Farce has played a significant role in the history of "Frasier," despite the sitcom being renowned for its more sophisticated comedy. Somehow, putting Kelsey Grammer's pompous yet lovable Dr. Crane at the center of some ridiculous hijinks served only to highlight how absurd a figure he could be rather than undermining the otherwise highbrow humor of the series. Farce proved a worthy technique for knocking both Frasier and often his brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce) off their high horses in particularly hilarious fashion.
It's not surprising, then, that farcical episodes are among the series best, from the famous Ski Lodge episode in season five to the dead seal episode, which was inspired by real events. But it took some time for the series to develop its unique spin on the genre. During the inaugural season of the show, which aired all the way back in 1993, the writers didn't attempt a single farce.
It's not surprising, then, that farcical episodes are among the series best, from the famous Ski Lodge episode in season five to the dead seal episode, which was inspired by real events. But it took some time for the series to develop its unique spin on the genre. During the inaugural season of the show, which aired all the way back in 1993, the writers didn't attempt a single farce.
- 3/24/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
For a show that's known for its highbrow humor, "Frasier" certainly made liberal use of farce. Episodes full of ridiculous hijinks can be found throughout the sitcom's 11 season run, and are often remembered fondly as some of the best installments in the show's history.
The dead seal episode, which was inspired by real events, stands out as one example. In it, the titular doctor (Kelsey Grammer) and his brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), attempt to hold a sophisticated dinner party while simultaneously dealing with a stubborn seal carcass that repeatedly washes up by the decking of their beach house. It's silly but somehow doesn't feel out of place within the overall "Frasier" canon.
But the finest farce in "Frasier" history is arguably the season five episode "The Ski Lodge," in which Dr. Crane, Niles, their father Martin (John Mahoney), his carer Daphne (Jane Leeves), and her friend Annie (Cynthia Lamontagne...
The dead seal episode, which was inspired by real events, stands out as one example. In it, the titular doctor (Kelsey Grammer) and his brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), attempt to hold a sophisticated dinner party while simultaneously dealing with a stubborn seal carcass that repeatedly washes up by the decking of their beach house. It's silly but somehow doesn't feel out of place within the overall "Frasier" canon.
But the finest farce in "Frasier" history is arguably the season five episode "The Ski Lodge," in which Dr. Crane, Niles, their father Martin (John Mahoney), his carer Daphne (Jane Leeves), and her friend Annie (Cynthia Lamontagne...
- 12/9/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
If there's one thing that sums up the best comedy moments in "Frasier" it's that classic switch from the sublime to the ridiculous. Kelsey Grammer's stuffy psychiatrist was supposed to be endearingly pompous, and mostly remained lovable even at his most snooty. But sometimes, he and his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) were just straight up off-putting with their insufferably hifalutin tendencies.
Thankfully, these character traits were the precise thing that made for some of the best moments in the beloved sitcom, which ran for 11 seasons from 1993-2004 and which has recently returned in the form of a neither remarkable nor disappointing revival show. As "Frasier" writer, producer, and showrunner Christopher Lloyd said in Vanity Fair's oral history of the show:
"The vanity and self-importance always helped us lead Frasier into comic situations ... It's not funny to see a guy step into a manhole and get hurt. But if...
Thankfully, these character traits were the precise thing that made for some of the best moments in the beloved sitcom, which ran for 11 seasons from 1993-2004 and which has recently returned in the form of a neither remarkable nor disappointing revival show. As "Frasier" writer, producer, and showrunner Christopher Lloyd said in Vanity Fair's oral history of the show:
"The vanity and self-importance always helped us lead Frasier into comic situations ... It's not funny to see a guy step into a manhole and get hurt. But if...
- 11/25/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Matthew Perry Remembered by ‘Odd Couple’ Co-Star Thomas Lennon: He ‘Was Always Trying to Get Better’
“Reno 911!” star Thomas Lennon worked closely with Matthew Perry on the CBS remake of “The Odd Couple,” which aired for three seasons and 38 episodes from 2015 and 2017. Perry developed and executive produced the show (with Danny Jacobson and Joe Keenan) and starred as Oscar Madison, opposite Lennon as Felix Unger. Lindsay Sloane, Yvette Nicole Brown and Wendell Pierce also starred in the series, based of course on the Neil Simon play (later made famous as a TV sitcom in the 1970s). It was a reunion for Lennon and Perry, who also worked together on the 2009 film “17 Again.” In that comedy, Perry and Lennon play best friends. Variety asked Lennon to offer his memories of working with Perry over the years; below, he shares this tribute.
Matthew Perry told me a lot of stories—none of which can be printed in Variety.
Matty lived messy.
Matty had huge feelings and...
Matthew Perry told me a lot of stories—none of which can be printed in Variety.
Matty lived messy.
Matty had huge feelings and...
