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After the Episode With Josh: Season 3, Episodes 8 & 9
With a prom, Kathy Griffin two weeks ago, Patti Stanger this week and every hot couple ending up in bed together, it's like we are getting to live out our wildest "Drop Dead Diva" dreams each Sunday night at 9/8c on Lifetime! In this week's After the Episode With Josh, executive producer and show creator Josh Berman leads us deeper into Diva-land with more on Kim and Parker, a Fred and Stacy spinoff and what this show is really about.
We get a lot of questions about Jane's bedding in the show, any idea where it comes from?
You know, I can’t be sure. I’ll look into it, though! The art department on set (which is in Georgia) is super talented. I always love the goldfish Tyra that lives on the coffee table!
Sylvia wanted to thank you for making a show with "a real heroine." In what ways do you think Jane is a heroine?
In all ways. I feel like Brooke is the real heroine, though. Without her, Jane would be just letters on a page.
Patty wonders if Fred and Stacy will get married and have their own spinoff show! If you were to do a "Diva" spinoff, which character's (or characters') life and story would you follow?
Great idea, Patty. Yes, they could easily have their own spinoff. Since they're both hilarious actors, perhaps it would be a comedy. I love writing for both of them.
I would love to see where Stacy and Fred would go if it were all about them. There’s so much meat on the bone there! He’s not entirely human, and she doesn’t know it... She is both Jane and Deb’s best friend and he is Jane’s guardian angel! The possibilities are endless. I'm loving just thinking about it!
First, Deb had a secret sister and now Tina (who thinks she'd be the perfect candidate) asks if there will be another secret relative from Jane's past. like a daughter? If not in the forgotten family tree, what other dark "Jane's past" secrets would you want to explore?
The series is about uncovering secrets and learning who we are as people. Jane will continue to discover new things about old Jane and the best is yet to come!
Michelle asks: "Where are all the things Deb loved to do that Jane seems to not like now? You showed her shopping long ago but that turned into a lawsuit. Manicures? Shoes? Hair salons?" I think she might need to rewatch Season 1, but what is your take on this?
Great point. We haven’t forgotten about Deb! In a lot of ways it is more interesting to show Deb shine through in the life that Jane is living. For example, when Jane giggles in the court room or surprises herself with her use of Jane’s brain! Deb is there... The character is always Deb in Jane's body, but like all of us, she continues to evolve.
Phila tries to slip one past us. "Who figures out Deb is Jane first: Grayson or Deb's mom? I know you can't say ;)" True - but good point! Since a lot of the viewers want Grayson to fall in love with Jane as she is now, is Jane's relationship with Bobbi foreshadowing (or proof?) that Grayson could fall in love with the Deb (and the Jane) in Jane. As Jane?
It may be foreshadowing to some permutation of what you’re asking... But it’s certainly not proof of anything. Having Jane and Bobbi together on screen is actually not about Grayson at all. It’s about having Deb connect with her mom even though Bobbi doesn’t know it. I get tingles just thinking about it!
Episode 9 gave us a glimpse of something we've been pining for — seeing Kim and Parker together again as more than just coworkers. Ashley wants to know if this means Parker and Kim are back together for good?
Kim and Parker are far from over. But this Sunday's episode, we will learn more! I'm excited to see the fans' reaction.
"Dear Josh," Litska asks, "what has been the biggest challenge that you have encountered thus far as creator and executive producer of 'Drop Dead Diva'?"
The romantic in me wants so badly for Jane to tell Grayson, to tell everyone, the truth about Deb. So that’s the biggest challenge, really. It feels like such an obvious answer. Jane withholding that from the other characters is the magic of our show. Despite that fact, every time I sit down to write I just want to give it all away!
View more photos from Season 3, Episode 9 below:
Get a Sneak Peek of Patti Stanger on Episode 10!
Patti Stanger is Season 3's next guest star to join the cast for August 28th's Episode 10! The matchmaker spoke with The Insider about her experience on the show, her character — who she says is an "extreme version of herself"! — and her on-screen rivalry with Margaret Cho's character Teri. Check out an exclusive clip of Patti Stanger on Sunday nights' all new episode and find out why the first-time actress called her experience on the show "the scariest thing I've ever done in my life."
View more photos of Patti Stanger on "Drop Dead Diva" here:
Tune in to "Drop Dead Diva" Season 3 — only four more episodes to go!! —
Kathy Griffin Dishes on Becoming a Diva!
