Scott, Buteau to star in new ‘First Wives Club’

Actress-singer Jill Scott and comedian Michelle Buteau will star in Paramount Network’s 2019 comedy “The First Wives Club.”

Scott and Buteau publicized the announcement on Twitter on Thursday by sharing photos of their respective scripts, with writer and executive producer Tracy Oliver declaring that it’s “dream casting.”

The studio announced in April that it was taking the first wives for another spin by adapting its 1996 revenge comedy with “Girls Trip” co-writer Oliver.

The diverse adaptation will be a 10-episode, half-hour dramedy that is also based on Olivia Goldsmith’s eponymous 1992 novel.

Goldsmith’s book tells the story of Ari, Bree and Hazel: Three well-off, middle-aged New York City women whose marriages crumble after their husbands have affairs with younger women.

The characters’ names were changed when they were played by Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn in the 1996 runaway film smash, which, at the time, shattered September box-office records by taking in $18.9 million and enjoyed the biggest opening weekend ever for a movie driven by a female cast.

The television adaption begins filming this fall and essentially follows the movie’s formula: The women find strength in their sisterhood and band together to plot their revenge.

PBS to air ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

With Fred Rogers’ legacy back in the spotlight, PBS wants viewers to remember that public television was the longtime home of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

PBS stations will air the acclaimed documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” as part of the “Independent Lens” showcase.

Rogers’ “powerful” approach to children’s programming is an ongoing influence at PBS, said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service.

One direct link: The animated series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” from creator Angela Santomero and the Fred Rogers Co.

Kerger said PBS is constantly refining its children’s programming to make sure it’s entertaining but also helps prepare kids to enter school prepared to learn.

This year is the 50th anniversary of “Mister Rogers” TV debut. An airdate for “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” wasn’t announced.