CBS Renews “Fire Country,” Starring Kevin Alejandro, for Second Season

Posted on January 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Kevin Alejandro is fired up…

CBS has renewed Fire Country, starring the 46-year-old Mexican American actor, for the 2023-2024 season.

Since its premiere on October 7, Fire Country has averaged 8 million viewers per episode, making it the top new broadcast series of the season.

With live +35-day multiplatform viewing, more than 10 million viewers an episode have watched the procedural across linear and streaming platforms.

“It’s pretty remarkable to see a new series resonate like this with both broadcast and streaming audiences right out of the gate,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, in a statement. “Fire Country has so many appealing entry points for the audience. It combines high-stakes action with small town charm, mystery and romance, and a family franchise at its core. We’re blessed to have an incredible team in front of and behind the camera led by amazing producers and writers and an exceptionally talented cast.”

The drama stars Max Thieriot as Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence by joining a prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region. It’s a high-risk, high-reward assignment, and the heat is turned up when Bode is assigned to the program in his rural hometown, where he was once a golden all-American son – until his troubles began. Five years ago, Bode burned down everything in his life, leaving town with a big secret. Now he’s back, with the rap sheet of a criminal and the audacity to believe in a chance for redemption with Cal Fire.

Alejandro portrays Manny Perez, the captain of Cal Fire where Bode is sent.

Fire Country, from Jerry Bruckheimer Television and CBS Studios, is inspired by Thieriot’s experiences growing up in fire country and stems from an original idea by the actor, who also co-penned the story for the pilot with its writers, Tony Phelan and Joan Rater.

Starz Renews Monica Raymund’s Crime Drama Series “Hightown” for Third Season

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Monica Raymund is riding high(town)…

Starz has renewed its critically acclaimed crime drama series Hightown, starring the 35-year-old half-Dominican American actress, for a third season.

The Cape Cod-set series is created and executive produced by Rebecca Cutter and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Lionsgate Television.

“Hightown is such an incredible show, and we could not be happier that it’s been renewed for a third season,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming for Starz. “We are excited to return to Cape Cod to see our iconic characters battle their past mistakes as well as new foes in the dangerous underworld that lies beneath this idyllic setting.”

In Season 2, the picture-perfect version of summer on Cape Cod clashed with its off-season reality. Per the logline: Achieving her dream of becoming a real cop, Jackie Quinones (Raymund) is out to do some good in this world. Thrust immediately into the crime wave of deadly carfentanyl flooding the Cape, Jackie is laser-focused on bringing down drug dealer Frankie Cuevas (Amaury Nolasco), the man Jackie holds responsible for the death of her best friend, Junior. For Jackie, it is personal — but then again, for Jackie, everything is personal.

When Frankie’s cousin Jorge (Luis Guzmán) joins his operation, he introduces a new level of violence and chaos. With disgraced officer Ray Abruzzo (James Badge Dale) off the force and mired in depression, Jackie finds a new partner in Leslie (Tonya Glanz), the only other woman on the force. Through it all, Jackie must walk the tightrope of sobriety as she struggles to stay above an ocean of secrets, betrayal and the shame and failure of her past.

Riley Voelkel, Atkins Estimond, and Dohn Norwood also star.

Cutter made her television directorial debut in Season 2. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rachel Morrison also directed two of the second season’s 10 episodes.

Raymund, Brandon Sonnier, Radium Cheung, Antonio Negret and Eagle Egilsson also directed in Season 2.

Season 2 is streaming on all Starz platforms.

Ilana Peña Teaming Up with Crystal Ferreiro to Develop the Dramedy “Hermanas” for The CW

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s sister time for Ilana Peña…

The Latina writer, who created Diary of a Future President, is teaming up once again with the Disney+ series’ writer Crystal Ferreiro on the project Hermanas, a drama with some humor in development at the CW.

The project hails from Jerry Bruckheimer Television and CBS Studios, where Peña and JBTV are under deals.

Written by Ferreiro with Peña supervising, Hermanas follows three sisters—individually described as a “hot mess,” a “rigid overachiever” and a “homemaker who never left”—who reunite in their small town in Naples, FL after their brother, the crown jewel of the family, gets into a debilitating accident. As the women put their resentments aside to help him, the Primés realize that the sanitized version you present to family evaporates when you’re in close quarters, and what’s exposed is your most messy, authentic and vulnerable self.

Ferreiro executive produces alongside Peña, who executive produces under her Tilde Productions banner and will serve as showrunner. Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed executive produce for Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

Peña is creator, showrunner, EP and director of Diary of a Future President, which recently saw the release of its second season. Ferreiro was a writer on the CBS Studios-produced series.

CBS Releases First Look at Mel Rodriguez’s “CSI” Sequel, “CSI: Vegas”

Posted on July 24, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mel Rodriguez is seeking the truth…

CBS had released the first-look teaser for CSI: Vegas, the sequel to the the mothership CSI series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, starring the 48-year-old Latino actor.

