“Good Girls” is getting an Arabic version, marking the first international adaptation of the Universal Television show about three moms embarking on a life of crime.
Titled “Lunch Box,” the Arabic “Good Girls” redo features Egyptian stars Ghada Adel, Jamila Awad and Fadwa Abed in the main roles as three women — two sisters and their friend — who, faced with sudden economic hardship, decide to pull an unlikely heist. Just like in the U.S. original, starring Christina Hendricks, Mae Whitman and Retta, they presume this will improve their lives, only to find themselves spiraling deeper into the criminal world.
Egyptian actors Ahmed Wafik, Hesham Ismail and rapper-actor Shahin also star.
The 30-episode “Lunch Box” is being produced by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, and Dubai-and Cairo-based production company S Productions. “Lunch Box” marks their second collaboration after previously teaming up on the Arabic adaptation of comedy...
Titled “Lunch Box,” the Arabic “Good Girls” redo features Egyptian stars Ghada Adel, Jamila Awad and Fadwa Abed in the main roles as three women — two sisters and their friend — who, faced with sudden economic hardship, decide to pull an unlikely heist. Just like in the U.S. original, starring Christina Hendricks, Mae Whitman and Retta, they presume this will improve their lives, only to find themselves spiraling deeper into the criminal world.
Egyptian actors Ahmed Wafik, Hesham Ismail and rapper-actor Shahin also star.
The 30-episode “Lunch Box” is being produced by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, and Dubai-and Cairo-based production company S Productions. “Lunch Box” marks their second collaboration after previously teaming up on the Arabic adaptation of comedy...
- 3/11/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Jenna Bush Hager, “Bel-Air” showrunner Carla Banks Waddles, and “Good Girls” creator Jenna Bans are teaming to adapt Diane Marie Brown’s debut novel “Black Candle Women” into a television series at Universal Television.
Hager, the co-host of “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” previously announced “Black Candle Women” as her March pick for her book club #ReadWithJenna. Waddles will write and executive produce the series. Bans and Casey Kyber of Minnesota Logging Company will executive produce along with Hager and Ben Spector of Thousand Voices. Waddles is under an overall deal at Utv, as is Bans, while Hager is under a first-look deal with Universal Studio Group. Usg’s Creative Acquisitions and IP Management team, led by Jordan Moblo, was said to be instrumental in securing the rights to the novel.
“I am thrilled that my book will not only be adapted but also be in such incredibly talented hands,...
Hager, the co-host of “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” previously announced “Black Candle Women” as her March pick for her book club #ReadWithJenna. Waddles will write and executive produce the series. Bans and Casey Kyber of Minnesota Logging Company will executive produce along with Hager and Ben Spector of Thousand Voices. Waddles is under an overall deal at Utv, as is Bans, while Hager is under a first-look deal with Universal Studio Group. Usg’s Creative Acquisitions and IP Management team, led by Jordan Moblo, was said to be instrumental in securing the rights to the novel.
“I am thrilled that my book will not only be adapted but also be in such incredibly talented hands,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Television is developing a series adaptation of Diane Marie Brown’s debut novel Black Candle Women with Jenna Bush Hager, who has a first-look deal with Universal Studio Group, under her production banner Thousand Voices. Hager is teaming with Bel-Air showrunner Carla Banks Waddles and Good Girls creator Jenna Bans, both of whom have overall deals with Utv, for the project.
Waddles is set to write and executive produce the adaptation. Bans will executive produce through her production banner Minnesota Logging Company, along with the company’s Head of Television Casey Kyber. Hager will also executive produce with President of Thousand Voices, Ben Spector.
Black Candle Women introduces four generations of Montrose women—Augusta, Victoria, Willow—who have lived together in their quaint two-story bungalow in California for years. They keep to themselves, never venture far from home, and their collection of tinctures and spells is an unspoken bond between them.
Waddles is set to write and executive produce the adaptation. Bans will executive produce through her production banner Minnesota Logging Company, along with the company’s Head of Television Casey Kyber. Hager will also executive produce with President of Thousand Voices, Ben Spector.
Black Candle Women introduces four generations of Montrose women—Augusta, Victoria, Willow—who have lived together in their quaint two-story bungalow in California for years. They keep to themselves, never venture far from home, and their collection of tinctures and spells is an unspoken bond between them.