When we were ever-so-patiently (we're saints, really!) waiting for Season 3 to begin, it was SO exciting to get guest star scoop and tidbits about the upcoming episodes that we almost forgot how much more (approximately 5,000 times or so) exciting it would be to actually see the episodes! Such is most certainly the case with Kathy Griffin, who guest stars on this Sunday's all-new "Drop Dead Diva" as Kim Kaswell's sister. We've compiled the photos, video and word from Kathy herself about being a Diva below. Enjoy and tune in and Tweet with us Sunday night at 9/8c on Lifetime!
"Drop Dead Diva" Blooper Reel
In this gag reel from Episode 8, Kathy Griffin cracks up Margaret Cho... and us! (Psst: it's Perez Hilton-approved. Just sayin'!):
The Star Gets Real With Star Mag!
In an interview with Star Magazine, Kathy shared some insight on how she snagged and prepared for the role as "the villian"'s big sis ("I’m the villain that even the villain is afraid of. Score!"), dished on working with friend and fellow comedian Margaret Cho and gave a pretty kick a** explanation for why she likes "Drop Dead Diva." Read her interview with Star Magazine here!
Kathy Griffin Snapped on Set
Get a sneak peek of Sunday's show and view photos of Kathy Griffin on "Drop Dead Diva" Season 3, Episode 8 below:
Mark your calendars — you wouldn't want to stand up the Kaswell sisters! — and tune in to "Drop Dead Diva" Season 3, Episode 8 this Sunday, August 14 at 9/8c on Lifetime!
Tweet With Kate Levering During Episode 8!
Raise your hands/frozen margarita if you had a blast along with us during the Episode 6 premiere of "Drop Dead Diva" Twitter-partying it up with resident BFF April Bowlby?! Each Sunday, we've been Tweeting with you all during new episodes of “Drop Dead Diva” from the official “Drop Dead Diva” Twitter account — and this Sunday for Episode 8, Kate Levering will be joining in on the Twitterific fun!
This is an extra special week for Kate to Tweet — it's finally the episode where Kathy Griffin guest stars as Kim Kaswell's sister! This Sunday starting at 9 pm et, you’ll get the chance to ask Kate questions about the show as she’ll be Tweeting from her personal Twitter account along with us. You'll get to see a whole different side to the actress, who plays Jane's coworker and often-enemy. Listen up, Divas: we met Kate on the set of "Drop Dead Diva," and we swear on a stack of Cosmos that she's a sweetheart in real life!
If you don’t already have a Twitter account, sign up for one here and follow @DropDeadDiva and Kate Levering @katelevering. Join us on Twitter Sunday night, starting at 9 pm et. Come prepared with questions for Kate and Tweet with our handy dandy Diva hashtag: #DropDeadDiva to keep up with the conversation. Don't worry, West Coast Divas, you can still join and ask questions — we'll make sure to keep things spoiler-free!
Tune in to "Drop Dead Diva" Season 3, Episode 8 this Sunday night at 9 pm et/8c on Lifetime!
After the Episode With Josh: Season 3, Episodes 6 & 7
The Diva gods have really been smiling on us this season — what with fabulous guest stars, edge-of-our-seat storylines and more quotes than you can fit into a 140-character Tweet each week. In this edition of After the Episode With Josh, executive producer and show creator (and head of said Diva gods) Josh Berman lets there be light on Grayson's depth, Brooke Elliott's talent and unexpected "Drop Dead Diva" pregnancies.
Peggye wants to know if you think Jane will or would ever lose weight to try to capture Grayson's attention? Teresa doesn't even want to see Jane and Grayson together, but has another weighted suggestion: "I want to see Grayson date someone not super thin!" Do you think Grayson is shallow?
This is a question that I chat with my writing team, and even my friends, about frequently. A message that we’re trying to send to our audience is that what really matters is the super model inside. That’s how I came up with the concept for the show! My grandmother, whose name is Deb, was a short, overweight Jewish woman who carried herself like a super model. She was always such an inspiration to me. Grayson is growing more every day — I definitely would be open to him becoming more and more attracted to the beauty inside the next woman he dates.
Alisha wonders if Jane would even be ABLE to tell Grayson what happened or will something terrible happen (similar to Fred being de-Angeled or even Grayson being hit by the car)?
The business of Deb’s reincarnation that turned her into Jane is really uncharted territory for both the characters and for me as a producer. While certainly there are barriers to Jane coming clean... I think that the easiest to get over are the “rules” from heaven.
Brooke Lovers unite! Harris asks: "Where did you find the amazing and talented Brooke? How did you know that she was the one?"
