News

Exclusive: Boys Go to Jupiter, the debut feature film from acclaimed indie animator Julian Glander, has finalized its cast ahead of its Tribeca Film Festival premiere in June. Newly added to the lineup are Janeane Garofalo and Demi Adeyujigbe.

The cast also includes Jack Corbett (NPR’s Planet Money TikTok) Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade) Tavi Gevinson (Gossip Girl), Julio Torres (Los Espookys), Sarah Sherman (SNL), Joe Pera (Joe Pera Talks With You), Grace Kuhlenschmidt (The Daily Show), Singer-songwriter Miya Folick, as well as comedians Demi Adeyuijigbe, Chris Fleming, Cole Escola, River L. Ramirez, Eva Victor, and Max Wittert.

Boys Go to Jupiter is billed as a surreal animated coming-of-age story, brought to life in Glander’s trademark 3D visual style and sonic palette. The film follows a week in the life of a teenager in suburban Florida as he hustles his way through a series of bizarre gig economy errands.

A24 has set March 1 for the limited release of the Julio Torres-directed feature Problemista, with the title going wide on March 22. A special video release announcement featuring Torres and his co-star Tilda Swinton can be found above.

The feature was originally set to premiere in August but was delayed due to the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Julio Torres and Tilda Swinton in ‘Problemista’

The surreal adventure Problemista follows Alejandro (Torres), an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast Elizabeth (Swinton) becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream. Problemista is described as a surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system.

A four-time Emmy nominee, Torres directed from his own script,...

Exclusive: Comedic multi-hyphenate Julio Torres (A24’s Problemista) has struck a deal with Ars Nova, the Off-Broadway, non-profit theater in NYC, that will see them partner to identify, develop, and commission full-length projects from early-career comedy artists.

The collaboration further expands Ars Nova’s two-decade commitment to new comedy at a time when support systems for NYC-based artists have decreased. Under the partnership, Torres and Ars Nova will look to provide comedians with opportunities for development and production outside of the traditional model of sketch shows and 10-minute sets. They’ll offer funding up front to create brand new, uniquely theatrical shows, while providing mentorship and development resources to the artists involved, the first set for a commission being Ars Nova Vision Residency Alum River L. Ramirez. Others will be announced at a later date.

To celebrate the alliance, Torres will return to the Ars Nova stage on October 26 to host Showgasm.

A24's Problemista is the latest film to feel the effects of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The indie film, which premiered this March at the SXSW Film Festival to critical praise, was set to hit theaters August 4th. According to Deadline, who first reported the news, A24's postponement is an effort to help filmmaker Julio Torres, as independent films typically do best when their stars are available for press events.

Problemista marks Torres' directorial debut, and he stars in the film as Alejandro, a young immigrant artist desperate to find a co-signer for his visa so that he can remain in New York. Desperate, he turns to his frightening boss Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), who agrees to help Alejandro in exchange for his help putting together an art exhibit. As Elizabeth, Swinton portrays a nightmarish art curator who makes Alejandro's journey to the American Dream a nightmarish experience.

To create...

“Problemista” has hit a problem with its theatrical release.

Distributor A24 has officially delayed the August 4 premiere of Julio Torres’ film, which debuted at 2023 SXSW. A new release date will be determined later; the news comes after Amazon pushed back Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and Lionsgate delayed the release of “White Bird.” Deadline first reported on the “Problemista” delay, which IndieWire confirmed.

Deadline first reported that A24 opted to release “Problemista” once the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike is resolved so writer/director/actor Torres and co-star Tilda Swinton could be available to do press promoting the indie film. The rollout was slated to begin with a limited release while Torres was doing a press tour with screenings and Q&As. The film will still play at a sold-out Outfest showcase on Saturday in Los Angeles.

“Problemista” follows Alejandro (Torres), an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who is struggling to bring...

