Entertainment

Study claims 'Hell's Kitchen' is the easiest reality show to get on

Fox

If you wanna be a reality show star, learn to cook.

That's because a new study claims two chef Gordon Ramsay-fronted Fox shows have your best shot of appearing as a contestant.

The website HelloMillions tracked Google data for the number of people who searched phrases like "apply for" and "casting call" related to 19 of the top reality shows, then compared that to the number of contestants on a given show per season — aka your competition for a slot.

With that in mind, Hell's Kitchen had the lowest number of monthly searches for applications — an average of 1,598 national searches — and each season has 18 participants.

The search number is likely the lowest because unlike other reality shows, you have to have a skill to be in the kitchen with Chef Ramsay.

Coming in second was The Bachelorette. Despite the show's popularity, one still has a decent shot of getting on it, considering each season has 26 contestants and there's only 2,400 or so monthly searches inquiring how to apply. 

Coming in third was Squid Game: The Challenge: While there are 42,843 monthly searches for how to join up, the show has the largest pool of contestants per season: 456. 

The fourth easiest show to get on, according to the site, was another Ramsay reality hit Master Chef: 2,359 monthly searches were related to getting on, with 20 wannabe winners a season.

Rounding out the top five was The Bachelor. Nearly 5,000 monthly searches were related to applying to the ABC show, with slots for 33 hopefuls.

For the record, the hardest show to get on was CBS' Love Island. Per month, there are 16,322 casting searches and 33 contestants.

Methodology and results have not been verified or endorsed by ABC News or The Walt Disney Company.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction overturned in New York

Weinstein outside of court in New York City in 2020 - Brendan McDermid/Reuters, FILE

The rape conviction of movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been overturned by New York's highest court.

The New York Court of Appeals, in a scathing 4-3 opinion, overturned Weinstein's conviction on sex crimes against three women, finding the trial judge "erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes."

The court said that testimony "served no material non-propensity purpose" and "portrayed defendant in a highly prejudicial light."

Weinstein spokesperson Juda Engelmayer told ABC News, "We are happily surprised and we are studying the ruling."

The Weinstein team, which was eagerly awaiting a ruling, was not expecting it to be in Weinstein's favor after a succession of rulings in different courts all went against Weinstein.

Weinstein was also convicted of sex offenses in Los Angeles and sentenced to 16 years in prison there.

Because Weinstein is already convicted in California, he will not be released but instead transferred to the custody of prison authorities in California.

Weinstein, 72, was a well-known, powerful man within the entertainment industry, and prosecutors said he abused his power to take advantage of aspiring female actors, like the alleged victims, to coerce them into unwanted sexual encounters — a well-known secret in Hollywood, prosecutors alleged.

An explosive New York Times article in October 2017 reported Weinstein had reached at least eight settlements with women who accused him of sexual misconduct over decades. The story sparked an avalanche of accusations from women who came forward with similar accounts and largely kicked off the #MeToo movement, targeting prominent celebrities for sexual misconduct.

Weinstein was arrested on May 25, 2018, and charged with first-and third-degree rape for one victim and first-degree criminal sex act for another woman. He was found guilty in February 2020 of two felonies — criminal sexual assault and third-degree rape — but acquitted of the two most serious charges of predatory sexual assault. He was also acquitted of first-degree rape.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Ryan Seacrest and girlfriend Aubrey Paige call it quits after three years

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Ryan Seacrest and Aubrey Paige have split after three years of dating, a rep for the American Idol host confirms to People.

"After three beautiful years together, Ryan and Aubrey have mutually decided to part ways," an insider tells the outlet, adding, "They plan to stay in each other’s lives as good friends and support one another’s endeavors."

Seacrest, 49, and Paige, 26, went public with their relationship back in 2021 when they were spotted together celebrating Memorial Day in the Hamptons, according to People.

Seacrest previously dated actress and Dancing with the Stars cohost Julianne Hough and model Shayna Taylor.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jennifer Aniston working '9 to 5' into a reboot for 20th Century Studios

ABC

The Morning Show producer and star Jennifer Aniston is reportedly working on rebooting the classic workplace comedy 9 to 5 for 20th Century Studios.

In a story that first broke on the subscriber-based InSneider website, the former Friends star will reportedly be working with her Echo Films production company partner Kristin Hahn and Lisa Frankenstein writer Diablo Cody for the project.

