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7 things you never knew about MAS*H

<p>Did you know <em>M*A*S*H</em> ran more than three times longer than the actual Korean War? It may have graced our screens for 11 years, but you might not know all there is to know about the classic TV series, <em>M*A*S*H</em>.</p> <ol> <li><strong>No one wanted a laugh track</strong> – Despite pleas from the show’s producers, the network (CBS) went ahead and added in canned laughter. You might have noticed the laugh track growing quieter and quieter as the years progressed, and in the UK, the laugh track was removed entirely.</li> <li><strong>CBS banned an “unpatriotic” episode</strong> – An idea for an episode was shot down by the network for being “unpatriotic”. It involved soldiers standing outside in the freezing cold to make themselves sick enough to be sent home – a tactic actually used during the war.</li> <li><strong>The writers got back at complaining cast members</strong> – If ever an actor complained about their script (or asked for changes), the writing team would change the script to make it “parka weather”, making the cast swelter in jackets through days in excess of 32°C on their Florida film set.</li> <li><strong>Patients were named after sports teams</strong> – After running out of names for patients visiting the hospital, the writers turned to baseball teams. In season six, four Marines are named after California Angels infielders, while in season seven, they named patients after the 1978 Los Angeles Dodgers.</li> <li><strong><em>M*A*S*H</em> hosted some big-name stars</strong> – Guest appearances on the show include Ron Howard, Leslie Nielsen, Patrick Swayze, Laurence Fishburne and Rita Wilson.</li> <li><strong>The series finale broke records</strong> – The two-and-a-half-hour 1983 series finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” was watched by a staggering 121.6 million people in the US alone – back then, that was 77 per cent of households with TV sets. It remains the most-watched episode of a TV show in US history.</li> <li><strong>The time capsule didn’t stay buried long</strong> – In the series’ second-last episode, the <em>M*A*S*H</em> gang bury a time capsule. When the show wrapped up, the land used as the show’s set was sold, and a construction worker found the capsule just months later. After getting in contact with Alan Alda to return it, Alda told the worker he could keep it.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Princess Di misquote in final Crown season sparks outrage

<p>Fans of <em>The Crown</em> have shared their fury over a quote from Princess Diana, after details of a pivotal scene from the royal drama have emerged. </p> <p>The sixth season of the show, which will be <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/major-twist-in-store-for-final-season-of-the-crown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> on Netflix on November 16th, features a key part of Princess Diana's life, in which she dedicated much of her time lobbying for an international treaty banning landmines and her support of victims.</p> <p>Just three weeks before her death in a car crash in 1997, she visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet with affected communities.</p> <p>In the upcoming episode of the show, Diana – played by Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki – tells her boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed, played by Khalid Abdalla, about the horrors of the explosives and how they are responsible for thousands of deaths.</p> <p>“A man called Ken Rutherford drew my attention to it. He started the Landmine Survivors Network. After his jeep hit a landmine in Somalia he lost both of his legs,” Diana explains to her boyfriend on-screen.</p> <p>Diana then makes a bold statement, likening stepping on a landmine to her ill-fated marriage to Prince Charles. </p> <p>“He said to me every survivor has a date of the day they stepped on the landmine. He said, ‘Mine was December 16, 1963’. I said, ‘Mine was 29 July, 1981 — my wedding day’.”</p> <p>In the scene, Dodi laughs in response.</p> <p>The inclusion of the presumably fictional quote has been criticised by royal biographer and <em>Majesty</em> magazine editor Ingrid Seward, who had a personal relationship with Diana.</p> <p>“Diana would never have said anything like that. I think it is an unfortunate comparison,” she told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/24707487/the-crown-risks-angering-royal-family-diana-wedding-charles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sun</em>.</a></p> <p>“I think the mere fact that <em>The Crown</em> is depicting Diana’s life and her death is exploiting her memory so they can put into her mouth anything that they want to — however distasteful people might find it.”</p> <p>Seward went on to emphasise the significance of landmine awareness to the late princess.</p> <p>“It was very important – it was her big thing and it was a great success too. It is something that she will always be remembered for,” she told the publication.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Netflix </em></p>

The enduring appeal of Friends, and why so many of us feel we’ve lost a personal friend in Matthew Perry

