News

Exclusive: Canadian comedy Run the Burbs has been picked up by Hulu for its second window in the U.S.

Fifth Season struck the deal with the streamer for the comedy from Kim’s Convenience star Andrew Phung, with the first two seasons set to drop on Hulu on New Year’s Eve, a few days before the third launches on Canada’s CBC.

Produced by Pier 21 Films, Run the Burbs stars Phung at the center of a Vietnamese/South Asian-Canadian family. He plays a stay-at-home dad with an entrepreneur wife and two kids, who each take a different approach to living life to the fullest in the suburbs, changing the way the audience thinks about family values and suburban life. Alongside Phung, the series stars a number of established and emerging comedians including YouTuber Julie Nolke, radio host Ali Hassan and Baroness von Sketch Show co-creator and star Aurora Browne.

The CW continues to cancel series, including Run the Burbs and Everyone Else Burns, limiting its scripted show catalog. Successful shows like Supernatural, the Arrowverse, and Riverdale have helped The CW stay alive despite streaming competition. The network needs to find new original shows that follow successful models to sustain its brand identity.

The crisis continues on The CW. The network has canceled a long list of series in recent months, increasingly limiting its scripted show catalog, and they continue to do so with two new victims, Run the Burbs and Everyone Else Burns.

Run the Burbs premiered in 2022 on the Canadian network CBC Television, and was acquired by The CW in July 2023. The plot centers on a family living in the suburbs of the fictional town of Rockridge, and they seek to give a new spin to their lives, trying extremely new things. The show was created by Scott Townend and Andrew Phung,...

In the upcoming episode of “Run the Burbs,” set to air on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 8:30 Pm on the CW, viewers will witness Andrew’s attempt to enhance safety in the community by crafting a DIY speed bump. However, his well-intentioned efforts take an unexpected turn, and the speed bump ends up having unintended consequences.

Meanwhile, Camille steps into the digital realm as she takes on internet trolls. This episode delves into the challenges of dealing with online negativity and explores how Camille confronts those who seek to disrupt the virtual harmony of the community.

“Run the Burbs” provides an entertaining glimpse into the lives of its characters as they navigate the ups and downs of suburban living. With its focus on relatable situations and humorous moments, this episode promises to deliver an engaging storyline that keeps viewers entertained and connected to the community’s happenings.

Release Date & Time: 8:...

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 9:30 Pm, the CW network will air the next episode of “Run the Burbs,” titled “Phamily Emergency.”

In this episode, Andrew and Camille find themselves in a disagreement over how to help their friend Khia cope with a breakup. Relationships can be complicated, and it seems like the characters are trying to navigate the challenges of supporting a friend in need.

Additionally, Sam takes on the role of a golf coach for Ramesh. Ramesh is trying to learn golf to impress someone named Barb. Learning new skills and trying to impress others can be a part of life’s adventures.

Tune in on November 9 to watch “Phamily Emergency” and follow the characters’ journey through these relatable experiences.

Release Date & Time: 9:30 Pm Thursday 9 November 2023 on CW

Run the Burbs Phamily Emergency Cast – Season 2 Episode 3 Main Cast Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham

Rakhee Morzaria as Andrew's wife...

In the upcoming episode of “Run the Burbs,” Season 2, titled “Phamily Ties,” which airs on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 8:30 Pm on the CW, viewers can expect more family and personal dilemmas.

In this episode, Camille finds herself wrestling with her Indian heritage and identity when a cousin pays her a visit. It explores the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges one may face when trying to reconcile different aspects of their background.

On another front, Andrew is engrossed in a cold case, adding an intriguing mystery element to the show. As he delves into solving this case, viewers can expect suspense and detective work.

Meanwhile, Khia returns from her trip to Paris earlier than expected, introducing an element of surprise and potentially stirring things up in the neighborhood.

“Run the Burbs” continues to explore the ups and downs of suburban life, interweaving personal, family, and mystery themes. This episode...

“Run the Burbs” is back with its Season 2 premiere, and things are heating up for the characters. In the first episode titled “In Phocus,” viewers will follow Andrew as he takes a shot at his dream job in community development. Will he land the position he’s been aiming for, or will he face unexpected challenges along the way?

Meanwhile, Camille is on her own journey as she hosts a focus group for her upcoming business launch. What feedback will she receive, and how will it impact her plans for the future?

Tune in to the CW on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 8:30 Pm to catch all the action. “Run the Burbs” promises an engaging storyline as Andrew and Camille navigate their aspirations and ventures in the suburbs. Don’t miss the Season 2 premiere of this exciting series.

Release Date & Time: 8:30 Pm Thursday 26 October 2023 on CW

Run the Burbs In...

