John Capodice, a character actor best known for roles in “Ace Ventura” and “General Hospital,” died on Monday. He was 83.
The news was confirmed on the website for Pizzi Funeral Home in New Jersey, although no cause of death was given.
Born in 1941 in Chicago, Ill., Capodice fought for the U.S. Army in Korea from 1964-1966 before moving into an acting career in the late 1970s.
His first role was on the ABC soap “Ryan’s Hope,” appearing in six episodes as Lloyd Lord. A lengthy array of TV guest star credits would follow, including “Seinfeld,” “CSI,” “Ellen,” “Another World,” “Knots Landing,” “Law & Order,” “Will & Grace,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “Kate & Allie,” “As the World Turns,” “Moonlighting,” “Murphy Brown,” “Melrose Place,” “Mad About You,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Six Feet Under,” “The West Wing” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
On “General Hospital,” Capodice played Carmine Cerullo from 1994-1996 in six episodes of the soap opera.
The news was confirmed on the website for Pizzi Funeral Home in New Jersey, although no cause of death was given.
Born in 1941 in Chicago, Ill., Capodice fought for the U.S. Army in Korea from 1964-1966 before moving into an acting career in the late 1970s.
His first role was on the ABC soap “Ryan’s Hope,” appearing in six episodes as Lloyd Lord. A lengthy array of TV guest star credits would follow, including “Seinfeld,” “CSI,” “Ellen,” “Another World,” “Knots Landing,” “Law & Order,” “Will & Grace,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “Kate & Allie,” “As the World Turns,” “Moonlighting,” “Murphy Brown,” “Melrose Place,” “Mad About You,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Six Feet Under,” “The West Wing” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
On “General Hospital,” Capodice played Carmine Cerullo from 1994-1996 in six episodes of the soap opera.
- 1/2/2025
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
First impressions are everything — except when they’re not. While most sitcoms that struggle in their first season get the ax, there have been occasions when a network is so invested in the success of a star or a concept that they give it another shot after retooling things. Sometimes they ditch a few characters or switch the location; other times they go so far as to change the name of the show. Then they put it back out into the world and hope everyone forgets about the original incarnation.
Here are seven such shows that were retooled after (or during) their first season, with notably mixed results…
7 Ellen
Ellen DeGeneres’ mid-1990s ABC sitcom was a modest success. Its first season, though, was very different from those that would follow. For starters, it was called These Friends of Mine instead of Ellen. And a couple of those friends (played...
Here are seven such shows that were retooled after (or during) their first season, with notably mixed results…
7 Ellen
Ellen DeGeneres’ mid-1990s ABC sitcom was a modest success. Its first season, though, was very different from those that would follow. For starters, it was called These Friends of Mine instead of Ellen. And a couple of those friends (played...
- 10/7/2024
- Cracked
Ellen DeGeneres used to open every episode of her show by dancing through the crowd, shaking it with complete strangers all in the name of fun. And she would end every episode encouraging her viewers to “Be kind to one another.” It was a mantra that would be tied to her for almost 20 years…but now rumors and allegations of a toxic work environment have shaken up the friendly foundation of Ellen D. What made her turn from the most beloved talk show host ever to becoming the very epitome of irony? Did anything really change or was it all always there? Let’s dance around this topic and find out: Wtf Happened to…Ellen DeGeneres?
But to truly understand what the fuck happened to Ellen DeGeneres, we go back to the beginning. And the beginning began when she was born on January 26th, 1958 in Metairie, LA.
Ellen began performing...
But to truly understand what the fuck happened to Ellen DeGeneres, we go back to the beginning. And the beginning began when she was born on January 26th, 1958 in Metairie, LA.
Ellen began performing...
- 11/3/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
One of the earliest success stories in the history of TV is “I Love Lucy,” which enjoyed six seasons atop the ratings. When the cast was ready to slow down a bit, audiences weren’t ready to see their favorite zany redhead leave altogether, so the 30-minute sitcom was retooled as 13 one-hour specials broadcast sporadically over three seasons, under a new name: “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.”
In the 70 years since, many TV shows have seen name changes before airing their first episodes. One of the most notorious is ABC’s attempt to soften the title of “You Can’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23,” which was shortened to the less-offensive “Apartment 23.” However, apparently that wasn’t quite as catchy, so they compromised with “You Can’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” ahead of its April 2012 premiere.
SEEEmmys flashback to 1953: 70 years ago the big winners were ‘Your Show...
In the 70 years since, many TV shows have seen name changes before airing their first episodes. One of the most notorious is ABC’s attempt to soften the title of “You Can’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23,” which was shortened to the less-offensive “Apartment 23.” However, apparently that wasn’t quite as catchy, so they compromised with “You Can’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” ahead of its April 2012 premiere.
SEEEmmys flashback to 1953: 70 years ago the big winners were ‘Your Show...
- 8/11/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
One of the earliest success stories in the history of TV is “I Love Lucy,” which enjoyed six seasons atop the ratings. When the cast was ready to slow down a bit, audiences weren’t ready to see their favorite zany redhead leave altogether, so the 30-minute sitcom was retooled as 13 one-hour specials broadcast sporadically over three seasons, under a new name: “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.”
In the 70 years since, many TV shows have seen name changes before airing their first episodes. One of the most notorious is ABC’s attempt to soften the title of “You Can’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23,” which was shortened to the less-offensive “Apartment 23.” However, apparently that wasn’t quite as catchy, so they compromised with “You Can’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” ahead of its April 2012 premiere.
Only a few series have changed titles midstream, as this can be confusing for viewers.
In the 70 years since, many TV shows have seen name changes before airing their first episodes. One of the most notorious is ABC’s attempt to soften the title of “You Can’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23,” which was shortened to the less-offensive “Apartment 23.” However, apparently that wasn’t quite as catchy, so they compromised with “You Can’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” ahead of its April 2012 premiere.
Only a few series have changed titles midstream, as this can be confusing for viewers.
- 8/10/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
For the first two seasons, the DC origin series about Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth, was simply known as Pennyworth. However, with the recent premiere of season 3 came a new title: The Origins Of Batman’s Butler. And during the New York Comic Con, the creator was honest about the reason for the name change, making it clear that it was initially hard for potential viewers to tell what the series was about (via Independent).
Changing the title of a TV show is an interesting choice, but not an entirely unique one. Over the past few decades, there have been several other iconic shows which opted for title change soon after the premiere or long after it like the DC show. For some, the change came with newfound popularity, whereas others were ruined by it.
Seinfeld (Original Title: The Seinfeld Chronicles)
When the sitcom premiered in July 1989, it was called The Seinfeld Chronicles.
Changing the title of a TV show is an interesting choice, but not an entirely unique one. Over the past few decades, there have been several other iconic shows which opted for title change soon after the premiere or long after it like the DC show. For some, the change came with newfound popularity, whereas others were ruined by it.
Seinfeld (Original Title: The Seinfeld Chronicles)
When the sitcom premiered in July 1989, it was called The Seinfeld Chronicles.
- 10/29/2022
- by Philip Etemesi
- ScreenRant
ABC’s The Bachelor topped Monday in the primetime ratings as Matt James handed out another round of roses. The reality dating competition held steady with last week’s numbers with a 1.4 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, while 5.28 million viewers tuned in to watch James send another group of ladies packing. Numbers for The Bachelor and a repeat of The Good Doctor were enough to help ABC finish No. 1 overall in the demo on the night.
