Tag Archives: writers

Garry Shandling Dies; Beloved Comedian Was 66

Garry Shandling – the comedian best known as the star and creator on the sitcoms It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and The Larry Sanders Show – has passed away at the age of 66. The cause of death is unknown at this time, and sources close to Shandling say he was not being treated for any illnesses. Shandling’s contribution to the world of TV comedy cannot be overstated. With  Larry Sanders  he pioneered the single-camera, laugh track-free format that would later be mimicked by such series as The Office , Modern Family , and 30 Rock . Shandling and his writers also helped to establish the ribald-yet-highbrow style of humor that continues to define HBO sitcoms to this day. Shandling racked up dozens of film and television roles in his genre- and generation-spanning career.  Younger fans have taken to Twitter to mourn the loss of the man they know as Senator Stern from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Comedians, on the other hand, are singing Shandling’s praises as master of the art of standup, as well as one of the world’s most widely-imitated television writers. Shandling made the leap from advertising to comedy in 1973 when he sold a script for the classic sitcom Sanford and Son . Little he did know then that he would forever change the face of TV comedy. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten

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Garry Shandling Dies; Beloved Comedian Was 66

50 Cent Feuds With Cast of Empire, Looks Like a Fool

50 Cent has feuded with Puff Daddy , Ja Rule, Rick Ross and even Floyd Mayweather, but he may have just picked a fight with his fiercest opponent yet – Cookie Lyon. Yes, it seems 50 is not a fan of the hit Fox series Empire and he made his feelings clear on Instagram in a bizarre, homophobic rant: “There are 3 million less viewers who tuned into last night’s Empire episode!!!! did you watch it?” the post said. “We could not take the extra gay stuff or celebrity stuff last night!!!!” Beneath the re-gram (which has since been deleted) 50 wrote, “EMPIRES TV RATINGS TOOK A HUGE HIT. Ok I’ll stop now. COOKIE CALL ME BABY. I’ll tell every body to watch the show for you. LOL” 50 claims he didn’t read the original message in its entirety before he re-posted, and he claims he deleted it once someone called his attention to the homophobic content.  He makes no apology for his Empire, however. So why is 50 hatin’ on the show so hard? Well, part of the reason is that his similar-themed Starz series Power is no match for Empire in the ratings game. And it probably doesn’t help that the show took a shot at him in its second season premiere, when Cookie referred to 50 as “thirsty ass” for taking shots at the Lyon clan on Instagram. Naturally, 50 had to prove the writers wrong, by…showing some serious thirst on Instagram. We can’t help but think that 50 wouldn’t be bankrupt if he spent more time looking after his finances and less time looking for beef. Watch Empire online at TV Fanatic to remind yourself why the show is stomping Power in the ratings. View Slideshow: Empire Cast: Did You Know…?

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50 Cent Feuds With Cast of Empire, Looks Like a Fool

Difficult People: Amy Poehler Sitcom Jokes About Blue Ivy Carter Being Abused By R. Kelly

These days, we have so many entertainment options that It's difficult for a new show to break through, particularly when it features no major stars and airs on a streaming service that's not Netflix. Fortunately, we have some tips:  Focus on solid writing. Trust in the intelligence of the audience. Never ever, ever make a “joke” about child molestation, particularly when said “joke” involves a beloved toddler and a famously horrific real-life crime. Yes, for some reason, the writers of the new Amy Poehler-produced sitcom Difficult People thought they'd search for some laughs in SVU territory. Needless to say, it didn't go well. We can't even bring bring ourselves to quote the creepy-ass dialogue here, but suffice to day, it involves Blue Ivy Carter and the R. Kelly molestation case . Watch if you must, but say we didn't warn you.

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Difficult People: Amy Poehler Sitcom Jokes About Blue Ivy Carter Being Abused By R. Kelly

Kit Harington: DEFINITELY Returning to Game of Thrones!

