Ricky Gervais draws ire over new Netflix jokes

And proof the streaming bubble has burst

What to know

• Ricky Gervais draws criticism for transphobic jokes in new Netflix special, GLAAD calls rant “dangerous”… The trans community has become the butt of the joke yet again as professional provocateur Ricky Gervais just debuted a new routine on Netflix that sounds like JK Rowling at an open mic. In my opinion, this is lazy comedy from Gervais as it’s punching down at an already marginalized and dehumanized group. Meanwhile, Netflix remains committed to giving its talent artistic freedom, but at what cost? 👎

• The streaming market is saturated… Not long ago, Netflix had a dream of 1 billion subscribers worldwide. Now it seems like the streamer will level off at 250 million. According to a recent survey, more than 90% of Americans say there are “enough” or “too many” streaming services. The peak TV bubble might have finally burst or it’s just about to. How this all affects the quantity and quality of content, that’s yet to be determined. 📉

• New Thor: Love and Thunder trailer reveals Christian Bale’s villain and a lot more… If you’re not highly spoiler-averse, the new Thor 4 trailer is here and it’s pulling back the curtain on Taika Waititi’s next adventure. I personally haven’t watched and won’t plan to intentionally. I already know I want to see it and would like to go in as cold as possible. 🔨

• The Simpsons rails against Fox News, social media misinfo, and the oligarchy in big Hugh Jackman-Robert Reich musical number… I mean, if you’re going to get anyone to do a big musical number Hugh’s your guy. It’s good to see The Simpsons show some teeth again. 🎶

• Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy says the show will mess with Star Wars canon… Specifically, “what you've been told, what's on Wookieepedia, what you've been telling each other ... is really all wrong.” I don’t have a good feeling about this. ✨

• Rita Moreno cast as Vin Diesel’s grandmother in Fast X… Give her the keys to one of the cars! Let Rita Moreno drive in a car chase! Vin, do it! Please! 🚗

• Rob Reiner and Morgan Freeman make list of 1,000 Americans banned from Russia… What an honor! 🇷🇺

• Samuel L. Jackson cast as Garfield’s dad in new film… I’ve had it with these m*****f***ng Mondays! 🐈

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What’s new

• Somebody Feed Phil s5 — May 25 | Netflix food and travel series | 🍅

• Top Gun: Maverick — May 27 | Action-drama film in theaters | 🍅 97%

• The Bob’s Burgers Movie — May 27 | Animated movie in theaters | 🍅 98%

• Stranger Things s4 — May 27 | Netflix sci-fi series | 🍅 92%

• Obi-Wan Kenobi — May 27 | Disney+ Star Wars series premiere | 🍅

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What to watch

Trailer: Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One - July 14, 2023

Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Simon Pegg, Carey Elwes, Shea Whigham, Ving Rhames, Mark Gatiss, Indira Varma, Pom Klementieff, and Rob Delaney.

Tom Cruise will be 60 years old when this movie comes out. As he ages, the death-defying stunts just keep getting more extreme and over the top — such as riding a motorcycle off a cliff. The level of commitment is insane, but what’s so impressive is the confidence that’s not always seen at this level of blockbuster making. Cruise, McQuarrie, and by extension the M:I franchise feel assured in what they’re doing. They’ve carved out a lane for these movies that doesn’t feel dependent on interlocking spinoffs or the need to please all four quadrants. They don’t seem to be bogged down by fan service or studio notes. It’s just pure action cinema done at a very high level. I couldn’t tell you many plot details from the previous 5 films, but what I do recall are the cast members and characters that have been accumulated on the way. Cruise and McQuarrie have assembled a deep ensemble here, and it’s fantastic that Rebecca Ferguson and Vanessa Kirby specifically are back for more. This movie doesn’t arrive for another 14 months, but again, they’re confident enough to whet our appetites now.

For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!