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Ken Daurio, the writer behind such animation franchises as Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets, is set to pen the script for a new feature adaptation.

Sycamore Studios has tapped Daurio to write its animated movie Zita the Spacegirl, based on Ben Hatke’s best-selling graphic novel series, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. Production is expected to begin in early 2026 on the project that counts Marvel Studios alum Jeremy Latcham (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Avengers) as executive producer.

Zita the Spacegirl centers on a girl who finds a strange device that sends her to an alien world, where she must save her friend and possibly the entire galaxy. The film marks the second feature project in the works for Sycamore Studios, a new entertainment company from co-founders Christian McGuigan and Tim Reckart.

“Ken’s writing proves that there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff between emotion and comedy,...

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Broadway Video and No Guarantees Productions today presented a New York City reading of Schmigadoon!, which had its world premiere earlier this year at the Kennedy Center. Tony Award winner Christopher Gattell directs and choreographs the new musical with book, music, and lyrics by Emmy winner and Grammy Award nominee Cinco Paul. The reading starred two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman as Josh Skinner and Sara Chase as Melissa Gimble, New York doctors who go backpacking in a last-ditch attempt to save their failing relationship, but instead get lost in the woods and end up trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town that’s a classic Golden Age musical come to life. They are joined by Christopher Fitzgerald, Max Clayton, McKenzie Kurtz, Isabelle McCalla, Ivan Hernandez, <a...

Following its debut in 2021, the Apple TV+ musical series Schmigadoon! stole views and praise for its unconventional story about a couple who gets trapped in a series of musical theatre settings. Further, proving to be quite entertaining, the show managed to come up with a second season.

Josh and Melissa in a still from Schmigadoon! | image: Apple TV

Each season followed different musical eras—the first paid homage to the Golden Age in the ’40s and ’50s, and the second explored the grittier time of the ’60s and ’70s. But surprisingly, that marked the end of it. Although the creators wrote the third season, Apple TV made the sick move of canceling the show. So buckle up to learn why the show was discontinued.

Schmigadoon! co-creator Cinco Paul dropped the sad news on social media

Producing a musical on a weekly basis is a massive task, but when it came to Schmigadoon!

Despicable Me Films Ranked At The Worldwide Box Office( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Despicable Me 4 kept the theatres busy in 2024, and although it was predicted to cross the $1 billion mark, it fell short of that. However, it was still a huge success and one of the top 5 highest-grossing films of last year. However, is it the biggest film in the main franchise? Let’s find out!

About the Franchise –

The franchise was created by Sergio Pablos, Cinco Paul, and Ken Daurio. The films are produced by Illumination and distributed by its parent company, Universal Pictures. The first film came out in 2010, and it was directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin. Meanwhile, the fourth film has only been directed by Chris Renaud. There are four films in the Despicable Me film series and two prequel series, Minions and Minions: The Rise of Gru. However, we will only rank the Despicable Me films.

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Apple TV+ has quickly become the place where you find peak TV, and to achieve that status, they have to leave some shows behind and support the shows with potential. 2024 has been a pretty good year for Apple TV+ as it saw the premieres of some great new shows like The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin and Sugar, but we also have some shows that didn’t make it out of the chopping block. So, let’s find out if your favorite Apple TV+ original series makes the cut or not.

Canceled Schmigadoon! (Cancelled After Season 2) Credit – Apple TV+

Schmigadoon! is a musical comedy series created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The Apple TV+ series was beloved by both the critics and the audiences for its great songs and unique way of storytelling. Schmigadoon! came out...

As each year comes to an end, entertainment outlets remind us of all the beloved celebrities who left us over the past 12 months. There’s no need to get that depressing, but why not pour one out for the comedy television we lost in 2024?

Whether it was due to cancelation, lost networks or creator fatigue, here are six shows that comedy fans were mourning this year…

1 Curb Your Enthusiasm

How did a show that premiered in 1999 give us only 12 seasons? Larry David’s comedy ode to himself finally concluded in 2024, devising an ending that essentially apologized for the botch job on that Seinfeld finale all those years ago.

The show has gone dark before (David and the show disappeared for six years after Season 8), only to return. But he insists that Curb Your Enthusiasm is finally done, especially because HBO did very little groveling about another encore. “I’m very susceptible to a beg,...

It’s Musicals Week at IndieWire. With “Wicked” about to sparkle over theaters, we’re celebrating the best of the movie-musical genre.

