The Parting Shot with H Alan Scott

Jersey Shore, a reality television show that sparked backlash from politicians when it first aired, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a new season of Jersey Shore Family Vacation. And while Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is a fan favorite, after a six year hiatus being off reality television, he wasn't sure people would like the new person he became. Newsweek's Jenni Fink joins H. Alan Scott for this chat with Mike ‘The Situation' Sorrentino. Read Jenni's feature on Mike here: https://www.newsweek.com/jersey-shore-family-vacation-mike-sorrentino-situation-2078136 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four tech CEOs, drunk on power, reunite at a mountaintop home amid a global economic crisis they might be partially responsible for. "There is a power that is purchased by money, where they don't have to apologize for their behavior," Cory Michael Smith says about playing Venis in Jesse Armstrong's HBO film Mountainhead (May 31). "A lot of these guys probably grew up not being the coolest kids in class." Part of the struggle for Smith was finding the space between drama and comedy. "Figuring out the balance was a little nerve-racking." Plus, Smith was excited to work with Armstrong. "I watched Succession, like most actors, with awe and envy, thinking, 'Wow, that's the luckiest cast.' Being invited into his [Armstrong's] feature directorial debut is so dreamy." Smith was also eager to work alongside Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman and Ramy Youssef. "I'm really grateful that I feel like I didn't f*** it up...this felt like a monstrous opportunity, and a monstrous opportunity to fail and have to really consider going back to school if I just humiliated myself." Watch the full chat with Cory Michael Smith: https://www.newsweek.com/2025/05/30/cory-michael-smith-embraces-chaos-jesse-armstrongs-mountainhead-2074986.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darren Criss is an Emmy-winning actor, but deep down he's a musical theater nerd. Which is why he's so proud to be part of this year's Tony-nominated musical Maybe Happy Ending. "Everybody involved in [Broadway], we all work within a 10-some-odd block radius, and it is really like a campus celebration." For Criss, who plays Oliver, a robot in futuristic Seoul in love with another robot, Claire (played by Helen J. Shen), it's "nothing short of a miracle." "You kind of hope for this your whole life." After picking up 10 Tony nominations, including Criss' for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, it's clear countless others did too. "I hope it runs for many moons in other countries and in other dimensions." Part of what makes the show unique is its path to Broadway. "Every step along the way, it has been an exponential groundswell of positive response, because everything is just earnest ideas believed in by earnest people." And it's been a benchmark for diversity and Asian stories on Broadway. "I always like to say that the victory is in the conversation." Watch the full chat with Darren Criss: https://www.newsweek.com/2025/06/13/tony-nominee-darren-criss-miracle-that-maybe-happy-ending-2077612.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone remembers life's growing pains right after you leave your parents' home. For Jack Innanen, part of the ensemble of the new FX series Adults, there are certain things that made him feel like an adult really quick. "Tax season and when I'm working on my visa, those ones get me locked in. I'm like, 'Oh, I'm a man in the eyes of the government.'" Before Innanen was cast as Paul Baker on Adults—only the second project he auditioned for after moving to New York City from Canada—he was best known for his viral social media presence. "It's a completely different beast," he says about creating social content versus filming a show. "They're not the same at all." But he knows how fortunate he is. "I don't even know if I understand the trajectory to whatever mix of luck and serendipity I've found myself in." And he loves that Adults shows a group of young people trying to make sense of it all. "The veil of adulthood has come down, and I think the show really plays into that. It's trying to figure out who you are, how you exist as a proper adult." Watch the full chat with Jack Innanen: https://www.newsweek.com/2025/05/30/how-jack-innanen-went-social-media-star-fxs-adults-2074995.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Survivor 48 winner Kyle Fraser joins runners-up Eva Erickson and Joe Hunter for their post-finale showdown—and yes, we talk about Kyle's secret alliance with Kamilla that helped him torch the final tribal. (And yes, we talked about his caked-up backside and how that helped him win a million dollars.) Meanwhile, Eva and Joe break down their ride-or-die public alliance and how they maintained it until the end without ever having to go mean. Eva opens up about how her being open about her autism helped her game and Joe gets emotional about what this game meant to him. If you're a Survivor fan, this is the episode of the Parting Shot to listen to. