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Exclusive: Justin Willman, the magician-comedian behind Netflix’s Magic for Humans, is set to take to the streamer with its first-ever magic comedy special, Magic Lover, on June 17.

Filmed live at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota, Magic Lover sees Willman deliver fresh takes on fatherhood, inflation, screen time, and finding order in life’s chaos, in between tricks. Watch a trailer above.

The special is executive produced by Willman, Daniel Kinno, Alex Murray, Stuart MacLeod, Adam Franklin, Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, and Davina Dobrovech.

A Critics Choice nominee with an established track record at Netflix, Willman has quickly become one of the most prolific magicians of his generation. In 2024, he premiered Netflix’s Magic Prank Show, a viral hit where he and his crew helped real people pull off elaborate pranks with a bit of magical payback. Prior to that, he created and starred in Magic for Humans,...

Comedy Dynamics has announced a handful of new stand-up specials as part of its “Spring Originals” slate.

Among the comics with new specials are Jay Jurden (a writer for “The Problem With Jon Stewart”), Bob the Drag Queen (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Chris Porter (“Last Comic Standing”) and Jiaoying Summers (host of the “Tiger Mom” podcast). All four specials have wrapped filming and are currently in post-production. Each are expected to debut in late 2025.

All four specials were filmed at the Joy Theatre in New Orleans and are directed by Comedy Dynamics founder Brian Volk-Weiss, who calls the “Spring Originals” “some of the funniest specials we’ve ever filmed.” He serves as executive producer alongside Cisco Henson.

“I think it’s the best introduction to My style of comedy, which is trying to give you 10 pounds of jokes in a 5 pound bag. It’s Black, it’s queer, and dammit it’s funny as hell,...

Tubi has officially acquired the new animated show RoboForce: The Animated Series. Set to start streaming for free on the platform in April, the series has also been given an official trailer.

Per Deadline, RoboForce: The Animated Series is a sci-fi show that consists of six half-hour episodes, all of which will be available to watch for free on the ad-supported service. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is among the producers of the show, and the Hollywood icon shared the official trailer for RoboForce: The Animated Series on his official YouTube account. It can be watched below.

Related Dwayne Johnson's $428M Video Game Adaptation Is Coming to Prime Video

Moana 2's Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in the big-budget action movie inspired by a Midway classic game, coming to Prime Video.

The official synopsis reads, "Based on the nostalgic toys of the 1980s, the animated series will continue the...

Following his work co-producing Red One for Amazon MGM Studios, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his company Seven Bucks Productions is producing and promoting the upcoming sci-fi throwback show, RoboForce: The Animated Series. The series will premiere on Tubi this Spring, which means it's free! Johnson posted the trailer on his own YouTube channel today. Check out the synopsis for the show below:

"Based on the nostalgic toys of the 1980s, the animated series will continue the narrative inspired by the original robot action figures. In 2089 Detroit, Soraya Aviram's RoboForce debuted with plans to assist a new intergalactic society on Earth.

Unfortunately, the same day as the announcement, Soraya's rival, Silas Duke, revealed his new Utopia Aegis 101 line of bots, which made RoboForce immediately obsolete. RoboForce split up and was forced into menial jobs for 15 years without hope of ever being heroes... Until suddenly, the Utopia Aegis 101’s turn...

Exclusive: Nacelle is partnering with comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham on a new eight-episode docuseries that takes viewers on a family-friendly ride through the history of some of the most exciting cars ever built.

Dunham will be joined by puppet friends like Peanut, Walter, and Bubba J, as he unearths the rich history of cars, starting with his personal collection consisting of over 130 collectible vehicles from around the world. As an avid collector, Dunham’s knowledge of automobiles is extensive and has granted him access to the industry’s biggest players. Some of the most sought-after items, which are frequently loaned to museums like the Petersen Automotive Museum, can be found in his garage. Cars covered on the series range from the stunning Corvette Stingray to the ill-fated Vector W8.

In addition to hosting, Dunham will produce alongside Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Ian Mallahan, Benjamin J. Frost, Robert Hartmann, Matt McNeil,...

Exclusive: Actor and comedian Paul Reiser is back behind the mic with Life, Death and Rice Pudding, a new stand-up special for Comedy Dynamics, which is his first in over three decades. Directed by Comedy Dynamics CEO Brian Volk-Weiss, the special premieres across platforms on November 19. Check out a trailer above.

Reiser’s new hour comes on the heels of Paul Reiser: 3 ½ Blocks from Home and Paul Reiser: Out on a Whim, which were respectively released in 1991 and 1987. In it, he discloses the secret to successful downsizing, explains why the whole “Do unto others” thing doesn’t work in marriage, and why boiling pasta naked is never a good idea. And for absolutely no additional charge, you will come to understand why finding raisins in rice pudding underscores the very meaning of life.

Volk-Weiss and Reiser exec produced alongside Cisco Henson, Michael Pelmont, and Doug Edley.

“I had so much...

Exclusive: I Could Eat – Part 1, the first installment of a new two-part comedy special from Lavell Crawford, is set to premiere across platforms via Comedy Dynamics tomorrow, debuting in album form on Friday, October 25.