Season 1 of “Schmigadoon!” was a welcome bright spot in the waning days of the Covid-19 pandemic when it premiered in July 2021. The relentlessly cheery homage to and gentle spoof of Golden Age Broadway musicals was a throwback that also heralded a new voice in American musicals with Cinco Paul’s infectious songs and witty scripts. But the experience wasn’t quite what Paul had in mind when Apple TV+ first greenlit the show.

“Shooting Season 1 wasn’t as fun as I’d hoped it to be,” Paul told IndieWire with a rueful laugh. “Pre-covid, we were greenlit, and I was like, ‘It’ll be so fun, and we’ll hang out between takes.’ I had this image of it in my head, and it was not everybody double-masked,...

Richard E. Grant, Emily Mortimer, Charles Dance, Fiona Shaw, Tom Davis and Weruche Opia are boarding the Netflix comedy Ladies First opposite Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike.

Thea Sharrock is directing from a screenplay by Katie Silberman, Cinco Paul and Natalie Krinsky.

Pic, which is based on Eléonore Pourriat’s Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile, follows a womanizer who gets a real wakeup call when he finds himself in a parallel world dominated by women – a fiery female counterpart makes things far more complicated.

Producers are Liza Chasin for 3dot Productions, Eleonore Dailly and Edouard de Lachomette.

The feature project falls under Chasin’s creative partnership with Netflix, which sees her produce feature films via her shingle, 3dot Productions. Recently released is Lonely Planet...

Netflix romantic-comedy feature Ladies First is lining up its talent.

Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), Emily Mortimer (Paddington in Peru), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), Tom Davis (Wonka) and Weruche Opia (Genius: MLK/X) are joining the cast of the feature from director Thea Sharrock (The Beautiful Game). Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike were previously announced to star in the project that adapts director Eleonore Pourriat’s French-language movie Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile.

Katie Silberman (Booksmart), Natalie Krinsky (The Broken Hearts Gallery) and Cinco Paul (Despicable Me) penned the script for the new film. A release date has not yet been announced.

Ladies First follows a womanizer who gets a shock when he is suddenly living in a world dominated by women, with an opinionated female counterpart adding to the complications.

Producers include Liza Chasin for 3dot Productions,...

In Ladies First, Oscar nominee Sacha Baron Cohen faces off with fellow Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike as a womanizer who finds himself in a very unfamiliar landscape — an alternate reality where women hold all the power.

The new filmwill be directed by Thea Sharrock with a screenplay by Katie Silberman, Cinco Paul, and Natalie Krinsky. Read on for more information, and stay tuned as production for the filmheats up.

A womanizer gets a real wake-up call when he finds himself in a parallel world dominated by women — a fiery female counterpart makes things far more complicated. This English-language romantic comedy is an adaptation based on Eléonore Pourriat’s Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile.

The cast of the upcoming comedy includes:

There’s no release date...

Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike are set to inhabit an alternate society in the Netflix romantic-comedy feature Ladies First.

Filmmaker Thea Sharrock (The Beautiful Game) is helming the project that adapts director Eleonore Pourriat’s French-language movie Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile. Katie Silberman (Booksmart), Natalie Krinsky (The Broken Hearts Gallery) and Cinco Paul (Despicable Me) penned the script for the new film.

Ladies First follows a womanizer who gets a shock when he is suddenly living in a world dominated by women, with an opinionated female counterpart adding to the complications.

A release date has not yet been announced.

Producers include Liza Chasin for 3dot Productions, along with Eleonore Dailly, Edouard de Lachomette and Four By Two Films.

Translated as I Am Not an Easy Man, the original film Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile stars Vincent Elbaz and Marie-Sophie Ferdane. It debuted on Netflix...

Exclusive: Netflix has set Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike to star in Ladies First, a comedy directed by Thea Sharrock. The film is an adaptation based on the Eleonore Pourriat-directed French film Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile.

Pic is scripted by Katie Silberman (Booksmart), Natalie Krinsky (The Broken Hearts Gallery) and Cinco Paul (Schmigadoon!). Baron Cohen will play an unrepentant womanizer who finds himself in a parallel world dominated by women. A fiery female counterpart (Pike) makes things even more complicated.

Ladies First is produced by Liza Chasin of 3dot Productions, under her creative partnership with Netflix, where she has percolating the Laura Dern-starrer Lonely Plane and Sofia Carson-starrer The Life List. Also producing is Eleonore Dailly, Edouard de Lachomette and Four By Two Films.

Baron Cohen, who’ll next be seen starring with Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline in the Alfonso Cuarón-directed Apple TV+ series Disclaimer,...

