country,” the exec replied straight-faced to “good reporter” Boorstin’s repeated questioning about the “elephant in the room.”
The closest Hastings would come to discussing the source of his wealth and the state of the streamer today was to declare that he “wished education was as easy to disrupt as it was easy to disrupt entertainment …turns out taking on Disney and others is easier than disrupting education.
Staying strictly on message, Hastings today adamantly refused to answer to queries about the controversy around Chappelle’s The Closer special.
“It’s a no comment, we are really focused today on what we can do for kids around the country,” the exec replied straight-faced to “good reporter” Boorstin’s repeated questioning about the “elephant in the room.”
The closest Hastings would come to discussing the source of his wealth and the state of the streamer today was to declare that he “wished education was as easy to disrupt as it was easy to disrupt entertainment …turns out taking on Disney and others is easier than disrupting education.
- 10/18/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Now things are really getting messy.
Netflix has today fired a long time employee who leaked confidential financial information in response to the streamer’s launch of Dave Chappelle’s controversial The Closer special on October 5.
“We have let go of an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company,” a Netflix spokesperson said Friday.”We understand this employee may have been motivated by disappointment and hurt with Netflix, but maintaining a culture of trust and transparency is core to our company.”
The employee in question is not Terra Field. The Northern California based senior software engineer posted pointed tweets about Chappelle’s trans focused special and how it made her feel as a trans staffer at the streamer. In a case of terrible timing, Field and two other staffers were placed on suspension earlier this week for allegedly crashing a virtual meeting above their pay grade. As...
Netflix has today fired a long time employee who leaked confidential financial information in response to the streamer’s launch of Dave Chappelle’s controversial The Closer special on October 5.
“We have let go of an employee for sharing confidential, commercially sensitive information outside the company,” a Netflix spokesperson said Friday.”We understand this employee may have been motivated by disappointment and hurt with Netflix, but maintaining a culture of trust and transparency is core to our company.”
The employee in question is not Terra Field. The Northern California based senior software engineer posted pointed tweets about Chappelle’s trans focused special and how it made her feel as a trans staffer at the streamer. In a case of terrible timing, Field and two other staffers were placed on suspension earlier this week for allegedly crashing a virtual meeting above their pay grade. As...
- 10/15/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
From the moment Netflix announced itself as an original programming player with House Of Cards, the streamer has been touting its great relationship with talent. That reputation has taken hit over the last week in the wake of Dave Chappelle’s controversial new special The Closer which has had top Netflix talent denounce the comedian’s comments about transgender people as well as Netflix’s support of Chappelle led by co-ceo Ted Sarandos.
Last week, Dear White People executive producer Jaclyn Moore said that she would no longer work with the streamer “as long as they continue to put out and profit from blatantly and dangerously transphobic content.”
Tonight, Emmy-winning comedian Hannah Gadsby, who was name-checked by Sarandos in his second internal memo defending Chappelle’s special, went further, eviscerating the top executive in a strongly worded, expletive-laden Instagram post. Gadsby’s two Netflix specials earned five Emmy nominations, including...
Last week, Dear White People executive producer Jaclyn Moore said that she would no longer work with the streamer “as long as they continue to put out and profit from blatantly and dangerously transphobic content.”
Tonight, Emmy-winning comedian Hannah Gadsby, who was name-checked by Sarandos in his second internal memo defending Chappelle’s special, went further, eviscerating the top executive in a strongly worded, expletive-laden Instagram post. Gadsby’s two Netflix specials earned five Emmy nominations, including...
- 10/15/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ted Sarandos, co-ceo and Cco of Netflix, recently reiterated his support of “The Closer,” a new stand-up special from Dave Chappelle, in the face of continued controversy over the transphobic material contained therein. In a companywide memo sent Monday, Sarandos wrote, “While some employees disagree, we have a strong belief that content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm,” a sentiment that’s clueless at best and disingenuous at worst.
In “The Closer,” Chappelle — who has a history of targeting the trans community — declared himself “Team Terf (trans-exclusionary radical feminism)” as well as making invalidating comments about the legitimacy of trans women.
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle said. “Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on earth. That is a fact. Now, I am not saying that to say trans women aren’t women,...
In “The Closer,” Chappelle — who has a history of targeting the trans community — declared himself “Team Terf (trans-exclusionary radical feminism)” as well as making invalidating comments about the legitimacy of trans women.