Exclusive: In light of the current strikes, A24 is pausing the release of Julio Torres’ Problemista which was set to launch limited on Aug. 4. The new release date will be determined down the road. The studio is doing this to support filmmaker Torres, furthermore these awards-type indie movies need their stars, Tilda Swinton here, available to do press and raise such fare’s profile.

Problemista is the second August release after Lionsgate’s White Bird to move off its opening date; that pic originally scheduled for a limited release on Aug. 18. It’s obvious the SAG-AFTRA strike is having a more immediate upending impact than anticipated. Studios are able to pivot with these movies at the last minute as they do not have long-lead tentpole campaigns with big TV spends.

The movie made its world premiere out of SXSW where it notched 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Pic follows Alejandro (Torres...

Julio Torres, who has earned writing credits on over 60 episodes of Saturday Night Live and co-created the horror comedy series Los Espookys with Ana Fabrega and Fred Armisen, has made his directorial debut with the oddball comedy Problemista, which is set to receive a limited theatrical release from A24 on August 4th. A wide release will follow on August 25th. With those dates swiftly approaching, a new trailer for Problemista has arrived online, and you can check it out in the embed above.

Promising to take viewers on a “surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system”, Problemista has the following synopsis: Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only...

Everyone knows the world is full of wolves waiting to devour you whole. They lurk in the shadows, haunt your dreams, and salivate as they wait for you to stumble so they can make their move. Your only choice is to grow eyes in the back of your head, remain vigilant, and prepare yourself for what may come. In A24‘s Problemista trailer, a young man faces deportation unless he can rise above adversity and find a sponsor to help stave off the government hounds.

The Problemista trailer depicts a bizarre comedy, serving as the directorial debut of Los Espookys co-creator Julio Torres. In addition to directing the feature, Torres stars alongside Tilda Swinton as Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his ideas to life in New York City. Unfortunately for Alejandro, his work visa is about to expire. He must abandon his dream of...

The need and desire to see Black, Brown, Asian and Indigenous people on screen has yet to be completely fulfilled by Hollywood, but there has been a recent uptick in Aapi and Bipoc representation on screen. According to a 2021 Nielsen study titled “Being Seen on Screen,” data from the 2021 to 2021 television season showed 78 of the top 1,500 shows had some racial, ethnic or sexual orientation diversity.

And people want more representation, because not only does it increase the self-esteem for people of marginalized groups, reduce stereotypes and support the wants of viewers of color, it helps accurately portray the world and the people in it.

Here are 14 shows (in no particular order) from 2022 that had casts led by people of color that are well worth watching. These series either came out in 2022 or had a season premiere this year.

“Abbott Elementary” (ABC) ABC

Black people make up less than 12 of leads on broadcast shows,...

“Los Espookys,” HBO’s Spanish-language comedy series, has been canceled after two seasons at the network, IndieWire has confirmed.

Created by Julio Torres, Ana Fabrega, and Fred Armisen, “Los Espookys” focused on a group of aimless friends who turn their love of the horror genre into a business where they trick people into thinking the supernatural is real. All three co-creators starred in the series along with Bernardo Velasco and Cassandra Ciangherotti as the Espookys. The show initially premiered in 2019, then went on a pandemic-induced, three-year hiatus before premiering its second season this past September.

“We are thrilled we could deliver the unique and hilarious second season of ‘Los Espookys’ to viewers finally, more than three years after the series premiere, due to pandemic delays,” HBO said in a statement. “We thank Julio, Ana and Fred for this imaginative and delightfully bizarre world they created. We are not currently planning on a third season,...

For two seasons, “Los Espookys” followed the horror-tinged comedic hijinks of friends aiming to turn their love of horror into a profitable business. Despite its critical acclaim, Deadline reports today that the recently aired second season will be the series last.

Created by Fred Armisen, Ana Fabrega, and Julio Torres (HBO comedy special “My Favorite Shapes”), “Los Espookys” debuted in 2019, with season two premiering in September 2022.

The series followed “a group of friends who turn their shared passion for horror into a peculiar business, providing horror to clients who need it, in a dreamy Latin American country where the strange and eerie are just a part of daily life.”