- 3/28/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Television has snagged rights to the latest selection in Today host Jenna Bush Hager’s book club.
The studio will develop Diane Marie Brown’s debut novel, Black Candle Women, with Bel-Air showrunner Carla Banks Waddles writing the adaptation. Hager, who has a first-look deal at Utv parent Universal Studio Group via her Thousand Voices banner, will executive produce, as will Jenna Bans (Good Girls) via her Minnesota Logging Company. Waddles and Bans both have overall deals at Universal TV.
“Diane’s magical, poetic novel captured my imagination from the first page,” said Hager. “I am thrilled to partner with the indomitable Carla to bring the four generations of Montrose women to viewers. We are also thrilled that Jenna and Casey [Kyber] have joined us alongside our partners at Utv.”
Added Brown, “I am thrilled that my book will not only be adapted but also be in such incredibly talented hands.
The studio will develop Diane Marie Brown’s debut novel, Black Candle Women, with Bel-Air showrunner Carla Banks Waddles writing the adaptation. Hager, who has a first-look deal at Utv parent Universal Studio Group via her Thousand Voices banner, will executive produce, as will Jenna Bans (Good Girls) via her Minnesota Logging Company. Waddles and Bans both have overall deals at Universal TV.
“Diane’s magical, poetic novel captured my imagination from the first page,” said Hager. “I am thrilled to partner with the indomitable Carla to bring the four generations of Montrose women to viewers. We are also thrilled that Jenna and Casey [Kyber] have joined us alongside our partners at Utv.”
Added Brown, “I am thrilled that my book will not only be adapted but also be in such incredibly talented hands.
- 3/28/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peacock’s Bel-Air is nearly matching the number of seasons with its showrunners.
The NBCUniversal-backed streamer has handed out a third-season renewal for its reimagining of Will Smith’s beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The dramatic take on the former comedy series that is inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral short was originally picked up at Peacock with a two-season order following a competitive bidding process with other streamers vying for the series.
The season three renewal marks its first vote of confidence beyond that initial order and follows a wave of showrunner changes as the drama struggled to find its creative voice. Carla Banks Waddles was recruited as showrunner at the start of season two. The Good Girls and The Soul Man alum was promoted from co-exec producer to showrunner and replaced T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air.
The NBCUniversal-backed streamer has handed out a third-season renewal for its reimagining of Will Smith’s beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The dramatic take on the former comedy series that is inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral short was originally picked up at Peacock with a two-season order following a competitive bidding process with other streamers vying for the series.
The season three renewal marks its first vote of confidence beyond that initial order and follows a wave of showrunner changes as the drama struggled to find its creative voice. Carla Banks Waddles was recruited as showrunner at the start of season two. The Good Girls and The Soul Man alum was promoted from co-exec producer to showrunner and replaced T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air.
- 3/17/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 1990, an 11-year-old Tatyana Ali began portraying the role of Ashley Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Now, over 30 years later, Ali is taking on a new role on the set of the new TV drama Bel-Air which is a reimagined reboot of the classic NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. While the experience has been a joy for Ali, it has also been quite emotional. Here’s a look at why Ali couldn’t stop crying once she got on the set of Bel-Air.
Tatyana Ali takes on a new role in the ‘Bel-Air’ universe Tatyana Ali attends a “Bel-Air” premiere party I Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Of course, fans will remember that Ali’s character, Ashley, is the youngest daughter of Vivian and Philip Banks and the younger cousin of the show’s protagonist Will Smith. Ali played the role of Ashley Banks...
Tatyana Ali takes on a new role in the ‘Bel-Air’ universe Tatyana Ali attends a “Bel-Air” premiere party I Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Of course, fans will remember that Ali’s character, Ashley, is the youngest daughter of Vivian and Philip Banks and the younger cousin of the show’s protagonist Will Smith. Ali played the role of Ashley Banks...
- 3/13/2023
- by Danielle Gibson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The following contains spoilers for Thursday’s episode of Bel-Air. Proceed accordingly.
Bel-Air welcomed another Fresh Prince alum with Tatyana Ali’s arrival in the Season 2 premiere as Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes.
