Reopening Night (HBO, 9:00pm) — Let’s pretend that Omicron doesn’t exist while heading into how the New York City cultural scene came roaring back following a total pandemic shutdown. Here, Rudy Valdez directs this spotlighting of Free Shakespeare in the Park (with an all-Black production of Merry Wives) to show how artists will always find a way to thrive, not only on the New York stage but the global one.
Landscapers (HBO, 9:00pm) — Olivia Colman and David Thewlis lead this inspired-by-real-life story about a couple who apparently murders one of their sets of parents. Director Will Sharpe (The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) isn’t doing a straight-up retelling here, and this week, reality merges with fantasy as Christopher revisits he and Susan’s relationship with her parents.
The Secrets Of Christmas: Revealed (FOX, 8:00pm) — This exposé claims that it will unleash a sleigh full of secret documents about the true methods of how Santa Claus pulls off his one-day magic show.
Dynasty (CW, 8:00pm) — Season Five begins amid continuing fallout from Blake’s gala while Liam’s in an hour of need, and Alexis is still in jail. Then Carrington Manor stands decorated for Christmas, but everyone is pretty damn miserable, considering what recently happened.
In case you missed this recent pick:
Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street (HBO Max) — Take a deep dive into the beloved children’s program that’s been going strong for over 50 years. This documentary focuses upon the first two decades of moving and shaking of this visionary “gang,” who’s not afraid to engage children in the most entertaining of ways while also tackling ongoing radical changes in society.
South London’s self-proclaimed “dirtbag boyband” Bears In Trees are one of those musical sensations where they are absolutely massive in a certain scene, but once you take a step outside that scene, you’d be hard pressed to hear of them at all. That’s about to change with the release of their new album And Everybody Else Smiles Back, which was released earlier this year. The album comes fresh on the heels of recent support slots with YouTube sensation Noah Finnce, and the band’s own sold out UK tour this past summer.
What are four words you would use to describe your music?
Hopeful, heartfelt, silly, goofy.
It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I hope we at least have an American Football moment where people find our album ten years later and all of a sudden we’ve started the emo revival revival.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform?
London, so far!
Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?
Joseph heller, because he wrote my favourite book.
Where did you eat the best meal of your life?
My family home, my grandmother’s prawn curry recipe.
What album do you know every word to?
Folie a Deux by Fall Out Boy.
What was the best concert you’ve ever attended?
First time I saw Modern Baseball at the Borderline in London.
What is the best outfit for performing and why?
Callum wears a spacesuit onesie, I think that’s next level.
Who’s your favorite person to follow on Twitter and/or Instagram?
My favourite Twitter account is horse ebooks — a legend that we’re forgetting too soon.
What’s your most frequently played song in the van on tour?
Cast members on SNL come and go, but one person has stuck it out since the start (minus a five-year stretch in the ‘80s, that is): Lorne Michaels, its creator, producer, and steward. He’s long been the boss of it all, shepherding its cast, staff, and guests along, occasionally banning someone for life (or, in Elvis Costello’s case, for about two decades). He’s also 77 years old, so it’s no surprise that he’s finally thinking about retiring…in a few years. Maybe.
“You know, I think I’m committed to doing this show until its 50th anniversary, which is in three years,” Michaels said on CBS Mornings (as caught by The Hollywood Reporter). “I’d like to see that through and I have a feeling that’d be a really good time to leave. But … I won’t want the show ever to be bad. I care too deeply about it. It’s been my life’s work. So I’m going to do everything I can to see it carry on.”
When asked if he could even imagine a Michaels-less SNL, he replied, “Of course,” then added, cryptically, “I have a sense of where we’re headed with that, you know.” When asked if he had an idea of who could ever replace him, he demurred. “I’m not going to go on about it — it’s three years away.”
It’s not the first time Michaels has publicly toyed with retiring. In fact, he discussed this very plan back in 2020 on NBC’s Today. “My plan — and I’m not sure that I’ll see it through — but my plan is to be here for the 50th … and then by that point, I really deserve to wander off,” he said.
