Bill Maher postpones return to the air, the latest TV host to balk at working during writers strike
Bill Maher has delayed returning to his HBO talk show during the ongoing strike by writers and actors, a decision following similar pauses in the past few days by “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Talk” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”.
‘It’s really difficult:’ How Henry Winkler navigates dyslexia in a long acting career
In a career spanning 6 decades, Winkler has played a range of roles, from the cool comedy of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the hit series “Happy Days,” to the stoic Gene Cousineau on the HBO series “Barry.” But if the iconic actor, author and producer was born to perform, it was not without an obstacle: dyslexia, and undiagnosed at that.
New this week: 'Your Place or Mine' and 'All That Breathes'
This week’s new entertainment releases include an album from Paramore that shows off the band's funkier side, the Academy Award-nominated documentary “All That Breathes” about Indian brothers who heal birds of prey, and two rom-coms just in time for Valentine's Day — “Your Place or Mine” on Netflix and “Somebody I Used to Know” on Amazon Prime Video.
New this week: 'Me Time,' DJ Khaled and Sylvester Stallone
This week’s new entertainment releases include fresh music from DJ Khaled and his celebrity pals, an HBO documentary about the unending toll Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans' children and a film starring Sylvester Stallone as an aged superhero.
And just like that, ‘And Just Like That’ is finally starting to get good
We’re six episodes into the reboot of “Sex and the City” series called “And Just Like That,” and after a bit of a rough start, the new show is finally starting to feel like the show that viewers fell in love with over 20 years ago.
New this week: 'Sex and the City,' Juice Wrld and Will Smith
This week’s new entertainment releases include a double album from Alicia Keys and a posthumous one from Juice Wrld, Sandra Bullock playing an ex-con in the Netflix film “The Unforgivable” and Will Smith testing himself in a wildlife documentary series.
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Hong Kong grants quarantine exemption to Nicole Kidman
Hong Kong’s government says it has granted a quarantine exemption to an individual to perform “designated professional work” following reports that Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman did not have to spend time in quarantine when she arrived in the city to film a TV series.
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'Lovecraft Country' part of virtual festival celebrating TV
This image released by HBO shows Jurnee Smollett, from left, Jonathan Majors and Courtney B. Vance in a scene from "Lovecraft Country." The Queens Gambit, Lovecraft Country and What We Do in the Shadows are among the series featured in a virtual edition of the Paley Centers annual festival. (HBO via AP)LOS ANGELES – "Lovecraft Country,” “The Queen’s Gambit” and “What We Do in the Shadows” are among the series featured in a virtual edition of the Paley Center’s annual festival celebrating TV programs and their makers. Sessions with stars and creators of “The Good Doctor” and “Big Sky” round out the festival lineup. Highlights of PaleyFest events past, including for “The Golden Girls” and “The Big Bang Theory,” are available on the Paley Center’s YouTube page at youtube.com/user/paleycenter.
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New this Week: 'Tina,' 'Runaway Bunny' & 'City on a Hill'
This combination of photos shows key art for "The Runaway Bunny," premiering March 25 on HBO Max, left, "Tina," a documentary about Tina Turner premiering March 27 on HBO Max, center, and "City on a Hill," a new series premiering March 28 on Showtime. He has grasped, at least for a proud man like Anthony, how one’s ego keeps fighting a battle it doesn’t know is already lost.”Ad— In Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin's revealing documentary “Tina,” Tina Turner surveys her tumultuous and extraordinary life. The film, which debuts Saturday on HBO and HBO Max, includes intimate interviews with the 81-year-old “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll," along with previously unseen footage, audio tapes and personal photos. The piercing Romanian documentary “Collective” was nominated for both best documentary and best international film — something only one previous film ( "Honeyland," in 2020) — has ever managed to do. Ad— AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— Carrie Underwood’s upcoming album features gospel hymns important to the "American Idol" winner.