In Part 1, the trailer for which you can view above, Crawford contemplates how My 600 Pound Life could go for 15 seasons and he’s still underweight, the kind of racist you have to be to not take a free holiday, and explosive consequences in a Taco Bell bathroom.

Brian Volk-Weiss directed the special and exec produced alongside Crawford, Cisco Henson, and Justin Edbrooke. The launch date for I Could Eat – Part 2 has not yet been disclosed.

Stated Volk-Weiss, who’s the CEO of both Nacelle Company and subsidiary Comedy Dynamics, “Lavell is one of those comedians that makes you laugh until your belly hurts. This new two-part special is some of his best work!”

Crawford rose...

Exclusive: Comedy Dynamics, the world’s largest independent stand-up comedy production and distribution company, has launched a 24/7 free ad-supported TV channel dedicated to stand-up on Amazon Freevee.

The Stand Up Channel will be carefully curated by the Comedy Dynamics team, and feature new and classic stand-up comedy specials, Amazon original specials, and new acquisitions as they become available. Among the comics you can expect to see highlighted are Jim Gaffigan, Tiffany Haddish, Tom Segura, Jeff Dunham, Eddie Griffin, Iliza Shlesinger, Jimmy O. Yang, Bill Hicks, Maria Bamford, Larry the Cable Guy, Anjelah Johnson, Lavell Crawford, Russell Peters, Kathleen Madigan, Gary Owen, Whitney Cummings and more.

Comedy Dynamics launches its new Fast channel following success with the Comedy Dynamics channel, the company’s first Fast channel, which similarly showcases their vast stand-up comedy library to Amazon customers. All Fast channels available on Freevee can be accessed through the Freevee app, as...

All eight episodes of the new series Billy Corgan‘s Adventures in Carnyland are now streaming via The CW’s website and app, having premiered all at once on Tuesday (May 14th).

The unscripted reality show follows the Smashing Pumpkins frontman through his life as the owner and promoter of the National Wrestling Alliance. Over the course of the eight episodes, the rock star rubs shoulders with a cast of eccentric wrestlers while simultaneously juggling his music career (his Pumpkins bandmates appear throughout the series) and family life.

Get Smashing Pumpkins Tickets Here

“Rebuilding the historic Nwa brand has been both an honor and challenge, and this show opens the doors wide so to speak,” Corgan stated in a press release. “To reveal the glory and the grit needed to thrive in a winner-take-all sport. It’s not always pretty, but I’m proud of what we have accomplished thus far.

The Max Original series Thirst with Shay Mitchell is set to debut on Thursday, May 23, on Max. New episodes of the four-episode series will debut weekly.

Max has released the official trailer and key art for the series, which features the former Pretty Little Liars, Dollface, Dreamland, Mother’s Day, and The Possession of Hannah Grace star.

In the show, Mitchell explores the world one drink at a time as she visits exotic locations, samples unique ingredients, and meets expert hosts. On her journey, she encounters the latest drink trends, the best bars, and 8,000 years of sipping history.

Thirst with Shay Mitchell is produced for Max by The Nacelle Company and Amore+Vita.

Brian Volk-Weiss, Missy Bania, Cisco Henson, Shay Mitchell, and Matte Babel executive produce the series, which is co-executive produced by Kayleigh Rocheck and Ken Franklin.

The post Thirst with Shay Mitchell to Debut on May 23 appeared first on Vital Thrills.

Exclusive: Brian Volk-Weiss’ Nacelle Company on Wednesday announced Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland, an eight-episode unscripted series that’s set to premiere on The CW app and cwtv.com on May 14th.

Directed by Volk-Weis and Ian Roumain, the series pulls back the curtain on how the legendary frontman of alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins takes on the world. When he isn’t churning out albums and touring the world with his band, Corgan works as a wrestling promoter through his storied National Wrestling Alliance, which he intends to restore to its former glory. As if being a rock star navigating the demanding politics of running both a band (Pumpkinworld) and a group of eccentric wrestlers (Carnyland) isn’t tricky enough, he’s also a father of two — and he’s planning a wedding to his longtime partner, Chloe Mendel. Can he possibly keep all these balls in the air?...

Exclusive: Sierra Katow (The Sex Lives of College Girls) is partnering with Comedy Dynamics on the release of her debut comedy special, Funt, which will become available on platforms worldwide on April 2nd, rolling out in album form on April 5th.

Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.

Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.

“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.

Exclusive: Laurie Kilmartin on Thursday announced Cis Woke Grief Sl*t, her new special for Comedy Dynamics, which will be available for rental or purchase via Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, Google Play, Dish, and cable providers worldwide on January 30th.

Kilmartin is a veteran comic who garnered an Emmy nomination for her writing on Conan, the TBS talk show on which she was a staffer for 11 years. Previously releasing the special 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad, she came to the attention of some as a Top 10 finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, becoming a New York Times bestselling author with her first book, Shitty Mom.

“I love to sandwich the serious stuff between dick jokes and boob jokes, and see what happens,” said Kilmartin in a statement to Deadline on the special. “I hope Cis Woke Grief Slut makes good people laugh,...

