‘The Boys in the Boat’ Trailer: Clooney Helms an Inspirational True Story

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October 18, 2023

The promise of a part-time job and a place to live is too good for poor college students to pass up in The Boys in the Boat. Inspired by a true story, The Boys in the Boat follows the improbable rise of the University of Washington rowing team.

The drama stars Joel Edgerton as Al Ulbrickson, Callum Turner as Joe Rantz, Chris Diamantopoulos as Royal Brougham, and James Wolk as Coach Bolles. Bruce Herbelin-Earle plays Shorty Hunt, Wil Coban is Jim McMillan, Hadley Robinson is Joyce Sidmar, Sam Strike is Roger Morris, and Thomas Elms is Chuck Day.

The ensemble also includes Joel Phillimore as Gordy Adam, Tom Varey as Johnny White, Jack Mulhern as Don Hume, and Luke Slattery as Bobby Moch.

Based on Daniel James Brown’s bestselling novel, The Boys in the Boat was directed by George Clooney from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith. Clooney and Grant Heslov produce, with Kevin Ulrich, Barbara A. Hall, Gary Barber, and Peter Oillataguerre executive producing.

Amazon MGM Studios has set a December 25, 2023 theatrical release.

The Boys in the Boat Poster — Poster for ‘The Boys in the Boat’ (Photo Credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

The Plot, Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios:

The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.

‘That’s My Jam’ with Jimmy Fallon is Renewed for Season 3

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Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

NBC’s renewed the celebrity competition game show That’s My Jam for a third season. Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the Emmy-nominated series will return for a 10-episode (plus a greatest hits hour) third season. Season three’s premiere date was not revealed in the renewal announcement.

“Jimmy brings music, comedy, games and celebrities together in a way that only he can, and it’s what makes That’s My Jam an undeniable hit,” said Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “We can’t wait for the show to return for a third season with even more brilliant performances and viral moments audiences can’t seem to get enough of.”

Season two averaged 3.5 million viewers and featured celebrities including Kelsea Ballerini, Quinta Brunson, Taraji P. Henson, Chance the Rapper, Simu Liu, Keke Palmer, and Billy Porter.

“Season three of That’s My Jam is sure to deliver even more excitement and entertainment to fans,” said Toby Gorman, President, Universal Television Alternative Studio. “From the out-of-the-box impressions to the hilarious lip syncs, dances and everything in between, the unforgettable performances and sensational celebrity guests have rightfully captured the hearts of audiences around the world.”

Fallon serves as an executive producer along with Jim Juvonen and Mike Yurchuk.

Per NBC: “Inspired by the most popular Tonight Show games, That’s My Jam features two teams of two celebrities competing for a charity of their choice in a series of music, dance, and trivia-based games and musical performances.”

Netflix Announces Its First Live Sports Event

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Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Athletes from Full Swing and Formula 1: Drive to Survive will compete in Netflix’s first-ever live sports event. The Netflix Cup, described as an all-star golf tournament, will air live on the streaming service on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 3pm PT and 6pm ET.

The match-play tournament is hosted by the Wynn Golf Club at Wynn Las Vegas. The streaming event will help kick off the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, and will feature four pairs made up of one Formula 1 driver and one PGA TOUR professional. Each team will play an eight-hole match. The top two teams will then advance to the final hole and compete to win the first-ever Netflix Cup title.

Alex Albon (Williams Racing), Pierre Gasly (BWT Alpine F1 Team), Lando Norris (McLaren Racing), and Carlos Sainz (Scuderia Ferrari) will represent Formula 1 drivers. The chosen golfers include Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas.

“We love to see how our sports series have brought increased fandom to sports leagues and competitions all over the world,” stated Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports, Netflix. “The Netflix Cup will take that energy to the next level with global stars from two popular hits competing in our first-ever live sports event.”