“We are thrilled we could deliver the unique and hilarious second season of Los Espookys to viewers finally, more than three years after the series premiere, due to pandemic delays,” HBO said in a statement. “We thank Julio, Ana, and Fred...

Los Espookys will not be scaring up a third season at HBO. At least not any time soon.

“We are thrilled we could deliver the unique and hilarious second season of Los Espookys to viewers finally, more than three years after the series premiere, due to pandemic delays,” HBO says in a statement. “We thank Julio, Ana, and Fred for this imaginative and delightfully bizarre world they created. We are not currently planning on a third season, but we would welcome the opportunity to work with this cast and crew in the future.”

More from TVLineWhite Lotus Recap: Suspicious MindsRatings:...

“Los Espookys” has been canceled after two seasons at HBO, Variety has confirmed.

The series starred Ana Fabrega, Julio Torres, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Bernardo Velasco, and Fred Armisen. It originally debuted in 2019 with Season 2 launching in September 2022.

In the show, a group of friends in Mexico City turn their love of horror movies into a business by concocting scary situations and making people think they are real.

“We are thrilled we could deliver the unique and hilarious second season of ‘Los Espookys’ to viewers finally, more than three years after the series premiere, due to pandemic delays,” HBO said in a statement. “We thank Julio, Ana and Fred for this imaginative and delightfully bizarre world they created. We are not currently planning on a third season, but we would welcome the opportunity to work with this cast and crew in the future.”

Torres will remain in business with HBO, as he...

Exclusive: Ziwe is returning to Showtime for the second half of her second season and has set her guest list.

The late-night series returns to the premium cable network in November with six new episodes. The first six episodes of season two premiered in May.

Drew Barrymore and Julia Fox are among the guests, who also include Michael Che, Amber Riley, Blake Griffin, Joel Kim Booster, Bob The Drag Queen, DeRay Mckesson and Wayne Brady.

Ziwe will return to streaming and on-demand on Friday November 18 before making its on-air return on Sunday November 20 at 11pm. The season will continue to drop new episodes every Friday via streaming and on-demand platforms before appearing on air Sunday night.

It will also feature special guest appearances by Marie Faustin, Benito Skinner, Chloe Cherry, Aparna Nancherla, River L. Ramirez, AnnaSophia Robb, John Reynolds, Larry Owens, Amy Sedaris, Laura Benanti, Scott Adsit, Jackie Hoffman and...

If you’re looking for a good comedy tv series that’s animated and even features superheroes, look no further. From producers Michael Ouweleen and Erik Richter, the first episode aired on April 5, 2021. Currently, “Birdgirl” is available on a number of streaming platforms.

Whether you’re a Birdgirl fanatic or a new viewer, you may find it interesting to learn about the characters and backstory. Here are some of the most important facts about the Birdgirl cast and plot.

Who Are the Main Characters of “Birdgirl?”

If you’ve seen the show “Birdgirl,” you are likely familiar with all of the characters and their quirks. However, if you’re considering the show and want some background before you watch, here’s the most important information to know about the characters of “Birdgirl.”

“Birdgirl” main characters:

Judy Ken Sebben:

Also known as Birdgirl, Sebben is the daughter of Phil Ken Sebben.

It’s been a very long wait for season two of the critically acclaimed HBO series “Los Espookys,” but that wait is nearly over. A brand new trailer released today gives us a closer look at the upcoming horror hijinks.

Created by Fred Armisen, Ana Fabrega and Julio Torres (HBO comedy special “My Favorite Shapes”), season two of the bilingual, six-episode HBO Original comedy series “Los Espookys” premieres on September 16 on HBO and HBO Max.

The series follows “a group of friends who turn their shared passion for horror into a peculiar business, providing horror to clients who need it, in a dreamy Latin American country where the strange and eerie are just a part of daily life.”

As for what to expect in season two, it will find “leader and gore enthusiast, Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco), haunted by the ghost of a beauty pageant queen, while Úrsula (Cassandra Ciangherotti), enlists...

