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Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
What to know about NBC's new competition series, ‘Destination X,' plus this week's streaming picks
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone in need of a European getaway on a budget. If you're not taking a big summer trip this year, or if you are and want something to make the stress of traveling feel relaxing by comparison, NBC's new reality competition series might be up your alley. 'Destination X' features a mix of known reality stars and civilians as they put their geography knowledge and deduction skills to the test in Europe for a chance at a cash prize. Executive producer Andy Cadman stopped by Guest Spot to discuss the latest entrant in the travel-competition genre. Also in this week's Screen Gab, TV critic Robert Lloyd unpacks the appeal of Netflix's new series about a traumatized Edinburgh detective tasked with investigating cold cases, and film editor Josh Rothkopf explains why a quartet of travelogue comedy films featuring improv impresarios Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they road-trip across Europe makes for an enjoyable binge. Plus, a service announcement: The Emmys season of The Envelope video podcast launched this week. The premiere episode features Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, the stars of 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' as well as 'Andor' actor Diego Luna. You can watch here or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Must-read stories you might have missed 'The Handmaid's Tale' showrunners on the unattainable finale reunion: 'It was heartbreaking': Co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang spoke about the finale of Hulu's dystopic drama and the show's parallels to the real world. 'The Last of Us': Kaitlyn Dever breaks down explosive finale, teases 'crazier' Season 3: The actor pulls back the curtain on the Season 2 finale, teases Season 3 and reveals why the reaction to Joel's death defied her expectations. After one legendary moment, actor Rolf Saxon chose to accept another 'Mission': His role in the first 'Mission: Impossible' was small but memorable. Now Rolf Saxon has been called back into action for 'The Final Reckoning' and a more substantial part. Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel on 'The Better Sister' finale and taking control: The co-stars and executive producers discuss making the Prime Video limited series and their decades of experience. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Dept. Q' (Netflix) In this dark yet strangely warm series adapted by Scott Frank ('The Queen's Gambit') from a book series by Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen and transplanted from Copenhagen to Edinburgh, Matthew Goode plays Carl Morck, a moody police detective recovering from an incident, arguably his fault, that left him wounded, a partner partially paralyzed and a rookie dead. Talking his way back into service, he's given a basement storage space for an office and a cold case involving a missing prosecutor (Chloe Pirrie), whose distressing circumstances we see without learning why. (It's the mystery!) The primary pleasure of the series is in the team of fellow misfits who gather around Morck — a civilian expat (Alexej Manvelov) keeping mum on his experiences in the Syrian police; a chirpy cadet (Leah Byrne) back from a breakdown and tired of pushing pencils; and Morck's recovering partner (Jamie Sives), joining from a hospital bed. It feels like the beginning of a beautiful second series. (With Shirley Henderson and Kelly Macdonald as a bonus for Scots watchers.) — Robert Lloyd 'The Trip: The Complete Series' (Criterion Collection, starting June 1) Intensely bingeable (the movies actually got their start as four six-episode BBC runs), 'The Trip' makes beautiful sense as an afternoon of viewing, maybe one accompanied by different cuisines as you go. The central premise: Actor-comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, playing barely altered versions of themselves, take to the road for epic conversations behind the wheel and at dinners, where the contours of their hyper-competitive friendship take shape, as does a parade of celebrity impressions. Director Michael Winterbottom steers the duo toward a deeper appreciation of life viewed through the rearview mirror, though honestly, you're there for the vicious backbiting. For anyone wanting to dip in selectively: 2010's 'The Trip' features the guys' classic dueling Michael Caines; 2014's 'The Trip to Italy' takes on 'The Godfather'; 2017's 'The Trip to Spain' unleashes a killer, preening Mick Jagger; and 2020's 'The Trip to Greece' goes for Dustin Hoffman. — Joshua Rothkopf A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching Imagine the pressure of trying to figure out where you are in the world while a man known for carrying a bat studded with barbed wire watches on. NBC's new reality competition show, 'Destination X,' follows 12 players who are whisked around Europe in a blacked-out bus — no windows or GPS to guide them — and tasked with trying to decipher their mystery locations through clues and challenges for a chance to win a cash prize. There's plenty of alliances and rivalries that get formed along the way. The show is hosted by actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, known for his chilling turn as charismatic villain Negan in 'The Walking Dead.' New episodes air every Tuesday on NBC, and can be streamed the next day on Peacock. Executive producer Andy Cadman stopped by Guest Spot via email to discuss the show's mix of known reality TV personalities and civilians and more. — Yvonne Villarreal 'Destination