Yesterday, we reported on a potentially massive Game of Thrones spoiler that now seems to have been confirmed. Sources are claiming that Jon Snow actor Kit Harington is definitely in Belfast filming episodes for the sixth season of Game of Thrones. TMZ is reporting that production insiders say this isn’t some True Detective-style fake-out : Jon did die in the Game of Thrones season 5 finale , but (as so many fans have predicted), he’ll return as a wight, or a white walker, or a warg-y wolf or maybe even Walter White (we kid), but he won’t be a watcher on the Wall.  We suppose now would be a good time to apologize for that spoiler in the headline, but come on – you knew he would be back from the moment his Night’s Watch brothers gave him the Julius Caesar treatment. We know George R.R. Martin and showrunners David Benioff and David Weiss have developed a reputation for offing major characters like it ain’t no thang, but the writers spent way too much time establishing Jon’s importance to the resolution of the show’s central conflicts to just leave him dead in the, um…snow. We guess what we’re saying is that if you really thought Kit was done with GoT for good, then you know nothing (about), Jon Snow. Watch Game of Thrones online at TV Fanatic if you’re already fiending for more bloody, boob-tastic action.

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Kit Harington: DEFINITELY Returning to Game of Thrones!

Kit Harington: DEFINITELY Returning to Game of Thrones!

Yesterday, we reported on a potentially massive Game of Thrones spoiler that now seems to have been confirmed. Sources are claiming that Jon Snow actor Kit Harington is definitely in Belfast filming episodes for the sixth season of Game of Thrones. TMZ is reporting that production insiders say this isn’t some True Detective-style fake-out : Jon did die in the Game of Thrones season 5 finale , but (as so many fans have predicted), he’ll return as a wight, or a white walker, or a warg-y wolf or maybe even Walter White (we kid), but he won’t be a watcher on the Wall.  We suppose now would be a good time to apologize for that spoiler in the headline, but come on – you knew he would be back from the moment his Night’s Watch brothers gave him the Julius Caesar treatment. We know George R.R. Martin and showrunners David Benioff and David Weiss have developed a reputation for offing major characters like it ain’t no thang, but the writers spent way too much time establishing Jon’s importance to the resolution of the show’s central conflicts to just leave him dead in the, um…snow. We guess what we’re saying is that if you really thought Kit was done with GoT for good, then you know nothing (about), Jon Snow. Watch Game of Thrones online at TV Fanatic if you’re already fiending for more bloody, boob-tastic action.

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Kit Harington: DEFINITELY Returning to Game of Thrones!

Anna Meara Dies; Veteran Actress Was 85

Anna Meara, a veteran actress of more than six decades and the mother of star Ben Stiller, died on Saturday of undisclosed causes. She as 85 years old. Also the wife of Jerry Stiller, Meara comprised one half of the Stiller & Meara comedy team, appearing on such variety programs as The Ed Sullivan Show. She and her husband were among the first graduates of the Second City comedy troupe and also teamed up for appearances on Rhoda, The Stiller and Meara Show and King of Queens. Meara earned a Writers Guild Award for co-writing the 1983 TV-movie The Other Woman. “Anne’s memory lives on,” reads a statement issued by her family, “in the hearts of daughter Amy, son Ben, her grandchildren, her extended family and friends, and the millions she entertained as an actress, writer and comedienne.” View Slideshow: Celebrities We Lost in 2015

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Anna Meara Dies; Veteran Actress Was 85

Harry Potter Cast: How Hot Are They Now?!?

