Television

Subterms

    More stories

    • 75 Shares179 Views

      in Television

      ‘Màkari’ Is a Sun-Dappled Italian Mystery

      by

      Set in Sicily, this sumptuous series, based on books by Gaetano Savatteri, is like a leisurely day at the beach, but with murders.Domenico Centamore, left, and Claudio Gioè, in a scene from Season 3 of “Màkari.”MHz ChoiceOne of TV’s most reliable food groups is the light mystery set in a sumptuous locale populated by eccentric townspeople. The Italian series “Màkari” (in Italian, with subtitles) is a hearty serving, with plenty of Sicilian vistas and pastas to go around. Season 1 is available on Amazon, MHz Choice and the Roku Channel; Season 2 and the recently released Season 3 are on only MHz Choice.Our hero here is Saverio (Claudio Gioè), a former government employee who slinks from Rome back to Sicily, where he hopes to find enough inspiration to write his novel. Boy, does he! Mishaps and misdeeds abound, as does town gossip. Murder, he wrote, as people divulge all kinds of secrets. They occasionally balk at Saverio’s interview requests only to be won over by his earnest curiosity — or by his persuasive flattery. A character in a novel based on little old me? Well, now that you mention it. …The show is based on a series of books by Gaetano Savatteri and comes from some of the same writers as “Detective Montalbano,” which is also set in Sicily and has a similar aesthetic. Technically, Saverio is not a detective and thus does not have a partner. Practically, he totally is, and his partner is the excitable Peppe Piccionello (Domenico Centamore), who ropes him into schemes and side gigs and frequently offers philosophical musings and sauce-making guidance. Saverio also immediately strikes up a romance with a local waitress (Ester Pantano), though his reputation as a womanizer precedes him.“Màkari” is not quite as snappy as the Caribbean-set British procedural “Death in Paradise,” but it follows in that show’s sandy footsteps. As in “Paradise,” it’s best for both the show and the viewer not to dwell too much on the loss of human life but instead to revel in those gem-blue waters and clever deductions. “Màkari” has all the requisite real estate porn and some jazzy cars, too; every rock is sun-dappled, every table set with stylish yet unfussy serving ware. Let’s brainstorm theories of the crime while bobbing romantically in the ocean, why don’t we.There’s a languid ease to everything here, a comfy absence of real tension, and even the pace of the installments is relaxed. Although there are only four per season, each is just under two hours long, which can feel leisurely, a way to unlearn one’s internal “Law & Order” clock of when suspects should be confessing. More

    • 138 Shares159 Views

      in Television

      ‘Love Island’ Contestant Yulissa Escobar Leaves Show After Racist Comments Surface

      by

      Yulissa Escobar, 27, was abruptly dropped during Episode 2 after clips of her using a slur in a podcast were resurfaced. The season’s debut week also saw tech issues.“Love Island USA,” the reality dating show that sends singles to an island villa to pair up in hopes of winning a cash prize, is known and often appreciated for its messy plots onscreen. But this week, as Season 7 of the show premiered, most of the chaos took place offscreen. Some offscreen drama also reached the show’s predecessor, “Love Island UK.”Contestant Dismissed for Racial SlursFor starters, one of the contestants, Yulissa Escobar, was summarily dropped from the show after video recordings of her repeatedly using a racial slur in a podcast interview were dug up by online sleuths and then reported by TMZ.The clips created an uproar among fans online before the premiere on Tuesday, but the series is aired with a one- or two-day delay, and Escobar, a 27-year-old Cuban American from Miami, still appeared in the first episode.Before the premiere, fans were vowing on X and TikTok to vote Escobar off the show as soon as they had the opportunity. On the first night of the show, Escobar was also criticized by some viewers for wearing an outfit that they deemed appropriative of Chinese culture and using chopsticks to pin up her hair. At about the 18-minute mark of the second episode, which was shown on Wednesday, the narrator, Iain Stirling, abruptly announced that “Yulissa has left the villa.” She had been paired with Ace Greene, and later in the episode Stirling noted that Greene was single.Escobar could not immediately be reached for comment. Ryan McCormick, a spokesman for Peacock, which streams the show, declined to comment on why the producers had removed her.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

    • 150 Shares159 Views

      in Movies

      Another ‘Gomorrah’ TV Series About the Mob? Some in Naples Say, ‘Basta.’