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you're there, subscribe to Newsweek's ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join a hilarious chat with Michael Henry and Tim Murray as they spill the tea on their OutTV series Wish You Were Queer. From outrageous moments to behind-the-scenes antics, the duo dives into the chaos that fuels their comedy. (And how Trixie Mattel feels about their travels.)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're serving a double dose of glam and gossip with RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars queens Phoenix and Olivia Lux. From werkroom whispers to main stage moments, we're unpacking it all—growth, glow-ups, and a little bit of shade. Olivia spills on finding her voice beyond the glitz, Phoenix gets real about legacy and evolution, and of course, we talk about this new format of All Stars.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Parting Shot, Summer House's Imrul Hassan shares his powerful story of navigating life while previously being undocumented. Speaking with Newsweek's Jenni Fink, Hassan gets vulnerable about his journey to citizenship, and why he felt it was important to talk about it on one of Bravo's most popular shows.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did Alexander Skarsgård prepare to play a security robot that starts to find free will in Apple TV+'s Murderbot (May 16)? “Well, I've spent 48 years being emotionally unavailable. That's a good start.” [laughs] Skarsgård plays the titular character Murderbot, which must hide its ability for free thought while tackling dangerous assignments for the humans it has been assigned to. Oh, and it binge watches a fictional soap opera. “I think Murderbot watches [The Rise and Fall of] Sanctuary Moon and other soap operas as a kind of anthropological study. It's a way to understand humans and humanity from a safe distance.” Part of the appeal of the story for Skarsgård was the genre itself. “There are no limitations. When you create a sci-fi show, you're not bound to the rules or restrictions here on Earth. You can let your creativity flow.” And while Skarsgård doesn't “foresee a romantic relationship,” there is one rather revealing full frontal scene that actually says quite a bit. “Murderbot is created for one purpose and one purpose only—security. So why give him genitals?” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With WorldPride descending on D.C., we're diving deep into a powerful and often overlooked corner of queer history. Jonathan Edelman, Collections Curator, and Sarah Leavitt, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Capital Jewish Museum joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to explore their groundbreaking exhibit: LGBT Jews in the Federal City. We discuss the stories behind the artifacts, the intersections of Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities, and how queer Jewish Washingtonians have shaped the city's cultural and political landscape. Whether you're a history buff, a museum nerd, or just here for the Pride, this episode brings the past to life in the most meaningful way. For more about LGBT Jews in the Federal City at the Capital Jewish Museum, visit https://capitaljewishmuseum.org/exhibition/lgbtjews-in-the-federal-city/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Diego Boneta knew he wanted to write a sexy, steamy murder mystery for his first novel. “And I also really wanted it to be a novel that was a great summer read.” That's exactly what he's done with The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco. Set in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the story follows a mysterious young man, Julian Villareal, who arrives at the estate of his friend and tennis rival, Alejandro Velasco, after his sudden death. “You think he's this super rich kid from Mexico City, who's studying at UCLA, and then you slowly start realizing that he's not who he says he is.” The book is also being adapted by Amazon MGM Studios as an original series. “It's my first time doing this, where it's acting out a character that I wrote in a novel.” But for Boneta, whose father was a “national [tennis] champion in Mexico [and] played Wimbledon,” he's more than prepared to play Julian. “Julian is something that I already have in my DNA, because we've been working on this for so long now, I just want to make sure that it's the best version of the show that it can be for audiences to be entertained.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shortly before Kelsey Grammer rose to fame playing Dr. Frasier Crane on Cheers and then Frasier, he experienced a horrible personal tragedy: His 18-year-old older sister Karen was brutally murdered in 1975. “The grief was so enormous. I don't blame anybody for grieving to that extent, I get it.” And now he's memorializing Karen's memory—and searching for answers—in Karen: A Brother Remembers (May 6). He says the book “came from what is a shared sadness, a depth of sadness that we have to go through these things,” and hopes that others will feel a “lifeline” with this book. “There is a personal, human cost struggle that is forever. From the moment that happens, it's forever. So I think that one of the goals of the book would be to actually extend the hand of love to everybody that's felt the same way, who will spend the rest of their lives remarking on it.” While the “grief is always there,” Grammer says writing this book “let the grief roll back just enough to be able to remember her story is my story, and that our love that we had is forever, and that's been great.