Migration's success on Netflix has sparked interest in similar heartwarming family stories in other movies. Potential movies like The Lorax, The Secret Life of Pets, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines offer humor and emotion like Migration. Films like Mr. Peabody & Sherman and Madagascar share themes of overcoming fear and the importance of family, similar to Migration.

Illumination Studios' Migration has gotten a new life since being added to Netflix, and some viewers may want more of its heartwarming family story in other movies. Migration was recently added to Netflix, and a whole slew of new viewers got a chance to experience its family-friendly story. Migration is great on its own - it features a talented voice acting cast, a timeless story, and some hilarious jokes and gags - and there are 10 other movies that keep that good time rolling.

Migration was made by Illumination Studios, the production company...

The ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Minions’ series' have left an incredible mark with six movies in the books, let’s see how each movie performed and what the franchise has in store for the future! The ‘Despicable me’ franchise has become a renowned name all around the world since its start in 2010. From its smaller beginnings to the release of the franchise's 4th film earlier this month. The series has become a phenomenon with 6 total movies. Four movies follow the ‘Despicable me’ series and 2 follow the Minions series which is set to be the prequel to all ‘Despicable me’ movies. Produced by Illumination Productions and distributed by Universal pictures, the movies all center around Gru, his three daughters and the very loved minions. The concept of the series originated from animator Sergio Pablos, who founded his animation company Spa Studios, with the aid of other ideas before becoming a global blockbuster franchise under Illumination Productions.

Is the Despicable Me franchise a Darwinist project in which the Minions started their evolution back at the beginning of life on Earth, or did intelligent design deliver Gru his wacky yellow Tic-Tac workers? More importantly, are the films’ writers finally ready to answer the Hitler question?

When Despicable Me premiered in the summer of 2010, the star of the smash-hit kid’s comedy wasn’t Steve Carell playing the lead villain Gru, or Jason Segel’s alternate antagonist Vector, or even the thankfully-since-fired Russell Brand as the brilliant scientist Dr. Nefario. No, regardless of the billing order, the undeniable headliner of the massively successful movie that launched a seven-film franchise was the collective order of the Minions, Gru’s colorful cronies whose slapstick antics and love of bananas captivated children and adults alike to the tune of a half-billion-dollar return at the box office.

Like all Despicable Me characters, the...

The music may have stopped, and the curtain may be closed on Schmigadoon!, but series creator and showrunner Cinco Paul isn't about to leave viewers hanging on what a potential Season 3 would've looked like. At the time the show was canceled in January, he revealed that new episodes were in the works and the story was fully written, complete with 25 new songs parodying the musicals of the 1980s and 90s. He's now taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share the full lineup of inspirations for the season to give viewers a taste of what could've been for the Apple TV+ darling. Key among those selections was one of Stephen Sondheim's classics, inspiring the subtitle "Into the Schmoods."...

The “Despicable Me” franchise began in 2010 with the first animated film from creators/writers Sergio Pablos, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The story focuses on a former supervillain turned secret agent named Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), and his adorable yellow sidekicks, the Minions. The original movie raked in $251.7 million in the United States alone, and $543 million total worldwide. Because of that breakout success, Universal Pictures and Illumination wanted more, more, more. Hence, there have been three “Despicable Me” direct sequels plus two spin-offs, “Minions” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

In addition to the six feature films, the ever-growing franchise includes several short films, a TV special, video games, and a Universal Studios ride. “Despicable Me” is the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time, earning more than $4.6 billion (and counting), with “Shrek” in second place and “Toy Story” in third place.

See Watch our lively chats with hundreds...

The “Despicable Me” franchise began in 2010 with the first animated film from creators/writers Sergio Pablos, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The story focuses on a former supervillain turned secret agent named Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), and his adorable yellow sidekicks, the Minions. The original movie raked in $251.7 million in the United States alone, and $543 million total worldwide. Because of that breakout success, Universal Pictures and Illumination wanted more, more, more. Hence, there have been three “Despicable Me” direct sequels plus two spin-offs, “Minions” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

In addition to the six feature films, the ever-growing franchise includes several short films, a TV special, video games, and a Universal Studios ride. “Despicable Me” is the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time, earning more than $4.6 billion (and counting), with “Shrek” in second place and “Toy Story” in third place.

While it’s obvious that fans worldwide...

For a certain sector of TV watchers, “Schmigadoon!” was a glorious gift from heaven, an homage to and sly sendup of musicals from Broadway’s golden age in Season 1 and musicals from the darker and seedier ’70s and ’80s in Season 2. Then, Apple TV+ canceled the comedy, and TV got a little less weird and fun.

