The return of the acclaimed postapocalyptic drama “The Last of Us” reunites audiences with Joel (Pedro Pascal, “The Mandalorian”) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey, “Game of Thrones”) five years after the events of Season 1’s pulse-pounding finale when it airs on HBO and streams on Max Sunday, April 13. Now, the hardened smuggler and smart-mouthed teen have settled down into a life nearly resembling a time before the fungal plague turned billions into horrifying creatures, as the surrogate father-daughter duo find community in Jackson, Wyoming, with Joel’s brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), and his partner, Maria (Rutina Wesley, “Queen Sugar”).
Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced in “The Last of Us”
By Joshua Amy TV Media
EAt a crossroads Past choices lead down new paths in “The Last of Us” Season 2
ventually, we all make choices that come to define us. When that happens, we must decide which path forward we will take and be willing to face the consequences for that action — no matter what they may be. Faced with the question of survival for those you love, would you hang on to your morals or do everything you can to protect them? Would they forgive you? These are questions at the heart of “The Last of Us” Season 2, which premieres Sunday, April 13, on HBO and Max.
The return of HBO’s acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama reunites audiences with Joel (Pedro Pascal, “The Mandalorian”) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey, “Game of Thrones”) five years after the events of Season 1’s pulsepounding finale. Now, the hardened smuggler and smartmouthed teen have settled down into a life nearly resembling a time before the fungal plague turned billions into horrifying creatures. The surrogate fatherdaughter duo has found community in Jackson, Wyoming with Joel’s brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), and his partner, Maria (Rutina Wesley, “Queen Sugar”), as well as new friends Dina (Isabela Merced, “Alien: Romulus,” 2024) and Jesse (Young Mazino, “Beef”). But behind the fortified walls of their safe haven, all is not well.
Decisions made in Season 1 — those spoiler-heavy, lifechanging decisions made in order to protect loved ones — have forged a major rift between Joel and Ellie. The second season’s tagline, “Every path has a price,” acts as an ominous reminder that Joel’s earlier actions will have consequences that could drive away the very person he fights hardest to protect. And as paths tend to do, our duo’s paths have branched apart, leading Ellie on a new journey west. Ellie won’t be flying solo, however, as she’ll be accompanied by her friend-recently-turned-girl-
friend Dina. The character is more than just a romantic lead, as Dina is a very capable survivor in her own right. Speaking to Empire, Merced touched on how her character brings important levity to an otherwise dark story: “In the middle of an apocalypse, I would be the first one cracking jokes in the most inappropriate times.”
Backing up their co-star, Ramsey says, “She brought such a light and energy and silliness to the show in such a brilliant way.”
In Seattle, now 25 years postoutbreak and ruled by an ironfisted paramilitary organization, this season introduces viewers to Abby (Kaitlyn Dever, “Dopesick”). As a skilled member of the Washington Liberation Front, Abby faces her own tough choices to make as the WLF fights for control of the city — but her own deeply ingrained sense of right and wrong fuel her own expedition. With Ellie headed her way, their paths are certain to meet, for better or worse.
The wedge between Joel and Ellie at the heart of this season is sure to get fans talking given their journey so far. The first season sees Joel, closed off after losing his daughter (Nico Parker, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” 2025) in the outbreak, charged with smuggling Ellie cross-country to a resistance group hoping to use her immunity to develop a cure for the infection. Over this journey, the two develop a strong emotional bond as they face both the horrors of the infected and the desperate lengths people take to survive.
In an interview with Variety, Pascal and Ramsey both note that they, too, felt the pain of Season 2’s estrangement. “This season was much more of an isolated one for Ellie. It was a lonelier experience, but I don’t say that in a negative way,” Ramsey states. Pascal mirrors this sentiment, noting that “to not have them near me for every part of Season 2 felt like a cruel separation.”
“The Last of Us” is based on the acclaimed video game series of the same name. While Season
1 followed the events of the first game extremely faithfully — including frame-by-frame visuals familiar to fans of the game — its co-showrunners Craig Mazin (“Chernobyl”) and the game’s co-creator Neil Druckmann weren’t content with just retelling the same story. “The Last of Us” takes the opportunity to expand on the games, whether introducing new characters such as the ruthless Kansas City revo-
lutionary Kathleen (Melanie Lynskey, “Yellowjackets”) or exploring existing characters such as Frank (Murray Bartlett, “The White Lotus”) and Bill (Nick Offerman, “Parks and Recreation”) — a pursuit that paid off with an Emmy win for Offerman. Season 2 appears to be continuing this trend with the addition of Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”) to the cast as Gail, a therapist working with
Joel in Jackson. “Therapy is a fantastic mirror to not just ‘What are you really thinking?’ but what people are refusing to talk about,” Mazin told Variety.
Another character to be further fleshed out on the small screen is Eugene, played by Joe Pantoliano (“The Sopranos”), a cannabis-growing member of the Jackson community who is only mentioned in the game. “I get excited when I see these op-
portunities,” Druckmann added in the same interview. “The story we told [in the game] was somewhat superficial. The way this character comes in really gets to the heart of Joel and Ellie and their relationship.”
Season 2 of “The Last of Us” premieres Sunday, April 13, on HBO and streams on Max. Max will also make an ASL-interpreted version available for a more nuanced alternative to subtitles.
The Firm (‘93) Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tom Cruise. <++ Rounders (‘98) Edward Norton, Matt Damon. Movie
Highlights
Sunday 2025 Masters Tournament
(2) WBBM WCIA
1:00 p.m.
Live from the famous Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., the top players in men’s golf compete for a chance at wearing the legendary Green Jacket. Last year, Scottie Scheffler won the tournament with a score of 11 under par.
The Last of Us
HBO 8:00 p.m.