“The continued success of Drive to Survive has played a significant role in the growth of Formula 1 in the US, which has ultimately led to the addition of a third American race,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. “It’s only fitting that we kick off our inaugural race weekend with a fun event that can be streamed by F1 and PGA TOUR fans around the globe.”

The Netflix Club Poster — ‘The Netflix Club’ Poster

Full Swing season one premiered in February 2023 and season two is currently in production. Formula 1: Drive to Survive debuted in 2019, with new seasons following in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Season six is expected to premiere in 2024.

“The PGA TOUR is proud to participate in this significant milestone for Netflix and we look forward to showcasing our sport’s professional athletes to a live global audience,” said Norb Gambuzza, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Media and Gaming. “New and diverse audiences have come to know more about both our sports and their athletes through Full Swing and Drive to Survive, and we are excited to team up with Netflix, Formula 1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on this exciting concept.”

2024 Oscars Sets Behind-the-Scenes Team

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Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Oscars Raj Kapoor — Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan (Photo Credit: Michael Higgins)

Emmy Award winner Raj Kapoor will make his Oscars showrunner debut with the 2024 show. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Oscars veteran Kapoor will step up into the showrunner job with the 96th Academy Awards after seven years working on the broadcast.

Kapoor will also executive produce along with Katy Mullan, and Hamish Hamilton will return for his fourth time to direct the awards show. 2023’s Oscars creative director Kenny Gravillis, production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley, red carpet show executive producer David Chamberlin, and red carpet creative consultants Lisa Love and Raúl Àvila join Kapoor, Hamish, and Mullan for the 2024 Oscars.

“Raj and Hamish have been incredible Oscars collaborators, and we are delighted to welcome them and Katy to lead the 96th Oscars,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “Their deep love of cinema, fresh vision, and tremendous live television expertise is perfect for our reinvigorated show. We’re excited to work with them and our remarkable creative team – Kenny Gravillis, Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley, David Chamberlin, Lisa Love and Raúl Àvila – to deliver an exceptional show for audiences worldwide.”

“As a Canadian boy of South Asian descent and a girl from London who grew up watching the Oscars, dreaming of being part of it, this is a ‘pinch me’ moment!” said Kapoor and Mullan. “This has been an exceptional year for the movies, and it’s an absolute privilege to be leading the team celebrating the global film industry and the astounding talents that bring these cinematic stories to life. We’re dedicated to making it a remarkable celebration for all.”

The 2024 Oscars will air live from Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 on ABC. Of course, that could change if the SAG-AFTRA strike continues into 2024.

Jimmy Kimmel Says Yes to Hosting

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Shares First “Fire Nation” Photos

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Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Netflix’s live-action reimagining of Avatar: The Last Airbender has unveiled the first photos of the series’ Fire Nation characters. The streaming service released four photos featuring Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as General Iroh, Ken Leung as Commander Zhao, and Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula.

Netflix also unveiled a new photo of Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko.

The season one cast also includes Gordon Cormier, Ian Ousley, and Kiawentiio. Albert Kim guides the series as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Additional executive producers include director Michael Goi, director Jabbar Raisani, and Rideback’s Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore.

Netflix is targeting a 2024 release of the eight-episode season.

The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads, the first step taken by the firebenders towards conquering the world. With the current incarnation of the Avatar yet to emerge, the world has lost hope.

But like a light in the darkness, hope springs forth when Aang (Cormier), a young Air Nomad — and the last of his kind — reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar. Alongside his newfound friends Sokka (Ousley) and Katara (Kiawentiio), siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang embarks on a fantastical, action-packed quest to save the world and fight back against the fearsome onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai (Dae Kim).

But with a driven Crown Prince Zuko (Liu) determined to capture them, it won’t be an easy task. They’ll need the help of the many allies and colorful characters they meet along the way.

Netflix Releases the Full Trailer

Antoni Porowski and Nat Geo Cook Up a Culinary Docuseries

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Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Antoni Porowski is taking an unusual approach to getting to know celebrities with the upcoming National Geographic documentary series No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski. The Queer Eye star will be trotting around the globe and helping an assortment of celebrities get in touch with their roots through food.