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968">Adam Gerace</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>The <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/videos/world/friends-star-matthew-perry-dies-aged-54/cloatn0ae00ea0jqbpdz0h8td">death of Matthew Perry</a>, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the television series Friends, has seen an outpouring of grief from fans and the Hollywood community.</p> <p>His passing at age 54 has shocked both those who admired his acting work, as well as those who followed his efforts to bring awareness to <a href="https://people.com/tv/matthew-perry-opens-up-about-addiction-new-memoir/">the pains of addiction</a>.</p> <p>Tributes to Perry have understandably focused on his star-making turn on the incredibly popular television sitcom. Scenes, catchphrases, and his character’s lines have been lovingly repurposed across the internet to memorialise the gifted actor.</p> <p>Meanwhile, many viewers have situated their <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/friends-fans-mourn-matthew-perry-new-york-apartment-1235772520/">recollections</a> of Perry and the series within the context of their own experiences.</p> <p>Viewers who came of age, or were the characters’ ages during the show’s original run, have reminisced about what the work of Perry and his co-stars meant to them at formative times in their lives. Newer viewers have similarly shared how important the series has been to them – their relationship with the show often beginning long after production ended.</p> <p>For many, Friends was the television equivalent of the soundtrack to their lives.</p> <p>To appreciate the staying power of the series for original and <a href="https://www.etonline.com/streaming-friends-how-a-90s-sitcom-became-gen-zs-new-favorite-show-132624">newer viewers alike</a> almost 30 years since it debuted, we need to consider what functions television viewing serves and the bonds we form with its characters.</p> <h2>Enduring appeal</h2> <p>Part of Friends’ popularity lies in its timing. The show premiered in 1994, a period when network television was still dominant. By its end a decade later, while the power of the big television networks had <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08838150701820924">eroded</a>, the series had maintained <a href="https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/09/friends-nbc-ratings-recap.html">an average</a> of more than 20 million viewers each season.</p> <p>The 2004 finale brought in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/08/arts/friends-finale-s-audience-is-the-fourth-biggest-ever.html">record-breaking</a> 52.5 million viewers in the United States. The series then entered repeats around the world. It hasn’t left our screens since.</p> <p>The late 90s and early 2000s have sometimes been referred to as the end of monoculture. While a <a href="https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/12/17/21024439/monoculture-algorithm-netflix-spotify">contested and controversial idea</a> because of, among other concerns, who was included and excluded on our screens, monoculture meant we watched <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/bestmusic2012/2012/12/21/167836852/the-year-in-pop-charts-return-of-the-monoculture">many of the same things</a>.</p> <p>One of the most popular shows of its era, Friends brought people together. It was a show we watched with our families or friends, spoke about the next day with colleagues, and it provided a common connection. It allowed bonding with real friends as much as fictional ones.</p> <p>Friends did not only reflect style of the time; it also frequently created it. Jennifer Aniston’s haircut, coined “<a href="https://www.bustle.com/style/the-rachel-haircut">The Rachel</a>”, or Perry’s lovable smart-alecky cadence, typified with Chandler’s catchphrase of “Could I <em>be</em> any more…”, were endlessly imitated. I know I attempted to replicate Chandler’s <a href="https://www.gq.com.au/style/celebrity/unexpectedly-great-fashion-inspiration-courtesy-of-friends/image-gallery/f55ac75cc180e31c462525da961295fc">sweater vests</a> and light blue denim look. Participation provided viewers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5931.2011.00866.x">a sense</a> of identity.</p> <p>As people enter their 30s and 40s, they often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208595">gravitate</a> towards the memories made during their formative adolescent and young adult years. So perhaps it’s no surprise Friends endures for original viewers as it represents – and was a part of – their lives at this important time.</p> <h2>Likeable characters</h2> <p>Television and other fictional media meet our needs for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2009.01368.x">both</a> pleasure and extracting meaning. We get excited, entertained and moved by television.</p> <p>As part of this, we bond with fictional characters. We cannot help but <a href="https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327825MCS0403_01">empathise</a> with them. A series like Friends with its characters and their combinations of breakups, makeups and other mishaps allowed us to safely use our empathy muscles to cheer on and sometimes commiserate with the group of six. It helped that each character was flawed but inherently likeable.</p> <p>Fictional characters also allow us to <a href="https://theconversation.com/neighbours-vs-friends-we-found-out-which-beloved-show-fans-mourned-more-when-it-ended-212843">experience lifestyles</a> we might not otherwise. In the case of Friends, who didn’t want to live in a rent-controlled apartment like Monica’s, or regularly meet their supportive and funny pals for coffee at Central Perk? As a teen, I imagined such a world for myself in the not-too-distant future.</p> <p>Younger generations might be more aware of how out-of-reach that lifestyle was, or find the show’s <a href="https://ew.com/tv/jennifer-aniston-friends-offensive-new-generation/">humour sometimes dated</a>. But the idea of what the friends’ lifestyle represented – possibility, freedom, a chosen family – evidently still holds appeal.</p> <h2>Fictional relationships, but real sadness</h2> <p>In forming relationships with fictional characters, we form bonds with the performers who bring them to life. The lines between character and creator become blurry, both because of the knowledge about actors’ lives celebrity culture affords us, but also because their characters seem so real. When the actors pass away, we <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.06.042">feel real grief</a>.</p> <p>It’s important for fans of Matthew Perry to <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/why-with-all-the-sht-happening-in-the-world-its-still-okay-to-grieve-a-celebritys-death/">acknowledge</a> their loss. Even though his character is fictional, and you didn’t know him personally, you can still feel sad. Watching the series may be difficult right now. With time, it will become easier.</p> <p>Matthew Perry wanted <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/matthew-perry-death-addiction-alcoholism-drugs-b2437980.html">his legacy</a> to be awareness of addiction and the help he provided to people struggling with this disorder. Hopefully what will be felt now, alongside collective sadness, is an empathy for those facing addiction. That may be the power of television, and of a character named Chandler, and the actor who brought him to life, who many considered their friend.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216626/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968"><em>Adam Gerace</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course - Positive Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-enduring-appeal-of-friends-and-why-so-many-of-us-feel-weve-lost-a-personal-friend-in-matthew-perry-216626">original article</a>.</em></p>

Rebecca Loos claims Beckham is "playing the victim" over affair scandal

<p>Rebecca Loos, the woman at the centre of the alleged <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/woman-at-the-centre-of-alleged-beckham-affair-breaks-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">affair scandal</a> with iconic football legend David Beckham, has recently shared her thoughts on the new <em>Beckham</em> docuseries, which was released on Netflix.</p> <p>Loos, now 47 and residing in Norway with her husband and two children, expressed her concerns regarding the way the affair was handled in the docuseries, which was produced in collaboration with Beckham's production company.</p> <p>In the early 2000s, Loos gained notoriety for her claims of a romantic involvement with David Beckham during his time as a football superstar. In the docuseries, the Beckhams primarily discussed the media frenzy that ensued following Loos' revelations in 2003, but skirted around the specifics of the affair itself.</p> <p>It was during that tumultuous period that Loos had declared her connection with the football player while working as his personal assistant, even suggesting that the Beckhams had been dealing with marital issues before her involvement came to light. At the time, the celebrity couple vehemently denied any wrongdoing and even considered legal action against Loos.</p> <p>Victoria Beckham, 49, revealed in the docuseries, "It was the most unhappy I have ever been in my entire life," while David Beckham, 48, tearfully stated, "Victoria is everything to me. To see her hurt was incredibly difficult… what we had was worth fighting for."</p> <p>Loos, however, took issue with David's statement. In a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12657157/rebecca-loos-affair-david-beckham-netflix.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">candid interview with the Daily Mail</a>, she expressed her frustration: "The [worst] bit for me is that he says he didn't like seeing his wife suffer. That bothered me. Because he's the one that's caused the suffering. He can say whatever he likes, of course, and I understand he has an image to preserve, but he is portraying himself as the victim and he's making me look like a liar, like I've made up these stories. He is indirectly suggesting that I'm the one who has made Victoria suffer."</p> <p>Loos also argued that the docuseries had thrust the affair back into the spotlight, an issue that many had forgotten about since the news first broke 20 years ago, thereby further impacting her reputation. She emphasised, "Yes, the stories were horrible, but they're true. He talks in the documentary about this ultimately being his private life, shutting it down. I think it's one thing to keep your private life to yourself. It's another thing to mislead the public."</p> <p>She suggested that David could have chosen to acknowledge that it was not one of his proudest moments or characterised it as a challenging period and moved on from the subject. However, she felt that he continued to phrase his statements in a way that indirectly shifted the blame onto her.</p> <p>"If you don't want to take responsibility for things because of your family and your children, that's absolutely fine," Loos commented, "But he specifically made it look like… my fault, that he had nothing to do with this."</p> <p>Loos, after the 2003 allegations, embarked on a path as a media personality, participating in various English and Dutch TV shows. In 2008, while filming the Dutch TV show <em>71 Graden Noord</em>, she crossed paths with her future husband, Norwegian doctor Sven Christjar Skaiaa. After becoming pregnant, the couple decided to relocate to Norway in 2009. Today, she works as a yoga teacher and a massage therapist in Norway while raising her two sons and only occasionally making media appearances.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Holly Willoughby delivers shock news days after kidnap plot

