A big “thank you” to Ariana Grande for making some TV news in an otherwise humdrum time of year.
Not only will MTV reboot its iconic series, “TRL,” for one episode — encompassing all-things Grande — but the pop singer’s half-brother, DJ Frankie Grande, is a contestant on the 16th edition of CBS’ “Big Brother,” which airs the second of its two-part season opener Thursday night.
Frankie, 31, is 10 years older than Ariana, who turns 21 on Thursday, and has made a name for himself with his YouTube channel (FrankieJGrande).
“congrats to my big brother on being cast in season 16 of big brother,” Ariana tweeted recently. “so proud of u/I’m a nervous wreck #bb16 you’re gonna kill it.”
MTV, meanwhile, announced Wednesday it will bring back “TRL” for one day only (next Wednesday, July 2) for “Total Ariana Live,” hosted by Sway Calloway and airing at 7 p.m. from the network’s studio in Times Square.
The 30-minute special will feature Grande performing a version of “Problem,” debuting her new single, “Break Free” and making a “surprise announcement,” according to MTV.
Ice work, Rob
Never thought you’d see the words “Vanilla Ice” and “Nat Geo” in the same sentence, eh? Think again.
The ’90s-era rapper (aka Robert Van Winkle) is teaming with National Geographic Channel for a ’90s #TBT (“Throw Back Thursday”) party taking place next Thursday, July 3 at The Sloppy Tuna in Montauk (South Emerson Ave.).
The event is being held to promote Nat Geo’s “The ’90s: The Last Great Decade?” narrated by Rob Lowe and airing July 6-8. Part of the event will include free shuttle rides (through July 9) to the Hamptons (and the Jersey Shore) via The Free Ride, whose cars are outfitted with ’90s wraps and equipped with video iPads with content from the upcoming miniseries, which includes interviews with Jason Alexander, Matthew Perry and Connie Chung.
Last, but not least . . .
Caleb Bankston, 26, who appeared on “Survivor” last season, was killed Tuesday in an Alabama train derailment while on the job (he was a railway engineer).
He was set to marry fellow “Survivor” cast mate Colton Cumbie in October … “Tyrant” premiered to 2.1 million viewers Tuesday night … Chuck Scarborough, Judy Woodruff and Gwen Ifill are among the “Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts” being feted in October by the Library of American Broadcasting.