- 10/31/2023
- by Thomas Lennon
- Variety Film + TV
It’s Frasier Week at IndieWire. Grab some tossed salad and scrambled eggs, settle into your coziest easy chair, and join us. We’re listening.
“Quite stylish!” That lusty endorsement of high thread-count finery in the “Frasier” theme song sets the tone for the show. There have been few sitcoms ever to embrace the luxe life with quite such relish as the 11-season adventures of Frasier and Niles Crane (read our picks for the 18 best episodes here).
IndieWire decided to celebrate the return of the one-time radio psychiatrist, with his new show on Paramount+, by diving into his must haves and must avoids. Various fan blogs and Reddit threads have explored certain aspects of the Crane lifestyle, but none have really put them all in one place before. So we present: The Frasier Lifestyle Guide — what to drink, drive, and wear that’s worthy of the Crane brothers.
In fact,...
“Quite stylish!” That lusty endorsement of high thread-count finery in the “Frasier” theme song sets the tone for the show. There have been few sitcoms ever to embrace the luxe life with quite such relish as the 11-season adventures of Frasier and Niles Crane (read our picks for the 18 best episodes here).
IndieWire decided to celebrate the return of the one-time radio psychiatrist, with his new show on Paramount+, by diving into his must haves and must avoids. Various fan blogs and Reddit threads have explored certain aspects of the Crane lifestyle, but none have really put them all in one place before. So we present: The Frasier Lifestyle Guide — what to drink, drive, and wear that’s worthy of the Crane brothers.
In fact,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
It’s Frasier Week at IndieWire. Grab some tossed salad and scrambled eggs, settle into your coziest easy chair, and join us. We’re listening.
The setup is a classic farce: Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) feels guilty that his live-in housekeeper Daphne (Jane Leeves) is having trouble finding a boyfriend, so he invites his attractive new radio station boss Tom (Eric Lutes) over for drinks in the hopes of setting them up. What he doesn’t know is that Tom is gay, and — misled by Frasier’s petty producer Roz (Peri Gilpin) — thinks Frasier is also gay and inviting him on a date. Over the course of an increasingly chaotic evening, a series of mishaps and misunderstandings — Frasier telling Tom about the great view “from his bedroom,” his father Martin (John Mahoney) talking about a bar where he hangs out with young police officers, his brother Niles’ (David Hyde Pierce) entire...
The setup is a classic farce: Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) feels guilty that his live-in housekeeper Daphne (Jane Leeves) is having trouble finding a boyfriend, so he invites his attractive new radio station boss Tom (Eric Lutes) over for drinks in the hopes of setting them up. What he doesn’t know is that Tom is gay, and — misled by Frasier’s petty producer Roz (Peri Gilpin) — thinks Frasier is also gay and inviting him on a date. Over the course of an increasingly chaotic evening, a series of mishaps and misunderstandings — Frasier telling Tom about the great view “from his bedroom,” his father Martin (John Mahoney) talking about a bar where he hangs out with young police officers, his brother Niles’ (David Hyde Pierce) entire...
- 10/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
A couple months ago, Kevin Smith announced that he will be making a sequel 2014 horror film Tusk (watch it Here) for the film’s tenth anniversary, a sequel that he’s planning to call Tusk. And that’s not the only horror sequel he has in the works. Slash Film reports that, during a Q&a at an Austin, Texas screening of Clerks III, Smith is also going to be making a sequel to his 2011 horror debut Red State (watch that one Here)! Red State 2 will be happening because distributor Lionsgate (who also financed Clerks III) specifically requested that he make the sequel.
Smith said, “(Lionsgate was) like, if we do this, would you do it again? And I was like, yeah, in a heartbeat. […] I mean, obviously, Michael Parks is gone. But it’s just a story of crazy people with guns and shit like that. As long as...
Smith said, “(Lionsgate was) like, if we do this, would you do it again? And I was like, yeah, in a heartbeat. […] I mean, obviously, Michael Parks is gone. But it’s just a story of crazy people with guns and shit like that. As long as...
- 11/15/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Kelsey Grammer has not settled yet on a premise worthy of a Frasier reboot, but he’s still on the hunt. The Emmy Award-winning actor provided an update and revealed more details about a possible third act for his most famous character, Dr. Frasier Crane, during a panel celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the hit NBC series as part of the USC Comedy Festival Vol. 4 held in Los Angeles on Saturday. It featured stars and producers remembering the late John Mahoney and sharing stories about the acclaimed series, including how David Hyde Pierce led to Frasier getting a brother.
“No, there’s been no premise that has come along that has the necessary fire,” Grammer said about the potential Frasier reboot that was first reported by Deadline in July. Grammer has been spearheading the effort at CBS TV Studios, meeting with potential writers.
“A lot of us are quite committed...
