What to Watch - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

5 Shows Like ‘Virgin River’ on Netflix

Megan Elliott — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:28:00 +0000

Virgin River fans are going to need to be patient. Not only will it be another two months until the final season 5 episodes drop on Netflix, they’ll also have a long wait for season 6 – possibly until 2025. (Sob!) Unfortunately, we can’t magically conjure up more episodes of your favorite small-town drama. But we can point you to some other equally binge-worthy shows like Virgin River on Netflix that should keep you entertained while you wait for new episodes.

‘Sweet Magnolias’

When life is just too much, sometimes what you need is a girls’ night. The ladies of Sweet Magnolias understand that it’s your friends who keep you grounded through thick and thin. The trio at the heart of this soapy drama – which is based on a series of books by Sherryl Woods – are dealing with broken marriages, challenging situations with their kids, back-stabbing neighbors, and more. Fortunately, their weekly margarita nights keep them sane no matter what life’s throwing at them. Like Virgin River, it’s a show that illustrates the power of community and the value of true friendship.

‘From Scratch’

How do you move forward after an unimaginable loss? In Virgin River, Mel flees to a small town in Northern California after a devastating stillbirth and the death of her husband in a car accident. In From Scratch, an American woman (Zoe Saldana) finds unexpected love with an Italian chef (Eugenio Mastrandrea). They craft a beautiful life together until an unexpected tragedy changes things forever. We’re warning you: You’ll definitely want to make sure you have Kleenex handy before watching this weepy, eight-episode Netflix original.

‘Last Tango In Halifax’

Love isn’t just for the young. In Virgin River, we’ve watched as Doc (Tim Matheson) and Hope (Annette O’Toole) found their way back to each other and cheered as Muriel (Teryl Rothery) and Cameron (Mark Ghanime) embarked on a surprising romance, despite their age gap. If those storylines are your favorite part of Virgin River, check out Last Tango In Halifax. This British series follows a pair of childhood sweethearts who reconnect 60 years later, much to the shock of their adult kids. Four seasons are streaming on Netflix.

‘Northern Rescue’

A widowed firefighter (William Baldwin) moves himself and his three kids from Boston to his remote hometown of Turtle Bay after his wife’s death. But adapting to their new life in rural Canada won’t be easy. Like Virgin River, Northern Rescue (which was shot in scenic Parry Sound, Ontario) delivers plenty of striking landscapes, small-town charm, and cozy vibes. One season is streaming on Netflix.

‘Heartland’

If you really want a show that will keep you occupied during the long wait for Virgin River Season 6, look no further than Heartland. This Canadian drama has been going strong since 2007, with 15 of its 17 seasons currently streaming on Netflix. (You’ll find the show’s most recent episodes on UPtv.) Like Virgin River, it’s about a woman who trades the big city for a small town. Lou (Michelle Morgan), returns home to her family’s ranch in Alberta after her mother’s tragic death to help her father manage the family business and raise her younger sister, Amy (Amber Marshall).

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2 Podcasts to Listen to if You Want to Learn About the 2 Other Long Island Serial Killers

Andrea Francese — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 02:20:00 +0000

The shocking arrest of Rex Heuermann, a New York City architect, last week seemingly ended one of Long Island’s biggest mysteries. Heuermann is accused of several murders associated with a serial killer dubbed the Long Island Serial Killer. Heuermann’s arrest is shocking, but his background isn’t the most surprising aspect of the case. More surprising is the fact that he’s not the first serial killer to call Long Island home. In fact, Heuermann is one of three killers who lived and operated in the small and quaint bedroom communities of Long Island in the last four decades. All three of the killers targeted sex workers. If you want to learn more about the other Long Island serial killers, these two podcasts are exactly what you are looking for.

Who are the other Long Island Serial Killers, and where are they now?

While Rex Heuermann is the most recent serial killer arrested on Long Island, he is not the first. Two other serial killers were active in the area in the 1980s and 1990s. Joel Rifkin is among the most notorious serial killers of all time. Rifkin was active from 1989 until 1993. His arrest came after New York State Trooper observed a pickup truck without a license plate. Rifkin was pulled over, and police found the body of his latest victim in the truck bed. Rifkin is believed to be responsible for anywhere between 9 and 17 murders. He is now housed at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Robert Shulman was arrested for the deaths of five women in 1996. Shulman, a postal worker, killed at least five women, one of whom remains unidentified, during a five-year period. Shulman reportedly canvassed Queens looking for sex workers. After the murders, the depraved killer dismembered his victims. He disposed of their bodies in different areas, likely hoping to avoid detection.

