News

Before making his fourth feature film, the action revenge thriller One Spoon of Chocolate, legendary rapper and music producer RZA was still, he confesses, unsure of himself as a filmmaker, feeling that he hadn’t yet mastered the process, the “rhythms” as he calls it, of being a director, at least not to the same comfort level he had with music.

After scaling the heights of hip hop as the de facto head of the Wu-Tang Clan, arguably the most influential rap group in history, RZA has found increasing success in film and television, firstly as an actor — he has starred in films like American Gangster (2007), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and Nobody (2021) and series like Californication — and more significantly with writing and directing. His directorial debut, 2012’s The Man With the Iron Fists, starred Oscar-winner Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista and Lucy Lu. RZA followed that with Love Beats Rhymes, a musical drama starring Azelia Banks,...

In the final episode of Raw before SummerSlam, there was plenty of good old fashioned in-ring wrestling along with some eye-opening and jaw-dropping moments, from Dominik Mysterio receiving a Nintendo Switch 2 from Roxanne Perez to Roman Reigns getting speared by Bron Breakker, then having his shoes stolen right off his feet by Bronson Reed — an act of disrespect that added to tension ahead of SummerSlam, where Reed teamed with Breakker in a clash against Reigns and Jey Uso.

With SummerSlam 2025 in the books, revisit everything that happened over the epic weekend and prepare for the fallout on tonight’s episode of Raw.

The Aug. 4 episode of Raw takes place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The Aug. 4 Raw celebrity guests include Wednesday cast members Fred Armisen, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Noah Taylor, and Georgie Farmer, as well as influencer Fanum, and rappers Method Man, Joe...

Trouble Man, the latest Michael Jai White action film, recently made its way out into the world, getting a theatrical, digital, and VOD release last Friday (it’s available to watch on Amazon at This Link). To celebrate the occasion, we’re proud to share an Exclusive clip from the film that shows White’s character taking down a pair of gangsters. Check it out in the embed above!

Directed by White from a screenplay by Michael Stradford, Trouble Man is an action-packed thriller with the following synopsis: Jaxen, a former cop turned Atlanta Pi, is hired to find missing R&b star Jahari. His investigation uncovers her disappearance is connected to a larger conspiracy, forcing him to question those around him and his own past. White plays Jaxen and is joined in the cast by Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Alani “La La” Anthony, Mike Epps, Orlando Jones, Noah Fleder,...

Michael Jai White’s Trouble Man introduces Jaxen, a private investigator who feels like a figure teleported directly from 1970s cinema into the streets of modern Atlanta. He is a man of quiet confidence, immense physical capability, and a clear moral code, an archetype familiar to global audiences yet distinctly rooted in American cultural history.

The film begins with a premise that could be pulled from any classic detective novel: a beautiful R&b singer has vanished, and her powerful record executive boss wants her found. This simple assignment quickly pulls Jaxen into a world of street gangs, corporate deceit, and personal vendettas.

The film operates as an affectionate revival of the blaxploitation genre, playing its conventions with sincerity and a self-aware charm. It avoids the path of parody, choosing instead to present a straightforward, modern chapter in a long-standing cinematic tradition. The movie invites the audience to appreciate its...

Michael Jai White has been in a lot of film and TV projects over the last 35 years or so. But probably most beloved amongst his fans is “Black Dynamite,” the 2009 sendup of 1970s blaxploitation movies he conceived, co-wrote and starred in. That it remains a favorite for him too is made obvious by “Trouble Man,” which isn’t a spoof but a relatively straight-faced replay of that vintage genre’s conventions, with White (also directing now) as the supercool hero constantly besting bad guys via martial arts and gunplay, while simultaneously fending off the attentions of various beautiful women.

Bearing no formal relation to the actual 1972 blaxploitation feature of the same title, which is best remembered for its Marvin Gaye score, White’s “Trouble Man” is full of such winking references to vintage African-American pop culture. But referentiality is as far as this semi-tongue-in-cheek endeavor goes; it does a lot...

Ghostface Killah has announced the long-awaited sequel to his 2000 classic, Supreme Clientele, with the album slated to arrive Aug. 22 via Mass Appeal.

The Supreme Clientele 2 announcement was accompanied by the release of a first single, “Rap Kingpin,” which features some characteristically dense, over-the-top, and reference-stuffed Ghostface bars (e.g. “Ghost is global, classic, soulful/Teddy Pendergrass on wax with the nasty vocals”). The track also incorporates samples of Eric B & and Rakim’s “My Melody” and Ghostface’s own “Mighty Healthy,” a highlight off the original Supreme Clientele.

