L.A. Times - Entertainment News

Stephen A. Smith gets an 'F' from Black journalists group. He is declaring war

Greg Braxton — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:13:43 GMT

The outspoken commentator on sports and news got a "Thumbs Down " from the National Assn. of Black Journalists for his criticism of Black women in politics.

How Laufey's annual fan event, 'A Very Laufey Day,' exploded — and where to catch it in L.A.

Maria Sherman — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:11:00 GMT

What began as a way to encourage her fans to get outside has transformed into a global fan event. Here's what to know about 'A Very Laufey Day' and how to celebrate in Los Angeles and beyond.

Karol G's Latin American fantasia lands elegantly at SoFi Stadium

Ernesto Lechner — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 02:17:31 GMT

As part of her "Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour," Grammy-winning Colombian superstar Karol G headlined the first of three nights at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Ernesto Lechner reviews for the L.A. Times.

Marvel unveils 'X-Men' cast at D23, where Disney reveals its future leans on its past

Tracy Brown — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:40:22 GMT

The biggest announcements and takeaways from Disney's D23 showcase on upcoming film and TV projects from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and more.

Josh D'Amaro pledges new stories and experiences in first address as CEO to Disney faithful

Samantha Masunaga — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:21:49 GMT

In a star-studded presentation Friday night of Disney's upcoming films and TV shows, new Chief Executive Josh D'Amaro thanked Disney's super fans at the D23 fan event.

'Revenge of the Nerds' star Robert Carradine's family sues UCLA over his death

Carlos De Loera — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:03:10 GMT

The family of Robert Carradine has filed a lawsuit against UCLA for wrongful death, elder abuse and neglect following the "Revenge of the Nerds" actor's passing in February.

Christy Knowings, star on Nickelodeon's iconic sketch show 'All That,' dies at 46

Emily St. Martin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 02:34:37 GMT

Christy Knowings, an actor best known for her work on Nickelodeon's comedy sketch show "All That," has died at 46 after suffering a severe asthma attack.

CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman accused of harassment in wrongful termination suit against ABC

Stephen Battaglio — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:10:53 GMT

Gutman was included in a former ABC News producer's wrongful termination suit filed Friday in Los Angeles.

Oprah Winfrey put Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz on the map. Now she's addressing where they ended up

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:11:27 GMT

Oprah Winfrey reflects on launching the TV careers of Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz, explaining her original intentions amid public criticism of their political evolution.

Netflix plans to close two gaming studios, including one in Hollywood

Wendy Lee — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:06:45 GMT

Netflix said it has closed Hollywood-based Night School and plans to close Helsinki, Finland-based Moonloot.

In 'Lanterns,' the superheroes soar through a grounded detective story

Robert Lloyd — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler star in the latest DC Studios series on HBO, playing a pair of intergalactic detectives who work for the Green Lantern Corps.

Netflix leans into young adult dramas as YouTube threat grows

Wendy Lee — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Netflix is making it easier for fans to find hundreds of YA films and TV shows, including supernatural mystery "Sid & Zoey" and coming of age tale "Sunshine Girls."

How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Ariana Madix

Kailyn Brown — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The 'Love Island USA' host is horseback riding, dancing at Club Tee Gee and playing old-school games at the Neon Retro Arcade in Pasadena.

'Winging it has served us well': How one band pushed through wildfire loss to unveil its debut album

Julius Miller — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Something Specials are releasing their debut album, "Somewhere Up There," a year and a half after their lead singer's house burned down in the Eaton fire, forcing her to relocate.

'The Rivals of Amziah King' is a honey-tinged slice of quirky Southern pulp

Katie Walsh — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Matthew McConaughey reminds us of his Southern-fried charms and depths as a beekeeper and musician, one with his own personal sense of justice.

In 'Late Fame,' a forgotten poet is rediscovered by fans, who upend his life

Gary Goldstein — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

William Dafoe plays an unassuming New York postal worker whose '70s-era publishing success was quickly dimmed — that is until Greta Lee enters the picture.

Will Poulter plays a shaken man combating drug addiction in the empathetic 'Union County'

Robert Abele — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A docu-fictional hybrid peopled with real-life users in recovery, Adam Meeks' drama has a bone-deep authenticity and honesty to it that can't be faked.