The news comes mere days after the final SNL of 2021, which wound up having to be dramatically reworked at the last minute thanks to a spike in COVID cases, likely exacerbated by the Omicron variant. Most of the cast and crew were sent home and the majority of the episode was either pre-taped sketches or older replays. Host Paul Rudd still received his “Five Timers Club” robe, and for mostly just showing up and doing a few quick intros here and there.
Michaels left the show in 1980, handing it over to Jean Doumanian, who lasted only one season. She was replaced by Dick Ebersol, who handed the reins back to Michaels in 1985. He’s been there ever since. Over his combined 41-year tenure, Michaels has won 20 Emmys. He also produced Kids in the Hall, in his native Canada. In any case, you won’t have to say goodbye to him till at least 2025.
Dominic Fike is rolling. After the success of last year’s What Could Possibly Go Wrong, he’s spent 2021 appearing on high-profile collaborations like”Die For You” off of Justin Bieber’s smash Justice, Remi Wolf’s sizzling “Photo ID,” and even covered “The Kiss Of Venus” on Paul freakin McCartney’s III Imagined album alongside St. Vincent, Anderson .Paak, and others. He’s also rumored to have a Live From Electric Lady EP due out soon as well. These are high-profile looks and it’s all been building towards Fike’s acting debut on the second season of HBO Max’s Euphoria.
Today the trailer for the new season dropped and Fike is all over it. “I don’t have to do much acting. He’s exactly like me. It’s sh*t I would say and sh*t I would do,” he told Variety back in August. His musically-minded character is even playing guitar in one of the scenes. “I’m just in go-mode right now,” Fike said. “It’s kind of like I’m walking and people are putting tiles under my feet as I take each step.”
He joins the now-Emmy-winning Zendaya in the cast, which also includes Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith, and Sydney Sweeney.
Euphoria Season 2 comes to HBO Max on 1/9/2021. Watch the new trailer above.
If there’s one thing hip-hop fans like doing, it’s ranking which rappers are the best. Well, 50 Cent has gone ahead and offered a partial list of his own today by saying that when it comes to the best rappers ever, he’s somewhere in the top ten.
He shared a promotional video for his own Branson Cognac on Instagram today and wrote alongside it, “Smile my next album might be my last [laughing emoji]. I terrorized hip hop for 14 years,don’t believe me Nielsen, the numbers will never lie but i’m nobody’s favorite Smh [facepalm emoji] Nah [devil emoji] I’m Top 10 dead or alive and i’m not done.”
As for where 50 believes he is in the top ten, he didn’t say. If he feels the same way now that he did 18 months ago, though, it’s not in the No. 1 spot. In June 2020, he shared a photo of Eminem and himself and wrote on Instagram, “this combination will always work, I think it has something to do with EM being the best rapper in the world but i’m not so bad. LOL.”
While claims about who is the best at what in music are of course subjective, 50 has an impressive resume. His 2003 debut Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ is one of the best-selling rap albums ever and has been certified 9-times Platinum. Furthermore, it sold 872,000 copies in its first week of release, which was a record for a debut album at the time. That remains one of the biggest first weeks for an album in hip-hop history. The album also spawned two of 50’s three No. 1 hits, “In Da Club” and “21 Questions.” All in all, each of his five studio albums has peaked in the top five of the US charts.
There is no greater gift in the world than a key to the great outdoors. During these chaotic times, engaging with the outside world on a deeper level can offer the ones we love a healthier outlook and a healthier self. So instead of giving them another piece of useless tech that will clog up the electrical outlets and drain their data plans, set them up with a chance for some IRL fun.
Below, we have a last-minute list of gift picks for anyone looking for outdoor gifts — from inflatable paddle boards to mountain bikes. As always, everything you see featured has been road-tested by the crew here at Uproxx and given our stamp of approval. Enjoy!
