‘Straight Talk’: Madd Game Entertainment rolling out new show for Baton Rouge viewers

It’s time for some “Straight Talk.”

With this week’s giant election in the rearview, Baton Rouge production company Madd Game Entertainment wants to end 2024 with something different. Its new hourlong late night series, “Straight Talk,” will debut at 10 p.m. Wednesday on WBTR, Channel 41.

“We wanted people to get the impression that we’re getting back to just straight talk with people,” said Terrance Turner, the new show’s producer and director.

For hosts, Madd Game is bringing in some familiar faces — CorNaé Granville, “Johnny Hustle” Jones and Will Merrill. Granville already hosts “Cocktails & Conversation with CorNaé,” Jones mans “Friday Night Flows,” and Merrill leads the fun on “The Late Shift.” Those late-night shows will return to WBTR in 2025, Turner said.

“It’s going to be a trifecta of hostesses, basically. They’re all going to be on set, discussing current events and also bringing on guests,” Turner said.

Turner was waiting to confirm guests for the premiere until the outcome of the election was known, he explained, but would say that the guest list will include local entertainers, community leaders and yes, some politicians.

“It is going to be kind of in the same vein as ‘The Breakfast Club,’ that radio show out of New York,” he said. “They’re discussing current events, bringing on guests.”

“The Breakfast Club” is a syndicated radio show with hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne tha God and Jess Hilarious. It airs in more than 90 radio markets across the U.S.

“Straight Talk” also will have some prerecorded segments on the show, including a “man on the street” feature hosted by Trey Miles.

Miles will approach people in public and pose a question about current events. Think comedian Jay Leno’s former “Tonight Show” segment “Jaywalk,” during which he tested people’s knowledge of current or historical events, yielding some ridiculous but hilarious answers.

Another segment will feature wine saleswoman Tara Tillman, who will deliver her vino pick of week.

Also new to Madd Game’s playbook for the upcoming show — a live studio audience. Each episode will be filmed at Upstage Theatre Company on Wednesday evenings.

The space seats 60. If you’d like to see the show live, call (225) 612-3331 or email terrance@maddgameent.com.

“I appreciate anyone who ever watches and supports what we do. The biggest thing is that we want to show that there’s true talent and ability in the city,” Turner said. “That you don’t have to move out of the city to achieve your dreams. You can bring your dreams to the city. 

Turner continued: “I never want people to say, ‘Oh, that looks good for something in Baton Rouge.’ I just want people to say it looks good on TV.”