The Girlfriend is a slippery, dual-perspective psychological thriller on Prime Video, adapted from Michelle Frances's 2017 bestselling novel. Robin Wright, who also directs several episodes and executive produces, stars as Laura, a successful gallery owner and fiercely protective mother whose comfortable life tilts off its axis when her adored son Daniel brings home a new girlfriend. Olivia Cooke plays Cherry, the ambitious young woman who may be a devoted partner or a calculating opportunist, depending entirely on whose version of events you believe.
The series' central formal trick is to refuse to take a side. As the relationship between the two women curdles from wary politeness into open psychological warfare, the show replays key events from each woman's point of view, subtly altering a glance, a line of dialogue, or a gesture so that the same scene reads as either menacing or perfectly innocent. The effect keeps the audience permanently off balance, unsure whether Laura is a mother rightly sensing danger or a snob poisoning her son's happiness, and whether Cherry is a victim or a predator.
Wright and Cooke are both excellent, circling each other with icy precision, and critics praised the series as a tense, morally ambiguous adult thriller elevated by its two committed leads. Stylish and coolly unnerving, The Girlfriend is streaming on Prime Video.
"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.
"Dollface" is an American television series that premiered on Hulu on November 15, 2019. The show was created by Jordan Weiss, who also serves as an executive producer. The series stars Kat Dennings as Jules, a young woman who must reconnect with her former female friends after her boyfriend breaks up with her. The show also stars Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, and Esther Povitsky in main roles. The show explores themes of friendship, relationships, and self-discovery. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its comedic elements and performances, while others criticized its lack of originality. The show was created by Jordan Weiss, who also served as an executive producer alongside Stephanie Laing, Margot Robbie, Brett Hedblom, Bryan Unkeless, Scott Morgan, Nicole King, and Kat Dennings. In addition to producing, Laing was also set to direct the pilot episode. Production companies involved with the series included LuckyChap Entertainment and Clubhouse Pictures. On November 2, 2018, Hulu ordered a first season consisting of ten episodes and additional executive producers were reported to include Ira Ungerleider, Tom Ackerley, and Matt Spicer. Ungerleider was also set to serve as the series' showrunner and Spicer as the director of the first episode. The series premiered on November 15, 2019. The series was renewed for a second season on January 17, 2020. "Dollface" received mixed reviews from critics. The first season holds an approval rating of 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The site's consensus reads that the show has "all of the right parts: a talented cast, a promising premise, and plenty of surreal intrigue—if only its shallow vision of feminism didn't undermine them." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 54 out of 100 based on reviews from 13 critics. The second season of the show has an approval rating of 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 4.8/10. On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 49 out of 100 based on reviews from 4 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".
This Fool" is an American comedy television series created by Chris Estrada, Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman. The show stars Estrada and Frankie Quiñones. It premiered on Hulu on August 12, 2022 and was renewed for a second season in November 2022. The series follows Julio Lopez, a 30-year-old man who still lives with his mother and grandmother in his childhood bedroom and works at a gang rehabilitation center in Los Angeles called Hugs Not Thugs. His older cousin Luis, a former gang member, is in the rehabilitation program after being released from prison. The series was created by Estrada with producers Bishop, Ingebretson, and Weisman, and Fred Armisen is an executive producer. All 10 episodes of the first season were released on Hulu on August 12, 2022.