Long Story Short is a Netflix adult animated comedy-drama created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, his first new animated series since the acclaimed BoJack Horseman. Trading Hollywood satire for something more intimate, the show is a warm, melancholy, and very funny portrait of a single family told across the sweep of its members' entire lives.
The series follows the Schwooper family, jumping freely and non-chronologically through the decades, from childhood and adolescence to marriage, parenthood, and old age, so that a character might be a squabbling kid in one scene and a weary adult in the next. This restless time-hopping structure lets the show explore how families carry their history with them, how old wounds and inside jokes echo across generations, and how small moments accumulate into a life. Its voice cast includes Abbi Jacobson, Ben Feldman, Lisa Edelstein, Paul Reiser, and Nicole Byer.
Rooted in Bob-Waksberg's own Jewish American upbringing, Long Story Short earned strong reviews for balancing sharp comedy with genuine emotional depth, the same alchemy that made his previous work resonate. It is streaming on Netflix.
The Masked Singer is an American reality singing competition television series. The show features celebrities singing songs while wearing elaborate costumes and masks that conceal their identities. Each episode features several performances, with the judges and audience trying to guess the singer behind the mask.
The series has become popular for its unique concept and the mystery surrounding each contestant's identity. Contestants have included athletes, actors, and singers, with some surprising reveals when the mask is finally removed. The show has been praised for its entertainment value and ability to keep audiences guessing.
The Masked Singer has spawned several spin-off shows, including The Masked Dancer and The Masked Singer: After the Mask. The show has also been adapted in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The success of The Masked Singer has been credited with reviving interest in the reality television genre and providing a fresh take on the singing competition format.
Station 19 is an American television drama series that premiered on ABC in 2018. It is a spin-off of the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy and follows the lives of firefighters at Station 19 in Seattle, Washington. The show has been praised for its diverse cast and representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
The main character of Station 19 is Andy Herrera, a strong and determined firefighter who also happens to be the daughter of the station's captain. Throughout the series, we see her struggle to balance her personal life with her job, as well as deal with the aftermath of traumatic events. Other main characters include Jack Gibson, a charming and charismatic firefighter, and Maya Bishop, the station's lieutenant who is also openly gay.
Station 19 has been successful in exploring important issues such as mental health, workplace harassment, and the challenges faced by first responders. The show has also had crossover events with Grey's Anatomy, further expanding the universe and creating more opportunities for character development. Overall, Station 19 offers a unique perspective on the world of firefighters and has become a beloved addition to ABC's lineup of drama series.
"History of the World, Part II" is a 1981 American film that parodies historical events from the Old Testament through to the French Revolution. The movie is a sequel to the 1981 film "History of the World, Part I" but the second part was never made.
The film was directed, produced, and co-written by Mel Brooks, who also starred in the movie. It features an ensemble cast, including Madeline Kahn, Dom DeLuise, Harvey Korman, and Cloris Leachman, among others. The film's humor is often described as slapstick, irreverent, and politically incorrect.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon release, "History of the World, Part II" has gained a cult following over the years. The film's satirical take on historical events, combined with Brooks' signature comedic style, has made it a popular choice among fans of comedy movies. Although a sequel was initially planned, it was never produced, leaving the first film as a standalone piece of cinematic history.
Love Island is a British reality TV show that first aired in 2015. It features a group of young, attractive single people living in a villa on an exotic island, with the goal of finding love and winning a cash prize. The contestants must couple up with each other, and those who fail to find a partner risk being eliminated. As the show progresses, new contestants are introduced, and existing couples are tested with various challenges and temptations.
The show has gained a lot of popularity in the UK and around the world, with viewers tuning in to watch the drama, romance, and occasional arguments that take place within the villa. Love Island also incorporates social media, with viewers able to vote on their favorite couples and interact with the contestants via Twitter and Instagram.
