News Round-Up: March 29, 2018

Me with Arminae Austen and Matt Zarley in Fort Worth, Texas 1999

Some news items you might have missed:

• Since it's Thursday, how about a little #Throwback action? The pic above was from a production of A Chorus Line I directed back in 1999 at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, Texas. I wasn't originally going to be in the show but the producers eventually asked if I would also play the role of "Bobby" since I had many times before. Pictured with my besties from the Broadway production of ACL who came down to kill it, and kill it they did, Matt Zarley and Arminae Austen.

• There will be a sixth and final installment of social media phenom Sharknado this year on SyFy Network. #YAY! #DumbButFun

• The Ecuadorian embassy has placed jammers in its own building to block WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from access to the internet, social media or even phone calls. Assange has been living in the embassy since 2012 believing he'll be picked up and extradited to the United States for questioning over activities by WikiLeaks.

•  A high-level Trump campaign official had repeated communications in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign with a business associate tied to Russian intelligence, according to a document released on Tuesday by the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the election. Remember when the story was "There was NO communication by anyone on the Trump campaign with Russians?"

• Did you hear the one about Donald Trump's lawyer dangling pardons to former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn and former campaign chair Paul Manafort? #ObstructionOfJustice?

• Always keeping in mind that nature is beautiful but can be just as dangerous, check out this incredible video of a cheetah on the hunt who jumped into a jeep to check things out. Gorgeous, exciting but scary as hell. The passenger didn't make eye contact so he wouldn't seem a threat. #WOW

Incredible video shows a cheetah on a hunt jumping into a jeep to find a better scouting spot. The passenger stayed quiet and didn’t make eye contact so the cheetah didn’t see him as a threat. https://t.co/vQm1lmCLtv pic.twitter.com/mnKugvik4v

— ABC News (@ABC) March 29, 2018

The Sharks Are Coming (Again)! "Sharknado 5" Gets Greenlight

Variety shares the news that Syfy Network's "Sharknado" franchise will have a fifth installment this summer. And yes, action hero Ian Ziering will be back as the intrepid shark-slayer, "Finn Shepard."

The original 2013 “Sharknado” introduced the concept of a shark-laden twister via one bearing down on Los Angeles.

In “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” New York City was the target of the disaster, and in “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” a mega-sharknado made its way down the East Coast from Washington, D.C. to Florida.

In the most recent installment, the very-close-to-copyright-infringement-titled “Sharknado: The 4th Awakens,” the shark-infested storms went national. The film ended with the Eiffel Tower ripping away from Paris and crashing down on Niagara Falls, setting the stage for the fifth edition of America’s answer to the sprawling sagas of the ancient world.

In “Sharknado 5,” with much of North America lying in ruins, the rest of the world braces for a global sharknado. Fin Shepard (Ziering) and his family must put a stop to this disaster before Earth is obliterated.

“Sharknado 5” is a working title, to be clear; Syfy and Asylum have some time to come up with a truly clever main or subtitle, like “Sharknado 5: Finternational Waters” or “Sharknado: Dinner for 5.”

As silly as they are, I really enjoy these guilty-pleasure TV movies. So over the top.

And Ziering's dead-on approach as "Finn Shepard" makes it abundantly clear that he's completely in on the joke. With each entry in the series, the jokes get more and more outrageous. And I love it.

News Round-Up: June 1, 2016

Nick Jonas

Some news stories you may have missed:

• All-around hottie and LGBT ally Nick Jonas says he's "technically" had gay sex.

• Australia's Prime Minister predicts public vote on same-sex marriage by the end of the year.

• Only 12% of those polled in NBC/Wall Street Journal poll say Donald Trump has the temperament to be president.

• You too can own Zac Efron's movie jockstrap from Dirty Grandpa, includes “assorted stains from use during production but remains in good condition.”

• New Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows Hillary Clinton leading Bernie Sanders by 2 points 49%-47%.

• The Massachusetts House has passed transgender protections, and the governor has signaled he will sign the bill into law.

• Britain's healthcare system refuses to cover PrEP.

• This GIF of a Chippendale defeating a shark in the upcoming "Sharknado: The 4th Awakens" is my favorite thing today. Now THAT's technique!

"Sharknado: The 4th Awakens" Shares New Teaser

New teaser for the upcoming Sharknado: The 4th Awakens which uses my home city of Las Vegas as "chomping grounds" for at least part of the movie.