More from TVLinePuss in Boots: The Last Wish -- How to Watch the Hit Shrek OffshootThe Traitors Players Clash in Reunion Teaser: 'You Got Outplayed' -- WatchBel-Air Season 2 Premiere Recap: Will's New Mentor Seems Shady -- Grade It!
Previously, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson — who played Aunt Viv and Viola “Vy” Smith in the Og series, respectively — appeared in Season 1 as board members interviewing Vivian for a coveted art fellowship.
Bel-Air welcomed another Fresh Prince alum with Tatyana Ali’s arrival in the Season 2 premiere as Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes.
More from TVLinePuss in Boots: The Last Wish -- How to Watch the Hit Shrek OffshootThe Traitors Players Clash in Reunion Teaser: 'You Got Outplayed' -- WatchBel-Air Season 2 Premiere Recap: Will's New Mentor Seems Shady -- Grade It!
Previously, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson — who played Aunt Viv and Viola “Vy” Smith in the Og series, respectively — appeared in Season 1 as board members interviewing Vivian for a coveted art fellowship.
- 3/2/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Bel-Air creator Morgan Cooper and season two showrunner Carla Banks Waddles are defending executive producer Will Smith following criticisms of his character after he slapped Chris Rock onstage at the 2022 Oscars.
In a new interview published ahead of the second season debut of Bel-Air on Feb. 24, Cooper spoke to Yahoo! Entertainment about the support Smith has given the show and its creative team day in and day out. For the show’s writer and director, he’s “got nothing but good things to say about Will.”
“Will is a great guy, and he’s demonstrated that with his actions throughout the whole Bel-Air development process, back when this was just my short film,” Cooper explained. “I’ve seen the content of his character on a day-to-day basis with this crew, this cast, my producing partners, the network and the studio.”
Morgan added that when it came to Smith’s behavior...
In a new interview published ahead of the second season debut of Bel-Air on Feb. 24, Cooper spoke to Yahoo! Entertainment about the support Smith has given the show and its creative team day in and day out. For the show’s writer and director, he’s “got nothing but good things to say about Will.”
“Will is a great guy, and he’s demonstrated that with his actions throughout the whole Bel-Air development process, back when this was just my short film,” Cooper explained. “I’ve seen the content of his character on a day-to-day basis with this crew, this cast, my producing partners, the network and the studio.”
Morgan added that when it came to Smith’s behavior...
- 2/24/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Peacock’s most streamed show, the dramatic reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, simply titled Bel-Air, makes its way into the second season, the series will be bringing in a familiar face. Tatyana Ali, who formally played Ashley Banks in the Will Smith sitcom, is set to play a recurring role in this season of Bel-Air. Ali will be playing an English teacher at the middle school attended by Ashley Banks, played in this incarnation by Akira Akbar, according to Deadline.
Ali’s appearance will take place throughout the season as Peacock is streaming a 10-episode arc that will be starting this February 23. Ali plays Mrs. Hughes, a teacher who sees something special in Ashley, and it’s not secret how poetic the casting is, given how Ali defined the iconic role.
The official synopsis for the second season reads, “Season two of Bel-Air picks up with Will...
Ali’s appearance will take place throughout the season as Peacock is streaming a 10-episode arc that will be starting this February 23. Ali plays Mrs. Hughes, a teacher who sees something special in Ashley, and it’s not secret how poetic the casting is, given how Ali defined the iconic role.
The official synopsis for the second season reads, “Season two of Bel-Air picks up with Will...
- 1/19/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The princess of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is coming back. Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in the original NBC sitcom, will guest star in Season 2 of the show’s dramatic re-interpretation “Bel-Air,” Peacock announced January 19.
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
- 1/19/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996, has joined the cast of the Peacock reboot “Bel-Air.”
In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher who sees something special in Ashley (played by Akira Akbar in this version), often giving her books from her personal collection. See a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in a new trailer for “Bel-Air” Season 2 below.
“Bel-Air” is a dramatic reimagining of the original comedy series that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Season 2 picks up with Will at a crossroads as...
In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher who sees something special in Ashley (played by Akira Akbar in this version), often giving her books from her personal collection. See a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in a new trailer for “Bel-Air” Season 2 below.
“Bel-Air” is a dramatic reimagining of the original comedy series that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Season 2 picks up with Will at a crossroads as...
