To understand this Kenya Barris story, a few things to remember:
- Earlier this year, ABC refused to air an episode of black-ish in which Dre is expressing his concerns about the current state of the country to his infant son, and the NFL protests were mentioned
- At the time, the decision to not air the episode was described as a mutual decision between ABC and Barris, but other people close to the situation were all, “OH NO IT WAS NOT.”
- Shonda Rimes had earlier announced she was signing a huge deal with Netflix, which was an enormous loss for ABC
- So Kenya Barris was like, “Maybe I should get some of that Netflix money too.”
- But in 2017 he had signed a four-year deal with ABC, so he wasn’t going to be able to just walk away
- And then at about this same time over on Roseanne, that show cracked a joke at Fresh Off the Boat and black-ish‘s expense, suggesting that the families on those shows were “just like” the Conners, a joke that a number of minority TV writers did appreciate.
Right, so …
ABC is trying to claim that they didn’t air that one episode of black-ish not because of the NFL kneeling issue, but instead … just … you know … because. In a call with reporters, the Channing Dungey, president of ABC, said, “I think with this particular episode, there were a number of different elements to the episode that we had a hard time coming to terms on. Much has been made of the kneeling part of it, which was not even really the issue. But I don’t want to get into that too much. At the end of the day, it was a mutual decision between Kenya and the network to not put the episode out and I think we all feel that was the best decision overall.”
Barris declined to discuss it in an interview with Vulture, suggesting that he had moved on.
And then also in that call with reporters, Channing Dungey claimed that the Roseanne joke that came at the expense of black-ish and Fresh Off the Boat was from the point of view of the Conners and that she stood by the writers to include it.
In his interview with Vulture, Barris was asked about the Roseanne joke, and this happened:
But when Vulture asked Barris how he felt about the Roseanne joke on Monday, an ABC representative interrupted and didn’t allow him to answer.
The fuck are you doing, ABC? Are you TRYING to drive Barris into the arms of Netflix?
Meanwhile, Roseanne will supposedly back off the politics next season, at least according to ABC. According to Roseanne Barr, not so much.
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the ABC upfront yesterday: here are his best jokes.
As of RIGHT NOW, Timeless and Champions have not been canceled. Timeless may learn its fate by next week, Champions still has some episodes left to run. Keep your fingers crossed!
Kevin Can Wait was canceled for the reason all shows are canceled: the ratings sucked.
CBS wants more Big Bang Theory, and why wouldn’t they.
The new Magnum P.I.: now with 100% less mustache and comma. It’s all about “streamlining.”
Netflix is considering picking up Designated Survivor.
Earlier, Netflix had said they were going to have produced 700 original projects this year: they just bumped that up to 1,000. ONE THOUSAND.
Wild Wild Country‘s Ma Anand Sheela regrets nothing because sociopaths never do. NOT EVEN THE BEAVERS, SHEELA?
Here are all the genre TV shows that have been canceled, passed over or not yet renewed. It’s a rough time of year.
Full Frontal is working on an app for the midterms called This is Not a Game: The Game, because someone has to save us.
Game of Thrones has begun filming in a new location and Sansa Stark tweeted this cryptic bit of business:
The Love Boat cast reunited when the show received an honorary plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Laura Ingraham’s advertisers aren’t coming back.
#MeToo
CBS responded to Pauley Perrette’s claims that she was assaulted on NCIS:
“Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her,” said the statement. “Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern. We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows.”
Perrette seems pretty satisfied with this response:
Emilia Clarke says she has always been paid the same as her male co-stars on Game of Thrones.
Terry Crews continues to talk about toxic masculinity because he’s a good man.
Bill Cosby gets to live at home until September (at least). Which seems like some fucking bullshit to yours truly.
Fox News has settled their racial discrimination suit for $10 million.
Jonathan Kaiman, Beijing Bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times, has been fired for sexual misconduct.
Renewals
- Bargain Mansions has been renewed for a second season at DIY.
Cancellations
- The Last Ship will end after five seasons.
In Development
- The Case Against Adnan Syed is being developed at HBO.
- Robert Downey Jr. is going to host a series about A.I. on YouTube Red.
- Clifford the Big Red Dog is returning on PBS and Amazon.
Casting News
- Max Greenfield is taking over the lead of The Neighborhood (formerly known as “Welcome to the Neighborhood”) the new CBS comedy.
- Benedict Cumberbatch is going to star in Brexit on Channel 4.
- Mekia Cox might be leaving Chicago Med early next season.
Mark Your Calendars
- Sharp Objects will premiere on HBO on July 8.
- Queen Sugar returns on OWN on May 29.
- Love is ___ debuts on OWN on June 19.
- Nashville returns on June 7 for the final episodes.
- Girl Meets Farm premieres on Food Network on June 24.
R.I.P.
Michael Allen Conley, Director, producer, and editor of shows including Blossom and Golden Girls
Tallmadge Wakeman D’Elia, CNBC producer (His death was particularly grisly. Don’t vape, kids.)
WATCH THIS
The Real Housewives of New York City: “On an Island.” Well, that’s ominous. 8 p.m., Bravo
Riverdale: Betty confronts her demons in the season finale. 7 p.m., The CW
The Goldbergs: Erica upsets Murray with her college decision in the season finale. 7 p.m., ABC
The Blacklist: Liz and Red face off in the season finale. 7 p.m., NBC
Alex, Inc.: Alex makes an important decision about his future in the series finale. 7:30 p.m., ABC
Modern Family: Mitchell and Phil go to “Hero-Con” in the season finale. 8 p.m., ABC
SEAL Team: The SEAL Team plans a final mission to avenge Echo Team’s deaths in the season finale. 8 p.m., CBS
American Housewife: Greg adopts a dog in the season finale. 8:30 p.m., ABC
Designated Survivor: The President makes a surprising announcement in the series (?) finale. 9 p.m., ABC
Late Night: Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Will Ferrell & Molly Shannon, Chrissy Metz, Florence & the Machine Late Night with Seth Meyers: Josh Brolin, Ella Purnell, the Aces, Matt Byrne The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Chadwick Boseman, Erik Bergstrom The Late Late Show with James Corden: Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, James Acaster Jimmy Kimmel Live: Diane Keaton, Jim Acosta, Beach House The Daily Show: Terry Crews The Opposition with Jordan Klepper: Lizz Winstead Watch What Happens Live: Keith Hernandez, Sonja Morgan
| WEDS. | 7:00 | 7:30 | 8:00 | 8:30 | 9:00 | 9:30 |
| ABC | The Goldbergs (new) |
Alex, Inc. (new) |
Modern Family (new) |
American Housewife (new) |
Designated Survivor (new) |
| CBS | Survivor (new) |
SEAL Team (new) |
Code Black (new) |
| CW | Riverdale (new) |
The Originals (new) |
Local |
| FOX | Empire (new) |
Star (new) |
News/Local |
| NBC | The Blacklist (new) |
Law & Order: SVU (new) |
Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan (new) |