After the success of her hit political drama “Scandal” and her stately English period romance series “Bridgerton,” Shonda Rhimes and her prolific team are tackling a new project — and this one is taking some cues from famed mystery author Agatha Christie. “The Residence,” a new, eight-episode locked-room murder mystery set in the White House, premieres Thursday, March 20, on Netflix.
While the series falls neatly under the Shondaland banner, which also includes the two aforementioned series as well as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Station 19,” “Inventing Anna” and more, “The Residence” is created and helmed by “Scandal” staff writer and “For the People” creator Paul William Davies.
Excited for the release of his new series starring Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”), Davies told Netflix’s news site, Tudum, that “’The Residence’ is honestly a lot of things. It’s funny, it’s suspenseful, it’s clever, it’s totally farcical in places, it’s genuinely romantic in others.”
Regarding the series’ plot and overall vibe, “The Residence” channels the Christie-era murder mystery and its recent descendants, such as Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” (2019) and “Glass Onion” (2022) films, as well as the Hulu/Disney+ sensation “Only Murders in the Building.”
Insofar as the official logline is concerned, Shondaland and Netflix have offered the following description: “132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. One wildly eccentric detective. One disastrous state dinner. ‘The Residence’ is a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs and backstairs of the White House, among the eclectic staff of the world’s most famous mansion.”
Aduba shines in the lead role as consulting detective Cordelia Cupp, who is as awkward as she is intelligent — which is to say, very. Referred to by Netflix as “the most sought-after investigator in
Hail to the chief inspector Uzo Aduba stars in Shondaland White House mystery series
the world,” Cupp is “known for her unexpected humor, relentless pursuit of truth and sharp eye for human behavior.” It bears noting that Cupp is also an avid birder, demonstrating unmatched patience to accompany her keen attention to detail.
Joining the “Mrs. America” actress on screen is, as Aduba puts it, “an amazing group of phenomenally talented, good, good, good human beings who are generous, thoughtful, fun, gifted, talented [and] just awesome.
“It was straight jams every day with our cast,” Aduba later added. “We loved coming to work every day.”
More specifically, Aduba shares her screen time with “Fresh Off the Boat” and “WandaVision’s” Randall Park, who plays skeptical FBI agent Edwin Park. Agent Park is assigned to work the state dinner alongside Cupp, but does not exactly jive with her methods. All told, however, the pair’s conflicting views work wonders to balance each other’s biases throughout the series.
Other members of the starstudded ensemble cast include Al Franken (“Saturday Night Live”) as the Washington State senator; Andrew Friedman (“Better Call Saul”) as the director of the National Park Police; Julian McMahon (“FBI: Most Wanted”) as the Australian prime minister; Edwina Findley (“The Wire”) as the White House butler; Paul Fitzgerald (“Dare Me”) as President Perry Morgan; Molly Griggs (“Dr. Death”) as the president’s social secretary; Jason Lee (“My Name Is Earl”) as the president’s disheveled younger brother; Jane Curtin (“3rd Rock From the Sun”) as the president’s mother-in-law; and Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue as herself.
Ken Marino (“Party Down”), Al Mitchell (“Stranger Things”), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (“Your Honor”), Mary Wiseman (“Star Trek: Discovery”), Taran Killam (“High Potential”), Nathan Lovejoy (“The Good Place”) and Brett Tucker (“Big Leap”) are also among many others in the supporting cast.
Additionally, potential viewers learned very early in the show’s marketing that Giancarlo Esposi-
to’s (“Breaking Bad”) character, White House chief usher A.B. Wynter, is the reason for the plot. The victim whose death kickstarts the series, the role was originally tied to “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” actor Andre Braugher, but was recast following the actor’s sudden death in December 2023 (the series has been in production since 2022 and was postponed due to the industry strike).
“I couldn’t be prouder and
more honored to be stepping into Shondaland’s ‘The Residence’ for someone that I loved and respected and cherished,” said Esposito of Braugher following the recasting. “To be afforded the opportunity to create in his honor with this incredible team extends the depth and breadth of his legacy through all of us who loved him so dearly.”
And although the extensive and well-respected cast does add to the show’s wide market appeal,
one aspect many viewers may not know is that “The Residence” was inspired by American journalist Kate Andersen Brower’s 2015 nonfiction book titled “The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.”
While it is true that no such murder has ever taken place at a state dinner, Davies explained his decision to use the New York Times Bestseller as the catalyst for his fictional whodunnit.
“One of the things that really struck me in reading [sic] Brower’s book ... was the sheer theatricality of it all,” Davies shared with Tudum. “People often use the term upstairs/downstairs to describe life in these big houses like the White House, but I really thought of it more in terms of onstage/backstage.”
Don’t miss your chance to step behind the velvet curtain when “The Residence” premieres Thursday, March 20, on Netflix.
Giancarlo Esposito in “The Residence”
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Don't Breathe Jane Levy.
Fimmel.
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Knick "Ten Knots " The Knick
Bridge of Spies (‘15) Mark Rylance, Tom Hanks.
Strange Darling (‘23) Willa Fitzgerald. Movie
Book
Pandorum (‘09) Ben Foster, Dennis Quaid. Power III
to Me (‘22) Sophie Wilde. < Man Who Knew Infin
SUNDAY
Jade Yorker, Dwayne Johnson.
Expend4bl es (‘23) Jason Statham <+++ Don't Breathe (‘16) Jane Levy. <++ Don't Breathe 2
LotusThe White LotusThe White Lotus (N) Gemstones GemstonesLast Week To. (N) The White Lotus
Knick The Knick "Whiplash" <+++ State of Play (‘09) Russell Crowe. < High Life (‘18) Juliette Binoche, Robert Pattinson. <++ Backtrack
(‘23) Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel. Power Book III
White House Down (‘13) Channing Tatum. Power Book III < White House Down
Red (‘21) Frank Grillo, Josh Hartnett. < Panama (‘22) Cole Hauser. < Detained (‘24) Abbie Cornish. <+ Domestic Disturbance Movie
Highlights
Sunday Grimsburg
(32) WFLD 7:30 p.m.