Chain-saw wielding action hero Ian Ziering will be back with his crew of shark-slayers on July 31st on Syfy.

Check the appearance of one of the world famous Chippendales here :)

Video: "Don't Go To The Ocean. The Ocean Is The Shark's House"

Hysterical. And she is serious.

"Don't go to the ocean. The ocean is the shark's house."

"I can swim. I can swim. My whole body is a floatation device."

This reminds me that "Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No" debuts on SyFy Channel on July 22nd.

"Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!" Set To Air July 22nd

Syfy and The Asylum today announced that the official title of the latest installment in the global pop culture sensation is Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!

The two-hour original movie will devour the planet on Wednesday, July 22 at 9/8c.

In addition, Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! will wreak havoc on all Syfy channels around the world – 86 countries in all, including the UK, Australia and across Europe, Asia and Latin America – when it premieres in international primetime within 24 hours of the United States debut.

Said Chris Regina, Senior Vice President, Program Strategy, Syfy: “We wanted this third title to boldly go where no shark movie has gone before. ‘Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!’ embraces the larger-than-life irreverence that has made these movies so popular and entertaining.”

Sharknado 3 will cause mass destruction in Washington, D.C. before roaring down the Eastern Seaboard and into Florida, and stars Ian Ziering as Fin, Tara Reid as April and Cassie Scerbo as Nova. 

Joining them will be David Hasselhoff as Fin’s father, Gil; Bo Derek will play April’s mother, May; Ryan Newman will play April and Fin’s daughter, Claudia Shepard, and Jack Griffo will portray Claudia’s friend, Billy.

Additional cameo roles include Mark Cuban as the President of the United States; Ann Coulter as the Vice President; Michele Bachmann as herself; Jerry Springer as Mr. White, a manic tourist; Washington Redskins tackle Tom Compton as a reporter; *NSYNC singer Chris Kirkpatrick as a pool lifeguard, and Chris Jericho, who will portray Bruce the roller coaster ride operator.

When it aired last July 30, Sharknado 2: The Second One became Syfy’s most-watched original movie ever.

(from ComingSoon.net)

Mark Cuban & Ann Coulter Cast As Prez/Vice-Prez In "Sharknado 3"

Please tell me this means we get to see them eaten by sharks and Ian Ziering becomes President!

Via Deadline:

Mark Cuban (Shark Tank) has been cast as President of the United States and political commentator/author Ann Coulter will assume the duties of Vice President in Syfy/The Asylum’s Sharknado 3. The latest installment of the pop culture phenomenon will cause mass destruction in Washington, D.C. before roaring down the Eastern Seaboard and into Florida. It will premiere on Syfy in July.

Previously announced cameos in Sharknado 3 include Bo Derek as May, the mother of April (Reid); Jerry Springer, appearing as Mr. White, a manic tourist; *NSYNC singer Chris Kirkpatrick as a pool lifeguard; and Chris Jericho, as Bruce the roller coaster ride operator.

The "Sharknado" movie series has become a huge money-maker for Syfy. When the sequel - Sharknado 2: The Second One - aired last summer, it became the most-watched original movie in the network's history.

An enormous part of the appeal of the films is the over-the-top/tongue-in-cheek humor played throughout the sci-fi film.

Another huge asset is the action hero studliness of leading man Ian Ziering. Like a fine wine, Ziering has aged very, very well. Take a look below from his appearances in Las Vegas as the Chippendales special celebrity host.

Yeah, that sells tickets... :)

Sharknado 2: The Second One rakes in 3.9 million viewers, 1 billion Twitter impressions

Syfy’s pop culture/social media hit - Sharknado 2: The Second One - delivered serious numbers in the ratings department during last night’s July 30 premiere, becoming the channel’s most watched Original Movie ever with 3.9 million total viewers.

Over on the social media side, Sharknado 2 delivered One Billion estimated impressions for Sharknado Twitter conversations.

At one point, Sharknado 2 held all top 10 trending topics in the United States.

According to reports, Sharknado 2 is the most "social movie" on TV ever, and was more social than any episode of Game Of Thrones, The Bachelorette or Survivor.

Compared to the first Sharknado movie premiere on July 11, 2013, total viewers were up 183%.

Sharknado 2 beat numerous broadcast programs in prime including CBS’s Extant, Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance and ABC’s Motive among Adults 18-49.

Syfy will air Sharknado 2 again Saturday, August 2 at 7PM and Sunday, August 3 at 9PM (ET/PT).