Do you smell what Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions is cooking? If it smells like oil, solder, and suction cups, it’s because the company, run by Hiram Garcia, is co-producing Nacelle’s RoboForce animated series, inspired by the 1990s toy line. Previously, Nacelle and Seven Bucks joined forces for Behind the Attraction, a docu-series about the development and history of iconic attractions from Disney’s theme parks. I highly recommend checking it out. It’s super informative, and the episode about The Haunted Mansion is fantastic.

“We’re excited for Seven Bucks and Nacelle to partner together once again, especially to bring the iconic story of RoboForce to life,” Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson said. “We love that it’s a story about redemption, second chances, and rising to the challenge as told through the eyes of funny, messed up, renegade robots who finally get their chance to shine.

Exclusive: Seven Bucks Productions, the production company co-founded by Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia and run by Hiram Garcia, has come on board to co-produce with Nacelle the upcoming RoboForce animated series, inspired by the action figures.

The series, announced in January, will be executive produced by Brian Volk-Weiss, who also is directing, alongside Cisco Henson, Matt Kravitsky, Michael Goodman, Tom Stern and Gavin Hignight for Nacelle. Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Brian Gewirtz will serve as executive producers on behalf of Seven Bucks Productions.

This marks a reunion for Nacelle and Seven Bucks Productions who recently partnered on Behind the Attraction, a docuseries about the history and development of attractions throughout Disney’s theme parks for Disney+.

“We’re excited for Seven Bucks and Nacelle to partner together once again, especially to bring the iconic story of RoboForce to life,” Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson said. “We love...

Exclusive: Comedy Dynamics is set to produce a new comedy special from Paul Reiser — the first from the veteran performer in more than 30 years, which will tape live at the Newman Center for Performing Arts in Denver, Co on November 17.

Details as to topics he’ll cover in the special haven’t been disclosed. But his latest comes on the heels of Paul Reiser: 3 ½ Blocks from Home and Paul Reiser: Out on a Whim, which were respectively released in 1991 and 1987. “People don’t always believe me when I tell them that getting out and doing standup is the most fun part of all these projects,” Reiser told Deadline. “But it’s always been my first love and I’m so excited to be doing another special!”

Comedy Dynamics Founder Brian Volk-Weiss is directing and will exec produce alongside Cisco Henson, Reiser, and Michael Pelmont. Said Volk-Weiss, “Knowing and working with...

Step behind the scenes and into the happiest place on Earth with season two of Behind the Attraction. The Disney+ series takes fans inside Disney theme parks and pulls back the curtain on popular rides and attractions.

Season one explored the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, and Space Mountain. The upcoming second season will feature Imagineers who designed Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Indiana Jones Adventure. Plus, the new season will explore Epcot, Disney Parks’ foods, and the Nighttime Spectaculars.

Criminal Minds‘ Paget Brewster narrates and executive producer Brian Volk-Weiss directs. Additional executive producers include The Nacelle Company’s Ian Roumain, Benjamin J. Frost, and Cisco Henson, as well as Seven Bucks Productions’ Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz, and Frankie Chiapperin.

Disney+ has set a November 1, 2023 premiere date.

The post ‘Behind the Attraction’ Season 2 Trailer Confirms November Premiere appeared first on ShowbizJunkies.

There’s a change in Tuesday primetime programming on The CW. The network has pulled travelogue series Down To Earth with Zac Efron and Fantastic Friends after just two episodes. Both series premiered on July 18. Remaining episodes will be available on the CW app and cwtv.com.

The CW will air reruns of Penn & Teller: Fool Us (8-9 pm) and Whose Line Is It Anyway? (9-10 pm) in their place.

Down To Earth and Fantastic Friends are the latest acquired series to be pulled from the CW schedule, following the Australian surfing drama Barons, which was pulled after four episodes in June.

Down To Earth with Zac Efron, acquired from Netflix, experienced a 24% drop in viewers from the first episode to episode 2, and Fantastic Friends had low viewership from the start, dropping from 161K viewers in episode 1 to 158K in episode 2. Seasons 1 and 2 of Down To Earth are still streaming on Netflix.

Perhaps there's no one more excited to see Biker Mice from Mars getting a revival than Ryan Reynolds, as the Deadpool star has boarded the project to serve as an executive producer.

On Friday, it was announced by Nacelle that the company has partnered up with Reynolds' Maximum Effort and Fubo to produce the series, which was first announced in January. Executive producing the revival alongside Reynolds is director Brian Volk-Weiss, as well as Cisco Henson, Matt Kravitsky, Michael Goodman, George Dewey, Kevin Hill, Patrick Gooing, David Gandler, and Pamela Duckworth.

Related: Before Green Lantern, Before Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds as -- The Flash?

In the series, per the official synopsis, "On the planet Mars, there existed a race of anthropomorphic mice who enjoyed motorsports and had a very similar culture and society to that of human beings. Eventually, they were all but wiped out by the Plutarkians, an alien race of obese,...

Exclusive: Ryan Reynolds and his company, Maximum Effort, have joined Nacelle’s Biker Mice from Mars animated series, a new iteration of the cult classic series. Nacelle plans to co-produce with Maximum Effort and Fubo.

