Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has renewed Game Show Network’s People Puzzler, hosted by Leah Remini, for a second season in national broadcast syndication.
The pop culture game show is set to return this fall with renewals on Fox Television Stations, Sinclair, CBS, Nexstar, Gray and Scripps stations, which cover more than 90% of the U.S. The renewals follow People Puzzler recently hitting a high of more than 900,000 viewers, up 42% from its syndication debut in September. People Puzzler also is one of Game Show Network’s top-rated original series.
“The healthy ratings growth we’ve seen from People Puzzler in its first months in syndication has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Stations are hungry for proven performers and we are excited to be able to bring this winning game show back to the market next season.”
Based on the iconic crossword puzzles in People,...
The pop culture game show is set to return this fall with renewals on Fox Television Stations, Sinclair, CBS, Nexstar, Gray and Scripps stations, which cover more than 90% of the U.S. The renewals follow People Puzzler recently hitting a high of more than 900,000 viewers, up 42% from its syndication debut in September. People Puzzler also is one of Game Show Network’s top-rated original series.
“The healthy ratings growth we’ve seen from People Puzzler in its first months in syndication has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Stations are hungry for proven performers and we are excited to be able to bring this winning game show back to the market next season.”
Based on the iconic crossword puzzles in People,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
As the daughter of the misanthropic waitress Carla (Rhea Perlman) and Nick Tortelli (Dan Hedaya) on "Cheers," the role of Serafina Tortelli was a highly coveted role for many of the young actresses in Hollywood in the early 1990s. The character was ultimately played by Leah Remini, who at the time had been making a name for herself on TV shows like "Who's The Boss," "Living Dolls," and "Saved by the Bell." This was obviously years before she'd become one of the leading sitcom wives thanks to "King of Queens" and a host with "The Talk" and "People Puzzler," but the early career role is still beloved by her fans.
In her 2015 memoir "Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology," Remini claimed the role of Serafina Tortelli on "Cheers" was between her and Jennifer Aniston. Hollywood can be a cutthroat industry, but Remini said that she and Aniston had a friendly rapport...
In her 2015 memoir "Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology," Remini claimed the role of Serafina Tortelli on "Cheers" was between her and Jennifer Aniston. Hollywood can be a cutthroat industry, but Remini said that she and Aniston had a friendly rapport...
- 12/3/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The Church of Scientology hasn’t yet responded in court to Leah Remini’s harassment lawsuit filed earlier this month, but according to the Emmy winner, the David Miscavige-led organization has made some harsh moves in reaction.
“In the short period of time since Ms. Remini’s Complaint was filed, Ms. Remini and others have been subject to continued, aggressive harassment,” says an amended complaint from Remini put in the Los Angeles Superior docket on August 29 (read Remini’s amended complaint against Scientology here).
The amended complaint reiterates Remini’s earlier allegations in the original August 2 filing of retaliation by the Church for her public critiques of its policy and personnel. However, additionally Remini now is saying that since that initial complaint was filed she has been the victim of various acts of credit card fraud, lambasted by online trolls, accused directly by the Church of generating “threats of and actual violence against the Church,...
“In the short period of time since Ms. Remini’s Complaint was filed, Ms. Remini and others have been subject to continued, aggressive harassment,” says an amended complaint from Remini put in the Los Angeles Superior docket on August 29 (read Remini’s amended complaint against Scientology here).
The amended complaint reiterates Remini’s earlier allegations in the original August 2 filing of retaliation by the Church for her public critiques of its policy and personnel. However, additionally Remini now is saying that since that initial complaint was filed she has been the victim of various acts of credit card fraud, lambasted by online trolls, accused directly by the Church of generating “threats of and actual violence against the Church,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Game Show
Weekly Commentary: “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune” are likely the favorites in this race. However, “That’s My Jam” is getting a big push by NBC, which could make it a possible spoiler.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Game Show
Weekly Commentary: “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune” are likely the favorites in this race. However, “That’s My Jam” is getting a big push by NBC, which could make it a possible spoiler.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.
- 8/24/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
People Puzzler is heading into the syndication broadcast fold this fall as Debmar-Mercury clears the Game Show Network series hosted by Leah Remini in more than 90 percent of the U.S. The game show will make its debut across the country starting Monday, September 11 across Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair, and other networks. The pop culture-focused game is based on iconic People crosswords. The format features 325 episodes from the first three seasons, which aired successfully on the Game Show Network; it is one of its top-rated original series. (Credit: Courtesy of Debmar-Mercury) “This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein in a statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.” The show...
