Was That Really the Fancy Westgate Las Vegas on PLURIBUS?
Those who really know Sin City can’t help but wonder if that really was the Westgate Las Vegas on Pluribus, the new hit Apple TV series, or if it was just Hollywood magic. Pluribus the newest series from acclaimed creator Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) — has quickly emerged as an awards darling…
Nominees for the 2025 Critics Choice TV Awards — Are Your Favorites on the List?
Lisa Johnson Mandell reveals the year’s best TV series and performances, as reflected in the nominations for the annual Critics Choice TV Awards. Help her cast her votes! At last! Some of you may be wondering where I’ve been for the past several weeks—a thousand apologies if I forgot your birthday, anniversary, open house or…
Top 10 Holiday Movies — Some May Surprise You
In addition to the Top 10 Holiday Movies, we have info on why these titles top the holiday comfort films list, what’s the European favorite, and the most popular new Christmas movies of 2025. As families gather for celebration, cheer, and tradition, many Americans are also returning to their most beloved holiday comfort films. Sitting…
The Girlfriend Review — 2 Critics Share 1 Strong Opinion
Critics Tandy Culpepper and Lisa Johnson Mandell actually agree in their The Girlfriend review—see what they think on Tandy’s podcast, The Hollywood Beat. In The Girlfriend, Robin Wright steps in front of and behind the camera, shaping a drama that begins as polished domestic perfection and unravels into psychological warfare. She plays Laura Sanderson, a…
HOSTAGE Review — Lisa and Tandy On The Hollywood Beat
In their Hostage review, Lisa Johnson Mandell and Tandy Culpepper talk about a scintillating limited series starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy, on The Hollywood Beat podcast. Hostage Review, by Tandy Culpepper The five-episode miniseries Hostage, starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy on Netflix, manages to be both tautly entertaining and politically astute, even while…
OUTRAGEOUS Review, Black Mirror Review —Lisa Loves Both
Lisa Johnson Mandell and Tandy Culpepper Give a glowing Outrageous review and a mostly positive Black Mirror review on The Hollywood Beat. Outrageous Review From the moment it begins, Outrageous, based on a true story, immerses viewers in a lavish world of aristocratic excess, political fervor, and sisterly bonds that twist into ideological rifts. Set…
Capote vs the Swans & Fight Night — 2 Historic Mini Series
Critics Lisa Johnson Mandell and Tandy Culpepper dish on two excellent limited series—Feud: Capote vs the Swans and Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. Feud: Capote vs the Swans Feud: Capote vs the Swans is a stylish, dramatic, thoroughly entertaining miniseries. It tells the story of Truman Capote at the height of his fame through…
See the CCA’s Winners of the Annual Critics Choice Super Awards
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) just announced the winners of the 5th annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both movies and television. See if you agree. Because you all need to know what’s worth watching, I view as much as I possibly can, and pass along my opinions to you via…
AND JUST LIKE THAT Review and THE RESIDENCE Review — 2 Overrated Comedies
Critics Lisa Johnson Mandell and Tandy Culpepper disagree on their And Just Like That review and The Residence review, as they go head to head on The Hollywood Beat. And Just Like That Review And Just Like That came for a third season, covering the continuing saga of Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda as they navigate…
SLOW HORSES Review, THE LAST OF US Review — 2 Big Drama Contenders
Tandy Culpepper and Lisa Johnson-Mandell’s Slow Horses review and The Last of Us Review reveal why they have opposite opinions about both shows on The Hollywood Beat podcast. Slow Horses Review The spy thriller Slow Horses, streaming on Apple TV+, is as sharp as it is grimy—a cold, gray tale of espionage and incompetence that…