Now comes word that the musical — which starred Keegan Michael-Key and Cecily Strong as a couple who, first accidentally and then intentionally, land in a world where everyone lives up to the standards of musical theater convention — will make its live-action debut at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in January 2025, directed and choreographed by the series’ choreographer, Christopher Gattelli with a book, music, and lyrics by series creator Cinco Paul.

In a review of Season 1, IndieWire’s Kristen Lopez wrote, “’Schmigadoon’ is a gamble, but it’s one I hope pays off.

Schmigadoon! the musical comedy TV series is about to become Schmigadoon! the musical comedy stage production.

Kennedy Center’s Broadway Center Stage in Washington D.C. announced today that the Schmigadoon! stage musical will get its world premiere production at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater in a run set for January 31-February 9.

Based on the Emmy-winning series that ran for two seasons on Apple TV+ from 2021-23, Schmigadoon! the musical will, like the series, focus on two New York doctors, Josh and Melissa, who go backpacking in a last-ditch attempt to save their failing relationship, but instead get lost in the woods and end up trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town that’s a classic Golden Age musical come to life.

Casting for the stage musical was not announced.

The musical will featuring hits from the series’ Grammy–nominated score, including the Emmy–winning “Corn Puddin’”, in addition to new songs.

Schmigadoon! is getting an unexpected encore. After being cancelled earlier this year, the Apple TV+ musical comedy will live again, this time as a stage production in Washington D.C.

As part of its 2024–2025 season, the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is staging the world premiere of a new musical based on the short-lived series, featuring familiar tunes from the show (“Corn Puddin'”!) as well as brand-new songs written for this production.

More from TVLineColin Farrell's Sugar Just Served Up the Most Wtf Plot Twist in YearsPresumed Innocent Trailer: Jake Gyllenhaal Is Suspected of Murder...

Despicable Me 4 Trailer Out & Everything We Know About It(Photo Credit –YouTube)

Hollywood is home to many & Everything We Know About successful movie franchises. Some do genuinely and exceptionally well, while others go on pointlessly. For example, Despicable Me is one of the most popular animated film series set to return with a fourth installment. Gru and the Minions have won many hearts with their mischief and cuteness and will do the same in Despicable Me 4. Keep scrolling to know everything about the upcoming film.

Who are the makers?

Chris Renaud is the film’s director, with Patrick Delage as the co-director. The White Lotus’ screenplay writer, Mike White, has come on board the project to lend his talent. Rachel Levy heads the music department.

As per Collider’s report, Pierre Coffin, Ken Daurio, Chris Renaud, and Cinco Paul are the executive producers of Despicable Me 4. Janet Healy and...

As usual, in the world of entertainment news, there are always irons in the fire.

Today, we offer you a first look at Life & Beth Season 2, a joyous hello from Firehouse 118, a cancellation, and a prequel.

Keep reading the Fanatic Feed to get the latest entertainment news!

Hulu released the trailer for the upcoming second season of Life & Beth, created by and starring Amy Schumer. On Life & Beth Season 1, Beth found love. Now, she needs to nurture it and see it through.

As Beth and John’s relationship grows more serious, Beth begins to examine the possibilities of marriage and having a family as she and John seek answers to their communication problems.

Is Beth’s traumatic history with men and people she trusted from her youth destined to repeat itself?

And what is triggering her fears?

Beth does her best to keep her relationships alive...

“Schmigadoon” has run out of its signature “Corn Puddin’.” The Apple TV+ musical-comedy series has been canceled after two seasons on the streamer.

Series co-creator Cinco Paul announced the news on Instagram. In his post, Paul revealed that scripts for a third season have already been written, along with 25 new songs that would have been featured had it been renewed.

“I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with Season 3 of Schmigadoon!” Paul wrote on January 18. “The season is written (including 25 new songs) but we unfortunately won’t be making it. Such is life. I want to thank everyone involved with the show, our incredible cast and crew and writers, our wonderful supporters at Broadway Video, Universal, and Apple, for everything they did to make it happen.”

Paul called it “a miracle” that “Schmigadoon!” got the two seasons that it did.

“And to all the fans...

Today is a sad day for Schmigadoon! fans. Series writer and creator Cinco Paul (The Lorax) took to Twitter today to announce that the Apple TV+ series has been canceled and there will not be a third season. Paul shared a heartfelt and sad message in which he celebrated the time that they were given and called the very existence of Schmigadoon! a "miracle." Season 2 of the series – and now its last – premiered last May.

