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As Westwood’s Geffen Playhouse celebrated the opening day of The Inheritance on Sunday, there was a special guest seated in the audience all day long: Matthew López. And what a day-turned-night it was.

The Tony-winning playwright turned up for an epic day at the Geffen, which presented part one and part two back-to-back with a block party in between.

The day’s schedule kicked off as doors opened at noon for a cocktail hour that preceded the first performance, from 1-4:30 p.m. An outdoor picnic followed from 4:30-6 p.m. featuring boxed lunches, an ice cream truck, a coffee cart and other treats sprinkled about on Le Conte Avenue, a spread that also featured a production-approved cherry tree. Then a musical performance and DJ in the Geffen courtyard from 6-7 p.m. followed by Part 2 and a post-show party...

Refresh for updates… Pioneering TV executive Jamie Tarses is being remembered in Hollywood today as a “fun, funny, brutally honest” and a “driving force” in some of the most beloved television series of a generation.

“She changed my life,” tweeted Kristen Johnston, star of NBC’s 3rd Rock from the Sun who said Tarses was a “huger early network supporter” of the 1996-2001 sitcom, adding that the exec “became 1 of my dearest friends. A trailblazer for women in the TV industry & an all-around beautiful, fun, brilliant person.

Chances are, she was the driving force behind your favorite show.”

Tarses died today from complications following a cardiac event last fall. She was 56.

Adam Pally, who starred in the Tarses-produced Happy Endings on ABC, tweeted, “Jamie Tarses was an asskicking beauty who beat up TV so bad that she was running NBC by age 32, In The 90’s!!! She was fun, funny, brutally honest,...

In one of the biggest surprises this past pilot season, ABC’s NYPD Blue reboot did not go to series but was kept in midseason contention with a possibility for redevelopment.

It now appears that particular iteration of NYPD Blue, a sequel to the original Emmy-winning series, is dead. It is not being redeveloped, and the cast was released in June.

But it’s not the end of NYPD Blue‘s comeback at the network, which aired the iconic 1990s cop drama series.

“There are conversations about continuing it but possibly in a different iteration,” ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke told Deadline during TCA on Monday.

The recent NYPD Blue pilot starred newcomer Fabien Frankel and co-starred original cast members Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup. The sequel centers on Theo (Frankel), the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his...

ABC’s NYPD Blue revival did not make it onto the network’s fall schedule — and now we know why.

“The main problem was that the bar was so high,” ABC’s entertainment president, Karey Burke tells TVLine of the “heartbreaking” decision to pass on the pilot. “It was a very good pilot. On any other network, in any other circumstance, that show [likely] gets on the air. For us, we kept the bar really high. We all felt like unless we can really advance the ball from the original let’s let the original rest. They did as good a...

ABC’s NYPD Blue revival won’t be on the fall schedule — but don’t count it out just yet.

The pilot for the Emmy-winning cop drama’s much-anticipated return will be reshot, our sister site Deadline reports, with an eye towards a possible slot in the Alphabet network’s midseason slate. ABC executives are still enthusiastic about the revival, but feel like it needs a bit more work.

A continuation of the groundbreaking 1993-2005 original series, the NYPD Blue revival stars British newcomer Fabien Frankel as Theo Sipowicz, son of Blue‘s iconic cop Andy Sipowicz, played by Dennis Franz.

ABC’s “NYPD Blue” sequel series will not air this fall, but remains under consideration for midseason, TheWrap has learned.

The police drama was one of the buzziest pilots at the network this season, but it will have to undergo some reshoots and retooling before ABC makes a final verdict later this year.

Written and executive produced by original series writers Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton, the new drama centers on Andy Sipowicz’s (Dennis Franz in the original 1993 series) son Theo (Fabien Frankel) as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Also Read: Broadcast Bloodbath: All of the TV Shows Canceled This Week (Photos)

Alona Tal co-stars alongside original cast members Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup. Jesse Bochco, son of “NYPD Blue” co-creator Steven Bochco, who died in April after a long battle with leukemia, is director and executive producer.