X' is adapted from a Belgian format. How true to the original version is it? How much needed to be changed to suit American audiences? The DNA of the original Belgian format is still present: the idea of being lost and trying to work out where you are. To this we added elements of strategy, giving the players more opportunities to mislead one another, forcing them to make difficult decisions, keep secrets, form alliances and ultimately allowing the players to decide who was at risk of elimination in each episode. Pitting the players more directly against one another transformed the show from a game about geography into a strategic, social competition, more accessible to an American audience and ultimately a more dramatic and exciting reality competition show. The first season of the U.S. version of 'Traitors' featured a mix of reality TV personalities and civilians, but quickly pivoted to an all-celebrity lineup. 'Destination X' features a mix of reality personalities and civilians. Is the hope to keep that kind of combo? And is that kind of blend becoming more important in today's reality competition landscape? I believe that there's a real benefit in the mix between civilians and established reality personalities. With 'Destination X,' we wanted to do a couple of things. Firstly, discover and get to know some amazing new reality personalities that we'll see on our screens for years to come. We have some brilliant characters in this season that are new, unique and surprising. Secondly, we wanted to see how some of the established reality faces might react to this incredible adventure. It was an opportunity to see some familiar faces taken out of their comfort zones and challenged in totally new ways. I think that this combination is a very valuable tool — it gives viewers the chance to meet some new favourites, while still giving them the comfort of some old friends dropping in. What's the game or competition series that hooked your interest in the format as a viewer and led to you pursuing a career in it? I grew up on the original 'Big Brother' and then made that show for many years here in the U.K. It was such a groundbreaking show and has survived the test of time like nothing else. Many of the production techniques that we still use today came from 'Big Brother.' The lure of the genre for me lies in the way that people react to difficult situations. The entertainment can often be in the competition, but for me the greatest interest lies in the social politics, relationships people make, what people will do when faced with a dilemma and how far people will go to win. We used all of these levers in 'Destination X' to create the most dramatic and engaging show possible. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? 'Slow Horses' [AppleTV+], [a] British spy thriller; 'The Glass Dome' [Netflix], [a] Scandi noir, and if you like tricky puzzles and social strategy, the U.K. version of 'Genius Game' is worth a look. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? I genuinely don't have one; I find comfort in new seasons of my favourites though. I'm very excited for the next [season of] 'Stranger Things' [Netflix]!
Los Angeles Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
True-life weekend sampler: ‘100 Foot Wave,' ‘Tylenol Murders' and ‘Mormon Wives'
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who longs for the expansion of dirty soda chain Swig so we can feel better equipped to deal with #MomTok drama (IYKYK). It's been a week since the second season of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' dropped on Hulu, but die-hard reality TV watchers have likely already inhaled all nine episodes with the same unwavering commitment as the cast member trying to make us believe that her husband is related to Ben Affleck. (Spoiler alert: He is not. But we sure hope the actor watches while sipping on a 44-ounce iced coffee.) Taylor Frankie Paul, the self-proclaimed founder of #MomTok, the TikTok infuencer group that unites them, stopped by Guest Spot to talk about the new season of friendship and backstabbing. Also in this week's Screen Gab, our resident true-crime expert Lorraine Ali tells you why a docuseries about 1982's unsolved Tylenol murder case is worth watching, and TV critic Robert Lloyd dives into the pleasures of watching professional surfers chase giant waves. Be sure to also find time to take in Lloyd's tender tribute to 'quintessential Regular Guy' George Wendt, who died this week at age 76; it's linked below. Must-read stories you might have missed Appreciation: George Wendt, quintessential Regular Guy: George Wendt, who died Tuesday, will be most remembered for his character on 'Cheers,' whom he played straight and without affectation. On his travel show, Conan O'Brien is on a treasure hunt for the unexpected: The comedian and host of 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' spoke about the latest season of his Max travel show, his recent Mark Twain Prize and acting in his first feature film. At this year's Cannes, bleak is the new black and miserable endings are très chic: On the Croisette, Ari Aster's 'Eddington' with Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal and a strong directing debut by 'Babygirl' star Harris Dickinson grab attention. Everyone knew Pee-wee Herman. But few knew the man behind the man-child: 'Pee-wee as Himself,' a two-part documentary directed by Matt Wolf on HBO, supplies a vivid portrait of Paul Reubens, who receded behind his character. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times '100 Foot Wave' (Max) The continuing story of big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara, his family and friends becomes a trilogy with the third season of Chris Smith's great HBO docuseries, crazy to contemplate yet beautiful to behold. Garrett, a maverick who put the Portuguese town of Nazaré on the map for its massive waves, set a record there, surfing a 78-footer — imagine an eight-story office building coming up behind you. But with the spot well-established and many records having been matched, the series has become less about competition than community and compulsion. (A middle-aged adolescent with a seemingly high tolerance for pain, Garrett, despite age and injury, cannot stop surfing.) Back again, with a cast of top big-wave surfers, are charismatic Nicole McNamara, Garrett's level-headed wife and manager and mother to their three, one might say, 'other children,' and her brother C.J. Macias, suffering from surfing PTSD after breaking his arm at Nazaré. The climax of the season is a surfing safari to Cortes Bank, 100 miles off the coast of Southern California, where an undersea island creates huge waves with no land in sight. — Robert Lloyd 'Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders' (Netflix) If you're not ready to switch to Advil, stop reading here. Netflix's three-part, true-crime docuseries deftly chronicles one of the largest criminal investigations in U.S. history involving the 1982 murder of seven victims in Chicago who died after ingesting Extra Strength Tylenol tablets laced with cyanide. No one was ever charged with their murders. Directed by Yotam Guendelman and Ari Pines ('Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes'), the series includes interviews with family of the victims, investigators, police and prosecutors who were directly involved in the case. Together their accounts recall the bizarre and terrifying nature of the crimes, the national panic caused by the tainted pills and the stunning lack of scrutiny on the medication's manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson. Private citizen James W. Lewis eventually emerged as one of two main suspects in the case, and he served 12 years in prison for sending an extortion note to Johnson & Johnson demanding $1 million to 'stop the killing.' But authorities couldn't pin the murders on Lewis. The documentary features an exclusive interview with Lewis before his death in July 2023 in which he proclaims his innocence yet appears to still revel in the media attention. The series also calls into question the culpability of Johnson & Johnson and the possibility that the poisoned capsules may have come straight from the factory before landing on drugstore shelves, where they were purchased by the unwitting victims. The murders ultimately led to an overhaul on the safety packaging we see on today's over-the-counter medication. Also worth your time is 'This is the Zodiac Speaking,' Netflix's riveting 2024 docuseries chronicling a family of siblings who were intimately involved with the top suspect in the still unsolved Zodiac killings of the 1960s and '70s. Sleep tight. — Lorraine Ali A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' feels like the new wave of soapy reality TV in the way it builds off social media personas to create ridiculously addictive drama. The Hulu reality series follows the lives of a group 'momfluencers' who push against traditional Mormon norms — they're the breadwinners, some are divorced, many drink, and at least one faced the dilemma of promoting a sex toy brand. Taylor Frankie Paul, the founding member of #MomTok, stopped by Guest Spot to discuss what makes great reality TV versus social media content and the scripted show that reminds her of her life. — Yvonne Villarreal The women spend a lot of the season saying #MomTok has veered away from what it was initially conceived to be about — women supporting women. How do you think the reality show — this additional layer of sharing your personal life with an audience — has both helped its evolution and threatened its survival? I think it's threatened the survival because when you share, you get vulnerable and, unfortunately, when doing so it could eventually be used against you. With that being said, it helps the evolution by doing the same thing — being vulnerable can bring people closer together as well. What have you learned makes great reality TV and how is that different from what makes great social media content? What makes great reality TV is sharing as much as you can — both pretty and ugly — so they [followers] can see [the] bigger picture. What makes great social media content is leaving some mystery. It's ironic that it's opposite! Viewers had a strong reaction to how your family engaged with you about your relationship with Dakota, particularly at the family BBQ. What struck you in watching it back? Watching the scene at my family BBQ made us all cry because my family loves me dearly and the approach was maybe not the best (including myself), but everyone's emotions were heightened. A lot was happening and all I remember is feeling overwhelming pain. But I do know my family has my best interest [in mind] even if that moment doesn't show that. I know and that's all that matters. I don't like seeing the backlash because they are my village and I love them so much. I notice that I come off intimidating or harsh, however I'm very soft and forgiving. I typically need to feel safe to show more of that. I feel like I'm always on defense, and I need to give people the benefit of the doubt — not everyone is going to cause pain; in other words, [I need to] open my heart more. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? My current go-to watch is 'Tell Me Lies' [Hulu]. I'm not a reality TV girl, ironically. I'm obsessed with this show. It's so toxic and so good. It's a lot like my life, so it's entertaining to watch someone else's life.