Schmigadoon! Season 2 ended with a “happy beginning,” but the original musical series is coming to an end at Apple TV+. Creator Cinco Paul has announced that Schmigadoon! has been canceled by the streaming platform, revealing that Season 3 was already written and 25 new songs had been made for the Emmy-winning series. “I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with Season 3 of Schmigadoon! The season is written (including 25 new songs), but we unfortunately won’t be making it. Such is life,” Paul shared on Twitter on Thursday, January 18. “I want to thank everyone involved with the show, our incredible cast & crew & writers, our wonderful supporters at Broadway Video, Universal, & Apple, for everything they did to make it happen.” Paul implied there’s hope for more Schmigadoon in the future. “It’s a miracle we even got two seasons, honestly, and I’m so grateful we did. And...

Schmigadoon has been canceled at Apple TV+ after 2 seasons.

The news was shared by the show’s creator.

Keep reading to find out more…

Creator Cinco Paul posted on Instagram, writing, “I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with Season 3 of Schmigadoon!. The season is written (including 25 new songs) but we unfortunately won’t be making it. Such is life. I want to thank everyone involved with the show, our incredible cast and crew and writers, our wonderful supporters at Broadway Video, Universal and Apple, for everything they did to make it happen. It’s a miracle we even got two seasons, honestly, and I’m so grateful we did.”

The cast of the show included Cecily Strong, Keegan-Michael Key, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Dove Cameron, Jaime Camil, Jane Krakowski, Ann Harada, Aaron Tveit, Martin Short, and Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.

Find out which TV...

Schmigadoon! will not return for a third season. Apple TV+ has canceled the musical comedy series, starring Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, after two seasons.

Series co-creator Cinco Paul shared the news on Instagram Thursday.

“I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with Season 3 of Schmigadoon!”, Paul wrote. “The season is written (including 25 new songs) but we unfortunately won’t be making it. Such is life.

“I want to thank everyone involved with the show, our incredible cast and crew and writers, our wonderful supporters at Broadway Video, Universal and Apple, for everything they did to make it happen. It’s a miracle we even got two seasons, honestly, and I’m so grateful we did,” he continued. “And to all the fans of the show out there, thank you with all of my heart. Your love and support has meant so much,...

The cancellations continue at Apple.

The streamer has canceled its musical comedy Schmigadoon after a two-season run, co-creator Cinco Paul shared on social media Thursday.

“I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with season three of Schmigadoon!” he shared on social. “The season is written (including 25 new songs), but we unfortunately won’t be making it. Such is life.” (Read his full, heartfelt post, below.)

From executive producer Lorne Michaels and Universal Television, Paul serves as showrunner and co-created the series alongside Ken Daurio. Season one of the series launched in summer 2021, with the Cecily Strong vehicle renewed nearly a year after its debut.

Season two featured a new setting and returned star Keegan-Michael Key alongside the likes of Ariana DeBose, Dove Cameron, Jaime Camil, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Ann Harada, Jane Krakowski, Martin Short, Aaron Tveit, Tituss Burgess and Patrick Page. Season two launched...

“Schmigadoon” has been canceled at Apple TV+.

The series aired two seasons at the streaming service, with the most recent season debuting in April 2023. Series co-creator Cinco Paul shared the news of the cancellation on Instagram.

“I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with Season 3 of Schmigadoon!” Paul wrote. “The season is written (including 25 new songs) but we unfortunately won’t be making it. Such is life. I want to thank everyone involved with the show, our incredible cast and crew and writers, our wonderful supporters at Broadway Video, Universal and Apple, for everything they did to make it happen. It’s a miracle we even got two seasons, honestly, and I’m so grateful we did.”

Paul’s full statement can be read below.

“Schmigadoon” featured an all-star cast, which included: Keegan-Michael Key, Cecily Strong, Dove Cameron, Ariana DeBose, Jaime Camil, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming,...

It’s curtain call for Schmigadoon!

Apple TV+ has cancelled the musical satire after two seasons, TVLine has confirmed. The news comes eight months after the release of the May 3 finale, which earned a TVLine reader grade of “A.”

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“I am sad to share that Apple will not be moving forward with Season 3 of Schmigadoon!” series co-creator Cinco Paul shared on Instagram Thursday. “The season is...

Ed Sheeran can add another trophy to his collection: an Emmy, having won Saturday night for best original music and lyrics in a television show at the 2023 Creative Arts Emmys (which were delayed due to the writers and actors strikes last year).