Adapting the events of The Last of Us Part II video game, this season premiere finds Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) relationship in a state of disrepair as Ellie works out the extreme lengths Joel took to protect her five years ago.
Monday
The Corridors of Power
WILL 9:00 p.m.
Featuring interviews with over 30 politi cal heavyweights including Henry Kiss inger, Hill ary Clin ton and Condoleezza
this week
Rice, this documentary analyzes the U.S.’s response to reports of genocide, war crimes and mass atrocities over the past 40 years.
Tuesday American Masters
WILL 9:00 p.m.
This documentary explores the life and career of cartoonist Art Spiegelman and the impact of his work — especially his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, “Maus: A Survivor’s Tale” — through archival footage, stills, illustrations and interviews.
Wednesday The Future of Nature
(11) WTTW WILL 9:00 p.m.
Humanity has the ability to make a world where all can thrive. During this series finale, scientists examine how people are integrating their modern lives with nature for a better future. Uma Thurman provides narration.
Wednesday
(9) WGN 8:00 p.m.
Thursday
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
(5) WMAQ 8:00 p.m.
When Capt. Benson (Mariska Hargitay) receives a mysterious
phone call that leads detectives to the scene of a brutal murder, SVU reaches out to the 2-7 for help. Their combined effort uncovers a pattern of rape and murder targeting marginalized women.
Friday
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
AMC 8:00 p.m.
Four years after the events of “Jurassic Park,” Dr. Hammond (Richard Attenborough) sends chaos theorist Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) to a second dinosaur island to stop his nephew (Arliss Howard) from exploiting the dinosaurs for personal gain.
Saturday
MLS Soccer
(32) WFLD 12:30 p.m.
Austin FC welcomes the LA Galaxy to Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, for the clubs’ second meeting of the 2025 season. With their first meeting ended in a tie, there’s more pressure to get the win this time. So, who will edge out a victory?
Say Yes to the Dress
TLC 7:00 p.m.
During the latest episode of TLC’s long-running reality series, the staff of Kleinfeld Bridal help radio host Kenzie find her perfect dress. Kenzie is looking for a dress to match her loud personality. Then, Jenny has her wedding on a snowy mountain-top.
Sherlock & Daughter
The CW’s latest mystery series “Sherlock & Daughter” premieres Wednesday, April 16. While trying to solve a global conspiracy involving his archenemy, Prof. Moriarty (Dougray Scott), Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis) teams with a young Native-American woman (Blu Hunt) to determine the identity of her mother’s killer.
M Stooges <++ Robin Hood: Men in Tights (‘93) Cary Elwes. <++ Caddyshack (‘80) Chevy Chase. <++
T Stooges <+++ Beverly Hills Cop (‘84) Judge Reinhold, Eddie Murphy. <++ Beverly Hills Cop II (‘87) Eddie Murphy. <+++ Lethal Weapon 2 (‘89,Act) Danny Glover, Mel Gibson. Movie W <+++ Die Hard 2 (1990,Action) Bonnie Bedelia, Bruce Willis <+++ Die Hard (1988,Action) Alan Rickman, Bruce Willis. <++ Draft Day (2014,Drama) Jennifer Garner, Kevin Costner. Th <+++ Air (2023,Drama) Ben Affleck, Matt Damon. <+++ Moneyball (2011,Drama) Jonah Hill,Brad Pitt. <+++ Lethal Weapon 3 (‘92,Act) Danny Glover, Mel Gibson. F <++ Rambo (‘08) Julie Benz, Sylvester Stallone. <+ Rambo: Last Blood (‘19) Sylvester Stallone. <+++ World War Z (2013,Horror) Mireille Enos, Brad Pitt. <+++ Twister (‘96) Helen Hunt.
ANPL 66 (M) The Last Alaskans / The Zoo (M) The Last Alaskans / The Aquarium (M) The Last Alaskans / The Aquarium (M) Naked and Afraid / Crikey! It's the Irwins (M) Naked and Afraid / Pit Bulls and Parolees (M) Naked and Afraid / Pit Bulls and Parolees Various
W Chicago Fire Chicago Fire Chicago Fire Chicago Fire Chicago Fire
Th Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVULaw & Order: SVULaw & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVULaw & Order: SVULaw & Order: SVU
F Movie <+++ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002,Children) Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe. <+++ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (‘04) Daniel Radcliffe. Movie VH1
M <+++ Coming to America (‘88) Arsenio Hall, Eddie Murphy. <+ Juwanna Mann (‘02,Com) Vivica A. Fox, Miguel A. Núñez Jr.. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeWild 'n Out
T <++ Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (‘94) Jim Carrey <++ Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (‘95) Jim Carrey My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeWild 'n Out
W <++ Gridiron Gang (‘06,Act) Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner, The Rock. <++ Liar Liar (1997,Comedy) Maura Tierney,Jim Carrey My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeWild 'n Out