Los Angeles Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Saturday Night Live' concludes its 50th season, plus this weekend's streaming picks
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who is feeling better about their perpetual identity crisis after watching streamer Max flip-flop its name back to HBO Max. This week delivered some fun roasting after Warner Bros. Discovery announced the company's streaming platform Max was undergoing yet another rebranding and reverting to one of its previous names to restore the HBO television branding to its name. The internet — including the company itself — quickly mocked the backpedaling with memes expressing relief of order being restored. What's old is new again, right? There's another classic media entity making headlines this week: 'Saturday Night Live' will close out its 50th season. TV editor Maira Garcia reflects on the milestone season of the iconic sketch comedy show in this week's Break Down. Also in Screen Gab No. 181, our experts recommend a celebrity podcast worth watching on YouTube — hold the eye-roll, this one will make you feel like your hanging with friends — and a documentary that looks back on the campaign to appoint the first deaf president at Gallaudet University, which is specifically geared to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. And for viewers who like to plan ahead, our guides on the 15 TV shows and 18 films to watch this summer are linked and ready to be added to your bookmarks. Plus, Melissa Fumero stops by Guest Spot to discuss the Season 1 finale of 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society' and her hopes for a second season. Must-read stories you might have missed 15 TV shows we're looking forward to watching this summer: There's a lot of great television coming this summer, including the return of favorites like 'The Bear' and 'Wednesday,' and new series like 'Ironheart,' 'Too Much' and 'Alien: Earth.' The 18 summer movies we're most excited about: The season looks strong, loaded with the kind of big Hollywood swings, smart indie alternatives and a fair amount of delicious-looking dumb, necessary in every summer diet. The blessings of Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia in 'The Handmaid's Tale': Powerfully portrayed by Ann Dowd, the initial villain of 'The Handmaid's Tale' has become a symbol of transformation and the bridge between two series. 'Andor's' Elizabeth Dulau on Kleya's 'heartbreaking' moment with Luthen: 'Andor' actor Elizabeth Dulau on Kleya's Season 2 arc, her sacrifice in Episode 10 and becoming part of 'Star Wars' lore. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Deaf President Now!' (Apple TV+) This newly released documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year follows a history-making protest led by students at Gallaudet University in 1988, when the school's board of trustees voted to install a hearing president over two deaf candidates. The university, located in the nation's capital, has the distinction of being the first school of higher learning designed for deaf students. And after decades of hearing leadership, the students had had enough. The documentary features footage of the protests and interviews with the student leaders, who passionately explain why it was important to have a president that understood what it was like to exist in a world that regularly discriminated against them. Their protest would go on to help pave the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act, a pivotal civil rights law. — Maira Garcia 'Good Hang With Amy Poehler' (YouTube and various audio platforms) In this land of a thousand podcasts, where every other celebrity is a host, you choose your shows like you choose your friends. The wonderful Amy Poehler debuted hers this March ('I like to be five or six years late to any trend,' as she puts it). And its title, 'Good Hang With Amy Poehler,' is nothing but accurate; it has the air not of an interview show but of a conversation between pals you've been privileged to join — silently, of course, because what could you add to Poehler's talks with Paul Rudd, Martin Short, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn, Michelle Obama, Ike Barinholtz or Rashida Jones? At the beginning of each episode, the host quizzes the guest's friends on what questions she should ask, so, if you tune into her episode with Tina Fey — unmissable, obviously — you get a bonus of Seth Meyers, Zarna Garg, Rachel Dratch and Fred Armisen making each other laugh. 'I'm not here to change your life,' said Poehler, kicking off her series. 'I don't care if you get any better. I don't have any advice for you. I just want us to have fun.' Includes many '90s cultural references. Watch the video version of the podcast for the visual sunshine, but it's great either way. — Robert Lloyd A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching In 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society,' the soapy drama that follows four members of a gardening club in a wealthy Detroit suburb who are scrambling to cover up a shocking murder, Melissa Fumero is able to mine humor in the dark corners of the stressful situation her character is navigating. The 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' alum plays Birdie, a loud and brash socialite and romance novelist who is carrying her own secrets in the middle of this murder mystery. The dark comedy reaches its Season 1 conclusion Friday on NBC and it's poised to bring a new set of twists and cliffhangers as the group tries to evade law enforcement and a private eye plotting blackmail. But the series faces its