Exclusive: Rockmond Dunbar has joined the recurring cast of Peacock’s upcoming limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, starring and executive produced by Kevin Hart. This marks Dunbar’s first acting job since he was terminated from 9-1-1 in 2021 over not complying with the studio’s Covid vaccine mandate after his requests for a medical and religious exemptions were rejected. The actor subsequently filed a $1M lawsuit against Disney over the firing, with the case now headed to trial.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Dunbar will play Uncle Willie, who owns an autobody shop but his real job is as the top fence in the area. He joins an ensemble cast led by Hart, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Dunbar will play Uncle Willie, who owns an autobody shop but his real job is as the top fence in the area. He joins an ensemble cast led by Hart, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard.
- 3/23/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Happy Face has rounded out its series regular cast, adding Khiyla Aynne (Circuit Breakers) and Benjamin Mackey (The Morning Show) alongside Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili. David Harewood (Homeland) also joins the upcoming Paramount+ drama series in a recurring role. The series hails from creator and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Robert and Michelle King. Filming began this week in Vancouver. See Ashford’s Instagram announcement below.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life.
- 3/20/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Happy Face is rounding out its series regular cast, adding Tamera Tomakili (Winning Time) alongside Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid and James Wolk to Paramount+’s upcoming drama series. The series hails from creator and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Robert and Michelle King.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout,...
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: James Wolk (Ordinary Joe) has been tapped as a lead opposite Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid in Paramount+ upcoming drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. Ashford stars as his daughter, Melissa.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man...
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man...
- 3/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Dennis Quaid (Photo credit: Derrek Kupish / Provided by Paramount+)
Dennis Quaid (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) is slipping into the world of a serial killer who used a smiley face as his calling card for Paramount+’s Happy Face. Emmy nominee Quaid will star as the Happy Face Killer in the streamer’s new drama, inspired by the killer’s daughter Melissa Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, and her Happy Face podcast.
Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) was previously announced to play Melissa. Filming is expected to get underway this spring, with Paramount+ targeting a 2025 premiere for the eight-episode season.
“Happy Face for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
Dennis Quaid (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) is slipping into the world of a serial killer who used a smiley face as his calling card for Paramount+’s Happy Face. Emmy nominee Quaid will star as the Happy Face Killer in the streamer’s new drama, inspired by the killer’s daughter Melissa Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, and her Happy Face podcast.
Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) was previously announced to play Melissa. Filming is expected to get underway this spring, with Paramount+ targeting a 2025 premiere for the eight-episode season.
“Happy Face for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
- 2/16/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Last month, it was announced that Melissa Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, which previously inspired the podcast Happy Face, is getting a Paramount+ streaming series adaptation that’s also titled Happy Face. Annaleigh Ashford – whose credits include B Positive, American Crime Story, and Masters of Sex – had already signed on to star in the series at that time, and now The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Dennis Quaid, whose long lists of credits includes the likes of The Day After Tomorrow, Innerspace, Frequency, and Jaws 3D, will be playing a serial killer on the show.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. Melissa is drawn back into her...
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. Melissa is drawn back into her...
- 2/16/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Paramount+’s drama Happy Face has found its title star.
Dennis Quaid will star with Annaleigh Ashford in the series and will play very much against type in the role of a notorious serial killer nicknamed “Happy Face” because he drew smiley faces on evidence in boasting about his crimes. The series, from executive producers Robert and Michelle King (Evil, The Good Fight) and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer; the true-crime podcast Happy Face, from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, written with M. Bridget Cook.
The show will use Moore’s story as a jumping-off point to tell a story of how Melissa (Ashford) is drawn back into her father’s world after decades of not having contact with him. Happy Face (Quaid), in prison for his crimes, finds a way to force himself...
Dennis Quaid will star with Annaleigh Ashford in the series and will play very much against type in the role of a notorious serial killer nicknamed “Happy Face” because he drew smiley faces on evidence in boasting about his crimes. The series, from executive producers Robert and Michelle King (Evil, The Good Fight) and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer; the true-crime podcast Happy Face, from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, written with M. Bridget Cook.
The show will use Moore’s story as a jumping-off point to tell a story of how Melissa (Ashford) is drawn back into her father’s world after decades of not having contact with him. Happy Face (Quaid), in prison for his crimes, finds a way to force himself...
- 2/16/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dennis Quaid has signed on for a leading role in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” Variety has learned.
Quaid will appear alongside previously announced star Annaleigh Ashford. The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.
In real life, Moore discovered at 15 that her father was the serial killer known as “Happy Face,” due to the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
The official description for the series states that it jumps off from Moore’s real life story. “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father,” the description reads. “After decades of no contact,...
Quaid will appear alongside previously announced star Annaleigh Ashford. The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.
In real life, Moore discovered at 15 that her father was the serial killer known as “Happy Face,” due to the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
The official description for the series states that it jumps off from Moore’s real life story. “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father,” the description reads. “After decades of no contact,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Dennis Quaid is set to star opposite Annaleigh Ashford in Paramount+ upcoming drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. Ashford stars as his daughter, Melissa.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.
- 2/16/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peacock‘s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist has added six actors to its growing cast: Chloe Bailey (Candy Cane Lane), Melvin Gregg (Snowfall), Artrece Johnson (A Thousand One), Jalyn Hall (Genius: MLK/X), Clifton Powell (Black Lightning) and Lori Harvey. Production is set to begin next week
The series, based on the eponymous iHeartPodcast, will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Previously announced cast includes Dexter Darden as Muhammad Ali, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle.
The series, based on the eponymous iHeartPodcast, will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Previously announced cast includes Dexter Darden as Muhammad Ali, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle.
