Category: TV/Web

Happy Birthday Amber!

1/8/2023

I’d like to wish Amber Benson a very Happy Birthday. I hope you have a fantastic day and that the year ahead brings you happiness and only good things.

Followers of the website’s social media feeds will know that I posted Happy Birthday messages there too of course. I also wanted to write a post here in the Latest Amber News section as well.

I've been a huge fan and have followed Amber's career for many years and in that time, I've been fortunate enough to meet her on a number of occasions.

Amber is not only hugely talented she's also a kind and generous person too. If it had not been for the encouragement Amber has given me, I never would have attempted many new things. I’m very grateful for all of her support and kind words.

This year fans in the USA also have the chance to see the premiere of Family History Mysteries Buried Past a brand-new original mystery written by Amber debuting tonight on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries at 6/7C for more information about that click here. What a great way to celebrate Amber’s Birthday!

I know you will all join me in wishing Amber a very Happy Birthday!

Joe

Family History Mysteries: Buried Past Written By Amber Benson USA Premiere On The 8th of January

1/5/2023

On the 30th of November 2022 entertainment website Deadline.com broke the news that Amber had written Family History Mysteries: Buried Past. This will be the first in what could become a series of TV movies for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

We of course shared the news on our social media feeds and later on AmberBenson.TV itself. I have a very exciting update especially if you're an Amber fan living in the USA Family History Mysteries: Buried Past will be premiering on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel on Sunday, 8 January at 7/6 C

The 8th of January is as many fans will know Amber's birthday and I think it's amazing that Amber’s brand-new original mystery has its premiere on her birthday.

If this is the first time you're hearing about Family History Mysteries: Buried past let me tell you a more about this exciting new mystery.

Family History Mysteries: Buried Past centres on Sophie McClaren played by Janel Parrish as a genealogist. She brings families together using her expertise and ability to dig into the past to find answers.

Update: If you have read the Deadline.com article you may have noticed that I have made an edit and changed Sophie’s surname. A fan who has had the opportunity to see the movie told me that in Buried Past the lead character's name is Sophie McClaren not McClure as reported by Deadline.com, it’s also the name the character is given on IMDb too. Having checked IMDb again there are now two listings for the movie, this new version has Sophie’s surname as McClaren. I'm not criticising either of these outlets as information may have been correct at the time of publication and I don't want to speculate on what might have happened. I have seen a screenshot however that does confirm the character’s name as Sophie McClaren.

Sophie's skills and knowledge shall be tested like never before when she discovers her close friend Jonathan is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Help is on hand from Jonathan's twin brother Jackson who also happens to be Sophie's old flame. Together Sophie and Jackson search for the twins birth father in a bid to save Jonathan. As Sophie and Jackson work together it gives her the push to finally look into her own past.

Hallmark have released a trailer for the movie ahead of its premiere which I have embedded below.

If you live in the USA and want more information about Hallmark Movies and Mysteries and how you can see Buried Past click here and press the channel locator button.

Unfortunately for UK fans I don't yet have any information on when it will be shown here. I am planning to contact Hallmark to enquire about this and if I get any news I will share it with you.

In the meantime though I'm still incredibly excited for Amber but also for fans and friends who are based in the USA and will get the opportunity to see Buried Past for the first time on Sunday. It's a fantastic birthday present for Amber and another reason to celebrate.

Joe

Disclaimer: Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with the making of Family History Mysteries: Buried Past, Hallmark or Deadline.com we own nothing. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting new TV movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber Has Written A Brand-New Mystery For Hallmark

12/31/2022

On the 30th of November entertainment website Deadline.com broke the hugely exciting news that Amber has written a brand-new original mystery for Hallmark.

Family History Mysteries: Buried Past centres on Sophie McClaren played by Janel Parrish as a genealogist. She brings families together using her expertise and ability to dig into the past to find answers. Sophie's skills and knowledge shall be tested like never before when she discovers her close friend Jonathan is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Help is on hand from Jonathan's twin brother Jackson who also happens to be Sophie's ex. Together Sophie and Jackson search for the twins birth father in a bid to save Jonathan. As Sophie and Jackson work together it gives her the push to finally look into her own past.