Celebrated detective Martin Flute has returned to his hometown and hopes to make amends with the family he left to focus on his career. From his ex-wife, Harmony, to his son, Stan, he looks to win them back while solving mysteries in his own backyard.
this week
Monday
The Bachelor
(7) WLS 7:00 p.m.
From wining, to dining, to going to foreign destinations, Grant Ellis has done everything to figure out just who’ll be perfect for the final rose. However, drama and trauma may be the ultimate deciders in who he chooses out of the remaining ladies.
New York — and the U.S. as a whole — safe from terrorism, organized crime and counterintelligence.
Thursday
Law & Order
(5) WMAQ 7:00 p.m.
In the latest episode of this crime procedural, viewers follow the stories of the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys that prosecute the offenders. Hugh Dancy, Tony Goldwyn, Maura Tierney, Mehcad Brooks and Reid Scott star.
Friday
Tuesday
(32) WFLD 7:00 p.m.
Kitchen Nightmares
It’s hard to know which is worse: your business failing horribly or having Chef Gordon Ramsay come and tell you why your business is failing horribly. During the season finale of “Kitchen Nightmares,” airing Tuesday, March 18, on Fox, Ramsay attempts to reinvent a restaurant that is hemorrhaging customers.
Penn & Teller: Fool Us
(9) WGN 7:00 p.m.
Brooke Burke hosts a magical new episode of this reality series, which sees a new set of up-and-coming magicians, including Harry Gorillagician, Nicholas Ribs and Shawn Preston, step up to fool professional illusionists Penn Jillette and Teller.
Saturday
Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love
HALL 7:00 p.m.
Jenna (Ashley Newbrough) is planning a charity event honoring a generous billionaire philanthropist. However, things turn awkward when Jenna must work with his assistant, Andrew (Steve Lund), who just happens to be her first boyfriend.
M The Three Stooges/<+++ Captain Phillips (‘13) Tom Hanks. <++++ Unforgiven (1992,Western) Gene Hackman,Clint Eastwood. <++ Red Dawn (‘84) Patrick Swayze.
T Stooges <++ Real Genius (1985,Comedy) Gabriel Jarret, Val Kilmer. <+++ WarGames (‘83) Dabney Coleman, Matthew Broderick <++ Road House (1989,Action) Kelly Lynch, Patrick Swayze. W <+ Mr. Deeds (‘02) Adam Sandler. <+++ Crocodile Dundee (‘86) Paul Hogan. <++ Weekend at Bernie's (‘89) Andrew McCarthy <+++ Trading Places (‘83) Dan Aykroyd. Th Stooges <++ Rambo III (‘88,Action) Richard Crenna, Sylvester Stallone. <++ Demolition Man (‘93) Wesley Snipes, Sylvester Stallone. <++ The Mummy (2017,Action) Russell Crowe,Tom Cruise. F <+++ The Fifth Element (1997,Sci-Fi) Gary Oldman, Bruce Willis. <+++ Casino (1995,Crime Story) Sharon Stone, Robert De Niro. <++ Hang 'Em High
66 (M) Edge of Alaska / The Zoo (M) Edge of Alaska / Animal Cribs (M)
The
(‘08) Heath
The White Lotus Celtics City Chapter III: All Swept Up <++ Waitress (‘07) Keri Russell. Real Time
W Celtics <++ Lemon (‘17) Brett Gelman. The White Lotus <+++ Unstoppable (‘10) Denzel Washington. < Waitress: The Musical (‘23) Sara Bareilles.
Th <++ The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirr The White Lotus Gemstones <++ Assassin's Creed (‘16) Michael Fassbender. The White Lotus The White Lotus F Movie <++ Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (‘24) The White Lotus <++ Goodrich (‘24) Mila Kunis, Michael Keaton. Celtics <+++ Prisoners (‘13)
M < It (‘90) < The Kill Team (‘19) Nat Wolff. <+++ Monsters and Men (‘18) <+++ Mississippi Masala (‘91) <+++ My Big Fat Greek Wedding <++ Almost Christmas
T Movie <+++ Ondine (‘09) Alicja Bachleda, Colin Farrell. <+++ Ordinary Love (‘19) <++++ The Last Emperor (‘87,History) Joan Chen, John Lone. <+++ Moonlight (‘16)
W <+++ A Private War (‘18) <+++ Mississippi Masala (‘91) <+++ Birds of Prey (‘20) <+++ State of Play (2009,Thriller) Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe. Movie
Th Movie <+++ 50/50 (‘11) <++ The Giver (‘14) Jeff Bridges. <++ 17 Again (‘09,Com) Leslie Mann, Zac Efron. <+++ Veronica Mars (‘14) <++ The Boss (‘16)
F Movie <+++ Ondine (‘09) Alicja Bachleda, Colin Farrell. <++ In Time (‘11) Justin Timberlake. <++ Love & Other Drugs (‘10) Jake Gyllenhaal <+++ The Color Purple (‘23) Fantasia.
M <+++ The Manchurian Candidate <++ Rumours (‘24) Roy Dupuis, Cate Blanchett. <++ Run All Night (P) (‘15) Liam Neeson. <+++ No Country for Old Men (‘07) Movie
T Movie < Breathe (‘24) Jennifer Hudson. <+++ The Infiltrator (‘16) Bryan Cranston. <+++ Annihilation (‘18) Natalie Portman. <+++ Ex Machina (P) (‘14) Domhnall Gleeson.
