We’re so excited to see Nia Long back on the screen. She’ll co-star in an ABC’s new series Uncle Buck. Long will play the wife of Buck Russell (played by Mike Epps) who’s as intelligent as she is strong willed. We can’t wait! [Deadline]
Mike Epps will star in an ABC pilot by producer Will Packer (Think Like a Man, Ride Along) based on John Hughes’ classic film, Uncle Buck. The new series will center on Buck Russell (Epps), a childish man who learns to be an adult by taking care of his brother’s children. [Deadline]
Fox has recruited Meagan Good to play the lead in their new drama pilot, Minority Report, a sequel to the Steven Spileberg-directed movie set in D.C.. Good will play Detective Lara Vega, who helps a clairvoyant man find his purpose and use his gift for good. [Deadline]
We can thank Ava DuVernay for a good chunk of the diversity coming to primetime this upcoming season. She’s the creative brain behind the new show For Justice starring Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose. Oprah may also be making an appearance. [The Hollywood Reporter]
One of Hollywood’s hottest couples is teaming up for a new talk show on Fox. The Boris and Nicole Show will be their take on a range of topics from current events to parenting and relationships. It will begin airing in select cities on July 6. [Deadline]
Legendary television and stage actress Phylicia Rashad is making a triumphant return to primetime in an unorthodox role. Rashad will play a gay FBI agent star in Selma director Ava DuVernay’s new CBS drama. For Justice will follow Rashad’s character as she tries to find balance in her personal and professional life. [The Grio]
Ciara is headed to primetime! The Grammy-nominated singer is joining the cast of I Can Do That!, a new variety show hosted by Marlon Wayans coming to NBC. She’ll star alongside Joe Jonas, Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls, and more. [Necole Bitchie]
As if Empire wasn’t enough, Fox is adding more sexiness to its TV lineup. Morris Chestnut will star as Dr. Rosewood Jr, a top pathologist in Miami with extraordinary skills understanding living and dead bodies, in a new series pilot formerly called Rosewood. No word yet on the new title but we cannot wait. [Deadline]
Maya Rudolph will appear in the new HBO comedy pilot, Brothers In Atlanta. The show centers around two struggling entertainers and friends trying to make it through relationships and life in Atlanta, Georgia. Rudolph will play an former R&B star who’s now a demanding boss of the main character. [Deadline]
Jaden Smith will appear in the new HBO comedy pilot, Brothers In Atlanta, alongside Maya Rudolph. He will play a rowdy teenage neighbor to the main cast who has a suspicious source of income. Both Smith and Rudolph will be recurring characters if the pilot is approved. [Deadline]
Yaya DaCosta is certainly staying busy. The Whitney star is set to play the lead in Chicago Med, a spin-off of the hit NBC series, Chicago Fire. DaCosta will play Maggie Seaver a nurse who’s dating Chicago Fire‘s Kelly (so it looks like there’ll be a little romance on this new show). [Deadline]
Lance Gross has been busy behind the camera but he’s getting back in front of the lens for the new NBC martial arts drama, Warrior, set in a contemporary, multicultural (sometimes magical) society. Sounds cool! [Deadline]
Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, Princess and the Frog) has joined the cast of For Justice along with Phylicia Rashad. The CBS pilot will follow the FBI agents who work in the criminal section of the Department of Civil Rights Division. [Deadline]
HBO has ordered a pilot for Issa Rae’s comedy series, Insecure, written by and starring the self-proclaimed “awkward” Rae. The pilot will come two years after Rae and her co-executive producer Larry Wilmore began working with the network in 2013. [Deadline]
Laverne Cox is leaving the prison and headed for the courtroom. The Orange is the New Black star is set to play a lead role in Doubt, a new legal drama on CBS. Cox will play Cameron Wirth, a competitive, transgender Ivy League-educated attorney. [The Hollywood Review]
Move over everyone, Patti LaBelle is coming to the stage. But she won’t be showing off her vocals. This diva is going to show off her fancy footwork on the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars. Also joining her on the dance floor is former NFL player Michael Sam, LMFAO’s Redfoo and more. Season 20 premieres in March. [Clutch]