The 1980 hit starred Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda as office workers who plot to get even with their chauvinist boss, played by Dabney Coleman. It's Parton-sung theme that shared the movie's title was nominated for an Oscar, and became a smash.

The legendary leading ladies revisited the beloved movie in the 2022 documentary Still Working 9 to 5.

The property was made into two TV projects in the 1980s, and also became a Tony-nominated musical.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Emma Stone denies calling Jimmy Kimmel a "p****" at the Oscars

Disney/Scott Kirkland

Emma Stone recently addressed rumors that she was annoyed over a joke host Jimmy Kimmel made about Best Picture nominee Poor Things at the Oscars back in March

“Those were all the parts of Poor Things that we’re allowed to show on TV," quipped Kimmel following the film's Best Picture nominee montage.

The camera then panned over to Stone, who leaned towards her husband, Dave McCary, and commented something. Some people thought it looked like she was calling Kimmel a p****.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Wednesday, April 24, however, the 35-year-old actress denied the rumor.

"No! I didn't call him a p****," she shared. "What did I say? I didn't call him a p****. I wasn't upset with him at all. I'll have to look that up. I’m near-unoffendable."

Stone managed to get the last laugh by winning her second Best Actress Oscar.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In Brief: Ryan Gosling's 'SNL' huge for Peacock, and more

Variety reports the April 13 episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Ryan Gosling, drew the biggest Peacock audience ever in a seven-day period. The exact number of Peacock viewers isn't available, but the episode’s seven-day total across all platforms is 8.9 million — a 1.7 million viewer increase from the night it originally aired, based on a combination of Nielsen’s measurement of linear viewers on NBC and NBCUniversal’s own data regarding streams on Peacock. It's also SNL’s best seven-day viewership since Billie Eilish served as both host and musical guest in 2021 ...

Amy Adams has signed on to star in the upcoming drama At the Sea, from Pieces of a Woman director and filmmakers Kornel Mundruczó and Kata Wéber, according to Deadline. Adams will play Laura, who has to readjust to the complicated life she left behind and face the future following a long rehabilitation. Production is set to begin in Boston in June ...

Roku has greenlit the original docuseries Tracee Travels, hosted by black-ish alum Tracee Ellis Ross. "A champion of solo travel," Tracee "invites viewers on her journey, as she meticulously, laboriously, and sometimes ridiculously prepares for and travels solo to spectacular locations," per the streamer. During her travels, Tracee "charts her own path, as she explores the intersection of beauty, fashion, design, food, and culture at each stop of her trip" ...

 

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


"He really is a superhero": Jeremy Renner's 'Kingstown' co-star Michael Beach on star's near-fatal accident

Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount + © 2022 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

As reported back in January, nearly a year to the day he was almost killed in a snowplow accident, Jeremy Renner revealed he was back on the set of the Paramount+ show Mayor of Kingstown.

Renner suffered more than 31 broken bones and had other serious injuries from the accident, but to this day, his co-stars are as in awe of his recovery as Renner's fans are.

Michael Beach plays Kareem Moore in the series and told ABC Audio he was shocked to learn how close Renner came. "Things that he told me that I didn't know that, you know, like the fact that he actually died and they brought him back. I didn't know that," the award-winning actor says.

Beach added, "It's remarkable to see what he is doing. And pretty much I don't think ... anyone watching will have any idea. You can't see anything different."

Beach continues, "On set, of course, he needs — he needs a little more breaks. He's always got to exercise. He's got to stretch. He's got special chairs to sit in and stuff like that. But, you know, it's so quick ... from his accident — to see the things that he can do is incredible."

Beach adds with a laugh, "So, yeah, he really is a superhero, man. He really is."

Mayor of Kingstown returns to Paramount+ for season 3 on June 2.

 

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


"It hurt": Ben Stiller talks the negative and positive effects of 'Zoolander 2' tanking

Pablo Cuadra/FilmMagic

In the forthcoming May 7 episode of David Duchovny’s Fail Better podcast, Ben Stiller unpacked what Zoolander 2 bombing did for him — for better or worse.

The 2016 movie tanked at the box office and was critically drubbed, which took a toll on him, Stiller says in the interview.

"It hurt," Stiller said, according to The Wrap.

“I thought everybody wanted this, and then it’s like, 'Wow, I must have really f***** this up. Everybody didn’t go to it. And it's gotten these horrible reviews."