SHOW 185
W <++++ Forrest Gump (‘94) <+++ Boys on the Side (P) (‘95) <+++ Mean Girls (‘04) Lindsay Lohan. <++ Bad Moms (‘16) Mila Kunis . <++ Daddy's Home 2
Th <++ I.S.S. (‘23) Ariana DeBose. <++ Rumours (‘24) Cate Blanchett. <+++ Strange Darling (‘23) Willa Fitzgerald. < Ride (‘24,Dra) Annabeth Gish, C. Thomas Howell <++ Sicario: Day of th
F < Heist 88 <++++ The Godfather, Part II (1974,Crime Story) Robert Duvall, Al Pacino. <+++ The Infiltrator (‘16) Bryan Cranston. <+++ Only the Brave (‘17) Josh Brolin.
M <++ Safe Haven (‘13) <++ Immortals (‘11) Henry Cavill <++ Pandorum (‘09) Ben Foster, Dennis Quaid. <+++ Straight Outta Compton (‘15) O'Shea Jackson Jr.. Power Book III
T < How I Learned to Fly <+++ Straight Outta Compton (‘15) O'Shea Jackson Jr.. <+ Reagan (‘24,Biography) Penelope Ann Miller, Dennis Quaid. <++ Ghostbusters (‘16) Melissa McCarthy.
W <++ Resident Evil: W <+++ Forgetting Sarah Marshall (‘08) < Lying and Stealing (‘19) < Catching Dust (‘24) Jai Courtney,Erin Moriarty < Drunk Parents (‘19) Alec Baldwin.
Th Movie < Human Resources (‘21) Hugh McCrae Jr.. < ECCO (‘19,Thril) Tabitha Bastien, Lathrop Walker. <+++ Jurassic Park (1993,Adventure) Laura Dern, Sam Neill. <++ Jurassic Park III
F <++ The Lost World: Jurassic Park (‘97) <++ Jurassic Park III (‘01) <++ The Distinguished Gentleman (‘92) <++ Gridiron Gang (‘06) Xzibit, Dwayne Johnson. Movie
M <+++ Captain America: The Winter Soldier <+++ Don't Breathe (‘16) <++ Here Today (‘21) Billy Crystal. <+++ Captain America: The Winter Soldier (‘14)
T <++ 47 Ronin (‘13) Keanu Reeves. < Man of Tai Chi (‘13) Keanu Reeves, Tiger Chen. < Wire Room (‘22) Kevin Dillon. <+++ Sisu (‘22) Aksel Hennie, Jorma Tommila. <+++ Of an Age (‘22)
STZENC 517
W < The Throwback (‘24) <+ Border Badmen <++ Liberty Stands Still (‘02) <++ White House Down (‘13) Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum <+++ Sabotage (‘14) Arnold Schwarzenegger. Th Movie < Jacob's Ladder (‘19) Michael Ealy < A Southern Haunting (‘23) <+ Imaginary (‘24) Tom Payne, DeWanda Wise. <++ About My Father (‘23) <+++ Don't Breathe
F <++ Escape Room: Tournament of ... <++ Cabin Fever (‘02) Jordan Ladd. <++ Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever < Dear David (‘23) Justin Long. <+++ Joy Ride (‘23) Ashley Park. Movie
M < Monstrous (‘22) < Walkaway Joe (‘20) <++ Match (‘14) Patrick Stewart. <+++ Dirty Pretty Things (‘02) < The Painter (‘24) Madison Bailey, Charlie Weber Movie
T < Chantilly Bridge (‘23) < Disquiet (‘23) < Deadly Cuts (‘21) Victoria Smur fit. <++ 5 to 7 (‘14) Anton Yelchin. <++ The United States of Leland (‘03) Movie
W < Hide and Seek (‘21) <+++ Supernova (‘20) Colin Firth. < American Cherry (‘23) Hart Denton. < Ida Red (2021,Thriller) Frank Grillo, Josh Hartnett. < Detained (‘24) Abbie Cornish. Movie
Th Movie <++ Vampire in Brooklyn (‘95) <+++ 48 HRS. (‘82) Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte. <+ Teaching Mrs. Tingle (‘99) <+++ The Inspection (‘22) Thriller 40
F <++ Vanilla Sky (‘01) Tom Cruise. <++ Transporter 3 (‘08) <+ Best Defense (‘84) Dudley Moore. <+++ Hustle & Flow (‘05) < Outlaw Posse (‘24) 8 AM 8:30 9 AM 9:30 10 AM 10:30 11 AM 11:30
Wahlber
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The Descendants (‘11)
Dark Knight
Ledger, Christian Bale.
Stars on screen
By Michelle Rose TV Media
Familiar hunting grounds: Best known for his role as Jacob Black in the beloved Twilight film franchise, actor Taylor Lautner is revisiting the werewolf realm and theme in his next television project.
According to Variety, which first broke the news, Lautner is set to star in and executive produce “Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter.” It’s a new scripted series from independent studio Tornante, the team behind “BoJack Horseman,” and it’s currently in development over at Amazon MGM Studios.
The official logline does a pretty good job of summarizing the plot, while also acknowledging some of the questions fans might have about Lautner and this new show: “After wrapping the final ‘Twilight’ film, Taylor Lautner vanished from the spotlight. Fans speculated, tabloids theorized — but the truth is wilder than fiction. Taylor wasn’t just taking a mental health break. He was preparing for his real calling … Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter. Playing himself, Taylor is drawn into a secret society of werewolf trackers who need his unique expertise. As he navigates his double life — Hollywood actor by day, supernatural warrior by night — Taylor must wrestle with the ultimate irony: fighting the very creatures that made him famous. Between saving the world, reviving his career and falling in love, he faces
the ultimate question — what happens when your biggest role becomes your greatest enemy?”
A quick look at Lautner’s acting credits at IMDb does suggest that Lautner has been selective with his roles since the final installment of “The Twilight Saga” came out in 2012, and there’s a good reason for that: he needed a break after the intensity of Twilight mania.
