‘Outer Banks’ Will Return for a Third Season

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December 7, 2021

Outer Banks Season 3 — Season 3 ‘Outer Banks’ art (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)

The story of the Pogues will continue for at least one more season. Today, Netflix officially confirmed Outer Banks has been renewed for season three.

The renewal announcement included the news Carlacia Grant (“Cleo”) has been upped to a series regular for the third season. Returning cast members will also include Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, Austin North, Drew Starkey, and Charles Esten.

Outer Banks was created by Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke. The trio will continue to serve as showrunners and executive producers on the upcoming third season.

The series premiered on April 15, 2020 and season two arrived on July 30, 2021. The second season’s launch captured the top spot on Netflix’s Top 10 TV (English) list for four weeks, making the decision to give the go-ahead to a third season almost a no-brainer.

Netflix’s announcement didn’t include a targeted season three premiere date or a synopsis for the new season.

A look back on season two, courtesy of Netflix:

“Outer Banks is a coming of age story that follows a tight-knit group of local teens (the “Pogues”) in the beach vacation destination of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After their near-death escape, Season Two finds John B & Sarah on the run – and in over their heads – in the Bahamas. New friends also bring new foes as they’re back on the trail of the gold, while the stakes for Kiara, Pope, and JJ rapidly escalate at home. The $400M is still in the game, but will the uncovering of a new-found secret reunite the group for a fresh mission?

The adventure of a lifetime awaits, but uncharted waters ahead mean our Pogues must do all they can to make it out alive.”

‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ is Picked Up for a Second Season

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 7, 2021

Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble’s The Sex Lives of College Girls has earned a second season renewal from HBO Max. The adult comedy ranks as the top Max Original comedy launch on HBO Max and is set to wrap up season on Thursday, December 9, 2021.

“Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble have created and written a show that is full of heart, female friendships, and awkward naked parties” stated Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. “We are delighted that this comic, honest portrayal of the college condition has resonated for everyone, whether they had sex in college or not. We can’t wait to see where these uniquely complex yet relatable characters will go next.”

The season one cast includes Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Midori Francis, Gavin Leatherwood, Chris Meyer, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Lauren Spencer, and Renika Williams also star in the popular comedy.

Emmy nominee Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble executive produce, with Noble handling showrunner duties. Howard Klein also executive produces the Kaling International and 3 Arts Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television production.

The Plot, Courtesy of HBO Max:

“The Sex Lives of College Girls follows four college roommates as they arrive at New England’s prestigious Essex College. A bundle of contradictions and hormones, these girls are equal parts lovable and infuriating as they live out their new, free lives on campus.”

Review: ‘West Side Story’ 2021 is a Dazzling Take on a Classic Story

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 7, 2021

Rachel Zegler sings like an angel and Ansel Elgort tries his best to keep up in Steven Spielberg’s lavish remake of the romantic musical West Side Story. Zegler’s Maria and Elgort’s Tony are presented in all versions of West Side Story as the central characters since, after all, they are the star-crossed lovers whose romance propels the plot. But in the 2021 film it’s the two Anitas – 2021’s Anita, Ariana DeBose and 1961’s Anita, Rita Moreno (in a new role) – who deliver show-stopping performances.

Spielberg answers the question of why we could possibly use another West Side Story by delivering a version that corrects major flaws from the 1961 film, including that version’s casting of non-Latino actors as Sharks and its inclusion of actors who can’t sing. Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner’s 2021 version also more openly touches upon serious issues including racism and gang violence, while introducing gentrification of New York neighborhoods as an underlying cause of frustration and rage.

The basic story from the original 1957 Broadway play and ’61 film remains the same in the 2021 adaptation. It’s Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet told with dancing, singing, and rival ethnic street gangs. The Sharks and Jets substitute for the rival Houses of the Capulets and Montagues, and Tony and Maria are the young lovers of different races rather than Houses whose forbidden love causes blood to flow in the streets.

The 2021 musical wastes no time in establishing the rundown nature of the neighborhood, with the opening shot lingering on destroyed buildings and work underway to clear out the old and bring in shiny new buildings, making the area completely unaffordable to those who currently call New York’s Upper West Side home.