      by

      With another “Gomorrah” spinoff being filmed, some Neapolitans say they’re fed up with all the shows portraying the “malavita,” or the lawless life. “Why must only bad things be said about us?”A banner fluttered in March over a narrow alley in Naples crammed with tourist shops selling Nativity figurines. Naples, it proclaimed, “doesn’t support you anymore.”The “you” is the wildly successful Italian television crime drama “Gomorrah,” which days earlier had begun filming a prequel — “Gomorrah: Origins” — in the city’s gritty Spanish Quarter, tracing the 1970s roots of the show’s leading Camorra crime syndicate clan.Perhaps no modern pop culture reference has clung more stubbornly to Naples, Italy’s third-largest city, than “Gomorrah,” the title of Roberto Saviano’s 2006 nonfiction best seller about the Neapolitan mafia. A critically acclaimed movie followed in 2008, and the TV series premiered in 2014 and ran for five seasons. Two more movies debuted in 2019: “The Immortal,” a spinoff, and “Piranhas,” based on a Saviano novel about crime bosses as young as 15. And now there’s “Origins.”So excuse some Neapolitans if they say they’ve had enough.“They filmed the first one, they filmed the second one,” said Gennaro Di Virgilio, the fourth-generation owner of an artisanal Nativity shop. “Basta.”Once too dangerous and corrupt to attract many foreigners, Naples has been in the thrall of a tourism boom for years. Social media has lured visitors to the city’s history, food and sunshine, helping Naples shake off some of its seedy reputation, though youth unemployment and crime remain stubbornly high.But the city keeps getting typecast, some Neapolitans say, as Gomorrah, reducing its residents to those engaged in the “malavita,” the lawless life.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Television

      Stephen Colbert Wonders if Elon Musk’s Ketamine Has Worn Off

      by

      It’s the only explanation the “Late Show” host can think of for the tech mogul’s apparent disenchantment with the Trump administration.Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous night’s highlights that lets you sleep — and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.‘I Have How Many Children?’The hosts got more monologue material on Wednesday from the presumed tensions between President Trump and Elon Musk, after the tech mogul and recently departed D.O.G.E. chief criticized Trump’s policy bill.“Apparently, the ketamine has worn off,” Stephen Colbert said.“That’s got to be a hell of a hangover. ‘[imitating Musk] Oh, my god. I spent $300 million to elect who? I have how many children? That can’t be their names.’” — STEPHEN COLBERT“I’m starting to worry that two narcissistic megalomaniacs with a total inability to see value in other humans might have a hard time making friends.” — STEPHEN COLBERT“Musk was reportedly ‘butthurt’ — and yes, they did use that word, it is a quote — about some of the stuff that’s in the bill. Usually when Elon’s butt hurts, it’s because of all the drugs he is trying to smuggle through White House security.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“I keep waiting to see Musk on a one-way SpaceX to El Salvador.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“‘I hear he is furious’ is the safest bet anyone could make when describing Donald Trump’s reaction to criticism. Let me know when someone says, ‘Insiders reporting that Donald Trump looking inward; reflecting on what role he may have played in turning his friend against him.’” — SETH MEYERSThe Punchiest Punchlines (The Fine Print Edition)We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Music

      Alf Clausen, Who Gave ‘The Simpsons’ Its Musical Identity, Dies at 84

      by

      He created the music for hundreds of episodes over 27 seasons, spanning jazz, rock, blues and musicals. He won two Emmys and was nominated for 28 more.Alf Clausen, a composer and arranger whose songs, interludes and closing credits for hundreds of episodes of “The Simpsons” were so central to the animated sitcom’s success that its creator, Matt Groening, often called him the show’s “secret weapon,” died on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 84.His daughter, Kaarin Clausen, said the cause was progressive supranuclear palsy, a brain disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease.Mr. Clausen worked on every episode of “The Simpsons” across 27 seasons, from 1990 to 2017.He did not compose the show’s memorable opening theme — that was Danny Elfman — but he was responsible for everything else, including classic musical numbers like “Who Needs the Kwik-E Mart,” “We Do (The Stonecutters’ Song),” “We Put the Spring in Springfield” and “You’re Checking In.”Mr. Clausen won Emmys for the last two songs, in 1997 and 1998. He was nominated for 19 more awards for “The Simpsons,” and was nominated nine other times for earlier work.When Mr. Groening first approached Mr. Clausen to work on the show, he demurred. He wanted to work on dramas; cartoons and comedy did not interest him.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

    • 125 Shares149 Views

      in Television

      Late Night Hopes Trump and Musk Can Patch Things Up

      by

      “Oh, no, not my two favorite people fighting!” said the “Daily Show” host Michael Kosta. “Don’t make me choose who I love more.”Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous night’s highlights that lets you sleep — and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.Big, Beautiful and DisgustingOn Tuesday, Elon Musk expressed his displeasure on X over President Trump’s “big, beautiful” domestic policy bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and shaming House members who’d voted for it. On “The Daily Show,” Michael Kosta said it was sad that “two men who previously had never had a friend” were seeing their relationship get “D.O.G.E.’d.”“Oh, no, not my two favorite people fighting! Don’t make me choose who I love more.” — MICHAEL KOSTA“I’m not sure who to root for. It’s like Diddy versus R. Kelly.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“But, yes, Elon is worried that Trump’s bill will raise the deficit too high. And when Elon is worried about something getting too high, you know it’s too high.” — MICHAEL KOSTA“Boy, when he’s off the ketamine, he is a lot less fun.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“And he may be right, but Elon has to be careful. You come out that hard against Trump’s central legislative achievement, and you’re going to be the first white person to get deported.” — MICHAEL KOSTA“Shame on those who voted for it? Who bankrolled these people that voted for it? I want the name of whoever bankrolled — oh, wait, it’s his name.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“Just days after leaving his official role at the White House, Elon Musk is now blasting President Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ as a ‘disgusting abomination.’ And that’s coming from the guy who made the Cybertruck.” — JIMMY FALLON“Yep, Elon called it ‘massive,’ ‘outrageous’ and ‘pork-filled.’ And Trump was, like, ‘[imitating Trump] I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’ll take two.’” — JIMMY FALLONThe Punchiest Punchlines (New Portrait, Who Dis? Edition)We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Television