- 8/22/2023
- TV Insider
People Puzzler, Game Show Network’s pop culture game show hosted by Leah Remini, has been cleared in more than 90% of the country with premiere on track for fall, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced Tuesday.
Based on the crosswords in People, the show will debut September 11 on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others, with Fox’s Wwor New York slotting it at 6 p.m. weeknights.
The format, comprised of 325 episodes from the first three seasons, has performed strongly on Game Show Network and is one of its top-rated original series.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
A...
Based on the crosswords in People, the show will debut September 11 on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others, with Fox’s Wwor New York slotting it at 6 p.m. weeknights.
The format, comprised of 325 episodes from the first three seasons, has performed strongly on Game Show Network and is one of its top-rated original series.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
A...
- 8/22/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Leah Remini-hosted Game Show Network series “People Puzzler” is set for off-network syndication on stations this fall. The gamer has now been cleared by Lionsgate-owned syndication distributor Debmar-Mercury in more than 90% of the country, including Fox-owned stations in the three top markets: Wwor New York, Kcop Los Angeles and Wfld Chicago.
“People Puzzler,” which premieres in syndication on Sept. 11, has been sold to station groups including Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others. The library includes 325 episodes from the first three seasons of “People Puzzler” on Game Show Network.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, ‘People Puzzler’ has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
‘People Puzzler...
“People Puzzler,” which premieres in syndication on Sept. 11, has been sold to station groups including Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others. The library includes 325 episodes from the first three seasons of “People Puzzler” on Game Show Network.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, ‘People Puzzler’ has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
‘People Puzzler...
- 8/22/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“People Puzzler,” the Leah Remini-hosted game show from the Game Show Network, has scored a syndication deal across over 90% of the U.S., Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced Tuesday.
The competition series, inspired by People’s pop culture-centric crossword puzzles, will debut this fall on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray and Sinclair, among others. Premiering on Monday, Sept. 11, Fox’s Wwor New York has slotted “People Puzzler” for 6 p.m. Et on weeknights.
Combining pop culture with fun facts, “People Puzzler” challenges three contestants to put their smarts to the test in a three-round battle, before the contestant with the highest score has the opportunity to win a cash prize in the “Fast Puzzle Bonus Round.”
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes. Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host,...
The competition series, inspired by People’s pop culture-centric crossword puzzles, will debut this fall on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray and Sinclair, among others. Premiering on Monday, Sept. 11, Fox’s Wwor New York has slotted “People Puzzler” for 6 p.m. Et on weeknights.
Combining pop culture with fun facts, “People Puzzler” challenges three contestants to put their smarts to the test in a three-round battle, before the contestant with the highest score has the opportunity to win a cash prize in the “Fast Puzzle Bonus Round.”
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes. Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has renewed hit game show Family Feud through the 2025-26 season, taking the Fremantle-produced show into its landmark 50th year on television. Leading station groups Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps and Tegna have signed multi-year renewals for the nationally syndicated ratings juggernaut, hosted by Steve Harvey.
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story Debmar-Mercury Takes Gsn's Leah Remini-Hosted 'People Puzzler' To Syndication Related Story Comedian Steve Harvey Comments On Will Smith Oscar Slap Calling His Actions A "Punk Move"
Now in its fifth consecutive season as television’s No. 1 first-run syndicated show in women 25-54, Family Feud is posting a 1.5 rating season-to-date in the key demo, according to Nielsen.
“Demand for a proven demo and household ratings winner like Family Feud has been intense,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “We are extremely pleased...
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story Debmar-Mercury Takes Gsn's Leah Remini-Hosted 'People Puzzler' To Syndication Related Story Comedian Steve Harvey Comments On Will Smith Oscar Slap Calling His Actions A "Punk Move"
Now in its fifth consecutive season as television’s No. 1 first-run syndicated show in women 25-54, Family Feud is posting a 1.5 rating season-to-date in the key demo, according to Nielsen.
“Demand for a proven demo and household ratings winner like Family Feud has been intense,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “We are extremely pleased...