- 2/8/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Marsha Stephanie Blake has joined the cast of the upcoming Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Blake joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Blake will star as Delores Hudson, described as “Jd’s (Cheadle) wife and a social worker fighting for her community.”
Blake received an Emmy nomination for her role in the...
Blake joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Blake will star as Delores Hudson, described as “Jd’s (Cheadle) wife and a social worker fighting for her community.”
Blake received an Emmy nomination for her role in the...
- 2/8/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Don Cheadle is the latest name to team up with Kevin Hart to star in Peacock’s limited true crime series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’
Based on the podcast ‘Fight Night,’ the series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will take on the role of the series regular Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
He joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
Also in news – Toni Collette set for comedy ‘A French Pursuit’
Kevin Hart is...
Based on the podcast ‘Fight Night,’ the series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will take on the role of the series regular Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
He joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
Also in news – Toni Collette set for comedy ‘A French Pursuit’
Kevin Hart is...
- 2/6/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Don Cheadle is the latest addition to the stacked cast for the upcoming Peacock limited true crime series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.”
Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
Cheadle has...
Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
Cheadle has...
- 2/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the Peacock limited series that tells the story of an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight, has added Don Cheadle to its cast.
Cheadle is to play Jd Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery, in the series.
He joins Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard in the series, which comes from Shaye Ogbonna.
Set in Atlanta, the series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.
The series was created and written by Ogbonna, who serves as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. It is produced by Universal Television and is based on the podcast Fight Night.
Ogbonna, Horwitch, Hart, Will Packer, Sabrina Wind,...
Cheadle is to play Jd Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery, in the series.
He joins Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard in the series, which comes from Shaye Ogbonna.
Set in Atlanta, the series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.
The series was created and written by Ogbonna, who serves as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. It is produced by Universal Television and is based on the podcast Fight Night.
Ogbonna, Horwitch, Hart, Will Packer, Sabrina Wind,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist continues to add to its A-list cast.
Don Cheadle is the latest actor to sign on to the drama, which tracks an armed robbery (and its fallout) on the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Cheadle joins a cast that also includes Kevin Hart (who’s also executive producing), Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Dexter Darden (who’s playing Ali) and Myles Bullock.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast and will follow “the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” according to the show’s logline. Oscar and Emmy nominee Cheadle will play the aforementioned cop, Jd Hudson, one of the first Black detectives on Atlanta’s police force who...
Don Cheadle is the latest actor to sign on to the drama, which tracks an armed robbery (and its fallout) on the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Cheadle joins a cast that also includes Kevin Hart (who’s also executive producing), Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Dexter Darden (who’s playing Ali) and Myles Bullock.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast and will follow “the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” according to the show’s logline. Oscar and Emmy nominee Cheadle will play the aforementioned cop, Jd Hudson, one of the first Black detectives on Atlanta’s police force who...
- 2/5/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SmartLess, Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, On Purpose with Jay Shetty and Normal Gossip are among the titles in contention for the 2024 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.
The category, which will be voted on by fans from Feb. 5 through Feb. 18, also includes popular podcasts Crime Junkie, The Daily, My Favorite Murder, New Heights, The Retrievals and Scamanda. Las Culturistas, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, took home the top prize last year.
Other competitive awards span 29 categories, including comedy, crime, news, tv and film, sports, food and business.
In the Icon Awards categories, which honor those who have made groundbreaking contributions to the industry, Wrongful Conviction hosts Maggie Freleng and Jason Flom will both be honored with the 2024 Social Impact Icon Award. Jonathan Goldstein, host of the Heavyweight podcast, will be honored with the 2024 Pioneer Icon Award.
The podcast Rotten Mango will receive the Innovator Award presented by YouTube, which...
The category, which will be voted on by fans from Feb. 5 through Feb. 18, also includes popular podcasts Crime Junkie, The Daily, My Favorite Murder, New Heights, The Retrievals and Scamanda. Las Culturistas, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, took home the top prize last year.
Other competitive awards span 29 categories, including comedy, crime, news, tv and film, sports, food and business.
In the Icon Awards categories, which honor those who have made groundbreaking contributions to the industry, Wrongful Conviction hosts Maggie Freleng and Jason Flom will both be honored with the 2024 Social Impact Icon Award. Jonathan Goldstein, host of the Heavyweight podcast, will be honored with the 2024 Pioneer Icon Award.
The podcast Rotten Mango will receive the Innovator Award presented by YouTube, which...
- 2/5/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Myles Bullock (Bmf) has landed a role in Peacock’s starry true crime limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He joins an ensemble that includes Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Dexter Darden. Details as to his role are under wraps.
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dexter Darden (Chang Can Dunk) is ready to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee as Muhammad Ali for Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, a limited crime series coming to Peacock. The forthcoming series features Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, and Terrence Howard for a story about an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historical comeback fight in 1970.
In the series, Jackson plays Frank Morten, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night. Meanwhile, Howard plays Richard “Cadillac” Wheeler, a gangster and associate of the Council of 12. Hart plays Chicken Man in the series, while Taraji P. Henson portrays Vivian Thomas, a savvy businesswoman and Chicken Man’s mistress.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating...
In the series, Jackson plays Frank Morten, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night. Meanwhile, Howard plays Richard “Cadillac” Wheeler, a gangster and associate of the Council of 12. Hart plays Chicken Man in the series, while Taraji P. Henson portrays Vivian Thomas, a savvy businesswoman and Chicken Man’s mistress.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating...
- 1/31/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Taraji P. Henson is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned.
Henson joins previously announced cast members Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The role reunites Henson, Howard, and Craig Brewer, who is executive producing and directing. The three previously worked together on projects like the Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow” as well as the hit Fox music industry drama “Empire.”
