Entertainment & Arts

The week's bestselling books, August 9

The California Independent Booksellers Alliance — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Southern California Independent Bookstore Bestsellers list for Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, including hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction.

Paul W. Downs fought for Megan Stalter to have pay parity on 'Hacks': 'I don't want to be paid more'

Margy Rochlin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:01:00 GMT

"'Hacks' is about duos," says Downs — and in Jimmy LuSaque Jr. and Kayla Schaeffer, he and Stalter have created one that's poised to outlive the series itself.

One Shot: The moment 'The Bear' showed Sydney was ready to take the reins

Daron James — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In Season 4's 'Scallop,' the FX series finds chef Sydney Adamu perfecting a dish — and proving herself as the restaurant's future leader.

An intimacy coordinator's work isn't just about sex. We spoke to one behind 6 top shows

Megan Vick — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

For Lizzy Talbot, some of the most memorable moments of the season — from 'Widow's Bay' to 'Love Story' — were touchy for very different reasons.

How letting Dudamel be Dudamel led to unpredictable, wonderful L.A. music

Mark Swed — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Over his 17 seasons as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, L.A. shaped Gustavo Dudamel and he shaped L.A.

How 'The Chair Company' sets up 'a sense of normalcy before things go insane'

Barry Levitt — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Star Tim Robinson, co-creator Zach Kanin and director Andrew DeYoung break down the Emmy-nominated series premiere of 'The Chair Company.'

Evan on Enhypen exit, healing solo and bringing 'Death of Me' to KCON LA

Adam Davidson — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As he reintroduces himself to global fans, Evan headlines the Grammy Museum's Spotlight program Aug. 14 and performs at KCON LA Aug. 16, a major hub for worldwide Korean pop culture.

Nipsey Hussle's team and Bino Rideaux are finally ready to share their 2017 album

Kailyn Brown — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

"Prolific" is the first posthumous release from Nipsey Hussle since his death in 2019. He and his mentee, Bino Rideaux, recorded and sequenced the album in 2017.

His specialty was adultery, murder and erotic thrills. When will Adrian Lyne get his respect?

Mark Olsen — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Three screenings showcase the director's stylish, morally complicated work: 'Fatal Attraction,' 'Unfaithful' and the theatrical premiere of 'Deep Water.'

Martin Short's 'Only Murders in the Building' Emmy chances, by the numbers

Carla Meyer — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The all-around entertainer has 23 Emmy nominations and two wins — but neither of those came for his standout role in Hulu's comic murder mystery.

She couldn't picture herself playing 'Ted Lasso's' tough coach. Jason Sudeikis made her believe

Emily Zemler — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Tanya Reynolds initially hesitated to accept the role of Alice Chilton, the new 'bulldog' coach on Apple TV's comedy, but getting the thumbs up from Sudeikis gave her the confidence to take it.

Why we've become so suspicious of people who lose weight. John Goodman's trending moment

Shelby Grad — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

John Goodman's weight loss has drawn a lot of attention — not all of it good.

Inside David Ellison's desperate fight for Warner Bros.

Meg James — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Paramount's board has approved David Ellison's plan to move headquarters from Hollywood to save money.

ZZ Top scrubbed Bowl concert because of Frank Beard health issues, but tour will continue

Andrea Flores — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:33:18 GMT

Last week, ZZ Top canceled its Hollywood Bowl show due to health issues with longtime drummer Frank Beard. Michael Monahan will replace the bandmember for the remainder of the Big One tour.

'Bachelorette' alum Joe Amabile says he's home following surgery to remove brain tumor

Andrea Flores — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:13:06 GMT

In July, 40-year-old "Bachelorette" darling Joe Amabile revealed on Instagram that MRI testing found a "blueberry-sized" brain tumor, which would need to be removed for further examination.

What Tony Romo's leave means for CBS' NFL coverage

Stephen Battaglio — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:28:48 GMT

The former NFL quarterback and lead analyst for the network's football coverage has a court hearing on charges that he operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Ari Emanuel's events business will acquire theater owner ATG Entertainment

Wendy Lee — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:16:42 GMT

Mari, an events and experiences business founded by Ari Emanuel, plans to acquire ATG Entertainment, the owner of theater venues in areas including London's West End. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Reggie Bannister, star of 'Phantasm' cult film franchise, dies at 80

Alexandra Del Rosario — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:01:34 GMT

Actor Reggie Bannister, known for starring in the 'Phantasm' horror film franchise, died Sunday at age 80, his wife announced. 'He's no longer in pain,' she wrote.