When it came to viewership, Fox topped the night with its franchise crossover of 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star. 9-1-1 scored the largest audience for Monday night, though both series were down in the demo compared with last week.
On NBC, Ellen’s Game of Games was steady and The Wall (0.6, 3.18M) ticked up in the demo. The season finale of Weakest Link held steady.
When it came to viewership, Fox topped the night with its franchise crossover of 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star. 9-1-1 scored the largest audience for Monday night, though both series were down in the demo compared with last week.
On NBC, Ellen’s Game of Games was steady and The Wall (0.6, 3.18M) ticked up in the demo. The season finale of Weakest Link held steady.
- 2/2/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Laverne Cox is seeing hearts! During a remote appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Orange Is the New Black actress confirmed she is dating—and the L word has been used. "Laverne is in love again. It feels amazing," she shared with Ellen DeGeneres. "Love is an incredible thing. It's literally this chemical thing that's awesome." As for the new man in her life, Cox did not reveal his name, but did disclose some details about their coronavirus pandemic-era romance. "He's a really great guy. I didn't expect it," she said. "I thought he was just gonna be this hot dude I was gonna be hanging out with and then it just kind of...
- 1/28/2021
- E! Online
Ken Jennings’ stint guest-hosting “Jeopardy!” drew a 6.2 rating in Week 1, down about 5% from the same week last year. It topped all of syndication in ratings, according to Nielsen. The former champion was the first to host episodes of the Sony TV quiz show following the passing of Alex Trebek.
The Jennings week averaged 10.3 million total viewers, according to Nielsen, making it the second-most-watched (outside of Trebek’s final five episodes) week of the current season. Ken Jennings’ first evening behind the podium drew 11.3 million total viewers.
The comparable week in early 2020, episodes that were obviously hosted by Trebek, drew a 6.5 average rating.
For the previous week, Trebek’s final one, “Jeopardy!” averaged a 6.6 rating and 11.1 million viewers. That means Jennings’ run of five shows ticked down 6% in ratings week to week — both of those are relatively minor declines in the current TV landscape.
Coming in second place for the week ending Jan.
The Jennings week averaged 10.3 million total viewers, according to Nielsen, making it the second-most-watched (outside of Trebek’s final five episodes) week of the current season. Ken Jennings’ first evening behind the podium drew 11.3 million total viewers.
The comparable week in early 2020, episodes that were obviously hosted by Trebek, drew a 6.5 average rating.
For the previous week, Trebek’s final one, “Jeopardy!” averaged a 6.6 rating and 11.1 million viewers. That means Jennings’ run of five shows ticked down 6% in ratings week to week — both of those are relatively minor declines in the current TV landscape.
Coming in second place for the week ending Jan.
- 1/27/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
It was nearly eight years ago when Anne Hathaway swept awards season with her performance as Fantine in Tom Hooper’s “Les Misérables,” which won Hathaway the Best Supporting Actress prizes at the Baftas, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards. The actress became a target of internet backlash throughout awards season, which intensified after her Oscar win. In a 2014 appearance on “Ellen,” Hathaway revealed she googled herself after the Oscars and discovered an article titled, “Why does everyone hate Anne Hathaway?”
With eight years of growth behind her since Oscar night, Hathaway told The Sun this month that she chooses to see the positives that emerged from being the subject of extreme internet hate. The actress said the backlash forced her to build self-confidence that might not have been built otherwise.
“I really don’t want to dredge up the past but I did have my monster out there,...
With eight years of growth behind her since Oscar night, Hathaway told The Sun this month that she chooses to see the positives that emerged from being the subject of extreme internet hate. The actress said the backlash forced her to build self-confidence that might not have been built otherwise.
“I really don’t want to dredge up the past but I did have my monster out there,...
- 1/26/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. has named PR and marketing veteran Blake Bryant as its head of communications for Warner Bros. global brands and experiences.
The appointment was announced by global brands and experiences president Pam Lifford, and Bryant will be based in Los Angeles and report to Johanna Fuentes, head of global communications for Warner Media Studios and Networks Group.
Bryant will oversee external and internal communications for global brands and experiences, including DC, Warner Bros. consumer products, themed entertainment and the global franchise group. He’ll manage the teams responsible for consumer publicity, while also serving as lead on executive, business and strategic communications. Additionally, Bryant will work with the various publicity teams across the studios and networks groups.
“Since we founded Gbe in 2018, our laser focus has been to develop and move our incredible brands and franchises even closer to our fans and become an organic part of their lives,...
The appointment was announced by global brands and experiences president Pam Lifford, and Bryant will be based in Los Angeles and report to Johanna Fuentes, head of global communications for Warner Media Studios and Networks Group.
Bryant will oversee external and internal communications for global brands and experiences, including DC, Warner Bros. consumer products, themed entertainment and the global franchise group. He’ll manage the teams responsible for consumer publicity, while also serving as lead on executive, business and strategic communications. Additionally, Bryant will work with the various publicity teams across the studios and networks groups.
“Since we founded Gbe in 2018, our laser focus has been to develop and move our incredible brands and franchises even closer to our fans and become an organic part of their lives,...
- 1/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Ellen DeGeneres returned to television on Jan. 13 and used the opening monologue of “Ellen” to explain how she learned about her positive Covid-19 diagnosis on set, which caused production on the daytime show to halt.
“I was getting ready to tape the show, and I was in hair and makeup, getting my face powdered and my extensions put in, and then my assistant, Craig, walks in and said, ‘You’ve tested positive for Covid,'” DeGeneres said. “And then everyone around me ran away. It’s funny, people just really get scared and they ran. Some have not come back since. So anyway, I left the studio immediately and our Covid safety team informed everyone I had been in contact with. They told [executive producer] Andy Lassner and he ran at full speed off the lot, which is amazing — I didn’t realize you could run.”
“I went home, obviously; I had to to quarantine,...
“I was getting ready to tape the show, and I was in hair and makeup, getting my face powdered and my extensions put in, and then my assistant, Craig, walks in and said, ‘You’ve tested positive for Covid,'” DeGeneres said. “And then everyone around me ran away. It’s funny, people just really get scared and they ran. Some have not come back since. So anyway, I left the studio immediately and our Covid safety team informed everyone I had been in contact with. They told [executive producer] Andy Lassner and he ran at full speed off the lot, which is amazing — I didn’t realize you could run.”
“I went home, obviously; I had to to quarantine,...
- 1/13/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” will resume production Monday on the Warner Bros. lot, albeit with no studio audience.
The syndicated talk show from WB’s Telepictures Productions stayed dark this week rather than returning to production as scheduled because of the surge in coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County. “Ellen” has been airing reruns since Dec. 10 after the host was diagnosed with Covid-19. The plan had been to resume production on Jan. 4, but that was untenable given the health risk and the fact that Southern California’s hospitals are already over-extended.
On Monday, “Ellen” intends to go back to the studio with a skeleton staff and crew. The goal is to minimize the number of employees that will be needed to work in person at the show’s offices at any given time. The studio confirmed that all of the show’s crew members will be paid during the modified production schedule.