“Supreme Clientele...

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (Cape) has named its Showrunners Incubator class of 2025.

The #TakeTheLead diversity initiative is back for a second year. “Nancy Drew” and “Tom Swift” executive producer and showrunner Melinda Hsu is acting as chair of the program. The incubator provides writers who are on the brink of showrunning with exclusive mentorship and real-world training and education.

“According to the WGA’s latest job statistics, there were over 1,300 TV writing jobs lost last season—nearly half of them at the co-executive producer to showrunner level,” said Rhian Moore, Cape’s head of programs. “This sharp decline means even fewer opportunities for writers to gain the leadership experience they need, both in the writers’ room and on set. With alumni from our inaugural year already finding success as they step into showrunning roles, Cape is excited to continue our work training the next generation of creative leaders.

After announcing her long-awaited new album, Here for It All, earlier this week, Mariah Carey has dropped a fresh single, “Sugar Sweet,” featuring Shenseea and Kehlani.

The dancehall-tinged tune boasts skittering drums, sultry synths, and enticing verses from all three vocalists. “Hate it when you have to leave/But I don’t say a thing/Cause I will absolutely get the ring,” Carey coos before delivering the song’s hook, “I’ma keep it nice, nice, nеat, neat, sugar, sugar, sweet, sweet.”

“Sugar Sweet” is the second song Carey has...

Hip-hop is no longer solely youth culture; it’s just culture, with cross-generational scenes full of artists intent on capturing their era’s zeitgeist. But Raekwon The Chef’s latest solo album, The Emperor’s New Clothes, was unquestionably tailored for the 35-and-up hip-hop heads who descended upon Madison Square Garden to see the Wu-Tang Clan’s possible final hometown show last week. There are no stunt features or out-of-touch Gen Z reaches here, just a 17-track dose of raw, New York City hip-hop.

As I noted in my show review,...

Starz is betting big again on its flagship crime drama franchise Power, and it's understandable why. Since the first installment aired on the network on June 7, 2014, it has become one of Starz's highest-rated shows and one of television's most-watched series. The network has officially greenlit Power: Origins, an 18-episode order for the series, which will follow the early lives of Power legends James “Ghost” St. Patrick and long-time partner Tommy Egan.

Created by Courtney A. Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent, Power launched in 2014 and ran for six seasons, ending its original run in 2020. The series followed the double life of James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a smooth-talking nightclub owner trying to go legit while deeply entangled in New York’s brutal drug underworld. While the original show set the initial coordinates, Power Book II: Ghost followed Ghost’s son, Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.), as he struggled with his...

On a warm summer night in the City of Brotherly Love, history was made as the Wu-Tang Clan took the stage for what was billed as their final show — and they went out in epic fashion. The Wells Fargo Center was electric with energy as thousands of fans gathered to witness the legendary hip-hop collective deliver a performance that was equal parts celebration, reflection, and unfiltered lyrical fire. Direct support for this tour came from Run The Jewels who also put on an electrifying performance.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the iconic opening chords of “Bring da Ruckus” echoed through the arena, it was clear that Wu-Tang wasn’t here to say goodbye quietly. With all living members present — RZA, Gza, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna — the group launched into a masterclass in hip-hop showmanship. Their chemistry was as potent as ever,...

It’s a big news week for the 50th Toronto International Film Festival starting with this morning’s announcement of their full Galas and Special Presentations section including world premieres of Aziz Ansari’s Lionsgate Keanu Reeves & Seth Rogen comedy Good Fortune, Maude Apatow’s feature directorial debut Poetic License, Isabel Coixet’s Three Goodbyes, James McAvoy’s feature directorial debut California Schemin’, Succession star Brian Cox’s feature directorial debut Glenrothan, Romain Gavras’ Sacrifice, David Michôd’s Christy, Yeon Sang-ho’s The Ugly, James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg, and Alice Winocour’s Couture, as well as films from Mamoru Hosoda, Zacharias Kunuk, Baz Luhrmann, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Jafar Panahi, Benny Safdie, and Gus Van Sant.

Before Waiting for Godot begins its Broadway run on Sept. 13, both Bill and Ted will be in TIFF; Keanu Reeves starring in Good Fortune and Alex Winter with the world premiere of his Adulthood.