We saw so many incredibly talented actresses in the search for our Jane. While of course there were physical traits that were required of the character, we knew from the earliest stages of development that the actress who would bring life to Jane would have that certain X factor... Brooke is all X! She came to us after spending years on Broadway. When I look at Jane, I see Deb and that is because Brooke is amazing.
And it wouldn't be a Q&A without "he who probably shouldn't be named" coming up... Alix asks: "Will Jane find someone who makes her happy? I think she can move past Greyson if the right guy came along. I loved her and Tony! Does she have a new love interest coming up? Someone who actually lasts?"
Tony, who was played by David Denman, was such a powerful character in helping Deb get used to being Jane. I think that as we enter the second half of our season the viewers will be really excited to see where Jane goes both professionally and personally. Hint: Keep your eye out for a new Judge.
Teri (the viewer, not the assistant) takes it to the next level and suggests: "I think Jane and Grayson should kiss, he totally falls for her but you bring Tony back. Flip the tables and have Grayson secretly in love with Jane." What do you think about THAT?
I think that you would be great in our writers’ room! I love that! It is always so fun to turn the tables on our principle characters — it’s also a great challenge for an actor who has spent three seasons getting used to a set of rules about their character.
Jane seems unstoppable in the courtroom this season, but Rachael asks:"Will Jane ever lose a case?"
Absolutely. It has happened before and it will happen again. Losing a case allows Jane the opportunity to help her client find some sort of resolution outside the courtroom despite the verdict.
Remember back when Kim thought she was preggers? RoJo wants to know: "Is anyone going to have a baby? I'm ready for one of the fabulous ladies to become a mom."
GASP! I can't say anything more — but I wouldn't be surprised if one of our main characters finds them self with a child sooner than expected.
Have more questions for Josh? Leave them in the comments below!
After the Episode With Josh: Season 3, Episode 5
It was a blast to live prom all over again with the "Drop Dead Diva" cast, and now in this week's After the Episode With Josh, executive producer and show creator Josh Berman tells us more about getting in bed with Jane and Grayson, dishes about Kim and Grayson and promises to play matchmaker for Teri.
Some of the fans want to know a little bit more about what happened with Jane and Grayson at the hotel. Meg asks: "What made you jump from Jane and Greyson falling asleep together to them being back at the office a week later?"
Jane isn’t just another girl, she (as Deb) has known Grayson for years. After the heartbreak of being left at the altar, what Grayson really needed from Jane was a friend. The best way for Jane to help Grayson move on is to show him that everything, even after Vanessa, can continue to be business as usual... At least at the office.
Viewer Jen thinks Jane would have stepped in to get Grayson to stop moping post-wedding: “There's no way someone like Jane would have let [Grayson] go on for a week without intervention, and that's something I would have liked to have seen.” Will Jane address the Vanessa situation in future episodes?
There is a fine line for Jane regarding Grayson because of their history. That said, Grayson is lucky to have a strong support system, and I think that the scene with Kim (where they talk about Vanessa) towards the end of last week’s episode is not only one of the best performances of the season from Jackson Hurst (Grayson) but also one of the most powerful moments of the season thus far.
Alex says: “Grayson makes the comment to our girl that the loser (the doc) didn't know what he was missing — then, why not ask my diva Jane out?!?” — while other fans have been wondering if Grayson is a little shallow. Jennifer ponders this very question: “I am curious why Grayson is so interested in other girls, but yet Jane never crosses his mind as a potential girlfriend? Is it her weight or what else could it be?”
That is a fair question and a valid concern. The short answer is no. Jane has been his best friend... His “best man” even. In large part "Drop Dead Diva" is told through Jane/Deb’s eyes, and of course the Deb in Jane really just wants Grayson back. This biases our perspective on the prospect of a Jane/Grayson romance. To Grayson, though, Jane is just Jane, his best friend and colleague.
Another fan asks why Jane doesn’t make a move on Grayson… as herself/Jane?
I love that there is so much passion from the viewers regarding Jane and Grayson! Get’s the gears turning! I think that for Jane, making a move on Grayson would be just a mega minefield of emotion. That feels like a cop out in so many ways... But personally — and this isn’t a spoiler at all so much as a response to this question on a human level — I think the Deb in Jane wants to be recognized by Grayson despite the change of her body. I think that as a woman, that is what she would need to know that it’s safe to take her friendship with him to the next level, ultimately to romance.
Marcos asks: “Will Teri end up in a serious relationship with that guy (Hank)? She can do better ... cough cough... me! Jk! Great show!”