ABC is not presently moving forward with its “NYPD Blue” series continuation, but the project is not outright dead at the broadcaster.

Sources confirm to Variety that the network remains high on the project but feel it needs to be reworked before it is ready for air. The show may still get a midseason pickup once some tweaks have been made.

ABC gave “NYPD Blue” a pilot production commitment back in October. The new series follows Theo Sipowicz, son of original series main character Andy Sipowicz, as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. The pilot stars Fabien Frankel, Alona Tal, Kim Delaney, Bill Brochtrup, Rick Gomez, Ashley Thomas, and Sofia Barclay.

Original series writers and executive producers Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton are writing and executive producing the new show, with Jesse Bochco–son of “NYPD Blue...

Exclusive: With an iconic title like NYPD Blue, if you do a reboot, you need to nail every aspect of it with no margin for error. For that reason, I hear that ABC’s NYPD Blue pilot will not be going for fall. I hear ABC brass remain high on the project but feel it needs a little more work.

The pilot, among the buzziest dramas at ABC this season, will be tweaked and likely undergo some reshoots for midseason consideration.

The new iteration of the classic cop drama stars newcomer Fabien Frankel, who sources say has breakout potential, and co-stars original cast members Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup.

The sequel centers on Theo (Frankel), the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Like the original 1993-2005 ABC series,...

1980: Days' Tom & Alice celebrated their 50th anniversary.

1980: A train carrying Edge of Night's Draper derailed.

1983: Search for Tomorrow's Liza shot her father-in-law.

1991: The Young and the Restless' Nina shot David."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Millicent Collins (Nancy Barrett) visited Nathan Forbes and asked him to stay in Collinsport.

1979: On Another World, Jamie Frame (Tim Holcomb) told his mother, Rachel (Victoria Wyndham), he never wanted to see her again.

1980: On Days of our Lives, Tom Horton...

Luna Lauren Velez, one of the core cast members of the original 1990s Dick Wolf cop drama New York Undercover, is set to reprise her role as Nina Moreno in the series reboot, which has a pilot order at ABC. The project hails from Wolf, Hand of God creator Ben Watkins and director Anthony Hemingway.

Velez is joining another New York Undercover alum, star Malik Yoba, who will again play J.C. Williams like in the original series. In the follow-up, Williams is overseeing the NYC’s Fourth Precinct and the next generation of detectives. As for Moreno, she has retired as a detective but still has ties to the unit.

Yoba and Velez’s return mirrors a similar move by another 2019 ABC pilot that reboots a 1990s New York cop drama in present day, NYPD Blue, which recruited original cast members Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup.

The original series, which aired for four seasons,...

Malik Yoba, star of Dick Wolf’s 1990s series New York Undercover, has been tapped to star in the contemporary reboot of the cop drama, which has a pilot order at ABC. The project hails from Wolf, Hand of God creator Ben Watkins and director Anthony Hemingway.

Yoba will reprise his role as J.C. Williams from the original series. In the followup, Williams is now overseeing the unit and the next generation of detectives.

Yoba was at the heart of the original series. In addition to leading the cast, he was the only cast member to appear in all four seasons of the show’s run on Fox. Starring Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo as two undercover detectives in New York City’s Fourth Precinct, New York Undercover was the first police drama on American television to feature two people of color in starring roles.

New York Undercover bringing back Yoba...

ABC has given a formal pilot order to New York Undercover, a contemporary reboot of Dick Wolf’s 1990s series, from Wolf and Hand of God creator Ben Watkins. Anthony Hemingway has come on board to direct the pilot, produced by Wolf Films, Universal TV where the company is based, and ABC Studios.

New York Undercover, which had a pilot production commitment, joins another ABC pilot that reboots a 1990s New York cop drama in present day, NYPD Blue. Also like NYPD Blue, which is bringing back original cast members Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, the new New York Undercover too is expected to feature cast members from the original series reprising their roles.

Written by Watkins based on a story by Wolf and him, New York Undercover picks up 20 years after the end of the original series that changed the face of TV cop dramas.

24: Legacy and Salvation alum Ashley Thomas is set as one of the leads opposite Fabien Frankel in ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama.