Th <+++ Adventureland (‘09) Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg. < Movie My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeWild 'n Out F <+ Big Daddy (‘99,Comedy) Joey Lauren Adams, Adam Sandler <+ Mr. Deeds (2002,Comedy) Winona Ryder, Adam Sandler. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifeWild 'n Out
502 Various Various (F) 9-1-1 Various (F) 9-1-1 Various
M <++ Man of Steel <+++ The Suicide Squad (‘21) Margot Robbie. <++++ The Terminator (‘84) <++ Elevation (‘24) The Last of Us Last Week T Movie <++ Greenland (‘20) Gerard Butler. Celtics Last Week The Last of Us <+++ Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (‘00) Real, Bill Maher
W <++ Sixteen Candles (‘84) Celtics To Be Announced The Last of Us <++ Keanu (‘16) Keegan-Michael Key Last Week Th <+++ Wonka (‘23) <+++ Jackie (‘16) Natalie Portman. Celtics To Be Announced <++ We Live in Time (‘24) The Last F Movie Celtics <++ Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1 (‘24) Kevin Costner. The Last of Us To Be Announced TBA
M <++ Water for Elephants (‘11) <++ Military Wives (‘19) Kristin Scott Thomas . <++ The Huntsman: Winter's War (‘16) <++ The Mummy: Tomb of the Dra... <+++ Confidence
T Movie I Am <++ Dim Sum Funeral (‘08) Steph Song,Bai Ling <+++ Invictus (‘09) Morgan Freeman. <+++ Frost/Nixon (‘08) Frank Langella. <+++ Priscilla (‘23)
W Movie <++ Teen Spirit (‘18) Elle Fanning. <+++ Miss Sharon Jones! (‘15) <++ The Time Traveler's Wife (‘09) <+ Red Dawn (‘12) Chris Hemsworth. <++ Hercules (‘14)
Th <++ Mechanic: Resurr <++ The Water Diviner (‘14) Russell Crowe. <++ Arthur (‘11) Helen Mirren, Russell Brand. <+++ Pretty Woman (‘90) Richard Gere. <++ Dinner for Schm
M Movie <+++ Witness (‘85) Kelly McGillis, Harrison Ford <+++ Road to Perdition (‘02) Tom Hanks. <+++ The Courier (P) (‘20) <+++ The Ides of March (‘11)
T <+ Empire Records (‘95) <++ The Guilt Trip (P) (‘12) <++ Bad Moms (‘16) Kristen Bell,Mila Kunis. <+++ A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (‘01) Haley Joel Osment. Movie
W <++ The Core (P) (‘03) <++++ Terminator 2: Judgment Day (‘91) < The Last Stop in Yuma County <+++ Strange Darling (‘23) <+++ 48 HRS. (‘82) Nick Nolte.
F <++ America's Sweet <++ Rules Don't Apply (‘16) Warren Beatty I Am <++ Paris Can Wait (‘16) <++ The 9th Life of Louis Drax (‘16) Movie SHOW
Th <+++ Adventureland <+++ Hard Eight (P) (‘96) Philip Baker Hall. <++ Sucker Punch (P) (‘11) Emily Browning. <+++ The Sum of All Fears (‘02) Ben Affleck. <+++ Hell or High W
F < Ride (‘24) <++ Run All Night (‘15) Ed Harris,Liam Neeson. <++ Black Snake Moan (P) (‘07) <++ Shaft (P) (‘00) Samuel L. Jackson. <+++ Patriot Games
M <++ Fast X (‘23) Vin Diesel. Power Book III <++ Silent Night (‘23) Joel Kinnaman <++ Cocaine Bear (‘23) Keri Russell. <+++ Captain America: The Winter Soldier
T <++ The Amazing Spider-Man 2 < Greedy People (‘24) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. <++ The Shallows (‘16) <+++ Boyz N the Hood (‘91) <++ A Journal for Jordan (‘21)
W <+++ Polite Society (‘23) <++ Easter Sunday (‘22) Jimmy O. Yang,Jo Koy <++ Johnson Family Vacation (‘04) < The Misfits (‘21) Pierce Brosnan. <+ The Strangers: Chapter 1 (‘24)
Th < If Not Now, When? (‘21) Meagan Good. <+++ Ant-Man (‘15) Paul Rudd. Power Book III <++ Arthur the King (‘24) <++ Cocaine Bear (‘23) Keri Russell.
F <+++ Hanna (‘11,Act) Eric Bana, Saoirse Ronan. Power Book III < Dear David (‘23) Justin Long. <++ Never Let Go (‘24) Halle Berry. <++ The Killer's Game (‘24) STZENC 517
M < The Exorcism of God (‘21) <+++ American Gangster (‘07) Denzel Washington. <++ The Baytown Outlaws (‘12) < Arsenal (2017,Action) John Cusack, Nicolas Cage. Movie
T <+++ A Thousand and One (‘23) <++ Safe Haven (‘13) Josh Duhamel. <+++ Undercover Brother (‘02) < Undercover Brother 2 (‘19) <+++ A Thousand and One (‘23)
W <++ Sherlock Holmes <++ Retribution (‘23) Liam Neeson. <+++ Inglourious Basterds (‘09) Mélanie Laurent, Brad Pitt. <++ The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds &Snakes Movie
Th <++ Underworld: Rise <++ Resident Evil: Extinction (‘07) <++ Thanks for Sharing (‘12) Mark Ruffalo. <++ Inside (‘23) Gene Bervoets,Willem Dafoe. < Back on the Strip (‘23)
F <++ Smokin' Aces (‘07) Andy Garcia, Ben Affleck. < Every Body (2023,Documentary) <++ Ghostbusters (‘16) Melissa McCarthy. <++ Ghostbusters: Afterlife (‘21) Carrie Coon. Movie
M < Love, Rosie (‘14) <+++ The Seven Five (2014,Documentary) <++ April Fool's Day (P) (‘86) <+++ Pig (‘21) Nicolas Cage. < Anesthesia (‘15) Kristen Stewart. Movie
T Movie <++ The Fifth Estate (‘13) Benedict Cumberbatch. < 1-800-Hot-Nite (‘22) Dallas Young < Monstrous (‘22) Christina Ricci. < Tammy's Always Dying (‘19) Movie
W Movie <++ The Current War: Director's Cut (‘19) <++ Match (‘14) Patrick Stewart. <++++ Terms of Endearment (‘83) <++ The Evening Star (‘96) Shirley MacLaine.
