Billy Bush Returns to Television as Host of 'Extra'

LOS ANGELES – “Extra,” the Emmy award-winning syndicated entertainment news magazine, has named veteran entertainment journalist Billy Bush as host for the 26th season of the show, rebranded as “ExtraExtra” and premiering September 9, 2019.

Senior executive producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey said, “Billy is the consummate journalist with extensive celebrity industry contacts and reach. No one does more illuminating interviews and in-depth stories than him. He’s the perfect host as we reinvent ‘Extra’ for a new generation. I’m thrilled to welcome him back to television.”

Said Bush, “My first job on national television was on ‘Extra’ so this is a homecoming of sorts for me. I’m excited to join the incredible team and be a part of the show as it gets refreshed for a new generation.”

Bush first appeared on “Extra” as a New York-based freelance correspondent in 2002. He will anchor the new “ExtraExtra” from the show’s new broadcast center and newsroom at The Burbank Studios in Burbank, California. The show will feature a new, modernized setting at the studio and will continue its extensive location reporting from bureaus in Los Angeles and New York, and will establish new outposts in both Nashville and Las Vegas.

Billy Bush’s extensive television career includes serving as host of the third hour of “Today,” host of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Hollywood Live,” correspondent for WNBC’s “Today in New York” and New York freelance correspondent for “Extra.” For six years, he hosted “The Billy Bush Show,” a nationally syndicated talk and music radio show. Bush began his career in Wolfeboro, NH as a radio DJ and sales person.

"ExtraExtra" is helmed by senior executive producer Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey and executive producers Theresa Coffino and Jeremy Spiegel. The show is produced by Telepictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. The program website is at www.extratv.com.

CBS to Debut Romance Reality Show 'Love Island' on July 9

LOS ANGELES – The new CBS romance and relationships reality series LOVE ISLAND will premiere Tuesday, July 9 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). New episodes will air every weeknight (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) through Wednesday, August 7. The series is produced by ITV Entertainment, an ITV America company.

“As the buzziest reality show in the U.K., LOVE ISLAND has won the hearts of viewers across the pond as well as around the world, creating appointment viewing and fanfare for audiences everywhere. We are thrilled to bring our version of this cultural phenomenon to CBS,” said Sharon Vuong, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming. “This fun, light-hearted series is like watching your favorite romantic comedy five nights a week!”

LOVE ISLAND begins as a group of single “Islanders” come together in a stunning villa in Fiji, ready to embark on a summer of love, friendships and, ultimately, relationships. Every few days the Islanders must couple-up – those who fail to find a partner to couple up with risk being dumped from the island. Islanders are on the lookout for romance, but the road to love doesn’t always run smoothly. Challenges abound with new Islander arrivals and dramatic twists as friendships and relationships form. In addition to choosing their partners wisely, Islanders must also win the hearts of viewers who have the opportunity to shape events on screen and ultimately crown one lucky couple the winner, who will then have the chance to walk away with both love and the cash prize.

Additional details including series host and the cast of Islanders will be announced at a later date.

LOVE ISLAND is produced by ITV Entertainment, an ITV America company. David George, Adam Sher, David Eilenberg, Simon Thomas, Mandy Morris, Ben Thursby, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster are executive producers. The series is based on a format owned by ITV Studios and Motion Content Group, and distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

Producer Liv Li Joins Drama Series 'Another Year'

LOS ANGELES – Acclaimed film producer Liv Li (“Way Out”) has joined the upcoming drama series “Another Year,” from executive producer Wenji Teng (“Rhapsody of Spring”).

The series tells the unique stories around four individuals who came to the U.S. as first-generation immigrants who then must face numerous challenges and personal difficulties to remain in this country.

“I’m pleased to be a part of an engaging new series that is heartfelt and very topical, dealing with issues that touches all of us in one way or another,” Li said. “Working on this series is quite different from other productions I was on. This is a Chinese/American team where all key department heads were flown in from China directly, while all other crews were hired local in LA.”

“Another Year,” takes viewers into the lives of unique characters as they explore the challenges of being an immigrant in the United States. Viewers will also travel to unique locations in California, Nevada and Utah, as well as the Grand Canyon, and the Monument Valley where they will soak in its panoramic views.

Li comes to the series following her work in the upcoming film drama “As Ye Sow,” directed by Seraph Liu (“Song of the Wanderer”), starring stars Kathryn Howell, (“Chrystal”), newcomer Heather Gold and Ted Harvey (“Heat”).

Her recent work includes such films as “Dog Tag,” “Esperanza,” “All That Glitters,” “Good Friend from the West,” and many others, including the upcoming films “Not for Comedy,” and “Carma,” set for release later this year.

“Another Year” is produced by Nuerailli Maimaitimusha and Zhanying Li for Hairun Media.