Kushner’s screenplay sets up the story by making the racial tension even more clear between the poor white Jets, led by Riff (Mike Faist), and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo (David Alvarez). By all rights, they should band together to fight the man, but they’re unable to look past their prejudices. The dividing line is so clearly drawn that the impact of a gorgeous young Puerto Rican girl falling for a white boy with a criminal history lands harder in this narrative.

Kushner also adds a new twist to Tony, revealing the handsome co-founder of the Jets served time for a violent assault that nearly killed a man. Tony’s turning over a new leaf and swearing off street fights, which makes his involvement in the pivotal rumble between the Jets and the Sharks even more heartbreaking. By attempting to be the peacekeeper, Tony sets in motion the tragic ending.

Another switch that works is the shift from Doc owning the drugstore where Tony’s employed to Doc’s widow, Valentina, in charge of the place. Valentina isn’t just Tony’s sounding board; she’s his liferaft and provides a calming presence in contrast to Riff’s more frantic energy. Rita Moreno’s Valentina is the moral center of the story and when Moreno breaks out in song (I won’t spoil the experience by divulging its title), the result is goosebump-inducing. Literally, I had goosebumps the entire number.

Justin Peck’s choreography echoes the original while also taking on a beat of its own. It’s more rugged, more brutal even…the numbers feel more down-and-dirty when the advancement of the story requires them to. Peck also adds a pureness and light to the more romantic and personal dance numbers.

The stunning cinematography and costumes match the musical numbers in energy and flow, with skirts swirling, the camera whirling, and dancers displaying incredible athletic skills.

Rachel Zegler’s remarkable voice makes up for a lack of emotional depth throughout her performance. As Maria falls deeper in love, Zegler’s ability to display that transformation is somewhat muted. It doesn’t help that the chemistry between Zegler and Ansel Elgort gives off more of a sibling vibe rather than that of a passionate young couple deep in the throes of their first love. Elgort’s acting career isn’t in any danger of being cast aside for a career in music, but he’s passable enough and certainly better than expected.

West Side Story roars to life whenever Ariana DeBose enters a scene. DeBose’s Anita is the center of attention whenever she’s on screen, no matter who she’s sharing time with in front of the camera. DeBose has a mesmerizing, magical presence and a voice to match.

Only time will tell if Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story will take over as the definitive version, but in many important ways it surpasses the energy and passion of the 1961 Oscar-winning film. Updated in subtle ways but maintaining the heart and soul of the original, 2021’s West Side Story is a joyous celebration of musical theatre.

GRADE: B

MPAA Rating: G-13 (Some Strong Violence|Brief Smoking|Strong Language|Suggestive Material|Thematic Content)

Release Date: December 10, 2021

Running Time: 2 hours 36 minutes

Studio: 20th Century Studios

‘Blue Bloods’ Season 12 Episode 9 Photos: “Firewall” Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 7, 2021

Blue Bloods Season 12 Episode 9 — Marisa Ramirez as Det. Maria Baez and Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan in ‘Blue Bloods’ season 12 episode 9 (Photo by John Paul Filo © 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc)

Alex Kingston (A Discovery of Witches) returns as a guest star and reprises her role as Sloane Thompson on CBS’s Blue Bloods season 12 episode nine. Directed by Robert Harmon from a script by Daniel Truly and Peter D’Antonio, episode nine will air on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT.

Tom Selleck leads the cast as Frank Reagan, with Donnie Wahlberg back as Danny Reagan and Bridget Moynahan returning as Erin Reagan. Will Estes plays Jamie Reagan, Len Cariou is Henry Reagan, Sami Gayle is Nicky Reagan-Boyle, Marisa Ramirez is Det. Maria Baez, and Vanessa Ray plays Officer Eddie Janko.

Recurring season 12 cast members include Abigail Hawk, Gregory Jbara, Robert Clohessy, Steven Schirripa, Andrew Terraciano, and Eric B.

“Firewall” Plot: Frank enlists the help of an old friend, Sloane Thompson (Kingston), to investigate a cyber-attack on the NYPD that forces Danny and Baez to release an evasive suspect. Also, Baez questions her place within the NYPD; Eddie is torn over a workplace dilemma; and Jamie wrestles with a family secret.

Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Blue Bloods is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York Police Commissioner, and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief. A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son, Danny, a seasoned detective, family man and Iraq War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases with his partner, Detective Maria Baez. Erin, the middle daughter, is a New York Assistant D.A. who serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father.

Jamie is the youngest Reagan, a Harvard Law graduate and the family’s “golden boy.” Unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and follow in the family footsteps as a cop. He’s found a friend and ally in his wife, Eddie, who keeps him on his toes, and has very different reasons than the Reagans for joining the police force.

‘SWAT’ Season 5 Episode 8 Photos: “Safe House” Preview

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 6, 2021

S.W.A.T. star Alex Russell makes his series directorial debut with season five episode eight. “Safe House” will air on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 8pm ET/PT on CBS.

The season five cast is led by Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Alex Russell stars as Jim Street, Jay Harrington plays David “Deacon” Kay, Lina Esco is Christina “Chris” Alonso, Kenny Johnson is Dominique Luca, David Lim is Victor Tan, and Patrick St. Esprit stars as Commander Robert Hicks.

Debbie Allen recurs as Charice and Rochelle Aytes recurs as Nichelle.

“Safe House” Plot: When an undocumented woman is violently abducted, the team forms an unlikely alliance to try and bring her home alive.

Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Inspired by the television series and the feature film, S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant, tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds. However, Hondo is forced to question his professional identity when he is demoted from Squad Leader after going public to expose racial corruption within the LAPD.

The other members of Hondo’s elite S.W.A.T. unit include David “Deacon” Kay, an experienced S.W.A.T. officer and dedicated family man who always puts the team first; Christina “Chris” Alonso, a skilled officer and the team’s canine trainer; Dominique Luca, an expert driver who gets them in and out of high risk situations; newlywed Victor Tan, who started in the LAPD Hollywood Division and uses his confidential informants in the community to help the team; and Jim Street, the team’s cocky newest member. Responsible for the management of all Metro Division S.W.A.T. units is Commander Robert Hicks, a senior LAPD official with the Special Operations Bureau.

With Hondo no longer leading the charge, these dedicated men and women face an uncertain future as they bravely put themselves at risk to protect their community and save lives.

SWAT Season 5 Episode 8 — Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, and director Alex Russell in ‘S.W.A.T.’ season 5 episode 8 (Photo: Sonja Flemming © 2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival Confirms Performers and Dates

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 6, 2021

Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, and Dave Chappelle are among the 130 artists confirmed to participate in “Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival.” The 2022 comedy festival will take place April 28 through May 8, 2022 in Los Angeles in 25+ venues including The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and Dodger Stadium.

Additional artists for the 11-day festival include Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari, Bert Kreischer, Bill Burr, Conan O’Brien, Cristela Alonzo, David Letterman, Deon Cole, and Eddie Izzard. Ellen DeGeneres, Felipe Esparza, Fortune Feimster, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng, Iliza Shlesinger, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, Jonathan Van Ness, Ken Jeong, Kevin Smith, will also take the stage during the 2022 “Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival.”

The lengthy list of funny people taking part also includes Larry David, Margaret Cho, Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum, Michael McIntyre, Mike Birbiglia, Mike Myers and David O. Russell, Nick Kroll, Nicole Byer, Patton Oswalt, Pete Davidson, Ray Romano, Sandra Bernhard, Seth Rogen, Theo Von, Tig Notaro, Tim Robinson, and Wanda Sykes.

“It’s absolutely thrilling for Netflix to be hosting a comedy festival of this magnitude in Los Angeles,” said Robbie Praw, Director, Stand-up and Comedy Formats, Netflix. “We were so disappointed to postpone the event last spring and our line-up of comedians can’t wait to bring much-needed laughs to audiences in LA and around the world on Netflix. Netflix Is A Joke Festival is going to give comedy fans the opportunity to see the greats and discover new voices in one of the greatest cities in the world.”

Tickets go on sale on December 10, 2021 at www.NetflixIsAJokeFest.com. Netflix plans to air select shows on the streaming service; details will be released at a later date.

Netflix released the following anticipated highlights from the 2022 festival:

DODGER STADIUM
• Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (recorded) Making LA history, Gabe will be the first stand-up comedian to ever perform at Dodger Stadium. He will record his newest Netflix special in front of tens of thousands at his home team’s baseball park.