“Food is such an integral part of understanding who we are and where we come from,” stated Porowski. “I am so grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, alongside some wonderful friends both new and old, traveling the globe, making up for all the times I skipped geography class in high school, to explore food traditions and cultures, and am honored to embark on this journey with National Geographic.”

Porowski will be revealing the celebrities featured in the first season closer to the series’ premiere.

“No Taste Like Home is a fascinating, feel-good series that will beautifully thread together family food stories from past and present,” said Studio Ramsay Global executive producer Gordon Ramsay. “I’m really thankful to our celebrities who came on this journey, taking us to all corners of the globe, inviting us into their lives, and trusting us to tell their family’s food stories in this way.”

In addition to Gordon Ramsay, season one will be executive produced by Porowski, Lisa Edwards, and National Geographic’s Betsy Forhan. Robin O’Sullivan is the showrunner, and Leo McRea, Jenny Dames, and Kit Lynch Robinson direct.

“Antoni is the perfect person to take Nat Geo viewers – and our famous faces – on these global adventures,” stated Tom McDonald, executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content, National Geographic. “He’s full of curiosity about the world, is deeply passionate and knowledgeable about culinary history, and has a unique ability to draw out the emotional connection between people, places, and food.”

National Geographic offered this description of the series:

“With extensive culinary expertise, a passion for connecting people through food and pride in his own Polish heritage, Porowski guides celebrities on an unprecedented journey toward cultural and personal discovery.

From local water taxis to off-roading 4x4s, each episode will place Porowski and his guest on an epic adventure and capture cinematic moments. Locations planned in the first season include South Korea, Germany, Italy, Senegal and Malaysian Borneo, New York and Texas. The docuseries also features exclusive, intimate conversations between the travelers as they open up to Porowski, sharing family stories, their connection with food and culture, and the new perspectives they’ve gained about their heritage and themselves.”

‘The Irrational’ Episode 5 Photos, Cast, and “Lucky Charms” Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Alec bets that helping a friend will pay off on NBC’s The Irrational season one episode five. “Lucky Charms” airs on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 10pm ET/PT.

Jesse L. Martin stars as Professor Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill is Marisa, Travina Springer is Kylie, Molly Kunz is Phoebe, and Arash DeMaxi plays Rizwan. Executive producers include Arika Lisanne Mittman, Mark Goffman, Sam Baum, and David Frankel.

“Lucky Charms” Plot: Alec and the team head to Las Vegas to help Camille, a former colleague turned expert poker player who’s been lured into danger. They must take some risks to solve a gambling mystery before Camille gets hurt. Marisa makes a significant discovery.

The Irrational Episode 5 — Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Molly Kunz as Phoebe, Travina Springer as Kylie, and Arash DeMaxi as Rizwan in ‘The Irrational’ episode 5 (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

Season 1 Description, Courtesy of NBC:

A new spin on the procedural genre, The Irrational follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Martin) as he lends his unique expertise on an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding psychology and human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries.

‘Eileen’ Trailer Starring Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Thomasin McKenzie’s dull life transforms once Anne Hathaway comes onto the scene in Neon’s Eileen trailer. McKenzie (Totally Completely Fine) stars as a secretary who quickly becomes infatuated with a new counselor, played by Oscar winner Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables), in the noir thriller.

The cast also includes Shea Whigham, Sam Nivola, Owen Teague, Marin Ireland, and Siobhan Fallon Hogan.

Eileen‘s based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s book, with the author and Luke Goebel (Moshefegh’s spouse) adapting and William Oldroyd (Lady Macbeth) directing. Producers include Moshfegh, Goebel, Oldroyd, Anthony Bregman, Stefanie Azpiazu, Peter Cron, and Bavand Karim.