While Shulman lived in Hicksville, NY, a town in Nassau County, his victims were often discovered well away from Long Island. Two of Shulman’s victims were found in Yonkers, New York, a city in Westchester County, some 35 miles northwest of Hicksville. Another body was found in Medford, New York, a Long Island town 30 miles east of Hicksville. One victim was dumped in Brooklyn, while another was found in Melville, New York. Shulman’s brother, Barry Shulman, was arrested for aiding his brother in his crimes. He served just two years behind bars. Robert Shulman died in prison in 2006.

Joel Rifkin terrorized Long Island in the 1980s and 1990s

Rifkin’s murders are some of the most infamous crimes in New York City’s history. So notorious, in fact, that there is a plethora of information on the serial killer, and his name was part of a plotline on Seinfeld. While there is plenty of information on Rifkin, one podcast episode about the serial killer stands out.

Joel Rifkin | John Paraskevas/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Last Podcast on the Left dedicated a two-part series to Rifkin’s killing spree. The in-depth episodes touch on everything from Rifkin’s early life to his daily routine and the bizarre circumstances around his arrest. If you are looking to learn about Rifkin’s notorious murder spree, this is the podcast that will catch you up quickly.

Robert Shulman also operated in and around Long Island in the 1990s

Because of the infamy associated with Rifkin, more podcast episodes are connected to his crimes. Still, Shulman’s murders have been covered. To get an in-depth understanding of Shulman and his unique case, Murder Dictionary is the right podcast to check out.

In the episode “New York: Robert Shulman,” the host of Murder Dictionary takes listeners into Shulman’s upbringing, killings, and eventual capture. The podcast explains what happened and, maybe, why by delving into Shulman’s complicated and strange family dynamic, including his connection to his brothers.

The latest Long Island serial killer is currently being held at Suffolk County Correctional Facility. There is no word on when a potential trial could begin.

3 ‘Sex and the City’ Episodes That Perfectly Represent Carrie and Aidan’s Relationship

Andrea Francese — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 02:49:00 +0000

Carrie Bradshaw had two great loves in her life. Mr. Big, the first great love, died in the premiere episode of And Just Like That…, the Max reboot of the famed series. Her other great love, Aidan Shaw, is set to return in season 2 of the reboot. Ahead of his return to Carrie’s life, we can’t help but reminisce about how it all began. We’ve collected four episodes fans should watch before Carrie and Aidan rekindle their love.

The Season 3 episode, “No Ifs, Ands or Butts,” features the first look at Aidan Shaw

Aidan Shaw first appeared in the season 3 episode, “No Ifs, Ands or Butts.” In the episode, Carrie and Stanford Blatch head to a furniture store to “ogle” the craftsman. It turns out to be Aidan. Despite Carrie’s initial disinterest in going to the store, she is so taken by Aidan that she buys an expensive chair from him.

Aidan Shaw and Carrie Bradshaw | Paramount Pictures/Newsmakers

The potential romance hits its first roadblock when Aidan informs Carrie that he can not date a smoker. She eventually attempts to give up smoking to be with him. The early moments of their romance are sweet and fun. It’s a must-watch episode.

The season 4 episode, “Ghost Town,” reminds us what was so sexy about Aidan

While there are a lot of great Aidan episodes to choose from, we decided to skip over the couple’s entire first relationship to include the season 4 classic, “Ghost Town,” in this list. In the season 4 episode, Carrie learns that Aidan is Steve Brady’s silent partner in his soon-to-open bar, Scout.

Initially, Carrie refuses to attend the bar’s launch party but gives in and goes with Miranda Hobbes for support. She spots Aidan from across the bar and is largely underwhelmed by his reaction to her. The duo eventually share a subtly sexy moment involving cake outside of the bar before Aidan is pulled away again. The episode serves as the lead-in to their second attempt at a relationship.

“The Good Fight” features Carrie and Aidan’s very best argument during their relationship

In the season 4 episode “The Good Fight,” Carrie and Aidan agree to move in together but find their relationship is experiencing serious growing pains thanks to the lack of square footage in Carrie’s apartment. A big fight breaks out when Aidan’s suggestion of cleaning out Carrie’s closet leads to Pete eating one of Carrie’s very expensive shoes.