Good Fortune,...

Mariah Carey has announced her 16th album, Here for It All, the long-awaited follow-up album to 2018’s Caution. She unveiled the news on Monday morning, July 21, with an Instagram video. In the clip, she reveals that Here for It All, which had been referred to as MC16 in the lead-up, will arrive on Sept. 26. She also teases a snippet of the title track.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)

She teased the news would arrive on Monday via social media over the weekend. On Sunday,...

Near the end of what’s purported to be Wu-Tang Clan’s final Madison Square Garden set, Raekwon gave the crowd an affirmation about the legendary group: “One of one!” The most derivative rappers in the world will tell you they are too; the Clan actually embody the term. At times, mainstream rap these days feels like a gentrified city where the spaces that once harbored unforgettable memories have been converted into yet another Starbucks. Lyricism as the default measure of talent feels like a distant memory. But even those cities have indelible,...

“Trouble Man” is a new action feature, written and directed by Michael Jai White, starring White, with Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Mike Epps, Gillian White, Orlando Jones and La La Anthony, releasing August 1, 2025 in theaters:

“…’Jaxen’ (White), a former cop turned ‘Atlanta Pi’, is hired to find the missing R&b star ‘Jahari’.

“His investigation uncovers her disappearance is connected to a larger conspiracy, forcing him to question those around him & his own past…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

“Trouble Man” is a new action comedy feature, written and directed by Michael Jai White, starring White, with Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Mike Epps, Gillian White, Orlando Jones and La La Anthony, releasing August 1, 2025 in theaters:

“…’Jaxen’ (White), a former cop turned ‘Atlanta Pi’, is hired to find the missing R&b star ‘Jahari’.

“His investigation uncovers her disappearance is connected to a larger conspiracy, forcing him to question those around him & his own past…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Despite displaying a particular set of skills that would make even Liam Neeson quake in his boots and possessing the kind of charisma that the best action heroes are made of, Michael Jai White somehow remains one of the most underrated actors in the genre. Until he is given the high-profile role he has long-deserved, the actor and martial artist is back to doing what he does best – looking for trouble – in the trailer for his latest action outing.

Best recognized for roles in the likes of The Dark Knight, Spawn, Blood and Bone, Never Back Down, Black Dynamite, Arrow, and many more, Michael Jai White takes the lead in Trouble Man! which finds the action star fighting his way through baddies while attempting to find a missing R&b star.

White took to social media to share the trailer, with the actor saying, “Get ready y’all! Here’s...

"Hey man, why you keep trying to be this girl's savior?" Samuel Goldwyn Films has revealed the official trailer for Trouble Man, the new action comedy film written and directed by and starring actor Michael Jai White. This just premiered at the 2025 American Black Film Festival in Miami, and opens in theaters and on VOD to watch in August. Not too long of a wait. Mjw's fourth feature following Never Back Down 1 & 2 and Outlaw Johnny Black. An ex-cop turned fixer / Pi in Atlanta is hired to find a R&b superstar named Jahari and rumored ex-girlfriend. With a blend of brains, bullets and Kung Fu, Jaxen must fight through a maze of street thugs, slicksters and Chinese mobsters before his or the diva's time runs out. He soon begins to question those around him & his own past. Starring Michael Jai White as Jaxen, with Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Mike Epps,...

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This July, Hulu is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the highly anticipated return of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to the much-anticipated streaming release of The Amateur. However, for the purposes of this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Hulu this month and have an 85% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the seven best films that are coming to Hulu in July 2025 with an 85% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Bridesmaids (July 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89% Credit – Universal Pictures

Bridesmaids is a comedy film directed by Paul Feig from a screenplay co-written by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig. The 2011 film revolves around a group of women as they go on various misadventures after being chosen by their friend to serve as bridesmaids at her wedding. Bridesmaids stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph,...

Photo Credit: Paramount+ Music fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good story, get ready! Paramount+ is about to drop a brand-new docuseries that’s going to take you on an incredible journey through the heart of Hip Hop. Hip Hop Was Born Here, this isn’t just another music show. It’s executive produced and co-created by none other than Hip Hop legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer LL Cool J himself, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning – an unexpected but exciting duo! Launching on Tuesday, July 22nd, the series is hosted by LL Cool J and promises to dive deep into the very essence of Hip Hop. We’re talking about its creation, its evolution, and its massive, ongoing impact not just as a musical genre, but as a global culture. All five episodes will be ready for you to stream exclusively on Paramount+, offering a unique historical tour.