Marcos, you’re cracking me up with that! First of all, how dare you!? Hank is played by my brother, David Berman, and Teri would be lucky to have him!!! (Totally joking with you) I’ll put in a good word on your behalf.
The viewers were shocked by the Kim and Grayson kiss, and Mary has more of a plea than a question… “Please tell me that yall aren’t gonna put Kim and Grayson (back) together!!”
That scene was the perfect combination of great writing, great acting, great shooting, great music and great editing. It is so special when all of the many parts make a scene come together and create something as strong as that scene! Grayson and Kim have moved on from their romance... In that scene, Grayson actually says “That wasn’t meant for you” and it wasn’t... It was for Vanessa.
Jamie wants to know if Fred will ever become more human?
I think Fred becomes more of a human every episode. Ben Feldman (who plays Fred) is a master of his craft.
Lori has nothing but love: “It was great to see the real Constance in the courtroom scene! Your treatment of the Prom made me tear up, especially at the end when the high school friends arrive. Just loved it.” Can you tell us a little more about your decision to use Constance in the episode and what her reaction was when asked?
The pleasure of having Constance involved in the production of this episode was all ours, truly. She is a peaceful crusader and the GLBT community is lucky to have an ambassador like her.
View more photos from Season 3, Episode 5 below:
Jackson Hurst Talks Grayson on PIX 11
Jackson Hurst stopped by PIX 11 in the Big Apple this morning to talk about acting on “Drop Dead Diva” and his upcoming flick “A Bird of the Air.” Check out the video of his interview below to hear more about what Jackson was up to before he was Grayson, his Texas roots and how he handles being such a hottie:
Smart, sweet, funny and good-lookin’? Looks like life imitates art in the case of Grayson/Jackson! Let’s not let Jane see this interview though — I think she might get a little jealous of Pix 11 reporter Sukanya Krishnan’s flirting!
Want more Jackson Hurst? Keep in touch with the actor on Facebook and on his official Twitter, where Jackson can be spotted chatting with fans, sharing photos and more! Then, watch him in action as Grayson Kent in “Drop Dead Diva,” Sunday nights at 9 pm/8c on Lifetime!
Tweet With April Bowlby During Episode 6!
You know how they say, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em"? Well, I'm thinking the phrase for Sunday nights at 9/8c is "If you can't truly join 'em, Tweet with 'em!" We've been having a blast Tweeting with you all during new episodes of “Drop Dead Diva,” Sunday nights from the official “Drop Dead Diva” Twitter account — and this Sunday for Episode 6, April Bowlby will be joining us!
Every week on “Diva,” April as bubbly, sweet Stacy makes us laugh, think and wish desperately that we were her roomie/BFF. This Sunday, you’ll get the chance to ask the star questions about the show as she’ll be Tweeting from her personal Twitter account along with us. That’s the next best thing to drinking a pitcher of pomegranate martinis on the deck with her and Jane, right?!
If you don’t already have a Twitter account, sign up for one here and follow @DropDeadDiva and April Bowlby @aprilthebowlby. Join us on Twitter Sunday night, starting at 9 pm et. Come prepared with questions for April and Tweet with our handy dandy Diva hashtag: #DropDeadDiva to keep up with the conversation.
Tune in to "Drop Dead Diva" Season 3, Episode 6 this Sunday night at 9 pm et/8c on Lifetime!
After the Episode With Josh: Season 3, Episode 4
Welcome back to After the Episode With Josh! This time around, executive producer and show creator Josh Berman gives us the skinny on Jane and Grayson in bed together, dirt about the return of Vanessa and Ben Feldman's phone number. Just kidding about that last one, but this show scoop should make up for having to live another day without Fred's digits.
Johnny asks: “Does Kate Levering have formal dance training? In the dream sequences, she dances very well.”
Kate has an extensive background on Broadway, so yes — formal training and she’s logged quite a few hours on stage! If you like her dancing, you should check out her dance sequence with Thunder From Down Under, only available as an extra on the Season 2 DVD.
@JaneValentine Tweets (and FB fan Lydia asks): “Will Jaime’s character Vanessa come back after the un-wedding?!”
Vanessa is played by my good friend Jaime Ray Newman and we would be so lucky to have her back on the show. It’s always fun to bring back characters in a new role.
The fans have had a very adverse reaction to Vanessa. Did you expect or plan for her to be this hated character?
Vanessa is a lovely character, but she's not Jane. Anyone who competes with Jane for Grayson will be disliked. She's also a bit cold (on purpose) and I think viewers are reacting to that.