The syndicated talk show from WB’s Telepictures Productions stayed dark this week rather than returning to production as scheduled because of the surge in coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County. “Ellen” has been airing reruns since Dec. 10 after the host was diagnosed with Covid-19. The plan had been to resume production on Jan. 4, but that was untenable given the health risk and the fact that Southern California’s hospitals are already over-extended.
On Monday, “Ellen” intends to go back to the studio with a skeleton staff and crew. The goal is to minimize the number of employees that will be needed to work in person at the show’s offices at any given time. The studio confirmed that all of the show’s crew members will be paid during the modified production schedule.
- 1/7/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Yodel-ay-hee-hoo, Ellen's Game of Games is as hilarious as ever. In this exclusive clip from tonight, Jan. 4's all-new episode, we see contestants tackling one of Ellen DeGeneres' outrageously fun games, Mount St. Ellen. Specifically, contestants Erin, Cristina and Cabria are tasked with climbing a moving mountain to collect jewels. However, as we see in the exclusive footage above, the course is a tough one as Ellen changes the height of the "mountain" and announcer Stephen "tWitch" Boss tosses massive snowballs at the contestants. Not to mention, Erin, Cristina and Cabria's oversized lederhosen costumes aren't exactly meant for climbing. "With Erin and Cabria...
- 1/4/2021
- E! Online
The Ellen DeGeneres Show will continue on with one more week of reruns, now that its return to production has been postponed due to a spike in Covid cases in Los Angeles county.
“Due to the Covid-19 surge in Los Angeles County, and for the continued safety of our staff and crew, The Ellen DeGeneres Show will push production by a week,” a Telepictures rep said in a statement to our sister site Deadline.
More from TVLineEllen DeGeneres Tests Positive for Covid-19, Halts Talk Show ProductionEllen DeGeneres Opens Up About Toxic Workplace Issues: The 'Be Kind Lady' Is 'A Work...
“Due to the Covid-19 surge in Los Angeles County, and for the continued safety of our staff and crew, The Ellen DeGeneres Show will push production by a week,” a Telepictures rep said in a statement to our sister site Deadline.
More from TVLineEllen DeGeneres Tests Positive for Covid-19, Halts Talk Show ProductionEllen DeGeneres Opens Up About Toxic Workplace Issues: The 'Be Kind Lady' Is 'A Work...
- 12/31/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has extended its hiatus in compliance with the recommendation from California Governor Gavin Newsom that Hollywood studios put a pause on filming amid the ongoing Covid-19 surge in the state.
Producers informed staff on Thursday that the show will delay its return to production by a week, rather than resuming with new episodes on Monday as originally planned. Employees will be paid and will continue to work from home.
“Due to the Covid-19 surge in Los Angeles County, and for the continued safety of our staff and crew, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ will push production by a week,” a spokesperson for Telepictures, the producers of “Ellen,” said in a statement.
DeGeneres’ show has been on hiatus since the host tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month. In a statement at the time, DeGeneres said she was “feeling fine” but was isolating in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Producers informed staff on Thursday that the show will delay its return to production by a week, rather than resuming with new episodes on Monday as originally planned. Employees will be paid and will continue to work from home.
“Due to the Covid-19 surge in Los Angeles County, and for the continued safety of our staff and crew, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ will push production by a week,” a spokesperson for Telepictures, the producers of “Ellen,” said in a statement.
DeGeneres’ show has been on hiatus since the host tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month. In a statement at the time, DeGeneres said she was “feeling fine” but was isolating in accordance with CDC guidelines.
- 12/31/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” will stay dark next week amid the growing alarm about rising Covid-19 infection rates in Los Angeles County and the rest of California.
The syndicated daytime talk show has been airing reruns since Dec. 10 when DeGeneres announced that she had contracted coronavirus. The show had hoped to resume production on a Warner Bros. soundstage on Monday. But in a memo sent to “Ellen” staffers on Thursday, producers told employees to work from home next week and that no new episodes would be produced.
“Due to the current surge, we have decided that we will not do any shows next week and instead work from home,” producers wrote. The message also noted that “all staff and crew will be paid for the week” and that a Covid-19 testing schedule will be worked out for next week.
The decision on “Ellen” comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom has...
The syndicated daytime talk show has been airing reruns since Dec. 10 when DeGeneres announced that she had contracted coronavirus. The show had hoped to resume production on a Warner Bros. soundstage on Monday. But in a memo sent to “Ellen” staffers on Thursday, producers told employees to work from home next week and that no new episodes would be produced.
“Due to the current surge, we have decided that we will not do any shows next week and instead work from home,” producers wrote. The message also noted that “all staff and crew will be paid for the week” and that a Covid-19 testing schedule will be worked out for next week.
The decision on “Ellen” comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom has...
- 12/31/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Ellen DeGeneres has tested positive for Covid-19.
The talk show host confirmed the news on Thursday via Twitter.
"Hi Everyone," DeGeneres wrote in her statement.
"I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I'm feeling fine right now."
"Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines. I'll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe."
As a result, production on the talk show has been placed on hold.
"Following Ellen’s announcement this morning, we have paused production on the Ellen DeGeneres Show until January," reads a statement from Studio Telepictures.
The announcement comes following an alarming Buzzfeed report that the talk show is in jeopardy.
The outlet claimes the show "losing advertisers, struggling to book A-list celebrities, and suffering a dip in ratings during what is usually the busiest time of year.
The talk show host confirmed the news on Thursday via Twitter.
"Hi Everyone," DeGeneres wrote in her statement.
"I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I'm feeling fine right now."
"Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines. I'll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe."
As a result, production on the talk show has been placed on hold.
"Following Ellen’s announcement this morning, we have paused production on the Ellen DeGeneres Show until January," reads a statement from Studio Telepictures.
The announcement comes following an alarming Buzzfeed report that the talk show is in jeopardy.
The outlet claimes the show "losing advertisers, struggling to book A-list celebrities, and suffering a dip in ratings during what is usually the busiest time of year.
- 12/10/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Ellen DeGeneres has tested positive for Covid-19, and has stopped production on her daytime talk show until after the holidays.
“Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19,” DeGeneres tweeted today (see it below). “Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines.
“I’ll see you all again after the holidays,” she continues. “Please stay healthy and safe.”
DeGeneres informed the show’s staff of her diagnosis in a letter. A spokesperson for The Ellen DeGeneres Show tells Deadline the show finished its most recent taping on Tuesday and production on this season’s few remaining episodes will resume in January.
The daytime show brought back its live studio audience in October, with a limited number of live viewers on set. “You’re spaced six feet apart,...
“Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19,” DeGeneres tweeted today (see it below). “Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines.
“I’ll see you all again after the holidays,” she continues. “Please stay healthy and safe.”
DeGeneres informed the show’s staff of her diagnosis in a letter. A spokesperson for The Ellen DeGeneres Show tells Deadline the show finished its most recent taping on Tuesday and production on this season’s few remaining episodes will resume in January.
The daytime show brought back its live studio audience in October, with a limited number of live viewers on set. “You’re spaced six feet apart,...
- 12/10/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres revealed Thursday she tested positive for Covid-19.
She said in a statement posted to Instagram she is “feeling fine” but will be following the CDC-approved guidelines and will see her audience “after the holidays.” A Telepictures spokesperson told TheWrap, “Following Ellen’s announcement this morning, we have paused production on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ until January.”