Appearing on “Today” in 2022, Lautner explained: “I went so many years either not leaving my house, or if I did, hat, sunglasses, and just like, scared.” In another interview with People magazine, Lautner stressed he was “super thankful for what I did experience, but I did miss out on a lot of just normal-life things, like going to college.” He added: “I wanted to take a step back and enjoy life and spend some time with my family and friends. And I met my [then fiancée, now wife] out of it, so it all worked out.”
Indeed, he is now enjoying a resurgence, thanks to roles in the British TV series “Cuckoo” and the Netflix film “Home Team” (2022), and now, “Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter,” which has reportedly been in the works for the last year, according to the actor.
“TruTV Presents: World’s Dumbest…” commentator Daisy Gardner, whose TV writing credits include “30 Rock” and “Modern Family,” is on board as both creator and showrunner, while Matthew Bettinelli-Olpin (“Abigail,” 2024) and Tyler Gillett (“Scream,” 2022) will direct.
From the list below, find each word and circle its letters in the puzzle to reveal the message relating to this week’s topic.
Married... With Children
AL BUNDY
WedneSday 6:00 p.m. TNT
Sunday
2:30 p.m.
(7) WLS NBA Basketball Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers. (Live) (2:30)
TRU TNT NHL Hockey Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche. (Live) (3:00)
5:50 p.m.
ESPN2 NWSL Soccer San Diego Wave FC at Angel City FC. (Live) (2:10)
8:00 p.m.
ESPN NBA Basketball Oklahoma City Thunder at Milwaukee Bucks. (Live) (2:35)
monday
6:00 p.m.
ESPN2 TGL Golf TGL Golf. Semifinal: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
6:30 p.m.
ESPN NBA Basketball Miami Heat at New York Knicks. (Live) (2:35)
7:00 p.m.
GOLF 2025 Players Championship Final Round. (5:00)
9:05 p.m.
ESPN NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets at
SaTurday
ESPN2 2025 NIT Basketball Tournament First Round: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00) 10:00 p.m. ESPN2 2025 NIT Basketball Tournament First Round: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
Taylor Lautner to star in “Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter”
Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith Raymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondKingKingKingKing
<+++ Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (‘03) Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Uma Thurman. <+++ Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (‘04) David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Uma Thurman <+++ Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (‘03) Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Uma Thurman.
<++ Lakeview Terrac e (‘08) Samuel L. Jackson. Love & Hip Hop Miami Hip Ho p (N) <+++ Get Out (‘17) Allison Williams,Daniel Kaluuya. Love & Hip Hop Miami Hip Ho p
Bones Bones Bones Bones Bones Bones Bones
Unholy Jeffrey Dean Morgan. <++ The Crow: Salvation (‘00) Kirsten Dunst. < Escape Room: Tournament of Cham <+++ Captain America: The Wint er Soldier <
Gemstones <++ Maggi e (‘15)
(N)
Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (N)
Meyers (N)
conveniencia
poder
(N) Noticias (L) (N) Sabor de/Noticiero Contacto
Jacob's Ladder
Arnold Schwarzenegger. The White LotusCeltics City The White LotusCeltics City Gemstones Celtics
Shirley (‘20) Michael Stuhlbarg, Elisabeth Moss. <+ The Sitter Jonah Hill. <+ Vampir es Suc k (‘10) Matt Lanter. <++ D...: The Musical <+++ Veronica Mars
in Their Eyes < The Night Cler k (‘20) Tye Sheridan. <++++ Million Dollar Baby (‘04) Clint Eastwood. Yellowjackets <++ Rumours (‘24) Roy Dupuis, Cate Blanchett.
Safe Haven (‘13) Josh Duhamel. <++ Ghostbusters (‘16) Melissa McCarthy. Power Book III <+++ Straight Outta Compton (‘15) O'Shea Jackson Jr.. < Island
Muriel's Wedding (‘94) Toni Collette. <++ Serendipity (‘01) John Cusack. <++ Failure to Launch <++ Two for the Money (‘05) Al Pacino.
TUESDAY PRIME TIME
(2024, Documentary) Last Week To < Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost TapesGemstones <++ Annabelle: Creation < Annabelle Comes Ho
(‘23) Phoebe Tonkin. <+++ Sabot age (‘14) Arnold Schwa rzenegger. <++ 47 Ronin (‘13) Hiroyuki Sanada, Keanu Reeves. <+++ Sisu (‘22) Jorma Tommila. Movie
The Color Purple (‘23) Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia. <+++ Captain Fantastic (‘16) Viggo Mortensen. <++ Criminal (‘16) Kevin Costner <++ Free Fire (‘16) Sharlto Copley.
Shooter (‘07) Michael Pena, Mark Wahlberg. < The Lodge (‘19) Jaeden Martell, Riley Keough. Yellowjackets < Breathe (‘24) Jennifer Hudson. <++ Slingshot (‘24) Casey Affleck.
(‘23) Teyana Taylor. <+++ Forgetting Sarah Marshall Jason Segel. <+ Reagan (‘24) Penelope Ann Miller,Dennis Quaid. <+ The Crow (‘24)FKA Twigs, Bill Skarsgård.
Citizen Ruth (‘96) Laura Dern. <+++ An Officer and a Gent leman Richard Gere. <++ American Gigol o (‘80) Richard Gere. < The Longest Yard (P)
Bouncing into March Madness
Movies to put you in the basketball spirit
Screen Scramble
By Dana Simpson TV Media
For those who live in regions that annually experience four distinct seasons — and particularly for those regions with snow — this is precisely the time of year when dreams of sunshine and outdoor activity begin to occupy our minds. For many, this means a trip to the garden center and planning more gatherings outside, but for others, this is the time of year to enjoy March Madness, the NCAA’s three-week-long men’s Division I basketball tournament.