(via press release)

"Sharknado 2: The Second One" airs tonight on Syfy

Don't forget "Sharknado 2: The Second One" debuts tonight on the Syfy Channel 9/8c. Check your locals listings.

Social media's favorite "over the top" science fiction shark movie is back - with hunky 50 year old action-hero Ian Ziering!

The cast is "in" on the joke, so you can laugh along, too.

And don't forget to track and tweet on Twitter where a good part of the fun will be.

You can follow #Sharknado2TheSecondOne to catch the witty "shark" comments.

Review: "Sharknado 2 - The Second One"

Ian Ziering stars in "Sharknado 2: The Second One" 

Excerpt from rave review from the AP about Syfy's "Sharknado 2: The Second One:"

The good news: "Sharknado 2" is a hilarious must-see treat.

The original film erupted as a social-media and pop-culture phenomenon, mostly celebrated for its unwitting awfulness. It was a throwback to drive-in movies of 50 years ago that you would have ignored while you and your date put your attention elsewhere. A would-be blend of "Jaws" and "Baywatch," it was funny, but never seemed to be in on the joke.

Against all odds, "Sharknado 2" has wised up. Though it and its performers teem with conviction - no winking at the audience here - the film is unabashedly awash with fun. And unlike laid-back Cali, New York - always spoiling for a fight - is the perfect arena for dramatic strife, even from killer sharks cascading from the sky.

In fact, "Sharknado 2" serves as a paean to the Big Apple. Veteran comedian Robert Klein (playing the mayor of New York in one of the film's numerous celebrity cameos) delivers a rousing call-to-arms for all New Yorkers: "When something bites us, we bite back!" Hizzoner said a mouthful!

But the film will sink its teeth into you from its first moments as you join Fin and April on their terrifying airline flight. Fasten your seatbelt for a wicked homage. This "Sharknado" is the very definition of scared silly.

"Sharnado 2: The Second One" debuts on Syfy Channel this Wednesday at 9pm EDT.

Trailer: "Sharknado 2 - The Second One"

The social media phenom Sharknado returns to television on July 30th with the sequel Sharknado 2: The Second One.

Returning for the sharky fun are newly minted action hero (and Chippendales celeb-host hunk) Ian Ziering and Tara Reid. Joining them are Vivica Fox and Mark McGrath and lots of guest appearances.

Vivica dropped by Chippendales this past weekend in Las Vegas to meet up with co-star Ian Ziering as he continues his celebrity hosting duties through July 20th.

Check out the trailer for Sharknado 2: The Second One below:

Ian Ziering returns to Chippendales

Ian Ziering is back in Chippendales (photo credit: Scott Harrison)

Ian Ziering, Beverly Hills 90210 and Sharknado star, returned to the Chippendales stage in Las Vegas tonight for a special six week engagement as Celebrity Host.

Ziering played host for the men of Chippendales last summer, selling out his multi-week run.  He is the first Chipps celeb to be brought back due to popular demand.

And Ian is still looking fierce.  Can you believe the married dad of two is 50???

Make sure you catch Ian with the men of Chippendales from now until July20th at the Chippendales Theater at the Rio All-Suites Hotel in Las Vegas.

PLUS - the sequel to pop culture phenom "Sharknado" is set to debut on the SyFy Channel on July 30th.

"Sharknado 2: The Second One" starring Ian Ziering

They're baaaaack! The pop culture/social media sensation Sharknado returns July 30th with the sequel Sharknado 2: The Second One.

Original stars Tara Reid and the hunky Ian Ziering are back with new cast members and lots of cameos as New York City becomes the next target of the awesomeness that is 'Sharknado.'

BUT - you don't have to wait until July 30th to see some action hero-worthy abs from the mighty Ian. He returns to Las Vegas as the Celebrity Guest Host of Chippendales at the Rio All-Suites Hotel from June 12 to July 20th.

 Ian is the first celeb to return to the troop due to popular demand after sold out performances last summer with the men of Chippendales.

Check out the trailer to the new flick below, and then the current ad announcing Ian's return to Vegas.

Syfy orders Sharknado 3 for 2015

Ian Ziering in the upcoming "Sharknado: The Second One"

Syfy is feeling very good about the upcoming Sharknado sequel.

The network has ordered Sharknado 3, before the second installment in the franchise even airs. The threequel will air in summer 2015.

