TV News: 'Survivor' Finale, 'Veronica Mars' Spinoff, 'Arrow' Casting News, More
Lots of TV news to get to today, so let's get right to it by kicking off with news on the Survivor: Cagayan finale!
After last night's surprising tribal council, in which this season's final four were finally revealed, Jeff Probst revealed to Entertainment Weekly that next week's finale would feature his live, running commentary.
To start with, I’ll be live from the beginning of the two-hour finale. I’ll also be live at the end of every act. I’ll be interacting via social media @jeffprobst with fans at home and in the audience. We’re endeavoring to make this more of a shared event rather than a passive viewing experience. I’m excited. I think it’s going to add a nice bit of energy to the show. As for the finale itself, still more surprises to come regarding how it finishes and two of the most exciting challenges of any finale. Then we have the reunion. where we’ll focus on some of the more interesting relationships of this season — there is definitely a lot of unfinished business that we’ll deal with. I anticipate a really fun night to finish off a really fun season!
His news about two challenges is interesting: will it be two immunity challenges, leaving us with a final two for the first time in eight seasons? Or will it be like Survivor: Philippines, in which we have a reward challenge for an advantage in the final immunity challenge, leaving us with a final three after all? It should be interesting to find out, especially because a final two would suddenly throw the question of who could win this thing into further turmoil. If nothing else, turmoil has been the defining characteristic of this season.
Via: Entertainment Weekly
Credit: FX Networks
Upfronts may be over, but that doesn't mean cancellations have come to an end, as FX Networks canned two of its original comedies.
Legit, the raunchy-but-heartfelt comedy starring Australian stand-up comedian Jim Jefferies, has been canceled after two seasons. The series followed a fictionalized Jefferies as he managed the difficulties of living in Venice, CA, with his "boozy, divorced best friend Steve (Dan Bakkedahl) and Steve’s kid brother Billy (DJ Qualls), a quadraplegic with MS." The series had been a critical favorite, but never caught on with audiences over its two seasons beyond the minor cult following it gathered.
However, FX Networks assured that the show would not be going to its grave alone, as the network has also canceled animated comedy Chozen after 10 episodes. The story centered on "a gay white rapper (voiced by Bobby Moynihan) who’s fresh out of prison." Chozen was the first original series order for the new FXX network back in June, which makes its cancellation particularly surprising, although I suppose the show just didn't pull in the necessary audience to stave off the Grim Reaper of TV.
Via: Deadline
Credit: The CW
But not every news bit is grim, as we now have official word on the title for the new Veronica Mars spinoff from creator Rob Thomas.
The digital web series will be titled Play It Again, Dick, and will feature Ryan Hansen reprising his role as Dick Casablancas. The show, which will consists of 10-minute episodes, is described as a comedy. No word on when Play It Again, Dick will premiere, but it is confirmed to run on The CW’s digital platform, CW Seed.
Via: Deadline
Credit: The CW
Last, but not least, is news about the recently-concluded (well, for this season anyway) CW drama Arrow.
It turns out the character of Malcolm Merlyn won't be going anywhere anytime soon, as John Barrowman has been promoted to series regular for season three. Barrowman, who has played the role of Merlyn/Dark Archer in a recurring capacity since the fourth episode of season one, appeared in the final two hours of season two to set up his new arc for season three this fall.
All in all, the show seems to know where it's headed, which makes this casting news very encouraging. And Barrowman is an outstanding addition to any show willing to use him, so you'll get no complaints from me, here.