Small Screen: Kerry Washington is On Fire, Meanwhile Rosa Salazar Exits ‘Einstein’ Before It Begins
Rosa Salazar - Frazer Harrison
Broadcast: CBS has decided to end The Equalizer, starring actress and musician Queen Latifah. It was revealed that the series would not return for a sixth season, with tonight’s episode, “Decisions,” serving as the series finale. The episode featured Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) and her love interest, Marcus Dante (Tory Kittles), navigating their relationship while on a romantic getaway in a cabin in the Poconos.
As they settled in, curious neighbors interrupted their plans, complicating the couple’s escape from their usual lives. Meanwhile, Harry Keshegian (Adam Goldberg) discovered that Angel Salazar (Juan Javier Cardenas) has been following them the entire time.
With the neighbors finally leaving, the couple tries to enjoy their time together, but chaos ensues when Salazar’s men arrive, instigating a gunfight.
As Robyn is captured, she sacrifices her life in exchange for Dante’s safety. In a dramatic showdown, she defeats Salazar and manages to save Dante, who proposes as he heals in the hospital. The series concluded with an engagement party for Robyn and Dante, while Aunt Vi reevaluates her relationship with Captain Curtis Martin.
Rosa Salazar, who was set to play New Jersey detective, Veronica Paris, on CBS’s upcoming series Einstein, is leaving the series due to an extended postponement.
Einstein was to premiere between 2025 and 2026 but has now been pushed to 2026-2027. The reasons are still unknown. Upon learning this, Salazar requested to be released from the series, to which all parties agreed.
The series is based on a 2015 German television movie and was originally ordered to pilot by CBS in August 2024. It is written by Andy Breckman and directed by Randy Zisk. Together, they executive produce with Tariq Jalil, Rose Hughes, Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia, and Laura Beetz.
According to sources, there is a possibility that The CW's last remaining scripted series, All American (2018), may receive an eighth season. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll has expressed her optimism about the series continuing and is already developing ideas for the upcoming season.
“I believe in unicorns, rainbows, gummy bears, and all things happy. So, I am optimistic for Season 8, and I’m moving forward and planning as though we have one. Because if I don’t, we won’t be ready in time when we get it,” she stated on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, while discussing the Season 7 finale, which aired on Monday, May 5, 2025.
In this episode, KJ (Nathaniel Logan McIntyre) received some surprising news, while Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) remained determined to return to the game despite concerns about his recent gunshot wound.
The executive producers include Nkechi Okoro Carroll, who serves as showrunner, and Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Jameal Turner, Mike Herro, and David Strauss.
FBI: Most Wanted (2020) and FBI: International (2021) have officially ended. CBS announced in early March that both series would be canceled, leaving the main show, FBI (2018), which is now in its seventh season.
Most Wanted ended after six seasons, while International was canceled after four seasons. However, the FBI universe is set to further expand with another spinoff involving the CIA, which will feature Tom Ellis from Lucifer (2016).
The cast, feeling sentimental about the end of the series, shared many behind-the-scenes photos. Edwin Hodge, who joined the cast of Most Wanted during Season 4, posted pictures of himself with star Dylan McDermott on Instagram, along with a heartfelt tribute:
“All good things must come to an end. I’m filled with so much abundance and appreciation for this incredible cast and crew. I want to thank the cast for being their authentic selves. My days were filled with laughter every time I went to work. The crew showed up every day to add their magic, contributing to the show’s success. Everyone remained dedicated, and I couldn't be happier with the work environment and my overall experience on the show! I’ll be sharing some new projects with you this year.”
Eriq La Salle - Daniele Venturelli
Cable: BET+‘s newest dramedy, Diarra From Detroit (2024), is returning for a second season. The series returns with writer, creator, and executive producer Diarra Kilpatrick, along with other regulars DomiNque Perry, Jon Chaffin, and Terrell Clark.