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join H. Alan Scott as he sits down with the creators of the wildly popular Jolly YouTube channel, Josh Carrott and Ollie Kendal. In this lively and hilarious conversation, they dive into their incredible journey through American and international food scenes. From their genuine love of food to the powerful friendship that fuels their global adventures, Josh and Ollie open up about the joy they find in every culinary experience. Plus, watch their priceless reactions as they try American classics like Cheese Whiz and Twizzlers for the very first time. Whether you're a foodie, an adventurer, or just a fan of great storytelling, this interview will leave you smiling and probably hungry too. Watch the full chat: https://youtu.be/s8tPQN4PrIc?si=eQPw2RFRnBbxnXCa See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He's charming, he's dangerous, and he's back for one last time. Newsweek's H. Alan Scott chats with Penn Badgley to talk all things You—from Joe Goldberg's twisted evolution to the shocking elements of the final season. Penn opens up about the psychological toll of playing TV's most lovable stalker, what fans can expect from the show's explosive conclusion, and how it feels to finally say goodbye to one of the most complicated characters on television. Spoilers? Not really. Fascinating? Definitely. (Oh, and yes, we talk about the parallels between Gossip Girl and You. Oh, and how Penn got his start playing a bully on Will & Grace. So yeah, you're gonna wanna listen to this episode.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready to go “My Heart Will Go On” levels deep with the fabulously creative (and genius) minds behind the Céline Dion-inspired musical Titanique! Tye Blue, Constantine Rousouli, and Marla Mindelle—Titanique's powerhouse creative team—chat with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott on how they turned one of the biggest blockbusters of all time into a campy, musical fever dream. We talk Céline, comedy, chaos, and how they managed to blend iconic 90s nostalgia with pitch-perfect parody. Watch the full chat: https://youtu.be/qabQZHGnAfg?si=YE0orNbRqBfuP7MT See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The road to the RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 finale has been one of wild challenges and shifting dynamics. Now, after months of lip-syncs and legendary shade, the final four queens—Onya Nurve, Lexi Love, Sam Star and Jewels Sparkles—are preparing to step onto the runway one last time, ready to claim the crown. In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, the finalists opened up about their emotional journeys, fan reactions, behind-the-scenes moments and what they've learned along the way. These are queens who have turned pain into punchlines, pressure into polish, and personal growth into fierce artistry. Watch the full chat with Onya Nurve, Lexi Love, Sam Star and Jewels Sparkles: https://www.newsweek.com/rupauls-drag-race-final-four-growth-gowns-grit-we-already-made-it-2061295 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein is “on a c*** mission.” [laughs] Not really, but sort of? In his first stand-up special, Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life (HBO, April 26), the Emmy-winning actor muses about British people's casual use of the C-word, and other things. Goldstein is quick to point out, “I owe everything to Ted Lasso.” “It completely changed my life. I had done stand-up for 17 years and probably the most people that would come and see me was 200. Then, because of Ted Lasso, I was playing much, much, much bigger venues.” Despite his success, “the butt of the joke is always me.” The sweet spot for his material is that “I find everything embarrassing, but I'm less [embarrassed] talking about it on stage.” In addition to his special and another season playing Ted Lasso's Roy Kent, Goldstein is in demand, with Apple TV+'s Shrinking and a new film, All of You. “I just like making stuff. It is my favorite thing to do, and I will keep doing it as long as people are interested. And when they stop, I'll be back playing to five people and I'll be happy. It'll be fine.