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Kate Winslet turns TV sleuth, says she'd flop in real life
This image released by HBO shows Kate Winslet in a scene from "Mare of Easttown," debuting on April 18. (HBO via AP)LOS ANGELES – Kate Winslet is playing a police detective on TV, and that’s where her crime-busting ambition ends. I’d be very good at the coffee and the beers, definitely,” Winslet said Wednesday of her role on HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” debuting in April. Winslet said her character felt in many ways “a million miles away from me” in the nature of her work and its demands. The seven-episode “Mare of Easttown” debuts April 18 on HBO and will be on streaming service HBO Max.
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From rom-coms to murder: Hugh Grant is enjoying the darkness
This image released by HBO shows Hugh Grant, from left, Noma Dumezweni and Nicole Kidman in a scene from "The Undoing." GRANT: I don’t really think of it that way. GRANT: You know, actors love playing dark. I really don’t have that worry! The trick anyway is that if you're playing someone evil, they have got to be FUN evil.
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HBO docuseries to explore Woody Allen, Mia Farrow fallout
FILE - Director Woody Allen attends a special screening of "Wonder Wheel" on Nov. 14, 2017, in New York. A docuseries about the relationship of Woody Allen and Mia Farrow and its fallout is coming to HBO. The four-part documentary series is titled "Allen v. Farrow" and will debut Feb. 21, 2021, on HBO. Allen and Previn didn't participate in the documentary, nor did Moses Farrow, the son of Allen and Mia Farrow. “Allen v. Farrow,” from filmmakers Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering and Amy Herdy, will debut Feb. 21 on HBO, with episodes airing weekly.
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Hugh Grant, Maria Bakalova react to Golden Globe nominations
This image released by Amazon Studios shows Maria Bakalova, left, and Sacha Baron Cohen in a scene from "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm." The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for best musical/comedy. (Amazon Studios via AP)LOS ANGELES – Reactions from nominees for the the 78th Golden Globe Awards. — Bob Odenkirk, nominated for best actor in a TV drama for “Better Call Saul," in a phone interview. But I’m just so hyped.” — Nicholas Hoult, nominated for best actor in a TV musical or comedy for “The Great."
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'Big Little Lies' author has new novel out in September
This combination photo shows the cover of "Apples Never Fall," left, and author Liane Moriarty as she arrives at the second season premiere of HBO's "Big Little Lies" in New York on May 29, 2019. (Holt via AP, left, and AP Photo)NEW YORK – The new novel from “Big Little Lies” author Liane Moriarty will be a story of family, tennis and a mysterious absence. Henry Holt announced Wednesday that Moriarty's “Apples Never Fall” comes out Sept. 14. “Is her disappearance related to their mysterious house guest from last year? “Big Little Lies,” published in 2014, is the basis for the Emmy-winning HBO series that stars Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley.
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'Wonder Woman 1984' debuts with pandemic-best $16.7M
This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Gal Gadot in a scene from "Wonder Woman 1984." “Wonder Woman 1984” grossed an additional $19.4 million in international markets where it began playing a week earlier. But WarnerMedia is counting on “Wonder Woman 1984” to matter more to HBO Max, which wobbled in its initial rollout. Warner Bros. nevertheless seized on the returns for “Wonder Woman 1984” as the best as could be expected, given the circumstances. Streaming numbers weren't provided for “Soul” or “Wonder Woman 1984.” WarnerMedia said nearly half of HBO Max’s subscribers watched “Wonder Woman 1984” on its first day on the streaming platform, though it didn't say how long constituted a watch.
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Appeals court sends 'Leaving Neverland' fight to arbitration
(AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)PASADENA, Calif. – A federal appeals court ruled Monday that a lawsuit filed by the Michael Jackson estate over an HBO documentary about two of the late pop star's sex abuse accusers can go forward in private arbitration. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with two lower courts and ruled in favor of the Jackson estate in its decision on “Leaving Neverland." Unless there are further appeals, the case will go to a private arbitrator, which the Jackson estate argued was required by the 1992 contract at the center of the lawsuit. HBO has also more generally defended “Leaving Neverland” as a valid and important piece of documentary journalism. “Leaving Neverland” director Dan Reed has been filming the hearings in those cases for a follow-up documentary.