Chris Robinson on the stories behind the Black Crowes' biggest songs

Mikael Wood — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the band's show Monday night at the Hollywood Bowl, Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson reveals how their signature songs came to be.

California regulators approve $34.5-billion Charter-Cox merger

Meg James — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:07:29 GMT

More than 6 million customers in California will have Spectrum service.

What we know so far about 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 — including the new cast

Anthony Solorzano — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:35:32 GMT

Here's what we know so far about 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2, which hits HBO Max in spring 2027.

Jon Batiste calls off Connecticut music fest appearance, other concerts due to 'personal circumstances'

Alexandra Del Rosario — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:58:48 GMT

Jon Batiste announces he will take a brief break from live performances as he deals with undisclosed "personal circumstances," he said in a statement shared by Connecticut's Westville Music Bowl.

Kennedy Center board votes to close venue for two years, inscribe Trump's name on building

Jessica Gelt — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:04:56 GMT

The Kennedy Center's board of trustees on Thursday voted to move forward with President Trump's plan to close the building for renovations and to inscribe his name on the building to commemorate the upgrades.

'The Wrong Girls' is the summer's most gloriously stupid stoner comedy

Amy Nicholson — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:00:25 GMT

The slacker comedy stars Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat as baked roommates in trouble. Directed by Dylan Meyer, it doesn't blaze new trails — but who cares?

How Mexico City EDM duo RØZ turned Coachella buzz into a bold debut

Andrea Flores — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:43:47 GMT

On Aug. 7, RØZ released a 19-track project titled "Se Esta Haciendo Tarde" — an introspective debut that solidifies the duo's standing in the EDM world as both masterful mixers and vocalists.

Hollywood unions split: DGA, IATSE seek settlement while WGA fights to block Paramount-Warner merger

Meg James — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:03:21 GMT

Union leaders are asking David Ellison commit to keeping Paramount's operations in Hollywood and maintaining historic levels of film production in the U.S.

Shane Hawkins becomes the driving force behind his father Taylor's loud legacy with Chevy Metal

Steve Appleford — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In his late father Taylor Hawkins' Hidden Hills studio, 19-year-old drummer Shane Hawkins is reviving Chevy Metal, turning a once-casual Foo Fighters side project into his own full-throttle tribute.

'Don't Say Good Luck' showcases Sunny Sandler, but Melanie Lynskey makes it shine

Mary McNamara — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In a landscape littered with teenage dysfunction, Netflix's 'Don't Say Good Luck' is a moving argument for aspirational television.

'Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear' took nearly 10 years to make. 'Trust takes time,' directors say

Stuart Miller — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Directors Michael Dwyer and Justin Krook say they didn't plan to film the rock star so long, but they feel they had a better product in the end. We also recommend four other new documentaries.

Doubters once called Chase Infiniti's ambition 'embarrassing.' Not anymore

Mark Olsen, Yvonne Villarreal — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The 'One Battle After Another' and 'The Testaments' breakout star opens up about fame, ambition and her love of One Direction on this week's episode of The Envelope podcast.

Commentary: David Ellison made himself the best argument for blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal

Mary McNamara — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Paramount Skydance Chief Executive David Ellison faces an antitrust lawsuit over his proposed purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. He recently threatened to move Paramount out of California if the suit is not settled.

Tom Segura breaks silence on 'horrible' divorce after backlash: 'It is what it is'

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:22:08 GMT

Tom Segura addresses his divorce from Christina Pazsitzky on a new episode of "Your Mom's House," countering assumptions over her solo episode that caused outcry among fans.

NBA YoungBoy, now in Korea, talks heart condition and how many albums his future holds

Andrea Flores — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:07:16 GMT

While a guest on the Open Thoughts podcast, the 26-year-old Baton Rouge rapper revealed that the left side of his heart is "still enlarged."

'The Office' star Lucy Davis has incurable breast cancer after finding tiny 'hard spot'

Emily St. Martin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:54:19 GMT

Lucy Davis, who starred in Britain's version of 'The Office' and 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,' reveals her breast cancer has spread to her bones. The actor said she's at peace with the 'incurable' diagnosis.