<p>Holly Willoughby has made a surprising announcement, just days after a <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/plot-to-kidnap-tv-star-foiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disturbing incident involving a kidnapping plot</a> came to light.</p> <p>The popular UK TV personality and mother of three has taken to social media to share her decision to step down from her role as the host of <em>This Morning</em>, a position she has held for 14 years. She cited her family as the primary reason for this significant career move.</p> <p>In a heartfelt letter to her fans, she expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the show over the years, acknowledging the difficulty of saying goodbye. She extended her appreciation to the production team and guests who have been part of the program, and she reserved special thanks for the loyal viewers who have been with her every day.</p> <p>Willoughby reflected on the legacy of <em>This Morning</em> and the words of former hosts Richard and Judy, who believed that the show belonged to the viewers. She expressed her honour at being a part of its history and noted that there are more chapters to come. However, she felt that the time had come for her to make this decision for the sake of herself and her family.</p> <p>In her own words, "I will miss you all so much."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWaP2tr3Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWaP2tr3Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Holly Willoughby (@hollywilloughby)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This announcement follows a recent incident in which the 42-year-old was placed under police protection in her London home due to the discovery of a kidnapping plot aimed at her. Essex Police later arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the investigation.</p> <p>It has been a rough year for the popular daytime TV host, who previously enjoyed immense popularity in the UK.</p> <p>Notably, Holly Willoughby made headlines when she issued a statement on-air, publicly supporting her co-host, Phillip Schofield, amidst reports of an inappropriate relationship with a younger male colleague. Schofield eventually resigned amid <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/it-s-the-court-of-public-opinion-sarah-ferguson-condemns-phillip-schofield-backlash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intense public pressure</a> after admitting to lying about the relationship. Willoughby explained that she too had been deceived by her co-host and would not have supported him had she known the truth.</p> <p>Schofield and Willoughby had co-hosted the show together since 2009 and had interviewed notable figures, including royalty. Their on-screen chemistry led to prime-time hosting opportunities such as <em>Dancing on Ice</em>.</p> <p>While Holly Willoughby has not revealed her future plans, numerous celebrity fans and colleagues swiftly offered their support and best wishes in the comments section of her post. These messages conveyed sadness at her departure and the recognition of her iconic status in the world of television.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / ITV</em></p>

Major twist in store for final season of The Crown

<p>The release date for the sixth and final season of <em>The Crown</em> has finally been announced, with royal fans everywhere marking their calendars for the last instalment of the royal drama. </p> <p>The hit Netflix series will be returning to screens on November 16th, but the final season of the show is set to come in two phases. </p> <p>On November 16th, four episodes of the show will be available to stream, and will follow Princess Diana, played by Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki, in the last year of her life. </p> <p>Her final days will be explored, including her death in Paris in 1997.</p> <p>Then, the final part of the series will be available to stream from December 14th, and will pick up from the mid-2000s, as her children Prince William and Prince Harry deal with the aftermath of their mother's passing.</p> <p>"Prince William tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother's death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion," a synopsis for part two says.</p> <p>"As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new royal fairy tale in William and Kate."</p> <p>Royal fans were delighted to wake up to a new teaser trailer for the sixth and final season of <em>The Crown</em> that was posted on social media overnight, with the post already racking up over 90,000 likes.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyLmKalP7dF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyLmKalP7dF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Netflix UK & Ireland (@netflixuk)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 46-second teaser was released showing Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II walking through Buckingham Palace before appearing on the famous balcony.</p> <p>All three actresses to play the late Queen appear in the trailer, including Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.</p> <p>"The crown is a symbol of permeance. It's something you are, not what you do," the voice of Foy says.</p> <p>"Some portion of our natural selves is always lost. We have all made sacrifices. It is not a choice. It is a duty," Colman can be heard saying.</p> <p>Finally, it ends on Staunton who says, "But what about the life, I put aside? The woman I put aside?"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Netflix - Instagram</em></p>

