The Brainerd Dispatch TV Week November 22nd 2020

Today’s Entertainment

November 22 - 28, 2020

Can’t stop the music

The Weeknd leads in nominations at The 48th Annual American Music Awards

1 Humane org.

5 One of the Ewings, in “Dallas”

8 Office note

21 Piece of bedroom furniture

22 “Say Yes to the ___”

25 “Phooey!”

2 Very, very proper 3 Shoreline feature

4 With 18 Across, a televised celebration of song

5 Slice of pie

6 Map collection

26

Sunday, Nov. 22

8:30 a.m. GOLF LPGA Golf Round 3 Pelican Championship. (2:30)

9:00 a.m. FSN Jason Mitchell Outdoors (0:30)

Noon (7) KCCO NFL Football Ten. at Blt. (Live) (4:00)

(9) KMSP NFL Football Phi. at Clev. (Live) (3:00)

(15) KVRR NFL Football G.B. at Dal. (Live) (3:00)

ESPN ATP Tennis Final Nitto Finals. (Live) (2:00)

ESPN2 Cornhole (2:00)

GOLF PGA Golf Final Round The RSM Classic. (Live) (3:00)

12:30 p.m. (11) KARE Drone Racing League (Live) (1:00)

1:30 p.m. (11) KARE FIM Motorcycle Racing Grande Prémio de Portugal. (1:30)

NBCSN Tractor Pulling Lucas Oil Pro League (1:00)

2:00 p.m. ESPN Championship Drive (Live) (0:30)

2:30 p.m. NBCSN Tractor Pulling Lucas Oil Pro League (1:00)

3:00 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR NFL Football Dal. at Min. (Live) (3:30) (11) KARE ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Free Skate Rostelecom Cup. (2:00)

ESPN2 UFC Archival (0:30)

GOLF LPGA Golf Final Round Pelican Championship. (3:00)

3:30 p.m. ESPN2 UFC UFC (3:00)

4:00 p.m. (7) KCCO PBR Bull Riding Cowboys for a Cause. (1:00)

4:30 p.m. NBCSN FIM Motorcycle Racing MotoGP (1:30)

6:00 p.m. NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

6:30 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR The OT (Live) (0:30)

7:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Golf Final Round

The RSM Classic. (3:00)

7:20 p.m. (11) KARE NFL Football Kan. at L.V. (Live) (3:10)

7:30 p.m. ESPN2 UFC Archival (0:30)

8:00 p.m. ESPN2 World of X Games (1:00)

NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

9:00 p.m. ESPN2 World of X Games (1:00)

10:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Golf Final Round The RSM Classic. (3:00)

NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

Monday, Nov. 23

8:00 a.m. GOLF EPGA Golf Round 2 Joburg Open. (4:00)

Noon GOLF LPGA Golf Round 2 Pelican Championship. (3:00)

3:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Golf Round 2

The RSM Classic. (3:00)

7:00 p.m. ESPN NFL Football L.A. at T.B. (Live) (3:15)

ESPN2 UFC UFC (3:00)

GOLF PGA Golf Final Round The RSM Classic. (3:00)

USA WWE Raw (Live) (3:00)

11:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Golf Final Round The RSM Classic. (3:00)

Tuesday, Nov. 24

Noon GOLF LPGA Golf Round 3 Pelican Championship. (3:00)

NBCSN Dirt Racing Lucas Oil Late Model Series (1:00)

3:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Golf Round 3 The RSM Classic. (3:00)

NBCSN IMSA Auto Racing Pilot Challenge 12 Hours of Sebring. (2:00)

10:00 p.m. (29) WFTC NFL Football Dal. at Min. (2:00)

6:00 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball Empire Classic. (Live) (2:00)

ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Quarter-final Battle 4 Atlantis. (Live) (2:00)

7:00 p.m. GOLF Golf Rocket Mortgage Classic: Changing the Course. (2:00)

TNT All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite (Live) (2:00)

USA WWE NXT (Live) (2:08)

8:30 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball Empire Classic. (Live) (2:00)

12:30 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR

NCAA Basketball Fort Myers Tip-Off. Gonz. vs. Kan. (Live) (2:00)