Someone has cast an attractive spell on the cast of Harry Potter. After Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) appeared shirtless on the cover of Attitude Magazine , it got us to thinking about the young actors and actresses who have sky-rocketed to fame via the Harry Potter movie franchise. We met them as children. And now we do feel a tad gross to be ogling them as adults. But it's not our fault Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and many others have grown into such sexy young men and women. Really, it's not! Check out then-and-now photos of the main Harry Potter cast to see just how far these kids have come: 1. Daniel Radcliffe Daniel Radcliffe then? A boy wizard with glasses. Daniel Radcliffe now? A young man whose magic wand is wanted by women around the world. 2. Matthew Lewis Holy Longbottom! Matthew Lewis has given fans a new way to look at his character’s last name with the way he has grown up. 3. Rupert Grint Talk about a gorgeous Ginger! Rupert Grint has grown into a ravishing redhead, that much is certain. 4. Emma Watson Hermione isn’t just a hottie nowadays. She’s also a smartie, having graduated from Brown University. 5. Bonnie Wright Go ahead and smile, Bonnie Wright. It’s okay. You’ve turned into quite the young sex kitten, haven’t you? 6. Tom Felton All women love a bad boy, right? Especially when that bad boy grows up to look like Tom Felton, no? View Slideshow

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Harry Potter Cast: How Hot Are They Now?!?

Game of Thrones Preview: Wedding Bells For the Khaleesi?

If you watched Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 6 , then you know last week's installment offered even more horrific nightmare-fuel than usual. The show's creators are no strangers to dealing with the fallout from particularly disturbing scenes (Remember last year's Cersei-Jaime Lannister encounter? Our apologies if you managed to block it out.), but this time the fecal matter has hit the fan like never before. When a senator threatens to boycott your show you know you've reached an almost unprecedented level of controversy. So maybe the writers anticipated the blowback and they're planning to deliver a more subdued, crowd-pleasing episode this week. Ha! If you believe that, you know nothing, Jon Snow…   1. Snow on Snow We’re guessing Jon’s thinking, “I totally should’ve taken the Stark name when Stannis offered. I hate this weather.” 2. Melisandre and Stannis Melisandre: “What do you say we clear off this table and get down to business?” Stannis: “Okay, but can you not get pregnant with a weird shadow monster this time? Those things scare me.” 3. Jaime and Myrcella Have a Chat “The good news is: your dad’s not dead. The bad news is: I could use a new gold hand for Father’s Day.” 4. Tommen Gonna Knock You Out Tommen looks more than a little pissed here. We’re guessing being the king but having no real power has gotta sting a bit. 5. Cersei Lannister: Mother of the Year Cersei attempts to console Tommen. We guess after making him a pawn in her sick game, the least she can do is offer some kind words. 6. Sam and Gilly GoT’s least effed-up couple enjoys some time together. We imagine they don’t get much privacy at Castle Black. View Slideshow

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Game of Thrones Preview: Wedding Bells For the Khaleesi?

Game of Thrones: 9 Major Differences Between the Show and the Books

Even if you've never read George R.R. Martin's a A Song of Ice and Fire series, you're probably aware that the Game of Thrones showrunners have taken some serious liberties in adapting their source material. Some of the changes make perfect sense and were entirely expected (A 13-year-old Daenerys would've made for some pretty uncomfortable scenes in season one.), whereas others took hardcore fans by surprise. (Is  Sansa Stark really marrying Ramsay Bolton ?!) Here's a rundown of some of the biggest changes between the books and the wildly popular show. Obviously, spoilers lie ahead:   1. Worst. Fiance. Ever. In the books, Ramsay marries a friend of Sansa Stark’s, believing her to be Arya Stark. (Yeah, it’s complex). On the show, the writers chose to simplify things and raise the dramatic stakes by having the notorious sadist marry Sansa, instead. Might be good news for the audience, but it’s TERRIBLE news for poor Sansa. 2. THAT Scene Next to Joffrey’s Body One of GoT’s most controversial scenes showed what appeared to be Jaime Lannister raping his sister (and lover) next to the body of their dead son, Joffrey. In the book, the sex is consensual…though still pretty darn disturbing. 3. More Deaths Mean Fewer Actors to Pay! Barristan and Mance lost their lives this season, yet remain alive in the world of the books. The same can be said of Bran’s friend Jojen Reed in season four. Of course, in other worldly Westeros, you can never completely rule out the possibly of a return. In the books, the slain Catelynn Tully returns as the zombie-like Lady Stoneheart hell-bent on avenging her son’s death. That obviously hasn’t happened yet on the show, but we’re holding out hope. 4. Tyrion Lannister: Disfigured No More! In the books, Tyrion is profoundly disfigured at the Battle of Blackwater. On GoT, he’s simply left with a cool scar. Peter Dinklage explained the decision in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying, They’d have to [digitally paint] over my face in every frame, and that’s costly and time consuming. I think a scar solves everything.” 5. Robb’s Wife Doesn’t Lose Her Life In the books, Robb Stark marries a young nurse named Jeyne Westerling after he sleeps with her and feels guilty about it. On the show he marries Talisa Maegyr following a slightly longer romance. A pregnant Talisa gets stabbed to death at the Red Wedding. As far as we know, Jeyne is still alive in the books. 6. A Tale of Two Reeks In both the books and the show, Theon sacks Winterfell under orders from his father. In the books, however, he’s assisted by a hygenically-challenged prisoner named Reek…who eventually betrays him and reveals that he’s actually Ramsay Snow. In Martin’s version, Theon disappears for the next three books. In GoT, we get every gruesome detail of his torture. View Slideshow

