Category: News

NBA All-Star Saturday Night has lost a bit of luster from what it was at its peak, but the Three-Point Shootout and Dunk Contest can still be really fun when you get the right mix of competitors. The Skills Challenge is what it is, a perfectly fine warmup to the evening — which this year saw Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul get disqualified after trying to find a loophole in the rules — but it can’t reach the same heights as the other two.

This year’s Three-Point Shootout wasn’t as good as some recent ones, but did feature some late drama as Buddy Hield needed to go 5-for-5 on his moneyball rack to beat Tyler Herro, but missed one to fall a point shy of the Heat All-Star. It was an average Three-Point Shootout, but given the high floor of the event it was still entertaining.

The Dunk Contest, meanwhile, has the highest variance of all the events, and requires at least one great performance to salvage it — while two elite showings makes it an instant classic. For the third straight year, Mac McClung made sure we got at least one great effort as he opened the night with a redux of the legendary Blake Griffin dunk over a car, except took it to a whole other level. McClung didn’t jump over the hood like Griffin, but instead went straight over the middle of the car, taking the ball off the head of someone sticking out of the sunroof and threw down a reverse while leaping over the car.

It was a truly special dunk and one of the best we’ve ever seen, earning 50s across the board while everyone in the Chase Center lost their minds. After a good dunk by Stephon Castle and both Matas Buzelis and Andre Jackson Jr. struggling to get a dunk down, it made sure everyone would go home happy.

From there he threw down another 50 to punch his ticket to the final against Castle — who put down two very solid dunks in the first round to make it to the finals himself.

In the finals, Castle stepped up his game with 49.6 and a 50 as he put on one of the best non-McClung performances we’ve seen in a long time. His first dunk took a few too many attempts to earn a 50, but both it and his second dunk were extremely smooth and powerful, with his 50 coming on a sick behind the back 360 lefty finish.

That forced McClung to be perfect with his two dunks, but as we saw all night aside from one hiccup on the car dunk (that was because his friend didn’t have the ball positioned right), he took care of business with another flawless final round to earn 50s on all four dunks.

McClung’s perfect night earned him a three-peat as he cements his place as one of the (if not the) greatest Dunk Contest performers in history.

The NBA Skills Challenge is not the best event at All-Star Weekend, but it can produce some occasional fun as the opening event at All-Star Saturday Night.

The Skills Challenge has seen some different formats over the years, but this year it was the more standard course with passing and shooting stations both players on each team had to get through and their cumulative time would determine the winner. This year, to keep things moving, the players were limited to three shots from each spot and then allowed to move on to avoid someone shooting threes for 30 seconds trying to make one.

While this was probably the right call, the league did not consider the fact that they put Chris Paul into the competition and when he saw that all you had to do was shoot three times, make or miss, and you got to move on, he would find a way to exploit that. Sure enough, the Spurs came out and Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul got to the racks for shots and just chucked the balls towards the baseline without even pretending to try and shoot — earning boos from the crowd.

They got through the course in under 50 seconds as a result, but the NBA decided that the mockery of the Skills Challenge was too much and disqualified them for not even trying. Wanting to win the Skills Challenge so badly you flaunt the rules and don’t even try to shoot is the most Chris Paul thing to ever happen. Naturally, Paul tried to argue but was unsuccessful, and that opened the door for the Warriors and Cavs teams to make it through to the final round.

The funniest part of the whole thing was when TNT’s Allie LaForce went over to try and talk with Paul and Wembanyama and got denied by someone from either the Spurs or league’s PR department.

The Cavs team of Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell would go on to win in the finals over Draymond Green and Moses Moody, but the Spurs actively flaunting the rules was, without a doubt, the most entertaining part of the contest.

Back in 1994, Nirvana disbanded following the tragic suicide of its lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain. Recently, the band’s surviving members (Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear) have treated supporters to a series of special performances.

Yesterday (February 14), Nirvana came together for a surprise set at SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert during which Post Malone joined as their special guest. Together, the musicians delivered a fiery performance of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (viewable here).

Users across X (formerly Twitter) has praised the performance.

