News round-up: Apple suspends talent deals; RTÉ orders ‘2 Johnnies’ comedy; ABC cans ‘The Wonder Years’

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Apple suspends talent deals

Apple has become the latest firm to suspend high-profile first look and overall deals as the US writers and actors strikes continue.

The company’s pacts with Adam McKay’s Hyperobject Industries and Natalie Portman’s MountainA are among those to have been suspended, though other, non-writing agreements, such as with Martin Scorsese, whose Killers Of The Flower Moon launches next month, and Tom Hanks’ Playtone remain in place.

The decision follows similar moves by Disney, NBCUniversal, CBS Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery in recent weeks.

The 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock In

RTÉ orders ‘2 Johnnies’ comedy

Irish pubcaster RTÉ has commissioned The 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock In, a new comedy series for RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Produced by Green Inc, the 6 x 30-minute series will feature comedy and entertainment from Tipperary duo Johnny Smacks & Johnny B, who will be joined each evening by some well-known pals for shenanigans down the ‘local’.

The show, launching next month, will shine a light on all things Irish – bringing viewers a celebration of the great characters, humour, music, fun and silliness to be found in pubs throughout the country.

Justin Healy, commissioning editor for comedy, RTÉ, said: “The Two Johnnies have been on the radar for some time, so it’s great to have worked with them to get to this point and design a show around their unique ability to engage and resonate with a contemporary youthful Irish audience.”

ABC cans ‘The Wonder Years’

US network ABC has cancelled its revival of The Wonder Years after two seasons.

The coming-of-age comedy, which was inspired by the 1980s series of the same name, appears to have been canned due to low ratings

The show followed youngster Dean as he grew up in a middle class Black family in Alabama during the 1960s.