Paramount+ today announced the new music docuseries Hip Hop Was Born Here, executive produced and co-created by Hip Hop trailblazer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee LL Cool J and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

Hip Hop Was Born Here is set to premiere on Tuesday, July 22, on the streamer in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Brazil. The series will also premiere internationally in the U.K., Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria on Wednesday, July 23.

Hosted by LL Cool J, the series will chart the creation, evolution, and ongoing legacy of Hip Hop not just as a genre but as a culture.

All five episodes will be available to stream exclusively on the service, taking viewers on a journey through Hip Hop history – meeting OGs and future icons, visiting the neighborhoods, studios, and places that fostered early styles, as well as watching beloved artists analyze their favorite tracks.

Exclusive: Peyton Manning and LL Cool J have teamed on Hip Hop Was Born Here, a docuseries that explores the history of hip hop in New York City. Hosted by LL Cool J, the five-episode first season is set to premiere July 22 on Paramount+.

Co-created by LL Cool J and Manning, the series will chart the creation, evolution and ongoing legacy of hip hop, not just as a genre but as a culture. Viewers will be taken on a journey through hip hop history – meeting genre pioneers and future icons, visiting the neighborhoods, studios and places that fostered early styles as well as watching beloved artists analyze their favorite tracks, according to the description.

Manning executive produces via his Omaha Productions and LL Cool J via his Rock the Bells prodco. The docuseries marks Omaha’s first project with CBS/Paramount, touting it as one of its most ambitious projects...

LL Cool J digs into how New York City shaped the creation and evolution of rap in the new trailer for the upcoming docuseries, Hip-Hop Was Born Here.

The five-part series will offer a kind of historical and musical tour of the five boroughs as LL Cool J visits the neighborhoods and meets with the MCs and producers who were instrumental to hip-hop’s rise. A plethora of hip-hop luminaries will feature on the show, including Big Daddy Kane, Grandmaster Caz, Jadakiss, Method Man, Rev Run, Roxanne Shante, Salt of Salt-n-Pepa,...

Charlie (Natasha Lyonne) remains in New York City, and this time, finds herself the reluctant figure in another crime. With a brief cameo in “A New Lease on Death,” we also return Patti Harrison to “The Big Pump.” What starts as an awkward friendship becomes the heartbeat of the episode, all while Method Man gives an excellent guest-starring appearance.

Spoiler Alert !!!Full spoilers for Episode 10 "The Big Pump" and previous episodes of Poker Face. Poker Face — “The Big Pump” Recap

In a gym called The Brick House, owner and weightlifter Brick (Cliff “Method Man” Smith) sets a new gym record for a lift. As he does, one of the gym members, Rodney (Jason Ritter), feels like he’s not getting what he needs out of his membership. He stops Brick and asks if he’s selling steroids or performance enhancers. While Brick tells him no at first, he eventually relents.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for “The Big Pump,” Season 2, Episode 10 of “Poker Face,” now streaming on Peacock.

The last time “Poker Face” fans saw Clea DuVall, she played Charlie’s (Natasha Lyonne) estranged sister in the Season 1 finale, which left the future of their relationship uncertain. But in this week’s episode of Season 2, the “Happiest Season” director returns behind the camera for an adrenaline-filled murder mystery set in a gym.

“My approach in working with actors really comes from having the privilege to work with as many incredible directors as I have. I’ve seen so many brilliant, talented directors do things very well, and I’ve also seen less experienced directors do things that didn’t work as well,” DuVall tells Variety. “I can sort of pick and choose what I find helpful, and bring that to the table when working with actors.”

Shot over the course of 10 days,...

De La Soul’s Maseo and Posdnuos return to Long Island to discuss their earliest sessions with producer Prince Paul in an exclusive clip from the upcoming documentary, The Sixth Borough.

Directed by Jason Pollard, the film digs into the vibrant and influential history of hip-hop on Long Island, which is often overlooked compared to the genre’s storied, well-documented past in New York City. De La Soul are one of the prime examples, with the group forming while Maseo, Posdnous, and Trugoy the Dove (who died in 2023) were still...

Hip-hop pioneers Wu-Tang Clan kicked off their final tour, “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber,” at Cfg Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday, June 6th.

