Tuesday, December 8, 2020
TUESDAY NIGHT TV:
NCIS (8p ET, CBS) — New. The discovery of two dead bodies in a forest leads the team into the world of modern-day treasure hunting.
THE VOICE (8p ET, NBC) — New. The results show reveals the four artists that are safe and will advance to the finale.
THE BACHELORETTE (8p ET, ABC) — New. JoJo Fletcher explains that a rose this week will be their ticket to a hometown date. Adam Hambrick performs.
NFL FOOTBALL (8p ET, FOX) — The Ravens host the Cowboys in a game originally scheduled for Dec. 3.
SWAMP THING (8p ET, CW) — New.
F.B.I. (9p ET, CBS) — New. When the leader of a drug cartel (guest star David Zayas, Dexter) is apprehended, the entire FBI headquarters is put at risk when his henchmen unveil a terroristic threat to free him. Ben Shenkman (Royal Pains, Billions) also guest stars.
TRANSPLANT (9p ET, NBC) — New.
TELL ME A STORY (9p ET, CW) — New.
40 YEARS A PRISONER (9p ET, HBO) — This new documentary chronicles one of the most controversial shootouts in American history, the 1978 Philadelphia police raid on the radical back-to-nature group MOVE. It follows one man’s lifelong commitment to finding out the truth about what really happened and fighting for the release of his incarcerated parents.
F.B.I.: MOST WANTED (10p ET, CBS) — New. After witnessing her husband’s murder, a woman is kidnapped along with a mysterious stash of money hidden in her floor. Amy Carlson (Blue Bloods) begins her recurring role as a bounty hunter.
SEASON FINALE: TRANSPLANT (10p ET, NBC) — In the season 1 finale, Bash and Mags race to save a woman with mysterious symptoms who was nearly killed by their team’s medical error.
BIG SKY (10p ET, ABC) — New. Unsatisfied with the investigation, Cassie and Jenny take things into their own hands.
MR. IGLESIAS (Netflix) — Gabriel Iglesias is back with new episodes of this comedy.
Showbiz News and Gossip
BOX OFFICE WEEKEND RESULTS
The Croods: A New Age won the box office for a second consecutive weekend after taking in an estimated $4.4 million Friday-Sunday. The buddy comedy Half Brothers debuted in second place.
… One year ago this week the number one movie was Frozen 2.
… Five years ago this week: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
… Ten years ago this week: Tangled
… Twenty years ago this week: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
NEW WONDER WOMAN TEASER
A new Wonder Woman 1984 teaser was unveiled over the weekend, one that features a down-to-earth Diana Prince just as much as her superhero alias. The trailer dives into the relationship between Captain Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and Diana (Gal Gadot), in addition to Diana’s life as a superhero. Clips flash by of the two dancing in front of the Lincoln Memorial and going on dates. However, this is juxtaposed with scenes featuring Diana as Wonder Woman, flying above the clouds with her lasso in hand. • VIDEO
WONDER WOMAN 1984 TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Wonder Woman 1984 is making history as a major movie that’s premiering both in theaters and on HBO Max on the same exact day, December 25. And while it’s safe to say that most people are going to watch the sequel from the safety of their own homes, those who want a big-screen experience now have a chance to buy advance tickets. You can buy now at gettickets.wonderwomanfilm.com. There’s even an option to book a private screening of Wonder Woman 1984 for you and your Pandemic 2020 family.
BREAK DANCING GETS OLYMPIC STATUS TO DEBUT AT PARIS GAMES IN 2024
Breakdancing became an official Olympic sport on Monday. The International Olympic Committee’s pursuit of urban events to lure a younger audience saw street dance battles officially added to the medal events program at the 2024 Paris Games. Also confirmed for Paris by the IOC executive board were skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. Those three sports will make their Olympic debuts at the Tokyo Games which were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic by one year to open on July 23, 2021.
REPORT: CONAN O’BRIEN ‘PUSHED’ OUT AT TBS
With the news that he’ll be leaving TBS in favor of a weekly variety show on HBO Max, Conan O’Brien moves into a new kind of job for the first time since 1993. According to one tabloid, he is not doing so willingly. Was O’Brien forced out of TBS? According to the National Enquirer, O’Brien has been “forced out” of hosting a daily show: “Conan was made aware months ago that [his show] would not be renewed” and insider told the tabloid, for “ratings weren’t great, and the network was looking to replace it.” O’Brien then “set up meetings with other networks” as soon as he learned he was going to get the ax, so that made this hasty announcement happen so quickly. While O’Brien does see “this as a new beginning,” he “would have preferred leaving on his own terms.”