The series follows Diarra, a divorced schoolteacher in search of her perfect match. Surrounded by coworkers, friends, and lovers who become allies, Diara travels down a rabbit hole to the underworld of Detroit to find Mr. Right. Earning two Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations and nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and GLAAD Media Awards, Diarra From Detroit has ranked No. 1 amongst Black viewers for new cable series and No. 2 with Black viewers 18-49 and 25-54. The series is produced by BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society and is executive produced by Kilpatrick, Barris, and Miles Orion Feldsott.
Eriq La Salle, known for his role in Coming To America (1988), is set to direct and executive produce the first episode of CIA, which has been ordered straight to series for CBS’s 2025-2026 season. This series, created by Dick Wolf, follows two unlikely partners who must put aside their conflicting personalities to work together on criminal investigations that threaten the United States. As they navigate these challenges, they discover that their differences may ultimately be their greatest strength as partners.
In addition to Wolf, the series is produced by Nicole Pearlman, Peter Jankowski, David Chassteen, and Universal Television.
Streaming: Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of Netflix's BoJack Horseman (2014), has finalized the voice cast for his newest animated series, Long Story Short. The series features Lisa Edelstein (The Good Doctor), Paul Reiser (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), Ben Feldman (Population 11), Abbi Jacobson (Broad City), Max Greenfield (The Neighborhood), Angelique Cabral (Maggie), and Nicole Byer (Nailed It). Additionally, Dave Franco and Michaela Dietz are set to appear as recurring guest stars. The comedy series is set to debut on Netflix on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Andy Allo (Chicago Fire) will star in Mike Flynn’s series The Eagles of Newark. Based on the nonfiction book, Queen of the Negro Leagues: Effa Manley and the Newark Eagles by James Overmyer. Allo will play Effa Manley, a civil rights activist who, along with her husband Abe, aims to establish their own baseball club within the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Co-founders and co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove expressed their excitement, stating, “Effa Manley was a groundbreaking figure whose contributions to both baseball and civil rights history deserve to be told. With Mike Flynn at the helm and Andy Allo bringing Effa’s story to life, we are more excited than ever to share this important piece of history.”
The series is directed by Anya Adams, known for her work on North of North (2025) and Yellowjackets (2021). Allo and Flynn will also serve as executive producers, alongside Byron Motley, Jeffrey Miiller, Josh Green, and Caleeb Pinkett.
Kali Reis, who gained popularity in 2024 from her role in Jodie Foster's True Detective: Night Country (2024), has recently been cast in Apple TV+’s newest heist drama, 12-12-12.
The series follows a FBI agent (Anthony Mackie), and a habitual criminal (Jamie Dornan), as they engage in an enticing game of cat and mouse across Europe. Central to the plot is a bank heist, which is explored through three intense timelines: the 12 months of planning, the 12 hours of the heist, and the 12 days following the heist. Mackie and Dornan are not only stars but also serve as executive producers.
Before her Hollywood career, Reis was a professional boxer, becoming a world champion in two seperate weight classes. Later moving on to acting, she made her first debut in 2021's Catch the Fair One, which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead. She also starred in the 2023 film Asphalt City. She is represented by CAA, Authentic Talent and Literary Management, imPRint, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman
Season 4 of Starz’s Black Mafia Family (BMF) starts off heated with the feud between the drug organization’s leaders and brothers, Meech (Demetrius Flenory Jr.) and Terry Flenory (Da’Vinchi), as they launch their music label and expand the business into new areas. The brothers must overcome mountainous obstacles — from the heat of the police to navigating revenge against an old rival. As the pressure rises, so does the tension between the brothers, leading to an all-out fallout.
Darone Okolie (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Sullivan Jones (Harlem) and Walnette Marie Santiago (BMF), have been added as recurring cast members for the ninth season of Tyler Perry’s Sistas (2019).
Filmed in Atlanta, production for the ninth season recently came to a close, although a premiere date has yet to be scheduled. Written, directed, and produced by Perry, the dramedy follows a group of Black women in their 30s as they navigate their careers while juggling love lives and friendships. In an era where social media often portrays relationships as more glamorous than they are, setting realistic goals can be a challenge. Jones will play Dr. Vaughn, Okolie will play Roc, and Santiago will play Nia.