THE GREEK THEATRE
• STAND OUT: An LGBTQ+ Celebration: (recorded) will be an all-star night of entertainment with Bob the Drag Queen, Eddie Izzard, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, James Adomian, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, Mae Martin, Margaret Cho, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, River Butcher, Sam Jay, Sandra Bernhard, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, Tig Notaro, Trixie Mattel, Wanda Sykes and more to be announced soon. Stand Out is produced by Page Hurwitz, Wanda Sykes (Push It Productions), Brian Graden and Dave Mace (Brian Graden Media).
• Larry David In Conversation
• Bert Kreischer

CRYPTO.COM ARENA, FORMERLY STAPLES CENTER
• Kevin Hart

HOLLYWOOD BOWL
• Dave Chappelle and Friends

THE FORUM
• Bill Burr: (Slight Return)
• John Mulaney: From Scratch

YOUTUBE THEATER
• Tina Fey and Amy Poehler In Conversation – See the Emmy Award-winning pair in a freewheeling chat that only these two good friends and comedy veterans could have.

THE FONDA THEATRE
• That’s My Time With David Letterman (recorded)
Legendary late-night host David Letterman returns to his roots to showcase some of today’s finest stand-up comedians to perform and then join him for a one-of-a-kind interview.
• Pete Davidson and Best Friends(recorded)
Pete Davidson and his best friends are doing stand-up comedy for you and your friends.

HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
• THE HALL: Honoring The Greats of Stand-Up (recorded) Anchoring the closing night will be a night filled with today’s best in comedy paying homage to pioneers George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Joan Rivers and Robin Williams. The Hall and induction ceremony special were created by award-winning director/producer Marty Callner and producer Randall Gladstein. Callner will direct and executive produce through his Funny Business, Inc. shingle. Gladstein and award-winning producer/manager, David Steinberg will also executive produce. The Hall will have a physical home in a newly designed wing of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.

• Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin (recorded)
Comedy icons and Grace & Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin host an evening of top-notch stand-up.

• Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Amy Schumer (recorded) Powerhouse comedian Amy Schumer will host an epic night with some of today’s most talented comedians.

THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
• Seth Rogen’s Table Reads: For four nights live from the Orpheum, Rogen will curate and host unforgettable evenings featuring his friends and Netflix stars reading scripts from his favorite tv shows and films. All proceeds will go to HFC (Hilarity for Charity), whose mission is to care for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, inspire the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates, and be leaders in brain health research and education.
• Aziz Ansari & Friends
• Iliza Shlesinger: Back In Action
• Jonathan Van Ness: Imaginary Living Room Olympian
• Patton Oswalt: Who’s Ready to Laugh?
• Wanda Sykes Live

THE WILTERN
• Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
• Brian Regan
• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
• Chelsea Handler: Vaccinated and Horny
• Deon Cole
• Margaret Cho
• Theo Von: Return of the Rat

ACE HOTEL
• Amy Schumer
• Fortune Feimster
• Vir Das
• Justin Willman: Magic For Humans In Person
• Mike Birbiglia Live!
• Nick Kroll: Middle Aged Boy Tour
• Taylor Tomlinson

TCL CHINESE 6 THEATRES
• Mike Myers and David O. Russell In Conversation

THE COMEDY STORE
• 50th Anniversary of The Comedy Store: Netflix is a Joke in partnership with The Comedy Store, which first opened its doors in 1972, will be presenting a slate of programming throughout the festival, celebrating 50 years of the iconic Los Angeles comedy club.

THE BELASCO
• Princess featuring Maya Rudolph & Gretchen Lieberum: SNL vet Maya Rudolph and LA singer-songwriter Gretchen Lieberum are PRINCESS, a Prince cover band. The two have been singing together since college but it was only recently that the duo turned their mutual adoration for Prince into a musical project. Born out of their collective, life-long obsession with Prince, each performance is a love letter to the Artist himself. Don’t Worry, They Won’t Hurt U… They Only Want U 2 Have Some Fun.