Universal Studios to dampen 'disturbing' coaster screams with sound barriers, says council member

Todd Martens — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:52:30 GMT

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, currently in a soft open phase, has come under attack from residents in the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood.

Lucas Museum announces new restaurant inspired by Skywalker Ranch — and reservations are already open

Jessica Gelt — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:00:22 GMT

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Tuesday announced its flagship restaurant, Skywalker Grill. Nestled at the top of the museum with sweeping city views, the classic American eatery is now taking reservations.

Electro-R&B supergroup Helado Tropical brings the heat to the Ford on Aug. 13

Andrew Casillas — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Latin electronic stars Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical join forces in a balmy new album, "Helado Tropical." They spoke to The Times ahead of their Thursday night show at the Ford.

Spotify to label 'AI personas' and exclude AI music from personal recommendations

Cerys Davies — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Next month, a new label intended for AI music personas, will appear on Spotify. The Swedish streaming platform will label AI-generated music and remove the tracks from users' personal recommendations.

Why the facts of Anthony Bourdain's life were less relevant to his biopic makers than emotional truth

Laurie Ochoa — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Yes, the director and writers of 'Tony' know that many moments in their Anthony Bourdain biopic didn't actually happen. They were looking for a larger truth.

'Widow's Bay' seemed to come from nowhere. But Stephen Root always knew it was special

Tyler Coates — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Though he's appeared in beloved films and TV shows from 'Office Space' to 'Barry,' the actor says he's 'drawing from a deeper place' in watercooler hit 'Widow's Bay.'

'Top Chef' host Kristen Kish will defend quickfires for money '100%'

Matt Brennan — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Hosting reality TV is hard work. And this season, 'Top Chef' put Kristen Kish through her paces. She breaks down the biggest moments — and defends quickfires for money — to The Envelope.

This 'party historian' chronicled the world history of nightlife — and L.A. gets its due

Lina Lecaro — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Historian Imogen Willetts explores four centuries of after-hours history in her new book "Up All Night," proving L.A.'s 2000s party era was a serious cultural force.

'Dancing With the Stars' recaptured the zeitgeist. Emmy voters noticed

Gregory Ellwood — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Fresh faces, TikTok and nostalgia have all been factors in the series' resurgence, which culminated last month in its first Emmy nomination for reality competition in 10 years.

At rehearsal with Los Angeles Ballet, dancers perfect their roles — and themselves

Claire Salinda — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As the company prepares for its Hollywood Bowl debut, rehearsal offers an intimate portrait of the artists behind the performance.

Anthony Hopkins, composer? How the actor collaborated with Gustavo Dudamel on his debut album

Tim Greiving — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Anthony Hopkins this month releases his debut album of classical compositions, "Life Is a Dream," through Decca Classics. It was recorded with London's Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.

Quibi was 'early' for the microseries wave. A new company hopes to time it just right

Lorena O'Neil — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With aTwist, industry veterans Susan Rovner and Jana Winograde are combining storytelling chops honed in traditional TV with a fast-growing new format.

Brad Pitt reveals that he's drinking again after seven years of sobriety but 'not in big quantities'

Emily St. Martin — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:22:56 GMT

After seven years of sobriety, Brad Pitt revealed he is drinking again in moderation, opening up about his past struggles and divorce from Angelina Jolie.

Ben Jones, 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor who later served in Congress, dies at 84

Tracy Brown — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:16:40 GMT

Ben Jones, the actor who played Cooter Davenport on "The Dukes of Hazzard" then represented Georgia for two terms in Congress, has died at age 84.

Baby oh baby, Aubrey Plaza is a mother!

Andrea Flores — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:25:36 GMT

The 'Parks and Recreation' star reportedly was seen holding her new baby on Sunday in New York City following Abbott's final curtain call for the Broadway play 'Death of a Salesman.'