Although the show has been criticized for promoting a shallow view of love and relationships, many fans enjoy the entertainment it provides and the chance to see attractive people finding love in a beautiful setting. Love Island has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations in other countries, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
"A Million Little Things" is an American television drama series that premiered on ABC in 2018. The show follows a group of friends in Boston who are brought together after the unexpected death of one of their own. As they grieve and try to make sense of their loss, they discover that they don't really know each other as well as they thought they did, and begin to open up about their own personal struggles.
The main characters of the show include Jon, a successful businessman who seemingly has it all but is hiding a dark secret; his wife Delilah, who is struggling to cope with the loss of her husband and keep their family together; Rome, a struggling filmmaker who is dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts; and Gary, a sarcastic and impulsive man who uses humor to mask his own pain.
Throughout the series, the characters navigate their own personal demons while also supporting each other through their struggles. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of grief and mental health, as well as its diverse cast and inclusion of topics such as infertility, breast cancer, and LGBTQ+ issues.
"Not Dead Yet" is a British comedy television series that was created by Ben Elton and aired on ITV in 2017. The show follows the life of Richard Wilson, a retired actor who is trying to stay relevant in the entertainment industry. Richard is determined to prove that he is still capable of performing despite his advancing age and declining health.
Throughout the series, Richard encounters various challenges and setbacks as he tries to make a comeback. He struggles with his memory, his mobility, and his relationships with his family and friends. Despite these obstacles, he remains optimistic and determined to succeed.
The show explores themes of aging, mortality, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. It features a talented cast of actors, including Richard Wilson himself, who brings his own experiences and perspectives to the role. Overall, "Not Dead Yet" is a poignant and humorous look at the trials and tribulations of growing old in the entertainment industry.
Snowfall is a TV series set in the 1980s during the crack epidemic in Los Angeles. The story follows the rise of Franklin Saint, a young street entrepreneur, as he navigates the dangerous and violent world of drug trafficking. Alongside Franklin, the show explores the lives of other characters, including a CIA agent, a Mexican wrestler, and a reporter, all of whom are affected by the growing drug problem in the city.
As the crack epidemic spreads, the characters become increasingly entangled in the dangerous world of drug dealing. Franklin, in particular, is forced to make difficult decisions as he tries to expand his operation while avoiding the attention of the police and rival gangs. Meanwhile, the CIA agent is involved in a covert operation to fund the Contras in Nicaragua, which leads him to work with Franklin and other drug dealers in Los Angeles.
Throughout the series, Snowfall depicts the devastating impact of the crack epidemic on individuals and communities. The show tackles themes of race, poverty, corruption, and violence, shedding light on the complex and often hidden forces that shape society. With compelling characters and a gripping storyline, Snowfall offers a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history.
20/20 is an American television newsmagazine that first aired in 1978. The program is broadcasted on the ABC network, and it focuses on investigative journalism, human interest stories, and news features. It has won numerous awards for its in-depth reporting, including Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards.
The show has covered a wide range of topics over the years, including true crime stories, political scandals, and celebrity interviews. It has also featured stories about health and wellness, consumer advocacy, and social justice issues. Each episode usually consists of several segments, which are typically 10-15 minutes long.
20/20 has had many hosts and correspondents over the years, including Barbara Walters, John Stossel, Elizabeth Vargas, and David Muir. The show has also undergone several format changes, including a shift towards more hard-hitting journalism in the 1990s. Today, it remains one of the most popular and respected newsmagazines on television.
"The Last of Us" is an American post-apocalyptic TV series for HBO based on the 2013 video game by Naughty Dog. The series takes place 20 years after a global fungal infection turned people into cannibalistic creatures. It follows Joel and Ellie on a journey across post-apocalyptic US and features guest stars like Gabriel Luna, Nico Parker, and Merle Dandridge. It was filmed in Alberta and is the largest Canadian TV production ever. The first season consists of 9 episodes written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann and has a score composed by Gustavo Santaolalla and David Fleming. The series premiered on Jan 15, 2023, to critical acclaim and high viewership, leading to a renewal for a second season.