KFC COOKED UP A STEAMY LIFETIME MOVIE WITH MARIO LOPEZ AS COLONEL SANDERS
KFC’s Colonel Sanders can show up in unexpected places — like a DJ booth at a major music festival. Now, long-dead Harland is getting star billing in another notorious media vehicle: the Lifetime movie. A Recipe for Seduction, starring Mario Lopez as the Colonel, is an intentionally overheated 15-minute tale of “mystery, suspense, deception, ‘fowl’ play and — at the heart of it all — love and fried chicken.” It will premiere Lifetime on Sunday (December) 13. • VIDEO
GWEN STEFANI REINTRODUCES HERSELF ON NEW POP SINGLE
Gwen Stefani has a brand- new single that nods to her past. Let Me Reintroduce Myself recalls the ska-punk sound of her early days with No Doubt, and in the self-referential tune, Gwen sings, “Let me reintroduce myself/’Cause you forgot/no I’m not records on your shelf/I’m still the original old me/So let me reintroduce myself.” Gwen performed the song Monday night for the first time on NBC’s The Voice.
TOP GROSSING CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF ALL TIME
How many have you seen?
1. The Grinch (animated) – $511.5 million worldwide box office (2018)
2. Home Alone – $476.7 million (1990)
3. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey) – $345.1 million (2000)
4. A Christmas Carol (Jim Carrey animated) – $325.2 million (2009)
5. The Polar Express (Tom Hanks animated) $313.5 million (2004)
6. Elf (Will Ferrell) – $220.8 million (2003)
7. The Holiday – $205.1 million (2006)
8. The Santa Clause (Tim Allen) – $189.8 million (1994)
9. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (Keira Knightley) – $173.9 (2018)
10. The Santa Clause 2 (Tim Allen) – $172.8 million (2002)
NETFLIX HAS NO PLANS TO ADD A DISCLAIMER TO “THE CROWN”
The latest season of The Crown is a hit with critics and viewers alike, as the internet is lapping up the engrossing, tragic story of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s tumultuous marriage. However, in the UK, the unsympathetic portrayal of the Royal Family and the depiction of their treatment towards Diana has sparked backlash. British Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden even went so far as to request that Netflix add a disclaimer to the show, making clear to subscribers that it’s a work of fiction. The streaming giant has now responded to Dowden’s request and, unsurprisingly, they’ve elected to ignore it, explaining in a statement that they believe there’s no need to establish that The Crown is a drama series and not a docuseries when that’s already plain to see. In a statement Netflix said: “We have always presented The Crown as a drama — and we have every confidence our members understand it’s a work of fiction that’s broadly based on historical events. As a result we have no plans — and see no need — to add a disclaimer.”
POLL FINDS THE CROWN IS ACTUALLY ENHANCING THE ROYAL FAMILY’S REPUTATION
A study commissioned by The Times of London found that the royal family hasn’t been tarnished by Season 4 of the Netflix drama The Crown. About 35 percent of Brits said their opinion of the British monarchy improved “a bit” or “a lot” after watching Season 4, while 42 percent said their opinion didn’t change. About 23 percent told pollsters that their impression worsened.
DWAYNE JOHNSON REPORTEDLY WANTS TO JOIN THE MANDALORIAN
A source claims Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is interested in heading to a galaxy far, far away and joining The Mandalorian for season 3, likely as a guest star.
THE MANDALORIAN ACCIDENTALLY INCLUDED A HELICOPTER
Chapter 14 of The Mandalorian’s Season 2 packed a ton of pivotal moments into the season’s shortest episode. One of the more interesting — and accidental — parts was a flying machine from this time period. Much like Chapter 12 of The Mandalorian where a crew member in a T-shirt and jeans made an appearance at the 18:54 mark, Chapter 14 accidentally included a helicopter in the background during a scene.
WARNER BROS. SMASHES BOX OFFICE WINDOWS
If you’ve been holding off on getting HBO Max because you don’t need another streaming subscription, you’re about to change your mind. On Thursday Warner Bros. announced all 17 film’s on its 2021 calendar will land on HBO Max for a one-month window that starts the same day they will be available in U.S. theaters. The studio’s 2021 schedule includes The Suicide Squad, The Matrix 4, Dune, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. Other films include Little Things, Tom & Jerry, Mortal Kombat, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, and others. • VIDEO
… The streaming party really starts for HBO Max subscribers on Christmas Day, when Wonder Woman 1984 debuts.
