It is definitely safe to say, that the travel television show, has grown… comfortable if you will. Simply because anyone that tunes into that type of show, knows exactly what they are going to get. In that, the host will take the viewer to a beautiful or exotic place and show them everything it has to offer and what the local culture is like before moving onto their next destination, and no one has a problem with that for one simple reason. Because it gets the job done. Plus, it is informative, and it is so much a standard that it really appears as though, there is no other way to approach this kind of show. 
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But as it turns out, there is. For later this summer, truTV is going to debut its new series, 101 Places to Party Before You Die and this is… a revolutionary travel show, that outright takes you by surprise. Because at first glance it really does seem to be nothing but the norm. Since Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus take the audience along to the party destination of their choice, making it appear as though they’re going to spotlight why these places are a great place to let loose in the traditional manner. But once Adam and Jon settled into their destination it quickly became clear to those of us at the screening of this show at SeriesFest… that this was in fact, going to be a travel show unlike any other.

Because it isn’t enough for Adam and Jon to just venture to a town or location and look at a party destination… and talk about how cool it was to go there. They straight up party there, and they party hard. Since the audience watched these two dudes get wasted before our eyes and just take us on a wild journey around their chosen party town and that was just refreshing to enjoy. Since it basically allows for the viewer to experience what they did in a real-time manner, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the show is extremely funny. Because Adam and Jon let their comedic chops loose while they’re out and about and that leads to some rip-roaringly hilarious moments… the kind that actually managed to extend beyond the screening.

For the Q&A session that followed, was basically an extension of the show. Since Adam and Jon riffed about their experiences and once again let their best friend vibe take control. Not to mention, they cracked open a couple of beers during the panel, and Adam was enjoying a pizza while he spoke since he had a flight to catch and wanted a little food in his belly before taking off. Not to mention, these guys were so chill and so relaxed, they did some shots with an audience member. Something that nicely bookended the beer shot gunning that preceded the screener. Which really just made this… one of the most entertaining Q&A’s that this writer has ever attended.

But… all fun aside, what matters more, is that this screening really did liven up the travel sub-genre of television. By informing us that travel shows don’t have to be so formal and so robotic. They can allow for the host to really immerse themselves in the experience of the locale and enjoy it to the fullest and hopefully when this show hits in July, it will serve as a blueprint to change this type of show going forward. Because this really is a special and unique travel show, one that is fun and engaging and just a blast to watch, and we here at NTG cannot wait to break this series down further when it arrives on truTV.

There was a time, where the word ‘showrunner’ was nothing more than a confusing term to the average person. Because it wasn’t in our daily vernacular and few understood its meaning, so to hear it, would raise eyebrows for certain. But this peak era of television has changed all that, since our love of television has made the word a household name, and now if you ask casual fans of television or the hardcore ones what a showrunner does, they’ll be happy to speak to the basics of the position and its importance to the shows we know and love. Because that’s just how popular television is right now.

But while so many now have a rudimentary understanding of a showrunner and what their job entails, the gritty details regarding their position, and how exactly they bring a series together, is something only the hardest television hounds understand. Which is why events like SeriesFest, are eager to bring showrunners on stage. So, they can host a panel that informs folks that don’t know those details, of the day-to-day duties of their job and the difficulties they run into and of course, season eight of SeriesFest featured one of these panels, one that was supremely unique and extremely important.

For ‘Meet the Showrunners: Spotlight on Female Creators’ brought together Daisy Gardner (Single Drunk Female), Sierra Teller (Rutherford Falls), and Robin Veith (Candy) to of course, discuss the life and times of a showrunner. But having three revolutionary women on stage, who are assembling shows that are diverse and incredible and tell stunning stories, provided this panel with the opportunity to give the audience fascinating perspective. Specifically… the kinds of challenges this trio experienced on their way to the top seat on a television show and what challenges they face today and what the landscape of the business looks like now, post #MeToo, and well, hearing them speak to those topics made for a powerful hour of discussion.

One that was raw and visceral and honest and downright inspiring. Because this trio spoke to the power of the journey and the ups and downs it entails, and how kindness and camaraderie can be beneficial for those that ascend to the title of showrunner. But where this panel truly shined was by way of two key moments. The first is when the Q&A portion of the panel was opened to the audience. For this is when many of the brilliant women that submitted a pilot at SeriesFest or were up and coming students of the craft… were able to pick the brains of these three geniuses and gain honest insight and quality advice from them, making this a grand learning experience for so many… and a slice of history in a way.

For at the very end of the panel, a kind and gentle lady who was helping tote the microphone around the theater so others could ask their critical questions… took a moment to reveal that she was once in the industry as a camera operator in the 1970s and she wanted to express to these wondrous showrunners... what it meant to see them on stage and in charge and that was just poignant and moving and powerful. And while the industry still has miles to go in regard to equality, it was amazing to soak in the reality that progress has been made in that moment, and of course… it was equally as amazing to learn from these titans of the industry, and this writer absolutely has to offer up thanks to SeriesFest for bringing this insightful and inspiring and downright incredible panel to life. Because this… was something special.