An X-Files expert on the show’s enduring appeal – 30 years on

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bethan-jones-1345648">Bethan Jones</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-york-1344">University of York</a></em></p> <p>On September 10 1993 the pilot episode of The X-Files aired. Thirty years later to the day, I was at a <a href="https://www.twincities.com/2023/04/17/moa-30th-anniversary-x-files-convention/">convention centre in Minneapolis</a> with 500 other fans and the show’s creator, Chris Carter, celebrating its legacy.</p> <p>Ostensibly a show about aliens, The X-Files swiftly became part of the cultural lexicon and remains there to this day. In part its success was down to the chemistry of its two leads – David Duchovny, who played FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson, who played FBI Special Agent Dana Scully. After all, it was the X-Files fandom that invented the term <a href="https://www.vox.com/2016/6/7/11858680/fandom-glossary-fanfiction-explained">“shipping”</a> (rooting for characters to get together romantically).</p> <p>But, as I argue in my new book, <a href="https://www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page/the-x-files-the-truth-is-still-out-there">The Truth Is Still Out There: Thirty Years of The X-Files</a>, what really made the series successful was its ability to tap into contemporary cultural moments and ask us to really think about the times we’re living in.</p> <p>When the series began in 1993, the US was still grappling with the effects of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Watergate-Scandal">Watergate</a> and the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Vietnam-War">Vietnam war</a>, but concerns were also rising about the approaching millennium and the economic and cultural divisions within US society. It also coincided with Bill Clinton becoming president – marking the end of more than a decade of Republican leadership.</p> <p>It’s little surprise that fears about immigration, globalisation, national identity and technology emerged and were adopted – and sometimes foreshadowed – by The X-Files’ writers. Several episodes throughout the first nine seasons dealt with artificial technology, for example, and <a href="https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/Eve">Eve</a>, an episode in season one about clones, came four years before the birth of <a href="https://dolly.roslin.ed.ac.uk/facts/the-life-of-dolly/index.html">Dolly the Sheep</a>.</p> <p>Critical theorist Douglas Kellner <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/432310?casa_token=44PnlIC58_oAAAAA%3AyDF-53m8WsQCfec-VrVjlF8nav_Q2y24s9ldHo7bFPUvAwUrbcieUZoEk7DZe6R3Mma-WcaUNskkC4CR4baLoAHz7EdFEqcAONLgeI4SiU85I-LPIjNk">argued in 1994</a> that The X-Files “generated distrust toward established authority, representing institutions of government and the established order as highly flawed, even complicit in the worst crimes and evil imaginable”. Though I’d argue it was less that the show generated this distrust and more that it leveraged the growing number of reports about the government’s secretive activities to inspire its storylines.</p> <p>As the public became more aware of the government’s role in – and surveillance of – public life, so too The X-Files considered the ways in which technology could be used as a means of control.</p> <p>In the season three episode <a href="https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/Wetwired">Wetwired</a>, for example, a device attached to a telephone pole emits signals that tap into people’s paranoid delusions and lead them to kill. And in the season six episode, <a href="https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/S.R._819">SR 819</a>, a character’s circulatory system fails because he has been infected with nanotechnology controlled by a remote device belonging to a shadow government.</p> <p>These themes reflected growing concerns about government agencies using technology to both spy on and influence the public.</p> <h2>The X-Files’ enduring appeal</h2> <p>During my X-Files research, carried out with viewers after a revival was announced in 2015, it became clear that the show has remained part of the cultural lexicon. As one fan explained: “The cultural context of conspiracy theories has changed since the beginning of X-Files. Nowadays, every pseudoscience documentary uses similar soundtrack and narrative.”</p> <p>Of course, the X-Files didn’t invent conspiracy theories, but as one of the show’s writers and producers, Jim Wong, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/how-x-files-brought-conspiracy-theories-into-mainstream-culture">points out</a>, it did “tap into something that was more or less hidden in the beginning when we were doing it”.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-P-07yN806A?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">The trailer for The X-Files revival.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>The focus on the rise of the alt-right, disinformation and fake news in seasons 10 and 11 seemed like a logical angle from which to approach the changing cultural context the revival came into. Carter and his co-writers dove straight in to what Guardian critic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2016/feb/09/your-government-lies-why-the-x-files-revival-is-just-right-for-our-climate-of-extreme-scepticism">Mark Lawson calls</a> “a new era of governmental paranoia and public scepticism”, fuelled by the 2008 financial crisis, the fall out of the war on terror and scores of political scandals.</p> <p>Season 10 saw the introduction of a right-wing internet talk show host who argues that 9/11 was a “false flag operation” and that the mainstream liberal media lie to Americans about life, liberty and the right to bear arms. The parallels to conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones and Glenn Beck were obvious.</p> <p>Carter’s incorporation of topics like surveillance, governments’ misuse of power and methods of social control meant that seasons ten and 11 were very much situated in the contemporary moment. This is perhaps most obvious in the season 11 episode, <a href="https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/The_Lost_Art_of_Forehead_Sweat">The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat</a>, which deals with the disinformation of the Trump era head on. The episode’s protagonist, Dr. They, tells Mulder that “no one can tell the difference anymore between what’s real and what’s fake”.</p> <p>While The X-Files’ search for the truth in the 1990s may have ultimately been a philosophical endeavour, in the 21st century it is a commentary on how emotion and belief can be more influential than objective facts.</p> <p>Watching the show again while researching my book, I was struck by how it was dated predominantly by its lack of technology, rather than the ideas it expresses. In the second season episode <a href="https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/Ascension">Ascension</a>, Mulder pulls a phone book off a shelf in his search for Scully – now we’d use Google. But in other aspects the show remains as relevant today as it was in the 1990s, encouraging us to think about the big questions relating to faith, authority and truth.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bethan-jones-1345648"><em>Bethan Jones</em></a><em>, Research Associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-york-1344">University of York</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-x-files-expert-on-the-shows-enduring-appeal-30-years-on-213610">original article</a>.</em></p>

Poor Prince Harry taken to the cleaners on live TV

<p>The Duke of Sussex engaged in a thrilling penalty shootout with Germany's defence minister, Boris Pistorius, during a live television broadcast to promote the 2023 Invictus Games – however, Prince Harry's quest for victory ended in disappointment as he failed to score a single goal in six attempts.</p> <p>This friendly (yet competitive!) soccer challenge took place as part of the promotion for the 2023 Invictus Games, which Prince Harry attended in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Duke, aged 38, appeared on the popular German TV show, <em>Das Aktuelles Sportstudio</em>, following the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games.</p> <p>In a clip shared on social media, Prince Harry, alongside Pistorius, Angelo Anderson, and Jens Niemeyer, took turns attempting to kick a soccer ball through one of two holes in a wall on the studio set. The game, known as a shootout, has been a long-standing tradition on the show.</p> <p>Prince Harry jokingly inquired about the consequences of a zero score before being informed that he'd have to don a German jersey if he lost. Undeterred, he stepped up to take his shots, but his first three attempts missed the mark.</p> <p>Pistorius then managed to score twice during his turn, and after other participants took their shots, Harry missed three more times.</p> <p>In the end, rather than a German jersey, Prince Harry was presented with a scarf from the local German club, FSV Mainz 05, which he sportingly wore to the applause of the audience.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="de">Prinz Harry, Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius, Angelo Anderson und Jens Niemeyer stellen sich der Herausforderung an der <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportstudio?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sportstudio</a>-Torwand. <a href="https://t.co/liwmkz0zg0">pic.twitter.com/liwmkz0zg0</a></p> <p>— ZDF (@ZDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZDF/status/1700637221273862535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>During the show, Prince Harry also discussed the profound impact of founding the Invictus Games, describing it as a lifeline. He reflected on the shared experiences and stories within the veterans' community, something that resonated deeply with him due to his own military service in the British Army, which included two tours in Afghanistan.</p> <p>The Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry in 2014, are a global sporting event for veterans and service personnel, and this year's edition marked the first time it was hosted in Germany. Previous events were held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), and The Hague (2022). The 2025 Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada.</p> <p>This year's event, running from September 9 to September 16, featured over 500 athletes from 21 countries competing in 10 different sports, representing six continents.</p> <p>In a video message ahead of the event, Prince Harry expressed his excitement about having participants from every continent except Antarctica, humorously adding that they were still working on getting representation from there.</p> <p>At the opening ceremony, Prince Harry gave a speech touching on self-discovery, teamwork, and family life. He welcomed Colombia, Israel, and Nigeria as first-time participants and humorously mentioned that since Meghan Markle discovered her Nigerian ancestry through a genealogy test, the competition might get more competitive in their household.</p> <p>Harry also emphasised the importance of the Invictus Games as a platform for veterans to be part of a supportive community and overcome societal perceptions about disabilities and limitations. He quoted a South Korean competitor, Mr. Na, who shared, "We overcome perceptions of ourselves in society." For Harry, these games were not just about winning medals but about breaking down self-imposed barriers and redefining what's possible.</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter (X) / ZDF</em></p>

Kylie Minogue drops big career news

<p>Kylie Minogue is set to return to TV with her own special that will highlight her incredible career. </p> <p>The iconic singer will feature in British broadcaster ITV's <em>An Audience With… </em>show at The Royal Albert Hall in London. </p> <p>"It's been hard to keep this one a secret... Get ready for an unforgettable evening! 🤩An Audience with Kylie, coming later this year to ITV1 and ITVX," the broadcaster announced to Instagram on Tuesday. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwh-LrdMDE-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwh-LrdMDE-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ITV (@itv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The show will take place in December and the broadcaster has promised that they will take the special TV event to the "to the next level", according to the <em>Huffington Post</em>.</p> <p>The <em>Can't Get You Out of My Head </em>singer, will perform and chat about her career, and even answer questions from the audience members, including specially invited VIP guests and celebrity superfans.</p> <p>"I'm so excited to announce that I am teaming up with ITV for An Audience with at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall!" she said. </p> <p>"I'll be performing some of my favourite tracks from throughout my career and no doubt answering some surprising questions from the audience. I can't wait to share this moment with you all."</p> <p>The singer will perform some of her top hits including her more recent chart topper <em>Padam Padam </em>and a few favourites from her award-winning back catalogue.</p> <p>This comes just two years after ITV did the special for Adele, which was met with overwhelming success, reaching over 5.4 million viewers during its peak. </p> <p>Tickets for the show will be on sale from September 8.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

