Latest from Next TV in Common

Showtime Offers Up ‘The Chi’ For Early Viewing

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 17:00:00 +0000

Showtime is giving audiences a chance to sample its new drama series The Chi in advance of its Jan. 7 premiere.

The premiere episode of the Lena Waithe-created series is currently available to viewers for free on YouTube, Facebook and SHO.com, as well as via on demand and on computers through the Showtime stand-alone service’s website (www.showtime.com)

The series, executive produced by Waithe (Master of None), Common (Selma) and Elwood Reid (The Bridge, Hawaii Five-O), is a coming of age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption, said Showtime.

TCA17: Epix Renews ‘America Divided’

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:35:00 +0000

Epix has renewed its documentary series America Divided for a second season, the network announced Tuesday during its Television Critics Association summer press tour session.

Related: Complete Coverage of the 2017 TCA Summer Press Tour

The eight-story first season, executive produced by Norman Lear, Shonda Rhimes and Common, featured narratives around inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. It also included celebrities such as America Ferrera, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler, Peter Sarsgaard and Jesse Williams.

“Season two will bring more eye-opening stories to light,” said Epix president and CEO Mark Greenberg. “We look forward to working with that talented team on season two.”

Epix also announced premiere dates for the spohomore seasons of drama/thriller series Berlin Station (Oct. 15) and comedy series Graves (Oct. 22).

Spike TV Has Designs on Furniture Competition Series

MCN Staff — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:15:00 +0000

Spike TV is taking the non-scripted into the ranks of furniture design competition.

Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 6, Spike TV will present Framework, a showcase for emerging furniture designers as they compete for a $100,000 cash prize and the opportunity for their work to be sold by a major manufacturer.

Hosted by the uncommon Common, the hip-hop artist, actor (American Gangster, AMC's Hell on Wheels) and author, the 10-episode season will feature 13 builders putting their talents to the test in a series of challenges in which they will use unconventional materials, rethink classic furniture pieces, and incorporate a variety of techniques and disciplines to demonstrate their mastery of furniture creation. Check out a clip here.

In each episode, a contestant will be eliminated by a panel, led by host Common and judges Nolen Niu and Brandon Gore, two of the most influential names in the furniture world today.

Niu, whose award-winning designs have been featured in over 300 publications worldwide and whose varied client list includes Andaz hotels, MGM Mirage properties and Esquire Magazine will speak to the contestants’ designs. Gore, internationally acknowledged as an artisan who has revolutionized the use of concrete in furniture, will critique the builders on their ability to execute their designs. Gore’s furniture line, Hard Goods, has been featured in Dwell, Vogue, Wired and many other design titles.

Framework was created by Dwight Smith and Michael Agbabian of Mission Control Media (Hollywood Game Night, Face Off) who serve as executive producers.

Revolt TV To Promote James Brown Biopic Film

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:00:00 +0000

Revolt TV will air several short vignettes featuring artists reflecting on the life of R&B singer James Brown on the eve of the premiere of Brown’s theatrical biopic Get On Up, the network said Thursday.

The network, in partnership with Universal Studios, is currently running a series of on-air promo spots featuring such artists as Ludacris, Bobby Brown and Common discussing the life and influence that Brown had on the music industry, said network officials.

Get On Up, premieres Aug. 1 and stars Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis and Viola Davis.