Th <++ The Kite Runner (‘07) Khalid Abdalla. <+++ Losing Isaiah (‘95) Jessica Lange. <++ Transporter 3 (‘08) <++ Labyrinth (‘86) David Bowie. Movie
F Movie <++ Sugar & Spice (‘01) <+++ The Firm (1993,Drama) Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tom Cruise. <++ Cloud Atlas (2012,Drama) Halle Berry,Tom Hanks. Movie 8 AM 8:30 9 AM 9:30 10 AM 10:30 11 AM 11:30 12 PM 12:30 1 PM 1:30 2
Stars on screen
By Michelle Rose TV Media
Believe again: It’s official — Apple TV+ is bringing back both “Ted Lasso” the series and Ted Lasso the character, played by series co-creator and showrunner
Jason Sudeikis (“We’re the Millers,” 2013), for a fourth season of pep talks on and off the pitch.
“‘Ted Lasso’ has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fan base all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief,” Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+, said in a statement.
In his own statement, Sudeikis hinted at the possible focus of Season 4: “As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to look before we leap. In Season 4, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it’s exactly where they’re meant to be.”
But that doesn’t mean the whole AFC Richmond team, as you’ve come to know it, is getting back together.
The return of some core cast members seems more certain, given that options have been picked up for Hannah Waddingham (“Sex Education”), who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton; Brett Goldstein (“Shrinking”), who stars as Roy Kent and writes for the series; and Jeremy Swift (“All Creatures Great & Small”), who plays family man and director of operations Leslie Higgins. Jack Burditt (“Nobody Wants
This”) has also been added as executive producer.
But, according to Deadline, cocreator Brendan Hunt (“Bless This Mess”), who played Coach Beard, has so far only been involved on the writing/producing side of things. Juno Temple (“Fargo”) is, at the time of writing, still in negotiations to return as Keeley Jones and Phil Dunster (“The Devil’s Hour”), who plays Jamie Tartt, has a scheduling conflict that prevents his return as a series regular.
The third season finale (titled “So Long, Farewell”) did seem to mark a definitive end to the story, with the mustachioed coach choosing to return to the United States to be closer to his son. So where does the story go from here?
According to Deadline, Season 4 will open in Kansas — where filming is scheduled to begin in July — before returning to the United Kingdom, where Ted will coach a women’s team. That seed was seemingly planted in the final moments of Season 3, when Keeley pitched the idea of an AFC Richmond women’s team to Rebecca.
Sudeikis confirmed this new direction last month on NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast: “That’s the official word, yeah. Ted’s coaching a women’s team. It’s exciting, and I mean it’s daunting, you know? Because we told the story we wanted to tell. But there’s more there, and it is a neat group of people to work with. It’s a wonderful group of people and characters to write around and for.”
From the list below, find each word and circle its letters in the puzzle to reveal the message relating to this week’s topic.
Knight Rider
Sunday noon
TRU TNT NHL Hockey New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils. (Live) (2:30)
ESPN NBA Basketball Teams TBA. (Live) (2:35)
2:30 p.m.
TRU TNT NHL Hockey Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins. (Live) (3:00) 6:00 p.m.
ESPN MLB Baseball Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers. (Live) (3:00) 9:00 p m
ESPN NHL Hockey Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks. (Live) (2:30)
monday
9:00 p.m.
ESPN NHL Hockey Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers. (Live) (2:30)
TueSday
6:00 p.m.
TBS MLB Baseball Cleveland Guardians at Baltimore Orioles. (Live) (3:00)
6:30 p.m.
TRU TNT NBA
Jason Sudeikis stars in “Ted Lasso”
MONDAY
Show
Jimmy Fallon (N)
Meyers (N)
Human Resources (‘21) Hugh McCrae Jr.. Movie
Last Week
Confidence
RoboCop (‘14) Gary Oldman, Joel Kinnaman. <++ Brick Mansi ons Paul Walker. <++ Ston e (‘10) Robert De Niro. <+++ Prisoners (‘13) Hugh Jackma n.
Amazing Spider-Man Andrew Garfield. <++ The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (‘14) Andrew Garfield. Power Book III <++ Silent Night (‘23) Joel Kinnaman.
Civil Dead (‘23) Clay Tatum. <+ My Boss's Daughter <+++ The Terminal (‘04) Tom Hanks. < Love, Rosie (‘14)Sam Claflin, Lily Collins <+ Snake Eyes
Jimmy Fallon (N)
Meyers (N)
rosa de Guadal upe
Three Musketeers Matthew MacFadyen.
Sherlock Holmes (‘09) Robert Downey Jr..
Cut Bank (‘14) Liam Hemsworth. <+++ Deadpool Ryan Reynolds.
and Present Danger Harrison Ford.
Point Break (‘91) Patrick Swayze. Yellow "Full Circle"
The Girl on the Trai n (‘16) Emily Blunt. <+ Halloween
Greedy People (‘24) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. <++ White Bird (‘23) Ariella Glaser
Don't Breathe (‘16) Jane Levy. <++ Don't Breathe 2
Lesson (‘23) Julie Delpy, Richard E. Grant < Outlaw Posse (‘24) Mario Van Peebles.
The Salvation <+++ Cold Mountain Jude Law.
Food for thought
Oyelowo, Apple bring ‘Government Cheese’ to the table
By Dana Simpson TV Media
It comes as no surprise that television — like movies, books, music and visual arts — is often a reflection of our own reality, whether current, past or (perhaps most frighteningly) future. Whether these art forms choose to tackle political tensions, social developments, financial stressors or pop-culture sensations, the artists behind the project often have a message to deliver.
With respect to the newest Apple TV+ dramedy series, “Government Cheese,” it’s clear that its creators’ message is, at its roots, a comment on society as an institution and the endemic problems therein. From the minds behind “Yellowjackets,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Reservation Dogs” and “Rel,” “Government Cheese” premieres Wednesday, April 16, on Apple TV+.
