Federation Jewish connections in streaming/broadcast programs- April 2024

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

Editor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish.

It’s a thin month for films with a Jewish connection, but it’s a good “ Jewish month" for streaming/broadcast programs.

“Don’t Tell Mom, the Babysitter’s Dead”

A remake of the hit 1991 film, “Don’t Tell Mom, the Babysitter’s Dead” is a black comedy that opens in theaters on April 12. The remake cast is mostly African American. An exception is June Squibb, who has a large part. Remarkably, she is 94 and still working. In 2016, she got a best supporting Oscar nomination (“Nebraska”). Squibb converted to Judaism in the ’50s and still identifies as Jewish.

“Sasquatch Sunset”

Opening in theaters on April 19, “Sasquatch Sunset” is a comedy with some poignant moments. It follows four members of a Sasquatch family during a difficult, year-long journey. All the actors wear heavy Sasquatch costumes. Jesse Eisenberg, 40, and Riley Keough, 34, are the “main” family members. (Keough’s father’s mother was Jewish. Her mother’s father was Elvis Presley).

“A Brief History of the Future”

“A Brief History of the Future” is a sixepisode PBS documentary which premieres on April 3 (9 p.m.). The series is hosted by Ari Wallach, 49, a prominent academic “futurist.” The series “battles” the dystopian future (“everything will be bad”) constantly depicted in popular culture. The program invites viewers to see possible solutions to our existential threats and paths to a “good future.” Wallach has a very strong family Jewish background and he and his wife are active in the Jewish community. (Look him up online!)

“American Horror Story”

The 12th season of the popular FX/Hulu series “American Horror Story” begins on April 3 and concludes on April 24 (4 episodes). American Horror” is an anthology series. This means each season has a different story, but some actors return season-after-season in different roles. The series was co-created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, 53. Falchuk married Gwyneth Paltrow, 51, in 2018.

Leslie Grossman, 52, who was a main cast actor in most seasons, is “just” a guest actor this season. Also appearing in a guest role is Bette Midler’s daughter, Sophie Von Haselberg, 37. Frequent TV program host Andy Cohen “guests” as himself. Tavi Gevinson, 27, appears in “Horror” for the first time this season. She has a recurring role as “Cora.” She was a co-star of the HBO revival of “Gossip Girl.”

"Star Trek: Discovery"

The series that was co-created by Alex Kurtzman, 50, "Star Trek: Discovery" begins its fifth and final season on April 4 (Paramount+). Famous director David Croenberg, 80, returns as Dr. Kovich, a somewhat mysterious character who began appearing in a few Season 3 episodes. Likewise, Admiral Charles Vance, who “pops-up” now-and-again will reappear this season. He’s played by Oded Fehr , 53. Fehr grew up in Israel and served in the Israeli Navy.

“Franklin”

“Franklin” is an 8-episode biographical drama mini-series that premieres on PBS on Friday, April 12. Michael Douglas, 79, plays Benjamin Franklin. The series depicts the nine years (1776-1785) that Franklin spent in France. Franklin was an emissary to France, and his mission was to convince France to support the fight for American independence by providing arms, money and supporting French troops. It wasn’t easy, but Franklin ultimately got this support.

“Franklin” is based on an acclaimed historical study entitled “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America” (2005). The author is Stacey Schiff, 62. She’s a former book editor who has written five highly praised biographical studies, including “Vera,” a 2000 Pulitzer Prize winner.

"Finding Your Roots”

On April 2, Michael Douglas and actress/ writer Lena Dunham, 37 (“Girls” on HBO) will appear on "Finding Your Roots," the celebrity PBS ancestry program. Douglas, of course, is the son of the late Kirk Douglas. His mother wasn’t Jewish. Michael was long secular, but for many reasons, about 10 years ago, he began identifying as a Reform Jew.

Dunham’s father isn’t Jewish. Her mother is Jewish. Dunham is a co-star of “Treasure,” a film about the Holocaust, that played at a film festival last month. It opens wide in June. After the festival, Dunham told a reporter that she has been studying with a rabbi. Sadly, “Treasure” got a thumbsdown from most critics who saw the festival showing.

Billy Joel concert

On April 14, CBS will broadcast a Madison Square Garden Billy Joel concert. The program will air from 9 to 11 p.m. It’s entitled “Billy Joel’s 100th Garden.” The title references Joel’s “residency” at The Garden. In 2014, he said he would play The Garden once a month. In 2023, he said the monthly “residency” would end with his 100th “residency” concert (March 2024). Joel is 74 and has earned the right to rest a bit.