“Some people know that I am a motorcycle enthusiast, so it was only natural for us to jump on board Biker Mice from Mars,” said Reynolds. “Maximum Effort and Fubo look forward to putting a new spin on this cult classic with our friends at Nacelle.”

The Biker Mice From Mars story: on the planet Mars, there existed a race of anthropomorphic mice who enjoyed motorsports and had a very similar culture and society to that of human beings. Eventually, they were all but wiped out by the Plutarkians, an alien race of obese, foul-smelling, worm-eating, fish-like humanoids who plunder other planets for their natural resources.

Three survivors: Throttle, Modo, and Vinnie, manage to find...

Exclusive: Zarna Garg is bringing her comedy chops to Prime Video.

The winner of Kevin Hart’s Lyft Comics in 2021 will see her inaugural comedy special Zarna Garg: One in a Billion launch on the streaming service globally May 16.

Filmed last September at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre, the nearly one-hour special features the tough love Indian-immigrant mom in full flight as you can see in this clip below:

Garg, who spent years honing her act in her living room in front of family, is currently on tour.

Performing stand-up from coast to coast over the next two months, the one-time lawyer has gigs at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, NJ for the next two days. With more than a half-million followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively, Garg has amassed over 100 million views on the latter social media platform in the past few years.

Featured in last year’s Apple...

Jim Jefferies is back on Netflix next month with his fifth stand-up special for the streamer, “High N’ Dry.” The special premieres globally on Netflix on February 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The stand-up follows previous specials “Jim Jefferies: Bare” (2014), “Jim Jefferies: Freedumb” (2016), “Jim Jefferies: This Is Me Now” (2018) and “Jim Jefferies: Intolerant” (2020). Scott Zabielski directed the new special.

“High N’ Dry” is actually Jefferies’ tenth TV standup special all together, which goes back to “Contraband” in 2008. According to the logline, “In the special, newly married and loving life with his wife and kids, Jefferies sounds off on the laziness of koala bears, the injustices of male pattern baldness and the reason why he’ll never drink again.”

Jefferies, Tim Sarkes, Alex Murray, Brian Volk-Weiss and Cisco Henson are executive producers of “High N’ Dry.”

Jefferies is currently on the road for his 2023 “Give’em What They Want Tour.

Exclusive: Tom Papa is taking his stand up back to Netflix.

The comedian has set his second Netflix special – Tom Papa: What A Day! The show, which was filmed this fall at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, will premiere on December 13.

The special will see Papa share the highs and lows of parenting, his reliance on modern technology, rescuing his pet pug, and how his marriage has evolved over time.

It is directed by Greg Jacobs and exec produced by Papa, Brian Volk-Weiss and Cisco Henson.

It is Papa’s second Netflix special after You’re Doing Great!, which premiered at the beginning of 2020. Papa’s other specials have included Live In New York and Freaked Out, both directed by Rob Zombie.

Papa also hosts a radio show with Fortune Feimster – What A Joke with Papa and Fortune – on Netflix Is A Joke Radio on Sirius Xm.

It comes ahead...

The trailer for season two of Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron reveals the actor will be taking a deep dive into all things Australia. Zac Efron will be visiting with experts who are attempting to find cleaner, better, and more sustainable ways of living over the course of the eight-episode season.

The trailer’s release was accompanied by a new poster and the announcement that season two will premiere on November 11, 2022.

Netflix released the following description of the new season:

In this new season, Emmy-winning actor Zac Efron travels around Australia with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live. The hosts bring viewers to beautiful locales where they seek out sustainable practices in a way that is both educational and enlightening, embracing local food, culture and customs throughout their journey.

Zac Efron, Brian Volk-Weiss, Michael Simkin, Jason Barrett, Cisco Henson, and Darin Olien serve as executive producers.

Vice TV has picked up a third season of The Nacelle Company’s anthology docuseries Icons Unearthed, which will spotlight The Fast and the Furious film franchise.

Directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, the third installment features interviews with Tyrese Gibson, T.I., Lucas Black, Roger Corman, Chad Lindberg, Thom Barry, Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Gary Scott Thompson, JJ Perry, Spiro Razatos, Tanner Foust, Samuel Hubinette, Debbie Evans and Fred Raskin.

“The Fast & Furious franchise is one of the biggest movie series of all-time and Vice TV is proud once again to partner with Nacelle on another installment of Icons Unearthed,” said Vice TV’s SVP of Content Strategy and Programming, Peter Gafney. “Our audience is definitely responding to this series, so we’re thrilled to be making more with Brian and his team.”

“We took apart this franchise’s engine,...

Exclusive: Amazon Freevee has picked up Icons Unearthed: Star Wars for the UK, the doc series that features the first tell-all on-camera interview with George Lucas’ former wife Marcia Lucas.

The landmark series aired over the summer in the U.S. on Vice TV and has since been renewed for a second season, which will showcase The Simpsons.

Icons Unearthed takes a deep dive into the Star Wars universe and features the first on-camera interview with the creator’s former wife and the original trilogy’s Oscar-winning editor.