A scene involving the two arguing with each other in the bathroom before Carrie attempts to storm off remains one of the most iconic scenes of the entire series. We love watching the scene over and over. We think you will, too.

“Belles of the Ball,” another season 4 episode, is an Aidan Shaw classic, too

Carrie and Aidan didn’t fight often. Aidan was a pretty laid-back and relaxed guy. When he did kick back at Carrie, it was generally about something important, like his Rogaine usage or the existence of Mr. Big in Carrie’s life, even after she had an affair with him.

In the season 4 episode, “Belles of the Ball,” Aidan becomes uncomfortable when Mr. Big calls Carrie’s apartment, and she opts to take the call in the closet. Later, Mr. Big shows up at Aidan’s country cabin after Willow Summers breaks his heart. This episode makes our top four because it features a true fistfight between Mr. Big and Aidan. Pete, Aidan’s dog, was also an important character in this episode. We didn’t get to see that often in Sex and the City.

Carrie Bradshaw in her apartment | Craig Blankenhorn/HBO Max

Aidan’s return looks to be pretty important to the overall plotline of season 2, but we’ll have to see how it all works out. Season 2 premiered in June 2023 and is expected to air the season finale at the end of August. Max has yet to comment on a potential third season.

‘Teen Mom: The Next Chapter’ Season 2: Are Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra Still Together?

Lauren Weiler — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:44:00 +0000

MTV’s Teen Mom: The Next Chapter Season 2 features 16 and Pregnant originals Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra. Fans have watched the couple’s journey for over a decade, and they’ve had numerous ups and downs that could easily destroy a relationship. So, are Catelynn and Tyler still together? Here’s what to know.

Are Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra still together?

Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra are still together in 2023, as seen in Teen Mom: The Next Chapter Season 2.

Fans first saw Catelynn and Tyler back in 2009. While on 16 and Pregnant, the couple made the difficult decision to put their daughter, Carly, up for adoption. While they agreed they eventually wanted children, they knew they weren’t ready to take on that responsibility as teens.

Catelynn and Tyler officially got engaged in 2013. They then had their second child together, Novalee, in 2015, and they officially got married seven months later. Catelynn had a miscarriage in 2018, and she then had a rainbow baby in 2019. She and Tyler were over the moon to welcome their daughter, Vaeda.

“After the initial shock wore off, I started getting excited due to the fact that the universe obviously wanted this baby to come into the world no matter what!” Tyler told Us Weekly at the time. “And after the miscarriage, this is truly a blessing … like every child!”

Finally, Catelynn and Tyler had another daughter, Rya Rose, in 2021.

Rumors swirled through the years that the couple was going to call it quits on their marriage. But in 2022, Catelyn made sure fans knew she and Tyler were going strong. “No we aren’t,” she wrote online in response to a news source that claimed she and Tyler split.

Catelynn responded to her brother alleging that Tyler has a boyfriend

Despite Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra’s strong relationship, rumors continue to circulate. Catelynn slammed her brother online after he made unsubstantiated claims that suggested Tyler had a secret boyfriend. Her brother, Nick Lowell, went live on social media to make these claims.

“If you believe anything my ‘brother’ said on his Live, then you are just as crazy as him,” Catelynn wrote on Instagram Stories in June 2023, according to The Sun. “This poor kid is so brainwashed. It’s insane and sad. Hopefully, one day, when he’s older, he will realize. And how he pretends he’s so nice to me, he’s not!”

Catelynn also alleged that her brother steals from her and treats her horribly. She also said she paid for a lie detector test for him.

The couple appears on ‘Teen Mom: The Next Chapter’ Season 2

Fans get to see Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra in the upcoming season of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter Season 2. During the season, Catelynn asks for advice on how to talk to her young girls about body safety. As for Tyler, he seeks ketamine treatment therapy to help him with past traumas from childhood.

Tyler discussed the child sexual abuse he endured in a previous episode of Teen Mom. “I definitely feel a hypervigilance with my kids and I think the closer my oldest daughter Nova gets to the age that stuff happened to me, I feel like paranoia of, like, everything from her teachers and where and who,” he explained to his therapist, according to The Sun.

“I get angry,” he continued. “… I feel very betrayed by adults and, like, I think the message that no one’s gonna help me so I gotta figure out a way to get through this without it affecting me forever.”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.

Teen Mom: The Next Chapter Season 2 airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.