On Monday, October 9, 2023, at 9:30 Pm, the CW network will air Season 1, Episode 12 of “Run the Burbs” titled “This Is Your Day.” In this episode, viewers will see Andrews, who tries to bring the neighborhood together as his carefully planned graduation celebration faces unexpected challenges. Meanwhile, Camille considers quitting her job, and Khia receives distressing news from Mannix.

The episode revolves around the lives and interactions of the characters in the neighborhood, highlighting the various personal and social situations they find themselves in.

If you enjoy watching shows that explore the dynamics of a community and the ups and downs of its residents, “Run the Burbs” on the CW at 9:30 Pm is a program to consider.

Release Date & Time: 9:30 Pm Monday 9 October 2023 on CW

Run the Burbs This Is Your Day Cast – Season 1 Episode 12 Main Cast Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham

Rakhee Morzaria as Andrew's wife Camille

Zoriah Wong...

On Monday, October 9, 2023, at 8:30 Pm, the CW network will air Season 1, Episode 11 of “Run the Burbs” titled “Forever Young.” In this episode, viewers will follow the characters as they navigate various situations.

Andrew and Camille, determined to prove their coolness, decide to have a night out on the town, setting the stage for potential adventures and challenges. Leo steps up to help Hudson confront something difficult, and Ramesh and Sebastian engage in a game of backgammon.

The episode focuses on the characters’ efforts to connect, have fun, and face certain aspects of their lives. It presents relatable situations and interactions that many viewers can understand.

If you enjoy shows that explore the everyday lives and relationships of characters in a suburban setting, “Run the Burbs” on the CW at 8:30 Pm is a program to consider. It offers a straightforward and easy-to-follow narrative that highlights the characters’ experiences and growth,...

On Monday, 2 October 2023, at 8:30 Pm on CW, “Run the Burbs” presents its Season 1, Episode 10, titled “Phamily Games Night.” This episode brings viewers into the world of the Phamily, highlighting their adventures and family dynamics.

In this episode, Andrew and Camille, members of the Phamily, organize game nights to help their son, Hudson. These game nights offer a unique way to bond as a family while supporting Hudson’s growth and development.

Ramesh, another family member, has concerns about whether his wife, Barb, feels that he’s expressive enough. This leads to introspective moments and discussions about communication within the family.

Khia, a member of the Phamily, takes the initiative to plan a movie night for Mannix, another family member, showcasing their efforts to create memorable moments together.

“Run the Burbs” is known for its portrayal of family life and the various challenges and joys that come with it. This...

On Monday, September 25, 2023, at 8:30 Pm, the CW network will air Season 1, Episode 9 of “Run the Burbs” titled “Li Xi.” In this episode, the characters celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Andrew is concerned about his parents’ relationship, and Camille presents her business idea to Andrew’s mother.

Meanwhile, the kids face challenges with their startup venture. This episode promises to bring family dynamics, cultural celebrations, and entrepreneurial endeavors to the forefront. “Li Xi” offers viewers a glimpse into the characters’ lives as they navigate these different aspects of their daily existence. To catch all the action and drama, be sure to tune in on September 25, 2023, at 8:30 Pm, and follow the story of “Run the Burbs” on the CW network.

Release Date & Time: 8:30 Pm Monday 25 September 2023 on CW

Run the Burbs Li Xi Cast – Season 1 Episode 9 Main Cast Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham

Rakhee Morzaria as Andrew's wife Camille...

On Monday, September 18, 2023, at 8:30 Pm, the CW will air Season 1, Episode 8 of “Run the Burbs” titled “Raccoon Fever.” In this episode, Andrew gets distracted from his schoolwork by a group of raccoons. Camille and Barb join forces to catch a graffiti bandit, dealing with mischief in their neighborhood. Meanwhile, Ramesh faces challenges in understanding Khia’s connection to Pride.

This episode of “Run the Burbs” explores various neighborhood adventures and dilemmas. Andrew’s raccoon encounter, Camille and Barb’s mission to catch a graffiti artist, and Ramesh’s struggle with Khia’s connection to Pride add layers to the story.

For viewers who enjoy the show’s blend of humor and community dynamics, “Raccoon Fever” promises more fun and intrigue. Tune in to the CW to follow the entertaining escapades of the “Run the Burbs” characters as they navigate the challenges of suburban life on September 18th at 8:30 Pm.

Now in its fourth season, Liquid Courage is an award-winning podcast where host Amanda Pereira interviews creative folks she admires (and is a little intimidated by!) with the help of some 'liquid courage' in the form of her guest's favourite drink.

The Liquid Courage Podcast is a casual interview-style show where Amanda aims to build a genuine connection with her guests while celebrating the heck out of them! The conversations are full of laughter, vulnerability and lots of yummy beverages. Our guests span disciplines including actors, directors, writers, interior designers, content creators, radio hosts, talent agents and managers, comedians, bakers, cinematogrophers and more.