"Thoughtful and sensitive": The Crown's plan to recreate Diana's death

<p><em>The Crown</em> have announced that they will be covering the death of Princess Diana in the upcoming season of the show, saying they will be handling the recreation "carefully". </p> <p>The Netflix drama based on the story of the royal family will be returning later this year for season six, which is expected to be the final season of the show. </p> <p>The final season of <em>The Crown</em> is set to take place between the years of 1997 to the early 2000s, including a delicate recreation of the death of the late Princess of Wales. </p> <p>Producer of the show Suzanne Mackie spoke of the upcoming season at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, saying it took a long and careful conversation to reach the decision to cover Diana's death on the show. </p> <p>She said, "The show might be big and noisy, but we're not. We're thoughtful people and we're sensitive people."</p> <p>"And so there was a very, very careful, long, long, long conversation about how we do it – and I hope, you know, the audience will judge it in the end, but I think it's been delicately, thoughtfully recreated."</p> <p>Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki will be returning as Diana after her portrayal of the late Princess in season five. </p> <p>Mackie said Debicki was an "extraordinary actress" who treated the subject carefully.</p> <p>"She was so thoughtful, considerate and loved Diana," Mackie said.</p> <p>"So there was a huge amount of respect from us all. I hope that's evident when you see it."</p> <p>Season six of the show is also set to include the early days of Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story, beginning when they met while at St Andrew's University in Scotland in 2001. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Award-winning soap actress dies at age 70

<p dir="ltr">Nancy Fragione has died at the age of 70. </p> <p dir="ltr">The award-winning actress was best known for her starring role on <em>All My Children</em>, in which she played Tara Martin from 1977 to 1979. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to an online obituary, Fragione passed away on August 18th in her native Massachusetts, however her cause of death is still unknown. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actress is remembered for her iconic portrayal of villainess Cecile de Poulignac in <em>Another World</em> from 1981 to 1984, in the role that earned her a Soap Opera Digest award for outstanding villainess in a daytime soap opera.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fragione was revered by soap opera lovers, with devastated fans taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief over her passing. </p> <p dir="ltr">"One of the most famous villainesses in soap opera history has passed away," one fan expressed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Nancy Fangione was truly a soap icon," another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The soap star also had a string of primetime television credits to her name including a guest starring role as Fran Fine's cousin Marsha on <em>The Nanny</em>, <em>Highway To Heaven</em>, <em>Matlock</em> and <em>Buck Rogers</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Nancy met her husband, Christopher Rich, on the set of <em>Another World</em>, as the co-stars married in 1982. </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair welcomed one daughter, Mariel, together during their marriage but ultimately divorced 14 years later in 1996.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Rob Lowe's West Wing confession

<p>Rob Lowe has spoken candidly about leaving one of his most acclaimed TV shows. </p> <p>The 59-year-old actor has opened up about leaving <em>The West Wing</em>, which first aired in 1999 with Lowe playing the character of Sam Seaborn, the Bartlet administration's deputy communications director, on the very first episode of the show. </p> <p>The show ran for seven seasons and went off the air in 2006, although Lowe left the show during season four. </p> <p>Despite the show's popularity, Lowe said that leaving the show when he did was the best decision to make for him and his future career. </p> <p>Speaking candidly on the Stitcher Studios' podcast <em>Podcrushed</em>, Lowe was asked about why he left the show, and he summed up his departure with an analogy.</p> <p>He said, "I walked away from the most popular girl at school, but I also knew that it was a super unhealthy relationship, and it was the best thing I ever did."</p> <p>The unofficial story when Lowe left the show, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/24/west.wing.lowe/index.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Daily Variety;cpos:3;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-rapid_p="33" data-v9y="1">Daily Variety</a></em>, was that he was doing so because he couldn't get the salary that he wanted. </p> <p>As Lowe explained to <em>Podcrushed</em> hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari, his decision had boiled down to one thing.</p> <p>"I felt very undervalued," said Lowe, the author of 2012's <em>Stories I Only Tell My Friends</em>. "Whenever I talk to actors who complain about, you know, their relationships on their shows, it happens. It happens in any workplace. You could be in an environment where people sandbag you, want to see you fail, don't appreciate you, whatever it is and whenever I share my stories, people are like, 'I will never share my own stories again.'"</p> <p>"They would make your hair stand up and there's some of them I wrote. I shared some of them in my book, but I purposely didn't share half of the other ones because it would make the people involved look so bad that I didn't want to do it to them."</p> <p>"So, I did not have a good experience. Tried to make it work and tried to make it work and tried to make it work and then what happened was my kids were getting to a certain age where I could see them having first girlfriends or friends and being in a relationship that was abusive and taking it," said Lowe, the father of sons John Owen, a 27-year-old actor, and venture capitalist Matthew, 29. </p> <p>"She's the popular girl, everybody likes her, she's beautiful, it must be great. All the things that people would say about making <em>The West Wing</em> to me. It's so popular, it's so amazing, it must be amazing, but I know what it's like and if I couldn't walk away from it, then how could I empower my kids to walk away from it?"</p> <p>When Lowe did leave the show, he issued a statement on why his character would be written out.</p> <p>"As much as it hurts to admit it, it has been increasingly clear, for quite a while, that there was no longer a place for Sam Seaborn on<em> The West Wing</em>," he said, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/24/west.wing.lowe/index.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:per CNN;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0" data-rapid_p="36" data-v9y="1">per CNN</a>. "However, Warner Bros. has allowed me an opportunity to leave the show as I arrived ... grateful for it, happy to have been on it and proud of it. We were a part of television history and I will never forget it."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Sports presenter slammed over "Barbie" comments

