The NBA 2K League has been one of the many esports organizations that were hosting in-person events that fans could buy tickets to, go to an arena, and watch their favorite teams compete against one another. Unfortunately for them, and many others, they were forced to suspend those in-person events. However, this didn’t mean the end of the 2K League itself. The league moved to an online-only format and even had some matches shown on ESPN2. So while the rest of sports stopped for a bit the 2K League was one of the few that kept going.
As everyone is looking forward to moving back into a sense of normalcy we’re starting to see the return of in-person esports events too. On Monday, 2K League announced that the upcoming playoffs will be taking place at the Mavs Gaming Hub in Dallas, Texas. Not only that, but fans will be able to purchase tickets and attend these playoffs. For those who are choosing to not attend in person, they can still watch the playoffs through live streams on Twitch or YouTube. The playoffs will begin on Thursday, August 26.
Like a traditional sporting event, there needs to be a hook to convince fans to come attend in person instead of choosing to watch on a live stream and the 2K League’s big hook is going to be a unique stage set up. Fans can watch two matches taking place at the same time on two separate stages. The broadcast itself will switch between the two games taking place to try and grab key moments as they happen.
“The NBA 2K League live studio experience and stage is unlike anything in esports, with an electric energy and passion that is palpable. Add the high-stakes of the Playoffs and we have the perfect storm that our fans have been waiting to see for two years.” said NBA 2K League President Brendan Donohue. “We are thrilled to be able to bring together the league’s top teams to safely crown a champion and share this excitement with our fans watching around the world.”
Over $1 million is on the line here for the teams competing with the champion of the league winning a $450,000 prize pool. The remaining $630,000 will be distributed among the teams that qualify for the 2021 Playoffs (second place – $180,000, third and fourth place – $80,000, fifth through eighth place – $42,500, ninth through twelfth place – $30,000). So making these playoffs over the course of the next few weeks will be a big deal. The top five teams from each conference will earn an automatic berth into the playoffs and the final two slots will be decided in a tournament with the remaining teams.
Not caught up on the standings but interested in the playoffs? These are the current top five teams in each conference. The full standings can be found here:
In a Monday morning statement across her social media accounts, Kathy Griffin has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with lung cancer. While any cancer diagnosis comes as a blow, Griffin was especially caught off guard because she’s never been a smoker. The comedian shared that the cancer is only “stage one,” and she’s optimistic about the outcome. She also made it a point to note that she has been vaccinated for COVID-19, and that her situation “would have been even more serious” if she was unvaccinated.
You can read her full statement below:
I’ve got to tell you guys something. I have cancer. I’m about to go into surgery to have have half of my left lung removed. Yes, I have lung cancer even though I’ve never smoked! The doctors are very optimistic as it is stage one and contained to my left lung. Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing. I should be up and running around as usual in a month or less. It’s been a helluva 4 years, trying to get back to work, making you guys laugh and entertaining you, but I’m gonna be just fine. Of course I’m fully vaccinated for Covid. The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious. Please stay up to date on your medical check ups. It’ll save your life.
XXOO, KG
As noted in her statement, Griffin has been fighting to rebuild her career after a 2017 scandal involving a satirical photo of Donald Trump’s severed head led to her being fired from CNN, where she was a staple during the network’s New Years Eve coverage. After blasting the crowd at the 2018 Writer’s Guild Awards for not lifting a finger to support her during the photo controversy, the heat on Griffin has notably died down over the years, after Trump’s bumbling pandemic response and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building following a “Stop the Steal” rally. A very tasteless joke seems practically quaint after that.
Keeping up with new music can be exhausting, even impossible. From the weekly album releases to standalone singles dropping on a daily basis, the amount of music is so vast it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. Even following along with the Uproxx recommendations on a daily basis can be a lot to ask, so every Monday we’re offering up this rundown of the best new music this week.
This week saw Billie Eilish finally follow up her debut album and super-producer Jack Antonoff take the spotlight for a change with a new Bleachers album. Yeah, it was a great week for new music. Check out the highlights below.
After much ado, Billie Eilish’s long-awaited sophomore album Happier Than Ever is out. To accompany the release, she shared a rain-soaked video for the title track, an intensely vulnerable and emotional epic on which she all but mentions an ex who wronged her by name. It’s powerful and a key component of an album that’s ultimately a step forward for the young star.