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No matter how long Ncuti Gatwa plays The Doctor in the legendary sci-fi series Doctor Who, he still can't quite believe he gets to play the part. "I just feel very honored to be a part of the Who-niverse, because it made me feel very included." Going into his second season as The Doctor, "It always blows my mind whenever I speak to someone from over the pond that knows about Doctor Who, because [it] just feels like our tiny, little British TV show." Thanks to the international reach of Disney+, "the show is getting bigger, and more people have access to this wonderful little secret that us nerds had for a little while just all to ourselves." Gatwa acknowledges he "had great teachers" in past Doctors. "They each had something really different." And this season will bring even more nostalgia. "Classic Who fans will be happy about this season, there's lots of Easter eggs in it for them." But Gatwa, as the first Black Doctor, is especially proud that "little Black kids are gonna be looking at me like, 'I might be the Doctor,' or they might feel a little more relatability to the show." Read and watch the full chat with Ncuti Gatwa: https://www.newsweek.com/2025/04/11/doctor-whos-ncuti-gatwa-has-many-easter-eggs-longtime-who-fans-2053340.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If there's anyone who knows how to play a wealthy man with a secret, it's Jon Hamm. From Mad Men's Don Draper to Andrew Cooper turning to a life of crime to maintain his lavish lifestyle in his new series Your Friends and Neighbors (Apple TV+), Hamm knows. “I'm really good casting for this, if I do say so myself,” Hamm laughs, “absurd wealth is what we're looking at here,” and the secrets its pursuit can reveal. “Late-stage capitalism and rampant materialism, and what does it really mean? Why are we measuring ourselves against other people using the metric of just who has a bigger pile of stuff?” While he knows “not everybody can resonate with having to make their $300,000 mortgage” like his character, “people can certainly identify with losing their job through no fault of their own.” Between Mad Men and some of his Emmy-nominated work on The Morning Show, Fargo and Landman, Hamm is confident that he's “earned my place,” but is mostly “fortunate” that he gets to work with those he admires. “To work with those people is a tremendous gift.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all know Newsweek's H. Alan Scott loves ‘The Golden Girls.' (He has them tattooed on his arm.) So obviously Rachel Ekstrom Courage had to stop by to talk about her fantastic new book ‘Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery.' Rachel talks about how the book came about, why ‘The Golden Girls' are perfect characters in a novel, and even talks about whether she'll do more Golden Girls cozy mysteries. Subscribe to Newsweek's For the Culture newsletter to watch the full chat with Kit. https://www.newsweek.com/newsletter/the-culture/ Order ‘Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery' - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770129/murder-by-cheesecake-by-rachel-ekstrom-courage/ Follow Rachel Ekstrom Courage - https://www.instagram.com/rachelekstromcourage/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting a show made is hard these days. Getting a show about unconventional families is even harder to get made. Despite these hurdles, Kit Williamson was able to do it. The end result? Unconventional, Revery's first original scripted series, follows queer siblings and their partners as they grapple with creating unconventional families. Kit joined Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to talk about the show, how it came about, and why it's important now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Will & Grace premiered on NBC in 1998, it was groundbreaking because of the sheer lack of queer representation on network TV. Since then, numerous sitcoms have increased LGBTQ+ visibility on TV, but rarely gay characters of an older generation. To fill that void, those same Will & Grace creators, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, developed Hulu's Mid-Century Modern to show that while a multi-camera sitcom with three gay male leads is rare, the stories they are telling are universal. Led by Nathan Lane's Bunny Schneiderman, Mid-Century Modern finds undergarment tycoon Bunny inviting his two best friends—Jerry (played by Matt Bomer) and Arthur (played by Nathan Lee Graham)—to move in with him and his mother, Sybil (played by Linda Lavin). It is after the passing of one of their mutual friends that Bunny opens up his Palm Springs home. Newsweek's H. Alan Scott chats with Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham about Mid-Century Modern, how it came about, and why it's so important right now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode, Will & Grace creators, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, chat with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott about how Mid-Century Modern came about, how a dinner with Ryan Murphy started it all, and the way Linda Lavin's sudden passing during production impacted the new Hulu series. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if Harriet Tubman came back to modern-day America to make a hip-hop album in order to continue her work as an abolitionist? That's exactly the world Bob the Drag Queen creates in their new novel Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert. “It is the most remarkable story in American history,” Bob says of Tubman's life. “Harriet Tubman sees how remarkable African American culture is, what it's become, how hip-hop has saved the nation, saved the world and she wants to take part in it.” In addition to the physical book, the audio experience of the novel is just as enthralling, complete with original music. “A part of Harriet Tubman's story is music. [She] did use music in her work as an abolitionist.” And the music included in the audiobook is “the best music I've ever written. Easily. I am so proud of this book. I cry when I listen to this music.” And true to form, Bob, a past winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, is creating a live show based around the book. “The book really is about freedom and what freedom means to you. We get to define what our freedom is... and in this book, Harriet is trying to help people get free.” Bob spoke with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott about how the book came about how much it would take for him to return to RuPaul's Drag Race. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Falcone isn't exactly known for making kid-friendly projects. His films with wife and frequent collaborator Melissa McCarthy are "R-rated quite often, but I do think there's a certain sweetness that we usually try to hit." And it's that sweetness he's bringing to his first kids' book, What's Scarier Than Thunder? "My secret goal is that it's something that kids will think is funny, but that parents will, too." The story follows Claire, who is afraid of thunderstorms. For future stories, Falcone sees many other things to be scared of: "Heights, first day of school, remember that one? Meeting someone new, auditions..." Another story he's actively involved with is the podcast Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire, which he created with McCarthy and Steve Mallory. "There's going to be a season two, so we're excited." And even though "the industry is clearly changing," Falcone says he believes in comedy. "Melissa and I, our big goal is to try to be a very small part of the bigger push to get comedies back in the theaters. I think it's so good for people to get together and laugh."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Queen Camilla lands on the cover of Newsweek, the exact moment Meghan's cooking show flopped, and the King has high praise for an A-lister who backed Meghan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, famous for chronicling her gender transition online in “365 Days of Girlhood,” posted a sponsored video promoting Bud Light, it quickly went viral, but not necessarily in a good way. “I would have never taken that offer had I known it would have brought me anything but joy.” She shares her experience in a new book Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer (March 11). “I felt so supported by the internet and in my life that I wasn't really weighing the gravity of what working with a brand with that scope and that broader audience really meant.” But when the spotlight from “Beergate” shined on her, “there was this energy of, Do I just not talk about this? Do we pretend it didn't happen?... No! The way that I navigate life is to share. Unfortunately, I'm addicted to oversharing and so I couldn't not.” But with the book, a new podcast and other projects in the mix, Mulvaney is ready to focus on her ultimate goal: “This year, every decision I make is coming back to, Does this help me become a Broadway diva?”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've got new winners from Peacock's Traitors! Dolores Catania, Dylan Efron and Ivar Mountbatten spoke with Newsweek about sleuthing out the traitors and why this season was so chaotically wonderful. If you watched, then you know the actual traitors were a mess. Instead of murdering faithfuls, they all seemed to be going after fellow traitors. This made for a chaotic and messy game, sending faithfuls into a confused tizzy. But Dolores, Dylan, Ivar and and Gabby Windey somehow figured out that if they stuck together, they could just let the traitors sabotage themselves. This smart move led the four of them to win it all. (They'll split the $204,300 prize.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Novocaine (March 14), Jack Quaid is stepping into his leading man era. "It's the first time I've seen my face prominently featured on a billboard or a poster, and that is so surreal." Quaid plays Nathan, an ordinary man who turns his unique condition—a genetic disorder that leaves him unable to feel pain—into a superpower to save his girlfriend from kidnappers. "It's gross and crazy and nuts, but really, over the course of the movie, he is kind of a new babe in the woods. He's just discovering the world for the first time in a lot of ways, and he has this longing for something more." This character, who Quaid calls "the sweetest character I've ever played," comes after a string of performances in films like Companion and Scream, where Quaid played anything but a nice guy. "Once you're unburdened from the idea of likability, you can really expand and go to some weird places." But he likes that Nathan is the opposite. "Nate we're trying to make a likable character. I like that he's a very heroic character in a lot of ways, because he's risking everything for this girl." Full Transcript: https://www.newsweek.com/2025/03/14/jack-quaid-midst-surreal-moment-novocaine-2039650.