- 1/19/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
“Bel-Air,” the hit series that reimagines the 1990 sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” is coming back with its second season in February, and the characters have a slew of decisions to make according to the Season 2 teaser trailer.
“Life is a series of choices,” says character Will in the opening of the “Bel-Air” Season 2 trailer. The entire trailer is narrated by Will, who is played by Jabari Banks, as the video clip cuts to each of the show’s leads, with Will highlighting some of the challenges each character was faced with in the first season. “Push for what you want, or let people figure it out on their own,” says Will over a visual of Philip Banks, played Adrian Holmes.
You can watch the full teaser in the video above.
The one-hour drama series stars series regulars Banks, Holmes, Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones...
“Life is a series of choices,” says character Will in the opening of the “Bel-Air” Season 2 trailer. The entire trailer is narrated by Will, who is played by Jabari Banks, as the video clip cuts to each of the show’s leads, with Will highlighting some of the challenges each character was faced with in the first season. “Push for what you want, or let people figure it out on their own,” says Will over a visual of Philip Banks, played Adrian Holmes.
You can watch the full teaser in the video above.
The one-hour drama series stars series regulars Banks, Holmes, Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones...
- 11/17/2022
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell you when Season 2 of the “Fresh Prince” reboot is set to air. “Bel-Air” Season 2 will premiere on Peacock February 23, the streamer announced Thursday.
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
- 11/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
It wouldn't be the first time the life of "Bel-Air" gets flipped turned upside down. The series, which is a dramatic adaptation of the 1990s comedy "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," once again changes showrunners ahead of its second season.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season, will now take over as showrunner from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who departed the series over creative differences, according to a source who spoke with Variety. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward, and Waddles will also receive an executive producer credit. The new showrunner is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series.
Brady and Newson themselves were not the first showrunners on this series. They were named co-showrunners on season 1 after Diane Houston left the show. She took over the helm after the original showrunner,...
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season, will now take over as showrunner from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who departed the series over creative differences, according to a source who spoke with Variety. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward, and Waddles will also receive an executive producer credit. The new showrunner is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series.
Brady and Newson themselves were not the first showrunners on this series. They were named co-showrunners on season 1 after Diane Houston left the show. She took over the helm after the original showrunner,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
“Bel-Air” is getting a new showrunner — again.
The Peacock drama series is undergoing a change at the top behind the scenes for the third time as it prepares its second season at the NBCUniversal streamer.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on Season 1, will now take over as showrunner and executive producer. She takes over from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who have departed the series over creative differences, an individual with knowledge of the situation says. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward.
Waddles is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series. Brady and Newson themselves were named co-showrunners on Season 1 following the departure of Diane Houston. Houston had taken over from the show’s original showrunner, Chris Collins, who departed the show long before Season 1 had aired.
“Bel Air,” a dramatic reboot of the...
The Peacock drama series is undergoing a change at the top behind the scenes for the third time as it prepares its second season at the NBCUniversal streamer.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on Season 1, will now take over as showrunner and executive producer. She takes over from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who have departed the series over creative differences, an individual with knowledge of the situation says. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward.
Waddles is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series. Brady and Newson themselves were named co-showrunners on Season 1 following the departure of Diane Houston. Houston had taken over from the show’s original showrunner, Chris Collins, who departed the show long before Season 1 had aired.
“Bel Air,” a dramatic reboot of the...
- 10/13/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Of the many unanswered questions surrounding the series, the popularity behind "Gravity Falls" is no mystery. After just a few minutes in the Mystery Shack, I guarantee you'll understand the hype and realize exactly why this remains one of the most beloved shows of recent years. Jam-packed with all the hyperactive energy you expect from a Disney Channel cartoon, the Alex Hirsch-created series also brought some fresh ideas to the network by telling a story that ranged from wacky hijinks to supernatural horror. The result was a mystery box of a show: a sci-fi mystery about two twins exploring the supernatural happenings of the titular small town. Clever, hilarious, and spooky in all the best ways, "Gravity Falls" captured the hearts of kids and adults alike.
So is the "X-Files"-esque premise that won folks over? Or the hidden messages that fans could learn to solve for themselves? Or...
So is the "X-Files"-esque premise that won folks over? Or the hidden messages that fans could learn to solve for themselves? Or...
- 9/6/2022
- by Shania Russell
- Slash Film
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