'Game of Thrones' spinoff 'The Mad King' stokes fan theories on 3.5-hour play's opening night

Emily Zemler — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:39:39 GMT

"Game of Thrones: The Mad King," the first stage adaptation of writer George R. R. Martin's bestselling fantasy saga, opened Saturday at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with Martin — and rapturous fans — in attendance.

Whitney Houston is now a Barbie, in her 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' look

Cerys Davies — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:51:41 GMT

The Barbie doll bearing Whitney Houston's likeness is the latest to join Mattel's iconic line, re-creating Houston's look from her 1987 hit "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" music video.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra names transformative new music director

Mark Swed — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

A report from Salzburg on Matthias Pintscher, who will become music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in 2027.

All 29 of John Mellencamp's Hot 100 hits, ranked from worst to best

Mikael Wood — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:34:59 GMT

As the heartland rocker brings his latest tour to the Hollywood Bowl, here's a critical rundown of his best-known songs.

Nine shows, including 'Clueless' sequel, receive state tax credit

Samantha Masunaga — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Nine shows, including a sequel to the 1995 hit "Clueless" and the second season of "S.W.A.T. Exiles" received a California production incentive.

iHeartMedia podcasts coming to Disney+ and Hulu

Wendy Lee — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Disney+ and Hulu announced it reached a deal with iHeartMedia to bring six video podcasts to the streaming services, including "Hey Jonas!"

How 'Shrinking' helped Jessica Williams work through a 'traumatic' time in her life

Maureen Lee Lenker — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:01:00 GMT

Season 3 of the Apple TV series finds the actor at her most vulnerable. It also shows that she's developed real dramatic chops without losing her ability to laugh.

The celebrity documentary boom, explained

Gary Goldstein — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Popular with audiences (and streaming platforms). Increasingly high quality. Relatively inexpensive to produce. Inside the big business of celebrity docs.

Netflix says it's doubling down on L.A. — even as it expands in New Jersey

Cerys Davies, Wendy Lee — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Netflix says Los Angeles remains its home base, with 47 productions shooting here in 2026 — even as it builds a $1-billion, 12-soundstage complex in New Jersey.

Commentary: 'House of the Dragon' has a major problem: It forgot to create a hero to root for

Lorraine Ali, Mary McNamara — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As Season 3 of the HBO series comes to a close, our critics discuss how a lack of characters to cheer for has made it hard to stay engaged in the sprawling epic fantasy.

How Charlie Hunnam reinvented himself with 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story'

Carlos Aguilar — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A self-described overthinker, the actor threw himself headlong into the Netflix limited series. His preparation even included reading Gein's medical records.

The multicam comedy is on life support. Meet the editors trying to keep it alive

Leila Jordan — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The declining number of submissions threatens to oust multicam comedies from the Emmys. This year's nominated multicam editors discuss trying to protect a fading art form.

Forget about being cool, Whitmer Thomas just wants to make his friends laugh

Anthony Solorzano — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Comedian Whitmer Thomas' new special, "The Terminal Crew of Dudes," trades cool-guy posturing for a heartfelt salute to loyalty, lifelong friendships and the stories that bind them.

'We tricked them.' Why 'Ted Lasso' probably deserves some credit for U.S. soccer boom

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT

The Apple TV series "Ted Lasso" is supposed to primarily be a wide-appealing comedy, yet its role in popularizing soccer in the U.S. can't be dismissed.

Tensions flare as $34-billion Charter-Cox cable deal nears finish line

Meg James — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Spectrum owner Charter Communications is nearing the finish line in its long-awaited $34.5-billion purchase of Cox Enterprises to form the nation's largest internet and cable television company. But consumer groups are seeking more protections for diversity and other measures.

Katseye's Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus before headlining Rose Bowl music festival

Emily St. Martin — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 02:18:10 GMT

Katseye member Sophia Laforteza announced she is taking a mental health hiatus ahead of the Head in the Clouds festival in Pasadena, joining member Manon Bannerman in stepping back from the group.

LA Jazz Festival, with John Legend and Janelle Monáe, is canceled

August Brown — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:33:17 GMT

John Legend, Janelle Monáe and more are booked for Aug. 22-23, but weeks of local programming appear to be canceled.