Running from Sunday, March 16, to Monday, April 7, March Madness is, according to NCAA. com, a “single-elimination tournament of 68 teams that compete in seven rounds for the national championship.” And what better way to get in the mood for the biggest college basketball tournament of the year than to kick back and unwind with some of the best basketball films of all time? Below is a list of films, each centered upon the great sport of b-ball and available to rent or stream at your convenience.
Widely considered to be one of the best basketball films of all time for its honesty with regard to systemic issues and the college sports system, Spike Lee’s “He Got Game” (1998) is available to stream on Disney+ or to rent from Prime Video. Best known for his New York-based “joints” “Do the Right Thing” (1989), “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986) and “Crooklyn” (1994), writer-director Lee brings his unique sociopolitical vision to the athletic world as he tells the story of Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington, “Training Day,” 2001). A father and convicted felon, Jake has been temporarily paroled in order to convince his budding basketball star son, Jesus (played by real-life NBA star Ray Allen, “Harvard Man,” 2001), to play for the governor’s alma mater in exchange for a shortened prison sentence.
Co-starring Milla Jovovich (“Resident Evil,” 2002), Rosario Dawson (“Ahsoka”), John Turturro (“Severance”), Hill Harper (“CSI: NY”) and Zelda Harris (“Crooklyn,” 1994), “He Got
Game” has been praised for its realism with regard to the father/ son one-on-one matchup near the film’s conclusion.
Another basketball film that tops the charts (and likely one of two that immediately comes to mind when someone mentions the genre) is Ron Shelton’s (“Bull Durham,” 1988) 1992 classic “White Men Can’t Jump.”
Available to stream on Hulu and Tubi, this buddy comedy stars Wesley Snipes (“Blade,” 1998) and Woody Harrelson (“True Detective”) as rival basketball hustlers who decide to team up in order to double their chances at success in street ball and, later, in a tournament. Praised for its accurate portrayal of street basketball culture and race relations, this laugh-out-loud sports flick also stars Rosie Perez (“It Could Happen to You,” 1994), Tyra Ferrell (“Boyz n the Hood,” 1991) and Kadeem Hardison (“Renaissance Man,” 1994).
The other movie that may immediately jump to mind from within the basketball genre is “Hoosiers,” the 1986 classic from director David Anspaugh (“Rudy,” 1993), which is available to stream on Tubi and to rent or buy via Prime Video or Apple TV+.
Set in 1950s Indiana and starring the recently deceased Gene Hackman (“The French Connection,” 1971) as a coach with a checkered past,” the film follows his efforts to train the local high school team to be the top pick for the state championship. Packed with inspirational messages and relatable quandaries, late film critic Roger Ebert hailed the film for “work[ing] a magic ... in getting
us to really care about the fate of the team and the people depending on it,” adding that “Hoosiers” is “a movie that is all heart.”
Co-starring Dennis Hopper (“Blue Velvet,” 1986) and Barbara Hershey (“Black Swan,” 2010) as Shooter and Myra, respectively, “Hoosiers” is sure to put audiences in the tournament spirit ahead of March Madness.
Once b-ball fans have exhausted these classics, plenty more delights await via streaming and ondemand services, such as “Coach Carter” (2005) on Peacock; “Love & Basketball” (2000) on Starz; “Rebound” (2005), “Glory Road” (2006) and the 2023 remake of “White Men Can’t Jump” on Disney+; and “Hustle” (2022), “High Flying Bird” (2019), “Amateur” (2018) and “Rez Ball” (2024) on Netflix.
Netflix subscribers also have access to the original 1996 “Space Jam,” starring NBA superstar Michael Jordan, to encourage even the youngest fans to get into the spirit of the game. For those who do not have that particular subscription service, both “Space Jam” and its 2021 counterpart, subtitled “A New Legacy” and starring more recent NBA icon LeBron James, are available to rent via Prime Video and Apple TV+.
So why not gather the family to get into the March Madness spirit? After all, several timeless classics are just a click away. Likewise, don’t forget to tune in to the NCAA’s Selection Sunday on March 16 and watch the First Four take to the court March 18 and 19. Check your local listings for details.
Unscramble the letters for each word to reveal five movies and TV shows. Then, rearrange the circled letters to discover the actor who has appeared in all five.
Solution on page 6
By Caroline Collacutt TV Media
The biggest names from the culinary world enter a game unlike any other as the epic new series “House of Knives” premieres Tuesday, March 18, on Food Network.
Hosted by Scott Conant (“Beat Bobby Flay”), this brandnew competition asks its contenders to utilize strategy, survival skills and, of course, culinary talent, as they battle for a seat on the “House of Knives” throne — a coveted seat earned by the game’s best players.
“Each episode names a weekly ruler based on challenges that reflect the contenders’ personal stories, food influences and cultures,” explains Food Network. While one claims fame, the least successful chefs are banished from their kitchen-size kingdom,
to be replaced by a new, surprise culinary legend. In the end, the player who lasts the longest earns themself a $100,000 grand prize.
In the series premiere, Conant invites six of the world’s most prestigious chefs to his culinary battleground, where skill and strategy are praised in equal measure.
Who are the six in question? According to the network, Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”), Shirley Chung (“Tourna-
ment of Champions”), Kelsey Barnard Clark (“NFL Tailgate Takedown”), Poppy O’Toole (“Cooking with the Stars UK”), Viet Pham (“Food Network Star”), Jonathon Sawyer (“The Best Thing I Ever Ate”), Martel Stone (“Wildcard Kitchen”), John Tesar (“Top Chef”) and Claudette Zepeda (“The Cook Up with Adam Liaw”) are all set to appear in this first season. The exact contenders, however, have yet to be announced.