“No, there’s been no premise that has come along that has the necessary fire,” Grammer said about the potential Frasier reboot that was first reported by Deadline in July. Grammer has been spearheading the effort at CBS TV Studios, meeting with potential writers.
“A lot of us are quite committed...
- 11/4/2018
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Another 3-D breakthrough, this time for a Paramount musical rescued from oblivion and remastered by the 3-D Archive. Rhonda Fleming and Gene Barry star in a blend of songs and Alaskan adventure filmed in downtown Hollywood. The depth effects are great, but the big surprise is Teresa Brewer, the radio star turned one-shot movie musical wonder. Her voice resurrects memories of pop vocals just prior to the arrival of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Those Redheads from Seattle
3-D Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1953 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 90 min. / Street Date May 23, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 34.95
Starring: Rhonda Fleming, Gene Barry, Agnes Moorehead, Teresa Brewer, The Bell Sisters, Guy Mitchell, Jean Parker, Roscoe Ates, John Kellogg, Sheila James Kuehl, Dub Taylor, Max Wagner.
Cinematography: Lionel Lindon
Film Editor: Archie Marshek
Original Music: Sidney Cutner, Leo Shuken
Written by Lewis R. Foster, Geoffrey Holmes (Daniel Mainwearing) and George Worthing Yates
Produced by William H. Pine,...
Those Redheads from Seattle
3-D Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1953 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 90 min. / Street Date May 23, 2017 / available through Kino Lorber / 34.95
Starring: Rhonda Fleming, Gene Barry, Agnes Moorehead, Teresa Brewer, The Bell Sisters, Guy Mitchell, Jean Parker, Roscoe Ates, John Kellogg, Sheila James Kuehl, Dub Taylor, Max Wagner.
Cinematography: Lionel Lindon
Film Editor: Archie Marshek
Original Music: Sidney Cutner, Leo Shuken
Written by Lewis R. Foster, Geoffrey Holmes (Daniel Mainwearing) and George Worthing Yates
Produced by William H. Pine,...
- 5/20/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
A shake-up at CBS' upcoming adaptation of Neil Simon's classic "The Odd Couple" means that "Community" veteran Yvette Nicole Brown will be back on TV in no time. The show is currently being retooled, with Brown stepping in for Sarah Baker ("Go On"), who recently exited the show along with Georgia King, according to The Hollywood Reporter. TV comedy vets Matthew Perry ("Friends") and Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911") are playing Oscar and Felix, two middle-aged roomies whose differing lifestyles (one's a slob, the other a neat freak) cause friction. Brown will play Oscar's assistant Dani, a role originally occupied by Baker. Lindsay Sloane and Wendell Pierce are among the previously announced cast members who will remain on the show. Perry is exec producing the comedy and will also write the script with Joe Keenan ("Glee"). Timberman-Beverly's Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman and The Tannenbaum Co.'s Eric and Kim Tannenbaum...
- 8/8/2014
- by Dave Lewis
- Hitfix
Twelve years ago, more than a dozen people disappeared in a blizzard that besieged the small New England town of Coventry. An unknown horror lurked outside amidst the whipping winds and teeth-chattering temperatures, and now it’s about to make a comeback in Christopher Golden’s novel Snowblind. Published in January by St. Martin’s Press, the book has already been optioned for television.
Deadline reports that Universal Television and David S. Goyer (Man of Steel) have acquired TV rights to Snowblind and plan on adapting it as a limited series. Goyer is set to oversee development and executive produce along with Golden and Pete Donaldson. A prolific writer in the horror genre whose credits include original Buffy the Vampire Slayer novels and the zombie story Soulless, Christopher Golden has another couple of novels in the adaptation stages: Joe Golem and the Drowning City, which he co-authored with Hellboy creator Mike Mignola,...
Deadline reports that Universal Television and David S. Goyer (Man of Steel) have acquired TV rights to Snowblind and plan on adapting it as a limited series. Goyer is set to oversee development and executive produce along with Golden and Pete Donaldson. A prolific writer in the horror genre whose credits include original Buffy the Vampire Slayer novels and the zombie story Soulless, Christopher Golden has another couple of novels in the adaptation stages: Joe Golem and the Drowning City, which he co-authored with Hellboy creator Mike Mignola,...
- 7/1/2014
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Matthew Perry's revamp of the classic comedy “The Odd Couple” has found its Felix. Perry's “17 Again” costar Thomas Lennon has been cast to play Felix opposite Perry's Oscar Madison in the CBS pilot. Also read: Pilot Season 2014: TheWrap's Complete Network Guide In addition to starring in the multi-camera pilot, Perry is co-writing the episode with Joe Keenan (“Frasier,” “Desperate Housewives”). Former “Friends”-ter Perry is also producing, along with Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman. Jack Klugman played sportswriter/slob Madison and Tony Randall portrayed photographer/neat freak Felix Unger in the original television adaptation of the Neil Simon play,...