Bleachers — “Secret Life”
Jack Antonoff has been more of a man behind the curtain in recent years with his work on some of pop’s most high-profile projects. Now, though, he’s stepping to the front of the stage again with a new Bleachers album, Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night, which he dropped last week. He preceded the album with “Secret Life,” a single that features one of those aforementioned collaborators, Lana Del Rey.
Silk Sonic — “Skate”
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) released “Leave The Door Open” in March, and in the months since then, fans have been waiting for the duo to follow up the soulful track. Finally, nearly half a year later, they have, with “Skate,” which is directly in the same vein as its predecessor but with some more vigor.
Petey — “We Go On Walks”
Uproxx favorite Petey has a full-length album, Lean Into Life, coming out this fall, and to follow the title track lead single, he dropped “We Go On Walks” last week. Uproxx’s Caitlin White notes of the track, “The chaotic, sometimes aggressive facets of the song are pretty reflective of how plenty of people are feeling after the last 18 months of confusing pandemic-related isolation, as is the practice of going on walks, so it feels very much like a song of its time.”
The Kid Laroi — “Best For Me”
The Kid Laroi’s F*ck Love is the project that doesn’t end. He has released expanded edition after expanded edition of it since its original release in July 2020. The latest is F*ck Love 3+: Over You, which adds six more songs to the album (bringing the total across all F*ck Love editions to 35 songs), and this time, they’re all solo cuts like “Best For Me.”
Angel Olsen — “Safety Dance”
Angel Olsen isn’t necessarily the first artist you’d expect to release a project of ’80s covers, but that’s just what she’s doing with Aisles, and the returns so far have been delightful. Her latest is the Men Without Hats classic “Safety Dance,” and the rendition eschews the pop sensibilities of the original recording in favor of a more brooding post-punk direction.
Jamila Woods — “Fast Car”
This fall, esteemed indie label Jagjaguwar is celebrating its 25th anniversary with Join The Ritual, a big covers album featuring a number of wonderful guests. Among them is Jamila Woods, who put her spin on a timeless classic, Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Woods managed to breathe new life into the widely covered tune, turning the folk tune into more of a smoldering R&B ballad.
Toosii — “Spin Music”
Toosii is fresh off the release of his new expanded edition of Thank You For Believing, which was given the extended title Thank You For Believing (The Manifestation). A key track from the effort is “Spin Music,” which boasts a guest spot from Fivio Foreign. The track comes with a video that features some visually compelling shots of the rappers enjoying some of the trappings of their opulent lifestyles.
Isaiah Rashad — “Score” Feat. SZA and 6lack
A new full-length effort from Isaiah Rashad, titled The House Is Burning, dropped last week, and among the highlights is a collaboration with SZA and 6lack. Uproxx’s Wongo Okon notes of “Score,” “The well-constructed collaboration is led by mellow and drowned-out vocals from Rashad who opts for a bit of singing as opposed to rapping his way through the beat. SZA steps in for a rather small contribution to the song while 6lack delivers a strong verse of his own.”
Lil Yachty — “Love Music”
While Yachty’s recent work has had a bit of a hard-edged aesthetic, his latest, “Love Music,” is more in the unicorns-farting-rainbows territory. Uproxx’s Aaron Williams notes how the song sees Yachty leaving his comfort zone: “Rather than relying on the bass-heavy, bombastic trap that he’s been kicking around the last couple of years or even reverting to his early cartoon-trap styles, this song sees him going soft-rock like it’s 2005 all over again.”
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Barack Obama’s special blend of no-nonsense presidential airs continues to be missed, even if people did enjoy seeing him truly enjoying life after leaving office. The sight of him surfing for the first time in 8 years could make (almost) anyone smile, at least briefly, but there’s a distinctly un-Obama-like move coming from the 43rd president for his upcoming 60th birthday celebrations at Martha’s Vineyard. It’s right along the lines of Dave Chappelle and Joe Rogan’s decision to do a joint “socially distanced” residency in Texas last December while COVID cases surged in Texas. In the midst of those shows, Chappelle tested positive and shut down the residency, and now, things are arguably more dire in the U.S. with cases rising again as the Delta variant runs wild.
