Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Dan Rather Goes On Twitter to Call Out Trump and Neo Nazis

LOS ANGELES - Veteran newsman Dan Rather went on Twitter today to call out Donald Trump, neo-Nazis and what he called the "pliant" media for not taking a stand against Trump's relationship with fringe organizations.

The former CBS Evening News anchor wrote: "When I see neo-Nazis raise their hands in terrifying solute, in public, in our nation’s capital, I shudder in horror. When I see that action mildly rebuked by a boilerplate statement from the President-elect whom these bigots have praised, the anger in me grows. And when I see some in a pliant press turn that mild statement into what they call a denunciation I cannot hold back any longer."

The 85-year-old journalist responded to the widely viewed videos of members of the white supremacist groups spewing racist language and giving the Nazi salute at a gathering in Washington D.C. on Saturday.

Shannen Doherty Joins TVLand's 'Heathers' Reboot

LOS ANGELES - Shannen Doherty will join the cast of TVLand's "Heathers" reboot. The actress, who is battling breast cancer, confirmed on her Instagram that she had joined the cast of the film now shooting.

Doherty, who is best known for her role on Fox's iconic teen drama "90210," posted a photo of herself on the set of the film with the caption "Sneak peek from the set of #Heathers set... Jealous much? Doherty played Heather Duke in the original 1988 dark comedy starring Wynona Ryder and Christian Slater. Details on the new film are unavailable.

The original film followed the life of  Veronica Sawyer who in order to get out of the snobby clique that is destroying her good-girl reputation, she teams up with a dark sociopath in a plot to kill the cool kids.

The TVLand reboot is directed by Leslie Headland ("Sleeping with Other People"), and written by Jason A. Micallef ("Butter") for Lakeshore Entertainment.



Actor Darren Dowler, the Laker Girls and Others Celebrate Launch of Christy Buss's New Show



Actress/choreographer Christy Buss is joined by model Shelbie Kovach and the Laker Girls at the launch party for her new online show "All About Christy."
LOS ANGELES, Calif. –  Noted choreographer/actress Christy Curtis Buss was joined by the Laker Girls, Playboy Playmate Neferteri Shepherd, actor Darren Dowler (“Eagle Eye”) actress Jen Faith Brown (“Sing”) and others to celebrate the launch of the online series “All About Christy,” recently at her iconic dance studio, the Studio Art of Dance in Los Angeles.

Buss, whose father-in-law was the late Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, is the host of “All About Christy” where she shares her thoughts on life, relationships, dance, wellness and more along with celebrity guests. The show airs new episodes every Wednesday on YouTube.

 “I’m very excited to launch this new series and share my experience and success with a message of support and empowerment for women and everyone who is watching,” Buss said. “These days, life is very challenging and difficult for many so I want to share my positive thoughts and lessons I’ve learned over the years to overcome challenges and achieve success through this new show. It’ll be bold, fun, exciting and encouraging so I hope everyone joins us!”

As the longtime choreographer of NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” and “Passions,” and the “Diane Diaz Show” at the Bellagio in Las Vegas as well as her work with dance students and appearances on “The MTV Movie Awards,” CNN and Fox Sports, Buss brings a fresh voice and approach to persevering and overcoming challenges.

With her friends, including celebrity guests, “All About Christy” will give viewers a chance to hear personal stories and life lessons from top personalities from television, films, sports, music and more. Moreover, Christy will also share her passion to help others by encouraging viewers to support charitable organizations such as the Lakers Youth Foundation, Hashtag Lunchbag and others.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

E! Picks Up 'Total Bellas' for a Second Season


Nikki Bella, left and twin sister Brie Bella star in E!'s reality series "Total Bellas" (Publicity Photo).

LOS ANGELES – E! announced today the season two pick-up of “Total Bellas,” the spin-off of the network’s hit series “Total Divas.” The second season will be eight one-hour episodes and will give viewers exclusive access as WWE Superstars Nikki Bella and John Cena temporarily relocate to Phoenix, AZ to help Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan through their first pregnancy. Season two of the WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions series will premiere in 2017.

In season one of “Total Bellas,” Brie and Daniel moved to Tampa, FL to help Nikki and John during a time of need and now the time has come to return the favor. With The Bellas careers outside of the ring expanding rapidly each day, Brie’s baby bump growing by the minute and Daniel constantly traveling under his new role as General Manager of WWE’s SmackDown Live, the soon-to-be first time parents are in need of some serious help around the house and in the office.

“We are excited to build on the success of the first season of ‘Total Bellas’ by inviting viewers back for a second round of family fun with the Bellas and their fellas,” said Jeff Olde, EVP, Programming and Development, E! “Nikki, Brie, John and Daniel all exude copious amounts of wit, talent and strength, but it’s their openness to be completely real that has resonated with viewers and we are delighted to share an intimate look at two of WWE’s most prominent couples.”

Monday, November 14, 2016

Disney Kicks Off the Holidays with New Specials



BURBANK, Calif. - Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” will air THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will air FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

Previously announced performers include Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Forever in Your Mind, China Anne McClain, Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.

The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.

The multi-platform programming schedule is:

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 24
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.

Musical performances include:

    Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle
    Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.

    Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”

    Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.

    Zara Larsson sings a holiday classic from a stunning location at Walt Disney World.
    From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs.

    Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Additional performances to be announced.

Friday, Nov. 25
“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.

Musical performances include:

    “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
    “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
    Kelly Clarkson performing a song from her 2013 holiday album “Wrapped in Red.”
    “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
    Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
    Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).

Christmas - Sunday, Dec. 25
“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Musical performances include:

    Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
    Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
    Kelly Clarkson performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
    In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic.
    “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.