Celebrity Extra: Lisa Vanderpump
By Dana Jackson
Q: When does Lisa Vanderpump's new show premiere? Will any of the cast of “Vanderpump Rules” be in it? -- K.J.
A: "Vanderpump Villa" will debut on Hulu beginning April 1. It features an all-new cast selected to work at an exclusive French estate by "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum (and restaurateur) Lisa Vanderpump.
According to Hulu, each episode follows her elite staff working and living together 24/7 while they try to provide a curated experience for their guests. Meanwhile, Vanderpump is also deciding whether she wants to make this French pop-up experience -- and its staff -- a full-time business for her growing empire.
Lisa Vanderpump ("Vanderpump Villa"). Photo Credit: Disney/Picture Group
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Q: What happened to the show "Elsbeth"? They aired one episode, and now it's gone. Has it been canceled already? -- C.I.
A: You're not the only one to ask. The new detective show -- and spin-off of "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" -- generated fantastic ratings when it premiered in late February, attracting 4.5 million viewers to CBS. The show stars Carrie Preston as a quirky but whip-smart, "Columbo"-type lawyer from Chicago who ends up in the Big Apple. Don't worry, though; it's coming back.
The show begins by revealing who the murderer is each week to the audience, similar to another hit show, Peacock's "Poker Face." But don't let this deter you! The fun is watching Elsbeth outwit the NYPD and trick the suspect into confessing. Her purpose is to observe the police force for any corruption, but she somehow always ends up solving their cases.
In addition to Preston, "Elsbeth" has a solid cast that includes Wendell Pierce, Carra Patterson and Gloria Reuben. Guest stars include a who's who from past hit sitcoms, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson ("Modern Family"), Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock"), Retta ("Parks and Recreation") and Linda Lavin ("Alice").
Unfortunately, "Elsbeth" had to go on a four-week hiatus because of President Biden's State of the Union Address and the NCAA March Madness tournament. CBS plans to re-air the pilot before "Elsbeth" returns with its second episode on April 4.
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Q: Is it true that Eddie Van Halen's son played guitar on the "Barbie" soundtrack? I thought I saw the name "Van Halen" in the credits. -- N.N.
A: Yes, Wolfgang Van Halen, son of the late "Van Halen" guitarist Eddie Van Halen, ended up on the "Barbie" soundtrack by chance, but also because of his talent. He met the movie's music producer Mark Ronson while performing at the Taylor Hawkins' tribute concert in 2022. The two became friends, and Ronson asked him if he'd collaborate on the fabulous composition titled "I'm Just Ken." He even performed the song on stage alongside Ryan Gosling's Ken at the Academy Awards this month, along with another great electric guitarist -- Slash from Guns N' Roses.
"I'm Just Ken" was not only nominated for an Oscar, but made it into the Top 5 of Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
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