The sequel features returning CSI stars William Petersen, Jorja Fox and Wallace Langham, who are joined by new series regulars Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Rodriguez and Mandeep Dhillon.

CSI: Vegas opens a new chapter in Las Vegas, the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.

CSI: Vegas hails from writer Jason Tracey, CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

https://twitter.com/CBSTVStudios/status/1418024052732547074

The sequel premieres on Wednesday, October 6 at 10/9c on CBS.

CBS Gives Straight-to-Series Order to “CSI: Vegas,” Starring Mel Rodriguez

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mel Rodriguez is officially hitting the (crime) scene…

CBS has given a straight-to-series order to CSI: Vegas, a sequel – starring the 47-year-old Latino actor – to the mothership CSI series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, for the 2021-21 season.

Headlined by returning CSI stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox, joined by new series regulars Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Rodriguez and Mandeep Dhillon, CSI: Vegas hails from writer Jason Tracey, CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

Also coming back is another fan favorite CSI cast member, Wallace Langham, reprising his role as David Hodges.

With CSI: Vegas, the most watched drama series of the 21st century, CSI, opens a new chapter in Las Vegas, the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.

Rodriguez is reportedly playing Hugo who took over as Head Medical Examiner three years ago.

“Twenty-one years ago, we launched CSI and watched in awe as this new cinematic series launched an entire genre and became a groundbreaking juggernaut that still has global resonance today,” said Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “We are thrilled to welcome the next generation of forensic criminalists to the CSI brand and unite them with the legendary characters from the past who we still love, including the extraordinary Billy Petersen and Jorja Fox. Crimefighting technology has advanced dramatically over the last several years, and combined with classic CSI storytelling, we can’t wait to watch this new CSI team do what they do best: follow the evidence.”

Mel Rodriguez to Star in CBS’ Upcoming Series “CSI: Vegas”

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mel Rodriguez is joining the force…

The 47-year-old Latino actor has been cast as one of the leads in CSI: Vegas, which Deadline.com reports is nearing a formal straight-to-series order at CBS.

Rodriguez will star opposite Paula Newsome and Matt Lauria in CSI: Vegas, which serves as a sequel to the mothership CSI series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

William Petersen and Jorja Fox are reportedly finalizing their deals to star in CSI: Vegas, reprising their roles as Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle, respectively.

While billed as an event series, CSI: Vegas, from writer Jason Tracey, CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television, could become an ongoing series running for multiple seasons.

With CSI: Vegas, the most watched drama series of the 21st century, CSI, opens a new chapter in Las Vegas, the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.

Rodriguez is said to be playing Hugo, who took over as Head Medical Examiner three years ago. He has an endless fascination with the bodies that find their way onto his slab, and the morgue is his happy place. Rodrigues previously guest starred in an episode of CSI: NY (character name: Al McGrath).

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation bowed out in 2015 after 15 seasons, having launched a $1 billion franchise for CBS that spanned four series; CSI and spinoffs CSI: Miami, CSI: New York and CSI: Cyber.

Rodriguez was most recently a series regular on the Showtime series On Becoming a God In Central Florida opposite Kirsten Dunst. He was also seen opposite Anne Hathaway in Dee Rees’ The Last Thing He Wanted for Netflix. Additionally, Rodriguez recently voiced Officer Colt Bronco in the Disney–Pixar animated feature Onward.

David Fumero Lands Role on Spectrum’s “Bad Boys” Spinoff Series “L.A.’s Finest”

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a Finest hour for David Fumero…

The 45-year-old Cuban actor has landed a recurring roles on L.A.’s Finest, Spectrum’s 13-episode series starring Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba.

The spinoff from the Bad Boys movie franchise hails from writers Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier, Sony Pictures Television, Jerry Bruckheimer Television and 2.0 Entertainment.

It follows Burnett (Union), who last was seen in Miami taking down a drug cartel. She now has left her complicated past behind to become an LAPD detective. Paired with a new partner, Nancy McKenna (Alba), a working mom with an equally complex past, Burnett is pushed to examine whether her unapologetic lifestyle might be masking a greater personal secret. These two women don’t agree on much, but they find common ground when it comes to taking on the most dangerous criminals in Los Angeles.

Fumero will play Lt. Jason Calloway, an LAPD lieutenant with the Narcotics Division. He and Syd had a one-night stand that colors their occasionally adversarial relationship around the office. A good cop and a total pro; not above arresting any cop who crosses the line.

Union and Alba executive produce alongside co-showrunners Margolis, Sonnier, and Pam Veasey.

Fumero was a series regular on the Starz drama Power.

Fumero, who first began as an international fashion model for such fashion powerhouses as Versace, Armani, John-Paul Gauthier, and Dior, rose to fame on the ABCsoap opera One Life to Live.

