TV’s top honors: Primetime Emmy Awards are handed out again
BY JAY BOBBIN
As a new broadcast television season approaches, it’s a tradition for the business to honor standouts from the previous season.
The Primetime Emmy Awards show has long served that purpose, and the 77th edition of the event will be presented Sunday, Sept. 14, from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater by CBS and Paramount+. Comedian Nate Bargatze (“Your Friend, Nate Bargatze,” 2024) serves as host, and while the nominations once again are dominated by cable and streaming programming, some shows from so-called “legacy networks” (which typically appear on streaming outlets as well) also have bids for the accolades given by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
In fact, the winners in some categories have already been announced, since the Creative Arts Emmy Awards are bestowed a weekend earlier. Some were handed out even earlier than that this year, with winners in juried categories announced in mid-August, bypassing the nomination process. Among those recipients was music superstar Beyoncé, recognized for her work on her Netflix special “Beyoncé Bowl.”
Overall, Apple TV+’s “Severance” leads the field of nominees with 27 bids — followed by HBO Max’s “The Penguin”
with 24 and Apple TV+’s “The Studio” and HBO’s “The White Lotus” with 23 each. Also making significant showings are Disney+’s “Andor” and HBO Max’s “Hacks” with 14 nominations each, and Netflix’s “Adolescence,” FX on Hulu’s “The Bear” and HBO Max’s “The Pitt” with 13 apiece.
Following are the nominees in several categories at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards show.
Best comedy series: “Abbott Elementary,” ABC; “The Bear,” FX on Hulu; “Hacks,” HBO Max; “Nobody Wants This,” Netflix; “Only Murders in the Building,” Hulu; “Shrinking,” Apple TV+; “The Studio,” Apple TV+; “What We Do in the Shadows,” FX.
Best drama series: “Andor,” Disney+; “The Diplomat,” Netflix; “The Last of Us,” HBO; “Paradise,” Hulu; “The Pitt,” HBO Max; “Severance,” Apple TV+; “Slow Horses,” Apple TV+; “The White Lotus,” HBO.
Best limited or anthology series: “Adolescence,” Netflix; “Black Mirror,” Netflix; “Dying for Sex,” FX on Hulu; “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” Netflix; “The Penguin,” HBO.
Best reality competition program: “The Amazing Race,” CBS; “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” MTV; “Survivor,” CBS; “Top Chef,”
Bravo; “The Traitors,” Peacock.
Best talk series: “The Daily Show,” Comedy Central; “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC; “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” CBS.
Lead actor in a comedy series: Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This,” Netflix; Seth Rogen, “The Studio,” Apple TV+; Jason Segel, “Shrinking,” Apple TV+; Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building,” Hulu; Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear,” FX on Hulu.
Lead actress in a comedy series: Uzo Aduba, “The Residence,” Netflix; Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This,” Netflix; Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary,” ABC; Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear,” FX on Hulu; Jean Smart, “Hacks,” HBO Max.
Lead actor in a drama series: Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise,” Hulu; Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses,” Apple TV+; Pedro Pascal, “The Last of Us,” HBO; Adam Scott, “Severance,” Apple TV+; Noah Wyle, “The Pitt,” HBO Max.
Lead actress in a drama series: Kathy Bates, “Matlock,” CBS; Sharon Horgan, “Bad Sisters,” Apple TV+; Britt Lower, “Severance,” Apple TV+; Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us,” HBO; Keri Russell, “The Diplomat,” Netflix.
Horoscopes
single, love may surprise you when you least expect it.
TAURUS
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling in love this week—with a vehicle! If you’re patient, the salesperson could sweeten the deal with an even better offer. At work, your team will support you when your workload feels overwhelming.
GEMINI
Take a fresh look at your budget. You might find you can afford a little more luxury, like an unforgettable romantic getaway. Change will be highly beneficial at work, especially if you overcome your fear of the unknown.
CANCER
It’s time for change, whether in your relationship, household or work life. Let your emotions settle, and resist the urge to make hasty decisions. Some decisions take time to think through; impulsiveness won’t serve you well.
LEO
Your loved ones will encourage you to do more to treat yourself. You may decide to indulge in self-pampering, perhaps with a new look or by following the advice of an expert. Calm your anxiety to regain your energy.
VIRGO
Get ready to steal the spotlight this week as you attract attention in unexpected ways.
You’ll lead a group that will acknowledge your hard work. A well-deserved promotion awaits you. You’ll be recognized for your achievements.
LIBRA
If a joyful event, like a birth, is on the horizon for your family, you may also experience a home relocation in the near future. Be sensitive to those around you who may feel vulnerable during this time; your support will mean a lot to them.