<p>The BBC has issued a statement after a cringeworthy interview with a sports presenter went viral. </p> <p>Chris Hughes, a former <em>Love Island</em> contestant, was chatting to Aussie cricketer Maitlan Brown during Southern Brave's match in The Hundred.</p> <p>As the interview began, Hughes referred to Brown as a "batsman", with the rest of the interview only going downhill from there. </p> <p>Hughes then asked how Brown had been settling in and bonding with her teammates. </p> <p>"We watched Barbie the other night all together and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together," Brown replied.</p> <p>Hughes then quipped back, "You're a little Barbie yourself, aren't you, with your blue eyes."</p> <p>As Brown laughed awkwardly, Hughes added, "She's blushing now."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The absolute state of this <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSport</a> </p> <p>"Batsman"</p> <p>"You're a bit of a Barbie yourself"</p> <p>So much great young journalistic cricket talent in the UK, and you hire that clown <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishughes_22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishughes_22</a>, because demographics, innit <a href="https://t.co/f7FwAtQjR9">pic.twitter.com/f7FwAtQjR9</a></p> <p>— Always Look On The Bright Cider Life 🍎🏏🍎🏏🍎 (@somersetpodcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/somersetpodcast/status/1686411647903006720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Since the interview, Hughes has copped criticism on social media with the BCC stating they have addressed the issue with him.</p> <p>"We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate," a BBC spokesperson said.</p> <p>Hughes has been the subject of an online slating since the interview, with many criticising his comments and wondering how he even landed the gig in the first place. </p> <p>One person wrote on Twitter, "This is what happens when you get a Love Islander to present cricket... Oh dear."</p> <p>"Whether Chris Hughes made the Barbie remark yesterday with the intention to belittle or embarrass Maitlan Brown or not is irrelevant. As is whether Brown in fact took offense to it. The effect and imagery was the same," another commented.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

“I don’t have that in me at this moment”: Christina Applegate's sad announcement

<p>Christina Applegate continues to hint that she may be retiring from acting.</p> <p>The star has given a heartbreaking career update, following her announcement in August that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. </p> <p>In a recent interview, the actress opened up about the difficulty of filming the final season with her condition, and how reluctant she is to return to another set.</p> <p>“Right now, I couldn’t imagine getting up at 5am and spending 12 to 14 hours on a set,” Applegate told the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-11-14/christina-applegate-walk-of-fame-ceremony-ms-diagnosis"><em>Los Angeles Times</em></a>. “I don’t have that in me at this moment.”</p> <p>Applegate has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for her role as Jen Harding, and she revealed, “It’s my last awards show as an actor probably, so it’s kind of a big deal.”</p> <p>In August 2021, Applegate announced her diagnosis and took some time off work for her treatment and to “grieve”. </p> <p>“Shooting the show was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life because I was diagnosed during shooting, and I didn’t know it was happening to me,” she told The Kelly Clarkson Show in December 2022.</p> <p>She told the <em><a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-11-14/christina-applegate-walk-of-fame-ceremony-ms-diagnosis">Los Angeles Times</a> </em>that watching the final season of Dead to Me was not enjoyable for her to watch. “I don’t like seeing myself struggling. I gained 40 pounds because of inactivity and medications, and I didn’t look like myself, and I didn’t feel like myself,” she said. </p> <p>Earlier this year, Applegate slammed down an internet troll after she was accused of getting “bad” plastic surgery. </p> <p>“MS didn’t make you look that way,” the person wrote. </p> <p>Applegate took to twitter, positing a screenshot of the troll’s message, adding “What is wrong with people. By the way, I laughed,”</p> <p>“When people see me now as a disabled person, I want them to feel comfortable. That we can laugh about it,” Applegate explained on the The Kelly Clarkson Show. </p> <p>Applegate was also recently given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and during her acceptance speech she was seen with a manicure that read “FU MS.”</p> <p>She said she’s doing “her best” to get through it.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

5 TV shows with hidden meanings in their names

<p>Sometimes you’ll hear a TV title and think that it sounds cool, but not really pause to think about what it means. Sure, creators could go the more obvious route and call a show what it’s about (some excellent shows with such monikers include <em>Desperate Housewives, CSI, Boston Legal</em>, and <em>Friends</em>), but where’s the fun in that? We like a title that needs a little digging to uncover a new layer of meaning to the show you’re currently binging. Here are some of our favourites.</p> <p><strong>1.<em> Mad Men</em></strong></p> <p>If you weren’t paying attention to <em>Mad Men</em>’s pilot, (and it seems as though many of us weren’t), “Mad Men” are the advertising men working on Madison Avenue. Throw those words together and what do you get? I’ll wait.</p> <p><strong>2. <em>Black Mirror</em></strong></p> <p>If you haven’t yet experienced this eerie anthology series about the myriad potential dark futures humans face because of our obsession with and dependence upon technology, you should add it to your list. In 2014, the show’s creator, Charlie Brooker, explained to the UK’s Channel 4 that “black mirror” refers to how any kind of screen looks once it’s been turned off. Try it now – pick up your phone without pressing any buttons. Can you see your face staring back at you from a dark, reflected world?</p> <p><strong>3. <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em></strong></p> <p>This is one of those punny titles that plays on the lead character’s name, but it works so deliciously that I’m willing to let it slide. Lead character Meredith Grey has her life and inner workings on display for the whole world to see each week, but what you might not realise is that <em>Gray’s Anatomy</em> is a popular medical textbook published over 150 years ago.</p> <p><strong>4. <em>Breaking Bad</em></strong></p> <p>This one is a little obscure, and many people never gave it a second thought – so wrapped up were they in the spectacular downward spiral of Walter White. “Breaking bad” is a <a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Break%20Bad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>colloquial term</strong></span></a> that means you challenge conventions, skirt the edges of the law, or defy authority. Pretty much sums up all of Walt, right?</p> <p><strong>5. <em>The Wire</em></strong></p> <p>This subversive, subtle classic is so engrossing that it’s easy to skip straight past the simple name without giving it a second thought, so you might not notice that these aren’t the typical police you’re used to seeing on television. These cops use tactical methods to get their work done – usually surveillance and <em>wire taps.</em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / Shutterstock</em></p>