1:30 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

3:30 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR NFL Football WFT at Dal. (Live) (3:00)

ESPN NCAA Basketball Empire Classic. (Live) (2:00)

ESPN2 H.S. Basketball Third Place Game Anaheim Tournament. (Live) (2:00)

9:00 p.m. GOLF Golf Wyndham Rewards Challenge. (2:00)

10:00 p.m. NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

Friday, Nov. 27

8:55 a.m. ESPN2 F1 Auto Racing Practice Bahrain Grand Prix. (Live) (1:35)

10:00 a.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR

NCAA Basketball Fort Myers Tip-Off. Aub. vs. Gonz. (Live) (2:00)

10:30 a.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Semifinal Orlando Tournament. (Live) (2:00)

11:00 a.m. (5) KSTP NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

11:30 a.m. GOLF LET Golf Round 2 Open de España. (4:00)

12:30 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

2:00 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Semifinal Orlando Tournament. (Live) (2:00)

TNT Golf The Match: Champions for Change. (Live) (4:00)

2:30 p.m. (5) KSTP ESPN NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

3:00 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR NCAA Football Stan. at Cal. (Live) (3:30)

3:30 p.m. GOLF EPGA Golf Round 2 Alfred Dunhill Championship. (3:30)

4:00 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Semifinal NIT Season Tip-Off. (Live) (2:00)

6:00 p.m. ESPN NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Seventh Place Game Battle 4 Atlantis. (Live) (2:00)

6:30 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR Fox College Football Extra (Live) (0:30)

7:00 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR WWE SmackDown (Live) (2:00)

GOLF Golf The Northern Trust Charity Challenge. (2:00)

8:00 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Semifinal NIT Season Tip-Off. (Live) (2:00)

9:00 p.m. GOLF Golf Match Play Challenge. (2:00)

9:30 p.m. ESPN NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

(11) KARE Premier League Goal Zone (Live) (0:30)

FSN Jason Mitchell Outdoors (0:30)

NBCSN Premier League Live (Live) (0:25)

1:55 p.m. NBCSN EPL Soccer (Live) (2:05)

2:00 p.m. (5) KSTP ESPN ESPN2 College Football Scoreboard (Live) (0:30)

(7) KCCO College Football Today (0:30)

(11) KARE FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Women’s Slalom (1:30) FSN Larry Smith Outdoors (0:30)

Wednesday, Nov. 25

8:00 a.m. GOLF EPGA Golf Final Round Joburg Open. (4:00)

11:00 a.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

Noon GOLF LPGA Golf Final Round Pelican Championship. (3:00)

1:00 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

1:30 p.m. NBCSN Tractor Pulling Lucas Oil Pro League (1:00)

2:30 p.m. NBCSN Tractor Pulling Lucas Oil Pro League (1:00)

3:00 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

GOLF PGA Golf Final Round The RSM Classic. (3:00)

3:30 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Quarter-final Battle 4 Atlantis. (Live) (2:00)

ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Quarterfinal Battle 4 Atlantis. (Live) (2:00)

9:00 p.m. GOLF Golf Nationwide Challenge. (2:00)

10:00 p.m. NBCSN Drone Racing League (Live) (1:00)

11:00 p.m. NBCSN Drone Racing League (Live) (1:00)

Thursday, Nov. 26

10:00 a.m. FSN Champions Tennis (2:00)

11:00 a.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

11:30 a.m. (7) KCCO NFL Football Hou. at Det. (Live) (3:30)

(9) KMSP (15) KVRR PBC Fight Camp (0:30)

GOLF LET Golf Round 1 Open de España. (4:00)

Noon (11) KARE The National Dog Show (2:00)

GOLF EPGA Golf Round 1 Alfred Dunhill Championship. (3:30)

4:00 p.m. NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

5:30 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Consolation Battle 4 Atlantis. (Live) (2:00)

6:00 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball Empire Classic. (Live) (2:00)

NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

7:00 p.m. GOLF Golf 3M Open Compass Challenge. (2:00)

7:20 p.m. (11) KARE NFL Football Blt. at Pit. (Live) (3:15)