The main characters of the TV series "The Last of Us" are Joel and Ellie, portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, respectively. Joel is a hardened middle-aged man tormented by past trauma, while Ellie is a 14-year-old girl who is immune to the Cordyceps infection. Other characters include Sarah, Joel's daughter, Dr. Neuman, Marlene, the head of the resistance movement, and a host of a talk show from 1968. The actors had to portray the characters in their own way, avoiding too close an imitation of the video games. Some actors, like Merle Dandridge, reprised their roles from the video games.
The casting of the TV show based on the video games "The Last of Us" took place virtually due to COVID-19. For International Women's Day in 2020, it was confirmed that several characters from the games would appear in the show. Pascal and Ramsey were cast as Joel and Ellie. Mahershala Ali was offered the role of Joel but a deal was never formed. The producers sought actors who could embody Joel and Ellie and their relationship. Luna was cast as Tommy, Dandridge as Marlene, and Parker as Sarah. Pierce, Bartlett, and O'Neill as Perry, Frank, and Bill and Torv as Tess. Bartlett claimed Offerman would appear on the show, and he was later announced as Bill. Žbanić revealed the casting of Greene, Miles, and Wesley. Reid was cast as Riley Abel, and Baker and Ashley Johnson were later announced. Lamar Johnson and Woodard were cast as Henry and Sam, and Lynskey as Kathleen and Shepherd. Wesley's role was revealed as Maria. A casting call was distributed for a boy who was deaf and proficient in sign language for the character of Sam.
The TV show "The Last of Us" has received widespread critical acclaim, with a 97% approval rating and average rating of 8.75/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and an average of 84 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised the performances of the cast, particularly Pascal and Ramsey, with some considering it the best video game adaptation. The differences from the original game's narrative and the production design were also highly praised, though some reviewers had issues with pacing. The third episode was considered the best of the season, while the first was seen as too familiar. The score by Santaolalla was also well received.
"Fleishman Is in Trouble" is an American drama streaming television miniseries based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. The series premiered on FX on Hulu on November 17, 2022. The series follows the story of Toby Fleishman, a recently divorced man in his 40's who starts using dating apps for the first time, as he balances looking after his kids, a promotion at the hospital where he works, and all the women in Manhattan. However, as he begins to find successes he never found in his youth, his ex-wife Rachel disappears without a trace, leaving him with their kids. Toby begins to realize that he'll never be able to figure out what happened to his wife until he can be more honest about what happened to their marriage in the first place. The cast includes Jesse Eisenberg as Dr. Toby Fleishman, Lizzy Caplan as Libby, Claire Danes as Rachel, Maxim Jasper Swinton as Solly, Meara Mahoney Gross as Hannah, and Adam Brody as Seth. "Fleishman is in Trouble" is an American limited series based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, announced on September 12, 2019 that ABC Signature had won a 10-studio bidding war for the rights to the novel Fleishman Is in Trouble, with the project being developed for FX. Taffy Brodesser-Akner, the author of the original novel, was attached to write the adaptation as well as executive produce the project alongside Susannah Grant, Carl Beverly, and Sarah Timberman. It was announced on March 11, 2021 that the project was given a limited series order consisting of nine episodes, and set to premiere exclusively on Hulu as part of FX on Hulu. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris were attached to direct multiple episodes of the series. The series was released on November 17, 2022, with the first two episodes available immediately and the rest debuting on a weekly basis. The cast includes Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Adam Brody, Maxim Jasper Swinton, Meara Mahoney Gross, Joy Suprano, Michael Gaston, Ralph Adriel Johnson, Brian Miskell, Christian Slater and Josh Radnor. Principal photography began by February 2022, in New York City. "Fleishman is in Trouble" received generally favorable reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reported an 83% approval rating with an average rating of 8.2/10, based on 36 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads that the series examines the characters' foibles with compelling insight, and they're brought to life by a terrific trio of stars. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 79 out of 100 based on 25 critics. Annie Berke of The A.V. Club gave the series an A− and said the characters are doing their best and the show is far better than most. Richard Roeper of Chicago Sun-Times gave the series 3 out of 4 stars and wrote that it is an exceedingly well-cast show, with Eisenberg, Danes, Caplan and Brody all playing to their strengths and hitting notes we've seen them master in previous roles.