Entertainment Daypop Archives

American Experience: The Circus is a two-part miniseries on PBS, which will explore the history of the American circus, capturing the excitement of when the “Greatest Show on Earth” would arrive in your town. The Circus features the stories of showmen like P.T. Barnum, James Bailey and the five Ringling Brothers and presents archival footage of the circus industry. It also offers interviews with modern-day performers.  “The reason why the circus is so appealing is because of its simplicity,” says former ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson. “The Circus” will air Oct. 8-9 at 9 p.m. on PBS.

CBS has announced a brand new international talent competition series from celebrated television producers Mike Darnell and Mark Burnett. James Corden, Emmy Award-winning host of The Late Late Showwith James Corden, will host The World’s Best and pull double duty as executive producer. Drew Barrymore, RuPaul Charles and Faith Hill will serve as the three American judges. “It’s only fitting that The World’s Best perform in front of the world’s best,” said Sharon Vuong, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming for CBS. “James, Drew, Faith and RuPaul are all amazing talents who have excelled in their respective fields on a global scale. We can’t wait for them to bring their distinct voices to a show that’s unlike any other.” The World’s Best will premiere on CBS with a 10-episode first season in 2019.

Damon Wayans is set to exit Fox’s television adaptation of Lethal Weapon after production wraps on 13 new episodes for Season 3. Wayans made the announcement Wednesday during an interview, where the actor said his decision to leave the show stemmed from having long work days and wanting to spend more time with his family.  “I’m a 58-year-old diabetic and I’m working 16-hour days,” Wayans said. “Like Murtaugh say, ‘Too old for this.'” Wayans said he plans on returning to stand-up comedy in 2019. Wayans’ departure comes after Seann William Scott just joined Lethal Weapon Season 3 following the firing of original star Clayne Crawford. Scott portrays a new character named Wesley Cole while Crawford had appeared as classic Lethal Weapon character Martin Riggs.

The movie “Venom” is expected to set an opening weekend record for October with an estimated $80 million from 4,250 theaters. Venom, which stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock (aka the eponymous anti-hero Venom), will beat the last October record-holder, “Gravity,” which debuted in 2013 to $55.7 million. Directed by Ruben Fleischer and also starring with Michelle Williams alongside Hardy, “Venom” earned $32.75 million on Friday. The weekend’s other major opener, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “A Star Is Born,” is expected to make $42 million from 3,686 domestic sites. Warner Bros.’ remake has already earned $6.0 million abroad from 4,590 screens. “A Star Is Born” premiered to rave reviews at the Venice International Film Festival and marked Cooper’s directorial debut from a script he co-wrote with Eric Roth and Will Fetters.

The Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco has a new job, and will voice the title role in the upcoming Harley Quinn animated series. CBS announced in August that The Big Bang Theory will end with its current 12th season. The actress announced the news about Harley Quinn on Wednesday, October 3, during a surprise appearance at New York Comic-Con, where DC Universe also unveiled a teaser for the show. Cuoco told the audience, “I’ve always loved animation. I did it years ago, and I haven’t been in the animation world in a while. [Harley] is so edgy. It’s obviously a very adult comedy, and with such a world-renowned character, it’s been a blast to record.” Cuoco revealed that the series will begin with her character breaking up with The Joker as she becomes the “best badass super villain that there is.” The Harley Quinn voice cast also includes Lake Bell, Alan Tudyk, Ron Funches, JB Smoove, Jason Alexander, Wanda Sykes, Tony Hale and Chris Meloni, and is expected to premiere in 2019.