“This literally brought tears to my eyes,” wrote one user.

“Fun to see David Grohl & Pat Schmear in action again,” chimed another.

Other commended Post Malone for stepping into such legendary shoes.

“It was good brought me a lot of joy, of course [Post Malone’s] not Kurt I still miss him,” wrote one user.

“Nirvana should tour. ‘Nirvana and friends’ and just get artists to cover different songs. No one will ever replace Kurt, but I think the fans would enjoy a world tour to see 75% of the original band,” added another.

Last month, the surviving members of Nirvana connected with St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett on stage at the FireAid LA Benefit concert.

The SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert is exclusively available on Peacock. Find more information here.

Yesterday (February 14), most of the lovers were out enjoying Valentine’s Day. For the those with no plans, the SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert offered a night filled with hilarious moments.

Dozens of Saturday Night Live‘s beloved alum took to Radio City Music Hall’s stage to celebrate the late night staple’s historic anniversary. However, one of the most memorial moments turned out to be a crossover between a prior music guest and a comedian favorite. When Andy Samberg took to the joined Lady Gaga on stage no one knew what to expect. So, their performance of “D*ck In A Box” (viewable here), not only earned an electric response from within the venue but viewers at home.

Although Justin Timberlake was the original pop star featured in the SNL bit, Lady Gaga had no problem stepping in to belt out the not safe for work lyrics. Supporters across X (formerly Twitter) are raving about the duet.

“Nature is healing,” wrote one user.

“The layers on this bit,” chimed another user.

“And she made it sound good,” wrote another.

“She was in the videos originally,” penned one user reminding others of Gaga’s cameo.

“She sang ‘The Golden Rule’ with him (and Timberlake) previously,” added another referring to the SNL original song’s follow-up.

The SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert is exclusively available on Peacock. Find more information here.

Drake’s latest collaborative album with PartyNextDoor has thrust him back in the music conversation. However, the “Gimme A Hug” rapper just can’t seem to shake another track directly inspired by him.

Yesterday (February 14), the chart-topping Drake diss “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar was featured in a rather hilarious way during SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert. Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer fought back laughter as they performed a comedic cover of “Not Like Us” at Radio City Music Hall.

As Marty Culp (Ferrell) and Bobbi Mohan-Culp (Gasteyer) the actors made the sold out crowd erupt into laughter. User online were equally tickled by their creative take on the stinging hit track.

“Didn’t know ‘Not Like Us’ had legs like this. At this rate it’ll still be playing next Christmas (2026) ,” wrote one user.

“I didn’t know how much I wanted to see this until it came true before my eyes,” penned another.

“[Drake is] bout’ to sue SNL now too ,” joked one user referring to Drake’s defamation lawsuit against UMG.

Drake has not publicly reacted to the performance. But supporters believe he will soon, given his past working relationship with Will Ferrell.

The SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert is exclusively available on Peacock. Find more information here.

From time to time, Taylor Swift lets her comedic chops shine. The “Fortnight” singer loves also loves to let loose (regardless of an event’s formality). However, a new viral rumor suggests Taylor Swift’s sense of humor has limits.

Yesterday (February 14), during a sit-down with New York Magazine, Lorne Michaels called out Taylor Swift for attempting to stop a sketch about her on Saturday Night Live.

Michaels claimed when the SNL crew was crafting a sketch poking fun at Swift’s “1989-era squad days,” he decided to give her the heads-up. As the two chatted about the sketch, Michael invited Swift to even appear in the comedic bit. But, Swift quickly “decline the offer and ask him to cut the bit entirely.”

Still, Swift’s disapproval didn’t stop Michaels from moving forward. “Taylor, I do not negotiate with terrorists,” he joked.

The “Bad Blood” video spoof starring Amy Schumer was well-received by SNL viewers as well as Swift’s super fans (the Swifties).

Eventually, Swift was able to find the humor in the sketch. Michaels says he even received a bouquet of flowers from the singer. Attached to the flower arrange was a note supposedly from Swift, which read: “I hope there’s no bad blood.”