It is definitely safe to say, that the pilot episode, is something that is highly sought after by both casual and hardcore fans of television. Simply because, the vast majority of pilots are rarely seen by the viewing public. Sure, there are focus groups that take a look at them, and a few out there on the internet. But more often than not, pilots come and go and the ones we do see… often serve as the series premiere of a new show. But that doesn’t stop television fans from wanting to see them and pour over what this early stage in the creative process looks like and see what kind of incredible creativity is out there, and there is one event that is working to make that happen.

For SeriesFest holds a pilot competition annually, one that features pilots from around the globe. Allowing for attendees that want to see what pilots look like, a chance to enjoy them at last, and it also allows for them to meet some of the creators of these shows, since they’re in attendance. But above all else, it allows for fans at this event, the chance to really see some special pilots. The kind that speaks to the future of television and likely harbors future stars. If anything, the pilot episode and SeriesFest are top of mind today, simply because... of the many pilots present at this year’s competition, one stood out above the rest, in our eyes… and we thought it would be fun to spotlight the sketch-comedy pilot, Syd & Mike.

Which at first glance, is a sentence that likely raised a few eyebrows. Because let’s be honest, sketch comedy is everywhere these days, and if you’re not watching some form of it on television… you’re watching it via YouTube and other streamers, so why spotlight more of the same? Well, the answer to that question is simple. Because this particular pilot, is rip-roaringly hilarious… and that’s no small feat. Because making people laugh and laugh heartily is no easy task, but Syd & Mike make it happen on screen courtesy of some wonderfully written and well-thought-out sketches that are filled with the perfect jokes and perfect comedic timing. The kind that motivates the viewer to just bust out laughing and that’s special for certain, and the wonder of this pilot, doesn’t end there.

Because what makes the jokes work so well and what makes this series so engaging… is that it is grounded in intelligent comedy. For instance, there is a sketch where Syd & Mike play a pair of characters that are polar opposites. One loves the outdoors, and one does not, and the extremes the latter goes to in order to avoid an outdoor excursion is not only hilarious, but painfully relatable. Since there are so many of us that just don’t subscribe to the hiking life, and that sketch also offers up some biting satire and commentary on our world, and that’s just something you don’t see in sketch comedy all of that often. But what really impressed this writer, was the sheer fact that every single sketch in this pilot, featured all of those elements and that every single sketch stuck the landing.

Which is incredibly impressive, since most sketch comedy shows tend to have at least one misfire sketch per episode. But this dynamic duo hit on all cylinders, and they did such a fine job, that they won the Late Night Audience Choice Award at SeriesFest and while we cannot show you the pilot here, we wanted to make sure it was on your radar and that Syd & Mike were as well. Because they’re hilarious. Which is why you should follow their Instagram page for updates on the pilot and to enjoy their wonderful brand of humor, and as an added bonus… we landed an interview interview with Syd & Mike and the show’s co-creator Carl Conway. So check back with us to learn more about the formation of this duo and how they assemble their sketches. But in the meantime, to make sure you get a proper understanding of how great this show really is… here is the trailer for all of you to enjoy.

Everywhere you look these days, there is some kind of ‘based upon a true story’ series popping up on television. The kind that tends to focus squarely on grave crimes that have been committed in recent years or spotlight a powerful moment in recent history. The kind that turned heads and had us buzzing well before the internet was a thing, and it makes sense as to why these are suddenly so popular. Because the demand for television is at an all-time high, as is our love of watching actors transform into people from history. Allowing for these shows to thrive at the moment. But while it is nice to know that history is indeed being documented consistently, the heavy push toward making those types of stories a primary focus of television… does leave something to be desired.
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After all, there are more true stories about our world out there. The kind that teaches us different aspects about our world and the human experience, and the good news is… a refreshing and downright powerful show in that vein is about to make its debut on AMC+, entitled, This Is Going to Hurt. Which is a series that chronicles a corner of our world few have ever explored before and well… it just so happens that this series enjoyed a special screening at SeriesFest 8 on May 7, 2022… and we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to speak a little bit about this series and what separates it from the ‘true story’ pack… and talk about how special this screening turned out to be. 

With that in mind, let’s talk about the plot and its sheer uniqueness. For this is a story that is based off writer Adam Kay’s memoir, which shares the namesake of the show, and in this series, Adam brings to life a re-telling of his time as a doctor in a maternity ward. Which is without a doubt, a fresh and original story that we really haven’t seen on the television landscape all that often, and thanks to Adam’s involvement with the series as a writer and Ben Whishaw’s incredible performance as the small screen version of Adam… we are treated to one powerful tale. One that showcases every aspect of working in this sector of the medical field in a powerfully intimate manner.