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3 Documentaries and Podcasts That Will Get You up to Date on the Long Island Serial Killer Case

Andrea Francese — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 16:36:34 +0000

A suspect in the Long Island Serial Killer case is in custody. The arrest comes more than 10 years after police discovered several bodies in a marsh close to an exclusive beachside enclave in New York. The arrest of a New York City architect brings more questions than answers to the case, though. While the arrest is fresh, discussions about the case and potential suspects are not. We’ve collected one documentary and two podcasts you’ll want to check out before an eventual trial.

Police arrest a suspect in the Long Island serial killer case

On June 14, News 12 Long Island announced a 59-year-old architect named Rex Heuermann had been arrested in connection with the deaths of three women. All three bodies were found in a marsh near Gilgo Beach in 2010 and 2011. According to the news outlet, Heuermann may be charged with more crimes. Several other bodies were found in the same area.

Heuermann is a Massapequa Park, New York native. Until his arrest, he lived in the quiet Long Island neighborhood with his wife and children. Police have not announced when they might file additional charges. Each charge could result in life in prison. Heuermann has pled not guilty. Heuermann is being held without bail.

‘The Killing Season’ focuses on the Long Island Serial Killer

While there is plenty of information online about the Long Island Serial Killer, several shows have also made it easy to get current on the situation. The Killing Season, a 2016 A&E docuseries, did an expert job of delving into the mysterious case of the Long Island Serial Killer. While the series appeared to start out looking specifically at the LISK case, it also branched out to explore other instances of missing sex workers and their potential connection to a serial killer.

A&E was not the only network to broach the topic of LISK and other serial killers that seem to target sex workers and other marginalized groups. Netflix crafted a fictionalized movie based on the Long Island Serial Killer case. The 2020 flick, Lost Girls, used elements of the true crime story to create a gripping drama.

Two podcasts take a deep dive into the case

A suspect might now be in custody in connection with the Gilgo Beach murderers, but there has been a ton of investigative work to get from the discovery of the bodies to an arrest. Two different podcasts have heavily covered the investigation. LISK and discovery+’s Unraveled.

Newspaper articles about the Long Island Serial Killer | Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images

LISK released its first episode in 2020. Over dozens of episodes, the podcast’s host, Chris Mass, walks listeners through the initial discovery of remains and the suspicious death that led investigators to a literal killing field.

Unraveled takes a deeper dive into the investigation. Specifically, the podcasters dive into the suspects that investigators looked at since the investigation began. Unraveled premiered in January 2021. Discovery+ released a documentary of the same name the same year. Heuermann’s name is brand new to the case.

10 Fourth of July Movies to Stream on Netflix, Prime, and More in 2023

Megan Elliott — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:28:42 +0000

Need a break from the summer heat? Before the barbecue and fireworks extravaganza, cue up one of these 10 Fourth of July movies. Some are patriotic favorites, while others deliver summer vibes in spades. All are guaranteed to keep you entertained for a couple of hours.

‘Born on the Fourth of July’

Tom Cruise earned an Oscar nomination for his performance as paralyzed Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. Based on the real-life story of Kovic, the movie follows him from his childhood through his time as a Marine in Vietnam to his return to the U.S. and embrace of anti-war activism.

Born on the Fourth of July is streaming on Netflix.

‘Top Gun’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

In the mood for some lighter Tom Cruise fare? Top Gun delivers a hefty dose of action and romance with its story of a cocky Navy fighter pilot (Cruise), his best friend Goose (Anthony Edwards), and their “Top Gun” instructor Charlie Blackwood (Kelly McGillis). Cruise returns in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which also stars Miles Teller as Goose’s son Rooster, who follows in his dad’s footsteps as a fighter pilot.

Both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick are streaming on Prime Video

‘A League of Their Own’

A League of Their Own hit movie theaters just ahead of the July 4 weekend in 1992. Celebrate the 31st anniversary of this beloved sports comedy by watching it this holiday. The movie focuses on a pair of sisters (played by Geena Davis and Lori Petty) who sign on with All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. Tom Hanks also stars.

A League of Their Own is streaming on Netflix

‘The Sandlot’

Looking for another movie about America’s pastime the whole family can enjoy? The Sandlot fits the bill. This 1960s-set movie follows a boy who moves to a new neighborhood and becomes part of a ragtag baseball team. They face off against a terrifying junkyard dog dubbed “The Beast” and play their biggest game of the year on the Fourth of July, when fireworks illuminate the night sky.