The sequel centers on Theo (Frankel), the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Like the original 1993-2005 ABC series, the follow-up revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives, led by Theo. It also includes Detective Craig Pettibone (Rick Gomez) and Detective Nicole Lazarus (Alona Tal). Additionally, two cast members from the original series, Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, will reprise their roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin, respectively.

Thomas will play Detective Chris Gamble, another detective in the precinct.

The reboot hails from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead,...

Rick Gomez has been cast as one of the leads opposite Fabien Frankel in ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama.

The sequel centers on Theo (Frankel), the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Like the original 1993-2005 ABC series, the follow-up revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives, led by Theo. It also includes Detective Craig Pettibone (Gomez) and Detective Nicole Lazarus (Alona Tal). Additionally, two cast members from the original series, Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, will reprise their roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin, respectively.

Detective with the 15th Precinct, Pettibone (Gomez) is studying law at night with the goal of passing the bar one day. Although he hasn’t passed it yet,...

The “NYPD Blue” sequel pilot has cast Rick Gomez in the series regular role of Det. Craig Pettibone, Variety has learned.

Pettibone is studying law at night with the goal of passing the bar one day. Although he hasn’t passed it yet, he’s aggressive enough to be already drumming up clients by passing out his business card.

Gomez recently appeared in the ABC drama “The Crossing.” His other notable TV roles include stints on “Justified,” “Band of Brothers,” and “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.” On the film side, he has appeared in “Stand Up Guys,” “Ray,” “Sin City,” and “Transformers.”

He is repped by Apa.

Gomez’s casting comes just after Fabien Frankel was announced for the lead role of Theo Sipowicz, the son of the original series’ main character Andy Sipowicz. Other cast members in the pilot include Alona Tal, Bill Brochtrup, and Kim Delaney, the...

That’s Detective Rick Gomez, to you.

The Justified actor has joined ABC’s NYPD Blue revival pilot in a series-regular role, TVLine has learned.

The potential NYPD Blue continuation will center on Theo Sipowicz (played by newcomer Fabien Frankel), the son of Dennis Franz’s Andy Sipowicz. As he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th Precinct, the hard-headed Theo will also be investigating his father’s murder.

Gomez will co-star as Craig Pettibone, a detective in the precinct. Craig is studying law at night with the goal of passing the bar one day — but...

ABC's potential revival of NYPD Blue is moving full steam ahead. 

The series has found its leading man in Fabien Frankel who will lead the cast as Theo Sipowiz, per Variety. 

You may be thinking that name sounds familiar if you were a fan of the original series. Theo is the son of Andy (Dennis Franz) from the 1993-2005 show.

Theo is described as "a hard-drinking, hard-headed, and quick-witted cop."

The revival news broke in October, and it left fans up in arms about the execution of the new series. 

Related: NYPD Blue Sequel Set at ABC: Who's Dying?

The reason for that is that it will take place in a post-Andy Sipowicz world. Yes, really. 

His son, Theo will be front and center as he tries to find those responsible for murdering his father.

It's a different direction to take things, but Theo will also be trying to...

ABC went across the pond to find a leading man for its NYPD Blue revival pilot.

British newcomer Fabien Frankel is set to star in the potential series as Theo Sipowicz, the son of Dennis Franz’s Andy Sipowicz, according to our sister site Deadline.

As previously reported, the NYPD Blue continuation will center on Theo as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th Precinct… while investigating his father’s murder. Per Deadline, Theo is a “hard-drinking, hard-headed and quick-witted cop,” much like his old man.

This will be the first major TV role for Frankel,...

ABC’s “NYPD Blue” sequel pilot has cast British actor Fabien Frankel as Andy Sipowicz’s son, the series’ leading man, an individual with knowledge of the casting tells TheWrap.