According to BET and Nielsen, Sistas was the number one scripted series on cable among Black viewers aged 18-49 in 2024.The cast features Mignon, Ebony Obsidian, KJ Smith, Crystal Renee Hayslett, Novi Brown, Devale Ellis, Brian Jordan Jr., Angela Beyincé, Branden Wellington, Chido Nwokocha, Chris Warren, and Kevin A. Walton.
Tyler Perry's series Divorced Sistas has been officially picked up by BET. The series is an extension of Sistas (2019) and follows five friends—Rasheda, Geneva, Naomi, Tiffany, and Bridgette—as they navigate love, life, and the challenges that comes with it all. The friends consistently rely on each other for support, but their biggest challenge arises from within their own circle, testing the strength of their sisterhood.
The cast stars LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf), Khadeen Indréa (Ellis Ever After), Porscha Coleman (Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!), and Briana Price (Step Up: High Water). It is set to premiere on Monday, June 9, 2025, on BET, and will be available to stream starting Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Unfortunately, Tyler Perry's Young Dylan (2020) will not be renewed for a sixth season. The news comes days after the Season 5 finale, in which a total of 85 episodes were produced.
Young Dylan tells the story of a family whose lives are turned upside down when their nephew, Dylan (Dylan Gilmer), moves in unexpectedly. Nickelodeon expressed pride in the show, saying, "After five incredible seasons of Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, we are officially wrapping production. We’re deeply proud of the entire cast and crew, as well as our amazing partners at Tyler Perry Studios, for the work they’ve created and the stories they’ve brought to life around this show."
Like Perry’s other series, Young Dylan was produced at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta with Angi Bones, Mark E. Swinton, Chip Hurd, Will Areu, Carmen K. Jones, and Tony L. Strickland serving as producers.
Keith D. Robinson, who plays Dr. Ted Richardson in CBS’s Beyond The Gates (2025), took to Instagram while on set to joke around about all the information that he thought he knew to be good for him, only to be discovered as wrong in “recent studies”.
“From here on out Im only going to consume air. Clean air with the right humidifier and hydrate as less as possible and grow my own vegetables when I'm able to purchase my own farm”.
Robinson was recently cast as a series regular as the newest Dr. Ted Richardson in the daytime soap. The series sports a well rounded cast with Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Karala Mosley, and other great actors. Beyond the Gates is led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.
Set in the 1970s Southwest, Duster follows the story of Nina (Rachel Hilson), a determined FBI agent on a mission to take down Ezra Saxton (Keith David) a dangerous crime lord, often referred to as the "Southwest Al Capone." Realizing she can't confront him alone, Nina recruits Jim, a skilled getaway driver. Haunted by the death of his brother, Jim reluctantly agrees to team up with the FBI agent. This action-packed, eight-episode series is set to premiere on Max on May 15, 2025.
FX’s historical drama, Shōgun (2024), is set to return for a second season!
Vaguely based on Japanese history, Shōgun takes place during the Sengoku Period. The series follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga, portrayed by Hiroyuki Sanada, as he battles enemies on the Council of Regents and discovers a European ship that has been marooned in a nearby village.
In May, there were rumors that FX was considering a second season, and this was officially confirmed once the James Clavell estate and series creator Rachel Kondo began developing the new season. Additionally, Sanada has signed a deal to return. Filming for the new season will take place in Vancouver. Sanada, Kondo, Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, and Michael De Luca will all serve as executive producers, while Jarvis will act as a co-executive producer. FX Productions will handle the studio work.
The premiere of Season 3 of The Gilded Age is officially scheduled for June 22, 2025, at 9 PM on HBO and Max.
Season 3 picks up after the Opera War, with the Russells preparing to lead society. Bertha (Carrie Coon) creates a plan to elevate her family’s status, while George (Morgan Spector) is willing to risk everything in an effort to revolutionize the railroad industry. The Brooks household is thrown into chaos as Agnes (Christine Baranski) refuses to acknowledge Ada’s (Cynthia Nixon) new title as the lady of the house.
Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield serve as writers and executive producers, alongside executive producers Gareth Neame, Bob Greenblatt, and David Crockett. Directors and executive producers Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield are also involved. This series is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television.