WILSHIRE EBELL THEATRE
• Anthony Jeselnik & Enemies
• Ben Schwartz & Friends
• Michelle Wolf

THE PALACE THEATRE
• Jimmy Carr
• Marlon Wayans
• Nate Bargatze: The Raincheck Tour
• Nicole Byer

TROUBADOUR
• Craig Robinson & The Nasty Delicious
• Hasan Hates Ronny-Ronny Hates Hasan
• KEVOLUTION: An Evening with Kevin Smith: From almost dying of a massive heart attack to almost getting killed online over his “Masters of the Universe” cartoon, Kevin Smith is a survivor. In this followup to his last comedy special SILENT BUT DEADLY, the pop culture gadfly will pleasure you with his mouth, telling tales of his unexpected journey down the road to wellness.

Critics Choice Awards 2022 TV Nominations: ‘Succession’ Leads with 8

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 6, 2021

Succession Season 3 — Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, and Brian Cox in ‘Succession’ season 3 (Photo by Graeme Hunter/HBO)

Nominees have been announced in the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards‘ TV categories, with HBO’s Succession leading the pack with eight nominations. Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong will go head-to-head in the Best Actor in a Drama Series category, and Nicholas Braun, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen compete in the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category. In addition, J. Smith-Cameron and Sarah Snook earned Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nominations.

Paramount+’s Evil and HBO’s Mare of Easttown each picked up five nominations, followed by Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, Paramount+’s The Good Fight, NBC’s This Is Us, and Disney+’s WandaVision.

Nominees in film categories will be announced on December 13, 2021. Winners in the TV and film categories are voted on by members of the Critics Choice Association* and will be revealed during the Critics Choice Awards gala on Sunday, March 13, 2022. The awards show will air live on The CW and TBS beginning at 7pm ET/PT (tape-delayed on the West Coast).

“Although the industry is still recovering from the COVID-19 lockdown, you wouldn’t know it from the wealth of amazing television programs our nomination committees pored through to come up with this year’s nominees,” said Critics Choice Association TV Branch president Ed Martin. “We have even more choices than we did before the pandemic, for critics and viewers to embrace. While the streamers continue to break new ground with some wonderfully unexpected offerings, it has been an unusually strong year for all areas of television. We look forward to honoring the year’s finest shows at what promises to be our most exciting awards ceremony yet.”

27TH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS TELEVISION NOMINEES

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Evil (Paramount+)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
The Good Fight (Paramount+)
Pose (FX)
Squid Game (Netflix)
Succession (HBO)
This Is Us (NBC)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us (NBC)
Mike Colter – Evil (Paramount+)
Brian Cox – Succession (HBO)
Lee Jung-jae – Squid Game (Netflix)
Billy Porter – Pose (FX)
Jeremy Strong – Succession (HBO)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Uzo Aduba – In Treatment (HBO)
Chiara Aurelia – Cruel Summer (Freeform)
Christine Baranski – The Good Fight (Paramount+)
Katja Herbers – Evil (Paramount+)
Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets (Showtime)
MJ Rodriguez – Pose (FX)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Nicholas Braun – Succession (HBO)
Billy Crudup – The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Kieran Culkin – Succession (HBO)
Justin Hartley – This Is Us (NBC)
Matthew Macfadyen – Succession (HBO)
Mandy Patinkin – The Good Fight (Paramount+)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Andrea Martin – Evil (Paramount+)
Audra McDonald – The Good Fight (Paramount+)
Christine Lahti – Evil (Paramount+)
J. Smith-Cameron – Succession (HBO)
Sarah Snook – Succession (HBO)
Susan Kelechi Watson – This Is Us (NBC)

BEST COMEDY SERIES
The Great (Hulu)
Hacks (HBO Max)
Insecure (HBO)
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
The Other Two (HBO Max)
Reservation Dogs (FX on Hulu)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Iain Armitage – Young Sheldon (CBS)
Nicholas Hoult – The Great (Hulu)
Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Kayvan Novak – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Elle Fanning – The Great (Hulu)
Renée Elise Goldsberry – Girls5eva (Peacock)
Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Sandra Oh – The Chair (Netflix)
Issa Rae – Insecure (HBO)
Jean Smart – Hacks (HBO Max)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ncuti Gatwa – Sex Education (Netflix)
Brett Goldstein – Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
Harvey Guillén – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
Brandon Scott Jones – Ghosts (CBS)
Ray Romano – Made for Love (HBO Max)
Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Hannah Einbinder – Hacks (HBO Max)
Kristin Chenoweth – Schmigadoon! (Apple TV+)
Molly Shannon – The Other Two (HBO Max)
Cecily Strong – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Josie Totah – Saved By the Bell (Peacock)
Hannah Waddingham – Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