Reality TV stars Joseph and Kendra Duggar withdraw not guilty pleas in child endangerment case

Andrea Flores — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:24:47 GMT

Legal troubles for the Duggar family first emerged March 18, when 31-year-old Joseph Duggar was arrested in Arkansas on molestation charges occurring in Florida.

Boney Island, L.A.'s long-beloved Halloween attraction, comes to an end

Christopher Reynolds — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:56:04 GMT

Rick Polizzi, who created the skeleton-centric experience in his Sherman Oaks front yard, said the county-wide slump in TV and film production is partially to blame.

They made a stoner comedy together. Kristen Stewart needs a joint to talk about how deep it is

Mark Olsen — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:49:53 GMT

Kristen Stewart, Alia Shawkat and Dylan Meyer discuss 'The Wrong Girls' and the important things in life: weed, female friendship and cats.

Perez Hilton's mother seeks temporary custody of his children amid mental health crisis

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:33:49 GMT

Perez Hilton's mom has taken legal action to ensure the care of his three children after his public mental health crisis unfolded on social media earlier this month.

'The De Los Podcast': Álvaro Díaz on being kicked out of a rock band and recording new album 'Omakase'

Katerina Portela — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:08:21 GMT

On 'The De Los Podcast,' Álvaro Díaz revealed how grief, Blink-182 and his cousin Chef Tino's restaurant paved the way for his chart-topping new album, 'Omakase.'

Wife finds a way in the Spielberg-poached dino-mayhem of 'The End of Oak Street'

Amy Nicholson — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:01:40 GMT

Indie auteur David Robert Mitchell of "It Follows" drops his own signature for an '80s-style family adventure, zapping dinosaurs into a idyllic suburb.

The week's bestselling books, August 16

The California Independent Booksellers Alliance — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Southern California Independent Bookstore Bestsellers list for Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, including hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction.

Paul W. Downs fought for Megan Stalter to have pay parity on 'Hacks': 'I don't want to be paid more'

Margy Rochlin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:01:00 GMT

"'Hacks' is about duos," says Downs — and in Jimmy LuSaque Jr. and Kayla Schaeffer, he and Stalter have created one that's poised to outlive the series itself.

How letting Dudamel be Dudamel led to unpredictable, wonderful L.A. music

Mark Swed — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Over his 17 seasons as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, L.A. shaped Gustavo Dudamel and he shaped L.A.

Inside David Ellison's desperate fight for Warner Bros.

Meg James — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Paramount's board has approved David Ellison's contingency plan to move headquarters from Hollywood as early as this fall, according to people familiar with the situation.

Nipsey Hussle's team and Bino Rideaux are finally ready to share their 2017 album

Kailyn Brown — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

"Prolific" is the first posthumous release from Nipsey Hussle since his death in 2019. He and his mentee, Bino Rideaux, recorded and sequenced the album in 2017.

One Shot: The moment 'The Bear' showed Sydney was ready to take the reins

Daron James — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In Season 4's 'Scallop,' the FX series finds chef Sydney Adamu perfecting a dish — and proving herself as the restaurant's future leader.

An intimacy coordinator's work isn't just about sex. We spoke to one behind 6 top shows

Megan Vick — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

For Lizzy Talbot, some of the most memorable moments of the season — from 'Widow's Bay' to 'Love Story' — were touchy for very different reasons.

How 'The Chair Company' sets up 'a sense of normalcy before things go insane'

Barry Levitt — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Star Tim Robinson, co-creator Zach Kanin and director Andrew DeYoung break down the Emmy-nominated series premiere of 'The Chair Company.'

Martin Short's 'Only Murders in the Building' Emmy chances, by the numbers

Carla Meyer — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The all-around entertainer has 23 Emmy nominations and two wins — but neither of those came for his standout role in Hulu's comic murder mystery.

His specialty was adultery, murder and erotic thrills. When will Adrian Lyne get his respect?

Mark Olsen — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Three screenings showcase the director's stylish, morally complicated work: 'Fatal Attraction,' 'Unfaithful' and the theatrical premiere of 'Deep Water.'

