ABC Scraps ‘Thirtysomething’ Sequel Pilot, Vampire Drama ‘The Brides’ as Remaining Slate Takes Shape

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLaura Benanti has joined the ensemble cast of the Fox drama pilot “Big Leap,” Variety has learned exclusively.The one-hour project centers on a group of diverse underdogs from all different walks of life who compete to be part of a competition reality series that is putting on a modern, hip remake of “Swan Lake.” It is inspired by the UK docuseries “Big Ballet.”Benanti will play Paula Dirks, a tap dancer and white-collar former V.P.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNBC has ordered the unscripted series “Home Sweet Home,” which hails from Ava DuVernay.In the 10-episode hour-long series, two families who lead very different lives go through a full-immersion cultural experiment.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterGreg Kinnear has signed on for a leading role in the Starz pilot “Shining Vale.”He joins previously announced series star Courtney Cox. “Shining Vale” is a half-hour horror comedy about a dysfunctional family that moves from the city to a small town into a house in which terrible atrocities have taken place.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe Quinn Colson novels by Ace Atkins are being developed as a TV series at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively.In the books, Colson is a former Army Ranger who returns to his home in rural northeast Mississippi.

Rochdale, in February.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe planned series adaptation of the film “Sexy Beast” is not moving forward at Paramount Network, Variety has learned exclusively from sources.The show was given a 10-episode straight-to-series order at the cabler last year. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, the move to scrap the series came amid budget cuts in the wake of the Viacom-CBS merger.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming Paramount Network comedy series “Emily in Paris” is headed to Netflix.Variety has learned that the series will debut exclusively on Netflix this fall rather than the basic cabler. The series is created by and executive produced by Darren Star with Lily Collins starring as the titular Emily in addition to producing.“Emily in Paris” was one of few scripted series set to air on Paramount Network in the near future.

Love Island stars Luke Mabbott and Lucie Donlan have confirmed their romance with a series of loved-up snaps. Model Lucie, 22, and Justin Bieber lookalike Luke, 24, each shared a loved-up snap on their Instagram stories, confirming they are an item after the rumour mill began to churn earlier this week.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLucy Liu has been cast in the lead role of Shana Goldberg-Meehan’s multi-camera workplace comedy pilot at ABC formerly known as “Bossy” and “Kids Matter Now.”Liu will play Devin, described as the fierce and powerful head of Shelter, a large and successful modern furniture company. She is a force and is unfamiliar with failure.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterAmazon has landed the rights to develop the 2020 Pulitzer Prize finalist New York Times story and podcast “The Jungle Prince of Delhi” as a drama series, Variety has learned.The story, written by Ellen Barry, delved into the history of the royal family of Oudh, deposed aristocrats living in a ruined palace in the Indian capital claiming to be the heirs to a fallen kingdom.Mira Nair is attached to direct the project and will also executive produce.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA reboot of “The Wonder Years” has landed a pilot production commitment at ABC.The new half-hour comedy series would focus on how a black middle class family in Montgomery, Alabama in the turbulent late 1960’s made sure it was The Wonder Years for them too.  That puts the new show in the same time period as the original series, which was set between 1968 and 1973. A mini writer’s room for the show will be opened once ABC approves a pilot script.Saladin K.

Bubba Wallace spoke about that Donald Trump tweet during an appearance on Tuesday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

An £18m ‘Tower of Light’ which will generate low-carbon heat and power in Manchester city centre is beginning to take shape.Rising above the Metrolink arch near Manchester Central, the futuristic 40-metre high structure is set to become a striking landmark in the city.It will power a number of prominent buildings known as the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network by sending electricity and heat - via hot water - through two kilometres of underground pipes.The tower will also be surrounded by a

Meghan McCain wasn’t impressed with Kanye West’s announcement he will run in the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNBC has picked up a comedy series that will be filmed entirely through video chats.Titled “Connecting,” the series is described as an ensemble comedy about a group of friends trying to stay close (and sane) through video chats as they share the highs and lows of these extraordinary times. It is unknown at this time when the series will air or if it will be part of NBC’s fall schedule.NBC has given the show an eight-episode straight-to-series order.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterSpringHill Entertainment, the production company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, has signed a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios.“SpringHill Entertainment makes the shows LeBron and I want to watch,” Carter said. “We look at every project as a way to connect with our community and ask ourselves if it will entertain and empower them.