TV News Flash
What’s a Quibi?
Quibi is a mobile-first, short-form streaming service, launched by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, today. It costs $5 per month with ads, or $8 per month without ads, but now there’s a generous 90-day free trial (long enough to outlast the pandemic… hopefully). Most of the content comes n 10 minute episodes, and there are comedies, dramas, reality shows, news and more, with stars like Idris Elba and Chrissy Teigen. I’m not one for watching streaming content on my cell phone (crap eye sight), but if you are, the Hollywood Reporter’s Daniel Fienberg has kindly provide some bite-sized reviews of the content.
Funniest Thing You’ll Watch All Week
There have been a lot of great songs spoofing our current Shelter in Place situation, but this one…oh this one, with a very clever British family whose members can actually carry a tune, takes the cake. Watch them as they do true Covid-19 justice to One Day from Les Miserables. Believe me, it’s the best thing on screen right now.
What You’re Watching Most, Besides ‘Tiger King’
Looks like we’re turning back to network classics in our hours of need. Not that there’s anything wrong with that—it’s rare when you find something the whole family can sit down together and watch. Wouldn’t you know that CBS’ 60 Minutes and ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos have added the most viewers of any other shows over the past several weeks? NBC’s Chicago Med, The Voice, and The Black List came next. See The Hollywood Reporter for more info.
An Excellent, ‘Unorthodox’ Choice
Looking for something to watch that’s eye-opening, inspiring and informative, in addition to being entertaining? Check out the four-episode limited series Unorthodox on Netflix. It’s the story of how a 19-year-old flees her life in a Hasidic community in Brooklyn and lands, of all places, in Berlin. It’s loosely based on author Deborah Feldman’s 2012 memoir Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, which I immediately had to download on my Kindle the second I watched the last episode.
John Krasinski Airs an Outstanding Good News Cast on YouTube
Live from his own home, John Krasinski launched a really inspiring program called SGN — Some Good News, and watching it will really make your day. “For years now, I’ve been wondering, why is there not a news show dedicated entirely to good news?” he told viewers. I thought, ‘All right. Enough is enough, world. Why not us? Why not now?’ So, ladies and gentleman, this is your fault, and this is SGN.” It’s full of good news stories people sent him, as well as an interview with fellow Office cast member Steve Carrell. Check it out here:
New Must-See on Netflix — Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
The new Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker on Netflix, based on the life of America’s first self made female millionaire, is a four part limited series starring Octavia Spencer that is a joy to watch. Sure, it gets a little hokey at times, as period pieces often do (the story ends in 1918), but the costumes, the acting, and especially the story, are not only entertaining, but but also inspiring. If you have a moment (and who doesn’t these days?) Take a peek.
All About the Dogs on Disney+
Bow wow wow yippee yo yippee yay! Is there any such thing as too much dog content on TV? I think not. For our own puppy pleasure, Disney+ has kindly provided us with a list of dog friendly movies available on the streaming service. Disney+: It’s not just for kids.
- 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians
- 101 Dalmatian Street
- Because of Winn Dixie
- Bluey
- Bolt
- Cesar Millan: Dog Whisperer
- Dog: Impossible
- Kitbull
- Lady and the Tramp (Live Action)
- My Dog The Thief
- Old Yeller
- Pick of the Litter
- The Shaggy D.A
- The Ugly Dachshund
- Togo
- Turner & Hooch
- World’s Greatest Dogs
Your Favorite Hospital Shows are Donating Medical Supplies!
How cool is this? ABC’s Station 19, Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor (my personal favorite) are donating medical supplies, including N95 masks, to medical workers and hospitals. And they’re not alone in their efforts: Fox’s The Resident donated protective equipment in Atlanta where it’s shot, and NBC’s New Amsterdam (my husband’s favorite) also started a supply donation operation.“We are all overwhelmed with gratitude for our healthcare workers during this incredibly difficult time,” said Krista Vernoff, executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19. Thanks guys!
The HBO List of Feel Good Movies and Series Has Arrived — Just in Time!