The first Sharknado film turned Beverly Hills 90210 hunk Ian Ziering into a full-fledged chainsaw wielding action hero.  He returns in the sequel, along with Tara Reid, Vivica A. Fox, Andy Dick and Mark McGrath.

The original Sharknado, which premiered on Syfy in 2013 about a freak "man-eating-shark-laced hurricane" hitting Los Angeles, was a pop culture phenomenon.  The Twitterverse practically exploded the night the film originally aired.  Subsequent re-airings gave way to even higher ratings.

Sharknado: The Second One, which was filmed in New York City, will premiere on July 30.

(source)

Ian Ziering talks about his big chainsaw in "Sharknado 2"

Ian Ziering talks "Sharknado 2: The Second One" with Access Hollywood.

Clearly not in Beverly Hills anymore, the star of the hit SyFy film chatted on shooting in the cold NYC weather, the size of his "chainsaw,' and his apparent lack of aging.

"Sharknado 2: The Second One" will air on SyFy Channel on July  31st at 9pm.

Sharknado 2 sets air date July 31st on SyFy Channel

Sharknado 2, follow-up to the pop culture phenom Sharknado, comes to SyFy Channel this summer.

With original stars Ian Ziering and Tara Reid, don't miss the fun as strange weather patterns move in to New York City on July 31st.

Top 5 Most Talked-about Television Events of the Year

Fox News (this is non-political, folks, so I can cope with them on this) has assembled what they call "The most-talked about television moments of 2013."

I have a short attention span, so here's the top five. Do you agree?

5. Tightrope Walker Crosses the Grand Canyon

4. Paula Deen’s Tearful Apology on the “Today” Show

3. Miley Cyrus Twerks it Out at the VMAs

2. Season Finale of “Breaking Bad”

And the top TV momement of the year is....

1. Sharknado

A hurricane hit Los Angeles, pulling killer sharks out of the ocean to terrorize Tara Reid and Ian Ziering–and becomes one of the biggest Twitter trends of 2013.

The SyFy disaster movie inspired dozens of celebs–including Elizabeth Banks, Wil Wheaton and Horatio Sanz–to tweet their excitement and fascination. Olivia Wilde spoke for many when she tweeted this message to her followers, ”I just recorded it based on this review: '@MiaFarrow: Omg omg OMG #sharknado’."

So congratulations "Sharknado" - you are the TV event of 2013! Can't wait for the sequel.

Check out the full list here.

Trailer: "Sharknado Too" with Ian Ziering, Cher, Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ian Ziering in the "trailer" for Sharknado Too

Halloween parody for the trailer of "Sharknado Too" on Live with Kelly and Michael:

"LIVE's Best Halloween Show Ever" shows you the trailer for "Sharknado Too." 

With a star studded cast: Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Cher, Robin WIlliams, Michonne, Long Island Medium Theresa Caput, Ian Somerhalder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Samuel L, Jackson.

Cher and Robin Williams in the "trailer" for Sharknado Too

Robert Deniro in cameo appearance in the "trailer" for Sharknado Too

Video: Ian Ziering armed with chainsaw vs shark in SHARKNADO

I'm kind of obsessed with the Sharknado phenomenon :)

No, I don't think it's "great" movie (hello, the name of the film tells you the creators had a sense of humor...) but I think it's fun since it's soooo over the top, and everything the folks responsible meant it to be.

The pop culture response is so fascinating, how could you not have a good time with it?

Ian Ziering deserves "action hero" movie status here, plus points for his sense of humor how he's handled the response today.

p.s. then there's the fact that he's uber-hot at 49.  Check the recent pic below from his sold-out run at Chippendales in Las Vegas.

'Sharknado' draws twice the Twitter action than 'Game of Thrones' Wedding

I am LOVING the whole Twitterverse getting in on the Sharknado fun.

From the Hollywood Reporter:

There were more than 604,000 tweets about the irresistibly Sharknado from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m ET on Thursday, according to social media analytics firm Fizziology. The Syfy film, which starred Tara Reid, Ian Ziering and Casie Scerbo, premiered at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Putting that figure in context, HBO's widely discussed Game of Thrones "Red Wedding" episode drew 241,000 tweets in response to the show, Fizziology said.

Twitter also contextualized the outsized response to the sharks-meet-tornados B-movie, produced by Asylum. The micro-blogging platform's official Data account posted a chart showing a peak of more than 5,000 tweets a minute were referencing Sharknado at 10:58 pm ET.