Produced by the Nacelle Company and directed by Brian Volk-Weiss (The Toys That Made Us), Icons Unearthed travels to all 50 U.S. states along with Tunisia, England, Canada and Italy, featuring interviews with others involved with the series including Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, Paul Hirsch, Phil Tippett, Rick Baker, Ken Ralston, John Dykstra, Howard Kazanjian, Julian Glover, Ian McDiarmid, Gus Lopez,...

The Nacelle Company’s “Icons Unearthed” has been renewed for Season 2 by Vice TV, Variety has learned exclusively.

In Season 2, the six-part documentary series will focus on long-running animated sitcom “The Simpsons.” Directed by Nacelle Company CEO Brian Volk-Weiss, “Icons Unearthed: The Simpsons” will reveal previously unknown and surprising details about the beloved animated series. The second season also features exclusive interviews with several writers, directors, actors and network executives, including Bill Oakley, Rich Moore, Jon Vitti, Mimi Pond, Doug Benson, Todd McFarlane, Garth Ancier, Phil Roman and Jennifer Howell.

“We’re ecstatic to have the second season of our ‘Icons Unearthed’ documentary series officially picked up by Vice TV. It’s an honor to be able to tell the little known history behind one of the most historic franchises in television, ‘The Simpsons,’” Volk-Weiss said in a statement.

In the first season of “Icons Unearthed,” the show explored the...

Vice TV will world premiere the Nacelle Company’s new Icons Unearthed series July 12, with the first installment of a 6-hour deep dive into the Star Wars Universe.

In Icons Unearthed: Star Wars Marcia Lucas, Oscar-winning film editor and ex-wife of George Lucas, sits down for her first-ever on-camera interview and provides unique insight into the rise of LucasFilm — including her 14-year marriage to and eventual divorce from George Lucas — the editing of the original Star Wars trilogy, the origin of the idea that Darth Vader would be Luke’s father and if there were really originally plans for nine movies.

Icons Unearthed: Star Wars also includes exclusive interviews with Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, Paul Hirsch, Phil Tippett, Rick Baker, Ken Ralston, John Dykstra, Howard Kazanjian, Julian Glover, Ian McDiarmid, Gus Lopez, Tom Spina and many more. Icons Unearthed: Star Wars is narrated by Michael Pennington, who portrayed Moff...

Peacock announced that the new docuseries “Paris in Love” will begin streaming Nov. 11, with new episodes dropping every following Thursday.

The 13-part wedding series will follow Hilton as she discovers the road to the altar has a few unexpected turns along the way as she prepares to marry successful venture capitalist Carter Reum. In the midst of planning for the wedding, fans will watch as Hilton navigates adulthood, a demanding work schedule and plans for her future. Hilton’s mother Kathy Hilton and sister Rothschild Hilton will support her through it all, from her engagement part to bridal dress shopping to the bachelor and bachelorette party in Las Vegas.

From Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Shed Media, Telepictures and Slivington Manor Entertainment, “Paris in Love” is executive produced by Mike Darnell, Lisa Shannon, Dan Peirson, Bridgette Theriault, Andrea Metz, Perry Dance, Paris Hilton and Bruce Gersh. Watch a trailer for the series below.

Exclusive: Pete Lee will make his Showtime debut with Pete Lee: Tall, Dark and Pleasant.

Set to drop on Showtime Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, is filmed at the Tempe Improv in Arizona. The special dives into Lee’s outrageous struggles with people pleasing, relationships, sex, drugs and motion-sensor sinks. Directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, the hour-long special sees Lee educate viewers on why it sucks to be a nice guy and how he hates conflict, unless the person he’s talking to likes it – then he of course does too.

Lee was raised in Janesvile, Wi and is known for his relatable jokes and Midwestern humor. He has appeared on The Tonight Show and is a regular on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar. Lee was named a standout performer at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and was a semifinalist on Last Comic Standing.

Disney+ announced today that they will premiere all episodes of Behind the Attraction on July 16.

The original series, narrated by Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds), looks to give viewers a peek ‘behind the curtain’ of Disney Parks and Resorts’ most beloved attractions and destinations. While rides including Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and it’s a small world will each get their own episode, the other four are dedicated to the iconic Disneyland Hotel, the Hall of Presidents attraction, and the castles at Disney’s parks, along with their unique system of trains, trams and monorails.

The story of each attraction is brought to life through the use of archival and never-before-seen footage and photography, as well as rare interviews with Walt Disney. Also appearing in the docuseries to divulge a secret or two are Disney Legends and an assortment of (past and present) Imagineers,...

VH1 announced that the 10th season of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” will premiere on July 5.

The hip-hop docuseries explores the personal journeys of artists, entrepreneurs and influencers. Season 10 brings music back to the forefront, with a female-led ensemble navigating their careers, families, mental health and Black liberation amid a national reckoning and pandemic.

Yung Baby Tate, Renni Rucci, Omeretta The Great, Yandy Smith-Harris and Mendeecees Harris join returning cast members Rasheeda Frost, Spice, Sierra Gates, Bambi, Karlie Redd, Kirk Frost, Yung Joc, Erica Mena, Momma Dee, Safaree Samuels and Scrappy.