DRAKE LAUNCHES OWN CANDLE LINE
Watch out, Gwyneth Paltrow, another celebrity just joined the candle-that-smells-like-them business. Drake is gearing up for the launch of his brand new candle line, Better World Fragrance House. And yes, there is a candle that supposedly smells just like the rapper.
… The line will launch with five different aromas, but the candle everyone seems to be talking about is the one called “Carby Musk.” The “smooth musk fragrance” promises in the description that it “actually smells just like Drake.” If you want to know how to recreate what Drake smells like, the candle includes hints of “Musk, Ambers, Cashmere, Suede, and Velvet.” Also, that particular $80 candle is completely sold out already.
DARTH VADER STATUE IN MEMORY OF DAVID PROWSE
On Sunday, Star Wars actor Dave Prowse died at the age of 85 after contracting COVID-19. The competitive bodybuilder was spotted by George Lucas in a bit part in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange and offered the choice of playing Chewbacca or Vader. Prowse picked the latter as “everyone remembers the villain.” It proved to be a good decision, too, as Darth Vader has gone on to become the most iconic cinematic baddie of all time.
… Despite James Earl Jones providing the onscreen voice, Prowse’s physical performance assured him lifelong fame and a permanent connection with a galaxy far, far away. Now, some enterprising citizen of Bristol, England has commemorated the actor by placing a statue of Vader on top of a statue base in the city center where Prowse was born, brought up and educated. What’s notable is that this wasn’t placed on just any statue base (also called a plinth). Up until this year, it featured a controversial statue of slave trader Edward Colston, which was torn from its base and dumped in a nearby harbor by Black Lives Matter protestors.
… Of course, this unofficial memorial isn’t likely to stay for long and if there is to be a statue of Prowse, it would probably be him as the Green Cross Man, a public safety superhero he played in a famous series of British public service ads many years ago.
BLACK MIRROR CREATOR’S MYSTERIOUS 2020 PROJECT GETS A MYSTERIOUS TEASER
This year has been such a roller coaster that it makes episodes of Black Mirror look almost quaint by comparison. Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker is aware of that, so rather than bring us a new season of Black Mirror he’s unleashing a new, mysterious mockumentary about the crazy year that was 2020. Brooker just delivered a new teaser for the project, which may or may not be called Death to 2020. • VIDEO
… At the end of November, Hugh Grant casually revealed he was working on something with Charlie Brooker, creator of Black Mirror. Grant said that the project was a “mockumentary about 2020” and that he was playing a historian being interviewed about the year in question. We don’t know much else, except that it’s coming to Netflix.
TIGER NEARLY TEARS STAFFER’S ARM OFF AT CAROLE BASKIN’S BIG CAT RESCUE
You see Carole Baskin trending atop of Twitter and you know it’s something out-of-the-ordinary. This time the news is from her Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Tampa where a tiger attack took place. A staffer broke protocol and stuck her arm into the tiger cage during feeding. When the animal got a hold of her, it nearly tore her entire arm off at the shoulder. The woman is expected to survive, but no word yet if her arm will be saved.
WOLFGANG VAN HALEN NOT HAPPY WITH GUITAR AUCTION
Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang Van Halen isn’t happy with the auction that sold a trio of his late father’s guitars. Julien’s Auctions announced the sale of the three instruments for a total of $422,000 Wednesday night. Responding to a headline about the auction that read “Three of Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic Guitars Sold,” Wolf tweeted, “The headline should read: ‘Three guitars that are striped were sold at an auction for charity.’” Wolfgang says, “They weren’t stage guitars. I had nothing to do with this. I don’t EVER plan on selling any of my father’s iconic guitars. The only place they’d possibly belong in is a museum.”
GLORIA ESTEFAN SAID SHE HAD COVID-19 AFTER DINING OUTDOORS
Gloria Estefan shared she was diagnosed with COVID-19 after eating at an outdoor Miami restaurant with her family recently. In an Instagram video, the singer says she tested positive on November 8, days after the dining experience. She wrote: “October 30 was the only day I ever went out. I was wearing my mask and I went to a restaurant outdoors with some family. We wore masks all the way to the table and when we left. But [at the restaurant] somebody came up to me when I was eating and tapped me on the shoulder. They had no mask and were very close.” She believes this is when she became infected. She experienced mild symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell and a cough, and is now recovered after spending two weeks in isolation on the second floor of her home.