Liquid Courage has been featured in Elizabeth Banks' WhoHaHa "Podcasts we love", The Toronto Star's list of "five funny podcasts that will brighten your lockdown life", and won Outstanding Debut of a Series at the Canadian Podcast Awards.

Previous guests include Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show...

Click here to read the full article.

Gavin Crawford and Sharjil Rasool have joined the second season of Run the Burbs, the lighthearted CBC comedy whose sophomore season will be showrun and executive produced by The Office writer Anthony Q. Farrell.

Dakota Ray Hebert and Ann Pornel will guest star in the Pier 21 Films series created by Andrew Phung and Scott Townend as the Pham family universe expands. The second season cast will include regulars Phung as Andrew Pham, Rakhee Morzaria as Camille Pham, and Zoriah Wong and Roman Pesino as Khia and Leo Pham.

Other first season cast returning includes Ali Hassan, Julie Nolke, Jonathan Langdon, Chris Locke, Samantha Wan and Aurora Browne (Baroness von Sketch Show). The second season will debut on CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2023 as production gets underway on 13 new half-hour episodes.

“For season two, Scott and I wanted to push this further,...

Exclusive: CBC has set Rakhee Morzaria (Note to Self), Zoriah Wong (Nancy Drew) and Roman Pesino (Odd Squad) as part of the main cast of Run The Burbs, the upcoming family comedy from Kim’s Convenience alum Andrew Phung and The Secret Marathon‘s Scott Townend. The series is currently in production in and around Toronto and Hamilton.

Also joining the cast are Ali Hassan (CBC’s Laugh Out Loud), Julie Nolke (Explaining the Pandemic to my Past Self), Jonathan Langdon (Utopia Falls), Simone Miller (Detention Adventure), Samantha Wan (Second Jen), Candy Palmater (The Candy Show), Chris Locke (Workin’ Moms) and Aurora Browne (Baroness von Sketch Show).

Created by Phung and Townend, Run the Burbs follows stay-at-home dad – Andrew Pham (Phung) – living and loving with his entrepreneurial, executive wife and two kids. The Phams are a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family taking a different approach to living life to the fullest,...

No, really.

I'm not kidding this time.

We really are coming to the close on the incredibly funny Canadian import, Baroness von Sketch Show.

Airing on IFC, Baroness von Sketch Show is, you guessed it, a sketch comedy show that takes everyday situations and shows you how absurdly funny the world can be.

If you enjoyed Seinfeld, you have nothing to lose by watching Baroness von Sketch Show.

Four incredibly funny women make up Baroness von Sketch. Meredith MacNeill, Carolyn Taylor, Aurora Browne, and Jennifer Whalen.

They work in front of and behind the camera to make all of the magic happen.

If there's something you've stumbled over in real life, you can bet that it's come to their minds too, and they're ready to show you the humor in it.

In this exclusive clip of tonight's all-new episode, they ponder whether you can call listening to an audiobook reading.

Originating on CBC Television in 2016, “Baroness Von Sketch Show” has seen us through the chaos of the last five years. The Canadian sketch comedy series is created by Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne and Jennifer Whalen, a dynamic foursome whose varying talents combine into comedic gold. A smash hit in their native Canada, the series earned a cult following in the U.S. when sketches began making the rounds on YouTube, earning fans in Reggie Watts and Lea Delaria, who shared early videos. IFC brought the series to American audiences in 2017, and will debut the fifth and final season (which premiered in Canada in the fall) on February 24.

“Baroness” always — and proudly — skews feminist, though the comedy is always queen. The humor is a deeply satisfying blend of broad slapstick with sharp satire. Many of the sketches combine a shrewd social criticism, whether of diet culture or parenting double standards,...

The Baroness von Sketch Show is adding five more episodes to its final season. The additional episodes will air starting in February. The fifth season's initial eight episodes aired between October 15th and December 3rd.

Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne, and Jennifer Whalen star in this comedy series, which shows the craziness of life in a variety of sketch sequences.

Read More…...

How many of you have taken me up on my numerous plugs to watch Baroness von Sketch Show?

We have an exclusive clip for you from tonight's episode.

Even better, it's an entire sketch, so this will give you an idea of what you've been missing.

Four incredibly funny women make up Baroness von Sketch.

Meredith MacNeill, Carolyn Taylor, Aurora Browne, and Jennifer Whalen work in front of and behind the camera to make all of the magic happen.

They take everyday situations and turn them on their head, and they're not afraid to touch on hot-button topics, either.

With their deft touch, they prove that you don't have to be divisive to make a point or be funny.

I mean, who wants to leave people out of the fun? Not the wonderful team at the Baron von Sketch Show.

Another hint, they hail from Canada. You know, it's the...