Spanning roughly two hours, the concert saw the fully reunited group performing hits from throughout Wu-Tang Clan’s discography and the members’ solo catalogs. The first part of the 40-song set saw them running through classics including”Bring da Ruckus,” “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit,” and “Protect Ya Neck.”

Get Wu‐Tang Clan Tickets Here

After that, Method Man (“Bring the Pain”), Ghostface Killah (“Daytona 500”), Raekwon (“Ice Cream”), Gza (“Liquid Swords”), and more took turns performing some of their signature tracks, with Inspectah Deck rapping his standout verse from Gang Starr’s “Above the Clouds.”

Not nearly done yet, Wu-Tang Clan played “Impossible” for the first time since 2013, “Tearz,” and “Reunited” before paying tribute to late member Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Odb’s son,...

The expansive universe of legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan, who are currently on a historic final tour, is ripe for the type of rich mythology present in video games. Founded in 1992 in New York City and consisting of members RZA, Gza, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Wu-Tang is an indelible piece of the architecture of modern hip-hop, a crew of distinct MCs capable of unifying under an eclectic sonic umbrella, not unlike superheroes. Now, the rap luminaries are getting the video...

Director Joe Carnahan’s action thriller Shadow Force is now available on digital from Lionsgate – and to mark the occasion, we’re proud to share an Exclusive clip from a featurette that goes behind-the-scenes with Carnahan and the cast, which includes Omar Sy (Lupin), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), and Cliff “Method Man” Smith (How High). You can watch the clip in the embed above, then check out the digital release of Shadow Force at This Link.

Scripted by Carnahan and Leon Chills, the film has the following synopsis: Kyrah (Washington) and Isaac (Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war.

Peacock is calling ‘Blsht’ one again. The streamer’s “Poker Face” will once again mark Emmy FYC season by creating a day-long takeover at 13 various Los Angeles burger joins on Saturday, June 7, to celebrate the show.

The Emmy-winning mystery series will offer free “‘Blsht burger and a side of lies” to fans and Emmy voters on June 7 from noon to 6 p.m. Pt. The day is based on Charlie Cale, the character played on “Poker Face” by Natasha Lyonne.

Also, Charlie Cale’s iconic 1968 Plymouth Barracuda will be on display for photo opportunities at Heavy Handed in Studio City.

Here are the restaurants participating in “Blsht Day”:

Heavy Handed; Burgers Never Say Die (Silver Lake); Irv’s Burgers and Og Smash Burger (Glendale).

Menu options include a regular burger or vegetarian option.

Peacock has been busy with its “Poker Face” installations: At the start of May, it held another event in New York,...

The action thriller Shadow Force, starring Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, will soon be available on home release. The Joe Carnahan-directed film hit theaters earlier this month and will be available to watch from the comfort of your couch starting May 30. To celebrate the Digital release, Collider is unveiling exclusive photos from the action thriller that asks Washington and Sy's characters, Kyrah Owens and Issac Sarr: How far will you go to protect your family? The images show Washington and Sy's characters with their son, Ky Sarr (Jahleel Kamara), as their lives begin to unravel with a bounty on their heads and their former organization, Shadow Force, zeroing in on the family. Mark Strong, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Cliff "Method Man" Smith also star.

The logline for Shadow Force is as follows:

"Kyrah (Kerry Washington) and Issac (Omar Sy) were once leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force.

On Tuesday May 27 2025, ABC broadcasts Tamron Hall!

Hot for Summer Season 6 Episode 168 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Tamron Hall,” titled “Hot for Summer,” promises to be an exciting one for fans. Airing on ABC, this episode features a lineup that includes actor and rapper Method Man, known for his role in the movie “Bad Shabbos.” His presence is sure to bring a lively energy to the show, as he shares insights from his career in both music and acting.

In addition to Method Man, the episode will also welcome actor Mario Cantone, recognized for his work in “And Just Like That…” His comedic talent and engaging personality are expected to add a fun dynamic to the conversation. Viewers can look forward to entertaining discussions and perhaps some light-hearted banter between the guests.

The episode will also highlight the “Shop Tam Fam” segment, where viewers can discover unique products and recommendations.

Sony Pictures Classics is out with Jane Austen Wrecked My Life in limited release, Angel Studios’ The Last Rodeo opens wide and A24’s Friendship added screens with few new indies braving the double whammy of live action Lilo & Stitch and Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning.

The former may have set a Disney record for Memorial Day weekend previews, Deadline reports, while Tom Cruise’s high octane eighth outing as Ethan Hunt may have set a record preview night for a Mission: Impossible.