“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” is executive produced by Mona Scott-Young and Stephanie R. Gayle for Monami Productions and Lashan Browning, Donna Edge-Rachell, Paris Bauldwin, Daniel Wiener and Jamail Shelton for New Group Productions. Sitarah Pendelton and Phakiso Collins executive produce for VH1.

Also in today’s TV news roundup:

Dates

Disney Plus announced that all 10 episodes of “Behind the Attraction...

Exclusive: Tribeca and Comedy Dynamics are reteaming for a slate of 10 stand-up comedy specials to be filmed at the Tribeca Film Festival, which runs June 9-20 in New York City.

The two entities partnered up in early 2020 to produce original stand-up comedy specials that were slated to be filmed at the annual fest. But after Covid restrictions took hold nationwide, they pivoted and evolved the indoor festival into an outdoor comedy drive-in set across the country at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Tribeca x Comedy Dynamics Drive-In featured hourlong comedy sets from Ester Steinberg, Dave Helem, Erica Rhodes and Daniel Webb — the first set of drive-in comedy specials filmed in the midst of the pandemic.

Produced by Tribeca and Comedy Dynamics and directed by the latter’s founder and CEO, Brian Volk-Weiss, this month’s slate of specials is part of Tribeca’s expansion into new storytelling platforms and its...

In today’s TV news roundup, HBO set the release date for its new baking competition series “Baketopia,” hosted by YouTuber Rosanna Pansino, and Syfy announced the premiere date for the fifth and final season of “Van Helsing.”

Dates

BET Plus announced that the second season of Will Packer-executive produced comedy series “Bigger” will premiere April 22. Tanisha Long, Angell Conwell, Rasheda Crockett, Chase Anthony and Tristen Winger will return as series regulars while Angela Ko, Bechir Sylvain, Alyssa Brooke and Warren Burke will return as recurring guest stars. The new season also features notable guest stars including Tori Spelling, Jasmine Guy, Christopher “Play” Martin, Eva Marcille, Devale Ellis, Toccara, Karlie Redd, Debbie Morgan, Curtis Washington, Charmin Lee, Alexa Rachelle Jennings and more. Created by showrunner Felischa Marye, “Bigger” follows a close-knit group of 30-somethings as they balance love, friendships and career ambitions. Season 2 will kick off three months after the...

Exclusive: The Nacelle Company is boldly going where no man has gone before. Today it unveiled The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek, an eight-episode limited docuseries that it will produce for History Channel.

Created and directed by Nacelle founder and CEO, Brian Volk-Weiss, The Center Seat is described as the ultimate deep dive into the world of Star Trek. Timed to coincide with the iconic sci-fi franchise’s 55th anniversary this year, it will offer Trekkies a behind-the-scenes look at pivotal moments in the franchise’s history — from its inception at Lucille Ball’s production company Desilu through recent film and television adaptations.

“Star Trek, from before I was 10 years old, gave me the closest thing I have to a code to follow in my life,” Volk-Weiss said. “If it wasn’t for the words ‘I don’t believe in the no-win scenario,’ I’d be very alone, broke,...

After its first season became one of the bigger hits of 2020 on the streamer, Netflix is looking forward to the next season of Down To Earth With Zac Efron as production has begun on the second season in Australia. The second season is expected to premiere sometime in 2022.

In this new season, actor Zac Efron travels around Australia with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live. The hosts bring viewers to beautiful locales where they seek out sustainable practices in a way that is both educational and enlightening, embracing local food, culture and customs throughout their journey.

Efron Michael Simkin, Jason Barrett will exec produce through their banner Ninjas Runnin’ Wild and Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson and Darin Olien will also exec produce throughThe Nacelle Company.

While numbers haven’t been released, the first season of the reality series became a surprise hit as it...

History has set two new documentaries and a podcast dedicated to remembering the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 on Monday.

The hourlong documentaries, “9/11: The Final Minutes of Fight 93” and “9/11: The Pentagon,” will air back-to-back on Friday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Et/Pt. Watch the teaser for the two specials above.

“History is dedicated to remembering the catastrophic events of September 11 with compelling and new premium content,” said Eli Lehrer, executive vice president and general manager for History. “We are honored to continue to commemorate the unrelenting bravery of the individuals who lost their lives that day – one Americans and our history will never forget.”

Also Read: Nat Geo Unveils Slate for 2020-21 Including '9/11' Docuseries, 'Explorer' Reboot

History is also debuting a new eight-part podcast called “Blindspot: The Road to 9/11.” Premiering on Wednesday, Sept. 9, the podcast series “will bring together the voices of U.S. government and intelligence officials,...

History plans two new hour-long documentaries and an original eight-part podcast devoted to coverage of the infamous events of September 11, 2001.

The two documentaries, “9/11: The Final Minutes of Fight 93” and “9/11: The Pentagon,” will debut Friday, September 11 at 8 pm. and 9 p.m. eastern, and will offer perspective on events that took place on United Flight 93 and at the Pentagon. The podcast, Blindspot: The Road to 9/11, is hosted by Wnyc reporter Jim O’Grady and is co-produced in partnership with Wnyc Studios. It will debut September 9, and weave together voices experts in intelligence and national security, as well asassociates of the terrorists involved in the incident.