Plans for Obama’s birthday, meanwhile, do not look wise. As Axios reports, nearly 500 guests (no Biden) are on the agenda. There is talk of a COVID-coordinator for the event, which will be held outdoors with requests that everyone be vaccinated. However, there’s no guarantee that there will be true verification of vaccination status. Most businesses are operating on the honor system when it comes to customers/guests and masks, so there’s no telling how deep the verification process will dive. Tests are also not foolproof, and breakthrough cases happen. Granted, Axios points out that Martha’s Vineyard isn’t currently a “substantially high-risk” area, but guests will come from far and wide. Here are some details, via Axios’ Margaret Talev:
The party already is the talk of Uber drivers, hotel maids and check-in clerks.
One person with connections to Obamaworld said there were 475 confirmed guests — including friends, family and former aides — and 200-plus staff planning to work the party.
Pearl Jam was set to play, and one local hairdresser had been retained to style the hair of a band member. Steven Spielberg also was expected.
So… this probably involves at least 700 people gathered in one place, and even being “outdoors” doesn’t seem to fully deter Delta when it wants to do its thing. And all this is happening while Democrats are currently attempting to convince their Republican House colleagues (who are throwing tantrums and sh*tposting in retaliation) about taking this stage of the pandemic more seriously. Perhaps Obama needs to rustle up some of his commonsense approach, step in, and call this event off and maybe just go surfing again? That would be a great way to celebrate.
The Weeknd brought a lot of collaborators on board for After Hours, like Oneohtrix Point Never, Lil Uzi Vert, and Ariana Grande. There are some other folks he’d like to team up with, though, including a previous collaborator.
In a new GQ profile, when asked about who he’d like to work with soon, he responded:
“I’d love to work with Arca. Arca’s great. I’d love to work with Kanye [West] again. Especially on production. I got mad love for Tyler The Creator, and what he’s doing right now. Tyler is funny, man. I remember he came to one of my performances — I think it was like a festival performance. And he was very vocal about how ‘Starboy’ was his favorite song at the time. You can tell he’s waiting for the song. I could see him. As soon as the song happened, he’s like, ‘All right, cool. Thanks.’ And he just peaced out. It was pretty funny. But he’s somebody that I really admire, because he wears his feelings on his sleeve.”
West previously produced “Tell Your Friends” from The Weeknd’s 2005 album Beauty Behind The Madness, while The Weeknd sang on West’s The Life Of Pablo track “FML.”
The trainwreck DaBaby caused at Rolling Loud two weekends ago continues as he gets removed from another festival lineup. This time, it’s New York’s Governor’s Ball, which issued a statement via social media that DaBaby will no longer be performing on Friday night ahead of Billie Eilish.
Yesterday, DaBaby was removed from the Sunday night lineup for Chicago’s Lollapalooza and replaced with Young Thug (an iffy selection at best, but at least he knows when to put down the shovel) over the remarks he made from the Rolling Loud stage. During a call to action during that performance, DaBaby told fans to light up their phones if “you didn’t show up today with HIV, AIDS, any of them deadly sexual transmitted diseases that make you die in two or three weeks” and if “you ain’t suck a n****’s dick in the parking lot.”
When he was called out online, he refused to apologize at first, then as the pressure continued, he did so defensively and halfheartedly before defiantly dropping the music video for “Giving What It’s Supposed To Give,” in which the lyrics seemingly echo his Rolling Loud statements (“we like AIDS, I’m on your ass”) despite being recorded before the Rolling Loud performance.
Keeping track of all the new albums coming out in a given month is a big job, but we’re up for it: Below is a comprehensive list of the major releases you can look forward to in August. If you’re not trying to potentially miss out on anything, it might be a good idea to keep reading.
Friday, August 6
Andrea von Kampen — That Spell (Fantasy Records)
Andrew Rinehart — Have Fun Idiot EP (SonaBLAST Records)
With less than two weeks to go until its premiere, the first reactions to Marvel’s What If…? are rolling in, and critics are loving this unique multiversal spin on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The animated Disney+ takes classic moments from the films and spins them on their head by basically asking “what if” the iconic events took a dramatically different turn.
While not every hypothetical scenario is known, trailers and promotional materials have revealed a few of them. Marvel’s What If…? will explore Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter taking the super-soldier serum instead of Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, Chadwick Boseman‘s T’Challa becoming Star-Lord instead of Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill, Tony Stark getting saved by Killmonger in the opening minutes of the first Iron Man, Spider-Man becoming a Sorcerer Supreme, and some version of the Marvel Zombies. Also, there seems to be some sort of crazy action happening with Vision and the Infinity Stones, but it’s anyone’s guess as to what’s happening there.