Scott Conant hosts “House of Knives”
Wesley Snipes stars in “White Men Can’t Jump”
REDEFINING HOSPICE CARE
Crossword
14. Countercurrent 15. “Stath ___ Flats” 16. Sterling K. Brown series
18. Noted Bel-Air resident 20. Chop ___ 21. Kind of test
22. Number that’s no longer used
38. Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt series
42. Victoire Du Bois series
44. Lows
45. “___ Lives Here”
46. Corn serving
47. Adderall target, briefly
48. Miss
49. Lisa, to Bart
50. “For All Mankind” org.
Down
1. “Two and a ___ Men”
2. Tennis serving whiz
3. Stephen Colbert’s program, with “The”
4. Tear paper?
5. “___ Days”
6. Sy of “Lupin”
7. Sharp
8. Lightning McQueen is one
24. Ann ___, Mich.
28. “___ Beso”
(Paul Anka hit)
29. Hubbub 30. Home Depot rival
Receded
In style 37. Time to act
9. Comics dog
10. Super Bowl highlight
11. “Science Guy”
17. Actress Kendrick
19. The Beatles’ “And I Love ___”
22. Sushi bar order
23. General associated with chicken
32. Kind of jerk
33. E-address ending
34. Adam West role
36. Krone spenders
37. Activists
38. Dr.’s orders
25. Minor character in “The “Mandalorian”
26. “___ to Joy”
27. Singer Stewart
31. Contacts quickly, perhaps
39. ___ B’rith
40. ___ and aahs
41. Stamp of approval?
42. Sportscaster Allen
43. Gardner of film
Solution on page 6
WEDNESDAY PRIME
Kinnaman. <++ White House Down (‘13) Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum. <+++ Don't
(N)
Meyers (N)
Noticias (L) (N) Sabor de/Noticiero
Contacto deportivo (L)
Breathe (‘16) Jane Levy. <++ Don't Breathe 2 Stephen Lang. <+ Imaginary
(‘10) James Franco, Julia Roberts. The White Lotus <++ Away We Go John Krasinski. Celtics City Gemstones < Heretic
Need for Speed (‘14) Dominic Cooper, Aaron Paul. <++ Black Adam (‘22) Dwayne Johnson. <++ The Flash (‘23) Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ezra Miller. Movie
Daddy's Home 2 <+
Night at the Roxbury <++++ Forrest Gump (‘94) Robin Wright, Tom Hanks. <+++ Bridge of Spies (‘15) Mark Rylance, Tom Hanks. Movie
Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City <+ The Crow (‘24)FKA Twigs, Bill Skarsgård. <++ Never Let Go Halle Berry (P) < The Colour Room (‘21) Matthew Goode. (P) Movie
Swingers < The Scor e (‘21) Johnny Flynn, Will Poulter. <+++ Florence Foster Jenkins (‘16) Meryl Streep. <++ Becoming Jane (‘07) Anne Ha thaway < Mansfield Park
THURSDAY PRIME
Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, Ashton Kutcher.
"Contami nation"
Meyers (N)
Lang.
Imaginary (‘24) Tom Payne, DeWanda Wise. <++ Cabin Fever (‘02) Jordan Ladd. <++ Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever
The Silent Twins
White Lotus <++ Beau Is Afraid (2023, Horror) Patti LuPone, Amy Ryan, Leaf Phoenix. The White Lotus <++ Child's Play
Boss
(‘15) Tina Fey, Amy Poehler. <+++ Dream Scenario < The Secrets We Keep <+++ Good Time (‘17)Robert Pa ttinson.
< Sicario: Day of the S... <++ Rumours (‘24) Roy Dupuis, Cate Blanchett. Yellowjackets <+++ Strange Darling <++ Drive Angry (‘11) Amber Heard, Nicolas Cage. Movie
Movie <++ Never Let Go (‘24) Halle Berry. < The Courier (‘19)Dermot Mulroney, Gary Oldman. <+++ Jurassic Park (‘93) Laura Dern,Sam Neill. <++ The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Thriller 40 <++ Defiance (‘08, Hist) Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig. <+++ Pig (‘21) Nicolas Cage. <+++ Face/Off (‘97, Act) Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen, John Travolta. < Sensual Survivalists
By Raye Smith TV Media
WHAT’S NEW ON HULU
“Good American Family”
Taking on the difficult intricacies of what makes a family, the new limited drama series “Good American Family” premieres Wednesday, March 19, on Hulu. “Told from multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias and trauma,” says Hulu, the series follows Michael (Mark Duplass, “The Morning Show”) and Kristine Barnett (Ellen Pompeo, “Grey’s Anatomy”), a Midwestern couple who adopts Natalia (newcomer Imogen Faith Reid), a girl with a rare form of dwarfism. As Mark and Kristine raise Natalia alongside their three biological children, questions about Natalia’s background and true age begin to rise. Now, defences are up on all sides as the truth becomes clear. As their unique story plays out in the courtroom, it grips the tabloid headlines in the process. From creator and executive producer Katie Robbins (“Sunny”), the series also guest stars Dulé Hill (“The West Wing”), Christina Hendricks (“Good Girls”) and Sarayu Blue (“Expats”). Directed by Liz Garbus (“Harry & Meghan”), “Good American Family” is written by Robbins and fellow executive producer Sarah Sutherland (“The Affair”).
“O’Dessa” (2025) Rock into an uncertain future when the new rock opera from Searchlight Pictures, “O’Dessa,” premieres Thursday, March 20, on Hulu. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film follows the titular O’Dessa (Sadie Sink, “Stranger Things”), an ordinary farm girl. Embarking on an epic quest to recover a precious family heirloom, O’Dessa’s journey “leads her to a dangerous city, where she must use the power of destiny and song to save her true love’s soul” (per Hulu). Directed and written by Geremy Jasper (“Patti Cake$,” 2017), the musical also stars Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“Genius”), Mark Boone Junior (“Memento,” 2000), Regina Hall (“Black Monday”), Bree Elrod (“A Friend of the Family”), Pokey LaFarge (“Sun Records”) and Dora Dimic Rakar (“Last to Brake”). Michael Gottwald (“Wendy,” 2020), Erika Milutin (“The Day of the Jackal”) and Noah Stahl (“The White House Effect,” 2024) are producers.