Update: If you have read the Deadline.com article you may have noticed that I have made an edit and changed Sophie’s surname. A fan who has had the opportunity to see the movie told me that in Buried Past the lead character's name is Sophie McClaren not McClure as reported by Deadline.com, it’s also the name the character is given on IMDb too. Having checked IMDb again there are now two listings for the movie, this new version has Sophie’s surname as McClaren. I'm not criticising either of these outlets as information may have been correct at the time of publication and I don't want to speculate on what might have happened. I have seen a screenshot however that does confirm the character’s name as Sophie McClaren.

Amber has written for Hallmark on three previous occasions including Murder in Mind & Death By Design two movies in the popular Morning Show Mysteries series. The series was based on a novel by Al Roker and Dick Lochte. Amber also wrote the festive romantic movie A Family Christmas Gift this was an original story written by Amber and she also co-wrote the teleplay.

In October I attended Cross Roads 5 a convention in Birmingham where Amber was a guest. During a Q&A I was lucky enough to ask Amber if she had any upcoming projects she revealed to an excited audience that she had written a new movie for Hallmark and it had been given the go-ahead.

Correction: I also want to make another correction due to something that I misunderstood. Family History Mysteries Buried Past is based on a series of novels by Brynn Bonner. Amber has written the script and I believe adapted the material for the screen. I pride myself on posting accurate information, this was down to something I misunderstood during a Q&A (mentioned above) with Amber that I attended. The mistake was mine and Amber was not at fault in anyway. I apologised to Amber and visitors to the site for the error in my original post.

For more information about Family History Mysteries: Buried Past click the link below to visit the article from Deadline.com

https://deadline.com/2022/11/janel-parrish-hallmark-family-history-mysteries-buried-past-1235184573/

The good news for Amber fans in the USA is that according to Deadline.com Family History Mysteries: Buried Past premiere is planned for January 2023 the exact date to be confirmed. As soon as I have more information I will post an update. Unfortunately for UK fans there is no timeframe currently set for its UK premiere. From past experience with Hallmark movies I know it can take around a year before they debut here. I will of course try to find out more information as soon as I can and fingers crossed we won't have to wait too long.

I apologise for the length of time it has taken me to get this post online this was due to work commitments and a busy time over the festive period. I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie and I'm so pleased for Amber. I'd also like to wish everyone a happy new year!

Joe

Disclaimer: Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with the making of Family History Mysteries: Buried Past, Hallmark or Deadline.com we own nothing. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting new TV movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber's Guest Starring Roles on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice Are Now Available on Disney+ In The UK

11/30/2022

Exciting news for Amber fans in the UK as we have the chance to stream both of Amber's guest starring roles on Grey's Anatomy and its spin-off Private Practice on the Disney+ streaming platform.

I know that both of these shows were popular and in fact Grey's Anatomy is still on the air today in the UK but I've never been a fan of medical dramas. I'm a huge fan of Amber of course so I tracked down and watched both of these episodes when they aired a few years ago. If you didn't get a chance to see them or are new to Amber's work I thought it was definitely worth a post here to let everyone know the episodes are available.

In 2009 Amber played the role of Jill Avery in Private Practice (Just Finishing, Season 2, Episode 18)

In this episode Jill fights to battle back from the after-effects of a brutal assault. Amber showcases the range of her acting talent as we not only get a sense of who Jill was before the attack but also witness how it affects her as she tries to reclaim her old life.

In 2010 Amber played the role of Corrine Henley in Grey's Anatomy (That's Me Trying, Season 7, Episode 7)

In this episode Corrine visits her estranged father before his surgery and this brings old feelings to the surface and some regrets too. I would have liked to learn more about Corrine, sadly Amber wasn't afforded as much screen time as her role on Private Practice. It was still great to see her on-screen however and the fact that I was intrigued by the character of Corrine demonstrates Amber's acting talent.

Both of these episodes and indeed the entire series of both Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are all on the Disney+ platform in the UK. I would assume they're available in the US and other territories but I can't access the US version from inside the UK so I don’t know for sure. If anyone does know and wants to pass the information along you can leave a comment under this update or contact me via email Facebook or Twitter the links are at the top of the page.