On Cloudventure Waterproof Shoes
Courtesy
Price: $169
The Company Line:
This waterproof trail running shoe is made with extreme cushioning and grip. Run every trail in any condition. With the men’s On Cloudventure waterproof trail-running shoes, you can laugh in the face of drenching downpours and foot-dousing puddles out on the trail (or, at the very least, your feet can).
Why They’re A Great Gift:
Running, especially trail-running is one of the most enjoyable and easy ways to get the heart rate up. But not everybody owns a pair of shoes fit for more than just pavement, and not having the right gear can definitely detract from the experience. Nothing kills a good time like cold, wet feet. Give your favorite outdoors person a pair of these kicks and they will think about you fondly every time they’re sprinting through the woods like they’re on air.
The Explorer was designed for those adventurous paddlers. This board excels on flatwater; from still lake water to fast-paced rivers — it’s a great all-rounder. Its pointed nose is built to cut through tough waters and has a reinforced grab handle that’s great for portability.
Why It’s A Great Gift:
Getting out on the water can be one of the best ways to find peace of mind and to work out the body. These inflatable paddle boards don’t just perform great on rivers and oceans, but they are extremely portable. They also come with a cool four-point bungee system on the back to put your clothes or fishing gear. The company also has a great eye for design — all of their boards stay looking sharp.
The 600x is a hardtail 29er designed with cross-country geometry and trekking in mind. With fast-rolling knobby tires, an all-conditions Pinion gearbox with 600 percent gear range, and the grease, grit, and rust-free Gates Carbon Drive belt drive system, plus braze-ons for extra gear, this bike is ready to take you miles into the unknown.
Why It’s A Great Gift:
The whole world seems to be enjoying indoor cycling but the outdoors is where the real fun is at. Every day the world is getting safer for cyclists on the pavement, and there are more great trails for riding every day. The Gates Carbon Drive is a game-changer when it comes to the build, and its overall durability. It was designed in partnership Ryan Van Duzer, to get insight from a proper adventurer.
This beautiful model will be a welcome addition to any garage, perfect for the next big bikepacking trip.
Built for the hardcore angler, yet priced with frugality in mind, the Encounter rod series combines state-of-the-art rod design with a smooth, crisp performance-packaged with a large arbor Encounter reel, weight-forward floating line, backing, and leader. The Encounter rod outfit is easily the best value-priced outfit of its kind.
Why It’s A Great Gift:
This rod from Orvis is the perfect piece for the fly fisherman or woman — giving you everything that you need to snatch a huge trout out of the local river. Fly fishing is one of the most serene hobbies in the world, and in this fast-paced digital world it can become a sanctuary as well as a great place to bond with friends. The beauty of giving this gift, is you might also be providing yourself with some fresh caught fish for dinner (though avid fly fishing folk are most often committed to catch-and-release).
Built for unparalleled comfort during all-day cragging and gym sessions, the Momentum Lace is a shoe that combines innovative technology with a classic, flat-last design. The result is an entry-level shoe that excels in performance. With an upper fabric that consists entirely of our Engineered Knit Technology, the Momentum Lace provides stretch where you need it, support where it matters and all around exceptional breathability.
Why They’re A Great Gift:
Over the past few years climbing has been an increasingly popular pastime, and more climbing gyms are opening every day. Not only are they a great place for getting a workout in, but they are also amazing places to meet new people. There has never been a better time to get into climbing as a sport and you can help someone show up prepared like a pro with these amazing climbing shoes.
Black Diamond is a brand trusted by the likes of Alex Honnold, so they are more than fit for the job of getting you or someone you love on the rock.
A weather-resistant daypack with just the right amount of space to haul your daily essentials, the 25-liter Patagonia Black Hole travel pack protects your gear from scuffs, scrapes and rough handling. Padded shoulder straps help ensure all-day comfort; molded back panel sheds moisture and allows cooling airflow.
Why It’s A Great Gift:
Any good outdoorsman knows that being prepared for all scenarios is a necessity when it comes to planning a good hiking trip. But too often you will see the hobbyists walking down the trail without food or water because they are worried about messing up their work bag. This pack has it everything that you need, from the chest strap to help with the strain on your back to being hydration compatible.