“The Ellen Show” has been airing its popular 12 Days of Giveaways. According to a source with knowledge of the show’s production, the 12th installment was supposed to be taped Tuesday and has not yet been recorded, but all presents will still be delivered. Day 11, which was taped on Monday, will now be the final day of “Ellen” production in 2020.
“I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19,” she wrote in her statement. “Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has...
She said in a statement posted to Instagram she is “feeling fine” but will be following the CDC-approved guidelines and will see her audience “after the holidays.” A Telepictures spokesperson told TheWrap, “Following Ellen’s announcement this morning, we have paused production on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ until January.”
“The Ellen Show” has been airing its popular 12 Days of Giveaways. According to a source with knowledge of the show’s production, the 12th installment was supposed to be taped Tuesday and has not yet been recorded, but all presents will still be delivered. Day 11, which was taped on Monday, will now be the final day of “Ellen” production in 2020.
“I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19,” she wrote in her statement. “Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has...
- 12/10/2020
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
Ellen DeGeneres has tested positive for Covid-19, and production on her talk show will be paused until January, Variety has confirmed.
“Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.
pic.twitter.com/8pKdgCXY1z
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 10, 2020
“I’ll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe,” she added. A Telepictures spokesperson confirmed to Variety that production will be halted until January.
The shutdown comes as “Ellen” ratings were on a roll thanks to the show’s annual “12 Days of Giveaways” series. The show hit its highest rating since May during the week ending Nov. 29.
Season 18 of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” premiered on Sept.
“Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.
pic.twitter.com/8pKdgCXY1z
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 10, 2020
“I’ll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe,” she added. A Telepictures spokesperson confirmed to Variety that production will be halted until January.
The shutdown comes as “Ellen” ratings were on a roll thanks to the show’s annual “12 Days of Giveaways” series. The show hit its highest rating since May during the week ending Nov. 29.
Season 18 of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” premiered on Sept.
- 12/10/2020
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Ellen DeGeneres has become the latest star to reveal that she has tested positive for Covid-19.
“Hi Everyone, I wanted to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “I’ll see you again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe. Love, Ellen.”
A Telepictures spokesperson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that production on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be paused until January ...
“Hi Everyone, I wanted to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “I’ll see you again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe. Love, Ellen.”
A Telepictures spokesperson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that production on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be paused until January ...
- 12/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ellen DeGeneres has become the latest celebrity to reveal that she has tested positive for Covid-19.
“Hi Everyone, I wanted to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “I’ll see you again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe. Love, Ellen.”
A Telepictures spokesperson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that production on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be paused until January ...
“Hi Everyone, I wanted to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now. Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “I’ll see you again after the holidays. Please stay healthy and safe. Love, Ellen.”
A Telepictures spokesperson confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that production on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will be paused until January ...
- 12/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The “Ellen” show hit a season high in TV ratings with its “12 Days of Giveaways” kickoff during Thanksgiving Week. Sometimes when you give, you also receive.
The daytime talk show’s 1.3 national Live + Same Day rating is its highest since the “toxic workplace” scandal this summer.
The 1.3 rating was +18% from the previous week, according to Nielsen.
It should be noted here that Thanksgiving itself and Black Friday were not counted for many daytime shows, including “Ellen,” due to the holidays and the preemptions that come with them.
Ellen DeGeneres may not be totally thankful about the season-high, however. The Warner Bros. show’s ratings were still down 35% from the same week in 2019.
Topping the talk shows was “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” with a 1.9. “Dr. Phil” dropped 10% week to week and into second place. Dr. Phil’s talk show was among the few that did not get to back...
The daytime talk show’s 1.3 national Live + Same Day rating is its highest since the “toxic workplace” scandal this summer.
The 1.3 rating was +18% from the previous week, according to Nielsen.
It should be noted here that Thanksgiving itself and Black Friday were not counted for many daytime shows, including “Ellen,” due to the holidays and the preemptions that come with them.
Ellen DeGeneres may not be totally thankful about the season-high, however. The Warner Bros. show’s ratings were still down 35% from the same week in 2019.
Topping the talk shows was “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” with a 1.9. “Dr. Phil” dropped 10% week to week and into second place. Dr. Phil’s talk show was among the few that did not get to back...
- 12/9/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Mark O’Brien, a veteran syndication sales executive for Warner Bros., founder of Mighty Oak Entertainment and creator of the Whacked Out… series franchise, died Nov. 9 at his Newport Beach, California, home. He was 63.
His death was announced by friend and colleague Scott Carlin. A cause of death was not specified.
O’Brien founded Mighty Oak Entertainment, a television production and distribution company in 2005, and the following year sold his first series, Whacked Out Sports, to NBC owned and operated stations.
The NBC Network included the all-barter show on the prime time feed following NFL Sunday Night Football. After an initial 22 episode order, Whacked Out Sports, a comic collection of sports-related video clips featuring mishaps and crashes, grew into a collection of six original television series airing in domestic syndication, cable and international television. The other series include Goofball Sports, Whacked Out Videos, Monster Knockout and Sportz-a-Palooza.
O’Brien started his...
His death was announced by friend and colleague Scott Carlin. A cause of death was not specified.
O’Brien founded Mighty Oak Entertainment, a television production and distribution company in 2005, and the following year sold his first series, Whacked Out Sports, to NBC owned and operated stations.
The NBC Network included the all-barter show on the prime time feed following NFL Sunday Night Football. After an initial 22 episode order, Whacked Out Sports, a comic collection of sports-related video clips featuring mishaps and crashes, grew into a collection of six original television series airing in domestic syndication, cable and international television. The other series include Goofball Sports, Whacked Out Videos, Monster Knockout and Sportz-a-Palooza.
O’Brien started his...
- 12/8/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
(Warning: Spoilers ahead of last week’s episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.”)
The late Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) returned to his wife Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) in a dream at the end of last Thursday’s Season 17 premiere of “Grey’s Anatomy,” while Mer was passed out in the hospital parking lot. Fans didn’t know exactly what was wrong with the doctor at that point, but Dempsey confirmed on “Ellen” Wednesday that Meredith, after helping Covid-19 patients for days, has in fact contracted the virus herself.
“And I was like, what a great opportunity for people and how great it would be for the fans, really, to see everybody reunited in this sort of bizarre way,” the “Grey’s” alum told Ellen DeGeneres of his top-secret return for Season 17. “And [showrunner Krista Vernoff] came up with this concept where I would come and visit [Meredith] in her Covid dream.”
For now, Dempsey is...
The late Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) returned to his wife Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) in a dream at the end of last Thursday’s Season 17 premiere of “Grey’s Anatomy,” while Mer was passed out in the hospital parking lot. Fans didn’t know exactly what was wrong with the doctor at that point, but Dempsey confirmed on “Ellen” Wednesday that Meredith, after helping Covid-19 patients for days, has in fact contracted the virus herself.
“And I was like, what a great opportunity for people and how great it would be for the fans, really, to see everybody reunited in this sort of bizarre way,” the “Grey’s” alum told Ellen DeGeneres of his top-secret return for Season 17. “And [showrunner Krista Vernoff] came up with this concept where I would come and visit [Meredith] in her Covid dream.”
For now, Dempsey is...
