This week in TV news, reboots are all the rage as Laverne Cox announces her Rocky Horror Picture Show role, Netflix teases a Gilmore Girls revival, and NBC flirts with Cruel Intentions. Plus, all children of the ’90s will be excited to know that Simpsons World now has audio commentary!
Last month marked the 40th anniversary of the cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring Tim Curry in the famous role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (which he also played on Broadway in the 1970s). Now some exciting casting news is bubbling up this week about the long-gestating revival at Fox — namely that Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox (Sofia) is taking on the Frank-N-Furter role. Cox shared the story on social media Thursday, saying “I am so excited that the news is out. I am so honored to be a part of the Rocky Horror legacy. #DontDreamItBeIt #TransIsBeautiful.” In Rocky Horror, sweethearts Janet Weiss and Brad Majors happen upon the mansion of mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who is in the midst of creating a new life-form — a muscular man named Rocky. The revival is expected to hit Fox in the form of a two-hour TV movie in fall 2016.
Great news for the most obsessive Simpsons fans! Simpsons World, the online destination where every Simpsons ever lives, now offers an audio commentary track option for episodes in its library. For the launch, the audio track is available for the first 10 episodes of season 18, with new tracks dropping every week. For the season 18 premiere, “The Mook, The Chef, The Wife, and Her Homer,” head writer Al Jean chats with other Simpsons scribes, directors, and guest star Joe Mantegna, who plays Fat Tony, giving behind-the-scenes intell about the origins of many of the jokes (the first being the allusion to The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover) and an obscene word that almost made it to air on one of Otto’s Grand Funk Railroad cassette tapes. Visit SimpsonsWorld.com for more Simpsons extras.
TV Line reported this week that the beloved dramedy Gilmore Girls will be returning, thanks to a deal with Netflix and Warner Bros. Television, after being off the air for over eight years. The revival will consist of four 90-minute episodes/mini-movies — all of which will be written by series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and exec producer Daniel Palladino (the two were notoriously booted from the show before its seventh and final season). While negotiations are still in progress, major cast members Lauren Graham (Lorelai), Alexis Bledel (Rory), Kelly Bishop (Emily), and Scott Patterson (Luke) are all expected to return. Sadly, star Edward Herrman passed away last year. It’s unclear if other series regulars Jared Padalecki (Supernatural), Milo Ventimiglia (Gotham), Matt Czuchry (The Good Wife), Liza Weil (How To Get Away With Murder), or Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) will be returning as well.