Written and executive produced by original series writers Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton, the new drama will center on Andy Sipowicz’s (Dennis Franz) son Theo as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Frankel joins “NYPD Blue” alums Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, who have signed on to reprise their roles for the sequel pilot

Also Read: 'NYPD Blue' Sequel Pilot Adds Original Stars Bill Brochtrup and Kim Delaney

Delaney will reprise her role as Det. Diane Russell, who she played on the original run of “NYPD Blue” beginning in its second season, serving as series regular for Seasons 3 through 8. Brochtrup first joined the show...

The “NYPD Blue” pilot at ABC has cast newcomer Fabien Frankel in the role of Theo Sipowicz, Variety has confirmed.

Theo is the son of Andy Sipowicz, who was played in the original series by Dennis Franz. Like his father he is described as a hard-drinking, hard-headed, and quick-witted cop.

Frankel is a recent graduate of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. He made his professional acting debut in the off-West End production of “The Knowledge” in 2017. He is repped by Curtis Brown Group, Luber Roklin Entertainment, and Jackoway Tyerman.

Frankel joins previously announced cast members Alona Tal, Bill Brochtrup, Kim Delaney, the latter two of whom will reprise their roles from the original series.

ABC gave “NYPD Blue” a pilot production commitment back in October. The new series follows Theo as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Exclusive: After an extensive search, young British actor Fabien Frankel has landed the lead role of Theo Sipowicz in ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama.

The sequel centers on Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. Theo seems to have taken after his father as he too is a hard-drinking, hard-headed and quick-witted cop.

Like the original 1993-2005 ABC series, the follow-up revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives. Frankel’s Theo leads the quartet, which includes Detective Nicole Lazarus (Alona Tal). Additionally, two cast members from the original series, Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, will reprise their roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin, respectively.

The reboot hails from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead,...

Some familiar faces are returning to ABC. Deadline reports Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup will reprise their NYPD Roles for the network's spinoff pilot.

Delaney played Det. Diane Russell and Brochtrup portrayed Ppa John Irvin on the original series, which ran for 12 seasons before ending in 2005. The drama is set in the 15th precinct of the New York Police Department and revolves around cases in Manhattan.

Read More…...

“NYPD Blue” stars Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup have signed on to reprise their roles in the “NYPD Blue” sequel pilot that is currently in the works at ABC.

Delaney will reprise her role as Det. Diane Russell, which she played on the original run of “NYPD Blue” beginning in its second season, serving as series regular for Seasons 3 through 8. Brochtrup first joined the show in a recurring capacity as administrative assistant John Irvin in Season 2, before being upped to series regular later in the show’s run.

Written and executive produced by original series writers Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton, the new drama will center on Andy Sipowicz’s (Dennis Franz) son Theo as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.

Also Read: ABC Sets Up 'NYPD Blue' Sequel Series Following Andy Sipowicz's Son

“Seal Team...

Well, they couldn't continue without any of the original stars stopping by, could they? 

ABC's NYPD Blue revival has added two stars of the original series to its cast. 

Per Variety, Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup have been locked down to appear on the potential sequel. 

Delaney and Brochtrup will reprise their respective roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin. 

News of the revival broke in October, and it left fans with a bad taste in their mouths. 

Related: NYPD Blue Sequel Set at ABC: Who's Dying?

The reason for that is that it will take place in a post-Andy Sipowicz world. His son, Theo will be front and center as he tries to find those responsible for murdering his father. 

It's certainly a different direction to take things, but Theo will also be trying to earn his stripes as a detective in the 15th squad, so we've to...

The potential continuation of “NYPD Blue” at ABC is bringing back some familiar faces.

Kim Delaney will reprise her role as Det. Diane Russell in the pilot, while Bill Brochtrup will return in the role of Police Administrative Assistant John Irvin. They join previously announced new cast member Alona Tal, who will play female lead Det. Nicole Lazarus.

Delaney joined the hit cop drama in its second season and stayed with the show until its eighth season. Since appearing on “NYPD Blue,” Delaney had a major role in the series “Army Wives” and has appeared on shows such as “The O.C.,” “The Oath,” and “Chicago Fire.” She is repped by Gersh, Zero Gravity Management, and Link Entertainment.