The Sandlot is streaming on Starz.

‘Red Tails’

Red Tails is inspired by the real-life story of the famous Tuskegee Airman, a group of Black U.S. Air Force pilots in World War II. Despite racism and the military’s skepticism about their abilities, the pilots proved themselves to be a crucial part of America’s efforts to defeat the Germans. It stars Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nate Parker, and David Oyelowo.

Red Tails is streaming on Disney+.

‘Hamilton’

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical Hamilton tells the story of Founding Father Alexandar Hamilton – and the origins of the United States – in a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and Broadway styles. The 2020 movie version was filmed on stage on Broadway with the original cast, which includes Miranda as Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as the Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, and Jonathan Groff as King George III.

Hamilton is streaming on Disney+.

‘The Patriot’

Surprisingly, the American Revolution has inspired relatively few movies. One of them is The Patriot, a 2000 historical epic about an American colonist (Mel Gibson) and his son (Heath Ledger) who get swept up in the war against the British.

The Patriot is streaming on Pluto TV.

‘Jaws’

‘Jaws’ | Universal Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images

It’s probably best to watch Jaws after your afternoon at the beach. In this 1975 blockbuster movie, which takes place on July 4, a small-town police chief (Roy Scheider) faces off against a killer Great White shark that’s been terrorizing Amity Island.

Jaws is streaming on Peacock.

‘Independence Day’

Will Smith plays a Marine captain who springs into action when aliens attack Earth in the 1996 sci-fi/action blockbuster Independence Day. Bill Pullman also stars as the president of the United States, while Jeff Goldblum plays the scientist who helps figure out how to defeat the invaders.

Independence Day is streaming on Starz.

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4 Movies Based on Cormac McCarthy Books and Where to Stream Them

Megan Elliott — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:55:54 +0000

Acclaimed writer Cormac McCarthy is dead at age 89. He died at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, of natural causes, his publisher, Alfred A. Knopf, confirmed to multiple outlets.

McCarthy, who won both a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award, was the author of a long list of celebrated novels that often explored dark and violent themes. He published his first book, The Orchard Keeper, in 1965 and achieved widespread critical acclaim in 1985 with the bleak revisionist Western Blood Merdian in 1985. His other novels include All the Pretty Horses and The Road.

In addition to being a celebrated figure in American literature, McCarthy also made his mark on film. Several Cormac McCarthy novels were adapted into movies, including No Country for Old Men, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2008.

‘All the Pretty Horses’

The first big-screen adaptation of McCarthy’s work was All the Pretty Horses (2000). The movie, directed by Billy Bob Thornton, stars Matt Damon as cowboy John Grady Cole. John Grady leaves his family’s ranch in Texas and travels to Mexico to search for work, where he falls in love with a woman named Alejandra (Penélope Cruz).

All the Pretty Horses received poor reviews from critics upon its release. Damon later blamed interference from Miramax and studio head Harvey Weinstein for the film’s failure, including marketing it as a love story and changing its original score.

“We made this very dark, spare movie, but the studio wanted an epic with big emotions and violins … Billy had a heart problem at that time, and it was because his heart f*cking broke from fighting for that film. It really f*cked him up. It still bothers me to this day,” Damon said in a 2012 interview with Playboy (via Indiewire).

All the Pretty Horses is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and other platforms.

‘No Country for Old Men’

The second movie based on one of McCarthy’s books was far more successful than the first. No Country for Old Men began life as a screenplay. McCarthy later rewrote the story as a novel. The book was published in 2005 and then adapted for the screen by Joel and Ethan Coen in 2007.

The movie, which is set in Texas, follows the interconnected stories of three men. Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) steals a suitcase full of money after stumbling upon the aftermath of a drug deal. A sheriff named Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) investigates the aftermath of the drug deal. And Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) is a hitman hired to recover the money Moss stole.

In addition to best picture, No Country for Old Men won awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (for Bardem). It is available to rent or buy Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and other platforms.

‘The Road’

McCarthy’s 2006 post-apocalyptic novel The Road was turned into a 2009 movie directed by John Hillcoat. (Hillcoat is also set to direct an upcoming adaptation of Blood Meridian, Deadline reports.) Set in the aftermath of an unspecified catastrophe that has killed off almost all plant and animal life, the movie follows a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit- McPhee) on a treacherous journey to the coast, where they hope to find refuge.

