NBCUniversal’s Winter Press Tour was held on Saturday, January 11th at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. To kick off the upcoming shows this season, I caught up with some of TV’s biggest stars to try and find out some sneak peeks. Spoiler alert: Fan favorites like This Is Us and AGT: The Champions are set for another season but we are sadly saying goodbye to my personal favorite, The Good Place.
SUPERSTORE
The cast of Superstore was first up on the docket and I wanted to know all about what to expect in Season 5. We left Season 4 with a cliffhanger as the show revealed Nico Santos’ character, Mateo, was an undocumented citizen. Although Superstore is known for it’s hilarious antics, touching on more serious subjects, like immigration, is why this show is culturally relevant.
“Here’s the thing about this show: we talk about things that we talk about in real life… We’re telling stories of normal people,” said Ben Feldman who plays Jonah. “And if we can’t make it funny, we don’t do it.”
While this show is a comedy, tackling current events like workers’ rights and gun laws is why this show reflects real life.
“Our show is about working class America,” said Nico Santos. “It would be a disservice if we didn’t tackle all of those subjects.”
Because of Mateo’s illegal immigration status, Santos says Mateo will be “trying to keep his head above water” in Season 5. Fans can look forward to his new love interest who just so happens to be Amy’s brother!
Lauren Ash, who plays Dina, let us know that funny man, Dean Norris, will also make a cameo as her dad. (You know the same dad who we found out in Season One left her at the gas station!) Ash told me that that infamous line in season one was improvised while taping.
“It became a part of the story so for seasons I’ve been begging like we gotta meet Dina’s dad and it’s finally happening…” said Ash.
As for actress, Kaliko Kauahi, she surprised me when saying she had no idea if Sandra’s recent proposal would really air until she saw it on TV.
“It wasn’t in the original written script…” said Kauahi. “It was one alt that they’ll throw in like ‘hey why don’t we do one where he proposes?’ and we were like ‘ok.’”
If you haven’t already tuned in, Superstore airs Thursdays at 8:00 P.M. PST.
BIGGEST LOSER
Celebrity trainer, Bob Harper, is back and better than ever for the 18th season of Biggest Loser. In this 30-week-competition, Harper will be taking on a new role this season as he expressed he won’t be training any of the 12 new contestants. Instead, he’ll be hosting the show. Harper said he isn’t going far as he’ll still offer guidance to new trainers, Erica Lugo for the red team and Steve Cook for the blue.
“I’m gonna be like their big brother… I’ll help in any way that I can,” said Harper. “But I thought it was really important for them to kind of learn on their own.”
While Lugo and Cook come from different fitness backgrounds, both have adopted similar philosophies when it comes to weight loss, emphasizing that sticking to realistic habits and setting “baby goals” is key.
“Small goals still lead to big things,” said Lugo.
Competitors will ban together as they attempt to transform their lives and win a cash prize.
Biggest Loser returns on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 9/8c on the USA.
ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST
Jane Levy stars as Zoey in this new musical TV dramatic show that exceeds the realm of reality. With Zoey’s special superpower to hear other’s inner thoughts through song, you can expect a lot of your favorite hits to be performed by the cast throughout the season.
Peter Gallagher who plays Mitch says the cast had to memorize a new musical number every eight days! He joked that he often found himself rehearsing at home for the next dance. However, the message behind the show cuts deeper than simply belting some song lyrics mid-sentence and the full cast performing choreographed dance numbers.
“My mother had Alzheimer’s [disease] and my character has a similar kind of thing and it’s… I just feel lucky,” said Gallagher. “I probably won’t get too many more opportunities like this to tell a story that speaks about the way we are connected.”
Music brings these characters together in this show to tell the narrative that we as humans don’t know what internal struggles others are facing. John-Clarence Stewart (Simon) speaks about the underlying theme of the show when saying that ‘we can’t judge a book by it’s cover.’
“We all have something going on… Zoey has the privilege of actually hearing what’s going on with people.”
CHICAGO MED
Yaya DaCosta turned in her scrubs for most fabulous oversized blazer dress and stunning YSL heels as she promotes Season 5 of Chicago Med. Looking for another #OneChicago mashup with a crossover from the gang on Chicago Fire and Chicago PD? Well, it’s not exactly in the plans but there’s always a possibility.
DaCosta says that “I don’t know when the next one is but I’m sure it’s coming.”
THE SOUP
E! is bringing back the beloved pop-culture talk show with a new host! Comedian, Jade Catta-Preta will be bringing her witty commentary and cheeky sense of humor to the show in hopes it’ll resonate with many. Originally starring Joel McHale from 2004-2015, Catta-Preta will be bringing an “evolved and supercharged” approach to make a comeback. On top of some surprise celebrity guests walking through, The Soup will be a place to catch up so if you haven’t had much time for TV that week, you can get your fix all in one place.
“You don’t have to watch 80 90-Day-Fiances, I did it already,” Catta-Preta said.
The Soup will break down some of TV’s wildest viral moments and more.