“Selma” (2014) and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” star David Oyelowo leads “Government Cheese” as formerly incarcerated ideas man Hampton Chambers, who has vowed to change his ways after being released from prison for a series of “smash and grabs.” Now enjoying the perks of his relative freedom in late-1960s California, Hampton is pleased to be able to spend time with his wife, Astoria (played by “Luke Cage” and “All Rise” actress Simone Missick), and their two sons, Einstein (Evan Ellison, “Devil in Ohio”) and Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston, “Queen & Slim,” 2019) — but something is missing.
Powered by his desire to succeed, provide for his family and make a name for himself as he turns his life around, Hampton invents a new household tool — named the “Bit Magician” by his son — while “[grappling] with frequent inexplicable moments of divine intervention” along the way, according to Apple.
Comprised of 10 episodes in its first season, “Government Cheese” explores the racial tension associated with being Black in a predominantly white neighborhood. The series also explores the family tension associated with the return of a long-since-departed family member and the difficul-
ties of navigating success in a world that sets up certain demographics for failure.
As for the title, many Americans may already be familiar with the term, but the series’ British leading man, Oyelowo, was among those who required an explanation, Variety reports.
“It’s a very intriguing title,” Oyelowo told Variety during a series preview. “A good title is a very hard thing to find — especially a title that has layered meanings and is analogous to what the show is about.”
The phrase “government cheese” refers to, as Ripley.com wrote as recently as January 2024, “a salty, pale-orange substance that came in five-pound blocks,” which some might describe “as the unfortunate (and moldy) offspring of American cheese and Velveeta.” It was, Ripley’s continues, most often “meted out to low-income families and the elderly” to help “people muscle through difficult economic times.”
Made from an emulsified combination of various cheeses, the wartime product was concocted as the American government’s answer to the surplus of American dairy caused by industry subsidies. To maintain a fixed cost for dairy goods amid this accidental increase in milk production, excess stock was purchased and turned into the “nearly unpalatable solution” described by Ripley’s.
While approximately 500 million pounds of this cheese was stored in more than 35 warehouses across the country, it was reportedly being used everywhere from Second World War-era military kitchens to school cafeterias in the Reagan-led 1980s. And although its consumption is far less common in 2025, this so-called “government cheese” is still distributed across America to those
Screen Scramble
on welfare, using food stamps or otherwise in need of sustenance (despite its astounding lack of nutritional value).
Once a comment on America’s past economic strife and the continued systems of oppression operating within the country today, this series has a lot to say. To add to the show’s many draws, “Government Cheese” is steeped in a very unique and colorful style.
“I describe it as a parabolic, surrealist, absurdist family comedy, because it’s the only way I can quantify it,” Oyelowo said, as reported by Variety. “I hadn’t seen that before, and it’s very rare — certainly at the stage of my career that I’m at — to genuinely find and be part of something that you haven’t seen before.”
Showrun, written and executive produced by “Bulletproof Monk” (2003) director Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr from “The Carmichael Show,” additional writing is provided by Wes Brown (“Raised by Wolves”), Katherine Kearns (“Hacks”), Hugh Moore (“Chocolate News”), Migizi Pensoneau (“Rutherford Falls”) and new talent Cece Burke. Oyelowo also holds executive producer duties.
The series’ ensemble cast also includes Bokeem Woodbine (“Fargo”), Jeremy Bobb (“The Continental”), Louis Cancelmi (“The Irishman,” 2019), Julien Heron (“Baskets”), Djilali RezKallah (“My Hero,” 2024), Louis Ferreira (“Stargate Universe”), Thomas Beaudoin (“Hubert & Fanny”), Kyle Mac (“The Boys”), John Ortiz (“Bad Monkey”) and Adam Beach (“Smoke Signals,” 1998).
Don’t miss your chance to take a bite out of “Government Cheese” when it premieres Wednesday, April 16, on Apple TV+.
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
To welcome the warmth of a sunny new season, some might spend time outside. These folks, however, like to celebrate in the kitchen. Season 11 of “Spring Baking Championship” continues this Monday, April 14, with a bright and colorful new episode airing on Food Network.
Led by the fan-favorite “Bachelor” host Jesse Palmer, this annual championship invites the country’s top bakers to showcase their skills through a litany of springtime-themed treats, putting its contestants through weekly challenges — from crafting Mother’s Day brunches and family picnics to planning fullfledged wedding spreads — proving their talents to judges Duff Goldman (“Duff Takes the Cake”), Nancy Fuller (“Farm-
house Rules”) and Kardea Brown (“Delicious Miss Brown”). After a slate of weekly eliminations, the final remaining baker will be crowned as the Spring Baking Champion, earning themselves a life-changing $25,000 and a feature in Food Network Magazine.
This season, 13 contestants — a baker’s dozen — agreed to join Jesse in the championship kitchen. They began their first challenge during Season 11’s two-hour premiere, in which they used various flavors, textures
and design techniques to create flower-themed desserts made to reflect their unique personalities. Now, however, only eight bakers remain. In this week’s upcoming episode, the competition is set to heat up even more, as Jesse asks the bakers to create desserts that feature an edible candle — one that actually lights up. Afterwards, the competition turns sour, as the contestants go head-to-head in a lemon meringue pie and carrot cake challenge overflowing with fresh springtime flavors.
Host Jesse Palmer (center) with the contestants of “Spring Baking Championship”
David Oyelowo and Louis Cancelmi in “Government Cheese”
Crossword
Across 1. Antibullying ad, briefly 4. Warner Bros. creation
8. Running things in a bar
12. Gut reaction?
13. Cold capital
14. To be, to Bernadette
15. Gizmo made by Cosmo G. Spacely
17. Leave in
18. Steven Knight series about boxing, with “A”
20. Round Table address
21. Jerusalem’s Mosque of
22. Put away
25. “A house __ __ a home”
28. “Be quiet!”