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Hart will star as Chicken Man,...
Henson joins previously announced cast members Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The role reunites Henson, Howard, and Craig Brewer, who is executive producing and directing. The three previously worked together on projects like the Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow” as well as the hit Fox music industry drama “Empire.”
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Hart will star as Chicken Man,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has joined the cast of Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist in the series regular role of Vivian Thomas, a savvy businesswoman and Chicken Man’s (Kevin Hart) mistress.
The series reunites Henson with Hart who have collaborated on multiple projects including the films Think Like a Man and Not Easily Broken. Additionally, Fight Night also brings Henson back together with Terrence Howard and Craig Brewer, with whom she collaborated on Hustle & Flow and Empire, among other projects.
Set in Atlanta, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but an entire city’s destiny.
As Deadline exclusively revealed on Wednesday morning, Dexter Darden will star as the legendary boxer in the limited series. In addition to Henson,...
The series reunites Henson with Hart who have collaborated on multiple projects including the films Think Like a Man and Not Easily Broken. Additionally, Fight Night also brings Henson back together with Terrence Howard and Craig Brewer, with whom she collaborated on Hustle & Flow and Empire, among other projects.
Set in Atlanta, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but an entire city’s destiny.
As Deadline exclusively revealed on Wednesday morning, Dexter Darden will star as the legendary boxer in the limited series. In addition to Henson,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Dexter Darden has signed on to join Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” limited series, Variety has confirmed. He’ll take on the role of heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali.
Based on the true crime podcast “Fight Night” by Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartMedia + Entertainment, the true crime limited series tells the story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city. The series follows the infamous heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that “introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” reads the description. nh. nnb
Darden joins previously announced star Kevin Hart, who also executive produces alongside Will Packer. As Variety previously reported, Samuel L. Jackson joined the series as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given...
Based on the true crime podcast “Fight Night” by Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartMedia + Entertainment, the true crime limited series tells the story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city. The series follows the infamous heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that “introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” reads the description. nh. nnb
Darden joins previously announced star Kevin Hart, who also executive produces alongside Will Packer. As Variety previously reported, Samuel L. Jackson joined the series as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given...
- 1/31/2024
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Up-and-comer Dexter Darden (Chang Can Dunk) has been tapped to portray all-time great boxer Muhammad Ali in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the forthcoming true crime limited series for Peacock. He joins an ensemble that also includes Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard, as previously announced.
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Terrence Howard (The Best Man: The Final Chapters) is set to star opposite Kevin Hart and Samuel L. Jackson in the Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
The project reunites Howard with Craig Brewer, who will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the series. The pair previously worked together on Brewer’s 2005 feature Hustle & Flow, in which Howard starred, earning an Oscar nomination for his performance; and on the Fox series Empire, also starring Howard, on which Brewer was director-producer.
This also makes a return to Peacock for Howard who most recently appeared in the streamer’s limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Peacock’s first original to break into Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming rankings.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life,...
The project reunites Howard with Craig Brewer, who will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the series. The pair previously worked together on Brewer’s 2005 feature Hustle & Flow, in which Howard starred, earning an Oscar nomination for his performance; and on the Fox series Empire, also starring Howard, on which Brewer was director-producer.
This also makes a return to Peacock for Howard who most recently appeared in the streamer’s limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Peacock’s first original to break into Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming rankings.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+ today announced that Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford will star in the new original drama series Happy Face. Michael Showalter has been tapped to direct the first episode. The eight-episode first season will begin production this year and premiere exclusively on Paramount+ in 2025. Happy Face is executive produced by Jennifer Cacicio – who also serves as showrunner – and Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick. Ashford will play the lead role of Melissa in the series, which is inspired ... Read more...
- 1/9/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Melissa Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence inspired the podcast Happy Face, and now the podcast is getting a Paramount+ streaming series adaptation! Annaleigh Ashford – whose credits include B Positive, American Crime Story, and Masters of Sex – has signed on to star in the series, with Michael Showalter on board to direct the first episode.
I mainly know Showalter from an actor in projects like The State and Wet Hot American Summer, but his TV directing credits include episodes of Search Party, Love, Grace and Frankie, In the Dark, The Shrink Next Door, The Dropout, and I Love That for You. He has also directed the feature films Spoiler Alert, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Lovebirds, The Big Sick; Hello, My Name Is Doris; and The Baxter.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.
I mainly know Showalter from an actor in projects like The State and Wet Hot American Summer, but his TV directing credits include episodes of Search Party, Love, Grace and Frankie, In the Dark, The Shrink Next Door, The Dropout, and I Love That for You. He has also directed the feature films Spoiler Alert, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Lovebirds, The Big Sick; Hello, My Name Is Doris; and The Baxter.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.
- 1/8/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Paramount+’s long-in-the-works crime drama series Happy Face is headed to production with Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor Annaleigh Ashford set as the lead. Michael Showalter has been tapped to direct the first episode of the the CBS Studios-produced series, from executive producers Jennifer Cacicio – who also serves as showrunner – and Robert and Michelle King. Filming on the eight-episode first season is slated to begin production this year for a 2025 premiere on Paramount+.