“History is dedicated to remembering the catastrophic events of September 11 with compelling and new premium content,” said Eli Lehrer, executive vice president and general manager for the A+E Networks-owned outlet, in a prepared statement. “We are honored to continue to commemorate the unrelenting bravery of...

In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix announced the premiere date for its upcoming drama series “Away” and Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes announced their new podcast “Smartless” will premiere in July.

Dates

Netflix has announced “Away” will premiere on Sept. 4. The upcoming drama series follows American astronaut Emma Green (Hilary Swank) as she prepares to lead an international crew on the first mission to Mars, but she must first reconcile her decision to leave behind her husband (Josh Charles) and teenage daughter (Talitha Bateman) when they need her the most. “Away” is created by Andrew Hinderaker and is executive produced by showrunner Jessica Goldberg, Jason Katims, Matt Reeves, Hinderaker, Edward Zwick, Adam Kassan, Jeni Mulein and Swank. Watch the teaser below.

First Looks

Netflix has released a trailer for “Street Food Latin America.” The docuseries will explore countries including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia, highlighting...

When you are a top-tier touring comic like Sebastian Maniscalso, your stamp of approval is important. Comedy Dynamics has a special from Pat McGann, and when they release it will be under the title Sebastian Maniscalco presents Pat McGann: When’s Mom Gonna Be Home?

It’ll be released on Comedy Dynamics network’s hybrid distribution system composed of Comcast, Amazon Prime Video, Spectrum, Apple TV, Dish, Google Play, DirecTV, Vimeo, YouTube and more on July 28, with a comedy album coming three days later on SiriusXM, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Tidal and more.

Maniscalco, who has been transitioning to film with Green Book and The Irishman, signed on to be exec producer with Judi Marmel, Alex Goodman and Cisco Henson. The special highlights McGann’s evolution from irresponsible bachelor to an attempt to be a more responsible husband and father. This is his first comedy special. (See the trailer below.

In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix reveals a first look at Season 2 of “The Umbrella Academy,” and Showtime will host a virtual concert on June 21 benefitting the Equal Justice Initiative.

Casting

Nickelodeon has signed an overall deal with 13-year-old social media influencer and hip-hop artist Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High. Nickelodeon and High will work together to develop programming across multiple platforms, create music initiatives and build a consumer products business spanning across fashion, accessories and publishing. High has been rapping, singing, writing and producing since the age of five and has already impressed the likes of Nick Cannon and Le’Veon Bell. She became the youngest female rapper to sign a recording contract with Fresh Rebel Muzik/Empire at age 11 and released her debut album “Tha Cheat Code” in September 2018.

Dates

Amazon Prime Video announced that Jim Gaffigan‘s newest stand-up comedy special, “Jim Gaffigan: The Pale Tourist,...

Exclusive: Jim Gaffigan is returning to Amazon for his second stand-up special with the streaming channel. Jim Gaffigan: The Pale Tourist will premiere Friday, July 24 on Amazon Prime Video.

The two-part stand-up special was filmed on location in Ontario, Canada and Barcelona, Spain, as part of Gaffigan’s The Pale Tourist worldwide tour in which he traveled the world — in each country meeting people, eating the food, and learning a bit about the history. He would then transform those experiences into a stand-up set of all-new material and perform it for locals and expatriates, before heading on to another destination and doing it all over again.

Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time was Gaffigan’s first comedy special for Amazon and marked the streamer’s foray into the Netflix-dominated stand-up comedy turf in 2019.

The Grammy-nominated, Emmy-winning and New York Times bestselling author, actor and comedian Gaffigan had eight films opening in...

In today’s TV News Roundup, HBO Max released a trailer for its upcoming voguing competition show “Legendary,” and Netflix announced the premiere date for Season 2 of “The Politician.”

Dates

Netflix has announced that Season 2 of “The Politician” will premiere on the streamer on June 19. In this season, Ben Platt returns as Payton Hobart, now caught in the throes of a race for the New York State Senate. Platt, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan, Alexis Martin Woodall and Gwyneth Paltrow serve as executive producers.

George Lopez announced his first Netflix original comedy special will debut on June 30. The special, titled “We’ll Do It for Half,” features Lopez discussing race, age and politics as topics among the Latino community. Watch Lopez’s Instagram announcement of the special here.

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June 30th!! My New Special: “We’ll Do It For Half” Debuts On @netflix !!! I put...

In today’s TV news roundup, “Riverdale” revealed a first look at its “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” musical episode, and Marcy Ross has been named president of television at Sk Global.

Dates

Netflix has announced that Emmy-winning comedian Hannah Gadsby‘s newest special, “Hannah Gadsby: Douglas” will premiere May 26. Named after her dog, “Douglas” will be Gadsby’s second Netflix special after 2018’s “Hannah Gadsby: Nanette.”

National Geographic’s newest limited series, “Barkskins,” is set to premiere May 25 at 9 p.m. Created by Elwood Reid and based on the best-selling novel by Annie Proulx, “Barkskins” explores the mysterious massacre of settlers in New France during the 17th century. The eight-episode series will play out over four weeks, with back-to-back episodes every Monday.