She couldn't picture herself playing 'Ted Lasso's' tough coach. Jason Sudeikis made her believe

Emily Zemler — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Tanya Reynolds initially hesitated to accept the role of Alice Chilton, the new 'bulldog' coach on Apple TV's comedy, but getting the thumbs up from Sudeikis gave her the confidence to take it.

How Evan's 'Death of Me' and solo debut became a lifeline after Enhypen

Adam Davidson — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As he reintroduces himself to global fans, Evan headlines the Grammy Museum's Spotlight program Aug. 14 and performs at KCON LA Aug. 16, a major hub for worldwide Korean pop culture.

Why we've become so suspicious of people who lose weight. John Goodman's trending moment

Shelby Grad — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

John Goodman's weight loss has drawn a lot of attention — not all of it good.

ZZ Top scrubbed Bowl concert because of Frank Beard health issues, but tour will continue

Andrea Flores — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:33:18 GMT

Last week, ZZ Top canceled its Hollywood Bowl show due to health issues with longtime drummer Frank Beard. Michael Monahan will replace the bandmember for the remainder of the Big One tour.

'Bachelorette' alum Joe Amabile says he's home following surgery to remove brain tumor

Andrea Flores — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:13:06 GMT

In July, 40-year-old "Bachelorette" darling Joe Amabile revealed on Instagram that MRI testing found a "blueberry-sized" brain tumor, which would need to be removed for further examination.

What Tony Romo's leave means for CBS' NFL coverage

Stephen Battaglio — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:28:48 GMT

The former NFL quarterback and lead analyst for the network's football coverage has a court hearing on charges that he operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Ari Emanuel's events business will acquire theater owner ATG Entertainment

Wendy Lee — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:16:42 GMT

Mari, an events and experiences business founded by Ari Emanuel, plans to acquire ATG Entertainment, the owner of theater venues in areas including London's West End. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Reggie Bannister, star of 'Phantasm' cult film franchise, dies at 80

Alexandra Del Rosario — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:01:34 GMT

Actor Reggie Bannister, known for starring in the 'Phantasm' horror film franchise, died Sunday at age 80, his wife announced. 'He's no longer in pain,' she wrote.

Universal Studios to dampen 'disturbing' coaster screams with sound barriers, says council member

Todd Martens — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:52:30 GMT

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, currently in a soft open phase, has come under attack from residents in the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood.

Lucas Museum announces new restaurant inspired by Skywalker Ranch — and reservations are already open

Jessica Gelt — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:00:22 GMT

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Tuesday announced its flagship restaurant, Skywalker Grill. Nestled at the top of the museum with sweeping city views, the classic American eatery is now taking reservations.

Electro-R&B supergroup Helado Tropical brings the heat to the Ford on Aug. 13

Andrew Casillas — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Latin electronic stars Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical join forces in a balmy new album, "Helado Tropical." They spoke to The Times ahead of their Thursday night show at the Ford.

Spotify to label 'AI personas' and exclude AI music from personal recommendations

Cerys Davies — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Next month, a new label intended for AI music personas, will appear on Spotify. The Swedish streaming platform will label AI-generated music and remove the tracks from users' personal recommendations.

Why the facts of Anthony Bourdain's life were less relevant to his biopic makers than emotional truth

Laurie Ochoa — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Yes, the director and writers of 'Tony' know that many moments in their Anthony Bourdain biopic didn't actually happen. They were looking for a larger truth.

Quibi was 'early' for the microseries wave. A new company hopes to time it just right

Lorena O'Neil — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With aTwist, industry veterans Susan Rovner and Jana Winograde are combining storytelling chops honed in traditional TV with a fast-growing new format.

'Dancing With the Stars' recaptured the zeitgeist. Emmy voters noticed

Gregory Ellwood — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Fresh faces, TikTok and nostalgia have all been factors in the series' resurgence, which culminated last month in its first Emmy nomination for reality competition in 10 years.

This 'party historian' chronicled the world history of nightlife — and L.A. gets its due

Lina Lecaro — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Historian Imogen Willetts explores four centuries of after-hours history in her new book "Up All Night," proving L.A.'s 2000s party era was a serious cultural force.