29. “Another Green World” musician
30. “SNL” alum
Island” prop
49. Kathryn of “Agatha All Along”
50. Think ahead
51. Former Atl. crosser Down
1. Assignment
2. Campus figure
3. Questlove’s do
Oteri
33. Rendezvous
35. Swells
37. Cheerleading coach on “Glee”
38. Show about the crash of Flight 2525
44. Airline to Israel
45. “Dexter’s Laboratory” professor
46. Likewise
47. Nevada city
48. “Fantasy
4. Alarm bell
5. Schindler of “Schindler’s List” (1993)
6. Author Robert ___ Butler
7. Avoid
8. Magnetic induction units
9. Saul Goodman’s job
10. Cold one
11. Goes down
16. Yorkshire river
news
33. Setting for the show “The Last Man on Earth”
34. Destroyed, in gamer slang
19. ASCAP rival
22. Computer key: Abbr.
23. “What a relief!”
24. Grant Gustin superhero series
26. Switch positions
27. Little ‘un
31. Deodorant type
32. Wall St.
36. Range
37. It won’t keep you up
38. “Awright!”
39. Titular elephant in a children’s show
40. Tim’s wife on “Home Improvement”
41. Snakelike fish
42. Lashes
43. Hissy fit Solution on page 6
Evil: Extinction (‘07) Milla Jovovich. <+++ Inglourious Basterd s (‘09) Mélanie Laurent, Brad Pitt. <++ The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Accountant (‘16) Anna Kendrick, Ben Affleck. To Be Announced Programming to be announced. The Last of Us To Be Announced
<
(‘90) Eddie
<+++ Collateral
<+++
(‘16) Jennifer Aniston. <+++ The Best Christmas Pageant Ever <++ Johnson Family Vacation <++ Easter Sunday (‘22) Jo Koy. <++ Silent Night
Wild (‘07) Marcia Gay Harden, Emile Hirsch. <+++ The Pledge (‘01) Jack Nicholson. <++++ Chinatown (‘74) Jack Nicholson. (P) <++ Southpaw
Midsommar (‘19) Jack Reynor, Florence Pugh. < Curse of La Llorona
Murphy.
(‘04) Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise.
Minority Report (‘02) Colin Farrell, Tom Cruise. <++ Vanilla Sky (‘01) Tom Cruise.
& Order: SVU
< The
& Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU <+++ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Ston e (‘01) Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe. < Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secr
"Maniak"
"Unraveling"
"Checkmate"
"Sequel"
"Guacaine"
"Pariah"
"Witness"
(‘20) Ryan Phillippe. <++ Smokin' Ac es (‘07) Andy Garcia, Ben Affleck. <++ Underworl d: Evolution <++ Underworl d: Rise of the Lycans < Crazies
Last of Us <+++ Portrait of a Lady on Fire Noémie Merlant. The Last of Us <+++ Aftersun (‘22) Paul
<++
Mescal. Gemstones "Interlude IV" The Last of Us Movie
Dinner for Schmucks
Water for Elephants (‘11) Reese Witherspoon. <+++ A Ghost Story Casey Affleck. < Oracle (‘23) Ryan Destiny. <++ Stone (‘10) Robert De Niro. Movie
Movie <++++ Her (‘13) Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Leaf Phoenix. Yellow "Full Circle" <+++ Only the Brave (‘17) Josh Brolin. (P) <+++ The Sum of All Fear s (‘02) Ben Affleck.
Movie <++ Never Let Go (‘24) Halle Berry. <+ Imaginary (‘24) Tom Payne, DeWanda Wise. <+++ M3GAN (‘22) Allison Williams <+++ Hanna (‘11) Eric Bana, Saoirse Ronan. Power III
A journey through love and life comes to Netflix when the new romantic family drama series
“Ransom Canyon” makes its debut Thursday, April 17. Set against the breathtaking rugged backdrop of Texas Hill Country, this contemporary Western follows three ranch families as the intersecting drama of their lives plays out. Created, written and executive produced by April Blair (“Wednesday”), “Ransom Canyon” stars Minka Kelly (“Titans”), Josh Duhamel (“London Calling,” 2024), Lizzy Greene (“A Million Little Things”), Eoin Macken (“La Brea”), Tatanka Means (“Killers of the Flower Moon,” 2023), Garrett Wareing (“Manifest”), Jack Schumacher (“Top Gun: Maverick,” 2022), Marianly Tejada (“One Of Us Is Lying”), Andrew Liner (“Bang Bang,” 2024) and Justin Johnson Cortez (“Walker: Independence”).
Directed by Amanda Marsalis (“Ozark”), the series is also written by Joe Fazzio (“How to Get Away With Murder”) and Paul Haapaniemi (“Monsters of Man,” 2020).
WHAT’S NEW ON PRIME VIDEO
“#1 Happy Family USA” — Season 1
Take a peek into the melting pot with the animated comedy series for adults, “#1 Happy Family USA,”
when it premieres Thursday, April 17, on Prime Video. From creators Ramy Youssef (“Ramy”) and Pam Brady (“South Park”), the series follows the Husseins, “the most patriotic, most peaceful and most definitely-not-suspicious Muslim family” navigating life in post-9/11 America (per Prime Video). “With satire and absurdity,” says the Prime press release, “it redefines finding humor in hardship as they navigate the early 2000s under the watchful eyes of their terrified neighbors.” The series’ ensemble cast voice stars Youssef, Alia Shawkat (“Arrested Development”), Mandy Moore (“This is Us”), Timothy Olyphant (“Justified”), Kieran Culkin (“Succession”), Salma Hindy (“Roast Battle Canada”), Randa Jarrar (“Ramy”), Chris Redd (“Saturday Night Live”), Akaash Singh (co-host of the “Flagrant” Podcast), Paul Elia (“Paul Elia: Detroit Player,” 2023) and Whitmer Thomas (“Friendship,” 2024).