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle said. “Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on earth. That is a fact. Now, I am not saying that to say trans women aren’t women,...
- 10/14/2021
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Netflix has reinstated three employees, including a trans senior software engineer who criticized the streamer’s new Dave Chappelle comedy special, after suspending and investigating the group for crashing a meeting of its top executives.
Terra Field, one of the suspended employees, shared her reinstatement by the company on her Twitter. Field also included a screenshot of her correspondence with Netflix officials, in which Field was informed that an investigation found that she did not join the meeting with any ill intent, nor did she think there was anything wrong with seeking access to the meeting.
“Netflix has reinstated me after finding that there was no ill-intent in my attending the Qbr meeting,” Field wrote.
The veracity of Field’s statement was confirmed by a Netflix spokesperson to Variety. The source also confirmed that the two other suspended employees had also been reinstated by Netflix and that the company “will...
Terra Field, one of the suspended employees, shared her reinstatement by the company on her Twitter. Field also included a screenshot of her correspondence with Netflix officials, in which Field was informed that an investigation found that she did not join the meeting with any ill intent, nor did she think there was anything wrong with seeking access to the meeting.
“Netflix has reinstated me after finding that there was no ill-intent in my attending the Qbr meeting,” Field wrote.
The veracity of Field’s statement was confirmed by a Netflix spokesperson to Variety. The source also confirmed that the two other suspended employees had also been reinstated by Netflix and that the company “will...
- 10/13/2021
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
A Netflix engineer critical on social media about trans remarks Dave Chappelle made in his controversial stand-up special The Closer has been suspended by the streamer as co-ceo Ted Sarandos declares the company doesn’t believe the GLAAD-slammed special crosses “the line on hate.”
“You should also be aware that some talent may join third parties in asking us to remove the show in the coming days, which we are not going to do,” Sarandos wrote in a memo (read it in full below) that was sent to employees Friday following a top-tier staff meeting.
“I can only assume Ted did this for preemptive damage control if some big names call out the company and Chappelle,” a well-placed individual at the streamer tells Deadline. “It’s all about the optics and the relationships — typical Hollywood.”
Almost simultaneously with Sarandos’ memo going public Monday, staffer Terra Field, who lamented in...
“You should also be aware that some talent may join third parties in asking us to remove the show in the coming days, which we are not going to do,” Sarandos wrote in a memo (read it in full below) that was sent to employees Friday following a top-tier staff meeting.
“I can only assume Ted did this for preemptive damage control if some big names call out the company and Chappelle,” a well-placed individual at the streamer tells Deadline. “It’s all about the optics and the relationships — typical Hollywood.”
Almost simultaneously with Sarandos’ memo going public Monday, staffer Terra Field, who lamented in...
- 10/11/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is addressing complaints about Dave Chappelle‘s The Closer, the last in a string of stand-up specials that is being criticized for comments deemed “dangerously transphobic” by at least one member of the streaming service’s creative community. But one thing the service is not prepared to do is take down or alter Chappelle’s set.
Released on Oct. 5, the 72-minute special was promoted as the last in a “body of work” that also included 2017’s The Age of Spin, Deep In the Heart of Texas, Equanimity and The Bird Revelation, followed by 2019’s Sticks & Stones. During The Closer,...
Released on Oct. 5, the 72-minute special was promoted as the last in a “body of work” that also included 2017’s The Age of Spin, Deep In the Heart of Texas, Equanimity and The Bird Revelation, followed by 2019’s Sticks & Stones. During The Closer,...
- 10/11/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Netflix has suspended three employees for crashing a meeting of its top executives, including an out trans person who criticized a new comedy special from Dave Chappelle, sources tell Variety.
Terra Field, a senior software engineer based in San Francisco, was among those suspended late last week for attending the “Qbr” — Netflix’s quarterly business review, a two-day affair that convenes the top 500 employees at the company.
Field, who identifies as queer and trans, and the other employees were not invited to the virtual gathering, according to insiders. Netflix did not suspend Field over recent tweets decrying what she called anti-trans jokes in the Chappelle special, individuals familiar with Netflix said, but for attending uninvited. An investigation has been launched into the three employees.
Field did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“It is absolutely untrue to say that we have suspended any employees for tweeting about this show.
Terra Field, a senior software engineer based in San Francisco, was among those suspended late last week for attending the “Qbr” — Netflix’s quarterly business review, a two-day affair that convenes the top 500 employees at the company.