'Widow's Bay' seemed to come from nowhere. But Stephen Root always knew it was special

Tyler Coates — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Though he's appeared in beloved films and TV shows from 'Office Space' to 'Barry,' the actor says he's 'drawing from a deeper place' in watercooler hit 'Widow's Bay.'

Anthony Hopkins, composer? How the actor collaborated with Gustavo Dudamel on his debut album

Tim Greiving — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Anthony Hopkins this month releases his debut album of classical compositions, "Life Is a Dream," through Decca Classics. It was recorded with London's Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.

'Top Chef' host Kristen Kish will defend quickfires for money '100%'

Matt Brennan — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Hosting reality TV is hard work. And this season, 'Top Chef' put Kristen Kish through her paces. She breaks down the biggest moments — and defends quickfires for money — to The Envelope.

At rehearsal with Los Angeles Ballet, dancers perfect their roles — and themselves

Claire Salinda — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As the company prepares for its Hollywood Bowl debut, rehearsal offers an intimate portrait of the artists behind the performance.

Brad Pitt reveals that he's drinking again after seven years of sobriety but 'not in big quantities'

Emily St. Martin — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:22:56 GMT

After seven years of sobriety, Brad Pitt revealed he is drinking again in moderation, opening up about his past struggles and divorce from Angelina Jolie.

Ben Jones, 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor who later served in Congress, dies at 84

Tracy Brown — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:16:40 GMT

Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard" then represented Georgia for two terms in Congress, has died at age 84.

Baby oh baby, Aubrey Plaza is a mother!

Andrea Flores — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:25:36 GMT

The 'Parks and Recreation' star reportedly was seen holding her new baby on Sunday in New York City following Abbott's final curtain call for the Broadway play 'Death of a Salesman.'

'Game of Thrones' spinoff 'The Mad King' stokes fan theories on 3.5-hour play's opening night

Emily Zemler — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:39:39 GMT

"Game of Thrones: The Mad King," the first stage adaptation of writer George R. R. Martin's bestselling fantasy saga, opened Saturday at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with Martin — and rapturous fans — in attendance.

Whitney Houston is now a Barbie, in her 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' look

Cerys Davies — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:51:41 GMT

The Barbie doll bearing Whitney Houston's likeness is the latest to join Mattel's iconic line, re-creating Houston's look from her 1987 hit "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" music video.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra names transformative new music director

Mark Swed — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

A report from Salzburg on Matthias Pintscher, who will become music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in 2027.

All 29 of John Mellencamp's Hot 100 hits, ranked from worst to best

Mikael Wood — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:34:59 GMT

As the heartland rocker brings his latest tour to the Hollywood Bowl, here's a critical rundown of his best-known songs.

Nine shows, including 'Clueless' sequel, receive state tax credit

Samantha Masunaga — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Nine shows, including a sequel to the 1995 hit "Clueless" and the second season of "S.W.A.T. Exiles" received a California production incentive.

iHeartMedia podcasts coming to Disney+ and Hulu

Wendy Lee — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Disney+ and Hulu announced it reached a deal with iHeartMedia to bring six video podcasts to the streaming services, including "Hey Jonas!"

How 'Shrinking' helped Jessica Williams work through a 'traumatic' time in her life

Maureen Lee Lenker — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:01:00 GMT

Season 3 of the Apple TV series finds the actor at her most vulnerable. It also shows that she's developed real dramatic chops without losing her ability to laugh.

Forget about being cool, Whitmer Thomas just wants to make his friends laugh

Anthony Solorzano — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Comedian Whitmer Thomas' new special, "The Terminal Crew of Dudes," trades cool-guy posturing for a heartfelt salute to loyalty, lifelong friendships and the stories that bind them.

The multicam comedy is on life support. Meet the editors trying to keep it alive

Leila Jordan — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The declining number of submissions threatens to oust multicam comedies from the Emmys. This year's nominated multicam editors discuss trying to protect a fading art form.

Commentary: 'House of the Dragon' has a major problem: It forgot to create a hero to root for

Lorraine Ali, Mary McNamara — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As Season 3 of the HBO series comes to a close, our critics discuss how a lack of characters to cheer for has made it hard to stay engaged in the sprawling epic fantasy.