Stiller adds, "It really freaked me out because I was like, 'I didn’t know [it] was that bad?'"

The director of the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder recalls, "What scared me the most on that one was l’m losing what I think what's funny, the questioning yourself,” he added. “It was definitely blindsiding to me. And it definitely affected me for a long time.”

That said, there was a silver lining. "The wonderful thing that came out of that for me was ... if that had been a hit, and they said 'Make Zoolander 3 right now' ... I would have just probably jumped in and done that."

Stiller added, "Even if somebody said, 'Well, why don’t you go do another comedy or do this?’ I probably could have figured out something to do. But I just didn’t want to."

What came from that break was developing some limited series, like 2018's Escape at Dannemora, for which he was nominated for an Emmy in the directing category, and the Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ series Severance.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tina Fey, Steve Carell to reunite for Netflix comedy series 'Four Seasons'

Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Date Night co-stars Tina Fey and Steve Carell will reunite for Fey's eight-episode Netflix comedy series called Four Seasons, ABC Audio has confirmed. 

The series is based on actor/director Alan Alda's 1981 film of the same name, which also starred Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Sandy Dennis and Len Cariou.

Fey co-created and will star in the show, which centers on three married couples who vacation together every season and how the collective relationship is strained when one of the partners strays with a younger woman. 

The film was also adapted into a CBS TV show in 1984. 

Fey co-created the show with Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, with whom she worked on her Emmy-winning NBC comedy 30 Rock. Fisher co-created Never Have I Ever, which ran for four seasons on Netflix, and Wigfield created Great News and Saved by the Bell for the streaming service.

Emmy and Oscar nominee Carell previously appeared in Netflix's comedy series Space Force.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Disney+ drops trailer to Ron Howard-directed documentary 'Jim Henson Idea Man'

Disney+

On Wednesday, Disney+ released the official trailer for the upcoming Jim Henson Idea Man, the documentary from Oscar-winning director Ron Howard that looks into the life and legacy of the iconic Muppets creator. 

Henson died May 16, 1990, at age 53 of bacterial pneumonia.

He created some of the world's most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of Sesame Street’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. Henson was also the creative force behind the fantasy films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, the latter starring David Bowie.

"He showed people the good in all of us," a voice-over states. 

Another offers, "From a very early age, he had the feeling that he was here for a purpose."

The doc features archival photos, diary entries and interviews with Henson, including an interview in which he recalls the humble origins of Kermit: "My mother's coat and a ping pong ball. That's how it started."

Disney+ calls Jim Henson Idea Man "an unprecedented, intimate look at Henson's illustrious, revolutionary career and complex personal life."

The streaming service continues, "Using never-before-seen personal archival home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries, as well as interviews with those who knew him best, the film is the definitive portrait of one of the world’s most inspiring and iconoclastic creators."

One of those interviewed is former Muppeteer Frank Oz, who performed Yoda in the Star Wars films, among many other Henson characters. "If Jim was here, I'd just have to thank him," he said, his voice quavering.

The documentary will premiere May 31 on Disney+.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Keke Palmer announces the "next chapter" in her life with new 'Master of Me' book

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Keke Palmer has turned a page in her life and will be inviting people to do the same with her forthcoming book, Master of Me.

"This book means growth to me. It signifies the next chapter of my life," she tells People.

"It imparts the wisdom I've learned with the earnesty [sic] of knowing that I'm still changing," she says of the opus, which will debut from Flatiron Books on November 19.

It is Palmer's follow-up to her 2017 book, I Don't Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice.

"I am looking forward to having this book out in the world because I know we are all dealing with the same things," Palmer tells the magazine. "We are all trying to love ourselves and learn ourselves."

She adds, "This book is my honest revelations of how I'm staying afloat and my hope and desire is to not even necessarily 'help' readers but to share with them." Keke says, "Sometimes we all feel alone but we aren't. And even those of us who seem to be doing well still struggle."

The book will explore the "Serious" singer, Nope star and Emmy-winning Password host's relationships and motherhood, as well as how she is moving forward with her career. 
 

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Original star Luke Kleintank out, Teri Polo in at 'FBI: International'

CBS

There's another changing of the guard at CBS's FBI: International, as another one of its original stars is stepping down.

According to a statement published by Deadline, Luke Kleintank, who played Special Agent Scott Forrester on the Dick Wolf-produced series for three seasons, is turning in his badge.