For more information go to https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb

I know the cost of living is high right now so I'm aware not everyone will want to sign up for a subscription service at the moment. I just wanted to put the information here in case it was useful to fellow fans. If you get a chance to see either of these episodes definitely check them out.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with Grey's Anatomy or Private Practice. We own nothing. We have no connection to the Disney+ streaming platform here in the UK or in any other territories. No money is being earned from this post, it is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an opportunity to see Amber Benson in two exciting guest roles.

Amber Benson To Attend Cross Roads Convention In Birmingham UK In October

5/15/2022

Hugely exciting news, Amber is set to return to the UK to meet fans in person for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are the details.

Star Fury Conventions have confirmed via their website that Amber will be a guest at their fifth annual Cross Roads convention. Cross Roads is a three-day event celebrating CW's long-running hit television show Supernatural.

After playing the role of ground breaking and much loved Tara Maclay for three seasons on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in 2006 Amber made her Supernatural debut in Season 2, Episode 3 'Bloodlust" as mysterious vampire Lenore. Amber would reprise the role of Lenore again in 2011, Season 6, Episode 19 "Mommy Dearest." Joining Amber will be fellow Supernatural actors Steven Williams, Alexander Calvert, Cindy Sampson and more. The convention will include autograph sessions, photo opportunities, guest talks, themed party nights and more.

Cross Roads will be held between 30th of September - 2nd of October 2022 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham. I attended another event organised by Star Fury a few years ago which was enjoyable but they are much smaller than larger scale conventions. I have seen a tweet to say that they have already sold more than 50% of the available tickets for this event. This was before the website for this particular event went live so I can only assume people who attend regularly had already bought their tickets in advance.

For more information about the Cross Roads event including, tickets hotel accommodation and more please visit the official website at the link below.

http://seanharry.com/home/cross-roads/

This is hugely exciting news and I hope to be there with other fans to welcome Amber back to the UK.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with Cross Roads and/or organisers Star Fury Conventions, or Supernatural. This post is informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting UK appearance by Amber Benson.

Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design Written By Amber Benson will be shown again on UK TV Today

5/2/2022

Here is some good news for UK Amber fans as Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design written by Amber will be shown on UK TV again today. Amber has forged a successful career as a novelist as both the author of the Calliope Reaper-Jones series and The Echo Park Coven Trilogy amongst others, in recent years Amber has focused on writing for television.

In 2019 she got the chance to pen two fictional murder mysteries for the small screen, first she wrote the teleplay for Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind. Then quickly followed this up by writing Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design. This is the second time Amber has written for this popular series both of which aired on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel in the USA.

The Morning Show Mysteries series centers on Billie Blessings (Holly Robinson Peete) a successful restaurateur who also hosts the cooking segment on Wake Up West Coast, a popular TV show. Billie was once suspected of murder but after clearing her name with the help of Detective Ian Jackson (Rick Fox) the two remained friends and are growing even closer as they find themselves at the heart of another mystery.

In Death By Design Billie’s best friend Marian is hired to redecorate the Wake Up West Coast studio. The decorating comes to a sudden and shocking halt when Marian’s twin sister is found murdered. So naturally Billie and Ian are hot on the trail of the killer.

The exciting news for Amber fans in the UK is that Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design will be shown again today at 2:15 PM on Channel 5 and at 3:15 PM on Channel 5+1.

There are different channel numbers depending on which digital TV platform you use. I would check on-screen guides and any local channel listings for the correct channel numbers. I've embedded the US trailer below so you can get a taste of the movie.

This will be a Bank Holiday treat for all fans in the UK, I'm sorry for the short notice on this particular post I only found out they were showing it again this morning I hope you still have time to catch it.

Joe

Disclaimer: Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with the making of Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design. We have no connection to Hallmark or Channel 5. This post is for informational purposes only, we are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber reveals the reason she chose not reprise her role as Tara Maclay in season 7 of Buffy

3/21/2022

Amber Benson recently revealed to author Evan Ross Katz the reasons she chose not to reprise her role as Tara Maclay in the seventh and final season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This is part of a new book Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts which includes interviews with Amber and her fellow co-stars including:

Sarah Michelle Gellar
Charisma Carpenter
James Marsters
Anthony Stewart Head
Seth Green
Marc Blucas
Nicholas Brendon
And many more cast and crew members

The book has already been released in the USA and hits shelves in the UK on the 21st of April

Website comicbook.com shared part of Amber's interview in an article that was released yesterday. I shared the article written by Jamie Lovett on our Twitter and Facebook feeds but I also wanted to put a transcript of that article here in the Latest Amber News Section for people who don’t follow us on social media.