How Charlie Hunnam reinvented himself with 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story'

Carlos Aguilar — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A self-described overthinker, the actor threw himself headlong into the Netflix limited series. His preparation even included reading Gein's medical records.

Netflix says it's doubling down on L.A. — even as it expands in New Jersey

Cerys Davies, Wendy Lee — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Netflix says Los Angeles remains its home base, with 47 productions shooting here in 2026 — even as it builds a $1-billion, 12-soundstage complex in New Jersey.

The celebrity documentary boom, explained

Gary Goldstein — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Popular with audiences (and streaming platforms). Increasingly high quality. Relatively inexpensive to produce. Inside the big business of celebrity docs.

'We tricked them.' Why 'Ted Lasso' probably deserves some credit for U.S. soccer boom

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT

The Apple TV series "Ted Lasso" is supposed to primarily be a wide-appealing comedy, yet its role in popularizing soccer in the U.S. can't be dismissed.

Tensions flare as $34-billion Charter-Cox cable deal nears finish line

Meg James — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Spectrum owner Charter Communications is nearing the finish line in its long-awaited $34.5-billion purchase of Cox Enterprises to form the nation's largest internet and cable television company. But consumer groups are seeking more protections for diversity and other measures.

Katseye's Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus before headlining Rose Bowl music festival

Emily St. Martin — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 02:18:10 GMT

Katseye member Sophia Laforteza announced she is taking a mental health hiatus ahead of the Head in the Clouds festival in Pasadena, joining member Manon Bannerman in stepping back from the group.

LA Jazz Festival, with John Legend and Janelle Monáe, is canceled

August Brown — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:33:17 GMT

John Legend, Janelle Monáe and more are booked for Aug. 22-23, but weeks of local programming appear to be canceled.

Time makes you bolder: Lindsey Buckingham says he and Stevie Nicks are 'talking all the time now'

Tracy Brown — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:10:45 GMT

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham says working on a documentary together has been a 'healing process' for the band.

Minnie Driver in neck brace post-crash: 'Reason I'm not dead is the car we were driving'

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 21:58:33 GMT

Actor Minnie Driver wore a neck brace in a video update following a car accident during a break from filming in France, crediting her vehicle's safety design for saving her life.

Peter Katsis, manager for Smashing Pumpkins, Jane's Addiction and Morrissey, dead at 69

August Brown — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 21:11:31 GMT

"He deserves immense credit for helping to usher in the alternative revolution of the '80s and '90s," Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan said.

This director made a John Hughes-inspired movie about a Mexican American teen

Carlos Aguilar — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 20:44:09 GMT

Out Friday, Fernando Eimbcke's new coming-of-age dramedy "Olmo" follows a charismatic Chicano teen in the 1970s.

Earth, Wind & Fire postpones concert with Lionel Richie because of 'medical emergency'

Alexandra Del Rosario — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 17:14:05 GMT

Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly called off its concert in San Francisco, citing a band member's medical emergency. The band and Lionel Richie are to play in Inglewood on Sunday.

William Orbit, producer behind Madonna's 'Ray of Light,' dies at 69

Mikael Wood — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:15:39 GMT

The English musician and producer teamed with Madonna at a moment of deep personal change for the pop superstar.

It's nonstop gore (and a bit of brain freeze) in Eli Roth's splatter-happy 'Ice Cream Man'

Robert Abele — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The filmmaker of 'Hostel' and 'Thanksgiving' serves up evil kids and an FX-heavy showcase with all the sprinkles but none of the smarts of 'Weapons.'

AI music company joins the vinyl record resurgence

Cerys Davies — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

AI music company Suno plans to press users' generated tracks onto 12-inch records for about $45, moving into vinyl as copyright suits from Universal and Sony continue.

Crude cops go on another misadventure tinged with middle-aged anxiety in 'Super Troopers 3'

Robert Abele — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Was a second sequel necessary? Wrong question, bro. Broken Lizard's longest-running franchise delivers the mediocrity its fans are expecting, even enjoy.

Karol G's new album may just have you crying at the club

Andrea Flores — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 04:10:00 GMT

The Colombian pop star releases her seventh studio album, 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' — and in 14 songs, reveals the depths of heartache one can only access when finally tuning out the world.