Happy Face reunites Ashford with the Kings having guest starred on their other two Paramount+/CBS Studios original series, the current hit Evil the recently wrapped The Good Fight.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
Happy Face reunites Ashford with the Kings having guest starred on their other two Paramount+/CBS Studios original series, the current hit Evil the recently wrapped The Good Fight.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
- 1/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson has teamed up with Kevin Hart to star in Peacock’s limited true crime series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’
The series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson takes on the role of notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Also in news – Jack Black added to ‘Minecraft’ movie
Kevin Hart is attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
The series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson takes on the role of notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Also in news – Jack Black added to ‘Minecraft’ movie
Kevin Hart is attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Peacock is ready to touch gloves with Samuel L. Jackson after the Pulp Fiction and Snakes on a Plane star joined the cast of its Muhammad Ali limited series, Fight Night. Jackson plays Frank Moten for the series, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating Jerry Quarry after he was banned from boxing for military draft dodging. The disturbing events of that evening include hundreds of guests at an after-party being robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the most significant armed robberies in United States history. The tale unfolds in Atlanta, with story elements revolving around the cop, J.D. Hudson, and Morten (Jackson), the hustler, orchestrating the unprecedented criminal event.
Fight Night also stars Kevin Hart,...
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating Jerry Quarry after he was banned from boxing for military draft dodging. The disturbing events of that evening include hundreds of guests at an after-party being robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the most significant armed robberies in United States history. The tale unfolds in Atlanta, with story elements revolving around the cop, J.D. Hudson, and Morten (Jackson), the hustler, orchestrating the unprecedented criminal event.
Fight Night also stars Kevin Hart,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Samuel L. Jackson is set to star in the upcoming Peacock true crime limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned.
The show was ordered to series at Peacock in December with Kevin Hart attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
The series will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson will star as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
The show was ordered to series at Peacock in December with Kevin Hart attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
The series will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson will star as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson has joined the Peacock Muhammad Ali limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He will portray Frank Moten, a real-life underworld kingpin coined the Black Godfather by the NY tabloids.
The project reunites Jackson with Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of the show. The pair previously collaborated on the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
The series will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Kevin Hart will star in and produce the limited...
The project reunites Jackson with Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of the show. The pair previously collaborated on the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
The series will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Kevin Hart will star in and produce the limited...
- 1/5/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The story of an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight is heading to streaming.
Kevin Hart will star in, and produce, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which has landed a series order at Peacock. It is based on the eponymous podcast and comes from Shaye Ogbonna and Will Packer.
It will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
Shaye Ogbanna (Victoria Stevens)
The Atlanta-set limited series, which was created and written by Ogbonna, a writer on Penguin and The Chi, follow the fight and the heist introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and...
Kevin Hart will star in, and produce, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which has landed a series order at Peacock. It is based on the eponymous podcast and comes from Shaye Ogbonna and Will Packer.
It will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
Shaye Ogbanna (Victoria Stevens)
The Atlanta-set limited series, which was created and written by Ogbonna, a writer on Penguin and The Chi, follow the fight and the heist introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and...
- 12/13/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock and Kevin Hart are stepping into the boxing ring.
The NBCUniversal streamer has ordered a limited series titled Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist that will tell the story of an armed robbery orchestrated around Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Hart will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast written by Jeff Keating (who also hosted) and Jim Roberts. Shaye Ogbonna (The Chi) created the TV series and will serve as showrunner along with Jason Horwitch (Peacock’s The Calling, Apple TV+’s Echo 3). The show comes from Universal Television, Will Packer Media (which also produced the podcast) and Doghouse Pictures. Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name) is set to direct the first two episodes.
The series will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback...
The NBCUniversal streamer has ordered a limited series titled Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist that will tell the story of an armed robbery orchestrated around Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Hart will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast written by Jeff Keating (who also hosted) and Jim Roberts. Shaye Ogbonna (The Chi) created the TV series and will serve as showrunner along with Jason Horwitch (Peacock’s The Calling, Apple TV+’s Echo 3). The show comes from Universal Television, Will Packer Media (which also produced the podcast) and Doghouse Pictures. Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name) is set to direct the first two episodes.
The series will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback...
- 12/13/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Global, the UK’s largest radio and outdoor media company, has signed an exclusive platform distribution and ad sales deal with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in the United States.
Under the exclusive deal, Global and iHeartMedia will license, distribute and represent each other’s chart-topping podcast portfolios.
In the UK iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, will be available on Global Player and via Dax, Global’s market leading digital advertising exchange. iHeartPodcasts adds millions of downloads to Global Player and the Dax network.
iHeartPodcasts publishes more than 800 podcasts across a wide variety of genres, that span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between including ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty,’ the hit health and wellness podcast from the British former-monk-turned-author and motivational speaker, which explores topics related to mindfulness and mental health with high-profile guests including Drew Barrymore,...
Under the exclusive deal, Global and iHeartMedia will license, distribute and represent each other’s chart-topping podcast portfolios.
In the UK iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, will be available on Global Player and via Dax, Global’s market leading digital advertising exchange. iHeartPodcasts adds millions of downloads to Global Player and the Dax network.
iHeartPodcasts publishes more than 800 podcasts across a wide variety of genres, that span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between including ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty,’ the hit health and wellness podcast from the British former-monk-turned-author and motivational speaker, which explores topics related to mindfulness and mental health with high-profile guests including Drew Barrymore,...
- 11/15/2023
- Podnews.net
A24 has won yet another major bidding war.
This time, the indie studio outbid stiff competition for the rights to turn true-crime podcast The Girlfriends, from iHeartPodcasts and Novel, into a television series. The weekly podcast, which launched in the summer, tells the real-life story of a group of women who band together to put a murderous ex behind bars. And though details of the TV version are being kept under wraps, Michael Showalter and his Semi-Formal Productions are already attached.
Showalter, who’s on a hot streak with a string of recent successes across TV (The Dropout) and film (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), is set to direct, with Semi-Formal partner Jordana Mollick executive producing. She’ll be joined by fellow EPs Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman of iHeartPodcasts, and Julia Bromberg and Neil Krishnan of Novel.