BEST LIMITED SERIES
Dopesick (Hulu)
Dr. Death (Peacock)
It’s a Sin (HBO Max)
Maid (Netflix)
Mare of Easttown (HBO)
Midnight Mass (Netflix)
The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video)
WandaVision (Disney+)

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Come From Away (Apple TV+)
List of a Lifetime (Lifetime)
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Amazon Prime Video)
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)
Oslo (HBO)
Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas (The Roku Channel)

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Olly Alexander – It’s a Sin (HBO Max)
Paul Bettany – WandaVision (Disney+)
William Jackson Harper – Love Life (HBO Max)
Joshua Jackson – Dr. Death (Peacock)
Michael Keaton – Dopesick (Hulu)
Hamish Linklater – Midnight Mass (Netflix)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Danielle Brooks – Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)
Cynthia Erivo – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)
Thuso Mbedu – The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video)
Elizabeth Olsen – WandaVision (Disney+)
Margaret Qualley – Maid (Netflix)
Kate Winslet – Mare of Easttown (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Murray Bartlett – The White Lotus (HBO)
Zach Gilford – Midnight Mass (Netflix)
William Jackson Harper – The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video)
Evan Peters – Mare of Easttown (HBO)
Christian Slater – Dr. Death (Peacock)
Courtney B. Vance – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus (HBO)
Kaitlyn Dever – Dopesick (Hulu)
Kathryn Hahn – WandaVision (Disney+)
Melissa McCarthy – Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
Julianne Nicholson – Mare of Easttown (HBO)
Jean Smart – Mare of Easttown (HBO)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE SERIES
Acapulco (Apple TV+)
Call My Agent! (Netflix)
Lupin (Netflix)
Money Heist (Netflix)
Narcos: Mexico (Netflix)
Squid Game (Netflix)

BEST ANIMATED SERIES
Big Mouth (Netflix)
Bluey (Disney+)
Bob’s Burgers (Fox)
The Great North (Fox)
Q-Force (Netflix)
What If…? (Disney+)

BEST TALK SHOW
The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock)
Desus & Mero (Showtime)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (NBC)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (Bravo)

BEST COMEDY SPECIAL
Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix)
Good Timing with Jo Firestone (Peacock)
James Acaster: Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 (Vimeo)
Joyelle Nicole Johnson: Love Joy (Peacock)
Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American (Netflix)
Trixie Mattel: One Night Only (YouTube)

2022 Critics Choice Awards Film Nominees

* I’m a member of both the Critics Choice Association’s Television and Film branches

‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and Kim Dickens Return for Season 8

By

Rebecca Murray

-

December 6, 2021

Kim Dickens is confirmed to return as a series regular on Fear the Walking Dead. AMC just announced the renewal of The Walking Dead prequel for an eighth season with Dickens back as Madison Clark.

Kim Dickens will show up in the second half of Fear the Walking Dead season seven which is set to premiere on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Dickens’ Madison Clark was a key character in seasons one through four.

“If there were a Mt. Deadmore, Kim Dickens’ face would be on it. Madison Clark is a foundational character to TWDU — heroic, complex, an everyperson who becomes a warrior and then a force of benevolence,” stated Scott M. Gimple, Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe. “Kim Dickens’ raw talent, strength, and brilliance will electrify TWDU once more and we couldn’t be luckier to have her back.”

Season seven stars Alycia Debnam-Carey, Colman Domingo, and Lennie James, with Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg guiding the series as showrunners. Chambliss, Goldberg, Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero, and David Alpert executive produce.

AMC released the following description of the upcoming second half of season seven:

“In the second half of Season 7, months have passed after the nuclear blast and the only one thriving is Victor Strand (Domingo). Having built a fiefdom, he callously selects who will have a chance at life. The other members of the group have suffered immensely, but out of that, has come a fierce determination to live, even if it means taking Strand’s Tower by force and continuing the search for Padre, a mythical place no one is sure really exists.

