Last year we heard that Demi Lovato was producing and starring in a sitcom about a support group for people with eating disorders called Hungry. I likened it to a food-based Mom. We didn’t know much more about the show at the time of the announcement. All I really knew is that it was personal to Demi because of their own struggle with eating disorders and how they’ve advocated for body-positivity. The show has finally begun filming but with one major change, Demi has stepped out of the starring role. They will stay on as executive producer, but Ariel Winter from Modern Family will fill Demi’s role.
“Modern Family” alum Ariel Winter will take over the starring role in the NBC pilot “Hungry,” after Demi Lovato left due to scheduling issues.
The actress will have her first table read for the show this Tuesday, TheWrap has confirmed.
News of Lovato’s exit from the pilot broke last week. Lovato had long been attached to the “Hungry” pilot, and despite exiting the role, will remain an executive producer. Scooter Braun, Lovato’s manager, is also an EP.
“Hungry” follows “a group of friends who belong to a food-issues group helping one another as they look for love, success and the perfect thing in the fridge that’s going to make it all better,” per a logline.
The cast of the series includes Valerie Bertinelli, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Ryan McPartlin, Alex Brightman and Ashley D. Kelley.
Ugh, I see in my last write-up that Scooter Braun was attached to this thing but for some reason it doesn’t register then. I hope he keeps his hands off it. As for Demi, I am a little surprised they’re leaving. I know this was personal to them. I also know they are invested I getting their alien investigation show off the ground as well. It’s possible that fronting both shows was too much. Plus, Hungry might have been too personal for Demi. Especially since they’re still struggling with their own sobriety with other substances. Maybe living this out in front of a camera wasn’t the right time for Demi.
As for Ariel, I think she’s a good replacement. She’s felt the sting of public opinion about her weight. She said it led to body image issues so I’m sure this is a labor of love for her as well. Valerie Bertinelli and Gabriel Iglesias will be great. I’m not familiar with the other cast members. I’m probably overly invested in this show because it’s personal to me too. There’s so much I want it to do and address but I should probably adjust my expectations. I was impressed with how Mom dealt with addiction, although they needed help with diversity. So far, I like how Single Drunk Female is approaching the same issues. So it’s possible that Hungry will come at food addiction with the same understanding. Fingers crossed.
Photo credit: Avalon Red
When Demi left rehab for the first time in 2011 they said they didn’t feel comfortable acting because of their body issues. They did a quick stint on GLEE a couple years later but it was good to see they were in a better place to start acting again in the last couple of years. So yeah it could be a health thing with Hungry or maybe they were just over extended with the podcast, that alien show, and finishing up the new album, or maybe the network wanted a new actor. Idk but I’m really looking forward to Demi’s new music as the preview clips sound really good and they seem very happy to be going to more rock inspired music.
Oh I like this! I thought the idea was awesome when it was first announced but Demi is one of my least favourite celebrities. I just can’t with them.
Publicly shaming that froyo shop during a pandemic when so many businesses had to close was where it was finally just to much for me. They have had such a history of bullying and toxic behavior and never even apologized for that last one.
@Pink Flamingo, especially as they were looking at the offerings through their own lens only. Sugar-Free frozen yogurt serves a very real purpose, it’s not there just for people restricting their diets due to eating disorders. Same with low-fat options.
My father was in Congestive Heart Failure for the last several years of his life and my best friend spent much of the last five years in renal failure until they received a transplant. Their diets had to be restrictive for very real medical conditions, but no one should have to live without anything special, ever. Thus, diet-specific food stuffs.
That diabetics did not come immediately to mind for Demi is rather astounding.
Thank you thank you thank you for mentioning Single Drunk Female!! It is a really amazing show that I feel like is not getting enough buzz. I love the diverse and quirky characters, I love the heart, the humor, the layers, it really is amazing. Come for Ally Sheedy as the snarky midlife mom…stay for Sofia Black D’elia. She’s so talented.
And no, I am not a paid publicist for this show. LOL.
I looooove single drunk female! So funny and full of heart. Ally Sheedy is great as Sam’s mom and I love her crazy best friend(reminds me of a human Lola from Big Mouth 😂)
I figured a sitcom titled Hungry would be triggering for the same person who had a shit fit over a Yogurt menu.
Ariel is a better actress than Demi, and I’m just not of fan of Lovato’s antics in general, so good for Ariel.
Scheduling issues? Really? Please.
I kinda wanted to comment because I like Demi and respect that choice but I am pretty useless at the changed pronoun thing so I am just zipping it. I need more practice for this.
… I read 90% of this article thinking Demi Moore. I was so confused. It’s been a long day.