WHAT’S NEW ON MGM+
“Godfather of Harlem” —
Season 4
Season 4 of the critically acclaimed crime drama “Godfather of Harlem” premieres Monday, April 14, on MGM+. Originally from EPIX, this series is a TV prequel to the 2007 film “American Gangster,” which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas (played by Denzel Washington, “Fences,” 2016).
First beginning in the early 1960s, “Godfather of Harlem” has followed along as infamous crime boss Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, portrayed by Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland,” 2006), returned from 10 years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled — and his business — in shambles, with the streets controlled by the Italian mob. As Bumpy continues working to rebuild his empire, rectify his money problems and keep control of Harlem, he finds he has more to worry about than just the five Ital-
ian families this time around. This season, the movie’s origin begins to unfold as Bumpy, still embroiled in his battle for control of Harlem, must grapple with the arrival of gangster Frank Lucas (Rome Flynn, “How to Get Away with Murder”). Meanwhile, Bumpy’s daughter Elise (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy “Passing,” 2021) has become involved with the Black Panthers in the wake of Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell, “Ruthless”) assassination. Ilfenesh Hadera (“Billions”), Lucy Fry (“Last Looks,” 2021), Erik LaRay Harvey (“Boardwalk Empire”), Michael Raymond-James (“See”), Elvis Nolasco (“American Crime”), and Erik Palladino (“ER”) also star.
WHAT’S NEW ON BRITBOX
“Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero”
A high-profile mystery is afoot in BritBox’s newest crime drama, “Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero,” when it premieres its first episode on the streamer Wednesday, April 16. The three-part series airs its second and third installments the following days, on April 17 and 18, respectively. Based on acclaimed mystery writer Agatha Christie’s 1944 novel of the same name, the scene is set in 1930s England. Caught up in the aftermath of their scandalous celebrity divorce, British tennis star Nevile Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen, “The Haunting of Hill House”) and his ex-wife, Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland, “Black Doves”), make the jaw-dropping decision to spend the summer together in order to settle up some unfinished business. Heading to Gull’s Point, their childhood home, the former couple take up residence at the coastal estate of Nevile’s aunt, Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston, “The Addams Family,” 1991). With Nevile’s new wife, Kay (Mimi Keene, “Sex Education”), in tow, plus “a long-suffering lady’s companion, a mysterious gentle-
man’s valet, an exiled cousin with a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan and a French con man,” tensions are running high at the estate — and a murder isn’t far away (per BritBox). Now, it’s up to Insp. Leach (Matthew Rhys, “The Americans”) to hunt down the killer before they can claim another victim. Written for television by Rachel Bennette (“World on Fire”), the series is directed by Sam Yates (“Magpie,” 2024). Jack Farthing (“Poldark”), Anjana Vasan (“We Are Lady Parts”), Clarke Peters (“Truelove”), Adam Hugill (“Sherwood”), Grace Doherty (“Casualty”), Khalil Ben Gharbia (“The Lost Boys,” 2023) and Jackie Clune (“Motherland”) also star.
WHAT’S NEW ON HULU
“No Man’s Land” - Season 2 Taking the story to the ground in the midst of the Syrian civil war, the dramatic thriller series “No Man’s Land” returns to Hulu for its second season Wednesday, April 16. Despite his family’s belief that his sister (Mélanie Thierry, “The Zero Theorum,” 2013) died during a suicide bombing in Egypt two years earlier, the story began in Season 1 as a young French man named Antoine (Félix Moati, “50 Shades of Greek”) — believing to have seen her in a news reel — travels to Syria to attempt to find her. With the threat of ISIS looming and the knowledge that his sister may now be fighting the terrorist group as a part of the YPJ women’s protection unit, Antoine joined forces with the unit of fierce Kurdish female fighters. This season, as “No Man’s Land” explores the deeper complexities of the Syrian war, it “[focuses] on the experiences of women in various roles: as victims, survivors, fighters, and even a villain” (per Hulu). Central to the story this season is a young Syrian girl’s quest to find her kidnapped
mother. James Krishna Floyd (“The Good Karma Hospital”), Leo Hatton (“The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower,” 2024), Nada El Belkasmi (“Rule Breakers,” 2025), Nadia Benzakour (“Princess of the Desert,” 2023) and Karla Marie Sweet (“Black Dog,” 2023) star.
WHAT’S NEW ON PARAMOUNT+
“The Carters: Hurts to Love You”
Exploring the story of one of the ‘90s and early aughts’ most famous celebrity families, the two-part documentary “The Carters: Hurts to Love You” premieres Tuesday, April 15, on Paramount+. With Nick Carter rocketing to fame as a member of the Backstreet Boys (“I Want it That Way”) and Aaron Carter (“Leave It Up to Me”) reaching teen heartthrob status as a solo singer, the Carter family experienced a paradigm shifting transformation of their lives as fame and fortune came their way. As told by Nick and Aaron’s sister, Angel Carter Conrad (“House of Carters”), the documentary features intimate conversations and interviews with Angel and Nick as they confront their past and their grief for their siblings Aaron, Leslie and Bobbie Jean, all of whom died tragically young. As Angel unpacks their family story, which includes dealing with “mental health struggles, drug addiction and heartbreaking neglect,” she also “discusses the pain, fame, expectations, addiction, assumptions and at the heart of it all, critical mental health issues faced by the family, with the hope to honor their journey and transform their past into a message of hope and purpose for others encountering similar challenges” (per Paramount+). From director Soleil Moon Frye (“Kid 90,” 2021), “The Carters” comes from See It Now Studios and Candle True Stories.