Brochtrup also joined “NYPD Blue” in Season 2, staying with the show until its final episode. His credits since include “Dexter,” “Shameless,” “Without a Trace,” and a recurring role on the TNT series “Major Crimes.

ABC’s in-the-works NYPD Blue revival has apprehended two of the original series’ stars. TVLine has learned that Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup will reprise their respective roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin in the pilot, which is set to begin production next month. The duo will be billed as series regulars.

As previously reported, the potential series centers on a now-adult Theo Sipowicz, who is attempting to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father Andy’s murder. Andy, of course, was played by Og cast member Dennis Franz. The role of...

Two familiar faces are joining the ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama from 20th tV and ABC Studios. Kim Delaney will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Det. Diane Russell from the original series, while Bill Brochtrup will reprise his role as Ppa John Irvin.

Delaney joined NYPD Blue as a recurring in Season 2 and was a series regular in Seasons 3-8 before leaving to topline another series for NYPD Blue co-creator/executive producer Steven Bochco, Philly. She then returned as a recurring in the final two seasons, 11-12. Brochtrup recurred on- and off- during Seasons 2-4 before becoming a series regular in Season 5 for the rest of the show’s 12-season run.

Delaney, who earned three Emmy nominations and a win in 1997 for NYPD Blue, is said to be the only lead actor from the original whose character was written into the sequel pilot,...

Vulture Watch Is it the end of the line for Commander Sharon Raydor and the detectives in the Lapd's Major Crimes Division? Has the Major Crimes TV show been cancelled or renewed for a seventh season on TNT? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Major Crimes, season seven. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  What's This TV Show About? Airing on the TNT cable channel, Major Crimes stars Mary McDonnell, G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz, Phillip P. Keene, Graham Patrick Martin, Kearran Giovanni, Jonathan Del Arco, Leonard Roberts, Jessica Meraz, and Daniel di Tomasso. Jon Tenney, Ransford Doherty, Kathe Mazur, Rene Rosado, Dawnn Lewis, and Bill Brochtrup recur.

In 1995, we had a wrap party for Season 2 of <em>NYPD Blue</em> at Spago in Beverly Hills. I was so green and I couldn't believe that I was even invited because, at that time, I was just a recurring character. When I arrived, there was Steven standing at the front door.

I came to find out that he always did that — holiday parties, wrap parties and everything — he stood at the door and greeted every single person that came in the door. I walked toward him and he grabbed me by the arms, gave me one of ...

1980: Days' Tom & Alice celebrated their 50th anniversary.

1980: A train carrying Edge of Night's Draper derailed.

1983: Search for Tomorrow's Liza shot her father-in-law.

1991: The Young and the Restless' Nina shot David."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Millicent Collins (Nancy Barrett) visited Nathan Forbes and asked him to stay in Collinsport.

Yesterday, TNT announced its Major Crimes TV show would end with the upcoming sixth season. Now, creator James Duff, and star Mary McDonnell are reacting to the news that Major Crimes is ending, and it sounds like a cancellation to us. Check out their reactions, below, and let us know what you think. A sequel to the Kyra Sedgwick crime drama, The Closer, Major Crimes made its TNT debut back in August of 2012. The police procedural series also stars G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz, Phillip P. Keene, Graham Patrick Martin, Kearran Giovanni, Jonathan Del Arco, Leonard Roberts, Jessica Meraz and Daniel di Tomasso. Jon Tenney, Ransford Doherty, Kathe Mazur, Rene Rosado, Dawnn Lewis, and Bill Brochtrup recur. The sixth and final season premieres on Halloween, October 31st, at 9:00pm (Et/Pt). TNT says two-episode...

[caption id="attachment_50571" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Jere Burns, photo: Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images For Turner./caption]

Angie Tribeca's Jere Burns, late of Justified, will guest star on the fifth season of TNT's Major Crimes TV show. According to TV Line, Burns will play Eliot Chase, "...a methodical and tightly wound former engineer who lost everything, including his job, wife and house, and now aims to make a bold statement against those who harmed him." Major Crimes, season five, premieres Monday, June 13, at 10:00pm Et/Pt.