- 3/13/2014
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Meet television’s new Odd Couple. Reno 911! co-creator/star Thomas Lennon is set to play Felix opposite Matthew Perry‘s Oscar in CBS’s multi-camera comedy pilot The Odd Couple, a take on the Neil Simon classic. Co-written and executive produced by Perry, Odd Couple centers on two mismatched roommates — the messy Oscar Madison (Perry) and neat freak Felix Unger (Lennon). The Felix role was played by Art Carney in the original Broadway production of Neil Simon’s play, by Jack Lemmon in the 1968 movie and by Tony Randall in the 1970 ABC/Paramount TV series. The Odd Couple reunites Perry and Lennon, who co-starred together in the feature 17 Again. Before that, Lennon had a recurring role on NBC’s Friends, which starred Perry. Written by Perry and Frasier veteran Joe Keenan, The Odd Couple pilot hails from CBS TV Studios and studio-based Timberman-Beverly and The Tannenbaum Co. Lennon is coming...
- 3/13/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
CBS' The Odd Couple has found its neat freak. Thomas Lennon has been tapped to play Felix opposite Matthew Perry's Oscar in the network's multicamera reboot, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Friends alum Perry and Joe Keenan (Glee, Frasier) will pen the script for the pilot based on Neil Simon's Broadway play. Photos: Faces of Pilot Season 2014 Lennon's Felix is described as a maddening neat freak and an uxorious man whose compulsion to live in a precisely ordered, meticulously perfect environment alienates him from everyone in his life. Stunned when Ashley, his wife of 20 years, can no longer
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- 3/13/2014
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Go On standout Sarah Baker is joining her NBC co-star Matthew Perry in his new pilot, the multi-camera CBS comedy The Odd Couple, a take on the Neil Simon’s classic. Co-written and executive produced by Perry, Odd Couple centers on two mismatched roommates — the messy Oscar Madison (Perry) and neat freak Felix Unger. Baker will play Oscar’s assistant Sam, who spends most of her work day on the phone apologizing to assorted high-and-mighty people who have been offended by Oscar’s latest rant. I hear the part was written for Baker, which was Perry’s idea based on the comedic chemistry the two had on Go On. Written by Perry and Frasier veteran Joe Keenan, The Odd Couple pilot hails from CBS TV Studios and studio-based Timberman-Beverly and The Tannenbaum Co. Baker, repped by Pakula/King & Associates and 3 Arts, will next been seen opposite Reese Witherspoon in The Good Lie...
- 2/28/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
CBS has ordered a pilot of the remake of “The Odd Couple" which Matthew Perry wrote together with Joe Keenan. According to Variety, the redo of the Paul Simon's work, based on his play and screenplay, is being executive produced by Kim and Eric Tannenbaum alongside Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly. As mentioned above, “The Odd Couple” started off as a play then was later turned into a film under director Gene Sacks in 1968, which starred Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as two pals who share an apartment and have very different ways in lifestyle and housekeeping. The multi-cam, half-hour comedy stars Perry as Oscar Madison which Matthau played. We don't know who will play Felix Ungar, a neat freak, at this time.
- 2/26/2014
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Matthew Perry's take on "The Odd Couple" is one step closer to your TV screens with CBS giving a pilot order to the multi-camera comedy, reports Deadline.
Perry is co-writing, executive producing and starring in the reboot of the classic Neil Simon play that spawned a successful movie and TV series. "Frasier" writer Joe Keenan is co-writing with Perry, who is set to play the messy Oscar Madison half of the disparate roomies. The fastidious Felix Unger has not been cast yet, but Zap2it has some suggestions.
"The Odd Couple" has seen many big and small screen iterations over the years, most notably the 1968 movie starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and the 1970 TV series starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.
Perry has made a few forays into TV since "Friends" ended 10 years ago with "Mr. Sunshine" and "Go On," but neither of them stuck around past a partial first season.
Perry is co-writing, executive producing and starring in the reboot of the classic Neil Simon play that spawned a successful movie and TV series. "Frasier" writer Joe Keenan is co-writing with Perry, who is set to play the messy Oscar Madison half of the disparate roomies. The fastidious Felix Unger has not been cast yet, but Zap2it has some suggestions.
"The Odd Couple" has seen many big and small screen iterations over the years, most notably the 1968 movie starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and the 1970 TV series starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.
Perry has made a few forays into TV since "Friends" ended 10 years ago with "Mr. Sunshine" and "Go On," but neither of them stuck around past a partial first season.
- 2/26/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
“The Odd Couple” could be coming back to the small screen … in Matthew Perry form. Also read: Pilot Season 2014: TheWrap’s Complete Network Guide CBS has given a pilot order to a reboot of the Neil Simon play-turned TV series, with former “Friends”-ter Matthew Perry starring, as well as co-writing and executive producing. Perry is co-writing the half-hour project with Joe Keenan (“Desperate Housewives,” “Frasier.”) Also read: Jamie Lee Curtis Joins CBS’s New Drama Pilot CBS Television Studios is producing the project, which is also being executive produced by Eric Tannenbaum and Kim Tannenbaum, as well as Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman.