8:00 p.m. ESPN NCAA Basketball (Live) (2:00)

ESPN2 NCAA Basketball Consolation Battle 4 Atlantis. (Live) (2:00)

NBCSN The National Dog Show (2:00)

11:30 p.m. TNT Golf The Match: Champions for Change. (4:00)

Saturday, Nov. 28

8:55 a.m. NBCSN EPL Soccer (Live) (2:05)

11:00 a.m. (5) KSTP (9) KMSP (15)

KVRR ESPN ESPN2 NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

11:30 a.m. (7) KCCO Off-Road Racing Lucas Oil Series Pro Lite and Pro 2 (1:00)

(11) KARE EPL Soccer L.U. at Evert. (Live) (2:00)

GOLF LET Golf Round 3 Open de España. (4:00)

NBCSN Dirt Racing Lucas Oil Pro League (1:00)

1:00 p.m. FSN Midwest Outdoors (0:30)

1:30 p.m. (7) KCCO College Football: The Drive to Atlanta (0:30)

GOLF Golf Charity Challenge. (2:00)

GOLF Golf CJ Cup Charity Challenge. (2:00)

NBCSN Monster Jam (1:00)

9:30 p.m. FSN Vikings Game Plan (0:30)

10:00 p.m. ESPN2 SportsCenter (1:00)

FSN #VikingsConnected (0:30)

NBCSN Monster Jam (1:00)

10:30 p.m. (23) WUCW Gametime With Boomer Esiason (0:30)

FSN Under Center With Kirk Cousins (0:30)

11:00 p.m. (23) WUCW Ring of Honor Wrestling (1:00)

ESPN2 SportsCenter (1:00)

FSN Pro Football Weekly (0:30)

GOLF Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf (1:30)

NBCSN Monster Jam (1:00)

11:30 p.m. (9) KMSP Vikings Game Plan (0:30)

FSN The Icons: Leadership in Sports (0:30)

Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN: Sports Nov 22, 2020 to Nov 28, 2020

2019 Volkswagen Atlas

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2019

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Excitement is spreading across the country … if by “excitement” you mean “coronavirus.”

After eight months of not really trying, now they’re just giving up. That’s like if Mothers Against Drunk

Driving changed their name to “Mothers who realized, hey, you gotta get home from the bar somehow!”

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

It doesn’t instill a lot of confidence that the head of

the [coronavirus] task force’s office got the coronavirus. That’s like if the Avengers got mugged.

Have you ever seen a mall Santa? Coronavirus is like 10th on the list of things they need a vaccine for.

Extreme Sudoku

Jimmy

Kimmel Live!

Republicans made a big power grab before an election that could very well wipe out their majority in the Senate. Usually when this many white people get together for one last heist it’s an Ocean’s Eleven movie.

Minnesota, as you know, is the “The Gopher State,” as in, “You better gopher a

test, because the president gave you COVID.”

Late Night With Seth Meyers

Trump once again danced to the Village People song “YMCA.” Because nothing ticks all of Trump’s boxes like a song about gay men partying together in lowincome housing.

The Late Late Show With James Corden

You know what song was No. 1 in the charts in October 1988? Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” Good advice for 1988; virtually impossible for 2020.

The beat goes on

Stars celebrate at the American Music Awards

By Kyla Brewer TV Media

Alot has changed in the past several months, but one thing that never seems to change is the power of music to unite us. This year it seems especially important to find safe ways to celebrate, and the stars of the music industry are poised to do just that in the days ahead.

Join in the celebration as fans and recording artists celebrate out standing achievements in music at The 48th Annual American Music Awards, airing Sunday, Nov. 22, on ABC. The ceremony may look a little — or a lot — different this year, but the awards will still celebrate a mix of genres, from rock and hip hop to country and pop.

There’s a tie for top nominees for this year’s awards. Both The Week nd and Roddy Ricch scored eight nominations each. They’ll go headto-head for both Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Ricch is also up for New Artist of the Year; Col laboration of the Year (with DaBa by); Favorite Song, Pop/Rock; Favor ite Male Artist, Rap/Hip Hop; Favor ite Album, Rap/Hip Hop; and Favor ite Song, Rap/Hip Hop. Meanwhile, The Weeknd’s other nominations include Favorite Song, Soul/R&B; Favorite Album, Soul/R&B; Favorite Male Artist, Soul/R&B; Favorite Al bum, Pop/Rock; Favorite Male Art

ist, Pop/Rock; and Favorite Music Video.