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The path to get Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again made was a “wild” journey, says Vincent D'Onofrio, who plays Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin, the supervillain at odds with Matt Murdock aka Daredevil (played by Charlie Cox), a lawyer by trade fighting for justice. “Any time you're involved with a project that people are digging, you just feel like you owe them so much and it really inspires you to do a great job and to do the best you can.” After a ferocious campaign from fans, Disney+ brought the series back—initially a Netflix original from 2015 to 2018. Playing a dark character isn't really about “a love for evil” for D'Onofrio, but “a love for interesting.” As he says: “Do you remember that show Three's Company? At the end of all those shows, it was always just a big misunderstanding, and that's how I like to think about how I approach parts that are so far from me...you have to love your character, and if it's a well-written character you fall in love with it, and then I just think, this is just a big misunderstanding. I'm actually not what people think. That's the only way.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a six-time New York Times bestselling author, Chelsea Handler knows the secret to a successful book is to stay true to herself. “All of my books are representative of where I am in my life at that time.” And “right now, where I am in my life is my feet are so firmly planted in the ground you cannot knock me over.” The comedian just released her seventh book, I'll Have What She's Having. “The point is to highlight how incredible your life can be when you don't subscribe to doing what everyone tells you makes you valuable.” Between the book, her podcast Dear Chelsea and her stand-up—she has a new Netflix comedy Chelsea Handler: The Feeling and a Las Vegas residency, Chelsea at The Chelsea)—it's clear Handler has written her own script to her career. “I feel really strongly and passionately, which I always have, that no one is in charge of me.” The former host of the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately says, “we all need a reboot for the talk show.” But in order to return to the format, it would have to “be the right set of circumstances.... I wouldn't say never.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When America is under siege, it takes a special group to step up and face the enemy. Robert De Niro, Connie Britton, Angela Bassett and more star in Netflix's limited series Zero Day trying to unravel the mystery of who is trying to bring the country to its knees. H. Alan Scott is joined by Naomi Ekperigin to break down all of the exciting twists and turns. Zero Day is now playing, only on Netflix.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Showtime's Yellowjackets is really two shows in one. One is about a group of '90s teenage plane crash survivors, and the other follows them now. The trick is finding that balance between the actors playing the same characters. “Casting just did an excellent job. They found people with similar essences,” says Jasmin Savoy Brown, who plays the younger version of Taissa. “If anyone has a harder job, it's [Tawny Cypress, who plays Taissa's older self], because technically, she has to play to who her younger person is, me.” Brown admits it's “intimidating” to have the modern-day characters played by greats like Cypress, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis and Melanie Lynskey. “All of them make it so easy. There's no one that's snobby or diva or rude.” And Brown, who can also be seen in the upcoming Scream 7—“I'm really honored to be playing the first out queer character in that franchise's history”—is most aware how special this moment is. “I'm really grateful, I get to work with people who've been doing this for a long time, and all of them happen to be really kind.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you take on a role that somebody else made famous, it's not easy. Patrick Gibson knew when he started playing a younger version of Michael C. Hall's Dexter Morgan, a Miami serial killer, in Dexter: Original Sin, that risk is “farther to fall, in a way.” Hall “can't even be turning in his grave,” because he's still very much involved with the role. “It must be a weird thing to see somebody else step into that, but I have to say he was so generous and welcoming, I think because he was a part of it getting made.” What makes this origin story so fascinating is that we get to see a time when Dexter didn't have his murders perfected. “He really is relying on his base instincts and the lessons that he's picking up from just starting working in Miami Metro.” There's also “a loneliness at that time of his life that I think was interesting and felt human.” And while he's very much a psychopath, the audience is still rooting for him. “I think it's that weird Robin Hood moral gray area.” Gibson is ready for season two. “So much happens in season one, but there's also so much left unresolved.