SCORPIO
Prepare for lively discussions, especially at work, where you’ll be at the heart of the conversation. This is your chance to expand your professional and personal networks. You’ll forge new friendships, leading to enjoyable, enriching experiences.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ll manage to get out of a tricky financial situation this week. You must carefully choose your words to persuade those around you. In your love life, clear and open communication will help strengthen your relationship.
CAPRICORN
You’ll have to make a decision without having all the facts. Trust your instincts and judgment to make the right choice. Avoid long-term financial commitments this week, as they could add unnecessary stress.
AQUARIUS
A tempting work proposal will come your way. Take the time to discuss it with your loved ones before deciding, even if it’s your dream job. In your relationship, affection will come naturally as soon as you’re in the right mindset to receive it.
PISCES
You’ll spend a lot of time on social media this week. If you want to reignite passion in your relationship, consider doing more to include your partner in your activities. At work, your expertise will be invaluable to your team.
New Streaming Movies & Shows
(Sept. 14)
When Sherry (Amber Midthunder), the girl of his dreams, is kidnapped, a man incapable of feeling physical pain (Jack Quaid) turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her.
– Season 13 (Sept. 15)
You’ve been warned — the excitement might be too much! With a volcano ready to explode, chaos erupts as Bender goes on a rampage, Fry faces off against a rival for Leela’s heart, and Dr. Zoidberg ... ascends to heaven? The Planet Express crew is back in action and the universe may never recover.
Word Search
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
Hosted by Olivia Culpo, this newfangled culinary show sees 21 of America’s hottest young chefs (all under the age of 30) competing at The Culinary Institute of America as they battle to prove themselves a once-in-ageneration talent. Guest judges appear across the series’ eight episodes, including chefs Cat Cora, Kwame Onwuachi, Thomas Keller and Emma Bengtsson.
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Top
Guns: The Next Generation” (Sept. 17)
A six-part series following Navy and Marine Corps student pilots as they face the final and fiercest phase of elite strike fighter training. Over six months, these ambitious aviators endure punishing aerial drills, relentless physical demands and unflinching mental tests — all for the chance to earn the coveted wings of gold. Go behind-the-scenes to witness the cadets’ lives with family and friends, seeing the hopes and pressures that fuel their journey.
Q: Is Adam Scott going to do more “Party Down”?
A: The best anyone can say is it’s not likely.
Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”) starred in the cult-favorite sitcom “Party Down” on Starz from 2009 to 2010. But its reputation only grew afterward, partly due to many of its stars — most notably Scott — becoming more famous. This led to a surprise revival in 2023.
It’s since become clear that the revived third season was a one-off and there are no more episodes forthcoming.
Once again, Scott has moved on to new projects. Most notably, he now stars in Apple TV+’s “Severance,” one of the buzziest shows on TV. It’s been renewed for a third season, likely to release sometime next year.
He also has a busy big-screen sideline, with three different films in some stage of production now and several more potentials lined up.
“Next Gen Chef” (Sept. 17)
BY JAY BOBBIN
“The Dick Van Dyke Show” (CBS, 1961-66): What happened among Rob Petrie (Van Dyke) and his colleagues in the writers’ room of the variety-oriented “Alan Brady Show” often fueled this much-revered sitcom’s stories.
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (CBS, 1970-77): After playing Van Dyke’s stay-at-home wife in his series, Moore found work — in the persona of Mary Richards — as a Minneapolis TVnews producer in another of television’s most beloved and enduring comedies.
Doris Day experiences ‘The Thrill of It All’
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Network” (1976) and “Broadcast News” (1987) are among the most celebrated movie satires about television, but a Doris Day comedy with a Carl Reiner screenplay also takes noteworthy shots at that industry.
The front half of a Day double feature that Turner Classic Movies shows Sunday, Sept. 14, 1963’s “The Thrill of It All” — directed by the versatile Norman Jewison, who would have such later successes as “In the Heat of the Night” (1967) and “Moonstruck” (1987) — casts the beloved actress as Beverly Boyer, a housewife who’s content to tend to her obstetrician husband (James Garner) and their children (Brian Nash and Kym Karath).
She gets a very unexpected opportunity for something more when she accompanies her spouse to a dinner given by a couple (Arlene Francis, Edward Andrews) who are among his patients. They’re part of a family that has built a solid business by making and selling Happy Soap, and when Beverly spontaneously is enthusiastic about using that brand with her kids, the business family’s patriarch (Reginald Owen) immediately wants her to repeat her testimonial in TV ads.