Since its premiere in 2016, “Baroness Von Sketch Show” has consistently delivered smart, unexpected, rip-roaring comedy on a range of topics rarely addressed by typical sketch shows. Whether it’s the absurdist escalation of Red Wine Ladies’ Night, or the anti-misogynist virtue signaling of a Queer Theory Reading Group, “Baroness Von Sketch Show” took advantage of under-explored scenarios to produce hilarity that resonated with the everywoman. In its excellent fifth season, the group continues to make good on that promise with no sign of slowing down. Produced by the CBC and airing on IFC in the U.S., “Baroness Von Sketch Show” not only proves Canadian humor translates just fine, but when it comes to sketch comedy, they reign supreme.

The troop consists of Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne, and Jennifer Whalen, all executive producers and writers of the series. Each bringing unique talents to the variety of characters they play,...

Fleabag, Chernobyl and Gentleman Jack were among the winners of Banff’s Rockie Awards International Program Competition.

Brits dominated the virtual event taking home 14 awards, compared with 11 awards for U.S. shows and seven for Canadian shows. Last year, U.S. shows picked up nine awards, British shows scored eight and Canadian shows grabbed seven.

It comes as the Banff World Media Festival became a virtual event after Covid-19 forced organizers to cancel the annual shindig. It was hosted by Aurora Browne, Carolyn Taylor and Jennifer Whalen of Canadian sketch comedy Baroness von Sketch Show and was streamed live.

The full list of awards, which included 128 nominations from 35 countries, is below.

International Program Competition

Drama Series: English Language

Gentleman Jack

BBC, HBO, Lookout Point

Comedy Series: English Language

Fleabag

All3media, BBC Three, Two Brothers Pictures (UK)

Limited Series

Chernobyl

HBO, Sister, Sky Atlantic, The Mighty Mint, Word Games...

The end is in sight for all-female sketch series Baroness Von Sketch Show. Co-creators Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne and Jennifer Whalen announced today that their acclaimed series will return for its fifth and final season this fall. The series’ eight-episode final season was filmed in Toronto last fall. The series airs on IFC on the U.S.

The co-creators shared the following statement on their decision:

After five fantastic years, we have decided that Season 5 of Baroness von Sketch Show will be our last. We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity to share our deepest embarrassments, existential angst and daily observations with you, our fans. We hope you’ll enjoy Season 5 of Baroness von Sketch Show.

Love,

Carolyn, Meredith, Aurora and Jennifer.

“Baroness von Sketch Show broke new ground with their cutting edge sketch comedy, capturing audiences and acclaim in Canada and the U.S.

Everyone’s favorite Canadian sketch show (that’s currently airing new episodes and led by four women), “Baroness Von Sketch Show,” is coming back to IFC for its fourth season. And based on the official trailer, it’s still as poignant as ever, as it tackles things like: the horror and anger that comes with the realization that there are somehow full-blown adults who were born in the late 1990s, whether scrunchies are back in style and if they ever were “in style” to begin with, and the most important topic of all, binge-watching.

As IFC puts it: “‘Baroness von Sketch Show’ provides an insightful, satirical look at our everyday modern lives. Fast-paced and irreverent, the series celebrates the absurd and mines the embarrassing, offering a fresh, witty take on relatable moments such as crying at work, waiting in airport security lines, dealing with gossip-obsessed co-workers, co-parenting and more.”

Created,...

Ahead of the fourth season premiere, IFC has handed an early fifth season renewal to all-female sketch series Baroness von Sketch Show. Season 4 of the award-winning series is set to premiere on October 30. The renewal was announced as part of AMC Networks’ presentation Thursday at TCA.

Performed and written by Meredith MacNeill and Second City alumni Carolyn Taylor, Aurora Browne, and Jennifer Whalen, the series satirizes daily modern life offering a fresh, witty take on relatable moments such as crying at work, waiting in airport security lines, dealing with gossip-obsessed co-workers, co-parenting and more.

MacNeill, Browne, Whalen were on hand to about their approach to curating the show and how nothing is off-limits.

“As a woman in my 40s, being able to work with these other women create the content that we’re creating, I don’t take that for granted at all, especially in this climate,” said MacNeill. “What...

From TorontoFilm.Net here is the Toronto Film Production Update for November 2018 including "October Faction", "Designated Survivor", "Larry" and a whole lot more:

Baroness Von Sketch Show Season 4

TV Series

Bvss 4 Prodcutions Ontario Inc.

Prod.: Graham Ludlow

Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne, Jennifer Whalen

Dir.: Jordan Canning, Aleysa Young

Sep 24 - Dec 13/18

Designated Survivor

Season 3

TV Series

eOne / Netflix

Prod.: Chris Hatcher

Dir.: various

Oct 15/18 - Feb 12/19

Endlings

TV Series

Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc.

LP.: Eric Beldowski

Dir: Various

Aug 22 - Nov 23/18

Green Harvest Season 2

TV Series

CBS Studios Inc.

