Matt Dillon, Bernadette Peters, Christine Taylor Among Six to Join Patricia Arquette Apple Series ‘High Desert’

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBefore the in-ring action kicked off at Survivor Series at the Barclays Center on Sunday night, WWE hosted an upfront presentation for advertisers that laid out the company’s wide appeal with audiences.“We have massive reach and broad distribution available in over 900 million homes, 180 countries, 28 languages, and — in a non-pandemic era — over 500 live events [per year],” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s chief brand officer.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming Ahsoka Tano series at Disney Plus has cast Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Variety has confirmed with sources.She joins previously announced series lead Rosario Dawson. Wren was first introduced to the “Star Wars” universe in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels.” She is a young Mandalorian and a weapons expert, particularly when it comes to explosives.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA new “Earthworm Jim” animated TV series is in development, Variety has learned exclusively.The project hails from Interplay Entertainment Corp., which owns the rights to the “Earthworm Jim” games. Interplay has partnered with APA to bring the project to television.Like the games, the series would follow the adventures of the titular Jim, a worm in a futuristic robotic suit who fights evildoers.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming NBC series “The Endgame” has added Karl Josef Co and Massiel Mordan to its cast.The duo join previously announced series leads Morena Baccarin and Ryan Michelle Bathé.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJesse Eisenberg is set to star in the title role of the upcoming FX on Hulu limited series “Fleishman Is in Trouble.”Eisenberg joins previously announced cast member Lizzy Caplan.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterRandall Park is set to star in a comedy series at Netflix that is set at the last Blockbuster Video, Variety has learned.The streamer has ordered 10 episodes of “Blockbuster,” which was created by writer and executive producer Vanessa Ramos (“Superstore,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”). David Caspe (“Happy Endings,” “Black Monday”) and Jackie Clarke (“Superstore,” “Happy Endings”) also serve as writers and executive producers.

Patricia Arquette is hard at work on her new Apple TV+ comedy series!

Joe Otterson TV ReporterParamount Television Studios has promoted Jenna Santoianni, Cheryl Bosnak, and Erika Kirkwood.Jenna Santoianni has been upped to executive vice president of Paramount Television Studios after previously serving as executive vice president and head of development.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe “Avatar: The Last Airbender” live-action series at Netflix has cast three key roles, with production on the series now underway.Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (“Kim’s Convenience,” “The Mandalorian”) will play Uncle Iroh, a retired Fire Nation general and the wise and nurturing mentor to his hot-headed nephew, Prince Zuko. Lim Kay Siu (“Anna and The King,” “Nightwatch”) will play Gyatso, a kind and caring Air Nomad monk who is the guardian, father figure and best friend to Aang.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIndustrial Media has entered into an overall deal with House of NonFiction, Alex Stapleton’s new unscripted production company.Stapleton is an Emmy-winning filmmaker who is currently directing two projects for HBO. She recently completed the docu-series “Pride” for FX, which chronicles the American LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterParamount Plus has released the first trailer for the live-action “Halo” series. The show is expected to debut on the streamer in 2022.Pablo Schreiber stars as the iconic Master Chief from the long-running and beloved Xbox video game series.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJennifer Garner is now set to headline the upcoming Apple drama series “The Last Thing He Told Me,” Variety has confirmed.Garner takes over the role from Julia Roberts, who reportedly pulled out due to a scheduling issue.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNetflix has ordered the hybrid comedy series “Saturday Morning All Star Hits” from Kyle Mooney and Ben Jones.The series will feature a combination of adult animated segments as well as live-action. It is described as a celebration of all that is 80s and 90s television.

Apple TV+’s comedy series High Desert is adding to its cast.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJonathan Majors and Simu Liu are both set to make their hosting debuts on “Saturday Night Live.”Majors will host the long-running NBC sketch series on Nov. 13.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJohn Skipper and Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media has brought on Deirdre Fenton as executive director of unscripted, Variety has learned exclusively.In her new role, Fenton will oversee the company’s unscripted programming.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJohn Skipper and Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media has signed a multi-year first-look deal with Apple.Under the deal, Meadowlark will produce documentary and unscripted series for the streamer. Meadowlark was launched in January, with the company at that time announcing an initial focus on sports content.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterEugene Levy is set to host and executive produce a new travel series for Apple.“The Reluctant Traveler” will see Levy visit some of the world’s most remarkable hotels, as well as explore the people, places and cultures that surround them. Self confessedly not your average travel show host, he’s agreed the time is right for him to broaden his horizons.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“The Three-Body Problem” series at Netflix has officially added a dozen cast members, Variety has learned.The cast now includes: Jovan Adepo (“Watchmen,” “When They See Us,” “Fences”), John Bradley (“Game of Thrones,” “Moonfall,” “Marry Me”), Tsai Chin (“Lucky Grandma,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), Liam Cunningham (“The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” “Game of Thrones,” “Hunger”), Eiza González (“Baby Driver,” “I Care A Lot,” “Ambulance”), Jess Hong