WHAT’S NEW ON DISNEY+
“Animals: They’re Just Like Us!” - Season 1 Orangutans, otters and pandas ... who says we’re really all that different? National Geographic WILD’s new series, “Animals: They’re Just Like Us!,” premiering Saturday, March 22 on Disney+ — as well as on Hulu — looks into all
the ways that humans and their wilder counterparts really aren’t that different after all. Traveling to all seven continents, audiences get a peek into the lives of diverse critters furry, feathery and scaly as the series explores how and why “these wild creatures compete, co-operate, love and grieve just like we do” (per National Geographic). Across six episodes, “Animals: They’re Just Like Us!” we witness a number of incredible events, including a penguin proposal, a flamingo makeup artist, a chimpanzee with a pet, elephant babysitters, monkeys that season their food and macaques that love to hot tub, plus much more.
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” - Season 2, Part 2 Embrace the power of the Force once more when Season 2 of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” premieres its second installment Wednesday, March 19, on Disney+. Set during the High Republic era, this computer-animated Disney Junior series follows a group of Jedi younglings as they are sent by Master Yoda (Piotr Michael, “What If…?”) to train at a Jedi temple on Tenoo, where they study the ways of the Force. As they learn about their powers and the responsibilities that they hold, the young Jedis — including Kai Brightstar (JeCobi Swain, “Home Economics”), Lys Solay (Juliet Donenfeld, “Gabby’s Dollhouse”) and Nubs (“Dee Bradley Baker, “Adventure Time”) — explore the galaxy and help citizens and
creatures in need as they learn the many valuable skills needed to wield the Force along the way. This season, the Jedi younglings continue their training and embark on even bigger missions across the galaxy, helped along by Master Zia’s (Nasim Pedrad, “Despicable Me 2,” 2013) new Padawan, Wes Vinik (Gunnar Sizemore, “Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny”), and his astromech R0-M1 as they “travel to new planets with new and old friends and encounter adversaries such as The Ganguls, who are growing in their pirate ranks” (per Disney+). “Young Jedi Adventures” is developed for television by Shellie Kvilvang (“Puppy Dog Pals”), Michael Olson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) and Josh Rimes (“Star Wars: The Bad Batch”).
WHAT’S NEW ON PRIME VIDEO
“Tyler Perry’s Duplicity” (2025)
In the newest presentation from creative powerhouse Tyler Perry, the crime drama film “Duplicity” premieres Thursday, March 20, on Prime Video. Featured in the story is high-powered attorney Marley (Kat Graham, “The Vampire Diaries”), whose days are packed with unraveling other people’s complicated problems. Now, Marley takes on a case that is much closer to home as she investigates the shooting of her best friend Fela’s (Meagan Tandy, “Teen Wolf”) husband (Joshua Adeyeye, “Ruthless”). With her former cop-turned-private investi-
gator boyfriend, Tony (Tyler Lepley, “Harlem”), by her side, Marley dives into a treacherous journey filled with deception and betrayal to uncover the truth. Directed and written by Perry, the film’s cast also includes RonReaco Lee (“First Wives Club”), Nick Barrotta (“The Oval”), Jimi Stanton (“Your Honor”), Shannon LaNier (“God Not Dead: A Light in Darkness,” 2018), Kim Steele (“Marry Harry,” 2020), Angela Halili (“Sophia,” 2022), Kearia Schroeder (“The Family Business”) Marcia Harvey (“Reasonable Doubt”) Roxzane T. Mims (“Greenleaf”) and newcomer Betty Mitchell.
WHAT’S NEW ON NETFLIX
“The Twister: Caught in the Storm” (2025) Sweeping viewers up into the middle of the storm, the new documentary “The Twister: Caught in the Storm” premieres Wednesday, March 19, on Netflix. In May 2011, the town of Joplin, Missouri, was hit by a rare EF-5 monster tornado. As local high school seniors collect their diplomas at graduation and look towards their futures, it soon seems like the world could be ending instead as they find themselves right in the eye of the storm. Including never-before-seen footage filmed by the citizens of Joplin, “The Twister” is told through the eyes of the young people who were involved as “in the fierce 200 mph winds of the twister, they discover the power of their resilience as they fight for survival
— each with a transformative story spurred by their experiences of that day” (per Netflix). In the aftermath, the town rallied together to overcome and rebuild, rallying around hope to endure. Directed by Alexandra Lacey (“Manson: The Lost Tapes,” 2018).
WHAT’S NEW ON HALLMARK+
“Home Is Where the Heart Is” - Season 1
Actor Luke Macfarlane (“Platonic”) is trading in his scripts for a tool belt as he picks up the reins of the new reality series “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” premiering Thursday, March 20, on Hallmark+. With a mission to bring family treasure back to life, Macfarlane meets with a new family in each episode, planning how to bring these once-magnificent houses — whether they’ve been inherited or just hold special meaning to the family — back to their full glory. As Macfarlane and designer Olivia Westbrooks, of Olivia Westbrooks Interiors, work with their team, they aim to marry the past and present so that the history of the homes can shine, while modern touches bring in everything the families need to keep their homes full of love for decades to come. Aside from hosting the series, Macfarlane executive produces alongside Megan Bidner (“Martha Knows Best”), Tanya Linton (“The Big Bake”), Sebastian-Dayeh (“Lost Resort”) and Mike Sheerin (“Fire Masters”).
A group of macaques in a hot spring, as seen in “Animals, They’re Just Like Us!”
Luke Macfarlane hosts “Home Is Where the Heart Is”
of the Galaxy (‘14) Chris Pratt. <+++ Ant-Man (‘15) Paul Rudd.