This week I’ve received the HBO List of Feel Good Movies and Series, which highlights some warm and fuzzy entertainment that offers perfect ways to cheer up and find a bit of comfort. From timeless flicks like Love Actually and The Little Rascals to signature series like Sex and the City, all of the below films and shows are available to stream on HBO NOW and HBO GO. See them all here.
Name that movie…
See the New Billy Crystal Movie at Home
Betcha didn’t even know a new Billy Crystal movie exists, did you? Well it does, it’s called Standing Up, Falling Down, and it’s actually quite sweet. Starring Crystal and Ben Schwartz (House of Lies) and directed by Matt Ratner, it’s about a comedian who washes up in L.A. and returns home to Long Island to find himself. Crystal plays his feisty dermatologist with some baggage of his own. Available for streaming or on DVD.
AMAZING STORIES Review – Apple Takes a Bite of 80s Sci-Fi Nostalgia
Amazing Stories review — Here’s hoping this Steven Speilberg anthology series reboot picks up steam. If you were around in the 1980s, then you may remember Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories. The Emmy-winning anthology television series was based on a beloved monthly magazine that brought readers the best in sci-fi and speculative fiction (with the occasional…
Nominate Your Favorite Reality TV Shows for Critics Choice Real TV Awards
Here we go again! The Second Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards are will recognize your favorite reality TV shows. Oh you know you love your guilty pleasures. Admit it — you have a long list of favorite reality TV shows, which may or may not include The Masked Singer, Shark Tank, Love Is Blind, Property Brothers,…
Everything You Need for a Comfy, Cozy Valentines Day at Home
A collection of fabulous finds for you and your loved ones that will make Valentines Day at home far more appealing than going out and fighting the crowds. Who needs to hassle the crowds and elevated prices at trendy restaurants when you can have a warm and cuddly Valentines Day at home? Whenever my other half…
The Surprising Results of the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood named best picture and takes four awards at the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards. Here’s the rundown of the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, held live at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Jim and I were decked out in our finest for the gala event, which aired on The CW…
Check Out Who We Nominated for the 2020 Critics Choice Awards
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the nominees for the 2020 Critics Choice Awards. The winners will be revealed at the star-studded Critics’ Choice Awards gala, which will once again be hosted by film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs, and broadcast live on The CW Television Network on Sunday, January 12 from 7:00 –…
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Review — Exactly What We Need, Exactly When We Need It
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood review — Give yourself and those you love the gift of this movie. “I feel like a better person after seeing that film.” That’s a quote from my husband as we strolled to our car after a press screening of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. With all the…
Scott Disick Flips — Proving He’s More Than Just Celebrity Arm Candy
These Before and After photos show that Kourtney Kardashian’s ex Scott Disick flips houses with his own expert style. As you well know, I generally try to distance myself from anything even vaguely smelling of Kardashian, but one of the latest of the Scott Disick flips proves he has talent in his own right. (Perhaps…
How I Use CBD for Fitness at Home in Hollywood (Don’t Worry — It’s Perfectly Legal)
It’s not naughty and I don’t get high! Here at home in Hollywood I use CBD for fitness, and a Wall Street Journal article just might back that up. I saw an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal this morning: “Fitness Devotees Are Getting Stoned to Stay Toned — Pot helps relieve the pain and…
No Emmy Season is Complete Without the Bergman Style Lounge — Check Out the Celeb Goodies!
The Bergman Style Lounge is THE gifting event of Emmy Season, where celebs and journalists like little old me discover fabulous new finds. SO glad I went to the Bergman Style Lounge and Party in celebration of the 71st Annual Emmy® Awards. The event turned out to be a lot more fun than the actual…
Recognize this Place? You’ve Seen This Malibu Mansion in the Movies and On TV
This luxe Malibu mansion has been the location for numerous Hollywood productions. How many times have you seen it? You know that part of the movie or TV show where the main character attends a posh party at a lavish beach house, and decadence ensues? Chances are it was filmed in this recently listed Malibu…
