Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, September 4th, 2024:
THIS WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE THE DESTINATION FOR 'DANCING WITH THE STARS
ABC's long-running competitive dance show Dancing With The Stars has frequently been a mix of athletes, and down-and-out actors or musicians who still have a bit of name recognition. And in recent years, it's also been the place where controversial public figures can get a bit of reputation white-washing. Remember Tucker Carlson? Sean Spicer? Tom DeLay? Jerry Springer? Bristol Palin? Nancy Grace? Rick Perry?Tonya Harding?
But now we are entering season 33 of the show and producers apparently feel the need to push that redemption envelope as much as they can. So when the network announced the new cast of performers, the list included the show's first "convicted felon still wearing an ankle bracelet," Anna Delvey.
Now the name might ring enough of a bell that you'll remember Delvey is a fictitious name. It's the cover name for convicted felon Anna Sorokin, who was convicted of posing as a wealthy heiress to access upper-class New York social and art scenes in order to defraud the wealthy. To be clear, in this context "defraud" doesn't mean scammed some expensive meals or concert tickets. Sorokin was charged with defrauding and deceiving major financial institutions, banks, hotels, and individuals out of more than $275,000.
On May 9, 2019, she was sentenced to 4 to 12 years in state prison, fined $24,000, and ordered to pay restitution of $199,000. There were hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and other charges that were waived by the judge. Released from prison on parole, on March 25, 2021, she was arrested by immigration agents six weeks later for overstaying her visa.
Sorokin was released on $10,000 bond in October 2022 and placed under house arrest and required to wear an ankle bracelet until her immigration case is resolved. And apparently, wearing an ankle bracelet doesn't prevent you from dancing on television. Because here she is in a photo released today by ABC, sporting a shiny dress and a big ankle bracelet:
If you find yourself thinking "Oh, maybe ABC will treat her crimes seriously," keep in mind that this is the way she was described in the press release announcing the cast:
Notorious ankle bracelet fashionista Anna Delvey with partner Ezra Sosa
Anna Delvey is an artist, fashion icon and infamous NYC socialite who gained international attention after Netflix purchased the rights to her story and developed it into the 2022 miniseries “Inventing Anna.” Delvey’s life story has been the subject of several other television shows, interviews, podcasts and theater productions. Some view her as a cunning scam artist, while others see her as a charismatic and ambitious entrepreneur who took advantage of New York City’s social elite in an effort to open a prestigious art studio. Her case has also sparked discussions about wealth, privilege and social climbing in modern society. Her story continues to captivate the public’s imagination.
Wow, based on the description, it's almost as Sorokin is part misunderstood scamp and post-feminist icon.
But even worse, she is on the show under her alias. The alias under which she committed fraud and spent multiple years in prison.
Honestly, there is no better example of the insular nature of the media in NYC that someone who is still wearing a court-ordered ankle bracelet is a candidate for public redemption. Throughout the season, there will be the packages illustrating how she is no doubt feeling regret over her actions. And there will be plenty of carefully-edited opportunities for her to look vulnerable and misunderstood.
I understand that we are just talking about a reality show. But this just feels so wrong. And frankly, a bit distasteful.
ODDS AND SODS
* I recently did a video interview with Tell Me Lies showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer.
* Netflix has ordered the Vince Vaughn comedy Nonnas. The series is about a man who opens an Italian restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers.
* Season two of UFO Cowboys will premiere Friday, September 13th on The Roku Channel.
* Only Murders in The Building has been picked up for a ten episode fifth season by Hulu.
* The true crime supernatural documentary Out There: Crimes Of The Paranormal premieres Tuesday, September 24th on Hulu.
* Netflix has ordered more seasons of Chefs Table. Two seasons will air this year (which likely means they are already completed) and one season will premiere in 2025. A spinoff called Chef’s Table: Noodles will premiere on October 2nd and will profile four chefs — L.A.’s Evan Funke, the U.K. and China-based Guirong Wei, Italian Peppe Guida and rising star Nite Yun of Oakland, California — who are renowned for their mastery of the noodle. And in April, 2025, Netflix will premiere Chef’s Table: Legends, which “pay tribute to the culinary legends who have shaped the modern world of food as we know it.”
WHAT'S NEW TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH:
* Bargain Block Season Premiere (HGTV)
* BrickToons (Disney+)
* Des (BritBox)
* Guy's Grocery Games: All Star Rumble (Food)
* How (Not) To Get Rid Of A Body Series Premiere (Investigation Discovery)
* Icons Unearthed: Tom Cruise (Vice)
* Murai In Love Series Premiere (Hulu)
* Outlast Season Two Premiere (Netflix)
* Slow Horses Season Four Premiere (Apple TV+)
* Tell Me Lies Season Two Premiere (Hulu)
* Unsellable Houses Season Premiere (HGTV)
* Wild West Chronicles Season Four Premiere (INSP)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH:
* Apollo 13: Survival (Netflix)
* Caught In The Web: The Murders Behind Zona Divas (Netflix)
* Coming From America Series Premiere (Max)
* Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
* The Past Comes Knocking (LMN)
* The Perfect Couple Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Trigger Point (Britbox)
SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!