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Game of Thrones: 9 Major Differences Between the Show and the Books

Game of Thrones: 9 Major Differences Between the Show and the Books

Even if you've never read George R.R. Martin's a A Song of Ice and Fire series, you're probably aware that the Game of Thrones showrunners have taken some serious liberties in adapting their source material. Some of the changes make perfect sense and were entirely expected (A 13-year-old Daenerys would've made for some pretty uncomfortable scenes in season one.), whereas others took hardcore fans by surprise. (Is  Sansa Stark really marrying Ramsay Bolton ?!) Here's a rundown of some of the biggest changes between the books and the wildly popular show. Obviously, spoilers lie ahead:   1. Worst. Fiance. Ever. In the books, Ramsay marries a friend of Sansa Stark’s, believing her to be Arya Stark. (Yeah, it’s complex). On the show, the writers chose to simplify things and raise the dramatic stakes by having the notorious sadist marry Sansa, instead. Might be good news for the audience, but it’s TERRIBLE news for poor Sansa. 2. THAT Scene Next to Joffrey’s Body One of GoT’s most controversial scenes showed what appeared to be Jaime Lannister raping his sister (and lover) next to the body of their dead son, Joffrey. In the book, the sex is consensual…though still pretty darn disturbing. 3. More Deaths Mean Fewer Actors to Pay! Barristan and Mance lost their lives this season, yet remain alive in the world of the books. The same can be said of Bran’s friend Jojen Reed in season four. Of course, in other worldly Westeros, you can never completely rule out the possibly of a return. In the books, the slain Catelynn Tully returns as the zombie-like Lady Stoneheart hell-bent on avenging her son’s death. That obviously hasn’t happened yet on the show, but we’re holding out hope. 4. Tyrion Lannister: Disfigured No More! In the books, Tyrion is profoundly disfigured at the Battle of Blackwater. On GoT, he’s simply left with a cool scar. Peter Dinklage explained the decision in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying, They’d have to [digitally paint] over my face in every frame, and that’s costly and time consuming. I think a scar solves everything.” 5. Robb’s Wife Doesn’t Lose Her Life In the books, Robb Stark marries a young nurse named Jeyne Westerling after he sleeps with her and feels guilty about it. On the show he marries Talisa Maegyr following a slightly longer romance. A pregnant Talisa gets stabbed to death at the Red Wedding. As far as we know, Jeyne is still alive in the books. 6. A Tale of Two Reeks In both the books and the show, Theon sacks Winterfell under orders from his father. In the books, however, he’s assisted by a hygenically-challenged prisoner named Reek…who eventually betrays him and reveals that he’s actually Ramsay Snow. In Martin’s version, Theon disappears for the next three books. In GoT, we get every gruesome detail of his torture. View Slideshow

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Game of Thrones: 9 Major Differences Between the Show and the Books