Those are impressive lists, but the two recording artists face some stiff competition from some of the music industry’s heaviest hitters.

Newcomer Megan Thee Stallion clocked in with the second-highest number of nominations for New Artist of the Year; Favorite Female Artist, Rap/Hip Hop; Favorite Song, Rap/Hip Hop; and two for Collaboration of the Year — one for her

Swift knows well, as the singer is the current record holder for the most Artist of the Year wins with five. Should she win in any of the four categories in which she’s nominated this year, she’ll break her own record for the most AMA wins of all time. At the 2019 American Music Awards, Swift was honored as the Artist of the Decade and broke Michael Jackson’s previous record of 25 AMA wins. She now has 29 American Music Awards to her credit and could walk away with even more before Novem-

Even Swift may find it difficult to compete with the rising popularity of R&B, hip hop and Latin music. In fact, the genres have been gaining such mainstream momentum that the American Music Awards have expanded its categories to reflect their current popularity and relevance. They include Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Female Artist for Rap/Hip Hop and Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Album and Favorite Song

Other notable nominations include one for late rapper

Juice WRLD, who died in December. He is up posthumously for Favorite Male Artist, Rap/Hip Hop. In the country genre, Dan + Shay picked up three nominations: Favorite Song, Country; Favorite Duo or Group, Country; and Collaboration of the Year for “10,000 Hours” with Bieber. Former One Direction member Harry Styles could pick up his first solo award for Favorite Album, Pop/Rock.

Of course, watching awards shows isn’t only about seeing your favorite stars accept awards. It’s also an opportunity to see some of the world’s most popular acts perform, and this year should be no different. In October, Billboard magazine put the call out to fans to see who should perform at this year’s ceremony. The list of suggestions included The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Roddy Ricch, BTS, Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish, DaBaby and Bad Bunny among others.

By the end of October, it was announced that K-Pop sensation BTS would present the TV debut of “Life Goes On,” the lead single of their upcoming album “Be (Deluxe Edition)” at this year’s ceremony. The group is also slated to perform the hit “Dynamite” in what will be their second experience on the American Music Awards stage. BTS first took the AMA stage by storm in 2017, becoming the first Korean group to perform at the prestigious ceremony. At this year’s ceremony, BTS is up for Favorite Social Artist and Favorite Duo or Group, Pop/Rock.

From the list, find each word and circle its letters in the puzzle to reveal a message relating to this week's theme

Working From Home

by KNUTE NELSON

Taylor Swift is nominated for Artist of the Year

People with disabilities do have dignity, and ever yloss of independencethat you experience, alittlepieceofthatdignity goes withit. And thepeople thatcarefor me and thepeople from Knute Nelson respect that dignity and understand it, and they help you maintain that aspect of your life.

-JP, Knute Nelson HospicePatient

Videoreleases

The Irishman

Sudoku

Ava

After We Collided

Sudoku

powerful men in organized crime in the country: union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). As his duties to Hoffa begin to bleed into his personal life — and while still secretly working for Bufalino — Sheeran’s entire world begins to waste away in the face of his immoral, criminal choices.

Videoreleases

The Irishman

When truck driver and World War II veteran Frank Sheeran (De Niro) meets mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci), his brutal background as a soldier and penchant for violence make him an ideal hire as one of the gangster’s goons. As decades pass, with multiple kills to account for and a promotion to hitman, Russell decides to use Frank’s value in another crucial task. At his recommendation, Frank is sent to work as the bodyguard of one of the most

When truck driver and World War II veteran Frank Sheeran (De Niro) meets mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci), his brutal background as a soldier and penchant for violence make him an ideal hire as one of the gangster’s goons. As decades pass, with multiple kills to account for and a promotion to hitman, Russell decides to use Frank’s value in another crucial task. At his recommendation, Frank is sent to work as the bodyguard of one of the most

Director: Martin Scorsese.