- 11/18/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” won the People’s Choice Award for Daytime Talk Show of 2020 on Sunday, when Ellen accepted the trophy on behalf of her “amazing staff.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. From deep down in my heart, I thank you,” DeGeneres said. “I am not only accepting this award for myself, I am accepting it on behalf of my amazing crew, my amazing staff who make this show possible. They show up every single day, they give 100% of themselves 100% of the time. That’s 250 people times 170 shows a year times 18 years.”
“I love them all and I thank them for what they do every single day to help that show be the best that we try to make it every single day,” she continued.
Ellen then thanked “all of my fans…For supporting me, for sticking by me,” she said. “I cannot tell you how grateful I...
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. From deep down in my heart, I thank you,” DeGeneres said. “I am not only accepting this award for myself, I am accepting it on behalf of my amazing crew, my amazing staff who make this show possible. They show up every single day, they give 100% of themselves 100% of the time. That’s 250 people times 170 shows a year times 18 years.”
“I love them all and I thank them for what they do every single day to help that show be the best that we try to make it every single day,” she continued.
Ellen then thanked “all of my fans…For supporting me, for sticking by me,” she said. “I cannot tell you how grateful I...
- 11/16/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Judge Judy Sheindlin will be banging her gavel and bringing a new court to order at Amazon Studios and IMDb TV.
The Amazon-owned free streaming service has picked up her new as-yet-untitled court show, around eight months after Sheindlin announced the project following the end of “Judge Judy” after a historic 25 seasons.
The show will see Sheindlin preside over a different court with her usual iron fist, featuring no-nonsense, expeditious verdicts on a new array of cases, litigants and judgments. The move is a hugely splashy one for Amazon, given the audience size that Sheindlin commands and her considerable influence on the television business for over two decades. It represents a significant shift for the famous judge from years of syndication to an over-the-top service. Scott Koondel and his company Sox Entertainment, Inc. were instrumental in putting the bumper Amazon deal together, according to sources.
“I’m over the...
The Amazon-owned free streaming service has picked up her new as-yet-untitled court show, around eight months after Sheindlin announced the project following the end of “Judge Judy” after a historic 25 seasons.
The show will see Sheindlin preside over a different court with her usual iron fist, featuring no-nonsense, expeditious verdicts on a new array of cases, litigants and judgments. The move is a hugely splashy one for Amazon, given the audience size that Sheindlin commands and her considerable influence on the television business for over two decades. It represents a significant shift for the famous judge from years of syndication to an over-the-top service. Scott Koondel and his company Sox Entertainment, Inc. were instrumental in putting the bumper Amazon deal together, according to sources.
“I’m over the...
- 10/29/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
A live studio audience will once again fill the seats on set of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Starting with the Oct. 28 show, 40 fans will be seated in the talk show’s audience section alongside 70 virtual attendees. The return to live audiences may be happening just in time for the show’s Halloween week, but strict pandemic-related health and safety protocols will help ensure that the coronavirus gives no added spooks to guests.
Audience members will also be invited to the Oct. 30 Halloween episode, which has been known to feature host Ellen DeGeneres decked out in a custom costume. Last year she did a spin on Cardi B, aptly calling the costumed version of herself Cardi E, while other costumes have spoofed Sia, the Kardashians and Snooki’s hair.
Other Halloween traditions will also be featured throughout Halloween week, including clips of executive producer Andy Lassner attempting to work his way through a haunted house.
Starting with the Oct. 28 show, 40 fans will be seated in the talk show’s audience section alongside 70 virtual attendees. The return to live audiences may be happening just in time for the show’s Halloween week, but strict pandemic-related health and safety protocols will help ensure that the coronavirus gives no added spooks to guests.
Audience members will also be invited to the Oct. 30 Halloween episode, which has been known to feature host Ellen DeGeneres decked out in a custom costume. Last year she did a spin on Cardi B, aptly calling the costumed version of herself Cardi E, while other costumes have spoofed Sia, the Kardashians and Snooki’s hair.
Other Halloween traditions will also be featured throughout Halloween week, including clips of executive producer Andy Lassner attempting to work his way through a haunted house.
- 10/27/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Scandal and Whiskey Cavalier alum — and amateur furniture maker — Scott Foley has been tapped as co-host and lead judge on Ellen’s Next Great Designer, HBO Max’s furniture design competition series starring and executive produced by Ellen DeGeneres.
In Ellen’s Next Great Designer, design aficionado DeGeneres will give eight forward-thinking furniture designers the chance to push their creativity to the limit. DeGeneres will be on hand each episode to weigh in on each challenge and provide humorous, colorful commentary.
Appearing alongside her will be co-host Foley, who also will lead a three-person judging panel on the competition series.
This is a familiar area for Foley, who has described himself as “someone who likes to dabble in furniture building.”
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Foley shared his love for home improvement TV shows, and DeGeneres staged a mock audition for him to host PBS’ This Old House...
In Ellen’s Next Great Designer, design aficionado DeGeneres will give eight forward-thinking furniture designers the chance to push their creativity to the limit. DeGeneres will be on hand each episode to weigh in on each challenge and provide humorous, colorful commentary.
Appearing alongside her will be co-host Foley, who also will lead a three-person judging panel on the competition series.
This is a familiar area for Foley, who has described himself as “someone who likes to dabble in furniture building.”
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Foley shared his love for home improvement TV shows, and DeGeneres staged a mock audition for him to host PBS’ This Old House...
- 10/20/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS was in the zone Tuesday as it dominated the night with an NFL matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. The game scored a 2.7 in the adults 18-49 demographic in fast nationals while 9.94 million viewers watched the Titans annihilate the Bills 42-16. The game was a good lead-in for FBI: Declassified, giving the new series a significant boost from last week. Since the NFL game was live, the numbers are preliminary and will likely change in finals.
The season 16 premiere of The Bachelorette led the night for non-sports programming. This was the first time the reality series went up against an NFL game. The show delivered a 1.3 in the demo, which is a smidge down from the season 15 premiere while 4.76 million viewers showed up to watch Clare Crawley find love — or something close to it. The debut was followed by Celebrity Family Feud (0.6, 3.15M).
Elsewhere, NBC saw...
The season 16 premiere of The Bachelorette led the night for non-sports programming. This was the first time the reality series went up against an NFL game. The show delivered a 1.3 in the demo, which is a smidge down from the season 15 premiere while 4.76 million viewers showed up to watch Clare Crawley find love — or something close to it. The debut was followed by Celebrity Family Feud (0.6, 3.15M).
Elsewhere, NBC saw...
- 10/14/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The latest season of beloved daytime talk show Ellen recently debuted, but this time around the series was under a heavy cloud. The titular host Ellen Degeneres and the upper staff of the show have been battling very public allegations of abuse and toxic workplace culture all summer, and the fallout appears to have definitely impacted the ratings of the once seemingly-invincible popularity of the show.
According to a report by USA Today based on the first national Nielsen figures out Tuesday for same-day viewing, ratings for last month's premiere week of The Ellen DeGeneres Show plummeted 38% from last year, with the syndicated daytime talk show averaging 1.66 million viewers for the week of September 21, which is down from 2.67 million for the opening week of September 9, 2019. Most talk show ratings are down for the same time period, but the drop has been particularly sharp for Ellen DeGeneres.
The whole trouble started...
According to a report by USA Today based on the first national Nielsen figures out Tuesday for same-day viewing, ratings for last month's premiere week of The Ellen DeGeneres Show plummeted 38% from last year, with the syndicated daytime talk show averaging 1.66 million viewers for the week of September 21, which is down from 2.67 million for the opening week of September 9, 2019. Most talk show ratings are down for the same time period, but the drop has been particularly sharp for Ellen DeGeneres.