The news comes as the broader IP market has only...
This time, the indie studio outbid stiff competition for the rights to turn true-crime podcast The Girlfriends, from iHeartPodcasts and Novel, into a television series. The weekly podcast, which launched in the summer, tells the real-life story of a group of women who band together to put a murderous ex behind bars. And though details of the TV version are being kept under wraps, Michael Showalter and his Semi-Formal Productions are already attached.
Showalter, who’s on a hot streak with a string of recent successes across TV (The Dropout) and film (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), is set to direct, with Semi-Formal partner Jordana Mollick executive producing. She’ll be joined by fellow EPs Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman of iHeartPodcasts, and Julia Bromberg and Neil Krishnan of Novel.
The news comes as the broader IP market has only...
- 10/23/2023
- by Lacey Rose and Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
While Madison Avenue seems focused on shiny new technologies, iHeartMedia is encouraging advertisers to get back to basics.
Research conducted by Morning Consult and Advertiser Perceptions on behalf of the audio-media giant and podcaster Pushkin Media found a growing disparity between what marketers think top consumer priorities are and the things to which consumers are actually gravitating. While Madison Avenue seems to think consumers aspire to nosh on charcuterie and watch “Succession,” consumers seem more interested in U.S. travel and going to barbecues. The disparity suggests advertisers are chasing after a niche interested in luxury and wealth, but ignoring the desires of a larger part of their overall potential customer base.
“We are seeing a lot of human bias creeping into marketing decisions,” says Gayle Troberman, chief marketing officer of iHeartMedia, in an interview. The recent surveys, she adds, reveal a big difference “between what American consumers post-Covid feel,...
Research conducted by Morning Consult and Advertiser Perceptions on behalf of the audio-media giant and podcaster Pushkin Media found a growing disparity between what marketers think top consumer priorities are and the things to which consumers are actually gravitating. While Madison Avenue seems to think consumers aspire to nosh on charcuterie and watch “Succession,” consumers seem more interested in U.S. travel and going to barbecues. The disparity suggests advertisers are chasing after a niche interested in luxury and wealth, but ignoring the desires of a larger part of their overall potential customer base.
“We are seeing a lot of human bias creeping into marketing decisions,” says Gayle Troberman, chief marketing officer of iHeartMedia, in an interview. The recent surveys, she adds, reveal a big difference “between what American consumers post-Covid feel,...
- 9/13/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, announced today a new multi-year audio deal between iHeartPodcasts and Lea Pictures, a production company launched by Bradley Cooper in 2020. The collaboration will include several new co-produced shows including The Good Stuff Podcast which debuted last month and serves as Lea Pictures’ very first audio project. Cooper will serve as Executive Producer for the entire slate which will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
“The Good Stuff Podcast,” the first project in the new slate, is a weekly show that delves into inspiring stories of success and perseverance. Hosted by Jacob Schick, Chief Executive Officer for One Tribe Foundation and a third-generation Marine, and his wife Ashley Schick, a two-time Emmy Award winning-storyteller, the two will showcase individuals who have made a positive impact through their acts of kindness, successful careers, businesses and military service. Listeners can check out the series now and...
“The Good Stuff Podcast,” the first project in the new slate, is a weekly show that delves into inspiring stories of success and perseverance. Hosted by Jacob Schick, Chief Executive Officer for One Tribe Foundation and a third-generation Marine, and his wife Ashley Schick, a two-time Emmy Award winning-storyteller, the two will showcase individuals who have made a positive impact through their acts of kindness, successful careers, businesses and military service. Listeners can check out the series now and...
- 7/8/2023
- Podnews.net
iHeartMedia has announced a multi-year audio deal between iHeartPodcasts and Lea Pictures, a production company founded by Bradley Cooper in 2020.
The collaboration will create several new co-produced shows, including the debut audio project of Lea Pictures, titled “The Good Stuff Podcast”.
Cooper will serve as the Executive Producer for the entire slate, which iHeartPodcasts will distribute.
Read More: Bradley Cooper Makes Rare Comment About Fatherhood And Daughter Lea
“The Good Stuff Podcast” is a weekly show hosted by Jacob Schick, CEO of One Tribe Foundation, and his wife, Ashley Schick, a two-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller. The podcast will showcase inspiring stories of success, perseverance, and acts of kindness. Listeners can already tune in to the series, with new episodes released every Tuesday.
Bradley Cooper, the founder of Lea Pictures, expressed his excitement about the partnership with iHeartPodcasts in a press release shared on Friday: “Sharing stories that inspire, motivate and...
The collaboration will create several new co-produced shows, including the debut audio project of Lea Pictures, titled “The Good Stuff Podcast”.
Cooper will serve as the Executive Producer for the entire slate, which iHeartPodcasts will distribute.
Read More: Bradley Cooper Makes Rare Comment About Fatherhood And Daughter Lea
“The Good Stuff Podcast” is a weekly show hosted by Jacob Schick, CEO of One Tribe Foundation, and his wife, Ashley Schick, a two-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller. The podcast will showcase inspiring stories of success, perseverance, and acts of kindness. Listeners can already tune in to the series, with new episodes released every Tuesday.
Bradley Cooper, the founder of Lea Pictures, expressed his excitement about the partnership with iHeartPodcasts in a press release shared on Friday: “Sharing stories that inspire, motivate and...
- 7/8/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Spotify’s relationship with the Sussexes was, in the end, a mess.