Jane Austen in her own right “has become a bit of a rock star in the marketplace,” SPC brass rightly noted when the distributor acquired the feature debut by Laura Piani ahead of its TIFF world premiere last year. It’s opening on 61 screens in select markets including Lincoln Square and Angelika Film Center in New York and the AMC Grove and Laemmle Royal in LA.

On Friday May 23 2025, ABC broadcasts Live with Kelly and Mark!

Live’s Summer Cooking! Season 3 Episode 189 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” titled “Live’s Summer Cooking!” promises to be an exciting treat for fans. This episode will feature the talented Sarah Jessica Parker, known for her role in “And Just Like That…,” as a special guest. Viewers can expect an engaging conversation with Parker, who will share insights into her latest projects and her experiences in the entertainment industry.

In addition to Parker, the show will welcome rapper and actor Method Man, who is known for his role in the film “Bad Shabbos.” Method Man’s appearance is likely to bring a fun and lively energy to the episode. He may also share some of his own cooking tips or summer recipes, adding to the festive atmosphere of the show.

The main focus of “Live’s Summer Cooking!

Exclusive: Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie Cale is back on the case in Season 2 of Peacock’s Poker Face, which made a promising return to the streamer earlier this month, per preliminary Nielsen data.

Season 2 launched with three new episodes on May 8, boosting the series to become a Top 5 original title across all of streaming, based on minutes viewed for the week of May 5.

Exact data isn’t available just yet, though it will be in a few weeks when Nielsen releases its streaming report for that interval. Deadline also understands that Season 2 of Poker Face is the No. 2 streaming original based on average audience for the week of May 5.

This is a strong start for the sophomore season of Poker Face, which is still debuting new episodes each Thursday. The series is a mystery-of-the-week series following Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying.

Written and directed by Joe Carnahan, the brand-new action drama Shadow Force has officially opened in theaters, although it was unable to break the top 5 in its opening weekend box office ranking. From 2,170 theaters, the movie managed just $2.1 million from its debut weekend, a considerable underachievement for a film boasting a reported $60 million budget. Unable to make an impact despite featuring a strong, eye-catching ensemble cast that includes the likes of Kerry Washington, Lupin star Omar Sy, The Penguin and Dune: Prophecy's Mark Strong, Academy Award winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, and others, it seems that the poor beginning to financial life isn't reflected by the movie's audience reception.

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Shadow Force is the owner of an impressive 81% audience rating, suggesting a movie well worth the time, energy, and money of theatergoers. Alas, it seems this action flick is the latest in...

Just in time for Mommy Appreciation Day, Kerry Washington has just the movie for you. It has romance, it has family values... and it even has guns blazing. No, not figuratively. Fresh off her leading turn in Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight for Netflix, the Emmy-winning actress is back in action for another film where she means business. This time around, however, it's a little more fun, despite the hard R-rated violence and tense drama surrounding her embattled character's perpetual drive to protect her son.

From Lionsgate, Shadow Force sees Washington starring opposite the reliably appealing Omar Sy (Lupin). They play a pair of elite international assassins on the run from their former employer who has placed a $25 million bounty on their heads for ditching their organization to start a family. What a nerve. MovieWeb recently caught up with Washington to learn more about her exciting new action...

Let’s face it: Family life and being members of an elite assassination squad just don’t mix.

It’s hopefully a problem to which few readers can relate, but it afflicts the central characters of Joe Carnahan’s new action film, which quietly snuck into theaters without advance screenings. Kerry Washington and Omar Sy play Kyrah and Issac, who used to be members of the titular organization until they made the mistake of falling in love and having a baby. They’ve since gone rogue, but in a modern manner: Issac stays home and cares for their young son Ky (Jahleel Kamara, adorable), while Kyrah remains in the field to eliminate the many assassins who’ve been assigned to kill them for their transgression. As Issac explains to his son, he and Kyrah used to be bad guys, doing “God’s dirty work” around the globe before they realized...

Plot: An estranged couple with a bounty on their heads must go on the run with their son to avoid their former employer, a unit of shadow ops that has been sent to kill them.

Review: Joe Carnahan‘s name really used to mean something in the action space. And I’d argue that he still does to some extent (with a ton of anticipation for his recently wrapped Affleck/Damon flick Rip). And I love that Kerry Washington is getting into the world of guns and mayhem. Sadly, their latest film, Shadow Force, fails to get me excited for either’s output in the genre, as it’s a pale retread of better films.