In an interview with Oprah in 2007, McCarthy shared that the idea for the novel came to him during a trip to El Paso with his young son, John. As his son slept, he stood by the window and imagined what the city might look like in 50 or 100 years.

“I just had this image of these fires up on the hill … and I thought a lot about my little boy,” he said (via AP).

The Road is streaming on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Amazon Freevee.

‘Child of God’

James Franco directed 2013’s Child of God, an adaptation of McCarthy’s 1973 novel of the same name. Set in Appalachia in the 1950s, the movie follows Lester Ballard (Scott Haze), an outcast who descends into a gruesome life of violence. It received mostly negative reviews from critics.

“When one is working with material like a Cormac McCarthy book, the goal is easy: try to live up to the material,” Franco told EW via email ahead of the movie’s release.

Child of God is available to stream on Tubi, Kanopy, and Crackle.

Other Cormac McCarthy movies

Two other movies are based on works by McCarthy. He wrote the screenplay for the 2013 movie The Counselor. This film follows a lawyer caught up in a drug deal gone wrong. Ridley Scott directed the movie, which stars Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, and Brad Pitt. It received mostly negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office. The Counselor is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and other platforms.

In 2011, Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson starred in The Sunset Limited. The TV movie was based on McCarthy’s 2006 play of the same name. It’s about two men – one white, one Black – who have a philosophical debate about faith and life after one interrupts the other’s suicide attempt. It is available to stream on Max.

Sources: AP, Deadline

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‘Ride’: 6 Shows to Watch Next if You Love the Hallmark Channel Series

Megan Elliott — Mon, 29 May 2023 02:05:00 +0000

The first season of Hallmark Channel’s Ride came to an end on May 28. The rodeo family drama introduced viewers to the McMurrays, a Colorado ranching family struggling to keep their business afloat while also dealing with some serious trauma from the past. But with their story having concluded – at least for now – fans are faced with the question of what to watch next. Fear not, we have you covered. Here are six shows that are similar to Ride on Hallmark.

‘Heartland’

‘Heartland’ | Courtesy of CBC

Multi-generational family drama Heartland has been going strong on Canadian TV since 2007. The long-running show (16 seasons and counting) follows a ranching family in Alberta. It stars Michelle Morgan as Lou Fleming, who returns home to help run her family’s ranch after her mother dies in a car accident. Shaun Johnston plays Lou’s grandfather Jack, a former rodeo star, and Amber Marshall staras as Lou’s younger sister Amy.

Heartland Seasons 1-15 are streaming on UP Faith & Family, with season 16 releasing on June 1. You can also watch Heartland Seasons 1-14 on Netflix, with season 15 coming to the streamer May 31.

‘Wildfire’

Is your favorite character on Ride is Valeria (Sara Garcia), the McMurray’s ranchhand with a mysterious past? Then you’ll definitely want to check out Wildfire. This show stars Genevieve Cortese as troubled teen Kris Furillo, who is serving time at a teen detention center. When her hidden talent for working with horses comes to light, she lands a job at a ranch. Kris must adjust to life with her new foster family, who are fighting to keep their struggling ranch afloat.

Wildfire Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Tubi, Amazon Freevee, and Pluto TV.

‘McLeod’s Daughters’

Australian drama McLeod’s Daughters follows two estranged half-sisters who reunite when they inherit their family’s cattle station, Drovers Run, in the country’s outback. Together, city slicker Tess (Bridie Carter) and country girl Claire (Lisa Chappell) fight to keep the struggling ranch going while also repairing their fractured relationship. This female-focused series also stars Rachel Carpanie and Jessica Napier as farmhands Jodi Fountain and Becky Howard, and Sonia Todd as Jodi’s mother and housekeeper Meg.

McLeod’s Daughters Seasons 1-8 are streaming on Hulu and Tubi.

‘Yellowstone’

When it premiered earlier in 2023, Ride earned more than a few comparisons to the hit show Yellowstone. It’s easy to see why. Both shows are about big, multi-generational ranching families living and working in America’s west, and each delivers plenty of juicy drama mixed with striking scenery. Yes, the Kevin Costner series is grittier and less family-friendly than the Hallmark show. But if you don’t mind strong language, sex, and violence, the saga of the Duttons – and patriarch John Dutton’s attempts to keep his family’s sprawling ranch out of the hands of both the government and developers – is sure to reel you in.

Yellowstone Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Peacock.