      ‘Mr. Loverman’ Is a Rich, Stylish and Riveting Mini-Series

      by

      The British series, which earned multiple BAFTA awards, offers a sublime and moving exploration of love and loyalty.Lennie James recently won a BAFTA for his leading role in the mini-series “Mr. Loverman,” and for good reason: His performance is as whole and mesmerizing a portrait as one sees on television.“Loverman,” arriving Wednesday, on BritBox, is based on the novel by Bernardine Evaristo and follows Barrington Jedidiah Walker (James), an Antiguan native who has been living in London for decades. He is a self-described “man of property, man of style,” a dapper dresser and a Shakespeare enthusiast, husband to a devout Christian woman, father to two adult daughters and grandfather to a teen boy.He is also closeted. His long-term partner, Morris (Ariyon Bakare, who also won a BAFTA for his work here and is also fantastic), has been his best friend and lover since they met in Antigua as young men; he is Uncle Morris to Barry’s children, a constant presence, a secret and not a secret, a betrayal but also a devotion.But Barry balks at labels, and he says he isn’t a homosexual but rather “a Barry sexual.” Barry swears he is about to leave his wife, about to tell her the truth. But he has sworn that before.The show weaves among the characters’ perspectives, and long flashbacks depict the pivotal moments that carve each person’s reality. We hear their internal monologues, though none sing quite as melodically as Barry’s does.“Loverman” is polished and literary, practically silky — sublime, even. It’s natural to be baffled by other people’s choices: Why would you do that? Why didn’t you say anything? Why would you stay? Why would you leave? A lot of contemporary shows — even plenty of good ones — fall back on pat just-so stories for their characters’ backgrounds, but the picture here is deeper and fuller than that. Fear and pain, love and loyalty: They’re never just one thing.There are eight half-hour episodes of “Mr. Loverman.” I couldn’t resist bingeing it, not because it’s so propulsive, per se, but because it’s so lovely. More

    • 100 Shares119 Views

      in Television

      Gotham Television Awards 2025: The Complete Winners List

      by

      “Adolescence” picked up three wins, including the award for breakthrough limited series.“Adolescence,” the gripping mini-series about Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy who is accused of killing a girl from his school, received three trophies at the second annual Gotham Television Awards on Monday night, including one for breakthrough limited series.Stephen Graham, who played Jamie’s father, Eddie, won for outstanding lead performance in a limited series. Owen Cooper, who played the troubled teenager, shared a win for outstanding supporting performance in a limited series with Jenny Slate for “Dying for Sex.”“Adolescence,” which beat “Dying for Sex,” “Get Millie Back,” “Penelope” and “Say Nothing” in the limited series category, quickly became popular among viewers and critics after it was released on Netflix in March.Margaret Lyons, a television critic for The New York Times, wrote that the show’s third episode was “one of the more fascinating hours of TV I’ve seen in a long time.” The show also stirred debate about whether the British government should restrict children’s access to smartphones to stop them from viewing harmful content.On Monday night, at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, Kathy Bates won for outstanding lead performance in a drama series for “Matlock” and Aaron Pierre won for outstanding performance in an original film for “Rebel Ridge.” Brian Tyree Henry, who broke out in “Atlanta,” received the performer tribute award for his portrayal of Ray Driscoll, an ex-con who robs drug houses by pretending to be a federal agent, in “Dope Thief.”The Gotham Awards, which have recognized film excellence since 1991, began adding television categories in 2015. Last year it split off the TV honors into their own ceremony in Manhattan.The film awards, which take place each December, represent the beginning of the Oscars season. The Gothams seem to be positioning the television awards, which come less than two weeks before voting begins for Primetime Emmy nominations, to play a similar annual role in TV’s awards season. But it is too soon to gauge what effect, if any, they might have on the Emmys. (Primetime Emmy nominations will be announced in July and the awards will be given out in September.)Here is the full list of Gotham Television Awards winners:Breakthrough Comedy Series“The Studio”Breakthrough Drama Series“The Pitt”Breakthrough Limited Series“Adolescence”Breakthrough Nonfiction Series“Social Studies”Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy SeriesJulio Torres, “Fantasmas”Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama SeriesKathy Bates, “Matlock”Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited SeriesStephen Graham, “Adolescence”Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Comedy SeriesPoorna Jagannathan, “Deli Boys”Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama SeriesBen Whishaw, “Black Doves”Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited SeriesOwen Cooper, “Adolescence,” and Jenny Slate, “Dying for Sex”Outstanding Original Film, Broadcast, or Streaming“Pee-wee as Himself”: Matt Wolf, director, and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, producerOutstanding Performance in an Original FilmAaron Pierre, “Rebel Ridge” More