- 2/1/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: After four years at Verve, veteran unscripted television agent Bill Thompson has joined Vital Artists Agency, reuniting with former colleague Phil Irven.
At Verve, Thompson launched an unscripted division in 2018 and oversaw that area for the agency. His departure followed the July hire of former ICM agent Andy Stabile as Verve Partner and Head of Unscripted. Thompson met with a couple of companies and went with upstart Vital, which was launched in late 2020 by Rebel Entertainment Partners’ Irven, April Yuan and Cal Boyington. They were joined by veteran unscripted executive Nicole Zien earlier this year.
During his Verve tenure, Thompson built a department that packaged and sold over 100 hours of programming including Pants on Fire (Disney +) American Dreams (Discovery +) and the upcoming USA series Barmageddon with Blake Shelton. On the talent side, Thompson brokered Leah Remini’s seven-figure People Puzzler game show deal and the reboot of Kat Von D’s LA Ink.
At Verve, Thompson launched an unscripted division in 2018 and oversaw that area for the agency. His departure followed the July hire of former ICM agent Andy Stabile as Verve Partner and Head of Unscripted. Thompson met with a couple of companies and went with upstart Vital, which was launched in late 2020 by Rebel Entertainment Partners’ Irven, April Yuan and Cal Boyington. They were joined by veteran unscripted executive Nicole Zien earlier this year.
During his Verve tenure, Thompson built a department that packaged and sold over 100 hours of programming including Pants on Fire (Disney +) American Dreams (Discovery +) and the upcoming USA series Barmageddon with Blake Shelton. On the talent side, Thompson brokered Leah Remini’s seven-figure People Puzzler game show deal and the reboot of Kat Von D’s LA Ink.
- 9/16/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is out with its list of nominations for the 49th annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The hardware will be handed out Sunday, June 24, with CBS airing the ceremony live at 9 p.m. Et/6 p.m. Pt and Paramount+ streaming it.
The Days of Our Lives spinoff Beyond Salem earned its first nomination in the Outstanding Daytime Drama category and will face off against Dool, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless as the category again has five nominees for the first time since 2014.
Meanwhile, Leah Remini and Robin Roberts earned inaugural noms for hosting People Puzzler and Turning the Tables, respectively. Judy Justice also earned a nomination for its first year on IMDb TV (now renamed Amazon FreeVee), while Peter Bergman earned his 23rd for playing Jack Abbott on CBS’ The Young and the Restless.
PBS’ This Old House...
The Days of Our Lives spinoff Beyond Salem earned its first nomination in the Outstanding Daytime Drama category and will face off against Dool, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless as the category again has five nominees for the first time since 2014.
Meanwhile, Leah Remini and Robin Roberts earned inaugural noms for hosting People Puzzler and Turning the Tables, respectively. Judy Justice also earned a nomination for its first year on IMDb TV (now renamed Amazon FreeVee), while Peter Bergman earned his 23rd for playing Jack Abbott on CBS’ The Young and the Restless.
PBS’ This Old House...
- 5/5/2022
- by Lynette Rice and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards announced their nominations on May 5 live during CBS’s “The Talk” at 2:00pm Eastern. So who made the cut as the event nears its half-century mark? The full list is below, updated as they’re announced.
Drama
Best Drama Series
“Beyond Salem”
“The Bold and the Beautiful”
“Days of Our Lives”
“General Hospital”
“The Young and the Restless”
Best Actress
Marci Miller, “Days of Our Lives”
Mishael Morgan, “The Young and the Restless”
Cynthia Watros, “General Hospital”
Laura Wright, “General Hospital”
Arianne Zucker, “Days of Our Lives”
Best Actor
Peter Bergman, “The Young and the Restless”
Eric Martsolf, “Days of Our Lives”
John McCook, “The Bold and the Beautiful”
James Reynolds, “Days of Our Lives”
Jason Thompson, “The Young and the Restless”
Best Supporting Actress
Kimberlin Brown, “The Bold and the Beautiful”
Nancy Lee Grahn, “General Hospital”
Stacy Haiduk, “Days of Our Lives”
Melissa Ordway,...