Amazon Prime Video has revealed that Jimmy O. Yang‘s first standup special, “Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal” will be available to stream starting May 8. Filmed at the Neptune Theater in Seattle,...

The Nacelle Company, Comedy Dynamics’ parent, has promoted Cisco Henson to president of production. The company specializes in comedy and pop cultural historical documentaries.

During his time with The Nacelle Company, Henson has served as an Ep for its Netflix series The Movies That Made Us and The Toys That Made Us. He also helmed comedy specials for Ali Wong, Jim Gaffigan, Iliza Shlesinger, Maria Bamford, Pete Davidson and others. Henson leads the production team in running multiple shows, limited series, feature films, and promotional videos that the company has produced for networks such as Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Bet+, A&e, History Channel, Hulu, Discovery, Viacom, and more. Upcoming projects include Behind The Attraction for Disney + and several other unannounced projects for Bet+, Amazon, Netflix, and others. Henson’s list of production credits include work by George Carlin Dave Chappelle, Russell Simmons, Kevin Hart, Anthony Anderson, and Jim Gaffigan. “I have...

Exclusive: There is a certain generation that finds a distinct joy in the X-Men and Batman animated series as well as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, The Smurfs, Goosebumps, Muppet Babies and Fraggle Rock — and we have TV exec, Margaret Loesch to thank for all of these childhood treasures. That said, Nacelle Company is looking to champion Loesch with a feature-length documentary about her life and career.

The film will be co-directed by Brian Volk-Weiss and Brian Stillman — who, as you can see, have directed some pop culture docus of the nostalgic variety. Cisco Henson will serve as Executive Producer for The Nacelle Company.

More from DeadlineComedy Dynamics To Produce First-ever Televised Razzie AwardsThe Nacelle Company Ups Kieran Dotti...

Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, who was recently seen in the Sundance film, Farewell Amor, is set to write, direct, and produce a feature-length documentary about Ugandan studio photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo. Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh is attached as an executive producer. Soderbergh and Ntare worked together on the Cinemax series, The Knick. Ntare, who is perhaps best known as one of the stars of Showtimes’ The Chi, first encountered Kibaate’s studio in 2002 driving through the Ugandan countryside doing research for his play Biro. Kibaate sadly passed away in 2006 leaving behind six wives, 36 children, and over 4000 medium format negatives and thousands of 35-millimeter prints and negatives. To carry on Kibaate’s legacy, Ntare has returned to Mbirizi and met with over 60 of his former photo subjects thus far, recreating their decades-old images by photographing the former subjects as well. “Kibaate’s artistry as a photographer and the rich history surrounding him,...

In today’s TV news roundup, Ava DuVernay’s “Cherish the Day” gets a first-look teaser, and the Apple TV Plus comedy from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s” Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day gets a premiere date.

Dates

Amazon Studios‘ “Russell Peters: Deported” premieres Jan. 14. The one-hour stand-up special stars comedian Russell Peters exploring life as a middle-aged father dealing with relationships and health issues. Clayton Peters, Paul Canterna, Brian Volk-Weiss and Cisco Henson executive produce alongside Peters. See a sneak peek below:

Apple TV Plus‘ “Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet” from Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) premieres Feb. 7. The nine-episode comedy series follows a team of video game developers as they navigate the challenges of running a popular video game. Lionsgate, 3 Arts Entertainment Venture and Ubisoft produce.

First Looks

Own released a first-look teaser for its forthcoming anthology drama “Cherish the Day,“ created...

The creators behind Netflix's The Toys That Made Us are back with a brand new series The Movies That Made Us. The new series goes behind the scenes of movie classics and is coming out with some big guns. Season 1 is taking a deeper look at Die Hard, Ghostbusters, Home Alone, and Dirty Dancing, which should be a hit right away. As it turns out, making these movies wasn't exactly easy work as the trailer shows us.

Netflix's 'The Movies That Made Us' Trailer is here! Series debuts on November 29th. pic.twitter.com/Mc9eMd1cVj

— TVweb (@TVweb) November 22, 2019

The Movies That Made Us was originally announced by Netflix over the summer during San Diego Comic-Con. Movie fans were excited to finally take a look at the docuseries, but the streaming platform did not announce a release date. We now know that the series will debut November 29th,...

Joseph Baxter Oct 4, 2019

Behind the Attraction is a Disney+ docuseries with producers in Dwayne Johnson and The Toys That Made Us’s Brian Volk-Weiss.

Behind the Attraction may sound like something that aired on VH1 in the ‘90s, but this particular docuseries will be utilized by Disney on its imminently-launching streaming platform, Disney+, to showcase its park attractions by telling the tales behind their conception, featuring interviews with fans, and insight provided by Disney Imagineers and other behind-the-scenes personnel.

Disney+ has given the order for Behind the Attraction for 10 episodes, each hourlong, as Variety reports. Movie megastar Dwayne Johnson headlines the creative coalition for the Disney+ series as an executive producer through his Seven Bucks Production shingle, joined by partners Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Kevin Hill. Interestingly, The Rock and company will be joined by Brian Volk-Weiss, the mastermind of Netflix’s smash docuseries, The Toys That Made Us,...