I was shocked by how much of Shadow Force consists of characters simply talking. When the whole plot is “former shadow ops are hunted down by their former team/employer” you expect a lot more action.

When a now-defunct celebrity couple attempted to make like Nick and Nora Charles meets “Mission: Impossible” in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” two decades ago, the high-concept, high-budget results were a mixed bag — which didn’t stop them from being imitated ever since. The latest duo to step into similar matching marital bulletproof vests is Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, playing globetrotting “elite special operators” now hiding from their former colleagues in “Shadow Force.”

It takes a certain esprit to pull off this kind of bombastic yet larky star vehicle. Joe Carnahan’s film provides passable diversion for a couple hours, but the fun to be had is limited by uninspired action staging, less-than-sparkling dialogue and a maudlin streak of the “It’s about family!!” type. Lionsgate’s theatrical release looks likelier to find its primary audience once it reaches home formats.

Kyrah (Washington) and Isaac (Sy) are a couple who met on the job.

If you know anything about Shadow Force, you’ll probably only know the badly over-photoshopped faces of Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, the corny font, and the basic design of the poster at your local movie theater. It seems like the type of film you can easily skip because if you’ve seen one terrible action flick, you’ve seen them all. For Shadow Force, think again. What lies underneath the cheap marketing is a surprisingly fun, exciting action flick with strong performances and a nice pace.

Shadow Force Review

Joe Carnahan has made a career out of ridiculous action flicks. Boss Level was a surprising standout in a deeply bland and frenetic library. Between this and the Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Steven Yeun starrer Rip that releases later this year on Netflix, Carnahan’s career is looking up.

Kerry Washington as Syrah and Jahleel Kamera as Ky in Shadow Force.

A new season of Poker Face has arrived, and with it a new rotation of famous faces as guest stars.

Notable names include Cynthia Erivo, who plays sextuplets, Justin Theroux, Katie Holmes, Giancarlo Esposito, Melanie Lynskey, Tayklor Schilling and many many more. Some of Season 1’s guest stars included Adrien Brody, Charles Melton, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jameela Jamil, Clea DuVall, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Meadows, Lil Rel Howery and several others.

For more details about new episodes of Poker Face Season 2 and when they come out, read on below:

When does Poker Face Season 2 come out?

The second season of the Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne collaboration arrives on Peacock May 8.

How many episodes are in Poker Face Season 2?

There are twelve episodes in Season 2 of Poker Face.

When do new episodes of Poker Face arrive on Peacock?

The first three episodes arrived on the streamer May 8, with the rest arriving...

Natasha Lyonne is back on the road for Season 2 of Poker Face, and she brought a few old friends along for the ride.

While discussing the star-studded guest roster of the Peacock show’s sophomore season, the first three episodes available to stream May 8, the actress admitted to Deadline that she wasn’t entirely sure if she’d previously worked with ‘The Sleazy Georgian’ actor John Cho.

“I think that he’s maybe in some of the American Pies,” she said. “I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen those. I did see the first one at the premiere. I do love Chris and Paul Weitz. I do talk a lot of shit about that movie, it’s mostly just because I don’t understand high school or proms or suburbia.”

Despite having only seen the first American Pie (1999), Lyonne played the sarcastic Jessica in the teen film and its...

In the grand culmination of lucky Season 13, the final four battle it out for the Golden Mask trophy on The Masked Singer! Boogie Woogie, Coral, Mad Scientist Monster, and Pearl take the stage for the last time as panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Ken Jeong, and Rita Ora make their final guesses for a chance to win their own Golden Ear trophy.

Four mystery celebs will be unmasked, but only one can walk away a winner as Nick Cannon hosts "The Two-Hour Lucky Season 13 Finale" episode of The Masked Singer airing Wednesday, May 7 (8 p.m. Et/Pt) on Fox.

So far this season, 11 famous faces have been unmasked: Cedric the Entertainer as Honey Pot, Oscar De La Hoya as Fuzzy Peas, Aubrey O'Day as Ant, Scheana Shay as Bat, Flavor Flav as Space Ranger, James Van Der Beek as Griffin, Candace Cameron Bure as Cherry Blossom, Method Man as Stud Muffin,...