The Major Crimes TV series cast includes: Mary McDonnell, G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz, Phillip P. Keene, Kearran Giovanni, Jonathan Del Arco, Robert Gossett, and Graham Patrick Martin. Dawnn Lewis, Jon Tenney, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Ransford Doherty, Kathe Mazur, Rene Rosado, Ever Caradine, and Bill Brochtrup recur.

Read More…...

Rusty Beck (wonderfully played by Graham Patrick Martin) has been an integral part of TNT’s Major Crimes since, well, before the show even aired. He made his debut on the series finale of The Closer, and was brought back for the spinoff, and we’ve spent the last two and a half seasons watching his journey.

Last night’s episode was a pivotal one for Rusty, as he gathered the courage to come out to his fiends in the squad room, and thanks to out showrunner James Duff, it was handled without histrionics, and with humor and sensitivity.

The episode centered around a therapy session Rusty has with Dr. Bowman (played by the out Bill Brochtrup), and Rusty’s coming out is told through a case the Major Crimes Unit is investigating.

An Indian man has been killed in a swanky Hollywood hotel, and the unit discovers he had...

[Warning: The following story contains spoilers from Monday's episode of TNT's Major Crimes. Read at your own risk.] 

As Major Crimes' Rusty Beck learned on Monday's episode, keeping secrets can actually just lead to more pain.

The episode, which was told mostly from Rusty's point of view during a therapy session with Dr. Joe (Bill Brochtrup), featured a murder that implicated a foreign diplomat whose daughter, Lina (Rima Rajan), was set to wed the victim in an arranged marriage. Although the diplomat used his immunity to escape questioning and potential punishment, the real killer turned out to be Lina's American boyfriend, whom she had kept hidden from her parents.

Major Crimes: Will Rusty put his secrets behind him?

Realizing how Lina's secret had destroyed multiple lives, Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin) finally decided to get past his own fears and tell the members of the squad his truth...

Read More >...

[Warning: The following story contains spoilers from Monday's episode of TNT's Major Crimes. Read at your own risk.] 

As Major Crimes' Rusty Beck learned on Monday's episode, keeping secrets can actually just lead to more pain.

The episode, which was told mostly from Rusty's point of view during a therapy session with Dr. Joe (Bill Brochtrup), featured a murder that implicated a foreign diplomat whose daughter, Lina (Rima Rajan), was set to wed the victim in an arranged marriage. Although the diplomat used his immunity to escape questioning and potential punishment, the real killer turned out to be Lina's American boyfriend, whom she had kept hidden from her parents.

Major Crimes: Will Rusty put his secrets behind him?

Realizing how Lina's secret had destroyed multiple lives, Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin) finally decided to get past his own fears and tell the members of the squad his truth...

Read More >...

News

The BBC has updated guidelines for its news division, clarifying that news programs should prioritize factual accuracy over impartiality in science reporting.

Variety credits John Oliver for reinvigorating the satirical news program with long segments that pack in the facts– while still being entertaining enough to get shared all over the internet.

Harmony Gold, the company that brought Robotech to TV, is hoping to revive the series. They plan on turning to Kickstarter to make a pilot for Robotech Academy and hope it can be made into a series from that.

New York magazine declares Orphan Black‘s Helena as the series’ most interesting innovation. She’s a monster who eventually charms the audience while maintaining her horrific qualities. That’s not uncommon among male monsters, but female monsters tend to have their deeds rationalized or they turn out to be motivated by their victimhood. Helena is far more complicated.

• 12 Years A Slave Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and The Avengers’s Scarlett Johansson are both in talks to lend their voices to Disney’s upcoming live-action/CG adaption of The Jungle Book. Nyong’o is currently in talks to play Rakcha, the mother wolf who adopts Mowgli, while Johansson is in early negotiations to lend her voice to the character of Kaa, a python who eats its victims by hypnotizing them. Iron Man’s Jon Favreau is set to direct the film based on the classic novel by Rudyard Kipling which will also star Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom...

News

BBC America has picked up the second season of Atlantis after its big debut following the Doctor Who anniversary special.