Which is, suffice to say, all that we are going to say about the plot. For the details are reserved for our upcoming recaps of the show and because we simply don’t want to spoil it ahead of time. Instead, it’s best this writer informs you of the fact, that it is powerful and moving and eye-opening for certain, and the realism of this series makes sense when one can hear how passionate its writer is about retelling this chapter of his life, which we were able to experience. For Adam Kay was on hand to discuss the crafting of the series after the screening, and he gladly informed an eager audience about his motivations to keep this series so intimate and so raw and real, and how the important moments in the series premiere came together, and it was just incredible to get that first-hand knowledge and be present for quite the interactive surprise.

For as an added bonus, copies of Adam’s book were hidden around the theater for people to find, and later have signed, and it was just amazing to see that kind of gift come forth at an event where such generosity wasn’t a requirement. But it happened and it spread infinite joy and this writer also needs to offer up thanks to AMC Networks and Adam for making that happen, and to SeriesFest for letting all of us enjoy this refreshing and powerful show. Because this kind of true story series is more of what the world needs right now, to really experience the wonder of the human condition and hosting this kind of story at SeriesFest also speaks to how much SeriesFest believes in celebrating the best parts of television and well, we here at NTG cannot wait for all of you to experience this series and its majesty when it debuts on AMC+ on June 2, 2022.

One particular lament that comes up often regarding creatives minds in the entertainment industry… is that the professional in question, often wishes that someone was there early in their career to give them honest guidance and direction. The kind that would paint a picture of what the business is like and what they can expect and how best to go about doing their job. Because… there really isn’t that kind of honest guide out there. Sure, there are books and courses that teach the craft. But the nit and the grit, the stuff that will really hit home for a burgeoning writer or actor, well that’s stuff that just you can’t find on the shelf. 

But thankfully, as the industry continues to transform and becomes more accessible in every way imaginable, those lessons are finding their way to the masses and one such event that is leading the way in getting honesty out to folks that want in on the Hollywood experience, is SeriesFest. Because not only were actors from television walking about and chatting up with attendees and contestants, but they even held their own panel to give prospective actors or the curious, information about the state of the industry for actors and the many hats actors now have to wear, alongside offering some sound advice about how to navigate Hollywood… all of which made; Behind the Scenes: Actors on the Other Side of the Camera… one compelling panel. 

For it featured a wonderfully diverse sampling of actors, such as: Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther), Peter Paige (The Fosters), Diallo Riddle (Sherman’s Showcase), and Tara Westwood (The Grudge) who each had some powerful things to say about how and why actors are now producers and directors as well. A lot of which relates to the need to put those hats on, to properly bring a vision to life or to obtain the roles that they absolutely want to play and doing so… can in fact, enhance an actor’s experience and understanding of the industry they love so. Since so many of the panelists spoke to how becoming a director and/or producer, helped them to learn every critical role on set.

But there was mention of unique advice present within this panel and goodness, did the actors have plenty of wonderful tidbits for Hollywood hopefuls in the audience. Because they made it clear, how tough a career in film and television will be if one chooses to pursue it, and how much one must love what they do to handle the heartbreak and pivots and tough times that lie ahead before one can be considered a working actor in the business and well… this was just incredible to be in the audience for. Because it was solid and passionate and tough advice, the kind a young actor needs. Because honesty informs a young actor if this is the path they want to walk and if it is, then that advice inspires.

Because now they know what they are up against and how hard they will have to fight to get what they want and how to pivot and wear other hats to find the success of their peers on stage and that… was just refreshing to experience. Because that’s real talk that we need more of and well… at the very least, we know we will find such insight at SeriesFest. Because this is an event that is unlike any other and truly wants to celebrate the industry in every way imaginable and this writer cannot thank them enough for hosting an honest and powerful panel aimed at educating Hollywood hopefuls, and hardcore and casual fans of television.

This past weekend I was treated to a new show on TBS called Rat in the Kitchen, courtesy of SeriesFest. As it happens, cooking shows are one of my personal favorites, so when I found out it was hosted by Chef Ludo Lefebvre and Comedian Natasha Leggero, I had to check this screening out. The premise of the show is different than any other cooking competition. Six chefs are competing for $50k, the only catch is that one of them isn’t who they appear to be. One chef is a “rat”, and their job is to sabotage the other chefs’ dishes.
 
If chef Ludo doesn’t like the dish he’s been presented, then money moves from the vault to the Rat’s vault. At the end of two rounds, the chefs vote on who they think the Rat is among them. If they guess correctly, the chefs walk away with the remaining money in their vault. If they guess wrong, however, the Rat wins whatever money was in their vault. 