After “The Masked Singer” wraps up its “Lucky Season 13” on Wednesday night, Fox is giving the show a bit of a breather. The network is set to unveil a fall schedule on Monday that won’t include the hit singing competition for the first time in several years — saving Season 14 until January 2026.

The news will also be revealed on Wednesday night’s finale. Per a network statement, “Among Fox’s most enduring signature shows is The Masked Singer with a truly devoted fanbase. This juggernaut will return next year for Season 14 as it takes midseason by storm with a spectacular, super-charged new season.”

The network added that the decision to hold off on the new season until January “is a strategic move to give ample runway for America’s favorite guessing game. and allow us to creatively look at enhancing the show with the biggest names at the center of it.

Exclusive: The Masked Singer has been renewed after producing an incredible 13 seasons and more than 170 episodes since it launched on Fox in January 2019.

This included a number of seasons produced under strict Covid protocols with the music competition guessing game, which has aired one season at the start of the year and one in the fall, never missing a run throughout the pandemic.

However, Deadline understands that this is about to change with the show eschewing its traditional fall 2025 season and planning to return for Season 14 in January.

The news comes as the Season 13 finale is set to air tonight. This season has featured the likes of Cedric the Entertainer, Oscar De La Hoya, Aubrey O’Day, Scheana Shay, Flavor Flav, James Van Der Beek, Candace Cameron Bure, Method Man, Erika Jayne, Matthew Lawrence and Edwin McCain. Four celebrities have yet to be unmasked – those performing as Boogie Woogie, Coral, Mad Scientist Monster and Pearl.

The Masked Singer Season 13 finale airs Wednesday night, and Ken Jeong definitely knows who Boogie Woogie is. The ever-confident clue master is convinced that the orange disco monster is none other than four-time Grammy winner Ed Sheeran.

In an exclusive preview clip below, Ken lays out his theory about who is hiding behind the Boogie Woogie mask.

"I was thinking at the very beginning it could be somebody like Andy Samberg," says Ken's co-panelist Robin Thicke. "But, every vocal he put down and every performance you started to realize he's a professional performer. That's why I got into names like Ryan Tedder who, vocally, does match."

"There was a Statue of Liberty clue and that made me think Broadway," adds Rita Ora. "That brought me to Darren Criss and Glee."

Ken then puts everyone in their place and asserts, "I follow the person on social media. I'm thinking it could...

Cliff “Method Man” Smith as Unc and Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Auntie in Shadow Force. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate Copyright © 2025 Lionsgate After winning an Oscar for her last movie, The Holdovers, Da’Vine Joy Randolph will soon be seen in director Joe Carnahan’s action film Shadow Force. She’ll be starring alongside Kerry Washington and Omar Sy in the film, which focuses on a couple of former special forces operatives who are now trying to protect their family from the group they left behind. It’s Randolph’s second action movie, following 2022’s The Lost City, and she says she’s thrilled to be involved with another thriller. (Click on the media bar below to hear Da’Vine Joy Randolph.) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Da_Vine_Joy_Randolph_Shadow_Force_.mp3

Shadow Force opens in theaters on Friday.

The post With ‘Shadow Force,’ Da’Vine Joy...

Plot: Poker Face is a mystery-of-the-week series following Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve.

Review: While Rian Johnson revived the whodunit on the big screen with Knives Out and the Netflix sequel Glass Onion, his charmingly retro small-screen series Poker Face has truly proven its worth in the tried-and-true genre. Echoing classic shows like Columbo and The Rockford Files, Poker Face‘s first season centered on Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne), who solved mysteries while on the run from gangsters looking to kill her. The overarching narrative of the first season was engaging, but the standalone mysteries boasting famous guest stars turned Poker Face into must-watch programming. After a two-year wait, Poker Face is back with another ten mysteries,...

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This May, we are getting a ton of great shows on various streaming services. From the much-anticipated Season 2 of Rian Johnson‘s Poker Face on Peacock to the all-new season of the adult-animation anthology series Love, Death & Robots on Netflix. So, we are here to sort out all of the brilliant upcoming shows that you might want to check out.

The Four Seasons (Netflix) – May 1, 2025 Credit – Netflix

The Four Seasons is a comedy-drama miniseries created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield. Based on the 1981 film of the same name by Alan Alda, the Netflix series revolves around three suburban couples who vacation together each season of the year. When one of the couple breaks up and the man begins bringing a younger woman, everything becomes a bit weird. The Four Seasons stars Tina Fey, Steve Carell,...