The whole trouble started...
- 10/9/2020
- by Neeraj Chand
- MovieWeb
Ellen DeGeneres opened Season 18 of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Monday by addressing the controversy that has surrounded her this summer following several accusations of a toxic workplace at the long-running talk show.
“If you’re watching because you love me, thank you. If you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome,” DeGeneres joked at the top of her monologue, which was delivered in front of a virtual audience.
“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic environment here at our show. And then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I’m so sorry to the people who were affected.”
DeGeneres called this a “new chapter” for her show and said she’s “committed to making this the best season that we’ve ever had.
“If you’re watching because you love me, thank you. If you’re watching because you don’t love me, welcome,” DeGeneres joked at the top of her monologue, which was delivered in front of a virtual audience.
“As you may have heard, this summer there were allegations of a toxic environment here at our show. And then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I’m so sorry to the people who were affected.”
DeGeneres called this a “new chapter” for her show and said she’s “committed to making this the best season that we’ve ever had.
- 9/21/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
The Emmy race for Drama Supporting Actress features four women in roles they previously won for, a first time nominee, and acting legends. We have sifted through every actress’ submission to analyze the pros and cons of their episodes. Who has the episode that will help them take home the Emmy on Sunday, September 20? Follow the links below to each episode analysis as you consider your final Emmy predictions.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
Helena Bonham Carter, “The Crown”
This is Helena Bonham Carter’s fourth Emmy nomination. She was previously nominated for “Merlin,” “Live From Baghdad,” and “Burton and Taylor.” The actress has submitted the episode “Cri de Coeur” for consideration: Princess Margaret consoles her sister Queen Elizabeth II that she shouldn’t have self-doubt or blame over the current state of England. The eventual divorce of Margaret and Tony will set a royal precedent.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
Helena Bonham Carter, “The Crown”
This is Helena Bonham Carter’s fourth Emmy nomination. She was previously nominated for “Merlin,” “Live From Baghdad,” and “Burton and Taylor.” The actress has submitted the episode “Cri de Coeur” for consideration: Princess Margaret consoles her sister Queen Elizabeth II that she shouldn’t have self-doubt or blame over the current state of England. The eventual divorce of Margaret and Tony will set a royal precedent.
- 9/19/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
WarnerMedia is putting its entire production business under review, following the multitude of toxic workplace reports at “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and TMZ.
“We have engaged a third party to do an objective, proactive review across our production business (internal teams in addition to partner productions),” CEO Jason Kilar wrote in a memo. “I want to understand if there is any pattern of behavior that is at odds with our need to treat each other with dignity.”
As part of the review, WarnerMedia will update its Standard of Business Conduct which all employees will be required to sign. The new, stricter, guidelines will extend to Warner Bros.’ producing partners. “I anticipate that there will be situations where we choose to terminate business relationships. I also anticipate that there will be situations where a person may choose not to work with us because of these rigid expectations. That’s fine,” Kilar continued.
“We have engaged a third party to do an objective, proactive review across our production business (internal teams in addition to partner productions),” CEO Jason Kilar wrote in a memo. “I want to understand if there is any pattern of behavior that is at odds with our need to treat each other with dignity.”
As part of the review, WarnerMedia will update its Standard of Business Conduct which all employees will be required to sign. The new, stricter, guidelines will extend to Warner Bros.’ producing partners. “I anticipate that there will be situations where we choose to terminate business relationships. I also anticipate that there will be situations where a person may choose not to work with us because of these rigid expectations. That’s fine,” Kilar continued.
- 9/18/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
October is officially spooky season and it’s nice to know that some streaming services (*cough*Disney+*cough*) are taking that responsibility very seriously.
For its new releases in October 2020, Hulu is premiering the Marvel TV universe’s first-ever outright horror series. Helstrom debuts on Oct. 16 and follows Marvel Comics character Daimon Helstrom as he struggles against all manner of demonic forces. Another spooky treat arriving this month is Monsterland on Oct. 2. This anthology will feature scary stories from around the country.
On the movie side of things, Hulu is bringing out Clive Barker adaptation Books of Blood on Oct. 7 and Bad Hair on Oct. 23. Thank you, Hulu, for your spooky service.
There are a lot of non-Hulu TV shows of note arriving in October as well. The final season of Homeland will be available to stream on Oct. 26. The premiere of Saturday Night Live‘s 46th season will arrive on Oct.
For its new releases in October 2020, Hulu is premiering the Marvel TV universe’s first-ever outright horror series. Helstrom debuts on Oct. 16 and follows Marvel Comics character Daimon Helstrom as he struggles against all manner of demonic forces. Another spooky treat arriving this month is Monsterland on Oct. 2. This anthology will feature scary stories from around the country.
On the movie side of things, Hulu is bringing out Clive Barker adaptation Books of Blood on Oct. 7 and Bad Hair on Oct. 23. Thank you, Hulu, for your spooky service.
There are a lot of non-Hulu TV shows of note arriving in October as well. The final season of Homeland will be available to stream on Oct. 26. The premiere of Saturday Night Live‘s 46th season will arrive on Oct.
- 9/18/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Following news reports detailing issues of alleged misconduct at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and TMZ’s newsroom, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar and WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group head Ann Sarnoff each sent out a memo to staff addressing the issues and vowing to hold themselves accountable. BuzzFeed first reported details of the internal memos.
Kilar wrote that he is “both concerned and disappointed by public reports regarding patterns of unacceptable behavior that have been raised in recent weeks,” according to the note obtained by Variety. The chief exec, who began his tenure at WarnerMedia in April, believes that “one of the most important things I’d like people to say about us when we are not in the room is that we treat people with dignity.”
As Variety reported exclusively in July, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” workplace is under investigation following BuzzFeed and Variety reports of misbehavior ranging from racism...
Kilar wrote that he is “both concerned and disappointed by public reports regarding patterns of unacceptable behavior that have been raised in recent weeks,” according to the note obtained by Variety. The chief exec, who began his tenure at WarnerMedia in April, believes that “one of the most important things I’d like people to say about us when we are not in the room is that we treat people with dignity.”
As Variety reported exclusively in July, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” workplace is under investigation following BuzzFeed and Variety reports of misbehavior ranging from racism...
- 9/18/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar and Warner Bros. CEO and chairperson Ann Sarnoff are addressing reports of poor workplace cultures at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TMZ on TV and other shows produced by its subdivision Telepictures in two new memos.
In the memos, both sent this week, Kilar and Sarnoff address what the former calls “public reports regarding patterns of unacceptable behavior.” The memos follow three BuzzFeed News reports centering on “toxic” work environments at Ellen and TMZ on TV and in anticipation of The Hollywood Reporter publishing a feature-length investigation into the workplace culture at those two shows and other Telepictures productions. (A ...
In the memos, both sent this week, Kilar and Sarnoff address what the former calls “public reports regarding patterns of unacceptable behavior.” The memos follow three BuzzFeed News reports centering on “toxic” work environments at Ellen and TMZ on TV and in anticipation of The Hollywood Reporter publishing a feature-length investigation into the workplace culture at those two shows and other Telepictures productions. (A ...