Time makes you bolder: Lindsey Buckingham says he and Stevie Nicks are 'talking all the time now'

Tracy Brown — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 22:10:45 GMT

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham says working on a documentary together has been a 'healing process' for the band.

Minnie Driver in neck brace post-crash: 'Reason I'm not dead is the car we were driving'

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 21:58:33 GMT

Actor Minnie Driver wore a neck brace in a video update following a car accident during a break from filming in France, crediting her vehicle's safety design for saving her life.

Peter Katsis, manager for Smashing Pumpkins, Jane's Addiction and Morrissey, dead at 69

August Brown — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 21:11:31 GMT

"He deserves immense credit for helping to usher in the alternative revolution of the '80s and '90s," Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan said.

This director made a John Hughes-inspired movie about a Mexican American teen

Carlos Aguilar — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 20:44:09 GMT

Out Friday, Fernando Eimbcke's new coming-of-age dramedy "Olmo" follows a charismatic Chicano teen in the 1970s.

Earth, Wind & Fire postpones concert with Lionel Richie because of 'medical emergency'

Alexandra Del Rosario — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 17:14:05 GMT

Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly called off its concert in San Francisco, citing a band member's medical emergency. The band and Lionel Richie are to play in Inglewood on Sunday.

William Orbit, producer behind Madonna's 'Ray of Light,' dies at 69

Mikael Wood — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:15:39 GMT

The English musician and producer teamed with Madonna at a moment of deep personal change for the pop superstar.

It's nonstop gore (and a bit of brain freeze) in Eli Roth's splatter-happy 'Ice Cream Man'

Robert Abele — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The filmmaker of 'Hostel' and 'Thanksgiving' serves up evil kids and an FX-heavy showcase with all the sprinkles but none of the smarts of 'Weapons.'

AI music company joins the vinyl record resurgence

Cerys Davies — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

AI music company Suno plans to press users' generated tracks onto 12-inch records for about $45, moving into vinyl as copyright suits from Universal and Sony continue.

Crude cops go on another misadventure tinged with middle-aged anxiety in 'Super Troopers 3'

Robert Abele — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Was a second sequel necessary? Wrong question, bro. Broken Lizard's longest-running franchise delivers the mediocrity its fans are expecting, even enjoy.

Karol G's new album may just have you crying at the club

Andrea Flores — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 04:10:00 GMT

The Colombian pop star releases her seventh studio album, 'No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto' — and in 14 songs, reveals the depths of heartache one can only access when finally tuning out the world.

Perez Hilton's family asks paparazzi to give children privacy as new details around crisis emerge

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 00:18:48 GMT

Perez Hilton's family revealed his children were home when his mental health crisis began to unfold and requested space from paparazzi so they can safely return home and begin to heal.

Marvel has reportedly found its new Cyclops. 'Heartstopper' star Kit Connor lands 'X-Men' role

Tracy Brown — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 22:24:26 GMT

'Heartstopper' star Kit Connor is reportedly joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play Cyclops/Scott Summers in the upcoming 'X-Men' movie.

KTLA-TV owner Nexstar violated court order, a federal judge finds

Meg James — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 20:16:28 GMT

U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley was incredulous that Nexstar packed Tegna's board with its own executives in violation of his preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the controversial TV station merger.

TikTok to close Nashville office, lay off 250 employees

Wendy Lee — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 18:51:12 GMT

TikTok on Wednesday said it is closing its Nashville office, laying off 250 employees.

Dystopian rom-com 'One Night Only' bans sex and general plot coherence

Katie Walsh — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 18:20:58 GMT

Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner do what they can to distract us from thinking too hard about the setup. There's still a bad aftertaste.

A bravura slasher with heart and guts, 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' cuts deep

Amy Nicholson — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 18:20:30 GMT

Horror becomes a doorway to sexual liberation in Jane Schoenbrun's meta-thriller starring Hannah Einbinder and an emboldened Gillian Anderson.

Warner Bros. Discovery earnings tumble amid film studio struggles

Meg James — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 16:21:23 GMT

Box office duds weighed down the company's gains in streaming as the industry waits to see whether Paramount will succeed in buying Warner Bros.