Prod.: Thom Pretak

Dir.: Various

Apr 16 - Nov 8/18

Hot Zone

Mini-Series

Fox TV

Prod.: Lena Cordina

Exec. Prod.: Brian Peterson, Kelly Souders,

Lynda Obst, David Zucker, Jim Hart

Dir.: Michael Uppendahl

Sep 13 - Nov 16/18

In The Dark Season 1

TV Series

A G Films Canada Inc.

Prod.: Ben Stiller, John Weber,...

In today’s roundup, Amazon Prime Video has released a trailer for the third season of “The Man in the High Castle,” and Netflix renews “Easy” for a third and final season.

Dates

Amazon Prime Video has released the trailer for the third season of the series “The Man in the High Castle.” The new season will premiere on Friday, Oct. 5. Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel of the same name, the series is set in a reality in which the Allied Powers lost World War II and the U.S. is divided into the Great Nazi Reich. Season three finds tensions rising between the Reich and the Japanese Empire, and protagonist Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos) works to interpret films showing an alternate history where the Allies won the war. Luke Kleintank (“Pretty Little Liars”), DJ Qualls (“Z Nation”), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (“Revenge”) and Rufus Sewell (“Victoria”) also star in the series.

“Baroness von Sketch Show” star Meredith MacNeill attended TheWrap’s Be Conference in Austin, Texas, on Monday and gave advice to millennials feeling pressure to succeed before they turn 30. “I too felt this odd pressure at 19 years old,” MacNeill said on the panel with her fellow costars and executive producers, Aurora Browne and Jennifer Whalen. “I’ve seen both sides in terms of finance, meaning not having much and people that have a lot … I think it’s what we’re told: Who we are is who we are and money has nothing to do with it. Does it make it...

Rachel Bloom, the co-creator and star of television hit comedy “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” will join TheWrap’s Be Conference for mentorship in a special one-on-one spotlight interview at SXSW on March 12. The second annual Be Conference for millennial women takes place on March 11 & 12 during SXSW. Also newly added to the Be Conference lineup is the talented duo, writer-director Julia Hart and producer Jordan Horowitz (“La La Land”), with their film “Fast Color” which is premiering at SXSW. They join a stunning lineup of inspiring women and mentors at TheWrap’s conference, including: Award-winning journalist Katie Couric Aurora Browne, Jennifer Whalen, and Meredith MacNeill...

Award-winning journalist Katie Couric and the founders of IFC’s Baroness von Sketch Show will be featured in keynote conversations at TheWrap’s Power Women event and Be Conference for mentoring millennials at SXSW in March 2018 . Aurora Browne and Jennifer Whalen, two of the co-creators and executive producers of the Baroness von Sketch troupe will be featured speakers at Be Conference, while Couric will be interviewed at Power Women by Wrap editor-in-chief SHaron Waxman. The Power Women Breakfast will kick off two days of events that include the Be Conference for millennial women presented by TheWrap during SXSW on March 11-12. TheWrap...

Baroness von Sketch Show is back for round three. Today, IFC announced season three of the TV show will premiere in 2018.The Canadian sketch show features an all-female cast and "celebrates the absurd and mines the embarrassing, offering a witty take on everyday problems." The series is written and performed by Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne, Jennifer Whalen, and Carolyn Taylor.Read More…...

Normally it's a good thing when you get a star like Reggie Watts to serenade you with a song -- but maybe not this time!

On Wednesday's episode of Baroness von Sketch Show, the musical comedian makes a guest appearance in a very funny sketch centered around a woman's 44th birthday.

Three office pals -- played by Baroness' Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne and Carolyn Taylor -- hire Watts to make up a song for their co-worker Ashley's (Jennifer Whalen) big day, but the overly specific, meandering tune gets a little too spot-on for her liking. After all, loneliness and IVF aren't two topics you expect to hear in a celebratory song.

Watch the irreverent sketch below:

Exclusive: 'Baroness von Sketch Show' Co-Creator Carolyn Taylor Finds the Funny in Life's Absurdities

We were really in it for that pink T-shirt and those suspenders anyway, but just try to get "no eggs, eggs, eggs eggs...

For too long, American sketch comedy has been so dominated by “Saturday Night Live” that any other attempts at the form have seemed futile. The trick to not competing directly with the NBC behemoth seems to be to addressing a niche audience that is sorely underserved by the mainstream, such as Comedy Central’s “Key and Peele,” IFC’s “Portlandia,” and now, the brilliant “Baroness Von Sketch Show,” also on IFC. The network bought the series from the CBC, and has been airing the first two seasons for American audiences who are hungry for something different.

Now in the middle of its IFC run, “Baroness Von Sketch Show” is written and performed by Aurora Browne, Meredith MacNeill, Carolyn Taylor, and Jennifer Whalen. Browne, Taylor, and Whalen met at Second City in Toronto, and MacNeill is a classically trained actor who came to comedy after studying at Rada. While the show has a decidedly woman-centric bent,...