In an interesting development, ABC Family has ordered a full season of its upcoming drama Chasing Life, according to Deadline. Since it has yet to debut, that suggests the network has really liked episodes made so far.

For a while, The Food Network did well by dropping most of the cooking shows in favor for lifestyle programming and reality shows. However, now it’s losing viewers and Vulture theorizes that it might be the lack of cooking shows that’s causing it. And it’s not that viewers would be lured back to wanting to watch Good Eats on a channel full of Cutthroat Kitchens. The problem is, the channel no longer has a way to nurture promising talent.

Kirk Acevedo has joined the pilot for Syfy’s version of 12 Monkeys,...

The Antaeus Company, one of Los Angeles' preeminent theaters, has been undergoing upheaval for the past two weeks, as a group of company members has ousted its artistic director from office. At the end of June, Jeanie Hackett was voted out of her leadership position after eight years and given the afternoon to clear her belongings from her desk at the theater in North Hollywood. Whether this giant of a company will retain its earthly footing is now in the hands of its new leadership. Company members Kitty Swink and Bill Brochtrup, who had been the associate artistic directors, are serving as co–artistic directors.In its 20-year history, the classical theater ensemble has attracted some of the city's great talents to its ranks. Many of its actors are well known onscreen and in theaters nationwide, and some of the city's finest directors and designers have given their artistry to Antaeus productions.

Mark Pinter (ex-Thomas, General Hospital; ex-Roger, All My Children; ex-Brian, As The World Turns; ex-Grant, Another World; ex-Mark, Guiding Light; ex-Tom, Love Of Life) - 61

Bryan Cranston (ex-Doug, Loving) - 55

Mary Beth Evans (ex-Kayla, Days Of Our Lives; ex-Sierra, As The World Turns; ex-Katherine, General Hospital; ex-Dakota, Rituals) - 50

Bill Brochtrup (ex-Hank, Days Of Our Lives) - 48

Jennifer Roszell (ex-Eleni, Guiding Light) - 45

Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone, Passions; ex-Katie, General Hospital) - 35

Jessica Jimenez (ex-Catalina, Guiding Light)...

Lets face it, as television viewers we grow attached to the gay characters that resonate with us on the small screen, and with the actors that bring life to these roles. We also find ourselves growing fond of out-and-proud actors that have opted to play it straight thats why its called acting, people and vice versa.

So when their shows are cancelled or taken off the air before they wear out their welcome (whatever, I still miss Sex and the City on Sunday nights, ok?), it can be a little bit difficult to see them slide into other TV roles easier than Lindsay Lohan checking into another rehab (Im rootin for you, girl).

Alas, sometimes that isnt always the case, which might have you asking yourself, Where are they now? In some cases for these actors, it could be taken as a query of, Where did they disappear to?

But for curiosity's (and manner's) sake,...

We delightedly announce the 2009 Garland Awards, voted on by the Southern California theatre critics of Back Stage. Congratulations to the recipients. Your work touched us, made us think, made us proud to support the bustling, vibrant, inventive community that is Southland theatre. The critics who voted are Paul Birchall, Jeff Favre, Hoyt Hilsman, Travis Holder, Wenzel Jones, Iris Mann, Eric Marchese, Dany Margolies, Dink O’Neal, Brad Schreiber, Madeleine Shaner, Les Spindle, Neal Weaver, and Jennie Webb. Collectively we saw hundreds of shows in 2008, whether we were reviewing or not. This is true devotion to theatre. Under our voting system, each Garland winner was named on at least three critics' Best of 2008 lists. Each critic listed up to five nominees for each category except performance, up to 10 nominees for performance in musical productions and 10 for straight plays. Lists, minus the winners, are here Critics List. This year we present two...

Have a question about gay male entertainment? Ask the Monkey! (Please include your city and state and/or country.)

Q: What do you think about this whole “gay face” mini-meme? – Michael

A: The Flying Monkey just heard about it and I’m already tired of it.

While studies show there is no difference in the actual physical facial characteristics of gay versus straight men, other studies suggest some gay men might hold their faces, especially in the mouth area, in such a way that makes other people more likely to identify them as gay.