FCC votes in favor of lifting limits on TV station ownership

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 16:01:35 GMT

The 2-1 vote allows station ownership groups to expand their coverage beyond 39% of the U.S.

Before most people knew what an indie was, there was 'Tapeheads,' shot in a now-gone Los Angeles

Mark Olsen — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 15:30:13 GMT

Starring a young John Cusack and Tim Robbins, the 1988 comedy now plays like a time capsule of L.A. scrappiness. It screens in 35mm on Monday.

2026 FIFA World Cup gives a major revenue boost to Fox Corp.

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 14:36:10 GMT

The ratings record setting matches boosted Fox's ad revenue by 78%, helping deliver better than expected earnings in the company's fiscal fourth quarter.

British authorities approve Paramount's Warner Bros. deal

Meg James — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 12:50:24 GMT

Paramount now has clearances from around the world, but David Ellison's company still faces an antitrust trial in California in its battle with state attorneys general

Gillian Anderson slides deeper into sex, but don't pigeonhole her again

Carlos Aguilar — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,' a new book and a branded soda, G Spot, the veteran actor is maxing her satisfaction on her own terms.

Rhea Seehorn was overlooked for years. In 'Pluribus,' she's impossible to ignore

Glenn Whipp — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Yes, she's still sometimes mistaken for sales associates and crew members. But Seehorn's performance as Carol Sturka is what 'makes the show work,' says creator Vince Gilligan.

In 'Tony,' a surly, snobby teenaged Anthony Bourdain learns the recipe for becoming a man

Amy Nicholson — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Matt Johnson's funny, biting biopic of the future star chef is stuffed with the teen wastrel's blood and vomit. It still goes down like a smooth treat.

Noah Wyle previews 'The Pitt' Season 3, from addressing critics to Robby's 'original sin'

Mark Olsen, Yvonne Villarreal — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With production on a new season of 'The Pitt' underway, The Envelope podcast visited Wyle on the Warner Bros. lot to discuss the show's 25 Emmy nominations, what's next and more.

'Tiger King' and 'Chimp Crazy' were hits for Eric Goode. 'Monsters of God' is a whole other animal

Stuart Miller — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The director's third docuseries, on HBO, forges a new path from his previous series by taking a largely historical look at reptile smuggling going back more than half a century.

Meet Matt Damon's stunt double in 'The Odyssey': A 4-foot-6 woman with the 'greatest arms' you've seen

Anthony Solorzano — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Matt Damon said Devyn Dalton, his stunt double in 'The Odyssey,' has 'the greatest arms' he's ever seen.

'We all get our things': Nick Offerman knows his strengths — and how to use them

Lisa Rosen — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With Emmy nominations this year for 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' and 'Death by Lightning,' the 'Parks and Recreation' veteran is stretching his legs as an actor.

Christina Pazsitzky gets emotional discussing 'extremely sad' divorce from Tom Segura

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 02:09:16 GMT

Comedian Christina Pazsitzky addresses her divorce from Tom Segura and reassures longtime listeners that the former power couple are still 'cool, dude.'

Perez Hilton's family offers health update after disturbing TikTok livestream

Emily St. Martin — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 22:20:13 GMT

Perez Hilton's family has asked for privacy and confirmed he is receiving medical care after a TikTok livestream frightened fans and triggered a law enforcement response.

Commercials for the ESPN/ABC telecast of the 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi are sold out

Stephen Battaglio — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 20:19:23 GMT

Disney said 58 brands have bought time on the game, which is the most-watched TV event of the year.

Dudamel brings Mahler's 'Resurrection' to Salzburg as symbol of optimism in time of tragedy

Mark Swed — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 20:00:11 GMT

Conducting Mahler's 'Resurrection,' Gustavo Dudamel serves as an L.A. symbol of optimism in Salzburg in the aftermath of the Venezuelan earthquakes.

From '80s L.A. rich kids to a Canadian mystery, coming-of-age sagas offer different strokes

Robert Lloyd — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 18:17:00 GMT

"The Shards" from Bret Easton Ellis and Ryan Murphy delivers sex, drugs and a serial killer among rich kids in 1981 L.A., while "Sterling Point" offers gentler, less hurried teen rituals in Canada's Lake Country.