The two parties formally ended their exclusive podcast deal on June 15 in the press after The Wall Street Journal reported that Spotify was not renewing Meghan Markle’s Archetypes show for a second season and the duchess was “continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform, according to a statement shared with the paper that was first attributed to a spokesperson for Archewell Productions before being changed to WME, which signed Markle and Archewell in April.
The Journal story is believed to have ultimately fast-tracked the end of the Spotify-Archewell relationship, which had still been in place prior to the story’s publication but concluded with a carefully worded joint statement released that evening announcing the two parties had “mutually agreed to part ways.” But Spotify’s Bill Simmons, who leads podcast monetization for the audio company,...
The two parties formally ended their exclusive podcast deal on June 15 in the press after The Wall Street Journal reported that Spotify was not renewing Meghan Markle’s Archetypes show for a second season and the duchess was “continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform, according to a statement shared with the paper that was first attributed to a spokesperson for Archewell Productions before being changed to WME, which signed Markle and Archewell in April.
The Journal story is believed to have ultimately fast-tracked the end of the Spotify-Archewell relationship, which had still been in place prior to the story’s publication but concluded with a carefully worded joint statement released that evening announcing the two parties had “mutually agreed to part ways.” But Spotify’s Bill Simmons, who leads podcast monetization for the audio company,...
- 6/20/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
iHeartMedia and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media Announce “The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs”
iHeartMedia and London Audio, the podcast division of Paris Hilton’s next-gen media company 11:11 Media, today announced The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs, the latest show in their ongoing iHeartPodcasts partnership. This addition will mark London Audio and Hilton’s third podcast in the slate joining “I am Paris” and “Trapped in Treatment,” which are available now for listeners. The first two episodes of the company’s newest podcast will debut July 13.
Executive Produced by Paris Hilton, one of the world’s most recognizable female DJs, London Audio, in association with Neon Hum Media, and iHeartPodcasts, “The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs” is a 12-part, globe-trotting and uplifting sonic journey that will transport listeners through time and dive into the history of nightlife. Hosted by dance club music legend Ultra Naté, the show is a poignant reminder and celebration of the impact nightlife has had...
Executive Produced by Paris Hilton, one of the world’s most recognizable female DJs, London Audio, in association with Neon Hum Media, and iHeartPodcasts, “The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs” is a 12-part, globe-trotting and uplifting sonic journey that will transport listeners through time and dive into the history of nightlife. Hosted by dance club music legend Ultra Naté, the show is a poignant reminder and celebration of the impact nightlife has had...
- 6/20/2023
- Podnews.net
Imagine Entertainment on Monday unveiled a slate of six podcasts created by talent like the designer Isaac Mizrahi, producer Alan Sacks and Imagine co-chair Ron Howard that will release this year.
The six shows are being released as part of a deal that Imagine’s podcast division, Imagine Audio, struck with iHeartMedia in December 2021 for a slate of co-produced, unscripted shows to be distributed on the iHeartPodcast Network within two years.
The first series, Hello Isaac, is an interview show hosted by Mizrahi that premiered on Monday with featured guest Carson Kressley, who serves as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Upcoming guests will include the drag queen BenDeLaCreme and presenter Andy Cohen.
And beginning this month until October, Imagine Audio will release one new series each month, with topics including the sugar industry (Big Sugar, June 20), climate change and urgent solutions from climate scientist Chris Turney (Unf**king the Future,...
The six shows are being released as part of a deal that Imagine’s podcast division, Imagine Audio, struck with iHeartMedia in December 2021 for a slate of co-produced, unscripted shows to be distributed on the iHeartPodcast Network within two years.
The first series, Hello Isaac, is an interview show hosted by Mizrahi that premiered on Monday with featured guest Carson Kressley, who serves as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Upcoming guests will include the drag queen BenDeLaCreme and presenter Andy Cohen.
And beginning this month until October, Imagine Audio will release one new series each month, with topics including the sugar industry (Big Sugar, June 20), climate change and urgent solutions from climate scientist Chris Turney (Unf**king the Future,...
- 6/12/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
An interview series hosted by Isaac Mizrahi, a workplace improv comedy created by Ron Howard and a true-crime deep dive into a notorious murder case from L.A.’s early 1980s punk rock scene with Penelope Spheeris highlight the first slate of original podcasts produced by Imagine Entertainment through its joint venture with radio and podcasting giant iHeartMedia.
Imagine and iHeart set a podcast production deal in December 2021. The first fruits of that partnership debut today with the launch of “Hello Isaac,” a weekly interview series featuring the fashion and media entrepreneur sitting down with notable figures such as Carson Kressley and Andy Cohen. New episodes will debut Mondays.
The full Imagine slate of six original podcasts includes a mix of unscripted titles as well as a “Employees Only,” an improv comedy created by Ron Howard that revolves around employees at a big box store; a multi-episode look at the...
Imagine and iHeart set a podcast production deal in December 2021. The first fruits of that partnership debut today with the launch of “Hello Isaac,” a weekly interview series featuring the fashion and media entrepreneur sitting down with notable figures such as Carson Kressley and Andy Cohen. New episodes will debut Mondays.
The full Imagine slate of six original podcasts includes a mix of unscripted titles as well as a “Employees Only,” an improv comedy created by Ron Howard that revolves around employees at a big box store; a multi-episode look at the...
- 6/12/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Tonight, the fifth annual iHeartPodcast Awards hosted by actor and comedian Brian Baumgartner brought together the most influential names in podcasting to honor the most entertaining and innovative podcasts of 2022, celebrating the incredible talent and wide variety of leaders across the podcasting industry. The virtual awards event was exclusively video streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page and broadcast across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.