The other nominees were tracks from Ginny & Georgia, The L Word: Generation Q, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ted Lasso (nominated twice, only one of the songs being written by Sheeran), and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

This is Sheeran’s first Emmy nomination, for the song “A Beautiful Game,” which is featured in Ted Lasso’s season 3 finale and was produced by Max Martin. Sheeran was not in attendance to accept the award.

The award honors a song or score created specifically for a television show. Last year’s winner was Cinco Paul, who wrote original material for Schmigadoon!

Lasso also picked up the award for best guest actor in a comedy series,...

Christopher Gattelli appeared at Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees awards-season event after receiving his second consecutive nomination for his work creating the numerous dances in Schmigadoon!, which takes a satirical look at the world of movie and Broadway musicals.

Last year, the Apple TV+ series, created by Cinco Paul, dealt with the 1950s. But for its second season the possibilities really opened up for Gattelli as Schmigadoon! became Schmicago, spoofing the likes of Bob Fosse, Hair, Stephen Sondheim and more. In fact Gattelli, as a performer, last appeared on Broadway in the show Fosse, so this season became second hand to him thanks to his personal experience.

“Season 1 with the ’50s had its its pluses with the kind of long shots and the long takes and the getting of the full dancers bodies and a lot of the shots and whatnot, but this this season was a lot of...

Tributes poured in Monday after it was revealed that Paul Reubens, the actor who made Pee-wee Herman famous, died after a private battle with cancer. He was 70.

Reubens turned Pee-wee into a one-man franchise, from the influential kids TV show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse through three feature films — 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, 1998’s Big Top Pee-wee and the 2016 Netflix pic Pee-wee’s Big Holiday — and even a Broadway play.

He also appeared on everything from Mystery Men (as Spleen) to Murphy Brown, and stole scenes in the likes of Batman Returns and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

“Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Jimmy Kimmel wrote today. “He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”

Said Danny DeVito: “Really loved working with him.

After reinterpreting the musicals of the Golden Age and then the darker musicals of the 1960s and the 1970s, Schmigadoon! has left a lot of potential for season 3. The first two seasons of the Apple TV Plus series revolved around the musical misadventures of Keegan-Michael Key’s Josh and Cecily Strong’s Melissa as they sought to escape their monotonous everyday lives. The duo gets dragged into alternate worlds that are reminiscent of some of the most iconic musical theater productions. Schmigadoon! turned out to be a beloved showcase for the comedic prowess of its leads and guest stars as well as the stellar period-accurate choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

Schmigadoon! has earned positive reviews from critics and audiences, and the pilot episode’s song “Corn Puddin” even won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. Despite this positive response, the fate of Schmigadoon! season 3 has not been confirmed yet,...

AppleTV+’s “Schmigadoon!” took a bold leap in its second season by transplanting its snarky, sympathetic central couple (Keegan Michael-Key and Cecily Strong) from the “Corn Puddin’” territory of musical theater’s golden age to the torn-stocking, cleaver-wielding recesses of the 1970s, with a little hippie free love thrown in for good measure.

Tony-winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli shepherded the series through the complete opposite of a sophomore slump, as “Schmicago!” (the new sort-of title card seen in the opening credits) gave us the old razzle-dazzle in eye-popping dance numbers even more effervescent than the first season’s candy-colored hoedowns (which Gattelli received an Emmy nom for). The affable, versatile choreographer chatted with TheWrap about getting Jane Krakowski back on a trapeze after 20 years, corralling children for big numbers and why primetime dance-competition shows are to thank for bringing the form roaring back to the small screen.

Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming in “Schmigadoon!

Jane Krakowski had one musical number in Season 1 of Apple TV+’s “Schmigadoon!” and she performed it from behind the wheel of a cramped convertible. It wasn’t much of a stage, but the Emmy nominee and musical theater veteran used every inch of the leather interior to sell her wistful yet seductive song, eventually wedging her high heel into the steering wheel to steady herself for the climatic high note.

The performance is proof that no number is too small for Krakowski. But series creator and Emmy-winning songwriter Cinco Paul wanted to give her more to do in Season 2, which puts the series’ central couple Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) on the seedy streets of Schmicago, inspired by 1960s and ’70s musicals like ”Chicago” and “Cabaret.”

It is Krakowski’s favorite musical era, but she was in the dark as to who she’d play in Paul...

Latino WGA members and their allies descended upon Universal Studios en masse Monday beginning at 5 a.m. to picket on the seventh day of the Hollywood writers strike.