George R.R. Martin says he's fighting his own battle: 'Sadness and depression'

Alexandra Del Rosario — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 16:38:03 GMT

'Game of Thrones' author George R.R. Martin opens up in a new blog post about his 'stressful' year, expressing that he 'battled sadness and depression' and lost friends.

Saudi Arabia's investment fund buys Electronic Arts in U.S. latest entertainment push

Cerys Davies — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 16:06:28 GMT

Electronic Arts, the gaming company known for franchises such as "The Sims" and "Battlefield," has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners for $55 billion.

Ryan Murphy re-creates 1981 L.A. as the land of sun and serial killers in 'The Shards'

Eloise Rollins-Fife — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Ryan Murphy's FX adaptation of 'The Shards' brings Bret Easton Ellis' coming-of-age thriller to life with meticulous production design, costumes and iconic L.A. locations.

The week's bestselling books, August 9

The California Independent Booksellers Alliance — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Southern California Independent Bookstore Bestsellers list for Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, including hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction.

A giant golden trophy mocking Trump is going on tour

Jessica Gelt — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:45:00 GMT

A 10-foot sculpture of a golden trophy made for President Trump by the anonymous arts activist group Secret Handshake is officially on tour, with an Instagram page and appearances in D.C., New York and St. Paul, Minnesota.

'Toy Story 5' boosts Disney's earnings with massive movie ticket and toy sales

Samantha Masunaga — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:33:00 GMT

Walt Disney Co. reported a 6% bump in revenue and 21% boost in segment operating income during its fiscal third quarter earnings call on Wednesday.

New Disney partnership with TikTok will bring more vertical videos to Disney+

Samantha Masunaga — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Walt Disney Co. has announced a partnership with TikTok in which some creators will be able to make Disney-related videos that appear on both the social media platform and Disney+.

Green Day's 'Nimrods' is a rowdy punk road movie. No phones, no parents, just chaos

August Brown — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Green Day's new feature film, 'Nimrods' is a smitten, profane yet often moving snapshot of a young band striking out on its own from its gritty beginnings in the 1980s and '90s.

L.A. County weighs a grant fund to keep indie films from leaving

Cerys Davies — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Indie filmmakers say California's tax credit skips them. L.A. County's proposed Evergreen Fund would offer grants instead — if it survives the budget.

Comic Anthony Jeselnik is the internet's newest literary tastemaker — with this author inked near his heart

Maddie Connors — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Known for dark one-liners and ruthless humor, comedian Anthony Jeselnik is surprisingly earnest about the solitary magic of great books. His love of literature has led to leading a book club with a devoted online following.

Long Beach's new waterfront venue is a good time, despite Porta Potties and no parking

Kailyn Brown — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

If you arrive with a healthy dose of patience at the new waterfront amphitheater, seeing a show can be a real treat.

Disneyland's costumed characters make family memories. They may lose paid parental leave

Wendy Lee, Samantha Masunaga — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Disneyland's costumed character and parade workers say Disney's current contract proposal leaves out paid parental leave, cuts a paid holiday and offers no first-year raise.

The sacred figures he never saw: The artist painting Black angels across L.A. and the world

Krysta Hawkins — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The first mural in Anthony Pittman's "Los Angelitos" project, outside Patria Coffee Roasters, is a twist on an early painting of California from 1832.

Inside the Emmy-nominated stunt performances redefining small-screen action

Daron James — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

It's more than punches and kicks. The stunt performers behind five Emmy nominees explain the precision required to marry storytelling with spectacle.

Keri Russell's chances of winning an Emmy for 'The Diplomat,' by the numbers

Carla Meyer — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In the race for the Emmy for lead actress in a drama, 'The Diplomat's' Keri Russell joins competitor Rhea Seehorn ('Pluribus') in the overdue club.

One Shot: The single image that sums up Rue's journey in 'Euphoria' Season 3

Daron James — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Cinematographer Marcell Rév breaks down the western influences on Rue's burial, filmed over three days in nearby Lancaster.