Cult comedy Baroness von Sketch Show may already be on its second season in its native Canada, but U.S. audiences are getting the chance to catch up on all the laughs now that the show is airing on IFC.

With shows like Portlandia, The Birthday Boys and Comedy Bang! Bang!, the network has been a haven for quirky, creative sketch comedy, but Baroness is a welcome niche in the crowded field: four women over 40 skewering the absurdities of everyday life. Where many other sketch shows are wildly over-the-top or lean towards bonkers scenarios, actor-writers Carolyn Taylor, Aurora Browne, Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill take things far enough to be hilarious, but not so insane that scenes are unrelatable.

Related: Vanessa Bayer Leaving 'Saturday Night Live' After 7 Seasons

Et spoke by phone with Taylor, who was preparing to film season three in Toronto. The Just For Laughs alum was the mastermind who formed the sketch...

The dangerous doll from The Conjuring franchise is coming to the West Coast this June, as Warner Bros. will present a special advance screening of Annabelle: Creation ahead of its theatrical release this August, with Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled also announced for the festival.

Press Release: Los Angeles (May 23, 2017)— Today the La Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced the Gala Screening of New Line Cinema’s Annabelle: Creation, directed by David F. Sandberg and starring Stephanie Sigman, Talitha Bateman, Lulu Wilson with Anthony Lapaglia and Miranda Otto. Also unveiled today, the panels for Diversity Speaks and the Global Media Makers.

Award-winning film company Focus Features will commemorate its 15th anniversary at the La Film Festival with five movies including revival programming and a newly added advance screening of Sofia Coppola’s The Beguiled starring Colin Farrell,...

Are you in need of some laughs from the Great White North? IFC has ordered the first two seasons of the Baroness von Sketch Show, an all-female Canadian sketch comedy series. The two seasons consist of a total of 13 episodes, and both will debut on IFC in late summer.A CBC comedy series, Baroness von Sketch Show stars Meredith MacNeill, Carolyn Taylor, Aurora Browne, and Jennifer Whalen. Watch a clip, below.Read More…...

IFC has acquired female-led Canadian single-camera sketch comedy series Baroness Von Sketch Show. IFC will air all 13 episodes of seasons one and two of the half-hour comedy series late this summer. Performed and written by Meredith MacNeill and Second City alumni Carolyn Taylor, Aurora Browne and Jennifer Whalen, the series satirizes daily modern life, offering a witty take on everyday concerns from the pretentiousness of ordering a fancy coffee to office and sexual…...

Of the seismic cultural shifts that occurred in 2016, Hollywood finally embracing web series may be a tiny victory. But try telling that to the creators (a more succinct term for the writer-director-producer-actors thriving in the medium) who have turned their scrappy little web series into big-budget television deals.

Like Issa Rae, creator of the long-running YouTube series “Awkward Black Girl,” who just received a Golden Globe nomination for her new HBO show, “Insecure,” a vibrant comedy that puts black women front and center.

Or Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, the married co-creators who successfully adapted their web series, “High Maintenance,” for HBO. The stoner comedy that raised the bar for online storytelling preserved its indie charm; the six episodes of elegantly-woven vignettes held true to the spirit of the first online episodes, as each revealed little surprises in the lives of believable characters.

Read More: The Best of 2016: IndieWire...

If last night’s debate has you eyeing one-way tickets to Canada to enjoy universal healthcare and the feminism of Justin Trudeau, here is one more reason to consider moving to The Great White North: “Baroness Von Sketch Show.”

Read More: Female-Led Films Are Finally Getting Bigger Budgets, But Don’t Thank Hollywood For That

“Baroness Von Sketch Show” is a half-hour comedy on the CBC performed and written almost entirely by women. (There is one male writer out of 12 credited for the series.) The six half-hour episodes premiered in June of 2016. While full episodes are not available in the U.S., many sketches are on the CBC’s YouTube channel. Ranging in length from one to three minutes, they are ideal for Internet sharing.

Unlike the fattened up sketches of “Saturday Night Live,” which often meander into boring set-up and linger on actors breaking character, the sketches on “Baroness...

Thanks to TorontoFilm.Net here is the Toronto Film Production Update for October 2016, including "12 Monkeys", "Designated Survivor", "Taken" and a whole lot more:

Click Here To Register With A Toronto Extras Agent

12 Monkeys

Season 3

TV Series

Gep 12 Monkeys B Inc.

Prod.: Michael Wray

Exec. Prod.: David Grossman, Terry Matalas

Oct 17 - Feb 17/17

Alias Grace

Mini Series

Halfire Entertainment

Prod.: Sarah Polley, DJ Carson

Dir.: Mary Harron

Aug 15 - Nov 15/16

Anne

TV Series

CBC/Netflix

Prod.: Susan Murdoch

Exec. Prod.: Miranda de Pencier, Moira Walley-Beckett

Sep 22/16 - Feb 03/17

Anne Of Green Gables

TV Movie

Gables 23 Productions Inc.