- 2/25/2014
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Neil Simon’s classic The Odd Couple is getting closer to a primetime return with a pilot order by CBS to the multi-camera version starring, co-written and executive produced by Matthew Perry. The project, which had a script commitment with penalty, is a new take on two mismatched roommates — the messy Oscar Madison (Perry) and the neat freak Felix Unger. It was written by Perry and Frasier veteran Joe Keenan, the latter replacing original co-writer Danny Jacobson. The Odd Couple pilot hails from CBS TV Studios and two of its top pods, Timberman-Beverly and The Tannenbaum Co. It marks Friends alum Perry’s return to multi-camera comedy after two single-camera shows — ABC’s Mr. Sunshine, which he also co-created, and NBC’s Go On. Simon’s play The Odd Couple premiered on Broadway in 1965 with Walter Matthau as Oscar and Art Carney as Felix and spawned a successful 1968 movie in...
- 2/25/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Felix and Oscar took a big step forward to being back in prime-time.
CBS has greenlit a pilot for its The Odd Couple remake starring Matthew Perry. There’s no story details yet, with CBS simply saying the project based on Neil Simon’s Broadway classic about two mismatched roommates — the perfectionist Felix Unger (not yet cast) and lackadaisical Oscar Madison (Perry). There’s previously been a 1965 play version, a 1968 film and a 1970-75 series (starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall).
The Odd Couple marks Perry’s third attempt in recent years at a new sitcom project, following ABC’s...
CBS has greenlit a pilot for its The Odd Couple remake starring Matthew Perry. There’s no story details yet, with CBS simply saying the project based on Neil Simon’s Broadway classic about two mismatched roommates — the perfectionist Felix Unger (not yet cast) and lackadaisical Oscar Madison (Perry). There’s previously been a 1965 play version, a 1968 film and a 1970-75 series (starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall).
The Odd Couple marks Perry’s third attempt in recent years at a new sitcom project, following ABC’s...
- 2/25/2014
- by James Hibberd
- EW - Inside TV
It's official: CBS' reboot of The Odd Couple -- starring Matthew Perry -- is moving forward. CBS on Tuesday picked up the multicamera comedy, which received a script plus penalty commitment in December, to pilot. Friends alum Matthew Perry and Joe Keenan (Glee, Frasier) will pen the script for the pilot based on Neil Simon's Broadway play. Mad About You's Danny Jacobson was previously attached as a co-writer on the project and is no longer involved. Story: TV Pilots 2014: The Complete Guide Perry will also executive produce the CBS Television Studios comedy alongside Timberman-Beverly's Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman
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- 2/25/2014
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
St. Martin's Press and Talenthouse are inviting amateur filmmakers to produce a short horror book trailer for Snowblind, the highly anticipated novel by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden, and the judges include some very familiar names. Read on for the details.
The winning trailer will be heavily promoted and used as part of an integrated marketing and advertising campaign for the book and will also receive a consultation with one or more of the judges to discuss their work.
Helping St. Martin’s Press judge the entries are: author Christopher Golden, Frank Darabont (Academy Award-nominated director and writer of The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist; creator of the AMC series "The Walking Dead"), David S. Goyer (writer of Blade; teamed with Christopher Nolan on the screenplays for The Dark Knight Trilogy; also scripted Man of Steel and created the Starz TV series "Da Vinci's Demons...
The winning trailer will be heavily promoted and used as part of an integrated marketing and advertising campaign for the book and will also receive a consultation with one or more of the judges to discuss their work.
Helping St. Martin’s Press judge the entries are: author Christopher Golden, Frank Darabont (Academy Award-nominated director and writer of The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist; creator of the AMC series "The Walking Dead"), David S. Goyer (writer of Blade; teamed with Christopher Nolan on the screenplays for The Dark Knight Trilogy; also scripted Man of Steel and created the Starz TV series "Da Vinci's Demons...
- 10/29/2013
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
Deadline.com reports that Joe Keenan and Scott Ellis' comedy about a gay man and his straight brother has been fast-tracked by TV Land as a half-hour sitcom. Keenan comes from Frasier and Desperate Housewives, while Ellis has a history as a director. As gay men, both have experiences with straight siblings, and they drew much of their premise from life experience.
