Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024:
HALLMARK HIT WITH AGE DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT FROM EX-CASTING DIRECTOR
Hallmark’s former top casting executive claims in a lawsuit that the channel engaged in ageism and ageist harassment:
In an age discrimination, defamation, and wrongful termination complaint filed on October 9 in LA Superior Court, 79-year-old industry vet Penny Perry says she was forced out by Hamilton Daly. “Unbeknownst to Ms. Perry, Ms. Hamilton Daly had it out for her and wanted to move her out of the company due to her age, and her complaints that the company was refusing to accommodate her life limiting health conditions,” the filing asserts of long time Hallmark staffer Perry coming under the EVP in September 2021.
It's hard to know the true facts about a case like this. But do I suspect that network executives might have come to the conclusion that having a 79-year-old woman in charge of casting a network primarily filled with twenty and thirtysomething stars isn't the best fit? Sure. And to be honest, I don't think that's a crazy point of view. I am nowhere near 79 years old, but I am not sure I would be the best person to know which young actors and actresses would resonate with an audience. There are some jobs that are much more challenging when you get to a certain age. And ironically, at that point your veteran status can be an impediment to being successful moving forward.
“After her wrongful termination, Ms. Perry has sent over 300 inquiries for new employment and has had no luck landing any full-time employment offers,” Perry says. “Indeed, the vast majority of her contacts she made were while she was employed at Hallmark and continue to conduct business with Hallmark such that she fears that the termination and Hallmark’s defamation has put an abrupt end to her career.”
I have no doubt that her career is essentially over. But I can't help thinking that being a 79-year-old casting director might be a challenge, even if Hallmark had been singing her praises after she left. As I said, I have no way of knowing from what little details have been publicly shared whether or not the lawsuit has legal validity. But I do think that being a 79-year-old in any job - even if it's as a Presidential candidate - can lead a lot of people to worry you might not be capable of fully executing your job.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT DAN SCHNEIDER LAWSUIT AGAINST THE PRODUCERS OF 'QUIET ON SET?'
You may remember that former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider filed a defamation lawsuit in early May of this year against the producers of the Investigation Discovery docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which uncovered alleged abuse and misconduct at Nickelodeon lawsuit:
“‘Quiet on Set’s’ portrayal of Schneider is a hit job. While it is indisputable that two bona fide child sexual abusers worked on Nickelodeon shows, it is likewise indisputable that Schneider had no knowledge of their abuse, was not complicit in the abuse, condemned the abuse once it was discovered and, critically, was not a child sexual abuser himself. But for the sake of clickbait, ratings, and views — or put differently, money — Defendants have destroyed Schneider’s reputation and legacy through the false statements and implications that Schneider is exactly that.”
As you may or may not know, I did an extensive amount of reporting about Schneider years ago and appeared in the documentary (although I am not a party in the lawsuit). I've been curious about what was happening in the lawsuit, in part because given what I know about Schneider's behavior, I can't imagine he's want to go through the Discovery process necessary for a trial to take place.
I've been reaching out to those involved on both sides of the lawsuit, including lawyers for Schneider and for Sony Television. Many of the requests have been ignored, although I did receive a couple of "no comments at this time," which at least suggests that the issue hasn't been resolved. The last update I had received from anyone was several months ago, when I was told talks between the two sides were ongoing.
I'll let you know if I hear anything else. And if you have any details, email me at
ODDS AND SODS
* The final days of One Direction singer Liam Payne will be explored in an ABC News Studios special. One Direction: Liam Payne’s Final Days will premiere Thursday, October 24th on Hulu.
* An upcoming Family Guy holiday special entitled "Gift of the White Guy" will premiere Monday, November 25th on Hulu.
* Ron Ely, best known for his leading role in the 1960s NBC television series Tarzan, has died at the age of 86.
* Prime Video has renewed The Legend of Vox Machina for a fourth season, just ahead of the three-episode season three finale on October 24th.
* Susan Olsen, best known for playing Cindy Brady in The Brady Bunch, claims that CBS canceled a sitcom revival due to her support of Donald Trump, her views on Covid vaccines, and her stance on the LGBTQ+ rights. In 2016, Olsen was fired from LA Talk Radio’s Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics after sharing anti-LGBTQ views on social media.
* Alan Sacks, known for co-creating Welcome Back, Kotter and producing several Disney Channel projects, has died following a battle with mantle cell lymphoma. He was 81.
* The limited series Game Changers, exploring the rich history of nostalgic gaming, premieres Tuesday, November 5th on the Discovery Channel.
WHAT'S NEW TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD:
* Breath Of Fire (HBO)
* Car Masters: Rust To Riches Season Premiere (Netflix)
* Family Pack (Netflix)
* Fear Thy Neighbor Season Premiere (Investigation Discovery)
* Ink Master Season Premiere (Paramount+)
* The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix) - [first look video]
* This Is The Zodiac Speaking (Netflix)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2024:
Ancient Bodies: Secrets Revealed Series Premiere (NatGeo)
A Nurse's Revenge (LMN)
Beauty In Black Series Premiere (Netflix)
Canary Black (Prime Video) - [first look video]
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Series Premiere (Prime Video) - [first look video]
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season Five Premiere (Paramount+)
Territory Series Premiere (Netflix)
The Pasta Queen Series Premiere (Prime Video)
The Wranglers Series Premiere (The CW)
This Time Each Year (Hallmark Mysteries Channel)
Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black - [first look video] - [photo gallery]
SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!
Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
- Details
- By Rick Ellis