Jay-Z can put one legal battle behind him. Yesterday (February 14), the “Encore” rapper’s ongoing civil litigation was abruptly brought to an end.

According to documents obtained by journalist Meghann Cuniff (viewable here), a lawsuit which accused Jay-Z of raping a minor alongside Diddy, has been voluntarily dropped against both entertainers.

“Plaintiff Jane Doe, by and through her undersigned counsel, hereby gives notice that the above-captioned Action is voluntarily dismissed with prejudice,” reads the document. “Counsel for Plaintiff have discussed this matter with counsel for each Defendant, who acknowledge and consent to this submission.”

Back in December, attorney Tony Buzbee came forth on behalf of his Jane Doe client claiming the hip-hop titans assaulted her when she was 13-years-old. Shortly after the accusation, Jay-Z released a statement vehemently denying the claims. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one,” he wrote. “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”

Despite the case being dropped, it appears Jay-Z’s defamation and extortion filing against Buzbee has not been retracted.

At this time, Jay-Z nor Diddy have not publicly addressed the civil case being voluntarily dropped. In addition, Tony Buzbee has not issued a statement discussing the reason his client no longer wishes to pursue this matter.

Powerhouse producing duo Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are used to causing a ruckus, including for studios. Remember The Interview? Rogen will never forget when he heard about President Obama addressing the North Korea-angering movie by trolling North Korea. Such studio scramblings might be part of the reason why Rogen and Goldberg envisioned The Studio for Apple TV+, which also stars Rogen in between seasons of his other Apple TV+ series, Platonic. Let’s not waste any more time in gathering hints on what to expect from this scathing comedy series.

Plot

As with The Boys (an ongoing heavy hitter from Rogen and Goldberg’s producing portfolio), expect biting comedy and a satiric takedown from within this movie’s subject matter. Rogen will portray Continental Studios chief Matt Remick, who is his own worst cinematic enemy. He ruins movies (because he loves them, and he loves zombie diarrhea, too) like a certain executive that Rogen and Goldberg encountered early in their Hollywood lives.

As Rogen told Indiewire, this executive was giving them “terrible notes,” and then he “looked up at us and was like, ‘You know, I got into this job because I love movies and now it’s my job to ruin them.’” Rogen did admit, “I am very worried that real-life people will recognize themselves in the show,” but those given a heads up on this subject “are mostly flattered.”

The first season will include a Bryan Cranston character inspired by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s eccentric suit choices. Here’s a peek:

Rogen revealed that Cranston’s original attire was planned as a “blue suit kind of” dude, but “then I had met with David Zaslav and he was in like a suede cowboy jacket with big flashy glasses with gold on them,” and the rest is TV history. Also, “As crazy as Bryan is on the show, he very much fits into the realm of what these guys are actually like, for better or worse.”

Apple TV+ has provided a series synopsis:

Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of embattled Continental Studios. As movies struggle to stay alive and relevant, Matt and his core team of infighting executives battle their insecurities as they wrangle narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords in the ever-elusive pursuit of making great films. With their power suits masking their never-ending sense of panic, every party, set visit, casting decision, marketing meeting and award show presents them with an opportunity for glittering success or career-ending catastrophe. As someone who eats, sleeps and breathes movies, it’s the job Matt’s been pursuing his whole life, and it may very well destroy him.

Trailer

This teaser takes the form of a fake trailer for Duhpocalypse, which is a zombie survival movie starring Johnny Knoxville and Josh Hutcherson. The latter gets a shot of zombie diarrhea to the face, and the former then puts him out of his misery: “We all gotta die sooner or later, buddy.” Indeed.

From there, studio execs agonize over the trailer being banned, and Rogen’s studio head insists that the liquified poop is essential to the project’s artistic vision, so it’s going nowhere.

Cast

Seth Rogen is officially the running the joint as Matt Remick. He will be accompanied by Rebecca Hall, Olivia Wilde, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn, Catherine O’Hara, and Brian Cranston.

Release Date

Apple TV+’s The Studio premieres on March 26.

