HBO is responsible for some of the most influential television shows of all time. The current Golden Age of Television that we are living in now began with “The Sopranos” in 1999. However, “True Detective” was something completely different. The eight-episode detective series premiered in 2014, and changed television forever. There was a longstanding notion that […]
Continue readingOne of the reasons that “The Sopranos” has endured even as its Prestige TV imitators fade away is that its creators knew when to be ambiguous. The series never holds its audience’s hand, which makes for rewarding repeat viewings. 15 years later, we’re still talking about what the cut to black which ended the series […]
Continue readingTwenty years ago, HBO’s original drama programming consisted of “Oz,” “The Sopranos,” and “Six Feet Under.” The pay-cable outlet had been blazing a daringly original trail comedy-wise with series like “The Larry Sanders Show” and “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” but this foray into seriousness shook up an industry that expected hour-long dramas to […]
Continue readingJudd Apatow tried hard to get his “Superbad” cast to return for a sequel, but no one was interested in ruining a great thing. It turns out that’s not an excuse Apatow ever agreed with. From the way Apatow sees it, there’s no reason to think the cast and crew behind one of the most […]
Continue readingRae Allen, a veteran actress across stage, television, and film, died peacefully in her sleep earlier today, according to Deadline. She was 95 years old. Over her lengthy career, Allen was nominated for the Tony Awards three times, ultimately winning the award in 1971 for Best Featured Actress in “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little.”Rae […]
Continue readingLast week’s premiere of “Atlanta” Season 3 marked Donald Glover’s long-awaited return to television writing. The multi-hyphenate has kept busy with a variety of film and music projects in the four years since Season 2 of his hit FX show aired, but the return of “Atlanta” has reminded audiences why he is one of TV’s […]
Continue readingLandmark American crime drama “The Sopranos” is renowned for its authenticity. The story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) tackling his mental health issues while balancing family life and his duties as a mob boss made for some of the most gripping television of all time. Often thought to be one of the greatest TV shows […]
Continue readingThe Super Bowl has a long history of featuring big budget commercials that are also “sequels” or playful nods to beloved shows and movies. Several years ago, Honda brought in Matthew Broderick for a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”-themed spot. I also recall Kelsey Grammar reprising his role as the former Cheers regular and beloved radio […]
Continue readingThe drama of one of HBO’s most acclaimed series extended well beyond the confines of its slot on the schedule. Before filming was set to commence on the fifth season of “The Sopranos,” the cast felt that they needed a contract re-negotiation, namely one that would include a substantial pay raise. When considering how much […]
Continue readingLong before she became an Oscar winner for Best Original Song for “A Star Is Born,” and now a possible Best Actress Oscar contender for “House of Gucci,” a teenage Lady Gaga starred in “The Sopranos.” She had a one-off guest role in the Season 3 episode “The Telltalle Moozadell” as “Girl at Swimming Pool […]
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