Here’s what the critics are saying about the first three episodes:
Saw first 3 episodes of #whatif . Loved the comic so I’m obviously primed to enjoy the series and it delivers. 2nd episode is T’Challa as Star-Lord and it’s a great episode that features @chadwickboseman’s voice and cool surprises. 3rd episode is a better mystery than some movies pic.twitter.com/l0SX2xEY86
Marvel throws us head first into the MULTIVERSE with What If…? & it’s INCREDIBLE! There’s STUNNING animation & SHOCKING twists! One choice can change EVERYTHING & the possibilities are ENDLESS! If the first 3 episodes are any indication, this show is gonna be WILD! #WhatIfpic.twitter.com/5MX4MH46mN
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) August 1, 2021
Got to watch the first 3 episodes of #WhatIf and it is incredible!
Each story for each episode is fantastic and bolstered by a strong voice cast and splendid animation.
I couldn’t be more happy with how this series has turned out, one of the best animated TV shows this year. pic.twitter.com/mIbdoK78lD
I’ve watched the first three episodes of Marvel’s #WhatIf and I’m hooked. Each episode is better than the last w/ the third being my favorite. Love how they take a story we know by heart & twist it in all kinds of ways. It’s like the MCU’s Twilight Zone – weird, wild, good fun pic.twitter.com/PQ9deD1Yyl
While the consensus is in that the show is essentially Marvel’s version of The Twilight Zone and the animated series is a fun experiment, not every episode was for everybody:
First three episodes of #WhatIf are an interesting start.
First episode didn’t grab me. Second is super entertaining & filled with heart. Third is dark, surprising, and hands down my favorite!
Got better as it went by a lot, each episode! Ambitious new style. Loads of MCU nods! pic.twitter.com/yWx8CdTR64
Seen the first three episodes of #WhatIf. The first episode is fun though a fairly basic “something you know with a swap” scenario. But episode two and three really grabbed me as they go into some very interesting and fun places and dive deep into MCU history in surprising ways.
Watched the first 3 eps of Marvel’s #WhatIf. It gets better w/ each episode.
Premiere’s ok. Ep 2 will tug at you. Ep 3 starts off SO unexpectedly dark & doesn’t let up. Wasn’t expecting Marvel to go there, but it’s exactly what you want to see here. Intrigued to see more. pic.twitter.com/YL1WGbGhg3
I watched the first 3 episodes and I enjoyed them all. So many callbacks and references to the previous films. There’s also surprise characters that appear that’ll leave you speechless.
— Kate Sánchez⁷ @ #FantasiaFest2021 (@OhMyMithrandir) August 1, 2021
Saw the first 3 episodes of #WhatIf and my goodness, it’s a blast.
Every episode feels familiar due to iconic quotes, shots and/or call-backs…Yet they are completely unique and the twists will leave fans completely speechless.
Here’s the official synopsis for Marvel’s What If…?:
“What If…?” flips the script on the MCU, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Marvel Studios’ first animated series focuses on different heroes from the MCU, featuring a voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their roles.
Marvel’s What If…? starts streaming August 11 on Disney+.
Summertime isn’t looking like everyone hoped it would in the outside world, but fortunately, it’s still safe to get wild in your living room and on your streaming devices. Look here: Agent Carter takes the super serum on Disney+, Jason Momoa fights a new rival on Apple TV+, Nicole Kidman’s playing a spooky wellness guru for Hulu, and that’s only the beginning. The schedule’s still stuffed with goodness while blockbuster movies still aren’t full force in theaters. In other words, the streaming networks are working overtime to provide you with the most quantity possible, and unfortunately, that also means a lot of mediocrity is happening. So, we’re here to help you sift through the new August TV shows for the must-see selections.
There’s a lot coming, too. Taika Waititi has a new FX (on Hulu) crime-comedy series, and Netflix is (of course) bringing several solid options while Hulu also gets into the crime-mystery game with three amigos-of-sorts. A CD superhero soars back into action on the CW, Kit Harrington is (acting like he’s) in love on Amazon, Awkwafina’s back on Comedy Central, and J.J. Abrams seeks to uncover the real truth for Showtime. Don’t count out Starz, which has an unexpected show coming from the Loki creator.
