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Q: When will the new spin-off with the sons of “The Neighborhood” begin airing? Does this mean that the original series is ending soon, like “Young Sheldon”? – A.T.
A: The hit CBS sitcom “The Neighborhood,” starring Cedric the Entertainer, will begin airing its eighth and final season in the fall, with its current season’s finale set for May 5. During this episode, oldest son Malcolm will move from the south of Los Angeles to Venice Beach, California, which is the setting of the proposed spin-off.
If the pilot gets picked up by the network as it’s expected to be, both Sheaun McKinney and Marcel Spears will reprise their roles as Malcolm and Marty Butler. Cedric the Entertainer, who plays their dad, will continue on “The Neighborhood” for its last season. Rounding out the cast are Angelique Cabral and Hunter King from “Life in Pieces,” Justin Long (“Goosebumps”), and Kara Royster (“Dynasty”).
However, this isn’t the only “Neighborhood” offshoot in development. You might remember Tracy Morgan’s (“30 Rock”) appearance as Cedric’s rich younger brother, Calvin, in season four. Well, he won’t be playing Calvin in the proposed spin-off that is expected to stream on Paramount+ but instead a cousin named Crutch. No official word on when this series will begin airing.
Actor Woody Harrelson (Depositphotos photo)
Q: Is it true that Woody Harrelson was supposed to play Walton Goggins’ role in “The White Lotus”? – A.S.
A: Yes, the Emmy-winning actor Woody Harrelson (“Cheers”) was set to play Rick in the third season of HBO’s “The White Lotus” but had to turn it down when their filming schedule shifted. He was later asked to play the smaller role of Rick’s friend Frank, but this didn’t come to fruition either and went to Sam Rockwell instead.
While Harrelson likely regrets the chance of adding another Emmy to his shelf, he’s excited about his upcoming comedy series on Apple TV+ with his buddy Matthew McConaughey. “Brother From Another Mother” is still in development, but judging by their hilarious Salesforce commercials, the show will likely be a hit.
Q: Who plays Doug in the Liberty Mutual commercials? Has he acted in anything else? I don’t think I’d recognize him without his mustache and sunglasses. – N.I.
A: Actor David Hoffman has starred in Liberty Mutual’s LiMu Emu & Doug ad campaign since 2019. In an interview published in the New York Post in 2021, Hoffman said that he’s never once been recognized on the street as Doug. When he was offered the role, he told his agent that he didn’t want to look like himself in the ads for fear of being pigeonholed as “the guy in the commercial.”
Smart move! The commercials pay the bills, and he can do other projects like voiceover work and guest-starring on sitcoms such as “Modern Family” and films like “Bridesmaids.”
Stephanie Courtney, who stars as Progressive Insurance’s pitchwoman in their campaign, has a similar resume to Hoffman’s. Both are alumni of The Groundlings, the improv comedy school that has served as the launching pad for many “Saturday Night Live” cast members, including Kristen Wiig and Will Forte.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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