Field, who identifies as queer and trans, and the other employees were not invited to the virtual gathering, according to insiders. Netflix did not suspend Field over recent tweets decrying what she called anti-trans jokes in the Chappelle special, individuals familiar with Netflix said, but for attending uninvited. An investigation has been launched into the three employees.
Field did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“It is absolutely untrue to say that we have suspended any employees for tweeting about this show.
- 10/11/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Halfway through a 40-minute interview on Thursday evening, Jaclyn Moore paused briefly to navigate a confronting yet common occurrence in the life of an out trans person. Someone hurled derogatory slurs at her as she passed by on the street in New Orleans, where Moore has been working in the writer’s room as the co-showrunner of the Queer as Folk reboot for Peacock. “I’m literally getting yelled at now,” she said before apologizing as she got back in sync with her thoughts. “Where was I?”
At the moment she was pondering the aftermath of Netflix releasing Dave ...
At the moment she was pondering the aftermath of Netflix releasing Dave ...
- 10/9/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Halfway through a 40-minute interview on Thursday evening, Jaclyn Moore paused briefly to navigate a confronting yet common occurrence in the life of an out trans person. Someone hurled derogatory slurs at her as she passed by on the street in New Orleans, where Moore has been working in the writer’s room as the co-showrunner of the Queer as Folk reboot for Peacock. “I’m literally getting yelled at now,” she said before apologizing as she got back in sync with her thoughts. “Where was I?”
At the moment she was pondering the aftermath of Netflix releasing Dave ...
At the moment she was pondering the aftermath of Netflix releasing Dave ...
- 10/9/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
“If this is what being canceled is about, I love it,” said Dave Chappelle tonight to a cheering and sold-out Hollywood Bowl crowd after a screening of his documentary about the comic summer camp he put on last year in his Ohio hometown.
“I don’t know what to tell you, except I’m a bad motherf*cker,” the suited and sneakered Mark Twain Prize winner added to big laughs from the crowd.
While “cancel culture” took a bruising in a number of comments from Chappelle and others in what was a clear victory lap for the comedian on Thursday, the celebrating man himself was not in a mood to really get in a brawl with anyone — critics or otherwise.
“This is the kindness conspiracy,” Chappelle told the more than 18,000-strong audience.
Taking aim at corporations and the government in some very, very brief remarks, the man raised by an...
“I don’t know what to tell you, except I’m a bad motherf*cker,” the suited and sneakered Mark Twain Prize winner added to big laughs from the crowd.
While “cancel culture” took a bruising in a number of comments from Chappelle and others in what was a clear victory lap for the comedian on Thursday, the celebrating man himself was not in a mood to really get in a brawl with anyone — critics or otherwise.
“This is the kindness conspiracy,” Chappelle told the more than 18,000-strong audience.
Taking aim at corporations and the government in some very, very brief remarks, the man raised by an...
- 10/8/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Dave Chappelle ends his latest Netflix comedy special, “The Closer,” by proclaiming he is finished with transgender and LGBTQ jokes “until we are both sure that we are laughing together,” adding, “I’m telling you, it’s done. I’m done talking about it. All I ask of your community, with all humility: Will you please stop punching down on my people?” For organizations such as GLAAD and The National Black Justice Coalition, that declaration is too little, too late. Chappelle already had a history filling his Netflix specials with offensive transgender jokes, and that trend continues in “The Closer.” At one point, the comedian declares himself “team Terf” (meaning a trans-exclusionary radical feminist) while saying J.K. Rowling doesn’t deserve to be “canceled” for her anti-trans beliefs.
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle said. “Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the...
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle said. “Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the...
- 10/7/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Dave Chappelle is drawing a growing wave of criticism for his derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community in his newest Netflix stand-up special.
The special, titled “The Closer,” premiered on the streamer on Tuesday and is meant to serve as a final entry in a series of stand-up routines by Chappelle on Netflix. In the new release, the comedian makes explicit jokes about trans women and offers defenses for previous derogatory comments made by figures such as “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.
Chappelle also references criticism he faced over the past two years for makings jokes about the trans community in his specials “Equanimity” and “Sticks and Stones.”
Representatives for Chappelle did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment, and Netflix declined to comment on the matter.
In a statement, GLAAD called out the pattern of derogatory jokes, saying that “Chappelle’s brand has become...