Deborah thinks Grayson getting stood up at the altar is sad, but wants to know whether you think if Vanessa had told him face-to-face, she would have really gone through with her decision to back out? She also asks, “Why did Vanessa wait that long to let Grayson know how she felt?”
I think there is really something behind following your gut... Vanessa and Grayson had a whirlwind romance that was victim to so many factors. I think that Vanessa wasn’t able to get a good perspective on it until she was there, dress and all, on her way to the altar. That said, I believe that if she had known earlier, she absolutely would have shared it with Grayson. When you are in love with someone, you hope and pray they feel the same way. Deep down, she knew that Grayson didn't.
Christian wants all the dirt: “Was [the final scene of Jane and Grayson in bed at the hotel] them ‘sleeping’ together like you hinted at earlier?” And @FloorReeyes Tweets: “What happened with Grayson & Jane — after that night?”
There is so much to explore in the world of Jane/Deb and Grayson. I definitely wanted to tease our audience by saying that they slept together because I wanted to get you thinking about how many different avenues their love for one another could take. So yes, that was the scene I was hinting at. It seems so cliché to say this but... Tune in on Sunday night at 9 to see what happens next! I’d imagine after Grayson’s night of sadness and drinking, he probably woke up craving a strong cup of coffee... Just a hunch. And remember, Jane is still dating someone.
“Just out of curiosity — does the feedback you receive from fans influence future episodes or is the storyline complete and final?” Jacqueline wants to know.
I love fan feedback. I'm not sure if it influences the storylines, but i read everything on-line — especially the comments on our Facebook page.
Arlien wonders if Jane and Kim will forever be frenemies… or if there’s something more there: “Jane and Kim really do appreciate each others' skills. Are they ever going to develop their friendship?”
Jane and Kim’s scenes together are so fun because they are loaded with both hostility and a professional respect for one another. I always wonder what Kim and Old Jane's relationship must have been like. Kim probably still can't figure out why this woman suddenly grew a backbone. In the future, perhaps they could be friends. Do you think Deb and Kim could have been friends?
@TVFanatic592 Tweets for Teri asking: “Will Teri have another love interest this season?”
Teri really cracks me up. Margaret Cho is such a genius! She has brought a really interesting facet to the character which is to say that any man that walks into Harrison and Parker has the potential of winding up in the cross hairs of Teri’s eye! And yes, there will be more men in Teri's life!
While so many fans want to see Grayson and Jane get together, some others have suggested that them finally uniting would be the end of the show — how do you see it?
That’s the 10 million dollar question and I’m going to bow my head to you, our loyal fans, and say “stay tuned.”
View more photos from Season 3, Episode 4 below:
Tune in to Season 3, Episode 5 of "Drop Dead Diva," featuring guest stars Wanda Sykes, Clay Aiken and Lance Bass Sunday July 24 at 9/8c on Lifetime, and visit the Official "Drop Dead Diva" Facebook page after the show to ask Josh questions about "Diva"!
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"Project Runway" Designer Rami Creates Margaret Cho's "Diva" Prom Dress
Known for his fit-for-a-goddess designs, sweet demeanor and overall hunk factor, “Project Runway” designer Rami Kashoú is one of the design show’s all-time fan faves! You’ll get the chance to see his work grace your TV yet again this Sunday night on “Drop Dead Diva,” when the gorgeous Margaret Cho/Teri wears a Rami Kashoú original for the prom episode!
Rami revealed to us exclusively: "I'm a BIG fan of Margaret Cho and wanted to design a vibrant, feminine and festive dress to go with her fabulous personality!" Um, nailed it on all three accounts — we’re busting out our best Heidi Klum impression to say: “Rami, you are in!”
Tune in to “Drop Dead Diva” Sunday at 9 pm/8c, as Season 3’s most talked-about episode yet brings the real-life story of Constance McMillen, a teen who was banned from taking her girlfriend to prom, to the small screen. Lance Bass, Clay Aiken and Wanda Sykes all guest star — alongside Rami’s creation, of course.
Diva Dish below: Which “Drop Dead Diva” character would you take to prom with you? Dibs on Parker! (Sorry! Unfair, we'll rock-paper-scissors for him...)
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!["How I Met Your Mother"](http://mylt.ltcdn.com/d6/sites/mylifetime.com/files/images/imagecache/carousel_159x119/2011/01/12/HIMYM-159x119.jpg ""How I Met Your Mother"")