own uncertain future. It's the last of NBC's scripted programs without a renewal or cancellation; there are reports that a potential second season could land on Peacock. Fumero stopped by Guest Spot to discuss her hopes for a second season and the classic rom-com she hopes never gets Hollywood remake treatment. — Yvonne Villarreal Ahead of the Season 1 finale, what can you tease about where things end with Birdie that makes you eager to continue her story? The stakes are really high for Birdie when Season 1 ends. She has everything she's ever wanted, but the really dark cloud of her choices and circumstances hangs over her. I think she's probably terrified of losing it all, which maybe makes her make more bad choices? I hope we get renewed because I really want to know what happens next! What have you found intriguing about exploring a character like Birdie, who has such a layered backstory, against the backdrop of friends unexpectedly committing a crime? What intrigued me the most about Birdie was definitely the 'what you see is not what you get' aspect of her character. On the surface, she's powerful, self-assured, glamorous, wild and free-spirited; and while most of that is true, she is also really lost, vulnerable, and maybe having a bit of an identity crisis. Then she's plopped into this garden club with three people who become friends — maybe the first real friends she's ever had — and they all get roped into this crazy, mostly accidental murder. That's A LOT of fun stuff to explore and play, and a dream for any actor, honestly. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? I am VERY into 'The Last of Us' [HBO Max] right now. This season is insane, and I look forward to it every week. It's such an exciting and heart-wrenching show. Isabela Merced (who I am a fan of and love seeing a Latina play a leading role on such an epic show) and Bella Ramsey are doing such extraordinary work. It's also very dark, but I find myself drawn to darker things these days — there's something cathartic about it. I think that's why even 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society' is such a fun don't go too dark. But there are days where the world really feels like it's on fire and I find myself wanting to watch people survive things, big or small. It's weirdly comforting. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? 'When Harry Met Sally' [VOD]. It's a perfect movie. A perfect rom-com. If it's on a streamer or playing live, I will watch. It's on a lot of airlines, and I'd say my last five viewings were on flights. I should just buy it, but I'm afraid I'll put it on every night and never watch anything else ever again. It's so good. I hope they never, ever try to remake it. Don't touch it. It's too perfect. Times staffers chew on the pop culture of the moment — love it, hate it or somewhere in between 'Saturday Night Live's' historic Season 50 is coming to a close this weekend, with Scarlett Johansson as host, and it's been nothing short of memorable. There were many cameos, whether political figures (Kamala Harris, Tim Kaine) or celebrities in the zeitgeist (Julia Fox, Sam Rockwell), multihyphenate hosts (Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande) and regular appearances from former cast members, including Maya Rudolph, Mike Myers, Andy Samberg and Dana Carvey. But what also made this season special was the programming that happened outside of it: 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,' which featured a phenomenal lineup of musicians and comedy skits; a live prime-time special; and a pair of docuseries that shed light on the show's history, 'Beyond Saturday Night' and 'Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music.' The series' effect on television and comedy over the decades cannot be overstated, having churned out dozens of film and TV stars, now mainstays and creators in their own right (Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock and Eddie Murphy, to name a few); memorable sketches that have become a part of pop culture lingo and a visual language through costumes that have elevated jokes into comedic art. As television critic Robert Lloyd wrote in an essay reflecting on the show's 50th, the show survives through constant churn, whether through hosts, cast members or the comedy it produces. And even as culture and technology evolves, it remains a stalwart of television: 'Counted out more than once, it has risen from the mat to fight again, new wins erasing old losses — a once and future champ.' — Maira Garcia
Los Angeles Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Andor' and ‘Tracker' close chapters, plus the week's streaming picks
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who is waiting for the weekend to join the rebellion. The highly anticipated final arc of 'Andor' arrives next week, with a three-episode block that brings Cassian's epic journey to a conclusion — cue the galactic grief. In this week's 'Catch Up,' our trusty 'Star Wars' expert Tracy Brown is here to entice you to join the bandwagon before Season 2's last installment. Also in Screen Gab No. 180, our experts recommend a TV show about young love set in Los Angeles that'll make you want to take a drive and listen to a playlist of yearning and heartbreak, and a collection of telecasts of notable Broadway and West End productions. Plus, Justin Hartley stops by Guest Spot to talk 'Tracker.' Must-read stories you might have missed Natasha Lyonne remains unconventional as a sleuth in 'Poker Face' and in her career: The actor is back as Charlie Cale in 'Poker Face,' Peacock's murder mystery series, and for Season 2, Lyonne is adding director to her list of duties on the show. 