Hidden jokes in your favourite TV shows

<p>Creating a television show has to be one of the most stressful jobs in Hollywood. Not only do you have to come up with compelling characters, plots, and stick them in the perfect setting, you also have to manage things like budgets, actor availability, and notes from networks. But even though the schedule is always tight, and despite the ever-present threat of cancellation, TV writers, designers, and cast members often find ways to insert hidden references and inside jokes for the most eagle-eyed viewers. Colloquially known as “Easter eggs”, these gags are hard to spot unless you know what you’re looking for. So, we’ve assembled a list of some of our favourites so you can keep an eye out next time you’re bingeing.</p> <p><strong>1. <em>The West Wing</em></strong></p> <p>Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s beloved <em>West Wing</em> will no doubt remember the episode when CJ is gifted a goldfish by reporter and admirer Danny. The goldfish bowl (and its inhabitant) became a feature of CJ’s desk throughout the entire series, and would often feature a deep-sea decoration pertaining to the episode’s theme. Christmas trees, Presidential podiums, and ballot boxes all featured as decorations over the years.</p> <p><strong>2.<em> Arrested Development</em></strong></p> <p>Fans of this hysterical family comedy will no doubt remember the fateful episode when Buster Bluth loses his arm to a runaway seal. If you go back and watch the second season again, you’ll notice visual gags aplenty that foreshadow poor Buster’s fate. Perhaps the boldest is when Buster sits on a bench, obscuring the perfect amount of letters so that all viewers can see are the words “arm off”.</p> <p><strong>3. <em>Community</em></strong></p> <p>With a cult following to rival any, <em>Community</em> packed its laughs anywhere they could. The show’s creators played a long game with a gag to summon the titular character from Tim Burton’s 1988<em> Beetlejuice</em>. According to the film’s lore, Beetlejuice can be summoned by saying his name three times. Characters said “Beetlejuice” once in season one, again in season two, and for a third time in season three. When Annie says his name for the third time, Beetlejuice himself can be clearly seen walking in a hallway outside. Gold.</p> <p><strong>4. <em>Battlestar Galactica</em></strong></p> <p>Fans of Joss Whedon’s beloved, short-lived space western <em>Firefly</em> will be delighted to know that the space ship featured in the series (a “Firefly” class named Serenity) had a cameo in the 2003 <em>Battlestar Galactica</em> miniseries. Blink and you’ll miss this one. Pause it at the right moment and marvel in the glory. Shiny.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Surprising facts about 5 classic TV shows

<p class="Default">As well as offering some real television nostalgia, these classic shows are also regarded as some of the most iconic TV shows ever made. Here are some lesser-known facts about five of the most popular shows in TV history.</p> <p class="Default"><strong>1. <em>I Love Lucy</em></strong></p> <p class="Default"><em>I Love Lucy</em> had a rather rocky start. Fraught with dilemmas and thought to maybe not move forward with the pilot, it came down to play it safe, or take a chance on the untried medium of television. Ball recounts that in a dream, Hollywood actress Carole Lombard appeared in a “very smart suit and she said, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=uBWFgeCNAz4C&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=carole+lombard+Take+a+chance,+honey.+Give+it+a+whirl!&source=bl&ots=8jLdurHJI6&sig=lSqvQ7Uk-bHYFlraRdDppCxrj74&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjt8byl9LXRAhVmi1QKHS3-DB70Q6AEIPjAH#v=onepage&q=carole%20lombard%20Take%20a%20chance%2C%20honey.%20Give%20it%20a%20whirl!&f=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Go on, honey. Give it a whirl</a></strong></span>!’” And they did exactly that and they show is one of the most loved of its kind to date.</p> <p class="Default"><strong>2. <em>The Flintstones</em></strong></p> <p class="Default">The popular 1960s cartoon <em>The Flintstones</em> may have become a hit around the world but it was not well received by everyone. One of television’s most iconic actors of all time, Jackie Gleason, was not happy about the show’s inspiration. According to Alan Reed Jr. (son of Alan Reed, who voiced Fred Flintstone), <em>The Flintstones</em> was <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.thespectrum.com/story/entertainment/2015/09/24/alan-reed-jr-remembers-flintstones/72626720/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inspired by <em>The Honeymooners</em></a></strong></span>, taking on the short-tempered and overbearing characteristics of Gleason’s vociferous Ralph Kramden.</p> <p class="Default"><strong>3. <em>The Odd Couple</em></strong></p> <p class="Default">After it first premiered in 1970, viewers had some questions about the sexuality of Felix and Oscar, as the two men living as roommates in New York City. Felix, played by Tony Randall, raised the most eyebrows for his flamboyant mannerisms and interest in the arts. Worried that viewers would be turned off due to the continuous speculation, ABC executives made it a point in the show’s intro to state that the roommates were “divorced men.”</p> <p class="Default"><strong>4. <em>The Ed Sullivan Show</em></strong></p> <p class="Default">In 1953 when Broadway director Joshua Logan asked to speak about his struggles with mental illness, what ensued was one of Ed Sullivan’s proudest TV moments. Worries about CBS’s reaction, Sullivan hesitantly allowed Logan to change the running order of the show to address his mental breakdown, recovery, and the stigma surrounding mental illness. It was met with momentary silence followed by a very big applause. In the weeks that followed, CBS was sent oodles of letters of appreciation.</p> <p class="Default"><strong>5. <em>Hogan’s Heroes</em></strong></p> <p class="Default">CBS’s <em>Hogan’s Heroes</em>, which ran from 1965 to 1971, was set in an actual German POW camp during World War II. Despite being successful, the sitcom was heavily criticised, given the actual atrocities that were committed during the war. Surprisingly, many of the actors portraying the dim-witted German Nazis were Jewish, too.</p> <p class="Default"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

"A true legend": Jane Fonda pegs award at director's head

<p>Film icon Jane Fonda is known to entertain the masses, and her cheeky antics at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival saw her do just that.</p> <p>While hosting Palme d’Or Awards on May 27, Fonda, 85, called up director Justine Triet who had won the award for <em>Anatomy of the Fall</em>, but it was Fonda’s deliverance of said award that had viewers in stitches.</p> <p>The 85-year-old tried to get Triet's attention, but after multiple attempts of calling out to her, Fonda decided to throw the scroll at the director’s back.</p> <p>When the scroll hit Triet on the back of the head and fell to the floor, she didn’t appear to notice.</p> <p><em>The Book Club</em> star’s unconventional passing of the award sent Twitter users into a frenzy, with many praising her, calling her a “queen” with an “excellent shot.”</p> <p>"A true legend." one person wrote.</p> <p>"This just made my day! 😂😂😂" another said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">favorite cannes moment is officially jane fonda throwing the palme d'or certificate at justine triet because she forgot to take it <a href="https://t.co/6tv8TEj8zw">pic.twitter.com/6tv8TEj8zw</a></p> <p>— flo ¨̮ (@astralbarnes) <a href="https://twitter.com/astralbarnes/status/1662568221931601920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Fonda hit the red carpet dazzled in black sequins. Her black gown was faired with a chain necklace and matching earrings.</p> <p>The beloved actress has been documenting her Cannes weekend via Instagram, sharing photos of herself with Hollywood greats Eva Longoria and Kate Winslet, as well as a snippet of her accommodation.</p> <p>Fonda’s attendance comes five months into her remission after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/jane-fonda-reassures-fans-after-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcing her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis</a> in September 2022.</p> <p>She revealed the happy news on her Instagram, titling it "BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!"</p> <p>”Last week I was told by my oncologist that my cancer is in remission and I can discontinue chemo," she wrote. "I am feeling so blessed, so fortunate."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Seinfeld: how a sitcom ‘about nothing’ changed television for good

