Two 'SNL' cast members depart
And Netflix drops all the trailers, clips, and news
What to know
SNL says goodbye to Beck Bennett and Lauren Holt, adds 3 new cast members… There were rumors that Lorne Michaels was trying to get many longtime cast members to stay — and it turns out, he was effective. Maybe too effective? One of the joys of SNL is watching new comedic talents bloom, but how can we do that when people won’t leave? Its current veterans are fantastic, but I worry that they’re edging out airtime for others. Best of luck to new players Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman in this severely bloated era. 🗽
The Tonys brought the emotions, but CBS bungled its airing… The 2020 Tony awards were last night. That might be news to you considering the awards portion aired on Paramount+ and the CBS “Back to Broadway” concert special was delayed in many markets due to football. If you were among the 2.6 million people who did see it, you were treated to excellent performances and emotional speeches. I’m not sure what the TV solution is for the Tonys, but this was just unfortunate. 🎭
Netflix releases all the trailers and news… Netflix held its TUDUM fan special over the weekend and gave us: A Sandman first look, Bridgerton season 2 new clip, Cobra Kai 4 trailer and release date, a Stranger Things teaser, Don’t Look Up new clips, Cowboy Bebop opening credits, and a partridge in a pear tree 🍿
Wedding Crashers 2 reportedly falls apart as Owen Wilson heads to the Haunted Mansion… I’m OK with this 👻
CW developing Babylon 5 remake… so get ready for a sexy Babylon 5 with bad CGI 🚀
Timothy Simons and Matt Walsh reunite for Veep rewatch podcast… you could build an entire TV lineup with the amount of rewatch pods out there 🎙
Germany opening record-breaking gigantic IMAX movie screen… I want to go to there 📽
Why Dear Evan Hansen flopped… #1: Bad word of mouth. Could have stopped the article there 🎶
Facebook kills Instagram for kids project… good job Facebook, you did one good thing for humanity 🤳
For more pop culture news, discussion, and what-to-watch recommendations subscribe to my pals over on the Kickball Friends podcast. 🎙
Dropping this week:
The Problem With Jon Stewart — Sept 30 Apple TV+ news comedy series | 🍅
Venom: Let There Be Carnage — Oct 1 in theaters comic book movie | 🍅
The Many Saints of Newark — Oct 1 theaters & HBO Max drama film | 🍅 75%
The Guilty — Oct 1 Netflix thriller film | 🍅 73%
LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales — Oct 1 Disney+ animated movie
Saturday Night Live season 47 premiere — Oct 2 NBC sketch comedy
What to watch
Trailer: Licorice Pizza — Nov 26 in theaters
Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Alana Haim, Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Benny Safdie, and Cooper Hoffman.
If you're a cinephile, you’re likely in the pocket for Paul Thomas Anderson. It would not be exaggeration to say he is the world's premiere filmmaker at the moment. When he makes a movie, we movie people pay attention. This one is exciting because it’s PTA and because of the talent attached. (Who knew Alana Haim could act! Yes, that's Philip Seymour Hoffman's son.) But by any other director, this trailer might seem run of the mill. Perhaps, it's the fact that the 1970s coming-of-age dramedy is well worn? Or that this seems so Los Angeles adjacent? I am sure Licorice Pizza is a lot more than meets the eye and will be plenty captivating, but for now my mind is not blown. It's more piqued in anticipation.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!