- 2/29/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Exclusive: You know when a premise of a show is so unusual, it looks completely made up? Well, this is not one of those cases. TV Land has put in development a half-hour sitcom from Frasier and Desperate Housewives alum Joe Keenan and director Scott Ellis about two adult identical twin brothers, one gay and one straight, who return home and help their mother raise their deceased sister’s child. The project is based on personal experience, times two. Both Keenan and Ellis are gay and have identical twin brothers who are straight. It has been “fascinating” tackling the same premise from the points of view of two very difference experiences, said Keenan, whose brother is conservative evangelist and has not spoken to him since Keenan got married four years ago. Meanwhile, Ellis is very close with his brother, who is supportive of him. As for the brothers on the show,...
- 2/28/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
The sultry woman from Wisteria Lane's legal battle continues. Desperate Housewives actress Nicollette Sheridan and series' creator Marc Cherry met in court today to discuss the actresses $20 million lawsuit for wrongful termination and assault. And when E! News obtained the witness list, we saw a lot of familiar names... It appears that Sheridan plans to call the entire cast of Desperate Housewives to testify. Fellow actors Marcia Cross, James Denton, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Joe Keenan are all on the list. In addition, the witness pool also includes a who's who of Hollywood—from power lawyer Marty Singer to super publicist Nicole Perna. The court...
- 2/28/2012
- E! Online
New York -- Dozens of theaters across the country plan their own simultaneous performances of a collection of nine short plays that all deal with gay marriage.
More than 25 theatres and universities in 19 states will put on their own productions of "Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" on Nov. 7 in coordination with its off-Broadway debut that night at the Minetta Lane Theatre.
An introduction and a post-performance discussion from the Minetta Lane will be streamed live, with questions selected via Twitter. The event will raise money for local, state and national marriage equality organizations.
The playwrights of "Standing On Ceremony" include Neil Labute, Doug Wright, Paul Rudnick, Moises Kaufman, Jordan Harrison, Wendy McLeod, Jeffrey Hatcher, Joe Keenan and Jose Rivera.
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Online:...
More than 25 theatres and universities in 19 states will put on their own productions of "Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" on Nov. 7 in coordination with its off-Broadway debut that night at the Minetta Lane Theatre.
An introduction and a post-performance discussion from the Minetta Lane will be streamed live, with questions selected via Twitter. The event will raise money for local, state and national marriage equality organizations.
The playwrights of "Standing On Ceremony" include Neil Labute, Doug Wright, Paul Rudnick, Moises Kaufman, Jordan Harrison, Wendy McLeod, Jeffrey Hatcher, Joe Keenan and Jose Rivera.
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Online:...
- 10/3/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Kevin Smith's horror movie about the Us's religious right has some interesting satirical points to make, and it's his best for some time
Kevin Smith's new film shows flashes of a bizarre sort of genius, particularly its apocalyptic finale, featuring some heavy duty military hardware. Evidently inspired by the 1993 Waco siege, the movie is about an extremist, homophobic, Christian hate-cult which lures curious teens to sex sessions with older women via Craigslist-type web postings. Melissa Leo is the bait, and having persuaded three horndog young guys to drink spiked beers in her trailer she is to reveal that the pleasures of the flesh are very much not in store for them. Michael Parks is very good as the sinister, charismatic preacher Abin Cooper and John Goodman plays it straight as the Atf officer Joe Keenan, leading his troops into an earsplitting showdown. As a satire of the American religious right,...
Kevin Smith's new film shows flashes of a bizarre sort of genius, particularly its apocalyptic finale, featuring some heavy duty military hardware. Evidently inspired by the 1993 Waco siege, the movie is about an extremist, homophobic, Christian hate-cult which lures curious teens to sex sessions with older women via Craigslist-type web postings. Melissa Leo is the bait, and having persuaded three horndog young guys to drink spiked beers in her trailer she is to reveal that the pleasures of the flesh are very much not in store for them. Michael Parks is very good as the sinister, charismatic preacher Abin Cooper and John Goodman plays it straight as the Atf officer Joe Keenan, leading his troops into an earsplitting showdown. As a satire of the American religious right,...
- 9/29/2011
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: John Wells Prods has sold a third project this development season — a period hourlong comedy from Frasier and Desperate Housewives veteran Joe Keenan. ABC has bought the comedy, which is set in the 1970s and centers on a mother/daughter team who are given their own variety show. Keenan will executive produce with Wells and Andrew Stearn for Warner Bros TV, where Jwp is based. The script deal at ABC comes on the heels of John Wells Prods selling two other projects recently: Easy Rawlins from Walter Mosley and Cheo Coker to NBC and an untitled high-concept drama from Carol Walper to ABC. The pact with ABC also expands Keenan’s relationship with the network; he worked on ABC’s dramedy Desperate Housewives for the past 5 years. The Keenan project has a similar setting as another hourlong pitch bought recently by ABC, The Lockharts, a musical hour drama from...
- 9/14/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
This week, news outlets were practically giddy as they anticipated the path of destruction Hurricane Irene was set to bring upon New York City. So breathless in their fear mongering and so crazed in their endless coverage, it really seemed as if they had hoped the storm was somehow being directed by Roland Emmerich.
