By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
Raymond Lee and Camila Cabello are among the handful of fresh faces on NBC's upcoming schedule, with the network once again leaning heavily on its "Law & Order" and "Chicago" series franchises.
Cabello will join "The Voice" singing contest as a coach, NBC said Monday in announcing its fall schedule. The pop star, whose hit singles include "Havana" and who starred in the 2021 film musical "Cinderella," will join returning coaches John Legend, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
Lee stars in "Quantum Leap," which NBC described as a "reimagining" of the network's 1989 to 1993 sci-fi drama with Scott Bakula. Lee, whose credits include Fox's "Prodigal Son" and Tom Cruise's upcoming film sequel "Top Gun: Maverick," joins the small number of Asian Americans cast as series leads.
NBC is opening the door to more diversity with another new offering, "Lopez vs. Lopez," a sitcom about a working-class family starring George Lopez and his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez.
Veteran producer Dick Wolf is keeping hold of a substantial chunk of NBC real estate, with his "Chicago Med," "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago P.D." occupying prime-time Wednesday and "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Organized Crime" on Thursday.
Say farewell to a trio of shows. NBC canceled the Ted Danson-Holly Hunter comedy "Mr. Mayor"; family sitcom "Kenan," starring "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kenan Thompson, and drama series "The Endgame."
The medical drama "New Amsterdam" will return in the fall for its final season.
The 2022-23 midseason will also see the return of "The Blacklist" with James Spader and second-season comedies "American Auto" and "Grand Crew," and the debut of "Night Court," a sequel to the 1984 to 1992 sitcom. John Larroquette is reprising his role as prosecutor Dan Fielding, with Melissa Rauch ("The Big Bang Theory") as new Judge Abby Stone.
NBC kicked off the annual New York City presentation to advertisers of what's in store for the coming season, with splashy in-person events — back after being sidelined for two years by the pandemic.
What was once the province of ad-supported networks has expanded to include corporate siblings in the cable and streaming realms. NBCUniversal Media, owned by Comcast, encompasses the NBC network, cable channels including USA Network, Bravo and Telemundo, and the Peacock streaming service.
In announcing its fall lineup, NBC said all its shows will be available on Peacock the day after they air. That approach means NBC's shows "will truly be accessible to audiences in any way that they want to watch," Frances Berwick, chairman of entertainment networks for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement.
AP Television Writer Lynn Elber reported from Los Angeles.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More