The Company Line:The Inlet is the lightest, most portable, and easiest to assemble folding kayak yet, an origami kayak for everyone. Designed for flat water, it’s playful and light and ridiculously fast to assemble. With the smallest box of any of our models, you can store it just about anywhere.
Why It’s A Great Gift:
Kayaking is an extremely serene way to experience local lakes and waterways, not to mention a great workout. But unless you have a rental place it can be difficult getting your hands on a craft where you want to go. And it also can be a pain to transport a traditional kayak from spot to spot if you want to road trip. The beauty of these Oru kayaks is they fold up neatly, and are light for their size, so that getting on the water is a breeze. If you want to upgrade the gift there is also a tandem model, the Haven TT, so that your loved one can paddle out with their canine companion or perhaps even take you for a cruise.
It’s the strongest and most versatile version of the RadWagon yet, featuring smaller, innovative new tires developed by our in-house team of expert engineers to achieve a lower center of gravity. Its patent-pending new frame design ensures multiple points of adjustability, including a telescopic seat post and easily maneuverable handlebars.
Why It’s a Great Gift:
I actually profiled this bike over in our adventure gift guide too, but it’s a gift that keeps on giving, so it’s getting a last-minute shout out. The RadWagon is my go-to e-bike (I own two) because of its versatility. This is the bike I ride to the surf break on. It’s the one I take to cruise to the farmers’ market and then a hike. It’s an all-rounder that gets you where you want to go and can carry your outdoor gear easily.
As I mentioned before, the best part of the RadWagon is the “open source” approach to adding hardware. These things are endlessly modifiable. If you want to load it up with gear, that’s an option. If you want to carry two more people on a padded bench seat, you can do that.
RAD BIKES
Bottom Line:
If we were in the wild west this would be the surprisingly fast packhorse that can get you where you’re going and bring all your toys loaded on its back. — Steve Bramucci
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were shutout on Sunday Night Football, losing to the Saints in a 9-0 slog. That result didn’t do anything to dampen the Bucs’ playoff hopes, but did drop them into a tie for the 2-seed, one game back of the Packers who now are in pole position for the lone first round bye in the NFC.
However, much more damaging than dropping the game on Sunday was the loss of star receiver Chris Godwin, who took a nasty hit to his knee in the second half, but seemed initially to have avoided a catastrophic injury as he walked off the field under his own power.
Godwin is, by far, Tom Brady’s top target this season, hauling in 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns. Losing Godwin takes away a massive chunk of their passing attack and will only shift more attention over to Mike Evans. The eventual return of Antonio Brown and what he looks like coming off of his own knee injury and suspension for a fake vaccine card now looms large for the Bucs, who have dreams of a repeat championship but will now have to do so without a key piece of their vaunted passing attack.
For Godwin, it’s particularly gutting given he’s having a career year while playing on the franchise tag and was looking to get paid like a top receiver this coming offseason, but now faces the uncertainty of a free agency while rehabbing his injury.
This actually isn’t the first time the song has been No. 1 this year, as “Christmas” was the first No. 1 song of 2021, on the chart dated January 2. At the time, it became the first song to go No. 1 in three separate years. Since this week’s chart will be the last one of 2021 (the next will be dated January 1, 2022), “Christmas” was both the first and last No. 1 song of the year.
It is now the first song to top the Hot 100 during three distinct runs, previously doing so during the 2019 and 2020 holiday seasons. This is the song’s sixth total week at No. 1. Coincidentally, Carey is now the only artist two be No. 1 on two separate Hot 100 charts dated December 25, as she previously did so in 1993 with “Hero.”
.@MariahCarey‘s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” officially returns to No. 1 on the @billboard#Hot100. It logs its sixth total week at No. 1 and becomes the first song to have led in three distinct runs on the ranking, previously in the 2019 and 2020 holiday seasons.
