William Shatner doesn’t tweet. Actually, that’s inaccurate. He does, but he hires “a young fellow” to do it for him, since he doesn’t understand “electronics” and “can’t even remember [his] password.”
Funny enough, Shatner is starring on the new CBS series $#*! My Dad Says this fall, a comedy based on a Twitter feed and helmed by the former Will & Grace producers.
He does know that the term is “tweet,” though, and not “twat,” as producers accidentally proclaimed during the session.
A few critics sneered when those onstage started talking about Episode 6 (“like it’s going to make it that far”), which is probably why the pilot is being completely revamped. Jonathan Sadowski has been signed as the new lead, and certain storylines are being eliminated to focus more on the “buddy-buddy” aspect of the show that seems to resonate with testing audiences, according to the panel.
Also starring are MADtv alums Nicole Sullivan and Will Sasso.
“This show is born in a twitter,” says Shatner. “We’re all a twitter. The show is a viral show. In my limited imagination, it is an electronic miracle. It stems from the culture of now.”
As one critic points out, Ashton Kutcher’s five million-plus followers weren’t enough to save his new series, The Beautiful Life, last fall, so we’ll see if $#*! My Dad Says’ 1.5 million followers will be enough.
“You know what I wish?” Shatner says. “I wish they’d say shit. You take a shit, you feel better. It isn’t a terrible term, it’s a natural function. Why are we pussyfooting?”
$#*! My Dad Says debuts Thursday, Sept. 23 on CTV/CBS.
Have a question about this session? Email me - amber@tvguide.ca
Amber is currently reporting live from the TV Critics Press Tour in L.A. Check out her complete coverage, including a comprehensive calendar and full schedule of events here.
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