More than three years after being renewed, HBO’s bilingual comedy Los Espookys has a premiere date and a teaser trailer.

Created by Fred Armisen, Ana Fabrega and Julio Torres, the series’ six-episode sophomore run will kick off on Friday, Sept. 16 at 11/10c, the cabler at long last announced.

More from TVLineDavid Harbour and Pedro Pascal to Lead HBO's True-Crime Limited Series My Dentist's Murder TrialWestworld Recap: Yep, Christina Is Almost Certainly [Spoiler]!Industry: Jay Duplass Raises the Stakes in Tense Season 2 Trailer -- Watch

Los Espookys follows a group of friends who turn their shared passion for horror into a peculiar business,...

In today’s TV news roundup, HBO Max ordered a new streetwear competition series, and Variety has an exclusive first look at Carey Mulligan in “My Grandparents’ War.”

Casting

Angela Bassett will narrate Fox’s “Malika the Lion Queen,” a two-hour wildlife documentary that will air April 4 and be available on Tubi beginning April 18. Bassett will guide viewers through an educational exploration of the true queens and leaders in the lion kingdom. The special tells the untold story of the lioness experience through the exhilarating and harrowing life of Malika. It is produced by Plimsoll Productions and executive produced by Tom Hugh-Jones, Martha Holmes and Grant Mansfield. Watch a teaser below.

Dates

“Birdgirl” will debut on Adult Swim at midnight on April 4. The “Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law” spinoff sees 30-something Judy Ken Sebben inherit her father’s socially irresponsible company. To set things right, She assembles the ragtag Birdteam...

Tony Sokol Jan 28, 2020

National Lampoon finds corporate sponsors for its Downfall Festival in Lemmings: 21st Century.

National Lampoon flayed the peace and love generation when a million Lemmings showed up to off themselves at a free concert. The National Lampoon franchise, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will send a new wave over the cliff. The iconic comedy brand is rebooting their legendary Off-Broadway Show with Lemmings: 21st Century.

Lemmings was a take-off of Woodstock, promising three days of peace, love and death. John Belushi was the master of ceremonies, bassist, and suicidal cheerleader for the “Woodshuck" festival. The new original musical picks up where the original left off by spoofing the corporate festival culture which has taken over musical gatherings ever since. Lemmings: 21st Century takes on modern Millennial fests like Coachella, Burning Man, Bonnaroo, and Fyre. Their fictional music gathering is called the "Downfall Festival," and it is...

Don’t laugh at him (with him is fine), but Evan Shapiro believes his new class of the “National Lampoon Radio Hour” is as talented as the original one.

“We legitimately have what I would call ‘the next class’ of the ‘Radio Hour,'” Shapiro, the former head of Seeso who now leads The National Lampoon’s rebranding, told TheWrap. “The level of talent that was represented originally, at a different stage in their careers today, reflective of their time.”

In making that big comparison, Shapiro is talking about “where they are as artists, and their voices, and where their backgrounds are from, but also in their ability to take on mainstream culture in a very subversive way,” to be as clear for readers and fair to him as possible.

Also Read: 'National Lampoon Radio Hour' Relaunches as a Podcast, Teams With Spotify to Stream Clips (Exclusive)

Names back when...

Tony Sokol Dec 17, 2019

National Lampoon Radio Hour version 2.0 will recreate the relevance of irreverence, promises Evan Shapiro.

National Lampoon magazine will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020, and its sonic counterpart, the National Lampoon Radio Hour is being rebooted for the 21st century. Starting on Dec. 19, the iconic sketch comedy troupe which introduced the world to John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Harold Ramis, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner will produce a new, original 11-episode scripted podcast.

The new National Lampoon Radio Hour is being shaped by head writer Cole Escola and senior writer Jo Firestone. It will be performed by a new generation of groundbreaking comedians coming from the New York alt-comedy scene. The podcast will also feature guest comedians Rachel Dratch, Amy Sedaris, Julie Klausner, Jordan Klepper and Chris Gethard.

