Another SNL exit
And like it or not, "Hollywood's biggest party" is back
What to know
Chris Redd latest to leave SNL, first 3 hosts announced… SNL is going to look even more different than we expected upon its Oct. 1 premiere. 5-year cast member Chris Redd is now the 8th cast member headed for the door. I didn’t think anyone else would be leaving, but now, who knows what could happen in the next 10 days! Redd’s departure is surprising as he seemed to be a productive fixture of the series in recent years (word is his Eric Adams slayed at the table read). Personally I’ve liked his stand up more than his contributions to SNL, but that comes down to taste. Miles Teller and Brendan Gleeson will host the first two episodes of the season, with Kendrick Lamar and Willow as musical guests respectively, while Megan Thee Stallion will pull double duty for episode 3. 🗽
For better or worse, the Golden Globes are back… It’s official, the maligned Hollywood Foreign Press award show is returning to NBC on Tuesday, Jan. 10. I really thought we were rid of this thing, but instead we’ll have to go through the entire cycle of “have the Globes really changed?” and “what impact will this have on the Oscars” and “of course, the ratings were terrible.” Yawn, no thanks. NBC recognized the HFPA’s apparent commitment to “ongoing change,” but behind the scenes, the Peacock network only signed a one-year deal, so who knows what will happen to the Globes after that. 🌐
Inside Amy Schumer returns Oct. 20 on Paramount+… Of all the reboots and IP plays these days, this is one I’m most excited about and intrigued by. I had assumed Schumer was putting her sketch days behind her, content to focus on long form stories like her movies and excellent Hulu show Life & Beth, not to mention her stand up. Inside was sharp and insightful, so hopefully Schumer captures that spirit once again. And if any other sketch shows from Comedy Central’s golden age wanted to come back too (looking at you Kroll Show and Key & Peele), I wouldn’t mind. 🤣
Critics laud new Star Wars show Andor… The official reviews are in and critics are praising the “slow-burn espionage thriller” for being geared towards adults, taking its time, and not pandering to fan service. It’s got a respectable 85% on RottenTomatoes. Meanwhile not everyone is giving it a full-throated recommendation. Respected critic Alan Sepinwall dinged the series for its 12-hour movie approach and devolving into an “amorphous storytelling blob.” ✨
Spotify launches audiobooks with a la carte pricing, no discount for subscribers… You can now listen to audiobooks in the same place you listen to music and podcasts. Spotify really is trying to monopolize all of your listening needs. That said, it’s a bummer that the platform isn’t offering subscribers any kind of deal, discount, or included audiobook content. C’mon Spotty, be a pal. 🔊
Slate: “Too many people keep sleeping on one of the best shows on TV”… They’re talking about Industry. Let this be another reminder to you to watch it. Warning: The linked article is full of spoilers. 📺
Eugene Cordero upped to series regular for Loki season 2… Because Marvel clearly has good taste. 👍
Billy Eichner revives Billy on the Street, carts out Paul Rudd and the lesbians to promote Bros… As funny as ever. 🎤
Avatar might cross $3 billion at the global box office this weekend… But yeah, no one remembers or cares about it. 🔵
What’s new
Reboot - Sept 20 | Hulu comedy series | 🍅 76%
Andor - Sept 21 | Disney+ Star Wars series | 🍅 85%
Lego Masters s3 - Sept 21 | Fox reality competition | 🍅
Abbott Elementary s2 - Sept 21 | ABC comedy series | 🍅
On the Come Up - Sept 23 | Paramount+ drama film | 🍅 91%
Don’t Worry Darling - Sept 23 | Drama in theaters | 🍅 36%
What to watch
TV Trailer: The Midnight Club — Oct 7 on Netflix
Created by Mike Flanagan and Leah Fong, based on the novel by Christopher Pike, starring Iman Benson, Adia, Igby Rigney, Ruth Codd, Aya Furukawa, Annarah Cymone, Chris Sumpter, Sauriyan Sapkota, Rahul Kohli, Zach Gilford, Samantha Sloyan and Matt Biedel.
Confession time: I’ve never watched a Mike Flanagan show or movie. I’m a light touch when it comes to horror and have a bit of a cultural blind spot for the genre. That said, I’m well aware that The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass are beloved series and are widely respected even outside of horror circles. This is why I’m pretty stoked on The Midnight Club, it seems like a less intense entry point to the world of Flanagan as it mixes jump-scare horror with young adult drama. Basically, it’s a Flanagan show, complete with the grounded characters and real human emotions, for us softies. And who knows maybe if I really dig it, I’ll muster up the courage to watch his other hit series. All in all, this is a smart play for Netflix, as they launch a full on Halloween programming assault next month. Not only does this look to be a centerpiece of the streamer’s Halloween season, it looks like an ideal companion to Stranger Things. The algorithm will be pleased.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!