The trade also notes that Meet the Parents franchise veteran Teri Polo is stepping onto the beat.

According to Kleintank, he made the decision "[a]fter much thought and consideration," adding his change of heart "is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life."

The actor went on to say he's "profoundly thankful for the extraordinary cast and crew of the show, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable talents have made every moment on set an unforgettable journey that has enriched my life in countless ways."

He also thanked the fans of the show "who have supported us through the first three seasons." His last episode will air May 7.

Nothing is known yet about Polo's role in the show, except she'll join for the last two episodes of the current third season and will be a part of the show going forward if it is renewed.

At the beginning of season 3, another original cast member, Heida Reed, left the show; she played Kleintank's superior, Special Agent Jamie Kellett.

 

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Felicidades! Paramount+ already renews new 'Dora' animated series for second season

Paramount+ © 2024 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dora, the CG-animated reboot of the classic kids show Dora the Explorer, has been renewed by Paramount+ for a sophomore season, a month after its debut on the streamer.

The Nickelodeon Animation-produced show follows its plucky, titular bilingual heroine, voiced by Diana Zermeño, on all new adventures with her monkey pal Boots (Asher Colton Spence).

In the announcement, Paramount+'s executive VP of programming Jeff Grossman said he's "thrilled that our audience has already embraced Dora," calling the show "an incredible opportunity to introduce this beloved character and iconic franchise to a whole new generation."

President of Paramount and Nickelodeon Animation Ramsey Naito enthused, "Our audiences have embraced the new Dora series with open arms, and it’s incredible how she continues to capture the imaginations of preschoolers around the world with her extraordinary rainforest adventures."

Naito added, "We can't wait for kids to discover all of the new fantastical places and colorful characters in the second season while learning and playing along with their good friend Dora."

The original Dora the Explorer series ran on Nick from 2000 to 2014 and spawned a 2019 live-action movie starring Isabela Moner as the adventurer.

The new series features the original voice of Dora, Kathleen Herles, as Dora's mom, Mami.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Online casino looks into 'Joker' sequel's Oscar odds for Joaquin and Gaga

Warner Bros. Pictures

The teaser trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux debuted on April 9, but an online casino is already looking at its chances at the Oscars.

Joaquin Phoenix took home his first Oscar for playing Arthur Fleck aka Joker in the 2019 blockbuster original, but no single actor has ever won an Academy Award for playing the same character twice.

However, Casinos.com says he has a good shot: The site posted Joaquin has 4/6 odds to repeat the feat for the sequel. For the non-betters out there, those are known as "short" — favorable — odds. It works out to be a 60% probability.

The odds are longer for Phoenix's Harley Quinn, Lady Gaga, to score a Best Actress trophy for the sequel — but it's still possible, according to the site. Gaga's odds are 11/8, with an implied probability of 42%.

Gaga already has a Best Original Song Academy Award for the A Star is Born tune "Shallow."

The original Joker made more than a billion dollars worldwide, but the site says director and co-writer Todd Philips could beat his own high score: He's got a 44.4% chance, according to the site.

Methodology and results have not been verified or endorsed by ABC News or The Walt Disney Company.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In Brief: Pacino haunts exorcism thriller 'The Ritual', and more

Netflix has tapped Thandiwe Newton for a role in the third season of the hit series Wednesday, according to Variety. The Westworld actress joins fellow series newcomer Steve Buscemi. All that's known about season 2 at this point is that Jenna Ortega will return as the titular character. Wednesday ranks as one of Netflix's most-watched shows ever and won four Emmys ...

Deadline reports Masters of the Air's Callum Turner has landed the lead role in the Apple TV+ drama Neuromancer. The series adaptation of the William Gibson novel follows "a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case — played by Turner — who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high stakes crime with his partner Molly, a razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes, aiming to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets," per the streaming service ...

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have signed on to star in the upcoming XYZ Films horror feature The Ritual, according to Variety. Based on the true story of Emma Schmidt "whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms," Variety reports, The Ritual follows two priests — one who questions his faith and another who is coming to terms with his troubled past, played respectively by Stevens and Pacino — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman ...

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


970 KSYL On Air Now

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton
Clay Travis & Buck Sexton
11:00am - 2:00pm
Clay Travis & Buck Sexton

94.7 ESPN On Air Now

Weather

Local Events

 

 

LSUA

 

LAB

Resources

Station Tour

Station Tour