TV Bits: ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’, ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘Westworld’, ‘Albedo’, ‘Child’s Play’
In this edition of TV Bits:
According to theL.A.Times, Viacom Digital Studios is set to create aSpongeBob SquarePantsgame show, because sure – why not? The show will “feature twoSpongeBobsuper fans competing to win the Golden Pineapple by completing messy stunts, answering trivia questions and competing in SpongeBob-themed games.” This isn’t headed to traditional TV, though. Instead, it’ll be on Facebook and theSpongeBobYouTube channel. So if you’re a super fan ofSpongeBob, maybe consider trying out.
As far as I’m concerned,The Big Bang Theorycan’t go off the air soon enough. But it’s also one of the most popular shows ever, so someone, somewhere, must like it. Fans may be sad the series is coming to an end on May 16, but they might be interested to know that a retrospective titledUnraveling the Mystery: A Big Bang Farewellwill air after the finale airs. PerTV Line, the retrospective will “lead fans on a trip down memory lane, sharing some of the best-kept backstage secrets and personal memories from the past 12 years. They will reveal their favorite moments playing beloved characters Leonard and Penny, and revisit some of the most memorable stories fromThe Big Bang Theory Stage. In addition, the special will feature a tour of the iconic sets, including Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment” as well as “unforgettable clips and interviews.” TheBig Bang Theoryseries finale airs at 8 pm onMay 16, followed by an episode ofYoung Sheldonat 9:30 pm. After that, you’re able to watch this retrospective.
Vincent Cassel, an actor with memorable roles inBlack Swan,Eastern Promises,Irreversibleand more, has joined the cast ofWestworldseason 3. Specific details on Cassel’s new character are scarce, butTHRsays they’ve confirmed he’ll be playing a villain. Cassel always turns in a performance worth paying attention to, so I’m interested to see what he brings to the series. That said, I really hopeWestworldseason 2 – which won’t premiere until 2020 – manages to improve on the many flaws of season 2, which started off great and then quickly went off the rails.
Vudu wants to get in on this original series action, so they’re making a sci-fi drama calledAlbedo. The streaming platform has lined-upAnt-ManandLoststarEvangeline Lillyto star. PerDeadline,Albedois “set 150 years in the future. Detective Vivien Coleman (Lilly) is dispatched to the edge of our solar system to investigate a scientist’s mysterious death on board an isolated space station. She soon finds herself trapped and cut-off from Earth, along with the station’s small crew of brilliant scientists – all murder suspects – all harboring their own secrets… What begins as a classic murder mystery evolves into a fight for survival that may threaten the future of our species.” Up until now, Vudu was primarily used to stream digital movies. But more and more platforms want to own their own material in this streaming age. Will this work out for Vudu? We’ll see.
There might be aChild’s Playremake coming, but the original series is still kicking. Franchise creatorDon Manciniis bringing the O.G. Chucky from the big to the small screen with aChild’s PlayTV series, and now we know when we’ll get to see it. Mancini himself (viaBloody Disgusting) confirmed that the show will premiere in 2020. The series has found a home on SYFY, and original Chucky voice actorBrad Dourifis expected to return as well. So even if the remake movie ends up being disappointed, we’ll still have theChild’s PlayTV series to look forward to.