OREO UNVEILS NEW LADY GAGA ‘CHROMATICA’ COOKIES
2021 is already looking bright, thanks to a sweet new superstar collaboration that will hit shelves in January. Lady Gaga has teamed up with America’s favorite cookie to create a new Oreo that will help spread musical messages of kindness. The two cultural icons concocted the one-of-a-kind pink Chromatica Oreos with green creme filling inspired by Gaga’s feel-good dance album, Chromatica. The first-ever celebrity Oreo features three different designs inspired by the album, embossed on the wafer. Oreo hasn’t released the official date for when fans can buy full-size packs but said “the cookies will be available in 6-cookie packs at convenience stores starting in January for a limited time only, while supplies last.” • LINK
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY LOST WEIGHT FOR DALLAS BUYERS CLUB WITH UNLIMITED WINE
Matthew McConaughey says he had to get down to 135 pounds for his 2013 film Dallas Buyer’s Club — a drop of over 50 pounds from his normal frame. To do it he says each day he ate a couple of egg whites, a small piece of fish and some veggies, tapioca pudding and “as much wine as I wanted to drink.”
THE MORNING SHOW SEASON 2 CASTS JULIANNA MARGULIES
Julianna Margulies has joined the cast of The Morning Show Season 2. She will play Laura Peterson, an anchor at UBA News. She joins returning series stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon as well as Steve Carell and Billy Crudup.
KEN JEONG AND JOEL MCHALE TO HOST FOX’S NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN SPECIAL
Former Community costars Ken Jeong and Joel McHale will host Fox’s New Year’s Eve Toast & Roast 2021. They succeed former NYE emcee Steve Harvey, who has presided over Fox’s countdown since 2017.
THE MASKED SINGER’ RENEWED AT FOX FOR SEASON 5
Expect more crazy costumes after Fox renewed its flagship reality competition The Masked Singer for a fifth season. The broadcaster is bringing back the Nick Cannon-hosted show in 2021.
HULU’S WATCH PARTIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL SUBSCRIBERS
Back in May, Hulu started testing a Watch Party feature. It’s now officially available. It will allow you and up to seven other friends and family members to connect with one another while taking in the same movie or TV show. One much-appreciated change from when the company was testing the feature is that it’s available to all Hulu subscribers, not just to those who pay for its more expensive ad-free tier.
… The limitation that remains is that you can’t start or join a Watch Party through the Hulu app; they’re still only available courtesy of the company’s website.
AMC+ ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER THE WALKING DEAD HOLIDAY SPECIAL
AMC+ has announced the first-ever Walking Dead Holiday Special, debuting Sunday, December 13 exclusively on the premium streaming bundle. Hosted by Chris Hardwick, the hour-long program will feature current and past cast members from The Walking Dead joining via video chat to talk about the holiday season and look back on a decade of the series.
ANIMAL PLANET, HGTV ENTER STREAMING ARENA
Discovery Communications, the cable TV home of Shark Week, the Oprah Winfrey Network and reality hits 90 Day Fiancé, Property Brothers and Dr. Pimple Popper, is launching a streaming service that will make its programming available to consumers without a pay TV subscription. The service, called Discovery+, will launch January 4. It will carry programming from Discovery’s wide range of channels, which include TLC, OWN, Investigative Discovery, Animal Planet and Food Network.
… Through a partnership deal with A&E Television Networks, Discovery+ also will offer nonfiction shows from Lifetime, History Channel and A&E.
… Discovery’s service will have a two-tiered pricing system in the U.S. with an ad-supported version for $4.99 a month and commercial-free streaming for $6.99.
ELLEN DEGENERES PAYS $49 MILLION FOR DENNIS MILLER’S COMPOUND
Back in October Dennis Miller and wife Slim Paley rocked the California real estate market by signing a private deal to sell their vast estate for a whopping $49 million in cash. At that time, the new owners’ names were not publicly known, but now it turns out the mystery buyers were Ellen DeGeneres and her longtime wife Portia de Rossi. The pair have a extensive and highly publicized affinity for buying and selling some of Santa Barbara’s most valuable homes.
… This particular splurge is the couple’s biggest yet, and one of the priciest deals ever inked in Santa Barbara County. DeGeneres’ new 4.3-acre compound isn’t just any old compound — it’s an estate that more closely resembles a small village than an ordinary home. The sprawling property sits behind walls and tall gates and comprises five separate structures — there’s a guesthouse, a detached garage building, a poolhouse, a barn, and a 9,000-square-foot main mansion designed in an authentic South African Cape Dutch architectural style.