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New this week: 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' and Paul McCartney
MOVIES— “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was always going to be an event picture, even on Netflix, where it will be available Friday. Wilson’s 1982 play is set around a recording session in 1920s Chicago as a blues band awaits the arrival of Ma Rainey (Davis). — AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSIC— Paul McCartney will release the final album in a trilogy of classics on Friday. “McCartney III” comes 50 years after 1980’s “McCartney II” and 60 years after “McCartney,” his solo debut released in 1970. — Director George C. Wolfe said that when he signed on to direct “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” he instantly knew he wanted to work with Branford Marsalis.
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Holiday movies, music specials arrive to light a bleak year
(NBC/Apple/HBO Max/Netflix/Disney + via AP)LOS ANGELES – Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. HOLIDAY HARMONY— “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,” now streaming on HBO Max. — “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.
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Who did it? TV viewers intrigued by HBO's 'The Undoing'
It was a good story.”It was the most-watched night for HBO since the finale of “Big Little Lies” last year, which also featured Kidman and creator David E. Kelley. “The Undoing” has generated more conversation on social media than any other new scripted television series this year, Nielsen said. NBC was the top-rated broadcast network in prime time for Thanksgiving week, averaging 3.64 million viewers. CBS had 3.55 million, ABC had 2.4 million, Fox had 1.6 million, Ion Television had 930,000, Univision had 890,000 and Telemundo had 530,000. Hallmark hit 2.53 million, Fox News Channel had 2 million, MSNBC had 1.59 million and CNN had 1.41 million.
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'Wonder Woman 1984' to debut in theaters and on HBO Max
“Wonder Woman 1984” isn’t skipping theaters or moving to 2021, but it is altering course. After the first month for free on HBO Max, “Wonder Woman 1984” will play in theaters for an additional few weeks before being made available for rental on demand. Warner Bros. also sent its next big film, “The Witches” straight to HBO Max, which parent company Warner Media launched earlier this year. “Wonder Woman 1984” is a major tentpole for Warner Bros. Is it possible for that to happen again this Christmas with Wonder Woman 1984 between theaters and HBO Max?” Killar wrote Wednesday.
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Ahead of the election, a landslide of documentaries
This combination photo shows poster art for political documentaries, from left, "All In: The Fight for Democracy," "Boys State," "537 Votes," "Slay the Dragon," and "The Fight." The election has unleashed an avalanche of documentaries like no season before it. In a presidential election of enormous stakes, filmmakers have rushed to finish their films before Election Day. (Amazon, from left, Apple TV Plus, HBO Max, Magnolia Pictures, Magnolia Pictures via AP)NEW YORK – The election has unleashed an avalanche of documentaries like no season before it. In a presidential election of enormous stakes, filmmakers have rushed to finish their films before Election Day, to try to inform, sway and entertain the electorate.
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Lawsuit of Michael Jackson sexual abuse accuser dismissed
LOS ANGELES – A judge has dismissed the lawsuit of one of two men who alleged that Michael Jackson abused them as boys in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland." Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark A. “We are pleased that the court dismissed Mr. Safechuck’s case by ruling that he had no grounds to pursue such a lawsuit,” Jackson estate attorneys Howard Weitzman and Jonathan Steinsapir said in a statement. A judge dismissed it in 2017, but an appeals court revived it early this year after California Gov. The similar lawsuit of Safechuck's fellow accuser and “Leaving Neverland” subject Wade Robson, which was also revived by the appeals court, remains alive.
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Golden Globes group gives $5.1 million in grants
Kidman was among the entertainers who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit from HFPA grants. More than $5.1 million in funds were given to over 70 nonprofit organizations during the “HFPA Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation” virtual event on Tuesday. The event, formerly known as the Grants Banquet, celebrated some of the organizations with aspiring artists, filmmakers and storytellers. The organization is known for putting on the Golden Globes. Salma Hayek paid homage to the Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit organization that inspires teenage girls through photography.