'The Last of Us' director on Ellie and Dina's relationship: 'This is not just a crush': Director Kate Herron discusses Ellie and Dina's relationship in Episode 4 of Season 2, the 'Take on Me' scene, the infected horde in the subway and introducing Jeffrey Wright's Isaac. Commentary: From 'The Last of Us' to 'Handmaid's Tale,' women are angry and vengeful. Good: In a number of recent television shows, women aren't merely opposing threats, they are taking action against them, often in openly vengeful ways. This superfan is buying VHS copies of 'The Mummy.' The size of his collection is shocking: A Long Beach resident is using social media to chronicle his mission to amass the world's largest VHS collection of the 1999 film starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Next to Normal' (PBS App/ I love covering the Los Angeles theater scene, but I don't love braving rush hour traffic before taking in a live show. Thankfully, 'Great Performances' is streaming freshly filmed productions from Broadway and the West End, starting with the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning work 'Next to Normal.' This 2024 staging of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's 2008 rock musical stars Caissie Levy, Jamie Parker, Jack Wolfe and Eleanor Worthington-Cox as a suburban family coping with crisis and mental illness. (It's a tearjerker, so be sure to keep your blankets and tissues in tow.) The lineup continues weekly on Fridays, with David Henry Hwang's Broadway comedy 'Yellow Face' starring Daniel Dae Kim (May 16), the musical 'Girl From the North Country,' featuring 20 reimagined Bob Dylan songs (May 23) and a revival of Cole Porter's comedy 'Kiss Me, Kate' starring Stephanie J. Block and Adrian Dunbar (May 30). — Ashley Lee 'Forever' (Netflix) You don't always get love right on the first try, but it can still be a powerful experience. This modern day reimagining of Judy Blume's groundbreaking 1975 novel from creator Mara Brock Akil captures the intensity of young love. Set in 2018 Los Angeles, the series follows the story of two high school students, Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), who are trying to figure out who they're becoming while experiencing the joys and insecurities of being each other's first love. Keisha is a smart and confident track star whose circumstances pushed her to mature early, while Justin is a shy, music-loving guy who struggles with schoolwork. Their first phone call will transport you back in time and summon the butterflies. It helps, too, that L.A. plays a vital role in their love story. Production filmed in real neighborhoods — Keisha's family lives in Crenshaw, and Justin's family lives in the affluent View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood. The pair visit places like the Fairfax District, the Santa Monica Pier and Little Tokyo as the season unfolds. And the soundtrack, which includes tracks from H.E.R, Nipsey Hussle and Victoria Monét, will have your ears in a love trance too. — Yvonne Villarreal Everything you need to know about the film or TV series everyone's talking about I have been shouting from every rooftop that 'Andor' is not only one of the best 'Star Wars' stories ever, but one of the best TV shows around. Now I'm here, in your inbox, ahead of Season 2's three-episode conclusion on Tuesday, to say it again. The show follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) before the events of 2016's 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,' where he is introduced as a skilled spy and dedicated leader of the Rebel Alliance who helps steal vital information about the Empire's super weapon — the Death Star. Yes, the events of the original 'Star Wars' could not have happened without the actions of Cassian and his team. 'Andor' starts five years prior to 'Rogue One's' narrative and tracks the radicalization and transformation of Cassian from disaffected minor delinquent to resistance fighter. That makes the Disney+ show a prequel series of a spinoff prequel movie of the original 'Star Wars' — but don't let this cloak of IP-ified franchise jargon shroud its broader relevance and appeal. 'Andor' is more than just Cassian's origin story. One of the most mature and overtly political installments of 'Star Wars,' the series is a meditation on how ordinary people respond to an increasingly oppressive authoritarian regime. It's a morally complex story that shows how the actions and inactions of some of these ordinary people can contribute to the rise and retention of said regime, as well as how even the smallest acts of insurrection by others in the bleakest of times can be the spark needed for more to fight back. You don't have to be a Jedi or wield a blaster to be a hero. And if the show's timely themes weren't enough of a draw, 'Andor' also has more than its fair share of incredible monologues. — Tracy Brown A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching The Season 2 finale of the hit CBS show 'Tracker' is Sunday. But is its titular character any closer to learning the truth about his father's death? Based on the novel 'The Never Game' by Jeffery Deaver, the series stars Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, a professional problem solver who travels the country and uses his tracking expertise to help crack mysteries for private citizens and law enforcement. While the standalone cases keep the season moving, the backstory about Colter's father has been the slow burn looming in the background. Hartley stopped by Screen Gab recently to discuss his penchant for