To view the original article, click here

One of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's (which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022) most controversial moments came when Warren Mears, one of the three early villains in its sixth season, shot and killed Tara Maclay. By that point, Tara's relationship with Willow Rosenberg was a rare, early, iconic representation of LGBTQ love on television. Many fans consider this moment an example of the "burying your gays" trope and a betrayal of Buffy's LGBTQ fans. There were also several seemingly missed opportunities to bring Tara back for a least a few episodes in the show's seventh and final season, such as in the episode "Conversations with Dead People" or in a discarded early version of the show's series finale.

Amber Benson, who played Tara, has previously said that she didn't return in "Conversations with Dead People" because she would not have been playing Tara but a manifestation of The First Evil, the season's "big bad." In the new book Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts by Evan Ross Katz, Benson reveals why she chose not to return at all, including for Tara's proposed resurrection in the season finale, citing a combination of frustration with an unidentified person involved with the show and simple lousy timing:

"This is the first time I'm talking about this. I had had some issues with somebody on the show, and it had kind of come to a head as I was getting ready to leave. Leaving the show was sad because there are some of the crew and the writers and some of the cast that I just adore, but I had made my peace with that person and the show and I was done: 'I'm leaving everything in a good place. I don't need to come back.' And then all the s–t hit the fan and Joss realized he had messed up. I mean, this is a time when people are, like, sending faxes to that production office, like this was a big, horrible thing, and it was devastating to a lot of people.

"And I think it hit Joss that he had made a mistake, that he had been short-sighted. I truly, for all of his faults and for all of the things about him that are frustrating, I don't think he ever meant to hurt the LGBTQ+ community. He just wasn't thinking. I can truly, from the bottom of my heart, say [that] this was nothing intentional This was a thoughtless error. But I didn't want to come back. He really wanted me to come back and we just couldn't come to an agreement on it. And most of that was my schedule. I was gonna miss going to England, not being able to direct The Ghosts of Albion if I had said yes.

I didn't really trust what was going to happen to the character. I think that's something if you've talked to some other cast, people are like 'Yeah, I came back… and then he just did what he wanted. Even though he told me that he wasn't going to kill me in this way, he killed me in that way.' I just didn't feel super trusting of the situation. And I felt like people had already been really hurt by this. And I'm not the writer. I can't decide what's going to happen to this character. I don't have the reins. And so between the schedule, and not really having a hundred percent trust in what was going to happen and some other things, it just didn't work out."

Those last comments may refer to Charisma Carpenter's return to Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff Angel to reprise her role as Cordelia Chase in its final season. Carpenter returned under the condition that Cordelia the show wouldn't kill off Cordelia, but Cordelia did die at the end of Carpenter's return episode. Benson has previously backed up Charisma Carpenter's accusation of emotional abuse against Whedon, calling the Buffy the Vampire Slayer set a toxic work environment.”

I will post a separate article about the book closer to the UK release date.

Joe

Amber Benson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or publication of Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts. Nor are we involved with website comicbook.com. This post is for information of purposes only, we are simply trying to spread the word about a new interview with Amber Benson.

Holiday Wishes Starring Amber Benson Is Now Available on Demand for UK Fans To Stream Via Amazon Prime Video

12/23/2021

I have some exciting news for UK Amber fans as Holiday Wishes is once again available to stream on demand via Amazon Prime Video just in time for Christmas. I checked earlier this month and it was showing as unavailable which would’ve been disappointing news for fans especially as to my knowledge it’s not being shown on UK TV this year. I'm happy to say fans will be able to stream it again this year. I’d like to thank fellow Amber fan Samantha for letting me know Holiday Wishes has returned to Prime Video.

Holiday Wishes is a fun festive movie in which Amber plays Danni Hartford, a professional party planner. She is asked by a client to drive her spoiled teenage daughter Britney to a school Christmas dance.

Britney crosses paths with high school new girl Katie and each of them make Christmas wishes that go awry. Danni decides to help the teenagers put things right and in the process she might find something that she's been looking for.

