'Big Sky' stumbles in addressing Native American criticism
(Amy Schlatter via AP)LOS ANGELES – After ABC's “Big Sky” drew Native American censure for overlooking an epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls, its producers set about making changes. “Big Sky” was a plum for Disney-owned ABC, marking writer-producer David E. Kelley’s return to network TV after a string of cable successes ("Big Little Lies," “The Undoing”). They sought guidance from National Congress of American Indians, the largest and oldest representative body for America's nearly 600 tribal nations. The first “Big Sky” change was to add an on-screen message noting resources for victims of sexual or labor exploitation. She was heartened by the prospect of a major network paying heed to the crucial issue of violence against Native women, she said, calling producers sincere in their efforts.
Who did it? TV viewers intrigued by HBO's 'The Undoing'
It was a good story.”It was the most-watched night for HBO since the finale of “Big Little Lies” last year, which also featured Kidman and creator David E. Kelley. “The Undoing” has generated more conversation on social media than any other new scripted television series this year, Nielsen said. NBC was the top-rated broadcast network in prime time for Thanksgiving week, averaging 3.64 million viewers. CBS had 3.55 million, ABC had 2.4 million, Fox had 1.6 million, Ion Television had 930,000, Univision had 890,000 and Telemundo had 530,000. Hallmark hit 2.53 million, Fox News Channel had 2 million, MSNBC had 1.59 million and CNN had 1.41 million.
'Big Sky' producers recognize Native American criticism
Native American tribes and coalitions are condemning Big Sky, a Montana-set ABC drama, for ignoring the history of violence inflicted on Indigenous women and instead making whites the crime victims. On Tuesday, the makers of “Big Sky” broke their silence. They cited “Somebody's Daughter,” a documentary detailing the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls crisis, as it's known to those fighting the scourge. They’re not asking for ‘Big Sky’ to be taken off the air,” he said, but instead be used to inform. While Lightning said she was “a little bit shocked” when she saw a Native American tragedy mirrored in a story but without Native American characters, her years working in Los Angeles meant she wasn’t surprised.
New this week: The Boss, Billie Eilish, Borat & 'Bad Hair'
(Columbia Records via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Edgier than the (also great) Gwyneth Paltrow version, Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role of the matchmaker extraordinaire this time. — Billie Eilish was on the road for just three days before she had to cancel her worldwide tour due to the coronavirus pandemic in March. But thankfully on Saturday the Grammy-winning star will host her first global livestream concert. “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event” uses music, comedy, short documentaries and celebrity appearances to explore the Latino experience.
ABC's fall TV schedule is set, but virus has say on timing
LOS ANGELES ABCs fall schedule released Wednesday optimistically details its plans, including a new thriller from the creator of Big Little Lies." I am hopeful that the season will start sometime in late September or early October, said ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke. ABC has backups available if needed, Burke said, including unscripted fare it ordered at the beginning of the shutdown. Jimmy Kimmel, ABCs late-night host, was announced Tuesday as the events emcee and producer. I couldnt be happier with the choice of Matt as The Bachelor. And this is just the beginning," Burke said.
ABC renews 19 shows, adds David E. Kelley drama 'Big Sky'
LOS ANGELES ABC is bringing back the lions share of its series for next season, including black-ish, A Million Little Things and The Rookie.They are among the 19 shows that will return in the 2020-21 season, the network said Thursday, adding to a list of previously announced renewals. New series debuting next season include Big Sky, a thriller from writer-producer David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Boston Legal), the comedy Call Your Mother and game show revival Supermarket Sweep with host Leslie Jones ("Saturday Night Live"). As with other networks facing the uncertainty of an industrywide, coronavirus-caused production halt, ABC is releasing its plans later than usual and piecemeal. Among the ABC series that wont be back: sitcoms Bless This Mess, Schooled and Single Parents, the drama Emergence, and Kids Say the Darndest Things, a reality show hosted by Tiffany Haddish. Decisions on The Beauty and the Baker and For Life have yet to be announced.