Josh Duhamel in “Ransom Canyon”
Rumi and Lamby in “#1 Happy Family USA”
Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Ella Lily Hyland star in “Agatha Christie’s Toward Zero”
Melissa McCarthy. <++ Ghostbusters: Afterlife (‘21) Carrie Coon. < Johnson Family Vacat
The Last of Us <++ Fist Fight (‘17) Ice Cube, Cha rlie Day. Real, Bill Maher (N) The Last of Us Real, Bill Maher
The Huntsman: Winter's War
3 Days to Kill (‘14) Kevin Costner < Cut Bank (‘14) Liam Hemsworth.
Saving Private Ryan (‘98, War) Ed Burns, Tom Sizemore, Tom Hanks. Yellow "Full Circle" < Before Dawn (‘24) Levi Miller. (P) < Panama (‘22) Cole Hauser.
(‘11)
Stiller. Power Book III
Book
Book
Power Book III < Greedy People (‘24) Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Eyed and Wicked (‘23) Molly Kunz. < Backcountry (‘14)Missy Peregrym < Out of Darknes s Safia Oakley-Green. <+++ Fresh (‘94) Sean Nelson. (P)
Johnson Family Vacation
(‘09) Ben Foster, Dennis Quaid.
Dante's Peak Pierce Brosnan.
(‘24)
Double Jesse Eisenberg. Real, Bill MaherGemstones "Interlude IV" The Last of Us
Allied (‘16) Marion Cotillard, Brad Pitt. <++ The Girl on the Trai n (‘16) Emily Blunt. <+++ Strange Darling Yellow "Full Circle" Movie
Gangste
(‘07) Denzel Washington. Power Book III Power Book III Movie
Famous (‘00) Billy Crudup. < Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon Kate Hudson. < The Dead Don't Hurt
By Adam Thomlison TV Media
Q: I was just rewatching “The Long Good Friday” and recognized a lot of the guys who were later in Guy Ritchie films. Was that on purpose?
Like an homage?
A: It’s a fact that Guy Ritchie (“Snatch,” 2000) borrowed a number of cast members from the genre-defining British gangster film “The Long Good Friday” (1980) to star in his own films that redefined the same genre for the modern age. But he’s never said whether he did it deliberately, as a tribute or if it was just coincidence.
Ritchie is on the record as admiring “The Long Good Friday,” a film that tells the story of an established English gangster (Bob Hoskins, “Hook,” 1991) facing a threat to his empire.
“’The Long Good Friday’ was cool, man, and it was edgy, and I couldn’t have made that film,” Ritchie told the magazine Film Threat while promoting his own breakout hit, “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (1998). But he’s never gone further than that.
He didn’t, for example, mention that the main villain of “Lock, Stock,” the colorfully named Hatchet Harry, was played by P.H. Moriarty, who played the also-colorfully named Razors in “The Long Good Friday.” Nor did he mention
that one of the four heroes (antiheroes, perhaps) of “Lock, Stock” was played by Dexter Fletcher, who appeared as a child in “Good Friday.”
Ritchie’s followup film, “Snatch” (2000), again borrowed its chief villain from “Friday.”
“Snatch’s” bespectacled baddie, Brick Top, was played by Alan Ford, who had a smaller role in “Friday.”
And the pattern has just repeated itself again. Ritchie’s new crime series, “MobLand” (on Paramount+), stars Pierce Brosnan (“The World Is Not Enough,” 1999), who many don’t know had a bit role in “The Long Good Friday” early in his career.
Q: What’s James Van Der Beek been up to lately?
A: In the past few months, “Dawson’s Creek” star and former teen heartthrob James Van Der Beek has been fighting the battle of his life, re-evaluating his place in the world and getting eliminated from “The Masked Singer” (in that order).
He revealed last year on social media that he was recovering from Stage 3 colorectal cancer and that it brought him “nose to nose with death.”
He struggled with the impact of the treatment, which prevented him from doing everything he values in life: caring and providing for his family and tending to the sprawling Texas ranch they moved to in 2020.
Thankfully, he’s recovering now. He showcased that recovery in an appearance on “The Masked Singer” just a few weeks ago, be-
ing revealed as the singer in the griffin costume. His wife and kids surprised him on stage afterward, and the emotion of that moment makes more sense when you know about the year that led up to it.
He said that he moved his family to Texas to get them closer to nature and away from the bright lights of Los Angeles. But he clearly hasn’t lost his own taste for the city. He’s still acting occasionally, having appeared in last year’s youth-focused rom-com “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” and done
nized him. He said that’s been a surprising curse of getting healthier.
Suplee has admitted that he became known, to put it bluntly, as a fat actor. So when, after “My Name Is Earl,” he decided to lose weight and get fit — and more importantly, once he succeeded, dropping 200 pounds from his peak weight — it actually cost him roles.
“I found that people were like, ‘Who are you? We don’t know you. You’re this new person,’” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2017.
Fortunately, he and Hollywood
Sudoku
an even more brief cameo in an episode of CW’s “Walker” last summer.
He also appeared last year in Fox’s “The Real Full Monty,” a special based on the popular stage play about a group of regular guys who become strippers for a good cause. In this case, the regular guys were famous actors and the cause was cancer awareness. Van Der Beek booked the gig before revealing his own diagnosis.
Q: Why haven’t I seen the guy who played Earl’s brother on “My Name Is Earl” since? He was the best part for me.
A: You may have seen Ethan Suplee since “My Name Is Earl” ended in 2009 but just not recog-
both adjusted. So now Suplee is an incredibly fit bodybuilder who’s also acting steadily again.
Most recently, he appeared last year in the Prime series “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh,” which was unfortunately canceled after one season. He also appeared last year in the oddball indie comedy “Let’s Start a Cult.”
The year 2022 was his biggest one in a while. He had a role in the star-studded big-screen comedy “Babylon” and in “Clerks III,” the latest installment in the cult-favorite film series.