‘Everwood’

Before he played Mick O’Brien on Hallmark’s Cheseapeake Shores, Treat Williams was Dr. Andy Brown in the heartfelt family drama Everwood. The show, which ran for four seasons, follows a doctor who moves his family from Manhattan to a small mountain town in Colorado following the death of his wife. There aren’t any cowboys in Everwood, but like the McMurrays in Ride, the Browns are dealing with grief, small-town life, and tricky parent-child dynamics, particularly Andy’s relationship with his teenage son Ephram (Gregory Smith).

Everwood Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Amazon Freevee.

‘Last American Cowboy’

Hallmark’s Ride offers a fictionalized take on ranching. Want a look at what life on the range is really like? Then check out Last American Cowboy. This single-season reality series, which aired in 2010, follows modern-day cowboys on three ranches in Montana as they fight to raise calves while dealing with blizzards, disease, and other challenges.

Last American Cowboy is streaming on discovery+.

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The Best Episode From Each Season of ‘Sex and the City’

Andrea Francese — Sun, 21 May 2023 04:37:00 +0000

Sex and the City was one of the most groundbreaking shows of its time. While much about the series hasn’t aged well, it remains a cult classic that amasses new fans with each passing day. While there were many wonderful Sex and the City episodes produced, there are a few that stand out. We’ve collected our favorite episode from each season for your consideration.

The cast of ‘Sex and the City’ | 1999 Paramount Pictures

Season 1

Season 1 of Sex and the City focused heavily on Carrie Bradshaw’s sex column. That doesn’t mean the best episode heavily concentrated on Carrie, though. The absolute best episode of the inaugural season centered largely around Samantha Jones.

In episode 9, “The Turtle and the Hare,” the girls deal with the emotional fallout of attending a friend’s wedding. Feeling dejected, Samantha agrees to spend time with Bernie Turtletaub, a man with awful breath. Samantha tries to change his style and adjust his behavior to make him into a man she finds acceptable to date. It didn’t work, but hearing Samantha refer to the man as a “fixer-upper” always makes us laugh.

Season 2

Season 2 of Sex and the City was dotted with many superb episodes. The show’s sophomore season largely dealt with Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big’s relationship, so it should come as no surprise that the best episode of the season had a fair bit of Mr. Big in it.

In the season 2 episode, “La Douleur Exquise!,” Carrie is faced with the realization that Mr. Big has, once again, not factored her into his life when he reveals he may need to move to Paris. After insisting that he didn’t want her to follow him to Paris, to be with him, she loses her temper and flings McDonald’s all over his apartment. In the final moments of the episode, Carrie sets Mr. Big free. The scene is stunningly beautiful and haunts us years later.

Season 3

Season 3 of Sex and the City was filled with a lot of ups and downs. There are also several notable episodes. For season 3, we agree with the IMDb ratings. The most highly-rated episode of the season is “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

John Corbett and Chris Noth | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The episode revolves around Charlotte York and Trey MacDougal’s marriage. The subplots, including Miranda and her date both pretending to people they are not, and Carrie finally revealing her affair to Aidan Shaw, steal the spotlight. While Miranda’s storyline is much sillier than Carrie’s decidedly heavy reveal, all the stories are seamlessly woven together. It remains one of our favorite Sex and the City episodes.

Season 4

Season 4 of Sex and the City covered a lot of ground. Carrie rekindled her romance with Aidan before getting engaged and eventually breaking the engagement. Miranda reveals her pregnancy, and Trey and Charlotte’s marriage completely disintegrates. Samantha finds love in unexpected places, too.

While several season 4 episodes are worth multiple rewatches, “I Heart NY,” the season 4 finale might be the best. The episode, often called a “love letter to the city of New York,” centers around Mr. Big and Carrie hitting the town as a sendoff before the financier moves to Napa. While the episode aired not long after 9/11, it wasn’t written as a reaction to the terrorist attacks. The coincidental nature of it all makes it feel a bit more special.

Season 5

Season 5 of Sex and the City was abbreviated to accommodate Sarah Jessica Parker’s real-life pregnancy. While the season included far fewer episodes than those that came before it, there were still bright spots.

Out of the few episodes produced for season 5, we like “I Love a Charade” the best. The Sex and the City season finale episode takes Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda out of Manhattan. The foursome visited the Hamptons in a previous season but did so in season 5 with a lot more style. The ethereal wedding of Bobby Fine and Bitzy Von Muffling served as the perfect backdrop to watch Carrie try to find love with Jack Berger, Charlotte come to terms with her feelings for Harry Goldenblatt, and Miranda wrestle with what to do about her romantic interest in Steve Brady.

