Things have been rather dour around these parts. These recent sad events have collectively cast a black cloud over our dear site. In an effort to change this sentiment, if only briefly, I present you with Zach Galifianakis’ new edition of “Between Two Ferns.” Here, Zach interviews Charlize Theron on his skewed version of a talk show and she proves to be the funniest guest he’s had thus far. Galifiankis, as always, is great, but Theron showcases a comedic talent I didn’t know she had.
Enjoy.
Versus is a Comcast-owned sports channel that sprouted from the Outdoor Life Network in 2006. In recent months, the network has been in a contract dispute with DirecTV, one of the country’s primary cable providers. While DirecTV will likely completely rid themselves of Versus, that isn’t stopping the network from unveiling some original programming
Cabler has greenlit “Sports Jobs with Junior Seau,” with the NFL all-pro linebacker taking on less glamorous tasks in the sports world.
Series, similar to Discovery’s “Dirty Jobs” with host Mike Rowe but not as grimy, will have Seau act as a cornerman in a UFC fight, be a batboy at a Dodgers game and serve as a member of a pit crew in an Indy Car race, among other activities.
Versus, which hasn’t made a decision on whether to renew “Fanarchy” after the show finished its first season last week, will begin broadcasting the NHL on Oct. 1. Net was pulled off DirecTV on Sept. 1 and the two have been in a contentious disagreement over rights fees and whether the satcaster can put Versus on a pay-only digital tier.
Really, Versus? This is the best you can do? There is no doubt Junior Seau has some star power, but it’s primarily focused in San Diego, where he spent 12 years of his football career. Also, let’s not forget that Versus doesn’t broadcast any pro or college football games. They have a contract with the NHL and have a strong selection of regular season and postseason coverage. This is where the network shines. Yet, most football fans (i.e. those interested in Junior Seau) have never heard of the Versus network. And why should they?
While it’s not a bad idea for Versus to reach into the reality spectrum, they need to choose their programming wisely. They’re already on thin ice as it is — pun intended.
Saturday Night Live has decided to continue its quest of relieving Kristen Wiig from being the only funny female on the show. Last season, SNL added Casey Wilson, Michaela Watkins, and Abby Elliott. The public didn’t seem largely receptive to any of the new females, whether it’s because of the amount of air time received, the quality of the writing, etc. Still, that isn’t stopping the historic sketch program from bringing in Nasmin Pedrad and Jenny Slate. Both have spent time at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, which has become SNL’s equivalent of a farm system.
As for the newcomers, Pedrad is familiar to Los Angeles audiences for her regular appearances with the Groundlings, the UCB Theater and Improv Olympic, as well as the stage show “After School Special.” She also staged a one-woman show, “Me, Myself and Iran,” and has had guest roles on primetime series such as “ER” and “Gilmore Girls.”
Slate is best known for her UCB New York show “Dead Millionaire,” in which she plays a woman who dies and leaves $300 million to her dog. She’s also half of the comedy duo Gabe and Jenny and has been a regular snarky commentator on VH1’s “Best Week Ever.”
No word yet on whether any members will be departing. The cast is the largest it’s been in recent memory and I’m sure Lorne Michaels will soon be trimming the fat.
Wes Anderson’s new film, “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” is based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel of the same name. This brand new featurette just debuted at Apple and gives you a close look at the rigorous work that went into brining the stop-motion animation to life. Jason Scwartzman narrates. Take a look.
Featuring also several never-before-seen footage, the featurette first gives out glimpses at the drawing, sculpting and shooting of the adaptation of the Roald Dahl’s book with director Wes Anderson seen giving his direction to the filming crew. It then reveals that the recording of the audio took place in the actual locations.
“The Fantastic Mr. Fox” is an animated film from director/producer/writer Wes Anderson and animator Mark Gustafson. It centers its story on the clever fox Mr. Fox who must outwit three mean, dimwitted farmers who try their hardest to hurt Mr. Fox and his family. Among those contributing for the characters’ voices are George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Willem Dafoe.
The film is set to hit theaters on November 13th.
“Boardwalk Empire” is a new series created by Terrance Winter, a very talented writer who blossomed on “The Sopranos.” Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson, an Atlantic City magnate wheeling and dealing during Prohibition. Not only does the show tout Martin Scorcese as an executive producer, but the Academy Award-winning filmmaker also directed the pilot. Obviously, HBO has decided to greenlight the show.
Production is expected to begin in the fall in Gotham, with the preem targeted for next year.
“Boardwalk Empire” was created by “Sopranos” alum Terence Winter. The pilot seg was helmed by Scorsese, who will remain a hands-on exec producer on the series. Skein hails from Mark Wahlberg’s Closest to the Hole and Stephen Levinson’s Leverage production banners. Winter, Scorsese, Wahlberg, Levinson and Tim Van Patten are exec producers.
Co-stars include Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, Dabney Coleman and Stephen Graham.
Along with David Simon’s “Treme,” season 2 of “Eastbound and Down,” and season 7 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” I plan on allowing HBO and “Boardwalk Empire” to renew my faith in scripted television. Hopefully the show succeeds as the heir apparent to “The Sopranos” and “The Wire.”
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