But their anticipation turned to disappointment as Irene approached landfall in the Big Apple. The storm downshifted. It seemed to lose its will. Almost as if Irene were somehow scared to approach the city, let alone wreak the havoc that seemed so assured just a few days before.
There were many scientific justifications for this. But I believe science might have missed one reason for the storm’s eventual retreat.
Some heroic New Yorker must have tied Nyasha to a pier.
This week's episode of the A-List: New York, otherwise known as “The Nyasha Show”, was all about the Deluded Diva,...
But their anticipation turned to disappointment as Irene approached landfall in the Big Apple. The storm downshifted. It seemed to lose its will. Almost as if Irene were somehow scared to approach the city, let alone wreak the havoc that seemed so assured just a few days before.
There were many scientific justifications for this. But I believe science might have missed one reason for the storm’s eventual retreat.
Some heroic New Yorker must have tied Nyasha to a pier.
This week's episode of the A-List: New York, otherwise known as “The Nyasha Show”, was all about the Deluded Diva,...
- 8/31/2011
- by BriOut
- The Backlot
CAA has added several experienced TV writer-producers to its roster. The recent signings include: Dexter executive producer/showrunner Scott Buck, previously co-executive producer on HBO's Rome and Six Feet Under. He was with Wme. Emmy-winning former Frasier executive producer/co-showrunner Joe Keenan, most recently executive producer/consulting producer on ABC’s Desperate Housewives for the past four years. He was with UTA. Cynthia Cidre, writer/executive producer of TNT's Dallas reboot, which is shooting a pilot. She previously created and executive produced the CBS series Cane. Cidre was with UTA. She was managed by Ann Blanchard who recently joined CAA. Desperate Housewives co-executive producer Dave Flebotte, previously executive producer on NBC’s Will & Grace. He was with UTA. Former New York-based playwright Tim Lea, most recently co-executive producer on Fox’s Lie to Me. He was with ICM. On the producer-director side, CAA's new clients are: Documentary filmmaker and TV producer Rj Cutler,...
- 6/3/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
ABC's Sunday night soap lineup wraps up with the Season Finale of Desperate Housewives. Here's a preview:
Desperate Housewives "And Lots of Security..." / "Come on Over for Dinner" - A progressive dinner party thrown for Susan to celebrate her move back onto the lane leads to a shocking murder. Meanwhile, Gaby is stunned to learn the identity of the mysterious man who has been stalking her; Lynette and Tom attempt to put the spark back into their marriage by spending a few days alone together at a romantic B&B; after being placed under arrest for allegedly poisoning Paul, Susan must convince the police that she was being framed for the deed by Felicia; Bree begins to suspect that her new boyfriend may be gay; and Renee is devastated when she learns that her ex-husband is getting re-married, on the two-hour Season Finale of Desperate Housewives, Sunday, May 15 (9:00-11:00 p.
Desperate Housewives "And Lots of Security..." / "Come on Over for Dinner" - A progressive dinner party thrown for Susan to celebrate her move back onto the lane leads to a shocking murder. Meanwhile, Gaby is stunned to learn the identity of the mysterious man who has been stalking her; Lynette and Tom attempt to put the spark back into their marriage by spending a few days alone together at a romantic B&B; after being placed under arrest for allegedly poisoning Paul, Susan must convince the police that she was being framed for the deed by Felicia; Bree begins to suspect that her new boyfriend may be gay; and Renee is devastated when she learns that her ex-husband is getting re-married, on the two-hour Season Finale of Desperate Housewives, Sunday, May 15 (9:00-11:00 p.
- 5/15/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
I hope you’re still having fun with Covert Affairs, and I have another Q & A for you. This time, with Chris Gorham who plays Auggie.
I was a bit hesitant about this show after the pilot, largely because I wasn’t sure it was exactly clear which directions it was going to aim in a variety of ways. I’m pretty happy with it so far, and stay tuned, because in the next day or two I will have a preview review of the next episode, which focuses a good deal on Auggie.
Chris talked a lot about his character, past shows, and even Twitter. I hope you enjoy. Afterward, check out the preview for that episode, along with a couple of images.
By the way, very recently heard reports that the show has been renewed.
What can you tell us about Auggie and what it’s like bringing him to life?...
I was a bit hesitant about this show after the pilot, largely because I wasn’t sure it was exactly clear which directions it was going to aim in a variety of ways. I’m pretty happy with it so far, and stay tuned, because in the next day or two I will have a preview review of the next episode, which focuses a good deal on Auggie.
Chris talked a lot about his character, past shows, and even Twitter. I hope you enjoy. Afterward, check out the preview for that episode, along with a couple of images.
By the way, very recently heard reports that the show has been renewed.