The night featured a variety of appearances by award nominees, celebrity presenters and special guests including Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Mayim Bialik, Alex Borstein, Zach Braff and Donald Faison, Nicole Byer, Charlamagne Tha God, Colin Cowherd, Bob Costas, Malcolm Gladwell, Draymond Green, Bethany Joy Lenz, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Enrique Santos, Iliza Shlesinger, Questlove, Angela Yee and more.
Host Brian Baumgartner kept one lucky audience member entertained throughout the night...
The night featured a variety of appearances by award nominees, celebrity presenters and special guests including Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Mayim Bialik, Alex Borstein, Zach Braff and Donald Faison, Nicole Byer, Charlamagne Tha God, Colin Cowherd, Bob Costas, Malcolm Gladwell, Draymond Green, Bethany Joy Lenz, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Enrique Santos, Iliza Shlesinger, Questlove, Angela Yee and more.
Host Brian Baumgartner kept one lucky audience member entertained throughout the night...
- 3/15/2023
- Podnews.net
The iHeartPodcast Network announced today an industry-first Influencer Summit where some of the most successful podcast creators will open the mic and teach marketers the art of podcast advertising on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the iHeartMedia executive offices in New York City. The hands-on educational event will feature diverse podcast authorities such as the wildly popular media personality and founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network, Charlamagne tha God; the woman behind the successful “Stuff You Missed in History Class” podcast, Holly Frey; and esteemed journalist, author and Co-Founder of Pushkin Industries, Malcolm Gladwell, joined with today’s biggest marketers to explain why podcasting is growing rapidly and how brands need to adapt, invest and create audio advertising that resonates with podcast fans.
“Podcasters are the most creative, fastest-growing, diverse wave of influencers to hit content and marketing in years – just as influencer marketing more generally was becoming a key new way to reach audiences.
“Podcasters are the most creative, fastest-growing, diverse wave of influencers to hit content and marketing in years – just as influencer marketing more generally was becoming a key new way to reach audiences.
- 3/14/2023
- Podnews.net
As top podcast executives and creators gathered at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn for the Hot Pod Summit on Feb. 23, a question seemed to underlie each conversation: As the industry seeks an injection of new energy amid an advertising market correction and creators experiment with formats like video, what really is a podcast these days — and how will people make money?
In various conversations with studio executives and creators, a common refrain were the difficulties of turning a profit on podcasting alone. Even Spotify, which recently revised its podcast leadership (again) and had layoffs and show cancelations in its podcast division, is reevaluating its spending after pouring more than $1 billion into licensing deals and acquisitions in the past few years.
As such, repackaging audio content and seeking out derivatives like film and TV adaptations could be the key to actually making good money in podcasting, especially now that the megadeals...
In various conversations with studio executives and creators, a common refrain were the difficulties of turning a profit on podcasting alone. Even Spotify, which recently revised its podcast leadership (again) and had layoffs and show cancelations in its podcast division, is reevaluating its spending after pouring more than $1 billion into licensing deals and acquisitions in the past few years.
As such, repackaging audio content and seeking out derivatives like film and TV adaptations could be the key to actually making good money in podcasting, especially now that the megadeals...
- 3/1/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The NBA and iHeartMedia are expanding their slate of basketball podcasts with new shows about teams including Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets.
The media company and basketball association are launching 11 new shows, also featuring teams including Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs.
The shows will sit alongside existing shows such as NBA Flashback, NBA Finals File and Running the Break with C.J. and Alex.
The new podcasts will be hosted by top NBA analysts, hosts, announcers and cultural influencers including fitness instructor and Brooklyn Nets in-arena host Ally Love, Spanish radio announcer Rafa Hernandez Brito, NBA legend Jim Chones and Top Chef runner-up Nina Compton.
“We’re excited to debut a new slate of team podcasts that cover compelling stories from around the NBA,” said David Denenberg, NBA SVP and Head of National & Local Network Partnerships. “The iHeartPodcast Network provides a great platform...
The media company and basketball association are launching 11 new shows, also featuring teams including Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs.
The shows will sit alongside existing shows such as NBA Flashback, NBA Finals File and Running the Break with C.J. and Alex.
The new podcasts will be hosted by top NBA analysts, hosts, announcers and cultural influencers including fitness instructor and Brooklyn Nets in-arena host Ally Love, Spanish radio announcer Rafa Hernandez Brito, NBA legend Jim Chones and Top Chef runner-up Nina Compton.
“We’re excited to debut a new slate of team podcasts that cover compelling stories from around the NBA,” said David Denenberg, NBA SVP and Head of National & Local Network Partnerships. “The iHeartPodcast Network provides a great platform...
- 2/28/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced the return of 2023 iHeartPodcast Awards and nominees across all 29 categories. The awards, which will honor the very best in podcasting throughout 2022 and celebrate the most innovative talent and content creators in the industry, will video stream on Tuesday, March 14 at 9 p.m. Et/6 p.m. Pt on iHeartRadio’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page, as well as broadcast on select iHeartMedia radio stations across the country and everywhere listeners are via the iHeartRadio app. The show will also be available on demand following the initial stream.
Nominees across categories include podcasts from all creators, distributors and platforms with a judging panel composed of blue-ribbon podcast industry leaders, creatives and visionaries who will determine the winners in categories including entertainment, comedy, crime, news, sports, food, business and more, including a new category, Best Overall Ensemble.
Each year, podcast fans help...
Nominees across categories include podcasts from all creators, distributors and platforms with a judging panel composed of blue-ribbon podcast industry leaders, creatives and visionaries who will determine the winners in categories including entertainment, comedy, crime, news, sports, food, business and more, including a new category, Best Overall Ensemble.
Each year, podcast fans help...