The cast includes Andy Kaufman Comedy winner Brett Davis (Podcast For Laundry), Rachel Pegram, Alex English, Maeve Higgins, Aaron Jackson,...

Tony Sokol Dec 5, 2019

Rachel Dratch, Amy Sedaris and Jordan Klepper will guest star on the new National Lampoon Radio Hour podcast.

While much of the comedy world circumnavigates around the perilous waters of microagressions, there is at least one laughter delivery system which sails straight into it. Coming from an irreverent tradition which included an album called That's Not Funny, That's Sick, National Lampoon provides gags for an audience who can take a joke. They promise that now, as much as ever, is "time for a good laugh, again."

Starting on Dec. 19, National Lampoon Radio Hour, the iconic comedy show that introduced the world to John Belushi, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner returns to celebrate "the next generation of young, diverse comedic superstars," according to their press. They will produce a new, original 11-episode scripted podcast featuring special guests like Rachel Dratch, Amy Sedaris, Julie Klausner, Jordan Klepper and Chris Gethard.

In today’s TV news roundup, “Grey’s Anatomy” star T.R. Knight joins HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant” and Bet renewed “Games People Play.”

Casting

T.R Knight has been cast in HBO Max‘s dark comedy “The Flight Attendant.“ Knight will play Cassie’s (Kaley Cuoco) older brother, Davey. When Cassie’s life starts to unravel, Davey deals with the fallout.

Daryl McCormack has been cast opposite Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”) in “The Wheel of Time” series adaptation at Amazon, Variety has learned exclusively. McCormack is said to be appearing in three episodes of the show in an undisclosed role. The Irish actor currently recurs on “Peaky Blinders” and is repped by Echo Lake Entertainment, Independent Talent Group in the U.K., and Lisa Richards Agency in Ireland.

Renewals

Bet has renewed “Games People Play” starring Lauren London, Sarunas J. Jackson, Parker McKenna Posey, Karen Obilom and Jackie Long for a second season.

Shortly after announcing it would revive the legendary “National Lampoon Radio Hour,” alternative comedy podcaster Forever Dog is unveiling an eclectic slate of new launches, including a scripted show from Charles Rogers and Sarah Violet-Bliss, creators of TBS’ critical hit “Search Party.” Billed as an “irreverent send-up of the entertainment industry,” “Conference Call” follows a group of inept Hollywood talent managers through a series of chaotic company-wide conference calls.

Rogers and Violet-Bliss lend their vocal talents to a cast that includes dynamic sister duo Abby Elliott and Bridey Elliott (daughters of “Schitt’s Creek” star Chris Elliott), as well as “Search Party” writer Jordan Firstman. IndieWire is debuting an exclusive clip of “Conference Call” below.

That’s not all, however, as “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” performer Mitra Jouhari is also getting her own show, a narrative series titled “F**k Hut Music School for Teens.” Described as if “Riverdale” were on Adult Swim,...

Kaelyn Hutchins and Anthony Ippolito have been elevated to managers at Principal Entertainment La. The promotions were announced by Principal Entertainment La partners Marsha McManus and Larry Taube.

Hutchins has been with the management/productions company since 2014 assisting multiple managers and co-owner/partner Marsha McManus. Before joining Principal, she began her career at the boutique management company Jordan Lee Talent. Some of her clients include Dead Women Walking star Maya Lynne Robinson, Terrence Terrell (Unsolved), Michael Ornstein (Sons of Anarchy) and Angela Sprinkle (Teachers).

With a focus primarily on developing comedic talent, Ippolito worked under co-owner/partner Larry Taube and now represents clients including Ana Fabrega, the co-writer, co-executive producer and costar of the HBO/Broadway Video series Los Espookys; Ikechukwu Ufomadu, whose Dance Nation at Playwrights Horizons earned him a spotlight in Time Out New York’s “Comics to Watch in 2018” shortlist; and Lorelei Ramirez who is currently developing...