How has the South Park subreddit been passing the time during the long wait between seasons 26 and 27? Well, the top post from the past year reads in part, “100 hours well spent,” and it shows stained glass versions of the anime-style depictions of Cartman, Kyle, Stan, and Kenny from the classic season 8 episode “Good Times With Weapons.” It’s really cool! But I think I speak for all South Park fans when I say this: we’re ready for new episodes.

Here’s everything we know about season 27 of Comedy Central’s South Park.

Plot

Here’s a few things we know about South Park season 27:

1. It won’t be the final season.

During a conversation with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw last year, South Park co-creator Matt Stone said, “We don’t have an end in sight… I will say, honestly, it’s because it is still such an awesome sandbox. You know, we are working on a movie right now, a live-action movie, and when we get back to South Park, it is going to be like, ‘Oh, right, here we go.’ I cannot wait to hang out with those characters again, to be cheesy about it, but we love doing South Park.”

2. There will be no more Trump jokes.

“We’ve tried to do South Park through four or five presidential elections, and it is such a hard thing to — it’s such a mind scramble, and it seems like it takes outsized importance,” Stone told Vanity Fair. “Obviously, it’s f*cking important, but it kind of takes over everything and we just have less fun.” Co-creator Trey Parker added, “I don’t know what more we could possibly say about Trump.”

3. Blame Canada, I mean, Kendrick Lamar

Last year was the only second time since South Park premiered in 1997 that an entire calendar year went by without a new episode (“The End of Obesity” doesn’t count, as it was special). Why was that? It has to do with the movie that Stone mentioned earlier. “We are working on a movie. We are doing a movie with Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free and their company [pgLang],” he said. “And we are working on it, and it will hopefully come out July 4th weekend, opposite Jurassic Park which is pretty funny.” Stone said that Lamar is “very involved, and Dave Free is very, very involved. Every day they are working on it. But that is what we are doing, and then we will do South Park.”

Cast

If you’re reading a post about season 27 of South Park (hi!), chances are high that you know Trey Parker and Matt Stone voice nearly every character on the show. But there a few exceptions, including Mona Marshall, April Stewart, and Kimberly Brooks as most of the ladies, and Adrien Beard as Token.

Release Date

In that interview with Bloomberg, Stone shared that South Park is “coming back with one episode” near the beginning of this year, presumably a new special, “and a bunch more in the second half of 2025.” No dates have been confirmed by Comedy Central or Paramount yet, though.

Trailer

There’s no season 27 trailer, but here’s a fun bit of trivia for you: the most-watched video on the official South Park Studios YouTube channel is “The Boys Pee On Their Teacher” from season 8’s “Preschool.” Sure, why not!

After a week of action, Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 Tournament came to a close on Friday night, as the semifinals and finals took place in Miami to crown a champion — who would walk away with $200,000.

The final four were Napheesa Collier, Azura Stevens, Arike Ogunbowale, and Aaliyah Edwards, with both Collier (over Stevens) and Edwards (over Ogunbowale) winning their semifinal matchups 11-2 to reach the Best-of-3 Finals. The two traded wins in the first two games to 8, with Edwards winning the opener 9-6 and then Collier evening things up with a 9-4 win to setting up a winner-take-all Game 3.

There, Collier continued to roll as the reigning WNBA DPOY (and MVP runner-up) asserted her will to the tune of an 8-0 win over the young Edwards, fittingly on a turnaround fadeaway from the middle of the floor — a shot she leaned on throughout the tournament on her way to the win.

With that win, Collier earned the crown as the Queen of Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament and lifted the $200,000 check. Collier’s Lunar Owls teammates all took home $10,000 a piece with the win as well, while Edwards won $50,000 for coming in second and Ogunbowale and Stevens took home $25,000 each for making the semis.

While Edwards didn’t win, her performance over the course of the week in which she took down a pair of top seeds in Breanna Stewart and Ogunbowale and pushed another in Collier all the way in the Finals was quite the statement. She had a solid rookie year but was pretty far out of the spotlight in Washington where she wasn’t really a focal point for the Mystics last year, but she showed she has the skills to compete with the absolute best in the WNBA — and the Mystics should perhaps look to feature her diverse on-ball offensive game that she showed in this tournament a bit more.