I've embedded a trailer below, however it does contain some major spoilers so if you haven’t had a chance to watch Holiday Wishes before I would avoid it for now.

If you are an Amazon Prime member Holiday Wishes is included in your subscription. Unfortunately, there is currently no option to rent or purchase it digitally as there is with some of the content on Amazon Prime. If you have a Prime membership you can stream it on a number of devices including computers, smartphones, tablets and more. So this festive period you can watch it wherever and however you like, for more information click here.

Watching Holiday Wishes is still one of my Christmas traditions and I'll definitely be taking the opportunity to watch it on demand. If you’ve never seen it before check it out, it’s a must see for Amber fans.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the making or production of Holiday Wishes, we own nothing. We have no connection to Amazon Prime Video. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another chance to see a Christmas movie starring Amber Benson.

A Family Christmas Gift - Written By Amber Benson To Be Shown on UK TV Today

12/18/2021

Here is some exciting news for Amber fans in the UK. A Family Christmas Gift written by Amber will be shown on UK TV today (the 18th of December)

Amber wrote the original story for A Family Christmas Gift and she also co-wrote the teleplay with Alex Wright. The movie was written for the Hallmark Network in the USA.

A Family Christmas Gift centres on Amber, a busy New York-based executive played by Holly Robinson Pete. She is persuaded by her Aunt Dora (Patti Labelle) to join her for Christmas in Colorado and help plan the annual Christmas concert.

Holly Robinson Pete's name may be familiar to Amber fans as she plays the role of Billie Blessings in Morning Show Mysteries. Amber wrote the script/teleplay for A Murder In Mind and Death By Design two movies in the popular series in 2019.

A Family Christmas Gift will be shown at 7 AM & 7 PM today the 18th of December on Christmas 24. It is also being shown at 12 PM on Christmas 24+ today

Unfortunately, Christmas 24 doesn't seem to have a reliable online presence from what I've been able to find out and is currently showing on sky channel 325, Virgin Media channel 419 and BT channel 513. I have Sky so I can confirm Sky channel 325 is the right number. I would advise virgin and BT customers to check their on-screen listings to be sure these channel numbers are correct. I haven't been able to find channel numbers for Christmas 24+ for Virgin Media or BT, again my advice would be to check your on-screen guide. Christmas 24+ is on Sky channel 326

I have embedded a trailer and extended a sneak peek clip of A Family Christmas Gift. There are some spoilers so if you would rather wait-and-see what Amber has in store for us then I'd avoid it for now. I just wanted to place it here in case there are some fans who would like to see more.

This is a fun family film and a real treat for Amber fans I am excited in that fans in the UK will get another chance to see it. I'm sorry I couldn't give my fellow Amber fans more notice that A Family Christmas gift was going to be shown on TV again.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or production of A Family Christmas Gift. All rights belong to Amber Benson and Hallmark. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber Gives A TV Interview About the Magical Trail In LA She Recently Curated

10/29/2021

A few days ago, we posted an exciting article about Amber teaming up with Friends of Residential Treasures: LA (FORT) to curate a trail of five properties in LA with a spooky or magical history called: Witch Houses 2: Fairytales, Castles and Cottages. To read the original post and find out more about FORT LA click here.

Amber recently gave a television interview to Los Angeles TV station SPECTRUM NEWS 1. While Amber walks part of the trail she shows off her great eye for detail and her fantastic sense of humour which always makes me smile.

The good news for us here in the UK and elsewhere is that we can watch Amber's interview via the SPECTRUM NEWS 1 website for free just click this hyperlink.

I'd like to thank friend and fellow Amber fan Katie for tracking down the video. For more information about this fascinating and spooky magical trail click the link below and enter your email address. This will allow you to download a PDF which will give you more information about all five locations included on the trail and the rules that are to be followed for anyone who wants to experience it for themselves.

www.fortla.org

The interview is a must see for all fans and I'd encourage anyone who lives in the LA area to check out this witchy trail, it looks amazing.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with FORT LA and we have no connection to any of the properties featured in the Witch Houses 2: Fairytales, Castles and Cottages trail. We also have no connection to SPECTRUM NEWS 1 This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about an exciting project and a TV interview by Amber Benson.