What can you tell us about Auggie and what it’s like bringing him to life?...
- 8/20/2010
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
While Desperate Housewives fans contemplate who won't be around when the show returns next year, the ABC hit has announced a major casting coup:
Former Frasier star Jane Leeves will come aboard the show as Tom’s psychotherapist, Entertainment Weekly reports. She'll appear in at least two episodes.
Leeves will debut in late January. Her casting isn't a coincidence: former Frasier showrunner Joe Keenan serves as a consulting producer on Desperate Housewives.
Former Frasier star Jane Leeves will come aboard the show as Tom’s psychotherapist, Entertainment Weekly reports. She'll appear in at least two episodes.
Leeves will debut in late January. Her casting isn't a coincidence: former Frasier showrunner Joe Keenan serves as a consulting producer on Desperate Housewives.
- 12/11/2009
- by matt@iscribelimited.com (M.L. House)
- TVfanatic
Tom Scavo is finally getting professional help for that nasty mid-life crisis of his. Desperate Housewives has inked a deal with Frasier's Jane Leeves to play Tom's psychotherapist in at least two episodes, sources confirm to me exclusively. Leeves, whose arc kicks off in late January, isn't the first Frasier grad to pass through Wisteria Lane. Harriet Samson Harris, who played Frasier's brash agent Bebe, recurred in Seasons 1 and 2 as Felicia Tilman. And former Frasier showrunner Joe Keenan serves as a consulting producer on Dh. Tom won't be the only Wisterian getting psychiatric attention in early '10. Word...
- 12/11/2009
- by Michael Ausiello
- EW - Inside TV
After the airing of "Desperate Housewives" episode 5.02 on Sunday, October 5, ABC have presented fans with a sneak peek into the forthcoming episode of the drama comedy and the promotional video has come out. Giving out snippets on what each character will be facing next Sunday, October 12, the footage promises that the 5.03 episode will be juicier than ever.
The episode entitled "Kids Ain't Like Everybody Else" will center its story on the return of Bree's estranged daughter, Danielle, to Wisteria Lane and is met with overflowing criticism. In the meantime, Gaby and Susan are involved in a catfight due to their kids' brawl. On Lynette's part, she will get extremely annoyed upon finding out that Tom and Dave have formed a garage band after she told Tom to get rid of his old things.
The episode will also see Katherine and Mrs. McCluskey inviting Edie to lunch in order to squeeze out more information about Dave.
The episode entitled "Kids Ain't Like Everybody Else" will center its story on the return of Bree's estranged daughter, Danielle, to Wisteria Lane and is met with overflowing criticism. In the meantime, Gaby and Susan are involved in a catfight due to their kids' brawl. On Lynette's part, she will get extremely annoyed upon finding out that Tom and Dave have formed a garage band after she told Tom to get rid of his old things.
The episode will also see Katherine and Mrs. McCluskey inviting Edie to lunch in order to squeeze out more information about Dave.
- 10/6/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Comedy pilots call Channing, Louis-Dreyfus
Stockard Channing is taking a comedic turn with a starring role in CBS' untitled Christopher Lloyd/Joe Keenan pilot. Meanwhile, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is set to star in CBS' comedy pilot Old Christine and Stuart Townsend is ABC's new Kolchak in the drama pilot Night Stalker. Don Johnson is returning to series television with a starring role in the WB Network's untitled Jonathan Shapiro drama pilot. Joining Townsend in Night Stalker is Gabrielle Union. Meanwhile, Jane Curtin, William Devane and Fred Savage have been cast in ABC's comedy pilot Crumbs, and Tyler Labine has joined ABC's drama pilot Invasion. Old Christine, from Warner Bros. TV, centers on a thirtysomething divorced mom (Louis-Dreyfus) who tries to keep pace with everyone around her. The casting of Louis-Dreyfus lifts the contingency off the project, written and exec produced by Kari Lizer.
- 3/4/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comedy pilots call Channing, Louis-Dreyfus
Stockard Channing is taking a comedic turn with a starring role in CBS' untitled Christopher Lloyd/Joe Keenan pilot. Meanwhile, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is set to star in CBS' comedy pilot Old Christine and Stuart Townsend is ABC's new Kolchak in the drama pilot Night Stalker. Don Johnson is returning to series television with a starring role in the WB Network's untitled Jonathan Shapiro drama pilot. Joining Townsend in Night Stalker is Gabrielle Union. Meanwhile, Jane Curtin, William Devane and Fred Savage have been cast in ABC's comedy pilot Crumbs, and Tyler Labine has joined ABC's drama pilot Invasion. Old Christine, from Warner Bros. TV, centers on a thirtysomething divorced mom (Louis-Dreyfus) who tries to keep pace with everyone around her. The casting of Louis-Dreyfus lifts the contingency off the project, written and exec produced by Kari Lizer.
- 3/4/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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