White Lotus
White Chicks (‘04) Shawn Wayans. Real, Bill Maher (N) The White Lotus Real, Bill Maher
(‘15) Jessica Chastain ,Matt Damon. <++ Independence Day: Resurgenc e <++ X-Men: Apocalypse (‘16) James McAvoy. Movie
Girl s Lindsay Lohan. <++ Bad Moms (‘16) Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis. Yellowjackets < The Glorias (‘20)Alicia Vikander,Lulu Wilson, Julianne Moore. (P) Movie
Book
Book III (N) Power Book III
Never Let Go (‘24) Halle Berry Power Book III Movie
(‘14) Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, David Oyelowo. < Wrong Turn (‘21) Charlotte Vega. < Wild Eyed and Wicked Molly Kunz. < Panama (‘22) Cole Hauser.
SATURDAY DAYTIME
Pratt.
Captain America: The Wint er Soldier (‘14) Chris Evans.
Ant-Man (‘15) Michael Douglas, Paul Rudd. Movie
Caine,
Bale.
Dark Knight (‘08) Heath Ledger, Christian Bale.
The Dark Knight Rises Christian Bale.
of Play (‘09) Russell Crowe.
and Day (‘10) Tom Cruise.
The Flash
(‘15) Mark Rylance, Tom Hanks.
Gladiator (‘00) Leaf Phoenix, Russell Crowe. < Deadlock (‘21) Bruce Willis,Patrick Muldoon.
Gang (‘06) Xzibit, Dwayne Johnson.
(‘22) Christina Ricci.
The Stepford Wives Movie
COM
(‘17)
Hugh Jackman. <+++ Twister (1996, Action) Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, Helen Hunt <++ Overboard (‘87) Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn. Movie
59 208 355 Athletics Snow Show Horse Racing American Gr eedGreed "Pain Killer
107 249 The Office <++ We're the Millers (‘13) Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston. <++ Daddy's Home 2 (‘17) Will Ferrell. <+++ The Other Guys (‘10) Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell.
Raven's
"USA vs. World"
Chibiverse < Alvin & the Chipmunks: Squeakquel Amphibi aGabby Big City Raven Just Roll Jessie Jessie
No Way Home (‘21) Tom Holland. < Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Sing (P)
White Lotus
The Descendants (‘11) George Clooney. White
(‘23)
Miller.
Sitter (‘11) Jonah Hill.
What's Your Number?
Role Models (‘08) Seann William Scott.
D...: The Musical Movie
of Tomorrow (‘14) Tom Cruise. (P) <+++ Collateral (‘04) Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise. <+++ Gladiator (‘00) Leaf Phoenix, Russell Crowe. Yellowjackets Movie
Bear (‘23) Keri Russell. Power Book III
Never Let Go (‘24) Halle Berry Power Book III
1992 (‘22) Ray Liotta, Tyrese Gi bson. Power III
Fletch
(‘23) Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale.
The Soloist (‘09) Jamie Foxx.
Born to Be Blue
The Man Who Knew Infinity
By Adam Thomlison TV Media
Q: I’ve noticed that the lighting in the pinnacle “Flashdance” dance was quite dark. Was it done to set the mood or was it just a style of the time? Perhaps they were trying to make sure we didn’t notice a body double.
A: All three of your theories are at least partially right. Starting with the last one,
Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri in “Flashdance”
He has, however, talked about using dark, dramatic lighting — single-spot lights, backlighting and more — for artistic effect. And he has said that he “stole” lighting techniques from legendary director Bob Fosse (“Cabaret,” 1972).
And it’s worth noting that “Flashdance” cinematographer Donald Peterman got an Oscar nomination for his contributions to the film’s look. So the Academy, at least, saw art and not trickery.
going on, and also in the sense that, in general, he just pops up in random stuff you don’t expect. Last year, for example, he had a supporting role in the comedy film “Unfrosted,” about the history of the Pop-Tart, as well as an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” He also showed up, as himself, in an episode of TBS’s “Stupid Pet Tricks” and the year before as a guest judge on the food-based reality show “The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge.”
He’s been supplementing that
it’s absolutely true that most of the dancing was done by a double. “Flashdance” (1983) director Adrian Lyne said so, while praising star Jennifer Beals (“Four Rooms,” 1995) for nonetheless being the best part of the film.
“I thought she was vulnerable and sweet. You just liked her. I was pleased with that casting of her, and she couldn’t dance,” he told OneTakeNews. com’s Thomas Ellinidis in a
2023 interview celebrating the film’s 40th anniversary. “That was kind of a dangerous thing to do, letting the body double do all of the dancing, but it worked out.”
Ellinidis went so far as to tell the director that the dark lighting helped hide the fact it wasn’t Beals in the scene, but Lyne wouldn’t be led: he has never said himself that the lighting was a way to hide the substitution.
Q: I was at the gym and saw a show where Kenneth the Page from “30 Rock” was touring weird houses. At first, I thought it was just a guest spot, but he was in multiple episodes. What was it? Is that what he’s doing now?
A: That wasn’t just a guest spot. That was Jack McBrayer — best known, indeed, for playing Kenneth on “30 Rock” from 2006 to 2013 — hosting the HGTV reality show “Zillow Gone Wild,” in which he “tours some of America’s wackiest and wildest homes that have recently been on the real estate market” (per HGTV)
And yes, that is what he’s doing now, in the sense that it’s still
with a lot of voice work, both for children’s shows such as Disney Junior’s “Eureka” and for grownup shows such as “Star Trek: Lower Decks”
But “Zillow Gone Wild” is his biggest recent project — a series based on a viraly popular social media account created by real estate listings company Zillow. It showcases the weirder properties they come across.
He’s hosted one season so far, but it was a pretty big hit for HGTV and was renewed for a second season, to air later this year.