The early arrival for some came as picketers wanted to be visible to trucks attempting to enter through the studio’s gates. Several picket lines in Los Angeles and New York have turned trucks away since contract talks broke off May 1 between the writers and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

The WGA West’s Latinx Writers Committee organized today’s action, which at its height grew to about 300 picketers in Universal City, marching across Lankershim Boulevard from the main gates of the studio to Telemundo and back.

Related: Deadline’s ‘Strike Talk’ Podcast With Billy Ray And Todd Garner: Week One

The list of writers included the Latinx Writers Committee chair Christina Piña and vice chair Jorge Rivera...

The TV Academy has denied the petition for Apple’s “Schmigadoon!” to move from submitting for outstanding comedy series to the scripted variety category, Variety has learned exclusively.

It had been reported that the streamer had filed an official petition to move the show into the newly titled scripted variety category where it would face off against “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” However, the news seemed to be premature, with the Television Academy confirming the petition has been denied and Apple has been notified.

Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.

The scripted variety category is open to series with at least six episodes. It is defined as shows that are “primarily scripted, or loosely-scripted improv” and “discrete scenes, satire, musical numbers, monologues, comedy stand-ups, sketches, etc.” Last year, Netflix’s “Murderville” was denied entry into the category,...

Warning! This article contains spoilers for the Schmigadoon! season 2 finale.Schmigadoon! season 3 gets an optimistic update from its lead stars and co-creator. In the Schmigadoon! season 2 finale, Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) return to New York City. A quick epilogue reveals that, after years of struggling to conceive, the duo finally have a baby. It's a satisfying send-off for the show's central couple on the whole, but the closing musical number warns against the idea of happy endings. Just before Josh and Melissa leave Schmicago, they're told in song form that "happy endings don't exist."

Speaking with TVLine, Strong, Key, and co-creator Cinco Paul addressed what's next after that mixed Schmigadoon! season 2 ending. The musical comedy has yet to be renewed by Apple TV+, but Key and Strong both sound hopeful about the possibility of more episodes. Paul, who created the show with Ken Daurio, hints...

Did Schmigadoon! just take its final bow?

Whereas Season 1 of Apple TV+’s musical satire closed on a cliffhanger — Melissa and Josh were about to cross the bridge, but still hadn’t reached the other side — Wednesday’s Season 2 finale offered a pretty definitive ending.

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After the sinister Octavius Kratt was killed via chandelier,...

From co-creator Cinco Paul, Season 2 of the Apple TV+ original series Schmigadoon! is exploring the world of ‘60s and ‘70s musicals via the reimagined town of Schmicago. After realizing that their love is true in Season 1, Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) and Melissa (Cecily Strong) set out for some new relationship insight, but find themselves surrounded by new characters with much darker motives that could lead to more dangerous outcomes.

It's over and done, but aren't you glad it happened?

On Schmigadoon! Season 2 Episode 6, Josh and Melissa get their Finale Ultimo, which turns out to be a "Happy Beginning."

The singular sensation Ariana DeBose is back, opening up the episode with a fabulous tribute to 1981's R&b musical Dreamgirls.

DeBose hasn't been featured as prominently in Schmigadoon! Season 2 as she was in Schmigadoon! Season 1, likely due to her career taking off after her Oscar win -- but this is a beautiful way to showcase her doing what she does best.

DeBose delivers dramatic, dynamic vocals with elegance and glamor. The number sets the tone for the rest of the episode perfectly.

Once again, Cecily Strong proves what a marvelous actor she is. We know there will be a happy end, but her commitment to the proceedings is admirable. Patrick Page's Kratt somehow remains both dapper and dastardly. His evil knows no bounds!

Aaron Tveit has been a fixture on New York stages, appearing in shows including “Wicked,” “Next to Normal” and “Catch Me if You Can,” and he recently wrapped a second run as Christian in “Moulin Rouge!,” which bowed before the pandemic arrived and returned after Broadway reopened. But it’s television that has been helping him most rapidly expand his repertoire.

Tveit takes on a cavalcade of roles in Apple TV+’s “Schmigadoon!,” a parodical love letter to musicals, created by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio and starring Keegan Michael-Key and Cecily Strong as a couple working out the kinks in their relationship in a magical land populated by characters from the stage. The series, which focused on musicals of the ’40s and ’50s in its first season, sends up shows of

the ’60s and ’70s in its second, set in the magical land of “Schmicago.”

What was it like...

Apple TV+ is opening its own FYC activation pop-up this year, taking over Hollywood’s Goya Studios to launch the “Think Apple TV+ FYC” space from May 1 to May 14.