Stars:Robert De Niro,Al Pacino, Joe Pesci,Harvey Keitel,Ray Romano,Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin.2019.209 mins. Crime.

powerful men in organized crime in the country: union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). As his duties to Hoffa begin to bleed into his personal life — and while still secretly working for Bufalino — Sheeran’s entire world begins to waste away in the face of his immoral, criminal choices.

Director: Martin Scorsese.

Stars:Robert De Niro,Al Pacino, Joe Pesci,Harvey Keitel,Ray Romano,Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin.2019.209 mins. Crime.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Solution below

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

Solution below

Ava (Chastain) is a high-ranking hitwoman with a problematic habit: she refuses to terminate her targets before they tell her why they think they deserve to die. This inability to perform her job without involving her conscience, in addition to her escalating substance abuse, leads her organization and colleagues — specifically fellow hitman Simon (Farrell) — to mark her as a liability. With only her mentor, Duke (Malkovich), to account for as an ally, Ava decides to go rogue, knowing it’s only a matter of time before her superiors issue a global kill order against her.

Ava

Ava (Chastain) is a high-ranking hitwoman with a problematic habit: she refuses to terminate her targets before they tell her why they think they deserve to die. This inability to perform her job without involving her conscience, in addition to her escalating substance abuse, leads her organization and colleagues — specifically fellow hitman Simon (Farrell) — to mark her as a liability. With only her mentor, Duke (Malkovich), to account for as an ally, Ava decides to go rogue, knowing it’s only a matter of time before her superiors issue a global kill order against her.

Director:TateTaylor.Stars:Jessica Chastain,Colin Farrell, Geena Davis,John Malkovich, Common,JessWeixler.2020. 96 mins.Action.

Director:TateTaylor.Stars:Jessica Chastain,Colin Farrell, Geena Davis,John Malkovich, Common,JessWeixler.2020. 96 mins.Action.

After We Collided

Trying to pick up after Hardin’s (Fiennes Tiffin) betrayal, Tessa (Langford) focuses her attention on her new gig as a publishing house intern, where she meets — and is immediately pursued by — a squeaky-clean accountant named Trevor (Sprouse). This road to stability proves to be short-lived however, as Hardin makes his way back into Tessa’s life, desperate for a second chance. Irresistible as they are to each other, Hardin’s demons trail close behind him, forcing Tessa to decide whether he’s worth the impending trouble.

Director:Roger Kumble.Stars: Josephine Langford,Hero FiennesTiffin,Dylan Sprouse, Candice King,Louise Lombard. 2020. 105 mins. Romance.

Trying to pick up after Hardin’s (Fiennes Tiffin) betrayal, Tessa (Langford) focuses her attention on her new gig as a publishing house intern, where she meets — and is immediately pursued by — a squeaky-clean accountant named Trevor (Sprouse). This road to stability proves to be short-lived however, as Hardin makes his way back into Tessa’s life, desperate for a second chance. Irresistible as they are to each other, Hardin’s demons trail close behind him, forcing Tessa to decide whether he’s worth the impending trouble.

Director:Roger Kumble.Stars: Josephine Langford,Hero FiennesTiffin,Dylan Sprouse, Candice King,Louise Lombard. 2020. 105 mins. Romance.

CROW WING COUNTY LANDFILL

Winter Hours Begin November 1st Monday – Friday 8 am to 5 pm

The Following Items are Accepted

• Household Garbage Fiberglass boats

The landfill is open only to residents of Crow Wing County for recycling and disposal needs.

During Winter months Household Hazardous Waste will be open only for emergencies and by appointment only.

• Mattresses Furniture

• Mobile Homes

• Free recycling of lead-acid car/marine batteriesNOT to be disposed of in the landfill

• Free compost of lawn and garden material (please separate brush and branches)

• A small fee for recycling of used oil filters and anti-freeze.

• Free oil recycling at the landfill and several drop-off locations within the County. Visit our webpage for drop-off locations: www.crowwing.us and search “oil.”

• Demolition materials may be disposed in the demolition landfill for a fee

• Large appliances, electronics, tires with or without rims, scrap metals, glass, and plastic can be disposed at the site for a nominal fee for recycling.

