Netflix had the first big panel at the 2015 summer TV Critics Association Press Tour this morning. Aside from announcements, the streaming service had a few other interesting bits of news.
Fate of the Bill Cosby Special
Back in August 2014, as Bill Cosby was ramping up his comeback, Netflix announced that it would have an exclusive stand-up special. However, by November 2014, things were very different, with more and more women coming forward to accuse Cosby of drugging and raping them. At the moment, 46 women have accused Cosby. Netflix indefinitely postponed the Cosby special and it looks like it will never see the light of day.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate to release that,” Netflix chief content officer ted Sarandos said today of the special, notes TheWrap.
Sarandos also explained that The Cosby Show is still available to rent through Netflix’s DVD-by-mail service because it is not owned by Netflix. “The other projects before were actually produced by Netflix and branded Netflix shows. We think we have continued to act appropriately when it comes to Mr. Cosby,” he said.
Defending Adam Sandler
After Pixels disappointed at the box office this weekend, Sarandos had to defend last fall’s decision to sign Sandler to a four-movie deal. He told The Hollywood Reporter that he is still “thrilled” by the Sandler decision. As expected, Sarandos said that Sandler is still a big draw internationally and people love watching his movies repeatedly.
The Ridiculous Six will be the first film in the Sandler deal.
Arrested Development
Considering all of Brian Grazer’s comments on Arrested Development, you would think that Sarandos would have more to say about a fifth season. But that wasn’t the case.
“It’s a really long, complex deal to make for these guys because talent is busy working on other shows and the show is owned by Fox,” he said, reports Variety. “It is our intent to have a new season of Arrested Development, and all the negotiations are underway.”
Cancelling Lilyhammer
Lilyhammer, a comedy starring Steve Van Zandt, was Netflix’s first original show. However, after three seasons, Sarandos confirmed that it has been cancelled because “economically challenged” deals would have had to be made for more shows.
#Lilyhammer RIP. Not my decision. Let's just say for now the business got too complicated. Very proud of our 24 shows. New ideas on the way.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 22, 2015
Fuller House
Fuller House, the sequel series to the beloved sitcom Full House, is currently in production for Netflix. Sarandos didn’t say much, but he made it sound like there is a very small chance that the Olsen twins still might want to make an appearance. They are still not signed for the show, though.
“The Olsen twins are teetering [on] whether or not they’ll be around,” Sarandos said.
Other News
Netflix also announced that Bojack Horseman was renewed and the new season of Longmire will start on Sept. 10. Master Of None, a new series starring Parks and Recreation’s Aziz Ansari, will launch in November.
image courtesy of INFphoto.com
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