- 12/16/2022
- Podnews.net
Exclusive: Wilmer Valderrama has expanded his role with My Cultura Podcast Network from iHeartMedia by becoming a shareholder. In addition, Valderrama will help to curate the network’s slate of Latinx-focused podcasts and has committed to 5 new shows that will be executive produced by and/or star him.
According to the company, monthly podcast downloads across My Cultura have more than doubled since the beginning of the year, with 9 in 10 of the network’s total downloads coming from listeners aged 18-49.
“Representation shapes not just how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. It is imperative that every facet of our media includes narratives that uplift Latino and Hispanic voices,” Valderrama tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “At Wv Entertainment it is our mission to not just choose purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx community but to also make sure these stories are accessible to everyone.
According to the company, monthly podcast downloads across My Cultura have more than doubled since the beginning of the year, with 9 in 10 of the network’s total downloads coming from listeners aged 18-49.
“Representation shapes not just how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. It is imperative that every facet of our media includes narratives that uplift Latino and Hispanic voices,” Valderrama tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “At Wv Entertainment it is our mission to not just choose purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx community but to also make sure these stories are accessible to everyone.
- 9/22/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
iHeartMedia has launched its first virtual world on Fortnite, called iHeartLand, as the company extends its marketing investments into the metaverse and toward younger audiences.
iHeart, which brought in 954 million in revenue during the second quarter, first announced plans in January to launch its own branded virtual world on platforms like Roblox as part of the radio giant’s larger Web3 strategy. Wednesday’s launch of iHeartLand in Fortnite marks the first unveiling of iHeartMedia’s virtual world and will serve as the testing ground for future iterations of iHeartLand on other world-building games, executives told The Hollywood Reporter.
iHeartLand was created by the game developer Atlas Creative using Fortnite’s creative mode and includes a main stage, multiple mini-games and an iHeart “headquarters,” which features a recording studio and a replica of the tunnel entrance to iHeart’s headquarters in New York City.
iHeartMedia has launched its first virtual world on Fortnite, called iHeartLand, as the company extends its marketing investments into the metaverse and toward younger audiences.
iHeart, which brought in 954 million in revenue during the second quarter, first announced plans in January to launch its own branded virtual world on platforms like Roblox as part of the radio giant’s larger Web3 strategy. Wednesday’s launch of iHeartLand in Fortnite marks the first unveiling of iHeartMedia’s virtual world and will serve as the testing ground for future iterations of iHeartLand on other world-building games, executives told The Hollywood Reporter.
iHeartLand was created by the game developer Atlas Creative using Fortnite’s creative mode and includes a main stage, multiple mini-games and an iHeart “headquarters,” which features a recording studio and a replica of the tunnel entrance to iHeart’s headquarters in New York City.
- 8/24/2022
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
NBCUniversal ad sales and partnerships chairman Linda Yaccarino is adding another job to her plate: Podcast host.
The veteran media executive will co-host an interview podcast called Sunday Supper alongside Laura Correnti, a partner at the full service marketing firm Giant Spoon.
“With warmth, sweetness, and a healthy dose of spice, this podcast will invite leaders to dish and listeners to enjoy never-before-told stories, advice, and ideas for the future of media—with two of the industry’s best as their guides,” per the podcast’s logline.
Sunday Supper is targeting a Q4 launch, and will see Yaccarino and Correnti interviewing boldface names from the worlds of entertainment and business over a meal and wine. New episodes will be released on Sundays, and will be distributed on the iHeartPodcast Network. The announcement of the podcast coincides with the Cannes Lions festival, where Yaccarino...
NBCUniversal ad sales and partnerships chairman Linda Yaccarino is adding another job to her plate: Podcast host.
The veteran media executive will co-host an interview podcast called Sunday Supper alongside Laura Correnti, a partner at the full service marketing firm Giant Spoon.
“With warmth, sweetness, and a healthy dose of spice, this podcast will invite leaders to dish and listeners to enjoy never-before-told stories, advice, and ideas for the future of media—with two of the industry’s best as their guides,” per the podcast’s logline.
Sunday Supper is targeting a Q4 launch, and will see Yaccarino and Correnti interviewing boldface names from the worlds of entertainment and business over a meal and wine. New episodes will be released on Sundays, and will be distributed on the iHeartPodcast Network. The announcement of the podcast coincides with the Cannes Lions festival, where Yaccarino...
- 6/22/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Ferrell has become a big player in the fledgling podcast world and he’s just getting started.
During a keynote interview at the Podcast Movement Evolutions event, where he was interviewed by Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group, which is partners on Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network podcast company, he unveiled a pair of new shows.
This includes The Big Sexy Interview Show with Michael Bolton and a standup comedy series The Feed.
The Big Sexy Interview Show with Michael Bolton comes from The Lonely Island’s Akiva Schaffer and Comedy Bang Bang’s Scott Aukerman.
Lonely Island, the troupe run by Schaffer, Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, was behind Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special, a Netflix variety special starring the crooner.
The Feed, which Ferrell describes as “inside baseball”, features a group of comedians that take over a podcast feed in character.
During a keynote interview at the Podcast Movement Evolutions event, where he was interviewed by Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group, which is partners on Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network podcast company, he unveiled a pair of new shows.
This includes The Big Sexy Interview Show with Michael Bolton and a standup comedy series The Feed.
The Big Sexy Interview Show with Michael Bolton comes from The Lonely Island’s Akiva Schaffer and Comedy Bang Bang’s Scott Aukerman.
Lonely Island, the troupe run by Schaffer, Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, was behind Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special, a Netflix variety special starring the crooner.
The Feed, which Ferrell describes as “inside baseball”, features a group of comedians that take over a podcast feed in character.
- 3/24/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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