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding is thrilled Renée Zellweger is back in the fourth installment of the series, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. "She's so like Bridget in that she is so warm and kind. There's a gentleness about her, and it's real. There's nothing made up about that," Fielding told Newsweek in early February. "Once Renée started playing the role, it all merged together," she said. "And from that point, I started writing Bridget as Renée, all mixed up together.... I write for her, seeing her, knowing what she does." In a bonus episode of the Parting Shot, Fielding spoke with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott about the legacy of Bridget Jones, her relationship with Zellweger, and whether she'll write another Bridget Jones book. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"I'm a fan of Bridget Jones.... That I share that with so many people is a really cool thing," Renée Zellweger told Newsweek's Parting Shot in an exclusive interview. Nearly 24 years ago, the movie starring Zellweger as that young, single, British woman who started a diary was released. Its protagonist subsequently became a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of the modern British woman and an international example of liberated women everywhere. And the real-life woman who made her famous became so identifiable with the character from Helen Fielding's 1996 book Bridget Jones's Diary that it's almost impossible to imagine any other actor in the role. Now Zellweger is back with Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Zellweger chats with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott about the legacy of Bridget Jones, what about her she relates to most, and why she's so protective of her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He's been in the business for more than 40 years, but Mark-Paul Gosselaar still feels like he hasn't experienced everything. “I still feel like I have so much left to learn. Every time I walk on a set, I learn something.” Currently on NBC's Found, Gosselaar plays Sir, a man held captive by Gabi (played by Shanola Hampton), the adult woman his character kidnapped as a child. He chose the role because it was unlike anything he's done before. “I'm always looking for something to challenge me... that when I read it, I become a bit anxious about playing that role.” And there's still so much to be revealed about Sir. “We've just scratched the surface. There was an episode last season that showed Sir's childhood. I've been told that possibly in upcoming seasons we'll go deeper into Sir as a child, because there's a lot of questions that need to be answered.” Part of what Gosselaar loves about Found is the chemistry he has with Hampton. “I enjoy coming to set because we have the leader of the show, Shanola, setting the tone as a good person... It's just a great environment to be creative in.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to celebrity interviews, the first name that comes to mind is probably not Malcolm Gladwell. But The Tipping Point writer says he will “defend my props as a celebrity interviewer” on Audible's The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell. “I just thought, it's fun to hang out with Kenya and his celebrity friends... [but] the truth is, we're not just talking with celebrities.” And that mix of celebrities, business figures, politicians and others is what makes their conversations so thrilling. “We're actually not as odd, but it's an interesting combination,” Kenya Barris told Newsweek. "We want people who are at the top of their [field]. [We] ask, 'What was the thing behind the thing? What was the thing that you didn't see?'" And if the caliber of their first guests is any indication, there will be lots more to come. "I hope that people will receive it, because there's so many people who I'd love to talk to that I think are culturally zeitgeist-defining characters that people may not know about." Newsweek's H. Alan Scott chats with Malcolm and Kenya about the The Unusual Suspects, their guests, and why their pairing just works. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did you watch The Traitors or RuPaul's Drag Race this week? Because if you did, this episode is for you. First H. Alan Scott is chatting with Robyn Dixon of Real Housewives fame about her exit from the castle on Traitors. Then he's joined by Drag Race's Joella about her exit from the show and she addresses some of her comments that went viral. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Boyz N the Hood in 1991 until now, Morris Chestnut has seen much of Hollywood. "I've been through pretty much everything in the industry." Now he's starring in and executive producing CBS's new drama Watson (January 26). It "was a no-brainer" for Chestnut when he was approached to play Dr. John Watson. "It's just a blessing and an honor to have that opportunity." Based within the mythology of Sherlock Holmes, Watson picks up a year after Holmes' death. "The character's dealing with the loss of his best friend." This depth is something that Chestnut feels he's most qualified to portray now. "Fifteen years ago, I don't know if I'd be able to do the role the way I'm able to do it now." But one thing Chestnut is most grateful for is the relationship he's built with fans from films like Boyz N the Hood and The Best Man. "If I were to say, right now today, let's get a project together where people are going to be talking about it 30 years from now, everybody wants that. But it doesn't happen that often. And I've been blessed enough to be involved in two of them."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wells Adams, the Bachelor in Paradise bartender, unfortunately had an early boot from this season of Peacock's The Traitors. But his time on the show was memorable, particularly because of his game play and just how charming he was. He speaks with Newsweek's Parting Shot about all of this, what he would have done differently and who he's rooting for to win.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that Julia Stiles has directed her first feature film, Wish You Were Here, she sees the work of directors in a whole new light. “I almost wanted to call some directors that I had worked with and be like, ‘I'm so sorry that I was annoyed with you when you told me to do that thing.'” Best known for acting, when she read the novel the film is based on, she knew she needed to adapt it. “The book broke my heart but also made me laugh. It felt like it had such a good spirit to it, and I'm a romantic at heart.” The film follows a young woman swept up in a new romance only to learn he's terminally ill. While she says she ran “in the other direction” of making the film too saccharine, she didn't let that cynical voice fully take over. “There is something really important about showing how much this girl takes care of him, and that it's okay to be kind and loving toward another person.” And now she says adding director to her credits has made her a better actor. “I think I realized that if you trust your director, and I mean really trust that person and believe in their vision, you can throw spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nearly 30 years after Marianne Jean-Baptiste received an Oscar nomination for her first collaboration with director Mike Leigh, Secrets & Lies, the pair are back together with Hard Truths. “It's been so nice to just spend time with him,” Jean-Baptiste tells Newsweek's Parting Shot. Jean-Baptiste plays Pansy, a depressed, angry, middle-aged woman who seems to find conflict with everyone. “I'm not too worried about her not being likable, but I was worried about people not having compassion for her.” Part of what makes a Leigh film so unique is the preparation that goes into crafting a character. “He is the only one that works in the way that he works, with the preparation, with the rehearsal.” Once again, Jean-Baptiste is receiving awards buzz for her multilayered performance. But for her, it's less about her performance and more about people discovering the film. “It's becoming more and more difficult to get people to go to the cinema to see films, especially one like this that hasn't got that big money behind it. So for this film to be sort of the little David against Goliath, it's a real thrill.” Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Mike Leigh chats with H. Alan Scott about Hard Truths, their collaborations and Leigh's singularly unique way of filmmaking. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the massive success of last season's The Traitors (streaming now on Peacock), host Alan Cumming knew this season had to be bigger. “There was a pressure to not just repeat ourselves, it actually upped the ante.” And they did just that, with a more explosive cast and even wilder twists. “It is bigger. I'm sort of a cult leader. I've gone from just a dandy, Lord of the manor in his castle, to official cult leader. I'm fine with it.” Cumming hosts a castle full of reality TV stars who all play a game of murder in order to win upwards of $250,000. Even though contestants are from shows like Survivor and Real Housewives, Cumming actually thinks the shows that made them famous has little to do with how well they do. “Everybody has this sort of myth that you have to be in one of those gamer shows to do well at this game and it's not true. Sometimes it's actually good to have better social skills.” Last year, Cumming's Emmy win ended RuPaul's historic 8-year winning streak for RuPaul's Drag Race. “I saw Ru, and I went up to him, and I just went, ‘I am so sorry.' And he just went, ‘Con-drag-ulations.' And I was like, ‘He said it!'” [laughs] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.