Drama
Best Drama Series
“Beyond Salem”
“The Bold and the Beautiful”
“Days of Our Lives”
“General Hospital”
“The Young and the Restless”
Best Actress
Marci Miller, “Days of Our Lives”
Mishael Morgan, “The Young and the Restless”
Cynthia Watros, “General Hospital”
Laura Wright, “General Hospital”
Arianne Zucker, “Days of Our Lives”
Best Actor
Peter Bergman, “The Young and the Restless”
Eric Martsolf, “Days of Our Lives”
John McCook, “The Bold and the Beautiful”
James Reynolds, “Days of Our Lives”
Jason Thompson, “The Young and the Restless”
Best Supporting Actress
Kimberlin Brown, “The Bold and the Beautiful”
Nancy Lee Grahn, “General Hospital”
Stacy Haiduk, “Days of Our Lives”
Melissa Ordway,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Sony Pictures Television is teaming up with corporate sibling the Game Show Network for the companies’ first joint upfront presentation to advertisers.
Live viewing and game shows’ capacity for brand integration will be two key areas of focus, an announcement said. In addition to staples like Jeopardy and some new programming, the pitch will also feature The Good Doctor, a marquee Sony property coming to the off-network syndication market in September.
Game Show Network, a highly penetrated linear channel with an active digital presence, says it boosted production last year by 32% over 2020 levels, reaching 350 hours of original programming. In an on-demand world, much of what it puts on the air is seen live, which the network sees as an advantage. Its most-viewed title is People Puzzler, a Leah Remini-hosted series based on People magazine’s crossword puzzle. Other staples include America Says, Master Minds and Chain Reaction.
Another show currently in development is Switch,...
Live viewing and game shows’ capacity for brand integration will be two key areas of focus, an announcement said. In addition to staples like Jeopardy and some new programming, the pitch will also feature The Good Doctor, a marquee Sony property coming to the off-network syndication market in September.
Game Show Network, a highly penetrated linear channel with an active digital presence, says it boosted production last year by 32% over 2020 levels, reaching 350 hours of original programming. In an on-demand world, much of what it puts on the air is seen live, which the network sees as an advantage. Its most-viewed title is People Puzzler, a Leah Remini-hosted series based on People magazine’s crossword puzzle. Other staples include America Says, Master Minds and Chain Reaction.
Another show currently in development is Switch,...
- 3/31/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Game Show Network has renewed the crossword puzzle show People Puzzler, hosted by Leah Remini, for season two.
People Puzzler, which will launch its new season in the fall, features three contestants who will put their pop culture knowledge to the test to complete crosswords from the pop culture magazine. The player who has won the most points after three rounds will move on to the Fast Puzzle Bonus Round where they will have the opportunity to win a cash prize.
The game show is produced by Meredith Corporation and Start Entertainment, LLC for Game Show Network. Leah Remini serves as producer. Executive Producers are Scott St. John and Neal Konstantini for Start Entertainment, LLC, along with Dan Wakeford and Rachel Feinberg for Meredith Corporation. Rane Laymance also serves as executive producer.
People Puzzler, which will launch its new season in the fall, features three contestants who will put their pop culture knowledge to the test to complete crosswords from the pop culture magazine. The player who has won the most points after three rounds will move on to the Fast Puzzle Bonus Round where they will have the opportunity to win a cash prize.
The game show is produced by Meredith Corporation and Start Entertainment, LLC for Game Show Network. Leah Remini serves as producer. Executive Producers are Scott St. John and Neal Konstantini for Start Entertainment, LLC, along with Dan Wakeford and Rachel Feinberg for Meredith Corporation. Rane Laymance also serves as executive producer.
- 6/2/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Angie Harmon is set to star in and executive-producer a series of Lifetime movies, playing a single mother/diner owner whose very dark past keeps coming back to haunt her, despite her desire for a quiet life.
Barstow, as the franchise of closed-ended movies is tentatively titled, is part of a larger, multi-picture development deal that the Rizzoli & Isles star has just inked with the cabler, to EP, direct and star in projects.
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Barstow, as the franchise of closed-ended movies is tentatively titled, is part of a larger, multi-picture development deal that the Rizzoli & Isles star has just inked with the cabler, to EP, direct and star in projects.
More from TVLineJoe Exotic: Dennis Quaid Set to Play Tiger King Favorite Rick Kirkham in Peacock Limited SeriesTVLine Items: Mitchell Bites Into Vamp Role, Hulu Casts Mike Tyson...
- 6/2/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
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