To schedule an appointment or for questions please call 218-824-1290.

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in “The Irishman”

By Dana Simpson TV Media

WHAT’S NEW ON NETFLIX

“Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square”

Learn that “Christmas is a time for sharing” and join in on the magic with this new Christmastime tale, coming to Netflix on Sunday, Nov. 22. Taking hints from Charles Dickens’ classic novel “A Christmas Carol,” and with an occasional nod to Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday heartwarmer “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this new musical tells the story of the rich and crotchety Henry F. Potter-like Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski, “Mamma Mia!,” 2008) as she returns to her hometown in the wake of her father’s death and announces a town-wide eviction notice, effective Christmas Eve. But when she gets an unexpected visit from a sassy Christmas-loving angel (two-time Oscar nominee Dolly Parton, “9 to 5,” 1980), she begins to see the error of her ways. Slowly opening her heart to the spirit of the season — and in the hope of rediscovering her own capacity for happiness — Regina listens to stories told by the locals, considers the sage advice of the angel at her heels and even rekindles a romance from days gone by, all while singing a few songs along the way. Directed by Debbie Allen (winner of a Golden Globe award for her performance in the 1982 classic “Fame”) and written by Primetime Emmy

winner Maria S. Schlatter (“Sinatra: 80 Years My Way,” 1995), “Christmas on the Square” features 14 allnew songs by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. And this film isn’t Dolly’s only step into the holidays this year, as she will also be releasing “Holly Dolly Christmas,” her first Christmas album in 30 years. “Christmas on the Square” also stars Treat Williams (“Everwood”), Jenifer Lewis (“Black-ish”) and Josh Segarra (“Arrow”).

WHAT’S NEW ON PEACOCK

“Saved by the Bell”

Don’t be late for class! “Saved by the Bell” is back and coming to Peacock on Wednesday, Nov. 25. A follow-up spinoff to the original 1990s fan-favorite, this new series tells the story of three lowincome California students who are transferred to the upper-class Bayside High School in the Pacific Palisades following a new program implemented by the state governor, none other than Bayside’s own Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar, “Franklin & Bash”). Created by “Saved by the Bell” pioneer Sam Bobrick, the new series focuses on the lives of high school transplants Davante (Dexter Darden, “The Maze Runner,” 2014), Aisha (Alycia Pascual-Peña, “Chase”) and Daisy (Haskiri Velasquez, “The Forty-Year-Old Version,” 2020) as they navigate a life full of privilege, money and possibility like they’ve never seen. Among the rich kids are

Belmont Cameli (“The Husband,” 2019) as Jamie Spano, Mitchell Hoog (“Harriet,” 2019) as the governor’s son, Mac Morris, and Josie Totah (“Champions”) as the beautiful and popular cheerleader, Lexi. And, as you may have already guessed, this new series will have many familiar faces returning to the screen as well. Fans of the original series can expect to see the likes of now-coach A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez, “Pacific Blue”) and Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley, “Showgirls,” 1995), mother to Jamie, return alongside Zack’s character of the governor.

WHAT’S NEW ON HULU “Happiest Season” (2020)

Make this holiday season the happiest one of all with the new romantic comedy “Happiest Season,” premiering Wednesday, Nov. 25, on Hulu. First expected to hit theaters this winter, this Clea DuVall (“The Intervention,” 2016) film is taking a familiar approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been picked up by Hulu for its premiere. Starring Kristen Stewart (“Snow White and the Hunstman,” 2012) and Mackenzie Davis (“Blade Runner 2049,” 2017) as Abby and Harper, respectively, “Happiest Season” tells the story of how difficult it can be to open up and be vulnerable to family — especially during a time like the holidays, when there may be extra pressure to attain perfection. When Mackenzie agrees to visit Abby’s family for the first time during Christmas, Abby waits until they have almost arrived to reluctantly tell her girlfriend that she

has not yet come out to her family as gay. Desperate not to “ruin” her family Christmas, Abby struggles to be honest to herself and fair to her girlfriend without completely blindsiding those she loves. Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”), Alison Brie (“GLOW”) and Mary Steenburgen (“Step Brothers,” 2008) also star.

