Rodriguez’s “Trial & Error” Comedy Headed to Series at NBC

Krysta Rodriguez is headed to Trial

NBC has picked up its Trial & Error pilot, starring the 31-year-old Latina actress and former Smash star, to series.

Krysta Rodriguez

From Warner Bros. Television, the single-camera comedy – originally titled The Trail – had been an early favorite at NBC, which landed the pitch with a big commitment last summer and had been high on the pilot since its early stages. 

Trial & Error, written by Jeff Astrof and Matt Miller, is a comedic take on the hot genre of murder trail documentaries like Making a Murderer.

In the outrageous fish-out-of-water comedy, bright-eyed New York lawyer Josh Segal heads to a tiny Southern town for his first big case. His mission: to defend an eccentric, “rollercizing” poetry professor (John Lithgow) accused of the bizarre murder of his beloved wife. Settling into his makeshift office behind a taxidermy shop and meeting his quirky team of local misfits, Josh suspects that winning his first big case will not be easy, especially when his client is always making himself look guilty.

In addition to Rodriguez and Lithgow, the series also stars Nick D’Agosto, Steven Boyer, Sherri Shepherd and Jayma Mays.

Rivera Returning to “Glee” Next Season

It looks like Naya Rivera’s headed back to school…

Even though she graduated from William McKinley High School, the 25-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress will be returning to Fox’s Glee next season.

Naya Rivera

Following the hit musical dramedy’s last season, which saw several of the show’s seniors graduate, series co-creator Ryan Murphy extended an open invitation to all 15 regulars, including Rivera, to return for Season 4. And, it looks like virtually all accepted the offer and are set to return, although not everyone will be in every episode.

Along with Rivera, other returning Glee stars include Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Darren Criss, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz, Jayma Mays, Dianna Agron, Mark Salling, Harry Shum Jr. and Heather Morris.

Each actor’s workload will vary as the show works to accommodate the large cast and make room for new characters, including American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez. Glee has already booked Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker for multi-episode arcs.

In addition to storylines reasons, some cast members may have reduced presence on the show as they pursue other projects, including features, theater and music.

 

Vergara Returning to Smurf Village

Sofia Vergara is planning to return to Smurf Village following her scene-stealing moments in The Smurfs

The 39-year-old Colombian actress—who received a Kids’ Choice Award nomination for Favorite Film Actress for her role in the CGI/live-action hybrid film—will participate in the sequel, according to Sony Pictures.

Sofia Vergara at Smurfs Premiere

Filming has reportedly already begun on the sequel with director Raja Gosnell and actors Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays and Hank Azaria, who portrays the evil Gargamel, back at work on the film.

In addition, George Lopez, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming and Anton Yelchin will return to provide the voices of their respective characters, with actress Christina Ricci added as a cast member.

In the second movie, part of the action will take place in Paris. Like the original film, the sequel will combine animation and real images using 3D technology.

The Smurfs, based on the books of Belgian artist Peyo, followed the beloved little blue man-like creatures from their village to the streets of New York City as they tried to escape Gargamel. The 2011 blockbuster earned $560 million worldwide.

The sequel is slated to open in theaters in July 2013.