And this is news why? We all know there are physical and verbal stereotypes – mannerisms and such that are associated with gayness. We also know that sometimes the stereotypes are right – some gay people do conform to them – and sometimes they’re wrong: many gay people don’t conform to them, and some straight people who do.

Given the fact that Sean Penn just nabbed an Oscar for playing gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, surely there is still no stigma attached to playing gay, right?

That’s an easy assumption for many viewers – gay and straight – to make, but what do the men who play these roles believe?

AfterElton.com talked with a number of actors who have played gay roles past and present for their thoughts. Do they think playing a gay role can help, hurt or have no real effect on their careers? How has that changed over the years? What do their peers think? And have we finally moved beyond the stigma a gay role once carried?

Their answers might surprise you.

Surprising reaction to gay role on “Raising The Bar.”

On TNT’s hit legal drama, Raising the Bar, Jonathan Scarfe plays Charlie Sagansky, a law clerk working for a powerful female judge...

Noises Off by Michael Frayn directed by Art Manke Creative Team: John Iacovelli (Set Design), Angela Balogh Calin (Costume Design), York Kennedy (Lighting Design), Vincent Olivieri (Sound Design), Ken Merckx (Movement Consultant), David Nevell (Dialect Coach), Linda Sullivan Baity (Dramaturg) and Jamie Tucker (Stage Manager). Cast: Nancy Bell (Belinda Blair), Bill Brochtrup (Garry Lejeune), Kandis Chappell (Dotty Otley), Winslow Corbett (Poppy Norton-Taylor), Kaleo Griffith (Lloyd Dallas), Brian Hostenske (Tim Allgood), Timothy Landfield (Frederick Fellowes), Jennifer Lyon (Brooke Ashton) and Nick Ullett (Selsdon Mowbray). Michael Frayn's hilarious backstage farce follows an inept acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night...

Noises Off by Michael Frayn directed by Art Manke Creative Team: John Iacovelli (Set Design), Angela Balogh Calin (Costume Design), York Kennedy (Lighting Design), Vincent Olivieri (Sound Design), Ken Merckx (Movement Consultant), David Nevell (Dialect Coach), Linda Sullivan Baity (Dramaturg) and Jamie Tucker (Stage Manager). Cast: Nancy Bell (Belinda Blair), Bill Brochtrup (Garry Lejeune), Kandis Chappell (Dotty Otley), Winslow Corbett (Poppy Norton-Taylor), Kaleo Griffith (Lloyd Dallas), Brian Hostenske (Tim Allgood), Timothy Landfield (Frederick Fellowes), Jennifer Lyon (Brooke Ashton) and Nick Ullett (Selsdon Mowbray). Michael Frayn's hilarious backstage farce follows an inept acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night...

South Coast Repertory today announced the cast and creative team for Michael Frayn's ingenious comedic masterpiece, Noises Off. Directed by Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award winner Art Manke, Noises Off will run from Feb. 6 through March 8 on the Segerstrom Stage. Low-priced previews are available from Feb. 6 through Feb. 12. Opening night is Feb. 13. Press night is Saturday, Feb. 14 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to Noises Off may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the Scr box office. Noises Off follows the on-and off-stage antics of an inept acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night. Everything that can go wrong does, as actors desperately try to hang on to their lines, their performances and the furniture. Add a slippery plate of sardines and many slamming doors, and you have the most hilarious backstage farce ever written.

South Coast Repertory today announced the cast and creative team for Michael Frayn's ingenious comedic masterpiece, Noises Off. Directed by Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award winner Art Manke, Noises Off will run from Feb. 6 through March 8 on the Segerstrom Stage. Low-priced previews are available from Feb. 6 through Feb. 12. Opening night is Feb. 13. Press night is Saturday, Feb. 14 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to Noises Off may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the Scr box office. Noises Off follows the on-and off-stage antics of an inept acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night. Everything that can go wrong does, as actors desperately try to hang on to their lines, their performances and the furniture. Add a slippery plate of sardines and many slamming doors, and you have the most hilarious backstage farce ever written.