Jason Sudeikis to Host Virtual Comedy Competition Series ‘Tournament of Laughs’ at TBS

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation, Apple has given a straight-to-series order to a comedy series from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Variety has learned exclusively.Titled “The Afterparty,” the series is described as a murder mystery comedy set at a high school reunion afterparty.

Seth Meyers is bringing back “Second Chance Theatre”, but this time from home.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterFox has renewed the animated comedy “The Great North” for a second season before the first has even aired.The show was ordered to straight-to-series last year and is currently slated to debut at midseason in 2021. It hails from Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin from “Bob’s Burgers” as well as Minty Lewis.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterComedian Ricky Velez has set up a comedy pilot at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively.Velez will serve as co-writer and executive producer on the half-hour project, with Judd Apatow also co-writing and executive producing. Judah Miller will serve as co-writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterHBO Max has ordered a new adult animated series titled “10-Year-Old-Tom.”The series hails from writer and executive producer Steve Dildarian, with Nick Weidenfeld also attached as an executive producer.“Not only is Steve insanely funny, he is one of the rare talents that can write, draw and do voices.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterDan Harmon has signed a broadcast network-only exclusive direct animation deal with Fox Entertainment.Under the deal, Harmon has received a series commitment for an adult animated series that is currently being targeted for a spring 2022 debut.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterHulu is developing a comedy series about the notorious New Jersey theme park Action Park, Variety has learned.The half-hour series is based on the book “Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park” by Andy Mulvihill and Jake Rossen.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe CW announced Tuesday an additional four series acquisitions as part of its summer lineup.Making their U.S. debuts on The CW are: the horror whodunnit competition “Killer Camp,” debuting July 16 at 8 p.m.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterStarz is developing a new comedy series titled “East Wing” with Debra Messing attached in the lead role, Variety has learned.The series hails from writers and creators Ali Wentworth and Liz Tuccillo, with Wentworth also set to star alongside Messing. The show is inspired by Wentworth’s mother, who who served as Social Secretary in the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency in the 1980s.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterApple has signed on to co-produce the upcoming espionage thriller series “Tehran.”The show tells the story of a Mossad agent who goes deep undercover on a dangerous mission in Tehran that places her and everyone around her in dire jeopardy.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation with multiple outlets bidding, Dakota Johnson is attached to star in and executive produce a mockumentary series currently in the works at Amazon.Titled “Rodeo Queens,” the series follows an ensemble of Rodeo Queen hopefuls as they compete for the coveted crown. A writers’ room for the series will open soon, with a full series order expected.Christy Hall created the series and will serve as showrunner and executive producer.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Batwoman” showrunner Caroline Dries reassured fans on Wednesday that there are no plans to kill off the character of Kate Kane following the exit of series lead Ruby Rose.“As a lesbian who’s been working as a writer for the past fifteen years, I’m well aware of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope and I have no interest in participating in it,” Dries tweeted.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“The Promised Neverland” could be coming to Amazon as a live-action series.Variety has learned that the streamer is developing a live-action English-language adaptation of the popular manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu.Meghan Malloy is set to write the script. The series will be directed and executive produced by Rodney Rothman, with Masi Oka executive producing along with Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterAfter the success of “Chernobyl,” Johan Renck and Craig Mazin are reuniting on HBO’s planned series adaptation of the hit video game “The Last of Us.”Variety has confirmed that Renck has signed on to direct the pilot of the series in addition to executive producing. Mazin is co-writing and executive producing the series along with the game’s writer and executive director, Neil Druckman.

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVTBS has ordered seven episodes of Tournament of Laughs, a virtual comedy competition series hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Jason Sudeikis. It’s set for premiere Sunday, June 21.Tournament of Laughs will feature 32 comedians facing off in a single-elimination bracket-style tournament, with each episode featuring multiple match-ups.

Also Read: 'Snowpiercer' Premieres to 3.3 Million Viewers on TNT and TBSSudeikis will serve as host and provide “color commentary” on the matchups.“We may be without some of our favorite sports right now but we can still partake in some fierce rivalries” Brett Weitz, general manager of TNT, TBS and truTV said in a statement.

By Joe Otterson

Apple TV+ has debuted a first look image from their upcoming series Ted Lasso, a new comedy show from Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence, that will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, August 14.

Olivia Wilde heads to a private event in a eye catching pink and orange color block dress in Los Angeles over the weekend.

By Bruce Haring