Samuel L. Jackson's 'Frisco King' Hits Paramount+ December 18

Samuel L. Jackson returns as New Orleans gangster Russell Lee Washington Jr. in Taylor Sheridan's "Frisco King," premiering December 18 on Paramount+ with two episodes, followed by weekly releases. The series moves Lee's operation from New Orleans to Frisco, Texas, where he finds a hustler already running a business in the suburban town.

The official logline spells out the premise: "Recruiting an ambitious protégé, a loyal driver and a growing network of eccentric partners, Lee transforms small hustles into big business. But, every new score raises the stakes, and as his influence grows, so do the risks, forcing Lee to stay one grift ahead. Frisco may not know it yet, but its new king has arrived."

Asa Germann, Kai Caster, Lilah Pate and Savanna Gann star alongside Jackson. Sylvester Stallone makes a special appearance. Sheridan wrote the series and executive produces with Stallone, Jackson, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Keith Cox. Christina Alexandra Voros and Michael Friedman also executive produce; each directs four episodes, with Voros directing the pilot. Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios produce.

What else is landing in December?

CBS has scheduled two "Price is Right" specials. "The Price is Right at Night: Live Holiday Special" airs December 13 at 8 p.m. ET — the first time television's longest-running game show will broadcast in real time, with behind-the-scenes access to host Drew Carey, announcer George Gray, the models and the production team. On December 15, "The Price is Right: 20 Seasons of Drew Carey" celebrates two decades of Carey as host with celebrity appearances from past episodes, including Mila Kunis, Jack Black and Snoop Dogg. Fremantle produces both; both stream on Paramount+.

Who is backing new writers?

FilAm Creative named its inaugural TV Creator Lab cohort of 25 writers on October 8 at Patriot Pictures in Los Angeles. The tuition-free, five-month program pairs emerging television creators with working executives, producers and showrunners. The launch featured Lionsgate SVP of Television Richard Rothschild, Greg Coolidge ("The Continental: From the World of John Wick") and Oren Segal, moderated by director Francis dela Torre ("Almost Paradise").

The American Film Institute announced mentors for its 2026 Writers' Room Ready program: Brad Ingelsby, Peter Gould, Patrik-Ian Polk, Sev Ohanian and Sarah-Violet Bliss, each paired with an AFI Class of 2025 graduate on projects including "Black Tide," "Holy Water," "Pop Puss," "The Optic" and "Glitter." "Great writing is taught in community, not isolation," said Susan Ruskin, AFI Conservatory dean and executive vice president. What does this change for the graduates? A named mentor attached to their pilot scripts — a concrete bridge from fellowship to staffed work, though the program itself guarantees no staffing.

Kids, crossovers and casting

"Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure" premieres Wednesday, October 14 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS and PBS Kids, streaming on pbs.org/nature, YouTube, pbskids.org and the PBS apps. Elmo and Abby encounter Kenya's wildlife, and Elmo learns to let his adopted elephant thrive in the wild. "Bringing Elmo and the 'Sesame Street' friends into the world of 'Nature' allows us to tell a unique story filled with adventure, discovery, and heart," said Sal Perez, executive producer for Sesame Workshop.

Moonbug Entertainment added Lauren Vaz to the "Blippi" franchise, joining Cashaé Monya in playing Meekah. "Lauren brings such a natural warmth, confidence and sense of fun to Meekah," said Liz Katz, associate general manager of "Blippi." Meekah, a role designed to be shared by different performers, is preparing for what Katz calls "an exciting new chapter" — with, she says, more announcements in the weeks ahead.

Hearst Media Production Group named Amy DeGregorio executive vice president of sales and revenue, a newly created role overseeing revenue strategy and sponsorship. DeGregorio joined Litton Entertainment in 2016 and has held posts at CBS Television Stations, NBCUniversal, truTV, ABC Television and MTV Networks. The December 18 premiere will show whether Sheridan's latest expansion of his Paramount+ slate keeps its audience.