Monica Raymund to Star in Starz’s Opioid Epidemic-Themed Drama “P-Town”

Posted on September 15, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Monica Raymund has landed her next starring role…

The 32=year-old half-Dominican American actress and former Chicago Fire has been cast as the lead in P-Town, Starz’s drama that touches on the current opioid epidemic.

Monica Raymund

From former Gotham writer-producerRebecca Cutter, Power executive producer Gary Lennonand Jerry Bruckheimer Television, the project was originally picked up for development last fall.

Now that it’s been ordered to series, P-Town will begin production in March.

Written and executive produced by Cutter, P-Town centers on Jackie Quinones (Raymund), a lesbian National Marine Fisheries Services officer, happy to use her gun and badge to pick up tourist chicks in “P-Town” — the gay mecca of Provincetown, MA. But when she finds a body washed up on the beach — collateral damage of the opioid epidemic – Jackie’s life begins to circle the drain. As she faces her own addictive behaviors, she becomes increasingly obsessed with solving the murder. Jackie’s forced to confront the dark side of the idyllic summer spot – all the while putting herself and her sobriety in danger.

As opiate-related overdose deaths have skyrocketed in the U.S. since 2001, Massachusetts has been hit hard, with more than 1,250 deaths from heroin overdose in 2014. The 2015 HBOdocumentary Heroin: Cape Cod, USA, depicted the dire situation in Cape Cod where 85 percent of the crimes are opiate-related.

Raymund played Gabriella Dawson for six seasons on NBC’s Chicago Fire. She was one of five original series regulars whose initial contracts expired after Season 6 and the most prominent female cast member on the Wolf Entertainment/Universal Televisiondrama. Raymund played Paramedic in Charge/Firefighter Candidate Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson.

Raymund is also known for her role as Dana Lodge on CBS’ The Good Wife.

Charter Communications Gives Straight-to-Series Order to Jessica Alba’s “LA’s Finest”

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is officially one of LA’s Finest…

Charter Communications has given a 13-episode straight-to-series order to LA’s Finest, the drama pilot starring the 37-year-old half-Mexican American actress and Gabrielle Union.

From writers Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier, Sony Pictures Television, Jerry Bruckheimer Television and 2.0 Entertainment, the series is set to premiere in 2019 exclusively on Charter’s Spectrum as the platform’s first major original series.

The series follows Burnett (Union), who last was seen in Miami taking down a drug cartel. She now has left her complicated past behind to become an LAPD detective. Paired with a new partner, Nancy McKenna (Alba), a working mom with an equally complex past, Burnett is pushed to examine whether her unapologetic lifestyle might be masking a greater personal secret. These two women don’t agree on much, but they find common ground when it comes to taking on the most dangerous criminals in Los Angeles.

The cast also includes Ernie Hudsonas Joseph Burnett, Zack Gilford and Duane Martin as Ben Walker and Ben Baines, and Ryan McPartlin as Patrick McKenna.

Sony Television took out the action pilot, a spinoff from the Bad Boys movie franchise, immediately after the project’s original network, NBC, passed on it.

Charter Communications quickly emerged as a likely potential home, starting talks with Sony just days later. With the deal in advanced stages, Sony Television has been selling LA’s Finest internationally.

“Charter has a strong passion for the project, and we could not be more excited,” ” said Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television. “Immediately we knew this innovative new platform was absolutely the right home for L.A.’s Finest.”

With its title recognition and A-list stars, L.A.’s Finest will be used as a key launching piece in Charter Communications’s recently announced strategy to introduce high-end original content on its Spectrum cable systems. The company signaled its entrance in the original scripted series arena by signing co-production deals with AMC Networks and Viacomand by hiring seasoned TV executive Katherine Pope to lead its original content efforts by securing rights on a cost-effective basis. Charter already produces programming via its regional sports networks and its exclusive Spectrum News services.

With elaborate action sequences, LA’s Finest was one of the highest-profile and most expensive pilots this season, with its budget said to be around $12 million. It is based upon the character Syd Burnett, originally created for Bad Boys II by Marianne and Cormac Wibberley and Ron Shelton and played by Union in the 2003 movie.

Union and Alba executive produce.

Fox Renews Alejandro’s “Lucifer” for a Second Season

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Kevin Alejandro has another season to be a Fox…

The network has given second season pickup to its freshman drama Lucifer, starring the Mexican American actor.

Lucifer, produced by Warner Bros. Television and Jerry Bruckheimer Television, is based on characters created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg for DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint.

Along with Alejandro, who portrays Dan, the series also stars Tom Ellis, Lauren German and D.B. Woodside.

Tom Kapinos wrote and executive-produced the pilot and is an executive consultant on the series. It is executive-produced by Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Ildy Modrovich and Joe Henderson.

Len Wiseman serves as director and executive producer.

“We knew we had something special with Lucifer, from the engaging performances of Tom, Lauren and the rest of the charismatic cast, to Len Wiseman’s visually stunning look of the show and the amazing storytelling savvy of the Bruckheimer team,” said Fox’s David Madden.

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