Alicia (Debnam-Carey,) now the reluctant leader to Teddy’s former followers, is plagued by a mysterious illness and the repercussions of her past actions. Morgan (James,) trying to maintain hope that he will be reunited with his family, knows Alicia is key to their survival. With Alicia declaring war, Strand’s paranoia and personal vendettas grow, and with that, new threats emerge from all sides.”

‘The Rookie’ Season 4 Episode 9 Photos, Promo, Cast and Plot

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 6, 2021

ABC’s The Rookie finishes up the first half of season four with episode nine, the winter finale. Directed by Chi-Yoon Chung from a script by Alexi Hawley, episode nine – “Breakdown” – will air on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT.

Season four stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, and Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey. Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen and Eric Winter stars as Tim Bradford.

The winter finale’s guest stars include Zayne Emory as Henry Nolan, Brent Huff as Officer Smitty, Enver Gjokaj as Donovan Town, and Dylan Conrique as Tamara Colins. Brandon Jay McLaren plays Elijah Stone and Peyton List guest stars as Gennifer “Genny” Bradford.

“Breakdown” Plot: Desperate to break free from his connection to Elijah, Wesley tries to plant a listening device in his office to incriminate him. Meanwhile, Officer Bradford and his sister, Genny, learn an unsettling truth about their father.

The Rookie Season 4 Episode 9 — Nathan Fillion in ‘The Rookie’ season 4 episode 9 (ABC/Raymond Liu)

‘Abbott Elementary’ Creator Quinta Brunson Discusses ABC’s New Workplace Comedy

By

Rebecca Murray

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December 6, 2021

Abbott Elementary Cast — Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Lisa Ann Walter in ‘Abbott Elementary’ (ABC/Prashant Gupta)

ABC’s new workplace comedy Abbott Elementary takes viewers behind-the-scenes of a fictional Philadelphia public school in the same way The Office offered a glimpse into the lives of employees at a paper company in Scranton. Series creator and executive producer Quinta Brunson’s a huge fan of the mockumentary genre and is using the format to provide an up-close-and-personal look into the world of underpaid, overworked, and all-together awesome teachers.

During ABC’s midseason press conference, Brunson – who also stars as one of Abbott Elementary‘s central characters – revealed two of her favorite comedies are The Office and Parks and Rec. “I was so impressed with what they did. What I love the most about the format is it gives an opportunity for the audience to build a different relationship with the characters. I think teachers deserve that,” said Brunson.

“I had seen other teacher shows and it’s a lens on them that often can make them seem one-dimensional, and they are the least one dimensional people there are. It’s the least one-dimensional job. And I said if these people could talk to camera and talk about their reasoning for doing this job, the reasonings for doing it how they do it, the reasonings for jumping through hoops to get these things done, I knew that would build a different relationship with the audience. I thought that was important as it pertains to educators in America.”

Brunson added, “For a mockumentary show to work, in my opinion, you have to have some type of veil. You have to [have] something to go behind. And I felt like public schools deserved to have that veil gone behind so people can see how much these people actually do.”

ABC’s official synopsis of Abbott Elementary describes the half-hour comedy as “following a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — as they navigate the Philadelphia public school system. Despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life, and though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.”

Covid-19, school shootings, job burnout…teachers are on the front line dealing with incredible challenges on a daily basis. Brunson, whose mother was a teacher, understands the commitment and dedication it takes for teachers to show up to work. However, Brunson’s hoping to entertain with lighter topics, and season one focuses more on human, everyday issues. “[…] These people are going to do the job. Nothing can stop them. They know all the systemic issues that are there, but at the end of the day they have to teach your kid how to read,” said Brunson. “I think that’s what was really important about this is giving people a behind-the-scenes look at what teachers really do through humor and heart, and straight-up comedy. I mean, I think we’ve made a funny show because we want people to be at Abbott with our teachers.”

Joining Quinta Brunson in front of the camera for the first season are Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard. Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions executive produce along with Randall Einhorn.

Abbott Elementary will premiere on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 9:30pm ET/PT. The series moves to its regular 9:00pm time slot on Tuesday, January 4, 2021.

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