Prod.: Jim Corston

Exec. Prod.: Joan Lambur, Peter Williamson

Dir.: John Kent Harrison

Sep 12 - Nov 4/16

Baroness Von Sketch Show

Season 2

TV Series

Bvss 2 Productions Ontario Inc. / Frantic Films

Prod.: Graham Ludlow, Jeff Peeler

Exec.Prod.: Jamie Brown, Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne,...

Thanks to TorontoFilm.Net here is the Toronto Film Production Update for September 2016, including "American Gods", "Flatliners", "Taken" and a whole lot more:

Click Here To Register With A Toronto Extras Agent

Alias Grace

Mini Series

Halfire Entertainment

Prod.: Sarah Polley, DJ Carson

Dir.: Mary Harron

Aug 15 - Nov 15/16

American Gods

TV Series

Fremantle / Starz Network

Exec. Prod.: Bryan Fuller,

Michael Green, Neil Gaiman

Dir.: David Slade & Various

Anon

Feature

Anon Film Prods. Canada Inc.

Prod.: Dan Bekerman

Dir.: Andrew Niccol

Jul 11 - Aug 26/16

Baroness Von Sketch Show

Season 2

TV Series

Bvss 2 Productions Ontario Inc. / Frantic Films

Prod.: Graham Ludlow, Jeff Peeler

Exec.Prod.: Jamie Brown, Carolyn Taylor, Meredith MacNeill, Aurora Browne, Jennifer Whalen

Dir.: Yael Staav

Sep 12 - Oct 28/16

Bruno & Boots II And III

TV Movie (2)

Aircraft Pictures

Prod.: Anthony Leo, Andrew Rosen

Dir.: Vivieno Caldinelli

Jul 22 -...

ABC has ordered second seasons of original web shows “Newborn Moms,” “Forever 31,” and “I Can Find $3000 In Your Home” as part of ABCd, the network’s new digital programming platform.

ABCd is also home to the original series “Boondoggle” and “All My Gay Friends Are Getting Married,” as well as library fare (which the network is calling “Throwback” shows) like “Felicity,” “My So-Called Life,” “Ugly Betty,” “Ellen,” and the tragically short-lived “Trophy Wife.”

Read More: ABC Brings Nostalgic Favorites Like ‘My So-Called Life’ and ‘Trophy Wife’ Back to Life on Relaunched Streaming Site

The network also acquired “American Koko,” which follows a satirical agency that solves sticky racial situations. The series is created by Diarra Kilpatrick (who also stars), and is produced by Viola Davis’ and Julius Tennon’s JuVEe Productions. Originally distributed via Kilpatrick’s YouTube channel, “American Koko” received the Best Web Series Award from the American Black Film Festival.

ABC has ordered additional installments of ABCd series Forever 31, created by and starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger; I Can Find $3000 In Your Home, featuring eBay millionaire Linda Lightman; and Newborn Moms, created by and starring Aurora Browne and Nadine Djoury. Additionally, the network has acquired I Like You Just the Way I Am, from New York Times best-selling author and actress Jenny Mollen, joining previously announced American Koko, from Diarra Kilpatrick and…...

This morning, ABC announced that it has relaunched its streaming service with a new name and a ton of new shows. ABCd will not just have digital short series but also has full seasons of 38 "throwback" shows such as 8 Simple Rules, My So-Called Life, Felicity (which aired on The WB but is owned by ABC), Ellen, Ugly Betty, and more. ABCd also has a whole new interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV and access to full episode of current shows on demand (such as Modern Family and Quantico). One of the most interesting elements is its collection of original digital series. Per the press release, here are descriptions of each series. “All My Gay Friends are Getting Married” A celebration of gay marriage through the eyes of only mildly bitter single girl, Michelle Collins, who’s realizing that everyone is now getting married – except her. She’ll...

It sounds like the stress of playing Omar got to Michael K. Williams. He admits to severe depression, and having issues being "Mike" instead of Omar, plus binges of cocaine and marijuana. "No one who was in my circle, who knew me as Mike, was allowing me to get high. I had to slip away to do drugs. I had to hide it. I'd be gone for days at a time. I was lonely in that part of my life. I was broke, broken and beat up. Exhausted. Empty."

We showed you that ridiculously bad anti-marriage spot yesterday in Briefs, but it turns out that Gary Bauer intends to run that, and more just like it in battleground states leading up to the election, trying to scare Middle America with marriage equality.

MTV is shifting the start time of the Video Music Awards from the traditional 9 Pm slot to 8 Pm...

Conan O'Brien kicked off his week of Chicago tapings Monday night with a visit from Jack McBrayer, who got his start in comedy at Chicago's famous Second City.