- 9/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar and Warner Bros. CEO and chairperson Ann Sarnoff are addressing reports of poor workplace cultures at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TMZ on TV and other shows produced by its subdivision Telepictures in two new memos.
In the memos, both sent this week, Kilar and Sarnoff address what the former calls “public reports regarding patterns of unacceptable behavior.” The memos follow three BuzzFeed News reports centering on “toxic” work environments at Ellen and TMZ on TV and in anticipation of The Hollywood Reporter publishing a feature-length investigation into the workplace culture at those two shows and other Telepictures productions. (A ...
In the memos, both sent this week, Kilar and Sarnoff address what the former calls “public reports regarding patterns of unacceptable behavior.” The memos follow three BuzzFeed News reports centering on “toxic” work environments at Ellen and TMZ on TV and in anticipation of The Hollywood Reporter publishing a feature-length investigation into the workplace culture at those two shows and other Telepictures productions. (A ...
- 9/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
After months of controversy, The Ellen DeGeneres Show returns to NBC this month when the new season premieres on Monday, Sept. 21. Over the summer, during the show's hiatus between seasons, reports of a "toxic" workplace behind the scenes of Ellen went viral, resulting in widespread calls for big changes to be made. Although DeGeneres has addressed the problem internally with staffers, word is she will address the controversy directly with viewers in the upcoming new season.
"I can't wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we're gonna talk about it," Ellen DeGeneres said of the public backlash.
Also revealed is the celebrity guest list for Ellen's first week back in the studio. The season premiere episode will bring in The Last O.G. star Tiffany Haddish for an in-studio appearance. Other guests on the schedule for the show's first week back include Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin,...
"I can't wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we're gonna talk about it," Ellen DeGeneres said of the public backlash.
Also revealed is the celebrity guest list for Ellen's first week back in the studio. The season premiere episode will bring in The Last O.G. star Tiffany Haddish for an in-studio appearance. Other guests on the schedule for the show's first week back include Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Jeremy Dick
- MovieWeb
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” after ousting three top producers amid internal allegations of racial insensitivity and sexual misconduct, has scheduled its Season 18 premiere for Monday, Sept. 21.
“I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it,” said Ellen DeGeneres in a statement, seemingly referring to the accusations.
Tiffany Haddish will join DeGeneres in studio on the “Ellen” stage on the Warner Bros. lot, though it will film without an in-studio audience amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The show’s first week back is slated to include guest appearances by Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin, and Chrissy Teigen. The guest roster through the month includes Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom. Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who was recently promoted to co-executive producer, is set to guest-host upcoming episodes of “Ellen” in the fall.
Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman,...
“I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it,” said Ellen DeGeneres in a statement, seemingly referring to the accusations.
Tiffany Haddish will join DeGeneres in studio on the “Ellen” stage on the Warner Bros. lot, though it will film without an in-studio audience amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The show’s first week back is slated to include guest appearances by Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin, and Chrissy Teigen. The guest roster through the month includes Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom. Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who was recently promoted to co-executive producer, is set to guest-host upcoming episodes of “Ellen” in the fall.
Executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The Ellen DeGeneres Show will kick off its Season 18 on Monday, Sep. 21. As previously announced, the daytime talk show will resume filming from the Ellen stage on the Warner Bros. lot without an in-studio audience.
Since DeGenres and her crew left the studio in March amid a surge of coronavirus cases across the U.S., the series became embroiled in a controversy involving allegations of a toxic workplace environment, which led to a WarnerMedia investigation, the ousting of three senior producers and the implementing of changes in how the program is run.
With the controversy coming to a head while the show was on hiatus, DeGeneres promises to address it in the new season.
“I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it,” DeGeneres said.
The season premiere of The Ellen DeGeneres Show will feature Tiffany Haddish in-studio.
Since DeGenres and her crew left the studio in March amid a surge of coronavirus cases across the U.S., the series became embroiled in a controversy involving allegations of a toxic workplace environment, which led to a WarnerMedia investigation, the ousting of three senior producers and the implementing of changes in how the program is run.
With the controversy coming to a head while the show was on hiatus, DeGeneres promises to address it in the new season.
“I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it,” DeGeneres said.
The season premiere of The Ellen DeGeneres Show will feature Tiffany Haddish in-studio.
- 9/8/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has set its Season 18 premiere date. “Ellen” will return to the Warner Bros. lot sans in-studio audience on Monday, Sept. 21.
“I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio,” host Ellen DeGeneres said in a statement on Tuesday. “And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it.”
Tiffany Haddish will be Ellen’s first in-studio guest this season. Also joining DeGeneres for Season 18’s premiere week will be Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin and Chrissy Teigen.
Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom are also on the early end of DeGeneres’ schedule for her new batch of episodes.
Additionally, this season, the talk show’s newest co-executive producer, Stephen “tWitch” Boss will guest host some episodes.
In case you’ve been self-quarantining under a rock, DeGeneres’ vow in her quote refers to the controversy that has surrounded her in recent months,...
“I can’t wait to get back to work and back to our studio,” host Ellen DeGeneres said in a statement on Tuesday. “And, yes, we’re gonna talk about it.”
Tiffany Haddish will be Ellen’s first in-studio guest this season. Also joining DeGeneres for Season 18’s premiere week will be Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin and Chrissy Teigen.
Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom are also on the early end of DeGeneres’ schedule for her new batch of episodes.
Additionally, this season, the talk show’s newest co-executive producer, Stephen “tWitch” Boss will guest host some episodes.
In case you’ve been self-quarantining under a rock, DeGeneres’ vow in her quote refers to the controversy that has surrounded her in recent months,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has implemented several new perks for its weary staff, including increased paid time off and a liberal medical leave policy, following a dramatic address from the daytime host on Monday.
Staffers will receive five paid days off to use at their discretion, birthdays off, and paid time for doctors appointments and family matters, one source familiar with the series told Variety. The news was delivered by “Ellen” senior producers Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner at a Monday virtual town hall, which saw a teary DeGeneres apologize to employees for months of damaging reports and accused on-set toxicity that occurred “on her watch,” another insider familiar with her remarks said.
A WarnerMedia spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
In addition to firing a trio of top producers — Ed Glavin, Jonathan Norman and Kevin Leman — who were accused of sexual misconduct in a July report from BuzzFeed,...
Staffers will receive five paid days off to use at their discretion, birthdays off, and paid time for doctors appointments and family matters, one source familiar with the series told Variety. The news was delivered by “Ellen” senior producers Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner at a Monday virtual town hall, which saw a teary DeGeneres apologize to employees for months of damaging reports and accused on-set toxicity that occurred “on her watch,” another insider familiar with her remarks said.
A WarnerMedia spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
In addition to firing a trio of top producers — Ed Glavin, Jonathan Norman and Kevin Leman — who were accused of sexual misconduct in a July report from BuzzFeed,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Ellen DeGeneres’ resident DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss has been named a co-executive producer at the daytime talk show, two individuals familiar with the decision told Variety.
The news was announced during a highly emotional address from DeGeneres to her “Ellen Show” staff on Monday, where she confronted months of reports of a toxic work environment and racism.
The host expressed a desire to “come back strong” in the forthcoming 18th season of her syndicated franchise, a Warner Bros. TV institution, with a renewed commitment to diversity. DeGeneres said Boss had already been helpful in that measure. The promotion will give the emcee more influence in both programming and the working culture, one insider added.