The special, titled “The Closer,” premiered on the streamer on Tuesday and is meant to serve as a final entry in a series of stand-up routines by Chappelle on Netflix. In the new release, the comedian makes explicit jokes about trans women and offers defenses for previous derogatory comments made by figures such as “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.
Chappelle also references criticism he faced over the past two years for makings jokes about the trans community in his specials “Equanimity” and “Sticks and Stones.”
Representatives for Chappelle did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment, and Netflix declined to comment on the matter.
In a statement, GLAAD called out the pattern of derogatory jokes, saying that “Chappelle’s brand has become...
- 10/7/2021
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
(Updated with social media postings by Dear White People EP) A day before Dave Chappelle’s Untitled documentary is set to screen at the Hollywood Bowl and the comedian is expected onstage, his new Netflix special The Closer is generating a growing backlash over remarks about the trans and LGBTQ+ communities.
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle declares in the special, which debuted on the streamer Tuesday. “Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on earth,” he adds, conspicuously negating C-sections, which make up about a third of all births in America alone. “That is a fact,” Chappelle goes on to say before launching into an anatomy line that “trans women” genitalia are “not quite what it is.”
Chappelle also supported Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s 2020 much criticized tweets about the transgender community and exclaiming he is “Team Terf!
“Gender is a fact,” Chappelle declares in the special, which debuted on the streamer Tuesday. “Every human being in this room, every human being on earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on earth,” he adds, conspicuously negating C-sections, which make up about a third of all births in America alone. “That is a fact,” Chappelle goes on to say before launching into an anatomy line that “trans women” genitalia are “not quite what it is.”
Chappelle also supported Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s 2020 much criticized tweets about the transgender community and exclaiming he is “Team Terf!
- 10/6/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Outfest has named the 11 writers selected to participate in the 2021 Screenwriting Lab, which it has partnered on with Netflix via its Fund for Creative Equity, along with 11 Notable Writers it will set up with industry support.
Fellows selected for the week-long lab, which kicks off today, include Amanda Kohr, Chris Renfro, Emma McIvor, Jabari McDonald, Kristin Slaney, Lindsay Calleran, Natalie Jasmine Harris, Nova Cypress Black, Oates Wu, and Sav Rodgers & Taylor Gates.
This year’s Notable Writers are Jeff Austin, Elie El Choufany and Omar Al Dakheel, Nicole Feste, Matthew Hartman, Mark Moliterni and Vasilios Papapitsios, Shawn Parikh, Michael Rodriguez, Rolando Rodriguez and Noah Schamus.
During the 2021 Lab,...
Fellows selected for the week-long lab, which kicks off today, include Amanda Kohr, Chris Renfro, Emma McIvor, Jabari McDonald, Kristin Slaney, Lindsay Calleran, Natalie Jasmine Harris, Nova Cypress Black, Oates Wu, and Sav Rodgers & Taylor Gates.
This year’s Notable Writers are Jeff Austin, Elie El Choufany and Omar Al Dakheel, Nicole Feste, Matthew Hartman, Mark Moliterni and Vasilios Papapitsios, Shawn Parikh, Michael Rodriguez, Rolando Rodriguez and Noah Schamus.
During the 2021 Lab,...
- 10/4/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Warning: This post contains spoilers from Dear White People’s final season. Read at your own risk.
Dear White People’s final season, which is now streaming on Netflix, is a fun and vibrant ‘90s musical extravaganza as Winchester’s finest tackle their senior year with iconic tunes from the decade.
More from TVLineOn My Block Spinoff Ordered at Netflix, Featuring a New Core FourMidnight Mass' Hamish Linklater & Co. Take Us Inside Episode 6 Massacre, Marvel at 'Ripped' Michael TruccoThe Bridgerton Family Welcomes the Sharmas in New Season 2 Photos
There are many standout musical numbers in the show’s final 10 episodes,...
Dear White People’s final season, which is now streaming on Netflix, is a fun and vibrant ‘90s musical extravaganza as Winchester’s finest tackle their senior year with iconic tunes from the decade.
More from TVLineOn My Block Spinoff Ordered at Netflix, Featuring a New Core FourMidnight Mass' Hamish Linklater & Co. Take Us Inside Episode 6 Massacre, Marvel at 'Ripped' Michael TruccoThe Bridgerton Family Welcomes the Sharmas in New Season 2 Photos
There are many standout musical numbers in the show’s final 10 episodes,...
- 9/25/2021
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
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