WGA, Pink Ladies and other TV Tidbits
What is this Writers Strike all about? Is Ashley really watching a show on Paramount+?
The WGA is on strike! This week on TV, I Say, we welcome TV writers Niccole Thurman (Everything’s Trash) & Nick Wiger (Doughboys) to help break down what the writers are fighting for in their battle with the greedy studios.
To donate to Hollywood crew members in need, go to:
https://entertainmentcommunity.org
For picket locations & schedules in LA & NY go to:
https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike/picket-schedules-and-locations
I’m offering 50% off my script services and Writing Resource Folder during the strike!
Pick of the Week
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Yeah, it’s true: I’m watching a show on Paramount+. I don’t really understand their app’s vibe, it’s a weird mix of incredibly old cable shows and originals aimed at teens and millennials. Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies obviously falls in the latter category. It’s the rare prequel that doesn’t feel pointless. It’s fun. It updates the music and themes of the original in a way that centers a great cast of oddballs.
I fell in love with the original Grease watching it on Nick at Nite and whatever other cable channel it would play on. I was obsessed with it. The music, the outfits. I wore poodle skirts in middle school and begged my mom to buy me a leather jacket. There’s a period when you’re a tween/teen when Grease really hits and, for me, it hit.
This update has almost as much charisma and charm as the original. The romantic pairings have chemistry even if they’re telegraphed from a mile away. It also has some absolutely corny moments that celebrate the best of musical theater camp. A musical number called “High Rollin” after the T-bird Boys smoke a joint? A song where old racist white men come alive from a painting and use props to mimic the KKK? An entire song where the Danny Zuko stand-in passionately hits himself and begs to get beaten up? This is THEATRE.
Sure, some of the jokes would make my mom groan, but overall it’s a good time and a wonderful addition to Grease lore. I also recently watched all of School Spirits on Paramount+ and it gave the same vibe. Just fun campy high school dramas for people who want something less convoluted than Riverdale. It’s my weekend recommendation!
Other TV Tidbits
I LOVE Mrs. Davis (Peacock)! This show is all over the place. It zigs every time I think it will zag. Jesus is ethically non-monogamous. It’s appointment TV but it’s not benefiting from the weekly release model. Check it out and talk about it with me on TV, I Say.
I shared by Barry (HBO) theory with my Twitter subscribers, but…I’m very happy with this 8 year time jump. I love it. Bill Hader, you’re wild for this one.
The new season of Dave (FX) has been great. The last episode was actually really romantic and sweet.
SUCCESSION (HBO) Oh, wow, well…as a Tom/Shiv fan this last episode was like a dagger through the heart. Kendall is on a course to destruction, everyone is making secret plans and NONE of them are Logan!
I’ve really been enjoying Digman (Comedy Central) I dedicated an ep of the podcast to it that also has BD Wong!
The Great North and Bob’s Burgers (FOX) continue to do what they do best.
You, Me and My Ex (TLC) is still a reality show I’m obsessed with! It’s getting a little slow and the couples aren’t as wild as last season, but John is perfecting his role as heel.
90 Day: The Other Way (TLC) I truly only love Gabe this season now. I love him. That’s IT! I can’t wait for the Tell All.
Below Deck: Sailing Yacht (Bravo) I need Daisy to GET IT TOGETHER. Why is she having such a tough time this season? I think it’s funny the charter guests asked Gary to eat dinner with them and not Capt. Glenn. No one respects Capt. Glenn.
90 Day: Love in Paradise (TLC) Now here’s the 90 Day drama. Basically everyone in this spin-off is cheating and the Americans go live on an island somewhere.
Ghosts (CBS) The finale airs tonight and I’m really going to miss this show every week. It’s been so enjoyable and has found its own rhythm. Stop asking me if it’s as good as the original, they’re just not the same at all!
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) Meredith is back, so I’m watching…yeah.
I Am Jazz (TLC) I watched all 7 or 8 seasons of this show in like 4 days and I don’t really know why. There was a lot of controversy over it, but it’s basically another TLC show where you’re like, “Oh, I do not need to know this about this little girl, someone should introduce privacy into her life.”
Animal Control (FOX) This got renewed! I wasn’t sure if it would, but it feels like a real Mr. Mayor situation to me. Fun, enjoyable, but it needs to find its voice.
Shows and Other Neat Stuff
If you’re in Seattle, I’m at Upper Left Comedy Fest this Friday and Saturday!
If you’re in NYC, I’m recording my DEBUT album at Union Hall on 6/6! Get tickets to the early or late show.