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-abrams-122305">Nathan Abrams</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bangor-university-1221">Bangor University</a></em></p> <p>A quarter of a century ago, on 14 May 1998, the final episode of Seinfeld was broadcast, ending one of the most significant sitcoms of all time after nine seasons and 180 episodes. In fact the self-styled “show about nothing” was so important we can talk about the pre-Seinfeld and post-Seinfeld eras.</p> <p>Set in Manhattan, Seinfeld focused on the minutiae of daily life for four friends: Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), his best friend, George Costanza (Jason Alexander), his ex-girlfriend Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and his neighbour Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards).</p> <p>Such a setup might sound familiar to fans of 90s American comedy shows. But Seinfeld abandoned the traditional sitcom structure of an A story and a B story and instead gave each character their own storyline, full of self-aware and metatextual jokes.</p> <p>While co-creators Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld wanted a single-camera, filmlike aesthetic, the network, NBC, forced them to adopt a multi-camera setup taped in front of a live studio audience to supply the laughter track.</p> <p>Eventually, David and Seinfeld subverted that by shooting more scenes using single cameras and externally so that they could not be taped in front of a studio audience. They also employed a rapid-paced, quick-cutting, music-led style that was then unusual for sitcoms.</p> <p>This created the opportunities for expanding the narrative and cinematographic possibilities we’ve seen since. Seinfeld was a forerunner of the cinematic television we watch today.</p> <p>Consider the elaborate single-camera set pieces of the comedy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime, or the epic, cinematic look of Netflix’s Better Call Saul.</p> <p>Seinfeld tackled a host of then-taboo topics, which were part of everyday life, including antisemitism, same-gender relationships and masturbation. But because censorship and social mores at that time would not allow the characters to say the word “masturbation”, instead they referred to who can be the “master of their domain”. Such topics are commonplace these days.</p> <p>All four characters are antiheroes. None of them is particularly likeable nor were they intended to be. They are morally ambiguous, malicious, selfish, self-involved and extremely petty. They refuse to improve themselves, evolve or even manifest the slightest desire for change. They learn no lessons and the arc of the entire series revisits those they have wronged.</p> <p>Similar characters can be found in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/">Arrested Development</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472954/">It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia</a>. Also, consider Walter White from <a href="https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/70143836">Breaking Bad</a> and <a href="https://www.hbo.com/the-sopranos">Tony Soprano</a>.</p> <p>If all four leads in Seinfeld are bad, then George is the worst. Modelled on co-creator, Larry David, he is the epitome of male privilege. Such characters populate the televisual landscape today, not least in David’s later show, <a href="https://www.hbo.com/curb-your-enthusiasm">Curb Your Enthusiasm</a>, in which he stars as a version of himself.</p> <p>Elaine Benes stands out as a strong female character for the time. In one episode, in the face of a shortage of contraception, she judges whether her sexual partners are “sponge-worthy” or not. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays her with a tremendous physical comedy, as well as comic timing. She was unapologetic, and her sexuality and work life are foregrounded. Clearly, this set the template for her later series, <a href="https://www.hbo.com/veep">Veep</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1njzgXSzA-A?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Festivus is celebrated on December 23 each year, thanks to Seinfeld.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>The show generated billions of dollars in revenue, making NBC US$150 million (about £93 million) a year at its peak. By the ninth and final season, Jerry Seinfeld was earning US$1 million an episode. NBC executives tried to get him to return for a tenth season by offering him US$5 million an episode, but Seinfeld turned it down.</p> <p>Among the show’s fans was the legendary director Stanley Kubrick. “He was crazy about The Simpsons and Seinfeld,” his friend <a href="https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/movies/kubrick-by-michael-herr/">Michael Herr recounted</a>. As a Kubrick expert, I even suspect that the set design influenced his final film, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120663/">Eyes Wide Shut</a> (1999).</p> <p>Watching Seinfeld again now – and I have re-watched every episode – some of it lands terribly today. Take the episodes with Babu Bhatt, a Pakistani immigrant who runs a restaurant across the street from Jerry’s apartment. He appears in three episodes of the show and is known for his catchphrase, “Very bad man!” which he uses to insult Jerry.</p> <p>The problem is that Babu is played by actor Brian George, who was born in Jerusalem to Iraqi Jewish parents, and is clearly wearing makeup and affecting a south Asian accent.</p> <p>At the same time, the lack of diversity in Seinfeld is striking. New York is represented by Manhattan alone, rather than any of the other four boroughs that make up the metropolis. Its image of the Big Apple is white and middle class.</p> <p>As journalist and screenwriter Lindy West has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/09/politically-correct-jerry-seinfeld-comedy-marginalised-voices">observed</a>, the series featured only 19 black people, 18 of whom were one-off characters such as “the waiter” and “the guy who parks cars”. There was only one recurring black character – Kramer’s lawyer, Jackie Chiles – whose mimicry of OJ Simpson’s lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, makes him look like a real shyster.</p> <p>So, while Seinfeld may feel like a dated product of the late 1990s, it was ahead of the curve aesthetically, structurally and in terms of narrative and characterisation. Today’s television would be unthinkable without it.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/201497/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-abrams-122305">Nathan Abrams</a>, Professor of Film Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bangor-university-1221">Bangor University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/seinfeld-how-a-sitcom-about-nothing-changed-television-for-good-201497">original article</a>.</em></p>

Iconic actor returning to Neighbours

<p>Guy Pearce will be reprising his role on<em> Neighbours</em> following his memorable return to the hit soap’s 2022 finale.</p> <p>The Aussie actor hinted in an interview with Nine’s Good Weekend Talk podcast that he would be appearing in the reboot, which is already being filmed in Melbourne.</p> <p>Pearce, 55m landed his big gig as Mike Young on <em>Neighbours</em> in 1986 and featured in more than 450 episodes before his departure in 1989.</p> <p>In the show’s last episode, his character purchased a home on Ramsay Street with his love interest, Jane Harry, played by Annie Jones.</p> <p>The beloved soap ended its 37-year run in July 2022 but was picked up by Amazon Freevee and Prime Video.</p> <p>Pearce explained on the Good Weekend Talks podcast that the series’ return had “thrown” him.</p> <p>“I was a little thrown by that,” he shared.</p> <p>“Annie (Jones) and I called each other, ‘What do we do now, because we’re living in the street’,” he said.</p> <p>“And she said, ‘Well I’m all right because I’m on the show anyway, but what are you going to do?’ I said, ‘I don’t know’. So we’re in the process of working it out.”</p> <p>When asked if he’d return to Ramsay Street, he teased, “You may, you may”, but went on to say it was likely.</p> <p>“Obviously, if I’m going to extricate myself from the show, I want to do it respectfully,” he said. “I wasn’t just gonna go, ‘Well, bad luck. You had your chance, that was it’, you know. So there may be a little appearance or two, shall we say.”</p> <p><em>Neighbours</em> is set to air on its home network channel 10 but will be available to stream for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US.</p> <p>The revamped series will also be watchable ad-free on Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand seven days after the free-to-air viewing.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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