WHAT’S NEW ON PRIME

“Uncle Frank” (2020)

real Frank Bledsoe after all. Peter Macdissi (“The Losers,” 2010), Steve Zahn (“Sahara,” 2005), Judy Greer (“27 Dresses,” 2008) and Margo Martindale (“August: Osage County,” 2013) also star in this heartwarming Alan Ball (“American Beauty,” 1999) film.

WHAT’S NEW ON DISNEY “Black Beauty” (2020)

“Bombshell”

(2019

) Some women are called “bombshells” for a reason. Find out why when the Academy Award-winning film “Bombshell,” comes to Hulu on Thursday, Nov. 26. When Fox News broadcaster Gretchen Carlson (portrayed by Nicole Kidman, “Big Little Lies”) files a lawsuit against the network’s founder, Roger Ailes (masterfully played by John Lithgow, “The Crown”), alleging sexual misconduct, the entire institution threatens dissolution and the American public is up in arms. Carlson’s decision, however, leads to her colleague, Fox News correspondent Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron, “Monster,” 2003), coming forward, as the information and women’s display of courage sends shockwaves across the country. Based on a true story, this Jay Roach (“Trumbo,” 2015) film also stars Margot Robbie (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” 2013) as Fox newcomer Kayla Pospisil, Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) as lawyer Susan Estrich, “Saturday Night Live” funny-woman Kate McKinnon as Kayla’s street-smart co-worker, Jess Carr, and the legendary Malcolm McDowell (“Halloween,” 2007) as news icon Rupert Murdoch.

Spend this Thanksgiving with “Uncle Frank,” as the Amazon original film premieres Wednesday, Nov. 25, on the streamer. Set in the early 1970s, teenaged Beth Bledsoe (Sophia Lillis, “It,” 2017) begins to question why her Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany, “A Knight’s Tale,” 2001) is treated so poorly by her grandfather (Stephen Root, “Office Space,” 1999) and other members of the family. After a meaningful conversation that changes her perspective on life, Beth resolves to visit her uncle in the city, only to realize that he is not the man he has led everyone to believe he is. Struggling to process how he could be leading a life so different from the one he preached to her, the two begin a trusting relationship unlike any other in their family. But when the family patriarch dies and Beth and Frank are required to return home for the funeral, the rest of the family begins to get wind of the

Come along for the ride as Disney unveils a new adaption of one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time. “Black Beauty” is back, and coming to Disney+ on Friday, Nov. 27. Taken from the pages of Anna Sewell’s 1877 novel of the same name (and its 10 other subsequent film and stage adaptations), this iteration of the tale will set itself apart from the others in one very crucial way: Black Beauty — the horse whose story is being told — will be voiced, this time, by a woman. And it isn’t just any woman taking on the task, but none other than the Oscar-winning starlet Kate Winslet (“Titanic,” 1997). Traditionally told from the perspective of a male horse, “Black Beauty” is the autobiographical telling (from the horse’s point of view) of the bond between a young girl, Jo Green (Mackenzie Foy, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” 2012), and her raven-haired horse. Disney has deemed their take on the story a “contemporary adaptation,” with the friendship made that much more special by the fact that it is a bond between two females of different species. Adapted for the screen and directed by Ashley Avis (“Adolescence,” 2018), “Black Beauty” also stars Claire Forlani (“Meet Joe Black,” 1998) and Patrick Lyster (“Black Sails”) in the roles of Mrs. and Mr. Winthorp, respectively, as well as Hakeem KaeKazim (“Hotel Rwanda,” 2004) as Terry and Iain Glen (“Game of Thrones”) as John Manly.

Dolly Parton stars in “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square”

Mackenzie Davis and Kristen Stewart in “Happiest Season”

Mackenzie Foy as seen in “Black Beauty”

happy in 2020

By Dana Simpson TV Media

If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times, but it never gets any less true: this year has been a tough ride for many. From the controversial American Presidential election and the resurgence of human rights movements, to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent health and safety restrictions, 2020 has certainly been one for the books. Through all the toil and stress, one thing many can agree on is the old quote stating that “laughter is the best medicine.” While comedy can’t kill the coronavirus, it definitely has had a hand in lightening our moods, and it’s thanks to new shows like CBS’s “B Positive” that the smiles continue to spread under our face masks. The sitcom began its first season on Nov. 5 and will be airing another episode Thursday, Nov. 26, on CBS.