The R-rated drama currently sits at 89% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes following its Sundance Film Festival premiere. IGN’s Matt Donato calls it a “nifty little shapeshifter of a thriller,” while Vox’s Alissa Wilkinson says, “Eileen is dank and disturbing and, when you’re in the mood for something that will mess you up, exactly right.”

Neon’s set a December 1, 2023 limited release in New York and Los Angeles, followed by a wide release on December 8.

Eileen Movie Poster — Poster for Neon’s ‘Eileen’

The Plot, Courtesy of Neon:

Set during a bitter 1964 Massachusetts winter, young secretary Eileen (McKenzie) becomes enchanted by Rebecca (Hathaway), the glamorous new counselor at the prison where she works. Their budding friendship takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret — throwing Eileen onto a sinister path.

‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas’ Sets November Premiere

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Rebecca Murray

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October 17, 2023

Ted Lasso‘s Hannah Waddingham celebrates the holidays with Apple TV+’s Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas. The streaming service released the first photo from the holiday special and announced the musical event will premiere on November 22, 2023.

“In the musical event, Emmy-winning star Hannah Waddingham will ring in the holidays as she welcomes special guests for a musical extravaganza at the London Coliseum,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis. “The special was recorded live in front of an audience, and audiences around the world will be able to join Waddingham in celebrating her favorite time of year on Apple TV+ as she performs festive classics accompanied by a spectacular big band.”

Waddingham starred as Rebecca Welton, owner of the AFC Richmond football club, in the critically acclaimed comedy Ted Lasso. Her performance was recognized with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021 and two Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the Ted Lasso cast won the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

Hannah Waddingham’s credits also include Sex Education, Tom Jones, Krypton, Winter Ridge, and 12 Monkeys.

Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas is executive produced by Waddingham, Katy Mullan, Moira Ross, Raj Kapoor, and Nick Todisco. BAFTA Award winner Hamish Hamilton (Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl halftime show, London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies) is directing, with Done + Dusted producing.

Apple TV+ Announces Family-Friendly Holiday 2023 Programming

‘The Crown’ Season 6 Part 1 Releases First Official Photos

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 16, 2023

The Crown Season 6 Part 1 Diana — Elizabeth Debicki in ‘The Crown’ Season 6 (Photo Credit: Netflix)

Netflix has released photos from part one of the sixth and final season of The Crown, with the first batch featuring Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana and Khalid Abdalla as Dodi Fayed. The photo drop also includes pics of Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Dominic West as Prince Charles, and Salim Daw as Mohamed Al Fayed.

Part one of the final season focuses on the relationship between Princess Diana and Dodi, a relationship that ended with the horrific car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris.

“I think it’s a really unique challenge as an actor, to portray those days,” said Elizabeth Debicki in an interview with Netflix‘s Tudum prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. “I really just trusted in Peter’s emotional blueprint that he created for us to follow. It’s his interpretation and I think it made emotional sense to me, so I clung to that. Because, obviously, it’s devastating and it’s fraught and we can never know.”

Season six part one premieres on Netflix on November 16, 2023. The six-episode part two follows on December 14.

The Crown Season 6 Part 1 Charles — Dominic West in season 6 part 1 (Photo Credit: Netflix)

Per Netflix: Part two focuses on Prince William as he tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion. Plus, as Queen Elizabeth II reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate.

“I’ve been living with her for a long time so, if anything, I felt more comfortable this time. I love her stillness and her ability to not be thrown by everything that must have constantly – throughout her whole life – gone on around her,” said Staunton in April 2023.

Dominic West had this to say about playing Prince Charles: “I think he’s got real sadness to him and real compassion and what’s great about The Crown is that you see these public figures in private. I suspect in private he’s quite emotional, well that’s the way I played him anyway… I think, hopefully, what comes out is compassionate but relatively well-balanced.”

The Crown was created and written by Peter Morgan who serves as an executive producer along with Suzanne Mackie, Andy Harries, Stephen Daldry, Matthew Byam Shaw, and Robert Fox.