Despite her clear discomfort in front of the cameras at first, Beverly becomes a well-compensated overnight star — to the dismay of her spouse, who’s used to being the household’s breadwinner. From that point, “The Thrill of It All” alternates between being a
domestic tale and poking fun at what’s on TV; Reiner has amusing cameos as an actor who’s in some of those parodies.
Of course, Reiner (who devised the story for “The Thrill of It All” with fellow comedy-writing legend Larry Gelbart) also got to factor his views about the TV business into his work on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” on which he also made appearances as variety-program host Alan Brady. As with Van Dyke and that legendary sitcom’s cast, having likable performers who are credible as everyday folks helps “The Thrill of It All” with its humor.
For proof, witness Garner’s face when he drives his car into a swimming pool he doesn’t know has been installed on his property. There’s also a very funny encounter with lots and lots of soap suds that basically shroud the Boyer home.
ZaSu Pitts, Elliott Reid and Alice Pearce (who was Gladys Kravitz on “Bewitched”) are among other recognizable actors here, and this was one of two films in which Day and Garner worked together the same year (the other being “Move Over, Darling”).
The two stars have great ease and rapport with each other, so it’s not surprising that they had a shared return engagement so soon.
Sixty-plus years later, “The Thrill of it All” remains great fun, in large part at the expense of a TV business that did well by both Day and Garner over the years.
Best TV SERIES MOVIES
“Murphy Brown” (CBS, 198898, 2018): Candice Bergen found her signature role as the title anchor-reporter in this comedy that sometimes made its way into actual news headlines for its timeliness and topicality.
“Home Improvement” (ABC, 1991-1999): Tim Allen successfully adapted his stand-up-comedy persona by playing the host of the fix-it show
“Tool Time.”
“Sports Night” (ABC, 19982000): Created by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”), this witty comedy featured Peter Krause and Josh Charles as the anchors of a sports-magazine show constantly under creative and financial pressure.
“The Comeback” (HBO, 2005, 2014): Lisa Kudrow created (with “Sex and the City’s” Michael Patrick King) a notable post-“Friends” role for herself as a sitcom star and later reality-TV celebrity. Long after its presumably last episode, this series has gotten a renewal for another season expected to debut next year.
“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (NBC, 2006-07): It didn’t last long, but Sorkin’s comedy-drama made its mark with many critics in depicting a “Saturday Night Live”-like sketch show led by executive producers played by Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford. “30 Rock” (NBC, 2006-13): Also a “Saturday Night Live” satire, this much-praised series benefited from the sensibility of someone who had been pivotal to the actual “SNL” — creator, producer, star and frequent writer Tina Fey.
“The Newsroom” (HBO, 201214): Another Aaron Sorkin take on TV’s inner workings, this drama earned Jeff Daniels a Primetime Emmy Award as an opinionated cable-news anchor whose mere presence often stirs controversy.
“The Morning Show” (Apple TV+, 2019-present): Streaming its fourth season starting Wednesday, Sept. 17, this drama — with a cast led by Jennifer Aniston (yes, another “Friends” veteran) and Reese Witherspoon (who played Aniston’s sister on that earlier show) — examines the struggles faced by the team on a morning news program, which typically mirror real-life challenges to those in that business.
Back at the board: Olson, cast return for second season of ‘High Potential’
BY DANA SIMPSON
Growing up, many of us heard about our potential. Whether from parents, teachers, siblings, friends or employers, the concept that one’s potential was something to be lived up to was — and continues to be — culturally pervasive despite the problematic ideals and near-impossible standards it so often sets. That said, there is very little in this world more frustrating than seeing one’s potential go unfulfilled.
This cultural expectation is the foundation for the ABC series “High Potential,” which premieres its second season Tuesday, Sept. 16, on the cable network. Landing on Hulu the following day, the series stars Kaitlin Olson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) as Morgan Gillory, a single mom and diagnosed “high-potential intellectual” who lands a promotion from nighttime cleaning lady to LAPD consultant after providing a string of insights that helped the Major Crimes Unit solve a particularly complex case.
Following the two-part Season 1 finale in which Morgan and the team used their knowledge of puzzles, games and codes to track down a serial kidnapper known only as the Game Master (David Giuntoli, “A Million Little Things”), fans have been looking forward to a second season of the hour-long procedural comedy (45-minute episodes if streaming) since this past February. And while, in a world where it could be years between
streaming seasons, the fact that “High Potential” has such a dedicated following is a testament to its writing, acting and direction.
Ranked ABC’s “highest-rated new show among adults in seven years,” as stated by the network, “High Potential” edged out both “American Idol” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” shows that had previously garnered the most network attention. So, needless to say, fans of the series have high expectations for the long-awaited second season. (And for those who are not yet caught up, beware of minor Season 1 spoilers ahead.)