Created by “Mom” producer Marco Pennette, the story focuses mainly on a recently divorced dad, Drew (Thomas Middleditch, “Silicon Valley”), and his journey to find a kidney donor after his doctor informs him that his body is in renal failure and he desperately requires a transplant — a story inspired by Pennette’s own experience of getting a kidney transplant.

On the hunt to find a match for his B positive blood type, Drew reflects on the current state of his life as he takes stock of who he might be able to ask. On the outs with his highly strung ex-wife (Sara Rue, “American Housewife”), struggling to strike a connection with his teenaged daughter, Maddie (Izzy G., “AJ and the Queen”), and with no close family to turn to, Drew comes to find that it might not be so easy to get a donor. Luckily, he ends up running into Gina (Annaleigh Ashford, “Masters of Sex”), an old acquaintance who drunkenly offers her help. Despite the fact that he and Gina have not seen each other since high school — and weren’t even the closest of friends at that time, either — Gina sticks to her alcohol-induced promise even after she sobers up, proving that she truly does have a big

heart. If only that were the end of Drew’s troubles.

While Gina made a promise that she fully intended to keep, she is learning that, in order to be a viable kidney donor, she must cease all her usual partying and abstain from drugs and alcohol for three months; if that sounds easy to you, you obviously don’t know Gina. Even Drew, learning more about her by the day, comes to the realization that perhaps she may need a little more coaxing than they had originally anticipated in order to get him that kidney he is after — that is his main focus, after all (at least for the meantime).

But, as the show kicks off and the plot is just beginning to thicken into the character-driven sitcom it promises to be, it is clear that there are subplots beginning to weave their way into the “B Positive” tapestry, complete with a myriad of often-quirky, relatable and downright hilarious supporting characters.

In complete contrast to her Manic Pixie party-girl self (whom she refers to as “Becca” as if she were a separate entity entirely), Gina drives seniors to their doctor’s appointments on a shuttle bus from the assisted living center — and a very fun bus at that! Along for the

ride as recurring characters are Linda Lavin (“Alice”) as Norma and “The Love Boat” and “Get Smart” actor Bernie Kopell as Mr. Knudson. And, while Gina has proven to be an uplifting, responsible and musically inclined spirit by day, Becca is — as the Emerald City doorman in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) might put it — “a horse of a different color.” Often accompanied by her equally party-minded co-worker and good friend, Leanne (Kether Donohue, “You’re the Worst”), the pair promises to be the bane of Drew’s (hopefully no shorter than it should be) existence. But, don’t fret; Drew has plenty to keep him dis-

tracted from Gina/Becca and Leanne’s antics, and one of those such things is his new dialysis routine. While we must admit, there aren’t many dialysis-based sitcoms out there, “B Positive” treats the clinic as a sort of workplace: the place where Drew gets introduced to other like-minded weirdos including former pro-football player Eli (Terrence Terrell, “Giants”), type-A businesswoman Samantha (Briga Heeland, “Ground Floor”) and the always-slightlybehind dentist Jerry (David Anthony Higgins, “Mike & Molly”). Of course, every workplace (or dialysis center, in this case) needs its dry

wit, and “B Positive” gets a healthy dose of that from Nurse Gideon (Darryl Stephens, “Noah’s Arc”).

All in all, this new Chuck Lorre sitcom does well to balance just about everything you could possibly want from a quirky, spirit-lifting half-hour comedy — but would you expect less from the producer behind TV hits like “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Kominsky Method,” “Young Sheldon,” “Mom,” and more? We wouldn’t either.

Be sure to tune in Thursday, Nov. 26, to get your daily dose of laughter with an episode of “B Positive” airing on CBS.

‘B’-ing

‘B Positive’ brings laughter to a grim world

Annaleigh Ashford and Thomas Middleditch in “B Positive”