characters with absent daddy issues, whether he'll direct on 'Tracker' and more. — Yvonne Villarreal As the season nears its end, it seems like we're getting closer to the mystery of what happened to Colter's father. With 'This Is Us,' Kevin knew how his father died, but the audience didn't. In 'Tracker,' Colter is in the dark too. How did your work on 'This Is Us' inform how you thought about Colter and how he moves in the world with that added burden? I think sometimes the burden of the unknown becomes a kind of engine. It drives how you go about your business. I know that's true for Colter. What happened to his father, the mystery surrounding his death — who might be responsible, who might be hiding the truth from him — all of that weighs heavily on him. Colter has spent his entire life finding missing people, yet the one person who continues to elude him is his father. The story behind his father's disappearance, whether he passed away, died under mysterious circumstances or was murdered, remains unresolved. The way Colter approaches his work, the choices he makes, are directly connected to what he went through as a child. The trauma, the unanswered questions, they shape everything he does. In that sense, I think there's definitely a comparison to Kevin Pearson on 'This Is Us.' And, you know, I've kind of made it a thing: I don't do projects unless the dad dies. You've directed before on 'This Is Us' and 'Smallville.' Do you see yourself directing an episode of 'Tracker' next season or in the future? The thing about 'Tracker' that's different from 'This Is Us' and 'Smallville' as well, is that my character is in so many of the scenes. I'd love to direct, as long as it doesn't take away from the production or the limited time we have on set. I don't know if it will happen next year. Maybe. But again, it would need to be set up properly. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? There's just so much good television out there right now. My wife and I watch most of these together. 'Mayor of Kingstown' [Paramount+] — Jeremy Renner is amazing in it, and the whole cast is just incredible. I love that show. For something a bit lighter but still really entertaining, 'The Residence' [Netflix] is fantastic. My friend Susan [Kelechi Watson] is in it, and she's absolutely brilliant. 'Paradise' [Hulu] — my friend Sterling [K. Brown], my brother, is in that. He's fantastic. James Marsden is fantastic, the whole cast really delivers. '1923' [Paramount+] — I loved that. It's got two really solid seasons, limited series style, but really well done. And then 'Reacher' [Prime Video] — my friend Alan [Ritchson] plays Jack Reacher and does a great job. That show's a lot of fun. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? I actually just watched this again last night, for probably the fourth night in a row. I've probably seen it over a hundred times. I could quote the entire movie. 'As Good as It Gets' [VOD]. I think it's probably the best movie ever made, in every way.
Los Angeles Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Need a laugh? ‘The Four Seasons' and ‘The Studio' are sure to do the trick
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who is married, was married or has thought about getting married. This week marks the arrival of 'The Four Seasons' — we're not talking equinoxes here. It's Netflix's new comedy that reimagines Alan Alda's '80s film, in which he co-starred with Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Sandy Dennis, Bess Armstrong, Len Cariou and Jack Weston — a veritable who's who of the stage and screen (Evidently, it will be available to stream on Netflix May 5). The latest iteration features an ensemble cast as well that includes Will Forte and Tina Fey, who co-created and co-wrote. TV critic Robert Lloyd calls it 'very watchable, breezy, bumpy,' making it the perfect weekend watch if your plans involve cuddling on the couch — perhaps with a significant other. Also in Screen Gab No. 179, our experts recommend a TV show about food that makes you wish you could reach into the screen to taste it, and a comedy series about the Hollywood industry that highlights its accolades and its (many) pratfalls. Must-read stories you might have missed Leighton Meester is more than the internet's boyfriend's wife: The actor's collaborators say she deserves the sort of renaissance currently enjoyed by husband Adam Brody. But Meester prefers to focus on her good fortune. Gabriel Luna on Tommy's goodbye to Joel in 'The Last of Us' and its double meaning: The actor discusses the aftermath of Joel's death in Episode 3 this season, how the opening scene evolved and why he avoids stereotypical roles. They shot their movie in 7 days for $7,000. They're bringing it to theaters themselves: Director Joe Burke and longtime collaborator Oliver Cooper make microbudget indies. Their new one, 'Burt,' doesn't have a distributor yet, just tons of heart. Criterion takes its viral closet on the road. When that van shows up, so does a scene: Videos shot in the legendary Criterion Closet have captivated cinephiles for years. Now the elite label has made its concept mobile and the response is massive. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Chef's Table: Legends' (Netflix) The latest iteration of television's prettiest and most contemplative food show profiles four celebrated but not mere celebrity chefs: Jamie Oliver, who grew up in a pub and whose 'The Naked Chef' injected Britpop energy into England's food scene (Tony Blair is one of his episode's talking heads); Thomas Keller, of French Laundry and Per Se fame, with his multiple Michelin stars; Alice Waters, who introduced American fine diners to the joys of a perfect simple salad, and at Berkeley's Chez Panisse, kicked off the farm to table movement; and José Andrés, feeding the people through his World Central Kitchen and a host of places where you have to make a reservation. Created by David Gelb ('Jiro Dreams of Sushi'), the series takes pains to be gorgeous — a feast for the eyes, as it were — but it's most inspiring tracing the food journeys of its subjects and describing how they move through and act upon the world. (Waters, Oliver and Andrés all have activism and education in their CVs.) You may never eat in their restaurants, but you will want to, and there's something delicious in that. — Robert Lloyd 'The Studio' (Apple TV+) The state of the movie business is bleak enough these days that you've got to laugh to keep from crying. Audiences are shrinking, original ideas get steamrolled by brand extensions and the line between big-screen spectacle and streaming 'content' gets blurrier by the week. Enter 'The Studio,' Seth Rogen's sly, self-aware comedy about a lifelong cinephile turned studio chief (played by Rogen) trying to steer a crumbling Hollywood institution through the chaos. Co-created with longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg, the series blends biting industry commentary with Rogen's signature mix of stoner absurdism, pratfalls and extreme cringe. This week's episode tackles the minefield of casting, as execs melt down over the racial politics of casting their absurd Kool-Aid tentpole. Next week, the target is the Golden Globes — a perennial industry punching bag. Real-life directors like Martin Scorsese, Olivia Wilde and Ron Howard deliver surprisingly self-effacing turns, but it's the core ensemble — including Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz and Chase Sui Wonders — that gives the show its manic pulse. Rogen may be kicking the industry while it's down (for a streamer, no less), but underneath it all, he still believes in movies — and the flawed, messy people behind them. — Josh Rottenberg A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching 'The Four Seasons,' Netflix's eight-episode adaptation of Alan Alda's 1981 film of the same name, revolves around the longtime friendship of three couples — portrayed by Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani — and tracks how their relationships shift each time they reconnect on vacation. In addition to starring, Fey co-created the series with fellow '30 Rock' writer-producers Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield. Fisher and Wigfield stopped by Screen Gab to discuss the key change they made to their adaptation, what they're watching and more. —Yvonne Villarreal You both have experience depicting teenagers and relationships — Lang with 'Never Have I Ever' and Tracey with the 'Saved by the Bell' reboot. What do you enjoy about depicting relationships in midlife? Fisher: I obviously loved doing YA rom-com stuff. But this felt very much deeper. There's something about celebrating these things that are not particularly glamorous. I don't want to say it's mundane, but lived-in relationships are sort of treated like it is when they're actually the most thrilling, most precious, most important and meaningful part of your life. The people that you are standing with when you're middle-aged, be it your spouse or your friends, that is the story of a life well-lived. There's something romantic about that. Wigfield: For me, it was more satisfying because it's more personal to my life right now. I've been married for nine years. There are so many stories about falling in love. I can't think of many couples — I'm sure there are ones — who have been married for 20 years on TV that I was like, 'Ooh, that's sexy! I love that relationship. I want that.' Maybe the coach and Connie Britton on 'Friday Night Lights.' The series departs from the source material in one major way — there's a death. That's the extent of the spoiler we'll give for those who haven't watched. But why did you make that change? Fisher: We made that decision pretty early on. We want to place this show on planet Earth with real people, with real stakes. There's no murders, there's no aliens. Real-life stakes are high enough and they're terrifying. We wanted to make sure to run the gamut of what you might experience in midlife, and losing a friend in your 50s is not that weird. We wanted to see how this group could come together in crisis and how much they really did love each other and how they lean on each other. Even though it doesn't happen in the film, it felt right for us in terms of showing a complete arc for the season and for our characters, emotionally. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? Fisher: I love 'The Studio' [Apple TV+]. The scripts are so tight and so is the direction. And if you're someone who actually works in Hollywood, it's a nice treat to see a funny version of your job on screen. Wigfield: 'Severance' [Apple TV+] — my husband [Adam Countee] wrote on it, so I'm biased, but it was the most impressive thing I've seen on TV this year. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? Fisher: I'm pretty basic when it comes to comfort watch. I've seen 'Bridget Jones's Diary' [Max] 50 times. I think it's a perfect movie. Wigfield: Maybe it's because I'm a comedy writer, but putting on an episode of an old show, even if it's one I love like 'The Office' [Peacock], isn't relaxing to me. However there is a woman on YouTube who reviews food at Disneyland (@disneyfoodblog) and her videos make me feel like I am in a warm, safe embrace.