“Season 1 had a fun two-part ending surprise and everything gets addressed in the new season,” Olson told the press, as reported by USA Today. “That parking lot meeting turned out to be so creepy, and he got so close to Morgan’s kids. It’s every mother’s nightmare.”
Both Amirah J (“Shameless”) and Matthew Lamb (“Smile,” 2022) return for Season 2 as Morgan’s children, Ava and Elliot, with each of them rumored to take on a larger role as they settle into their characters and develop more intricate storylines. Ava, for example, takes on a more active role in the search for her father, missing person Roman Sinquerra (casting has yet to be announced), who, as the story goes, disappeared one day while out picking up diapers and milk for his then-infant daughter. After learning that Roman was living a double life as an FBI informant prior to his disappearance, Morgan — and now Ava — have become determined to find the long-gone man of mystery in the series’ second season.
View from the Couch
“Roman is a really important and amazing piece of casting. I fantasize about who it could be, but I haven’t zeroed in on a person yet,” showrunner and executive producer Todd Harthan (“The Resident”) told Us Weekly during the hiatus between seasons, adding, “We’ve never met Morgan’s mother and father, either. We haven’t met
While this may be an indication of things to come in Season 2, the plot appears to hinge on two ongoing searches: the first for Roman and the second for the ever-elusive Puzzle Master, who continues to escalate his tactics and gets personal following Season 1’s harrowing trip to the grocery
And although many of the series’ more sentimental viewers have been wondering whether Karadec (Daniel Sunjata, “The Devil Wears Prada,” 2006) and Morgan’s chemistry will take flight this season, Sunjata told Us Weekly that “there’s definitely some electricity between the two of them.
“There’s a reluctant mutual attraction that’s happening,” the actor noted to the online magazine, “but I don’t think we should expect to see anything crazy about that happening anytime soon.”
Morgan is a very busy woman, after all.
BY JAY BOBBIN
“THIS IS SPINAL TAP”
Arguably the ultimate rock-music satire, director and co-writer Rob Reiner’s widely esteemed 1984 comedy now gets a Criterion Collection upgrade on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer — who also were among the picture’s writers — play the members of Spinal Tap, a British heavy-metal group followed during an American concert tour by a documentary-maker (portrayed by Reiner). The musicians’ behavior is unpredictable and candid ... and often hilarious, with its feeling of authenticity making it even funnier, fueled by largely improvised dialogue. The sizable cast also includes Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey, Fran Drescher, Bruno Kirby, Ed Begley Jr., Howard Hesseman,
Paul Shaffer, Anjelica Huston, Fred Willard and Patrick Macnee. This movie’s phrases and situations often have been used as reference points by actual rock performers and journalists. **** (R: AS, P)
“NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER”
Recently rediscovered after virtually vanishing following its 1980 release, this melodrama — which makes ample use of New York locations — is getting a major home-video relaunch.
Based on a novel by crime-writing specialist William P. McGivern, the tale stars James Brolin as an ex-cop whose daughter (Abby Bluestone) falls prey to a kidnapper (Cliff Gorman) after being mistaken for the actual target. Others, including former police peers, get in the father’s way as he races through the city and battles stiff odds to recover his child safely. Julie Carmen, Richard Castellano (“The Godfather”), Dan Hedaya and Mandy Patinkin also appear in the picture, which was famously beset by problems ... including Brolin breaking his foot, and the original director being replaced well into filming (with Robert Butler completing that job).
*** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD)
“CINDERELLA MAN”
Directed by Ron Howard, this 2005 biography of boxer James J. Braddock makes its 4K Ultra HD debut. Working again with Howard after “A Beautiful Mind,” Russell Crowe stars as the Depression-era
‘Glee’-ful competition: First season of ‘Celebrity Weakest Link’ sees countless television reunions
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
Packed full of nostalgic reunions (for both its host and its competitors), the inaugural season of “Celebrity Weakest Link” makes its debut Monday, Sept. 15, airing on Fox for the first time in broadcast history.
Much like its predecessor — “Weakest Link” — this star-studded return follows contestants as they try to complete an uninterrupted chain of correct answers while being asked general knowledge questions within a time limit. At the end of each round, contestants vote on a group member to be considered the “weakest link,” seeing the player eliminated.
Here, Jane Lynch, known for shows including “Glee,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “Hollywood Game Night,” is the series’ host, welcoming players from across the TV industry to take part in the classic game show. Fans can expect to see celebrities from both scripted and unscripted television, with plenty of guests announced ahead of the premiere.