The final season

Season 6 of Sex and the City was the show’s last and was certainly an eventful one. Cut into two parts, fans first watched Carrie’s romance with Jack Berger bloom and then die. Miranda and Steve got back together, Samantha found out she had cancer and found the love of her life, and Charlotte found her imperfect perfect other half.

Steve Brady and Miranda Hobbes | Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images

The best episode of the season is undoubtedly the two-part finale. In the series’ final moments, everyone found relationships that worked for them. Mr. Big chased Carrie to Paris while Miranda and Steve found a place for their family in Brooklyn. Harry and Charlotte realized their dream of starting a family, and Samantha found her perfect match in Smith Jared. While there have been complaints about the ending being “too perfect,” we can argue that it was absolutely satisfying.

Charlotte, Miranda, and Carrie’s stories continue in And Just Like That…, the Max reboot of Sex and the City. Season 2 of And Just Like That… begins on June 22.

4 Ringo Starr Movies That Prove His Talent as an Actor

Emma McKee — Sun, 14 May 2023 19:03:37 +0000

Ringo Starr is known, first and foremost, as a drummer, but he appeared in multiple movies over the course of his career. All of The Beatles picked up some acting experience, but Starr took steps to build a career as an actor. Not all of his movies performed well – even the drummer’s biggest fans should avoid a few of them — but some are worth a watch. Here are four of Starr’s movies worth putting on your to-watch list.

Ringo Starr | Michael Putland/Getty Images

‘A Hard Day’s Night’ is 1 of the movies Starr filmed with The Beatles

Starr’s first movie is also one of his best. In 1964, The Beatles released A Hard Day’s Night, a musical comedy film in which the band played themselves. The film gave Starr a good deal of screen time — he chaperones Paul McCartney’s grandfather and gets arrested.

While director Richard Lester believed George Harrison was the best actor in the film, he also said that Starr had the showiest part in the movie. He has a similarly prominent role in the second Beatles film, Help!, but A Hard Day’s Night is the better movie.

‘200 Motels’ sees Ringo Starr playing another musician

The 1971 film 200 Motels is a surrealist musical written and directed by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer. The film follows the real band, The Mothers of Invention, on tour. Starr’s character name is Larry the Dwarf, but he is playing Zappa. He dressed like the other musician right down to the soul patch.

Starr said that the process of making the movie was difficult because Zappa had ideas about the music, not the script.

“So he came and laid out a huge music score,” Starr said, per the book Ringo: With a Little Help by Michael Seth Starr. “I can’t read music. There was no script, just the music score. So I said, ‘Sure! I’ve got to do it now!'”

Like many of Starr’s films, the movie received mixed reviews.

‘That’ll Be the Day’ is seen as Ringo Starr’s best movie performance

One of Starr’s best acting performances was, without a doubt, in the 1973 film That’ll Be the Day. In it, he played Mike, one of the leads. He was initially supposed to have a small role in the film, but he impressed screenwriter Ray Connolly so much that they offered him a bigger part.

“I knew Ringo could act, but I wasn’t sure how well he could act because it wasn’t sort of the zany, madcap films that The Beatles had made,” his co-star, David Essex, said. “But pretty soon I saw that he was a natural and truthful actor. We had almost too much fun; the problem we both had was to stop laughing. It was a really happy time.”

David Essex and Ringo Starr in ‘That’ll Be the Day’ | Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Starr’s performance was so strong that Connolly wrote an extra scene for him.

“Over the weekend I wrote an extra scene in the pool hall, where Ringo and David Essex [as Mike and Jim] are playing pool and talking about Mike’s background,” Connolly said. “And that was an afterthought because he had been so good. We had all been surprised. We didn’t think he was going to be so good.”

‘Lisztomania’ divided audiences, but Starr got good reviews

One of Starr’s more divisive films was 1975’s Lisztomania. The film is an over-the-top biopic starring The Who’s Roger Daltrey as 19th-century composer Franz Liszt. The film is surreal and bizarre and, as Roger Ebert noted in his three-star review, “most people will probably despise it.”

For fans of The Beatles, though, the film is worth watching. Starr was praised for his work, even by viewers who detested the movie. At the very least, his performance tugs the rest of the film back down to Earth.

“By way of illustration: Ringo Starr’s cameo as the Pope becomes an island of relative sanity,” Ebert wrote.