Meanwhile, five other holiday tunes join Mariah Carey in the top 10 of this week’s chart: Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is at No. 2, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” is No. 3, Burl Ives’ “A Holly Jolly Christmas” at No. 5, Andy Williams’ “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” is No. 7, and Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is No. 10. Adele’s “Easy On Me,” last week’s top song, slides down to the No. 3 spot.
Looks like there’s absolutely nothing Chloe x Halle Bailey can’t do. These sisters have been Beyonce’s proteges for years now, and broke out in a big way in 2020 with their second album, The Ungodly Hour. Since then, Chloe Bailey has launched her own solo career with the single “Have Mercy,” and Halle landed a starring role as Ariel herself in new live action The Little Mermaid remake. Not too shabby for a few pandemic years! But they won’t stop there, now the sisters are getting involved in the gaming world, and advocating for more women in the male-dominated and historically sexist space.
In an attempt to combat some of the past toxicity, LG is launching a content series as part of its Only On OLED campaign. Chloe and Halle will face off in a live streamed Twitch battle and during their 90-minute match the sisters will be joined by Evil Geniuses Creator Collective stars Lisa Wallen and Aruuu. “We want to encourage women to get involved, learn more, support and take over gaming!” said Chloe of the collaboration. No exact info has been shared on what games the sisters will be competing against each other in, but in the practice snippets from above, they’re driving cars — so definitely some races. Check out the teaser above and look out for the live stream tonight at 7:30 PM EST.
The Vieux Carre is the best whiskey cocktail for the holidays. Boom — we’re declaring it! You heard it here! The New Orleans take on the Manhattan is easy to make, has a warming quality, and really hits the spot this time of year (thanks to a nice herbal punch).
We’ve already got into how to make a Manhattan and a Black Manhattan. This is very similar but requires a few extra ingredients — namely cognac and Bénédictine. The latter is a French herbal liqueur. With the addition of Peychaud’s Bitters as well, this cocktail sort of becomes a bridge between the world of Sazeracs and Manhattans but is somehow subtler than both.
Okay, let’s get right into making this damn-near-perfect whiskey cocktail for the holidays.
First, let’s talk about the base spirits. You really need to adhere to rye and cognac here. I’m not saying you can’t use bourbon or brandy. But the softness of a good cognac with a light and fruity nature is what you’re aiming for alongside the vanilla, spice, and stone fruit of a good Kentucky rye. I’m using Hennessy Very Special and Michter’s Single Barrel Rye respectively.
The next big bottle you’re going to have to track down is Bénédictine D.O.M. It’s a very useful herbal liqueur that you can use in a very long list of (higher end) cocktails.
Lastly, there’s the sweet vermouth (I’m using Carpano Antica), Angostura, and Peychaud’s. You really can’t get around these ingredients. They bring the sweetness, botanicals, and a touch more spice to the mix and help this really stand out as a holiday-vibed cocktail.
Zach Johnston
What You’ll Need:
Coupe, martini glass, Nick and Nora, or lowball
Cocktail mixing jug
Cocktail strainer
Jigger
Barspoon
Pairing knife or fruit peeler
Zach Johnston
Method:
Prechill your glass in a freezer (preferably overnight)
Add the rye, cognac, Benedictine, vermouth, and both bitters to the mixing jug.
Top up with ice and stir until very well-chilled, at least 15 to 20 seconds.
Grab your glass from the freezer and strain the cocktail into the glass.
Peel a thumb-sized piece of peel from the lemon, express the oils over the cocktail, and rub the peel around the rim and stem of the glass.
Slice a small slit in the peel and prop it on the edge of the glass and serve.
Bottom Line:
Zach Johnston
This is delicious. So delicious that I ended up kind of killing a whole bottle of rye and cognac making these over the weekend for myself, family, and friends. They were that big of a hit. If that’s not a good sign of a great holiday cocktail, I don’t know what is.
The whiskey shines through in the base. The botanicals, soft herbs, and sweetness from the vermouth and cognac really all just vibe together, making this very easy to drink while still feeling full-bodied.
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