The Parting Shot with H Alan Scott

Jessica Vosk on stepping into Bette Midler's legacy with the Broadway musical ‘Beaches' and why she's not your typical Broadway girl. "There's a lot of C.C. [Bloom] in Jessica," Vosk said. "A person who is so focused, blinders on, true grit, willing to just crawl through the mud by yourself to get to where you want to go. I also base a lot of my life on self-deprecating comedy. I'm gonna make fun of myself before you get a chance to. And that's a very C.C. Bloom thing." Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Friday's MTV finale, the top three queens of RuPaul's Drag Race season 18 join H. Alan Scott to reflect on their path to the crown. Darlene Mitchell, Nini Coco and Myki Meeks talk about Snatch Game wins, lip sync battles, the now-iconic banana bag of tricks and the sensible shoes that became a season-long talking point. They open up about the friendships forged in the workroom, the breakout moments that surprised even them and what they each hope to do with the title if they win. Plus, the queens get candid about drag's role in a chaotic political moment, why joy matters and why, as Nini puts it, we should never fully disconnect drag from the world around us. A funny, warm and thoughtful conversation with three queens about to step into their spotlight. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lisa Rinna has made a career out of saying yes, and it's working. The actress, author and reality television icon joins us to talk about her New York Times bestselling memoir, ‘You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It,' her reinvention on ‘The Traitors,' why COVID dance videos changed everything, and how she knew it was time to walk away from ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' Plus: what's next. Spoiler, she's open. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Billy Magnussen has spent the past twenty years adding diverse roles to his resume, and ‘The Audacity' is emblematic of an actor coming into his own. Magnussen joins H. Alan Scott to talk about playing tech CEO Duncan Park in AMC's buzzy new series: why no character is a villain in their own story, how he built a man whose good intentions curdled into greed, and what it feels like to finally be number one on a TV call sheet. The fear hasn't gone away, and he's counting on it making him better. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's going on with reality TV? Why is it so... bad right now? Newsweek's H. Alan Scott is joined by Newsweek colleagues (and reality TV fanatics) Jenni Fink and Lauren Giella to break down the state of reality television. From oversaturation and the YouTube disruption to the kumbaya effect killing our favorite franchises, they get into why reality TV is at a turning point and what it's going to take to save it. Also: a personal plea for Lisa Rinna. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, the internet handed conservatives two gifts wrapped in irony, and they opened both boxes with a press release and a cease-and-desist threat that didn't even exist. Druski's two-minute sketch about "conservative women" racked up over 160 million views on X alone — and the right responded with outrage instead of self-awareness. Then the Daily Mail dropped a report claiming Kristi Noem's husband Bryon leads a secret double life that includes wearing fake breasts and chatting with fetish models online — and again, the response was pearl-clutching rather than perspective. Both moments had the DNA of great satire. Both moments were real. So why can't conservatives laugh? I'm joined by Newsweek Politics and Culture editor Carlo Versano to talk about what happens when the joke is about you and you refuse to get it — and whether the inability to take a punch might be one of the right's biggest political liabilities right now. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CBS News journalist David Begnaud has spent decades telling other people's stories. Now he's building something of his own. Begnaud joins the Parting Shot Podcast to talk about launching Do Good Crew, his new media company anchored by the podcast The Person Who Believed in Me, which has already featured Oprah Winfrey, Barry Diller and Ava DuVernay. He breaks down how he landed Oprah as his debut guest, what it took to get Barry Diller to say yes at a cocktail party and why he believes emotion is not the enemy of good journalism. It's an honest, wide-open conversation about storytelling, identity and what it means to finally do the work on your own terms. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Riz Ahmed wants to make "category killers" — and ‘Bait,' his new Prime Video series about a London actor faking a James Bond audition, is exactly that. He sits down with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to talk about the show's wild tonal range, why being brown in the West can feel like living in a spy thriller, and whether ‘Bait' is, as he puts it, his James Bond audition. Not saying it is, not saying it isn't. Watch our chat: https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/is-riz-ahmeds-bait-not-so-subtle-james-bond-audition-maybe-11743633 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Comeback is back, and Michael Patrick King is here to talk about it. The co-creator and director joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to break down how he and Lisa Kudrow arrived at the idea of Valerie Cherish being cast in the first sitcom written by AI, what it means to finally see Valerie in the real world without cameras, and why they only return to the show when there's a seismic cultural shift worth exploring. He also gets into the origin of his creative partnership with Lisa, what makes her performance genuinely one of a kind, and why, after 21 years, this feels like the right moment to say goodbye to Valerie Cherish. Spoiler: it's a party, and you're invited. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Bucatinsky has been in Valerie Cherish's corner since the very beginning, and he's here to make the case for why she's always been a heroine, not a punchline. The actor and producer behind Billy, Valerie's manager, joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to talk about what makes this final season of The Comeback so emotionally satisfying, how the show manages to tackle AI without an agenda, and what it really means that Valerie is finally going head-to-head with the one person who knows her best. He also opens up about his decades-long creative partnership with Lisa Kudrow, the beautiful way season three honors the legacy of Robert Michael Morris (Mickey), and why, even as the cameras stop rolling on Valerie Cherish, he's not entirely ready to call it goodbye. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She's back, and she needs to be heard. Lisa Kudrow joins the Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to talk about The Comeback season three, the one we didn't know we were waiting for but absolutely needed. We get into an evolved Valerie Cherish navigating AI, a gut-punch tribute to Robert Michael Morris and what it means that Val is suddenly the one in the room who has it most together. As Kudrow puts it, "everybody is in that place that Val was 20 years ago"—and she's not wrong. Plus: that ‘Friends' moment, and why Stage 24 will finally have its hit TV show. This one is heartfelt, funny and essential listening for any fan of the show. Read the feature: https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/the-comeback-returns-lisa-kudrow-on-why-valerie-was-always-right-11687203 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

South by Southwest is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and it looks different than it ever has. Greg Rosenbaum, the festival's head of programming, joins me to talk about the creative reset forced by the demolition of the Austin Convention Center, the new neighborhood clubhouse model that's embedding communities throughout the city, and what it actually means to run all of SXSW simultaneously for the first time. Plus, the story of how the Daniels went from screening music videos at SXSW in 2012 to sweeping the Oscars with Everything Everywhere All at Once, and what that journey says about what the festival has always been trying to do. Newsweek will be at SXSW this year, covering it all. In fact, I'll be on stage with Jamie Lee Curtis on March 14 for what is sure to be a conversation worth the trip alone. Also, Newsweek's Editor-In-Chief Jennifer Cunningham will be there on March 16 for the panel on the future of news. If you see us there, make sure to say hi. And make sure you watch this space and subscribe to my newsletter for all the latest. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Outlander audience is massive, and I learned that firsthand when I chatted with Caitríona Balfe, who plays Claire in the beloved, long-running Starz series. The response to that conversation, and to the show itself, was overwhelming. So I started wondering: who is the person who truly understands this fandom from the inside out? Turns out, she exists, and her name is Reshma Gopaldas. Reshma is a writer and podcaster who has been covering Outlander for years. If you haven't read her interviews with Caitríona and Sam Heughan in Vogue, do yourself a favor and click the link below. She joined me to talk about the series, its fandom and why the show connects with people in such a singular way. With the final season coming to Starz, there's no better time to listen. Listen to my chat with Caitríona Balfe: https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/outlanders-caitriona-balfe-bids-farewell-a-quarter-of-our-lives-11537618 Follow Reshma on Substack: https://substack.com/@reshmago Follow Reshma on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReshmaGo Read her Vogue feature: https://www.vogue.com/article/caitriona-balfe-sam-heughan-outlander-season-8-interview Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some stories don't have clean endings. A.J. Daulerio published Hulk Hogan's sex tape, watched Gawker collapse under the weight of a $140 million lawsuit, and spent years wondering if he'd ever work again. He was somewhere between 90 and 100 days sober when he sat in that courtroom. He didn't know yet that all of it, the public humiliation, the professional exile, the long uncomfortable crawl back to himself, would eventually become the foundation for something genuinely good. Daulerio joined me to talk about that journey. We got into the Hulk Hogan trial, what sobriety actually looks like a decade in, and how The Small Bow podcast became a community for people who needed somewhere to land. He also talks about writing Hogan a letter in 2018 without telling his lawyers. It's a conversation worth sitting with. Visit thesmallbow.com to listen and watch the podcast. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I love weird. I especially love weird when it incorporates my favorite moments in pop culture. So when I recently saw Linus Karp and Joseph Martin's live show "Gwyneth Goes Skiing," a sort of musical retelling of Gwyneth Paltrow's 2023 ski crash trial, I knew I needed to chat with them. Turns out Karp and Martin are a pop culture nerd's favorite duo, because they've done tons of shows that scratch that weird, nostalgic itch: shows like "Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story," about Princess Diana, and "Fit Prince," a spoof on Hallmark made-for-TV movies. I chatted with this comedy duo and couple about pop culture, where they come up with ideas for their shows, and whether Paltrow herself has ever come to see it. For more on their work, follow their production company: https://www.instagram.com/awkwardprods For their live shows, visit https://linktr.ee/awkwardprods Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty and Kyle Fraser join Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to break down their Survivor 50 exits, shocking game moves and who they're rooting for to win it all. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Ellis is ready for his next chapter. The actor talks CBS' CIA, the new Dick Wolf drama he couldn't turn down. It's a character who won't be naked like Lucifer but could still “put you on the floor with one move.” Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gabriel Basso is back as Peter Sutherland in season three of Netflix's The Night Agent, and he's thinking big. "Relatability breeds success and success kills relatability.” It's a juxtaposition that shapes both his character and his outlook on his career. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caitriona Balfe reflects on the final season of the STARZ epic historical drama Outlander, bidding farewell to Claire, and to Sam Heughan's Jamie Fraser after spending a “quarter of our lives” on the show. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daniel Radcliffe on starring with Tracy Morgan in The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, his Broadway journey and Harry Potter: “I love that people love those movies.” Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stephanie and Ashley from Plus Size Park Hoppers join Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to discuss how their viral Instagram and TikTok accounts help plus-size Disney fans navigate theme parks with confidence. "We've all had those experiences where we go to get on a ride and we aren't able to fit and it doesn't feel good," Stephanie shares. The duo opens up about handling online hate, the loneliness epidemic driving parasocial relationships, and defending Disney adults. "Walt did not build Disney World for children," Ashley notes. "The whole message behind it was so adults can go and feel like children again." They also discuss Universal's restrictive policies and their mission to show that "you don't have to wait until you fit a certain mold to go enjoy yourself." Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Molly Sims joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to talk about building YSE Beauty from the ground up. The model-turned-entrepreneur opens up about her skin struggles after having her first baby at 41, why she started formulating products in her basement, and how she refused to slap her famous name on the brand. Sims discusses the nerve-wracking pitch to get into Sephora, raising $15 million in six and a half weeks, and creating clinical skincare specifically for the 35-plus woman who felt forgotten by the beauty industry. She also shares why her eye cream became the number two bestseller at Sephora and her philosophy on product development. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Real Housewives of Potomac's Candiace Dillard Bassett came to play when she walked into the The Traitors castle. After her shocking banishment, she quickly became a fan favorite. The reality star, who has dedicated “almost my entire third decade of life to reality television,” found herself at the center of controversy after voting for fellow traitor Robert Rausch, a move that many believe put a target on her back. However, Candiace stands firm in her decision, calling it “a very strategic move that I do not regret.” She explains that after watching Rob betray Lisa Rinna, another traitor, despite promising he wouldn't, she had no choice but to act. “If you are standing next to someone who has said to you, 'I'm sorry, I won't do this again,' and then they go do it again with glee in their heart, what else are you to think? You're coming for me next.” Despite her exit, Candiace isn't done playing the game, reminding fans, “I'm still a traitor, okay?” Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Jack Whitehall is trading punchlines for the “good type of nerves” in the new series The Burbs. In this latest role, the British comedian navigates the “uncomfortable territories” of neighborhood life, a setting he finds surprisingly familiar. “I grew up in the suburbs of London—a very suburban street with a creepy Victorian house and a ghostly figure, who was usually just my father.” In this remake of the 1989 film of the same name, Whitehall and Keke Palmer play a couple who move back to his small suburban town, only to discover it's not exactly what they were bargaining for. “I felt very familiar with that world, even if it's now transposed to an American setting.” Speaking of his father, Michael, Whitehall is so glad their reality series Travels with My Father continues to help and entertain millions. “I feel so lucky that I had that time with him.” Despite Whitehall being busy with this show and Prime Video's Malice, he still laments (jokingly) that his father has since ditched him for his own thing. “He even has his own podcast now!” Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harry Melling is very aware his work in the new film Pillion is about as far away as he can get from his portrayal of Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter franchise. “A lot of people, they'll go, ‘Wow, Dudley Dursley's in this kinky movie.' And I don't know what to say about that.” Fortunately for Melling, critics are praising his performance as a shy man, Colin, entering the BDSM subculture through a relationship with Ray (Alexander Skarsgård). “What I loved about the story is meeting him in this brave moment of going, ‘I'm gonna give this a go.' Watching him explore what he wants.” For Melling, this role is another example of how the actor is challenging the difficulties some child actors can have moving into more adult roles. “I always knew that I wanted to do this properly. Like I was a massive theater nerd, so I wanted to do theater, I wanted to work with the great movie directors. I took steps to bridge the gap.” With Pillion, it's clear Melling is all grown up. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Traitors star Colton Underwood talks strategy, his battle with Lisa Rinna and why the internet has his journey all wrong.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Giamatti on joining Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, fulfilling his "dream role" to play a Klingon pirate, reflecting on The Holdovers and the persistent myth that he's already won an Oscar. (He hasn't, but should.) Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to discuss his highly anticipated new book, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, and share intimate stories from his storied career in Hollywood and on Broadway. Marc dives into his deep bond with the late, great Rob Reiner, reflecting on their friendship and the creative synergy that defined so much of their work together. He also pulls back the curtain on his legendary collaborations with icons Bette Midler and Billy Crystal, offering a firsthand look at the chemistry behind some of entertainment's most memorable moments. Plus, Marc revisits the vibrant world of Hairspray, detailing the journey of bringing that modern classic to life. It is a heartfelt and hilarious conversation with a true titan of the industry about the art of collaboration and the stories behind the songs we love. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Parting Shot, we sit down with the "Powerhouse in Pigtails" herself, Margaret Josephs. While the future of Real Housewives of New Jersey remains a hot topic, Josephs is busy proving she is much more than a reality star. We dive into her "full circle" journey as a licensing expert—from the Macbeth Collection to her new TikTok Shop sensation, Soirée. Josephs also gets transparent about her wellness journey with LifeRX and explains why authenticity has always been her ultimate business strategy. Whether you're a Bravo superfan or a budding entrepreneur, this conversation on the art of the deal is a must-listen. Josephs discusses everything from navigating the "generational trauma" of the RHONJ cast to why she is leaning back into her creative roots to build a massive lifestyle empire. Shop Soirée: https://drinksoiree.com/ Learn more about LifeRX: https://tinyurl.com/mv8yzufs Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow H. Alan Scott: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Academy Award nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to discuss her latest lead role in the Netflix thriller The Rip. Catalina reflects on the 20-year legacy of her breakout performance in Maria Full of Grace and shares what it's really like working alongside industry titans Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Plus, she offers a rare, behind-the-curtain piece of advice for first-time Oscar nominees navigating the whirlwind of awards season. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the ultimate reality TV strategist decides to turn the camera on the genre itself? This week, we're joined by two-time Survivor legend Stephen Fishbach to celebrate the release of his propulsive debut novel, Escape! Stephen pulls back the curtain on reality TV production, exploring the psychological toll of being turned into a television character and the thin line between fame and humiliation. We dive deep into why he chose a jungle survival competition as the setting for his thriller and how much of his own lived experience made it onto the page. From looking back at his legacy to discussing the current state of the game ahead of Survivor 50, Stephen offers a masterclass in both strategy and storytelling. Newsweek's H. Alan Scott even put him on the spot to find out if the master strategist would ever join Alan Cumming in the castle for a season of The Traitors. Whether you're a die-hard member of the Survivor community or just a fan of sharp, bingeable fiction, this is a fascinating look at the human beings working inside the entertainment machine. Get your copy of Escape! at the link below: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/792925/escape-by-stephen-fishbach/ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweekSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We now live in a world where Kate Hudson is a two-time Academy Award nominee. Let that sink in. The 98th Academy Award nominations are officially out, and while we're usually the first to complain about the Academy playing it safe, this year they chose violence. From historic record-breaking hauls to the complete and utter erasure of Oz, the nominations for the Class of 2026 are nothing if not dramatic. Newsweek's H. Alan Scott is joined by colleagues Lauren Giella and Kyle McGovern to react to every snub, surprise, and "shook" moment of the season. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jay Shetty is known for guiding millions through life's biggest questions, but what happens when the advice gets "messy"? In this episode, Jay joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to discuss his new Audible Original series, Messy Love, where he steps away from abstract concepts to work directly with real people navigating the complexities of modern dating and long-term commitment. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we're chatting with the incomparable Mandy Mango fresh off her departure from RuPaul's Drag Race. Known for her wit and her warmth, Mandy joins us to pull back the curtain on what really happens when the cameras stop rolling and the lipstick message is written. Mandy gets real about the moment she was voted off and how she processed the judges' critiques. She also talks about how she balances the high-stakes world of being a registered nurse with the high-glamour world of professional drag. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the huge success of her memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy marks a bold transition to fiction with new novel Half His Age. But to McCurdy, no matter the genre, it's all about the voice, and she's confident about hers. “I feel like my voice is my voice.” Half His Age explores the “funny-sad” tightrope of Waldo, a girl with an unconventional attraction toward her teacher. “Though this is told through Waldo's perspective as a 17-year-old senior in high school, there's certainly a lot of overlap in our voices, in our point of view.” The story had an impact on McCurdy. “For this book, I had a lot of experiences where I'd feel so much rage that I'd be crying.” To hone this energy, she rids herself of outside influences. “I not only don't read, but I also don't socialize.” She's already plotting a film adaptation. “Maybe 50 percent of making a good film or TV show is writing a good film or TV show.” Fortunately, she's already halfway there as a bestselling author. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vanderpump Rules has a new face, and he's already stirring the pot. This week, Shayne Davis joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to pull back the curtain on his debut season and the "player" label that seems to be following him. Shayne opens up about the reality of filming, the pressure of joining an iconic cast, and his deeply personal journey with sobriety while navigating the high-octane West Hollywood nightlife. Plus, we review his Hinge profile and well... things were seen. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The castle just got a lot quieter, but the drama is only getting louder. This week, we're joined by the two most talked-about departures from The Traitors Season 4: Michael Rapaport and Tiffany Mitchell. First, Michael Rapaport joins Newsweek's H. Alan Scott to address the firestorm surrounding his exit. He breaks down that explosive roundtable moment and the "secret-keeping" remark directed at Colton Underwood that many viewers labeled homophobic. Plus, we confront the internet's latest obsession: the way he eats and drinks on camera. Is he trolling us, or is that just the Rapaport way? Then, Big Brother legend Tiffany Mitchell stops by to get real about her banishment. She addresses the "defensive" label and opens up about the emotional moment she revealed she was playing for the prize money to support her family—a rare, vulnerable look behind the strategist's mask. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweekSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After five seasons playing Gregory on ABC's Abbott Elementary, Tyler James Williams is adding a new title to his job: director. “I think for a while, I have been wanting to get my hands dirty in another aspect of the process.” The actor learned that he approaches directing differently because of his acting background. “My brain thinks in act breaks and pacing, and I guess finding the funniest way to see something and show something.” This evolution for Williams is just another notch in an already impressive career that introduced characters like his breakout lead role as a child actor on Everybody Hates Chris and Lionel in the film Dear White People. “There's definitely a consistent thread that runs through all of them. That is a guy who's trying to find his way ultimately, who may be a bit more awkward and outside of the norm than most people, but who's sincerely trying.” And because his work on Abbott Elementary has resulted in multiple Emmy nominations, that's inspired impressive red-carpet moments with co-star Chris Perfetti. “We understood that we may have a little bit more hill to climb. So with that being the case, we're gonna have fun with it.” Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fire has been extinguished—or has it? Today I'm sitting down with the spicy DD Fuego to unpack her exit from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18. DD doesn't hold back on why she feels she shouldn't have been in the bottom, the "unfiltered" truth about her elimination, and how she's handling it. Plus, we dive into her iconic relationship with her boyfriend James (yes, that James from the legendary episode of Real Housewives of New York). Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when you put a Real Housewife legend and a Big Brother winner in a Scottish castle? Apparently, a whole lot of being misunderstood. I sat down with Porsha Williams and Ian Terry to discuss their (criminally short) time on The Traitors. It was truly a case of "wrong place, wrong time" for both of them. Ian—our resident genius—was murdered in the night because he was simply too smart to live. Meanwhile, Porsha was busy being "Porsha 4 Real," which the rest of the group naturally mistook for Traitor behavior. We talked about the paranoia, the banishments, and so much more. And I'll be chatting with all the faithfuls and traitors this season, so watch this space. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweekSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dacre Montgomery chats Dead Man's Wire, working with Gus Van Sant, life after Stranger Things and just how to pronounce his name. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when your own eyes and ears become a weapon against you? This week, Newsweek's H. Alan Scott is joined by Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) and Melissa Barrera (Scream, Abigail) to declassify their mind-bending new Peacock series, The Copenhagen Test. (It's seriously so good!) (And yes, Simu was asked about Oh, Mary!) Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Newsweek's H. Alan Scott sits down with the legendary Stephen Lang to discuss the next chapter of the Avatar saga. Known for his powerhouse portrayal of Colonel Miles Quaritch, Lang takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash and reveals how the shifting landscape of Pandora is changing the man we thought we knew. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yes, Asher Grodman is a two-time Critics Choice nominee for his performance as Trevor on CBS' Ghosts, but he knows what you (and host H. Alan Scott) really wants to talk about: his legs. Sure, the work too, but as a ghost who has to “live” for eternity with no pants on, one is bound to wonder just how Grodman keeps it all… in. We chatted about that, the incredible ensemble on Ghosts, why his performance and character are surprisingly nuanced, and where he thinks things are going for him this season. (There's romance!) He also attempts to explain sports to H. Alan. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.