It’s a wonderful twist to the game of cooking competitions. Admittedly, I thought I was really good at picking out who the Rat was, based on my previous experience with “find the person who did it” shows. Turns out, this isn’t that easy. With all the chaos going on, the Rat goes undetected pretty well sometimes. There is also always a mislead, and that is always fun. Either way, this show is a full-on rollercoaster of entertainment. It’s the kind of show that won’t hurt your feelings and is just straight up fun. Trying to find the saboteur and watching as everyone conspires against each other is also fun. The contestants know from the start that one of them is a Rat, so it’s not a surprise in that sense. It creates a level of mistrust amongst everyone, even more so when they’re given dishes to prepare as a group or in pairs, forcing them to interact.

Most competition shows are notorious for having a judge that’s cruel, snarky, and mean. This show, however, lacks that. While Chef Ludo gives criticism, he’s never nasty to anyone. He often offers helpful advice and is kind to everyone, even if he doesn’t like their dish. It’s a breath of fresh air. Natasha is a hilarious addition, hosting the show with grace and the humor we have all come to love from her. The show itself is light in a sense that it’s just good fun and nothing stressful. Natasha and Ludo seem to have an on-screen friendship that seems to have translated over into real life. Their banter is carefree and, above all, natural throughout the show and in person. They complement each other nicely, and I’m not sure this show would work without them.

Rat in the Kitchen returns to TBS on May 19 and the previews look amazing! While a second season hasn’t been announced just yet, we can only hope it’ll happen soon. For anyone in Colorado, Chef Ludo’s restaurant, Chez Maggy, is open and has a very impressive menu. He is, after all, a Michelin star Chef, so expect nothing but the best!

It is definitely safe to say that hardcore fans of television and film all dream about attending a red-carpet premiere event. Simply because, that is one of the most coveted events in the industry, and rightfully so. For it is the epitome of Hollywood since it features glamour and glitz and fun… and outright celebration over the reality that the stars of said premiere have created something wonderful, and the awe and energy of a such a moment… truly does make this a dream destination for fans, one that really does appear to be an impossibility. Mainly because, they are often by invite only and few fans have that kind of swagger or access, so they watch the wonder of the moment from afar and keep dreaming their dream.
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But as the entertainment industry continues to break down walls and becomes more accessible to its fans, those of kind of restrictions are waning. In fact, there are events out there now that are doing their best to include the fans and let them taste the glamour and glitz that comes with a Hollywood premiere and one such event that is breaking down those seemingly impossible walls is SeriesFest. For this Denver based celebration of all things television, has made use of its intimate location, the iconic Sie FilmCenter, to allow for fans to blend in with the stars and enjoy the wonder of the premiere and for proof… then look no further than its opening night event. For on Thursday, May 5, 2022… SeriesFest Season 8 was host to the premiere of the upcoming STARZ series, Becoming Elizabeth, and well… this was a hardcore fans’ dream come true.

Because the red-carpet for this event, was right outside the theater, allowing for fans to get up close to the carpet and feel its wonder and experience what it is like to be this close to the flashing cameras and the stars as they posed for pictures and stopped for interviews and it was just incredible, to see sheer joy on of the faces of those that turned out and watch them jockey with glee to snap a picture of the cast and anyone else that stepped onto that carpet and well, that really did make for a magical evening. One that clearly made everyone that showed up for this red-carpet event, as happy as can be. Because at last, they had the chance to be part of the majesty of this type of event and the best part is, the magic continued long after the stars headed into the theater. 

For SeriesFest made the premiere available to those who bought a ticket or had a pass to the event. Giving them a chance to settle in and watch the opening chapter of this dynamic new series. Which we will discuss in greater detail another time. Simply because we want to focus on the fact that the theater was filled with smiles and joy and outright awe over the fact that everyone was actually there… in a theater during an actual premiere, and as an added bonus… everyone was treated to a Q&A session after the screening with cast members Alicia von Rittberg, Jamie Blackely and the show’s creator and showrunner, Anya Reiss. Wherein they regaled the audience with fascinating tidbits about the creation of the show and how deeply it immersed the actors within the time of the Tudors. 

If anything, this wonderful premiere, truly set the tone for Season 8 of SeriesFest, and informed first timers to this event what to expect. In that, this was going to be an intense, six-day celebration of the wonder of television. One that would immerse fans and creatives alike in the majesty of episodic storytelling and what it does for people around the world and well… SeriesFest definitely delivered on that and more. How exactly, we will be breaking down in further detail over the next few days, so do check back with us as we here at NTG celebrate the majesty of SeriesFest Season 8 and offer up some incredible treats as well. Such as our red-carpet interviews with Alicia von Rittberg, Jamie Blackely, and Anya Reiss. Until next time.