David Spade Sets First Netflix Comedy Special

Ana de Armas’ portrays Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde,” a film that has been heavily debated despite not being released. Following delays and pushbacks from the studio, the film will be released this year, becoming the first Netflix film to have an NC-17 rating. Ana de Armas becomes Marilyn Monroe in Netflix’s upcoming movie ‘Blonde’See ‘Knives Out’ costars Ana de Armas and Chris Evans reunite on set for a new filmA post shared by A N A D E A R M A S (@ana_d_armas)NC-17 ratings are rare, only given to films that have very explicit content.

The series is set in a cutting-edge biotech research company, following an introverted, socially-challenged son who goes to work for his very successful, wildly eccentric father in order to save him from disaster. “We are very excited to be working with Victor, Rob and John Owen,” Tracey Pakosta, Netflix head of comedy, said in a statement.

Rob Lowe is keeping his next project all in the family.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterRob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe, have teamed with Victor Fresco on the Netflix comedy series “Unstable,” Variety has learned.The Lowes will star in the series and also co-created it with Fresco, with all three serving as executive producers. It is set in a cutting-edge biotech research company, following an introverted, socially-challenged son who goes to work for his very successful, wildly eccentric father in order to save him from disaster.

Rob Lowe is regularly trolled on social media by his son John Owen Lowe and the duo are now turning this experience into a comedy series for Netflix.

UPDATED, 9:10 AM: HBO has released the official trailer for Bill Maher’s upcoming comedy special #Adulting, in which he takes on topics such as “the what were you thinking generation,” Trump and more. The one-hour special premieres April 15 at 10 PM on HBO and will stream on HBO Max. You can watch the trailer above.

The last film from Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker“) was the period drama “Detriot” that was released back in 2017. The filmmaker has finally found her next project, a genre picture that will be made for Netflix.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterPeacock has commissioned a sketch comedy special from Kate Berlant and John Early, Variety has learned exclusively.The special is titled “Would It Kill You to Laugh? Starring Kate Berlant & John Early” and is slated to debut on Peacock this summer. The one-hour special will see Berlant and Early playing exaggerated versions of themselves as they reunite after suffering a public falling out many years earlier.

A different kind of slapstick. David Spade, Kathy Griffin and more comedians voiced their concerns after Will Smith hit Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

EXCLUSIVE:  Seasick Studios is looking to garner laughs about time travel. The two-year old indie company formed by actors Kemma Filby (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Walker Barnes (9-1-1) has commenced production on Parallel, its first sitcom about a twenty-something politician who travels through time “to conjure her perfect life.”

Naman Ramachandran BBC Studios, the commercial arm of U.K. broadcaster BBC, has revealed a first look and development deal with London-based talent and entertainment company Diving Bell Group.Founded by Kim Butler and Justin Girdler in 2017, Diving Bell represents creators and innovators in the purpose-led space including model, trans activist and cultural figure Munroe Bergdorf; feminist author, illustrator and influencer Florence Given (“Women Don’t Owe You Pretty,” “Octopus”); Gina Martin, who successfully led the national campaign to make upskirting illegal; and Emma Gannon whose careers podcast “Ctrl Alt Delete” has amassed over 10 million downloads.The deal gives BBC Studios a first look at content ideas from Diving Bell clients for the purpose of collaborating to develop these ideas and pitch for commissions.

Selome Hailu Hallmark has begun production on its first movie under the new Mahogany banner, titled “Unthinkably Good Things.” The film will star Karen Pittman.The film, set to debut on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, sees a woman named Allison (Pittman) at a crossroads in her career and love life, in need of the love and support of her two friends Melina (Joyful Drake) and Reesa (Erica Ash). When they visit her in Tuscany, the reunion causes each woman to reexamine the state of her own life and relationships. While they have different personalities and perspectives, they know each other’s truths and help to make life-changing decisions.

New Line has cast the ensemble comedy The Parenting for HBO Max with a murderers’ row of TV stars including Succession‘s Brian Cox, The Sopranos’ Edie Falco, Friends star Lisa Kudrow and Breaking Bad‘s Dean Norris.

EXCLUSIVE: UTA has signed Primetime Emmy Award-nominated actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and New York Times Bestselling author David Spade in all areas. Most recently, Spade launched a podcast, Fly on the Wall, alongside fellow SNL alumni Dana Carvey, which premiered #1 in the comedy category and in the top five overall on Apple’s podcast chart.