Less than a week ago, Boss told UsWeekly that “obviously there’s some things to address, but from my standpoint and from countless others, there’s been love. I’ll just leave it at that until...
The news was announced during a highly emotional address from DeGeneres to her “Ellen Show” staff on Monday, where she confronted months of reports of a toxic work environment and racism.
The host expressed a desire to “come back strong” in the forthcoming 18th season of her syndicated franchise, a Warner Bros. TV institution, with a renewed commitment to diversity. DeGeneres said Boss had already been helpful in that measure. The promotion will give the emcee more influence in both programming and the working culture, one insider added.
Less than a week ago, Boss told UsWeekly that “obviously there’s some things to address, but from my standpoint and from countless others, there’s been love. I’ll just leave it at that until...
- 8/17/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Amidst an investigation into several accusations of workplace and sexual misconduct, “Ellen DeGeneres Show” has removed three of its top producers: Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. confirmed the departures to TheWrap.
The decision comes a little more than two weeks after the trio was accused of misconduct by former employees in a story published by BuzzFeed News in July. In the article, multiple individuals who previously worked on Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show — who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution — detailed incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct they say they experienced with head writer and executive producer Kevin Leman, executive producer Ed Glavin, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman.
Also Read: Former 'Ellen' Producer Says Host Was Aware of Abuses Amid 'Culture of Fear'
Norman and Leman both denied the accusations, with Leman calling BuzzFeed’s article “malicious and misleading.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. confirmed the departures to TheWrap.
The decision comes a little more than two weeks after the trio was accused of misconduct by former employees in a story published by BuzzFeed News in July. In the article, multiple individuals who previously worked on Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show — who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution — detailed incidents of harassment and sexual misconduct they say they experienced with head writer and executive producer Kevin Leman, executive producer Ed Glavin, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman.
Also Read: Former 'Ellen' Producer Says Host Was Aware of Abuses Amid 'Culture of Fear'
Norman and Leman both denied the accusations, with Leman calling BuzzFeed’s article “malicious and misleading.
- 8/17/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Updated: The Ellen DeGeneres Show is shaking up its top producing ranks following allegations of toxic workplace environment, which triggered an investigation by WarnerMedia.
Gone are Ellen executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman as well as co-executive producer Jonathan Norman, Deadline has confirmed. Additionally the show’s house DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, has been named co-executive producer, I have leaned.
The exits and Boss’ promotions were revealed during a virtual staff meeting today.
I hear DeGeneres led the meeting and opened it with the staffing announcements. She was emotional but emphatic about creating a culture where people feel good, noting that employees need to feel happy in order to make a show that makes people happy, sources tell Deadline,.
I also hear DeGeneres vowed to interact more with her staffers, revealing that she was shocked to find out that people on the show had been told to avoid eye contact with her.
Gone are Ellen executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman as well as co-executive producer Jonathan Norman, Deadline has confirmed. Additionally the show’s house DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, has been named co-executive producer, I have leaned.
The exits and Boss’ promotions were revealed during a virtual staff meeting today.
I hear DeGeneres led the meeting and opened it with the staffing announcements. She was emotional but emphatic about creating a culture where people feel good, noting that employees need to feel happy in order to make a show that makes people happy, sources tell Deadline,.
I also hear DeGeneres vowed to interact more with her staffers, revealing that she was shocked to find out that people on the show had been told to avoid eye contact with her.
- 8/17/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has overhauled its senior production team in the wake of accusations of racial insensitivity, sexual misconduct and other problems in the work environment at the long-running daytime talk show.
Three senior producers — executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman — have been ousted from the Warner Bros.-distributed syndicated strip following damning allegations raised in recent reports by Buzzfeed and Variety. “Ellen” veterans Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner and Derek Westervelt will remain at the show as executive producers alongside host DeGeneres. Connelly, Lassner and Westervelt have been with the show since its inception in 2003.
A Warner Bros. spokeswoman confirmed that Glavin, Leman and Norman have “parted ways” with the show.
The news was delivered to “Ellen” staffers Monday afternoon during a staff meeting in which DeGeneres spoke via a videoconference call. DeGeneres was emotional to the point of tears, and apologetic as she addressed more than 200 staffers.
Three senior producers — executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman — have been ousted from the Warner Bros.-distributed syndicated strip following damning allegations raised in recent reports by Buzzfeed and Variety. “Ellen” veterans Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner and Derek Westervelt will remain at the show as executive producers alongside host DeGeneres. Connelly, Lassner and Westervelt have been with the show since its inception in 2003.
A Warner Bros. spokeswoman confirmed that Glavin, Leman and Norman have “parted ways” with the show.
The news was delivered to “Ellen” staffers Monday afternoon during a staff meeting in which DeGeneres spoke via a videoconference call. DeGeneres was emotional to the point of tears, and apologetic as she addressed more than 200 staffers.
- 8/17/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
WarnerMedia is investigating “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” over its workplace culture following multiple complaints about the show’s toxic environment, according to multiple reports.
Executives from Telepictures, which producers the show, and distributor Warner Bros. TV are working with WarnerMedia’s employee relations group and a third party firm to conduct the investigation, according to Variety, which first reported the inquiry. The news comes 10 days after BuzzFeed News published accusations made by former employees of racism and a toxic work environment against the show’s producers.
Representatives from Warner Bros. and DeGeneres declined to comment.
Also Read: Former 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Employees Accuse Producers of Racism, Toxic Work Environment
According to BuzzFeed News, 10 former employees and one current “Ellen” staffer — who all asked to remain anonymous — detailed instances of the negative culture at DeGeneres’ hit daytime talk show, including “microaggressions” toward an employee of color and occasions where individuals were...
Executives from Telepictures, which producers the show, and distributor Warner Bros. TV are working with WarnerMedia’s employee relations group and a third party firm to conduct the investigation, according to Variety, which first reported the inquiry. The news comes 10 days after BuzzFeed News published accusations made by former employees of racism and a toxic work environment against the show’s producers.
Representatives from Warner Bros. and DeGeneres declined to comment.
Also Read: Former 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Employees Accuse Producers of Racism, Toxic Work Environment
According to BuzzFeed News, 10 former employees and one current “Ellen” staffer — who all asked to remain anonymous — detailed instances of the negative culture at DeGeneres’ hit daytime talk show, including “microaggressions” toward an employee of color and occasions where individuals were...
- 7/27/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
WarnerMedia has initiated an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct on the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
The decision followed the publication of a story from Buzzfeed that detailed accusations of racism, unjust termination and an overall toxic work culture on July 16.
Warner Bros. and Telepictures declined comment.
The Buzzfeed story reported on former employees' allegations of inappropriate comments, retribution for bringing up concerns about problematic language, receiving pushback for taking time off work to attend funerals or to take medical leave, and a "culture of fear" on the show.
In a statement from ...
The decision followed the publication of a story from Buzzfeed that detailed accusations of racism, unjust termination and an overall toxic work culture on July 16.
Warner Bros. and Telepictures declined comment.
The Buzzfeed story reported on former employees' allegations of inappropriate comments, retribution for bringing up concerns about problematic language, receiving pushback for taking time off work to attend funerals or to take medical leave, and a "culture of fear" on the show.
In a statement from ...
- 7/27/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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