The streamer’s signature Emmy-winning hit “Ted Lasso” will open the space on May 1 with a fan event that includes a series trivia game, followed by a conversation moderated by Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”). Cast and creative team participating include series star and executive producer Jason Sudeikis, as well as Brendan Hunt, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster, Jeremy Swift, Kola Bokinni, Cristo Fernández, Billy Harris and James Lance. The trivia game, hosted by comedian Ryan Budds, will feature cast members Charlie Hiscock, Stephen Manas and Moe Jeudy-Lamour.

Meanwhile, the two-week “Think Apple TV+” FYC space will wrap on May 14 with a “Schmigadoon!” sing-along. Since it’s Apple, the event will allow attendees to follow the lyrics along with “Schmigadoon!” stars Andrew Singer,...

Patti LuPone wanted to be on Apple TV+’s musical series “Schmigadoon!,” but was told she’s “too old,” the multiple Tony winner said in a new interview.

On Wednesday, the 73-year-old LuPone, who costars in Marvel’s upcoming “Agatha: Coven of Chaos,” told Mashable, “I wanted to be in ‘Schmigadoon!’ and I was too old.. I don’t know what else to say. I so wanted to be in it!”

When asked to clarify, LuPone explained, “Exactly what I said. We reached out to them and said, ‘I want to be in Schmigadoon!’ They said, ‘Sorry. You’re too old.'”

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While she admitted the turndown was “so sad” and “depressing,” she added, “It’s their loss.” LuPone won Tonys for her roles in Broadway productions of “Evita,...

In bringing his musical comedy Schmigadoon! back for a second season on Apple TV+, Cinco Paul knew he wanted to go to all new places.

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“I didn’t want to go back to Schmigadoon, as much as I love Schmigadoon,” the show’s co-creator, writer said at Deadline’s Contenders Television awards-season event. “The idea was always that if we got another season, I wanted to go into the ’60s and ’70s musicals. As much as I love Rodgers and Hammerstein, these are the musicals I’m passionate about — Sweeney and Pippin and Chicago. It’s just a great contrast to the first season, right? Where it’s darker, it’s sexier, it’s grittier, it’s scarier in every way.”

The show co-created by Ken Daurio, in its first season, introduced viewers...

A veteran of stage and screen, Tony winner Jane Krakowski returns to “Schmigadoon!”

In the second season of Apple TV+’s musical series, Krakowski plays Bobbie, a trial lawyer who sings and dances while roller-skating blindfolded, holding sparklers in her hands and doing splits and flipping around on a trapeze bar.

“We tried to pick things I mostly already knew how to do, except trapeze. So, I was allowed to go to trapeze school for like a week and grab five lessons before we filmed,” Krakowski told Variety on the red carpet at Thursday’s FYC event in Los Angeles.

Krakowski’s number, filmed very quickly over two days was cinematographer John Coffin’s favorite. “She was unbelievable and so gung-ho. It was sort of infectious,” Coffin said.

“I always wanted to learn the ‘Hot Honey Rag’ from ‘Chicago,'” Krakowski said. “I just wanted to learn those steps of...

Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for Season 2 of Schmigadoon!After one season, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio's Schmigadoon! has joined the ranks alongside Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Galavant of fantastic musical TV shows we've gotten over the years, one that both hilariously and masterfully parodies, while paying homage to the history of musical theater. When we last left our heroes Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan Michael-Key), they had successfully found true love in one another and found their way out of Schmigadoon, the magical world which blends classic musicals from the old masters of the 1940s and 50s, Brigadoon (of course), The Music Man, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, all of your Rogers and your Hammersteins, sweet and morally uncomplicated as apple pie.

The cast and production team of the Apple TV+ hit musical comedy series “Schmigadoon!” that dropped its second season on the streamer April 5 beat a tuneful path to the TV Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood on a drizzly Thursday night, with castmates Cecily Strong, Keegan-Michael Key, Dove Cameron, Jane Krakowski, Aaron Tveit, Tituss Burgess and Jaime Camil joining co-creator/exec producer/showrunner Cinco Paul and exec producer Andrew Singer for a spirited screening and panel event.

The show received four Emmy nominations in 2022 to mark its first season, including for its production design, music composition, chorography and original music and lyrics, winning a trophy for the latter. And while continuing to build an audience in season two, there’s already talk of a third season, as Singer confirmed on the red carpet (actually a wooden carpet after everyone moved indoors to avoid the raindrops) that Apple had...