The two covered it all, from trying to lose the Southern accent (McBrayer is decidedly unable to do it), to accidentally happening upon Chicago's naked bike parade outside of an Urban Outfitters.

All in all, O'Brien and McBrayer's endearingly antagonistic relationship makes for a fun interview, and the highlight might just be the fact that Conan hunted down and found McBrayer's caricature on the wall at Second City.

Watch the full clip above, and then check out part two of the interview, where McBrayer talks about being a waiter at a restaurant called Po' Folks, here.

Conan O'Brien kicked off his week of Chicago tapings Monday night with a visit from Jack McBrayer, who got his start in comedy at Chicago's famous Second City.

The two covered it all, from trying to lose the Southern accent (McBrayer is decidedly unable to do it), to accidentally happening upon Chicago's naked bike parade outside of an Urban Outfitters.

All in all, O'Brien and McBrayer's endearingly antagonistic relationship makes for a fun interview, and the highlight might just be the fact that Conan hunted down and found McBrayer's caricature on the wall at Second City.

Watch the full clip above, and then check out part two of the interview, where McBrayer talks about being a waiter at a restaurant called Po' Folks, here.

Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Michael Ritchie has set the 2012-2013 season at the CTGKirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In a season of contrasts of surprising comedy and startling drama, the 2012-2013 season at the Kirk Douglas Theatre will include the magical and mystical hi-jinks of the Ctg-commissioned Elephant Room by Trey Lyford, Geoff Sobelle and Steve Cuiffo the acclaimed Gate Theatre Dublin production of the Beckett classic Krapps Last Tape with one of Britains greatest actors, John Hurt the comic genius of The Second City with their unique, satirical twist on a Dickenss favorite A Christmas Carol Twist Your Dickens written by Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort the world premiere of the otherworldly drama The Nether by the 2012 Susan Blackburn Smith prize-winning playwright Jennifer Haley and the world premiere of the powerful boxing drama The Royale by Los Angeles playwright Marco Ramirez.

Earlier, Martin Short spoke about his voice work in this weekend's new animated film, "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" -- as well as reflecting on past film roles in favorites like "Three Amigos," "InnerSpace" and "Clifford." Here, in part two, Short discusses his time on the Canadian sketch comedy show "Second City Television," as well as his one season on "Saturday Night Live."

"Sctv," a Toronto based sketch comedy show that aired off an on from 1976 to 1984, spawned the likes of comedy legends John Candy, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Flaherty and, of course Martin Short. Then, in the fall of 1984, the already established Short joined other "all stars" Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer for the last season of Dick Ebersol's run as the producer of "SNL."

Here, Short talks about his days on "Sctv" and his former fellow cast member, Rick Moranis...

Earlier, Martin Short spoke about his voice work in this weekend's new animated film, "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" -- as well as reflecting on past film roles in favorites like "Three Amigos," "InnerSpace" and "Clifford." Here, in part two, Short discusses his time on the Canadian sketch comedy show "Second City Television," as well as his one season on "Saturday Night Live."

"Sctv," a Toronto based sketch comedy show that aired off an on from 1976 to 1984, spawned the likes of comedy legends John Candy, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Flaherty and, of course Martin Short. Then, in the fall of 1984, the already established Short joined other "all stars" Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer for the last season of Dick Ebersol's run as the producer of "SNL."

Here, Short talks about his days on "Sctv" and his former fellow cast member, Rick Moranis...

The Second City Hollywood will hold an open house on Sat. May 26. The Los Angeles branch of the legendary comedy and improvisation training facility will be giving free workshops and shows for both young and adult audiences. Workshops include youth improv for ages 8-17, adult improv, writing for film and TV, and musical improv. Shows include family friendly offering such as "The Really Awesome Show" and "Neffinski and Catnip" with Second City alumni Katie Neff and Steve Kaminski as well as "Sweet-n-Salty & Bingo!" with Jaime Moyer and Amy Philips and "Second City This Week," a satire of the week's headlines. To reserve a spot in a workshop or for one of the shows, call (323) 464-8542. Second City Hollywood is located at 6560 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. www.secondcity.com/Hollywood.

Nation, today comedian Stephen Colbert is 48!

Colbert is perhaps best known for his patriotic, right-wing news anchor character (yes, it's an act) on Comedy Central’s satirical news show The Colbert Report. The host has generated a loyal following since transitioning from a correspondent on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show to host his own show in 2005 (the idea for The Colbert Report was first introduced on Stewart's show in 2003).

Colbert's antics jumped from the small screen to the nation's capital when he and Stewart teamed up to launch the Rally To Restore Sanity/March To Keep Fear Alive in October 2010. Attracting hundreds of thousands of supporters to the National Mall, the rally "[poked] fun at the nation's ill-tempered politics, its fear-mongers and doomsayers," the Associated Press reported.

In the days before his self-serious, bombastic persona dominated Comedy Central, the comedian was part of The Second City improv group in Chicago...