Most excitingly, Lynch will be reuniting with her fellow “Glee” cast members, as Max Adler, Dot-Marie Jones, Heather Morris, Alex Newell, Chord Overstreet, Amber Riley, Becca Tobin and Jenna Ushkowitz take
fighter who returned to the ring after a hand injury apparently ended his career, worrying his wife (Renee Zellweger) as he runs that risk again. Paul Giamatti earned an Oscar nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award as Braddock’s friend and manager; Bruce McGill, Craig Bierko and Rosemarie DeWitt also are in the fine cast ... as are Howard’s father Rance and brother Clint. The film was shot largely in Toronto, Ont., which doubled for New York; it also earned Academy Award bids for its sound editing and makeup. Crowe auctioned off some of his props from the movie in 2018, and the HBO show “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” bought them. *** (PG-13: P, V) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray)
“FALLING TOGETHER”
Part of a new six-movie collection of Hallmark Channel features, this comedy-drama incorporates a story element not typically seen in such films. Ashley Williams plays a newly relocated woman who yearns to find a sense of community, which she discovers by getting involved in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s. An executive producer of the picture as well (along with her husband, Neal Dodson), Williams has a personal connection to the subject, since her late mother had the illness. Her character’s building superintendent is portrayed by fellow Hallmark regular Paul Campbell (“Three Wise Men and a Baby”). Also included in the largely fall-themed set are “Falling for
You” (starring Taylor Cole), “Notes of Autumn” (also with Ashley Williams), “Pumpkin Everything” (another Taylor Cole attraction), “Sweet Autumn” (starring Nikki DeLoach) and “Under the Autumn Moon” (with Lindy Booth). *** (Not rated: AS)
“KRULL”
Director Peter Yates’s (“Bullitt”) 1983 fantasy-adventure gets 4K Ultra HD Steelbook treatment, with Ken Marshall — who had the title role in the NBC miniseries “Marco Polo” a year earlier — as a prince whose planet Krull is attacked by aliens known as Slayers, who kidnap the hero’s princess (Lysette Anthony). Of course, he goes to the rescue, carrying an ancient weapon known as a Glaive to use in battle against the Beast who rules the Slayers. Many perils await the prince and others who accompany him, giving the picture’s specialeffects team plenty to do. Freddie Jones (who narrates the story), Alun Armstrong, Liam Neeson (in one of his earliest screen roles), Robbie Coltrane and Francesca Annis also appear. Yates, Marshall and Anthony participate in an audio commentary that’s among the special features. *** (PG: V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“THE BUSTER KEATON SHOW”
The pork-pie-hat-wearing comedian who made a name for himself in silent movies got a couple of shots at television series early in
part in a game.
As Deadline explains: “That crew rarely gets together anymore (on screen, at least), despite the enduring popularity of the former Fox series, making this quite a special reunion.”
A trailer for the upcoming season hints more at what’s to come, with Lynch poking at former castmates in a manner befitting her “Glee” character, Sue Sylvester.
“Listen up, dorks, I’ll ask you questions one at a time,” Lynch jokes, eliciting some delightful reactions from her former co-workers.
This first season also promises a “High School Reunion” episode, bringing together actors who once starred together as teenagers. Scott Porter and Aimeé Teegarden represent “Friday Night Lights” in the episode, while Daphne Reid and Tatyana Ali from “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Shenae Grimes and Matt Lanter from “90210” and Barry Watson and Beverley Mitchell from “7th Heaven” fill out the rest of their “Weakest Link” team.
With plenty more to come — including episodes filled with reality TV couples, famous comedians and onscreen doctors — “Celebrity Weakest Link” makes its star-studded debut Monday, Sept. 15, on Fox.
the medium’s history, and this was the second one, captured on film because stations across the country weren’t yet equipped to relay a program live as it was done on the West Coast. Though 13 episodes were done at what was then the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles, only the nine compiled here still exist on video, with a couple of them not seen since their original 1950 telecasts. Anthological in its approach, the series also featured Keaton’s wife Eleanor on occasion; veteran character actors Iris Adrian, Dick Wessel and Dub Taylor also were in the supporting ensemble. Added special features include a couple of Keaton’s theatrical short subjects (“Cops” and “The Goat”) and an episode of “This Is Your Life” saluting him. *** (Not rated)
Coming Home Soon
“SUPERMAN” (SEPT. 23)
“THE LAST OF US: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON” (SEPT. 23)
“CHUCKY: THE COMPLETE SERIES” (SEPT. 23)
“M3GAN 2.0” (SEPT. 23)
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