Netflix's 2021 hit drama, Ginny & Georgia is returning with a third season!
The upcoming season is set to premiere this June with a total of 10 new episodes. Antonia Gentry and Brianne Howey will reprise their roles as the mother-daughter duo, Ginny and Georgia. Raymond Ablack, Nathan Mitchell, and Diesel La Torraca amongst others will also reprise their roles. Additionally, you can expect to see Ty Doran (Manifest) and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New World) in recurring roles.
If you recall from the previous seasons, Georgia, Ginny, and Austin moved to Massachusetts after Georgia murdered Kinny, her husband for getting handsy with Ginny. After going undercover and dating Nick, PI Gabriel tracks the family to Wellsbury. It's assumed season 3 will likely follow up on George's arrest while also focusing on Ginny's mental health and her relationship with Marcus. Sarah Lampert and Sarah Glinski will serve as the season's writers, with Jeff Tahler, Jenny Daly, Holly Hines, Daniel March, Lance Samuels, Daniel Iron, and Armand Leo as executive producers.
Kerry Washington has been a busy lady! Executive produced by Washington and Elisabeh Moss, Imperfect Women, an upcoming series on Apple TV+, has added Rome Flynn (Godfather of Harlem), Sherri Saum (Good Trouble), and Ana Ortiz (Devious Maids) in recurring roles.
Imperfect Women is a psychological thriller based on a novel by Araminta Hall that explores themes of guilt, love, and betrayal among a group of friends whose decade-long relationships are tested by a crime that could potentially shatter their bonds. The core cast will feature Washington, Moss, and Kate Mara in leading roles. Ortiz will portray Detective Ganz, Saum will play Zoe, and Flynn will take on the role of Jordan, a love interest of Washington's character.
In addition to Washington and Moss, author Araminta Hall will also serve as an executive producer. Pilar Savone and Lesli Linka Glatter will direct and executive produce the pilot episode, while Kay Oyegun will write and executive produce under her deal with 20th Television.
Additionally, Washington is also developing Wisteria Lane, inspired by ABC's mystery dramedy Desperate Housewives (2004), as a series for Onyx Collective.
The new series is described as a dark comedy soap that follows a group of five frenemies who hide their secrets behind the facade of their ideal lives in a picture-perfect neighborhood. The original Desperate Housewives featured a talented cast, including Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, and Nicollette Sheridan, as they investigated the suicide of a neighbor. Following the success of Desperate Housewives, with around 70,000 fans inquiring about a revival, show creator Marc Cherry has expressed interest in revisiting Wisteria Lane. He envisions exploring the main characters in a different decade. This development marks the first significant attempt to expand the franchise.
Washington and Pilar Savone, known for their successful collaborations, will serve as executive producers alongside Natalie Chaidez, who worked on The Flight Attendant (2020). Although Cherry is aware of this new project, it has not yet been confirmed whether he will be involved.
Henry Golding, famous for his role in the popular romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians (2018), recently shared an update on the Max and Warner Bros. TV adaptation of the film, which was created by Adele Lim, Jon M. Chu, and Kevin Kwan. Crazy Rich Asians follows Rachel, who accompanies her boyfriend Nick to a wedding for his friend, only to discover that Nick's family is extremely wealthy and that he is considered one of Singapore's most eligible bachelors. Rachel finds herself in chaotic situations as she navigates jealous socialites, eccentric relatives, and, worst of all, Nick's mother.
It has been confirmed by Max that the upcoming series will be a drama based on three of Kevin Kwan's books: China Rich Girlfriend, Rich People Problems, and Lies and Weddings. Although Golding has not confirmed whether he will reprise his role as Nick Young, there has been discussion about many of the original cast members further exploring their characters in the new adaptation. However, it is still early in the production process to make any definitive statements.
And for those concerned, the series will not replace the sequel to the original film, as Warner Bros. Pictures is still developing that project.
Emmanuelle Chriqui, known for her role in Entourage (2004) and Javon Johnson from American Soul (2019) have joined the guest-starring cast for season four of Netflix and A+E Studios' series The Lincoln Lawyer (2022).
This season is based on The Law of Innocence, the sixth book in Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer series. Chriqui will portray Jeanine Ferrigno, the girlfriend of a local gangster who becomes intertwined in a criminal enterprise, while Johnson will take on the role of Carter Gates, a good and hardworking business owner who has turned his life around after facing legal troubles in his youth. But somehow, trouble seems to follow him as he finds himself accused of murder.
Chriqui is represented by Entertainment 360, Paradigm, and Goodman Genow Schenkman.
50 Cent Action, curated by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, has become the top action channel on Roku and LG Channels.
Originally launched on Roku, the channel quickly rose to become the most-watched during the first quarter. It features some of Jackson's most popular films and television series from the Lionsgate library, as well as up to 1,000 movies, including Jackson's Power series.
50 Cent Action is the first talent-branded channel available on FAST channels. Jackson is scheduled to participate in a live Q&A with CEO Michael Hudes on Monday, May 5, 2025, where they will discuss the channel's growth, success, and plans.
Research firm Antenna recently did a study that found that since 2023, streaming services, both with and without ads, have increased by more than 20%.
Since 2019, Apple TV+ prices have just about doubled. Originally $4.99 monthly in 2019, to $6.99 in 2023, and now in 2025, it's $9.99. But Apple TV+ isn't the only streaming service amping its prices. With ads, Disney+ costs $9.99; without, you're looking at $15.99 a month. Or in total, for a year it'd be $159.99. If you want to add a family member, as we mentioned last week, it would be an extra $6.99 on top of what you already pay. But wait, there's more! Hulu, which you can have on its own or as a bundle, ad-free costs $18.99 a month, or with ads it is $9.99. According to Deloitte's 19th annual Digital Media Trends report, 54% of SVOD subscribers have opted for at least one ad-supported service, an increase from the October 2024 report of 46%.
I'm not a fan of jacked-up rates, but perhaps it's worth it. Disney+ and Hulu offer a basic bundle for $10.00 a month, or you can opt-in for the premium bundle of $19.99 a month without ads. In May of 2024, Comcast also offered a bundle. If you're an Xfinity broadband customer, you're able to get Apple TV+, Netflix (with ads), and Peacock for around $15.00 a month. So again, I'm not a fan of paying extra, but with some of the SVOD options, you seem to get a lot. But you tell me, what do you think?
Industry: Banijay, an entertainment company that spans over 130 production companies, has recently conversed with ITV about taking over the entire business or at least its ITV Studios operation. Banijay, which produced Netflix’s Peaky Blinders (2014) starring Cillian Murphy, may seek out a third-party investor for assistance with a complete takeover of ITV.
ITV Studios, known for producing series such as Mr. Bates Vs The Post Office (2024), is one of the largest TV production companies around and is also a British Academy Film and Television Award (BAFTA) nominee. Reports suspect that Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI, led by Jeff Zucker, explored ideas of merging ITV Studios with All3Media, which RedBird previously purchased. Back in 2020, Banijay solidified its status by acquiring Endemol Shine Group for $2.2 billion. With that, ITV's share price rose with news of a possible spin-off of its studio arm, increasing its value to over $4 billion. Both companies declined to comment on the reports.
Lionsgate's Studio has officially separated from Starz, following approval from British Columbia’s Supreme Court for a complete division of the businesses. Shareholders also approved this separation last month.
The companies began considering a split over three years ago, but progress was slow due to the COVID pandemic, Hollywood strikes, and the acquisition of eOne. The process was initiated when Lionsgate Studios merged with Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company led by Eli Baker. This transaction established a value of $4.6 billion for Lionsgate Studios.
After just over a week, the staff of the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) successfully negotiated for voluntary recognition, with 81% of its staff signing cards to demonstrate their support.
Instead of a traditional vote, the WGAW utilized a card check process and has joined its counterpart, WGA East, under the representation of the Pacific Northwest Staff Union (PNWSU). As a result, WGAW staff are now covered by PNWSU across various departments, including agency, communications, contracts, credits, data management, foreign levies, member organizing, residuals, research, public policy, and WGAW theater.