Here are the biggest shows worth noticing in August:
Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami (Netflix series streaming 8/4)
There’s so much blow in this trailer, which gives the documentary treatment to the excess-filled life of two childhood pals who transformed into powerful Miami drug kingpins over the course of decades. There’s a tiger and bullfighting and speedboats and money flying everywhere, it’s no wonder why “Los Muchachos” were so darn popular. They were also slippery fellows, due to their world-champ powerboat-racing status. A $2 billion empire eventually came crumbling down, but not without a valiant fight from the duo and their prosecuting opponents.
Mr. Corman: Season 1 (Apple TV+ series streaming 8/6)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has proven himself to choose his roles carefully after stepping away from blockbuster-land, and that makes his choice, in general, worth watching. In this series, he plays a public-school high school teaser who’s in the midst of an existential crisis. Granted, the word “existential” might make some eyes glaze over with assumptions that this show will contain a lot of naval gazing. However, Gordon-Levitt’s character is fueled by “a sinking suspicion that he sucks as a person.” That’s not only darkly funny but shows that there’s plenty of juice to mine from seemingly mundane life concerns and the fear, which many of us share, that we’ll all feel like impostors while pretending to grow up.
UFO: Season 1 (Showtime series streaming 8/8)
Timing might not be everything, but it sure means a lot. Earlier this summer, the U.S. government’s so-called comprehensive report on Unidentified Flying Objects revealed, uh, nothing. This didn’t sit well with the creator ofThe X-Files or anyone who’s experienced what they believe are UFO sightings. Enter J.J. Abrams with this four-part docuseries to dig into “the history of the phenomenon through cultural and political touchpoints, including shocking testimony from eyewitnesses across the country.” The series also promises to examine possible motives on those parties who might be “shielding the truth,” and since this is coming from Abrams (Cloverfield, Super 8), it’s difficult to know whether to expect a levelheaded tone in a series that (most likely) aims to make Fox Mulder proud. One thing is certain: this won’t be boring.
Reservation Dogs: Season 1 (FX on Hulu series streaming 8/9)
Taika Waititi’s upcoming FX on Hulu followup to What We Do in the Shadows heads down another rather intriguing (yet undoubtedly funny) road. The eclectic auteur’s now bringing us a comedy series that’s co-written by Native American filmmaker Sterlin Harjo. Yes, the teens in this show rock suits that look strikingly similar to the characters of Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, yet they’re four Native teenagers who fight crime and also commit it. The show was shot in and near Okmulgee, Oklahoma (the home of the Muskogee Creek tribal headquarters) — where, presumably, excitement is lacking. Not for long, though, and these teens hope to make it all the way to California. The cast and crew come from indigenous communities, from where Harjo and Waititi are aiming their storytelling styles as well.
Stargirl: Season 2 (The CW series streaming 8/10)
Thank goodness that Stargirl exists, and it’s a surprisingly sweet and enjoyable, live-action treat. This show debuted as a breath of unadulterated joy in 2020 while starring Brec Bassinger in the title role with Luke Wilson doing the stepdad/former superhero sidekick honors (shortly before his brother, Owen, captured expositional hearts in the MCU). The first season arrived with a fairly simple setup: Stargirl is a good (and relatable) person who simply enjoys kicking evil people’s asses, and she’s thrilled that she can do it. That’s pretty refreshing in an era full of superhero nuance and overdone context, along with arguably sympathetic villains and antiheroes. Sometimes you just wanna watch the bad guys — who are clearly bad guys — go down, right? Stargirl is here for you in that way. Did I want a little more Joel McHale in this show? Of course, but the leading lady worked hard to recruit her new JSA, and seeing where they move going forward should be a trip.
What If…?: Season 1 (Disney+ series streaming 8/11)
We’re in the multiverse, baby. The MCU’s officially launching headfirst into that realm after Loki‘s season finale, and this show’s Twitter account clarified official participation as well. And that sounds about right. I’ve been looking forward to these alternate-reality scenarios since catching D23 footage a few years ago, and Disney+ will show us a wealth of scenarios that stand separate from the existing canon (thus far). Agent Carter will take the serum and become Captain Carter. There’s a Zombie Captain America, and King T’Challa materializes elsewhere as Star Lord. Notably, Chadwick Boseman did voice work here, so you’ll be able to say a proper goodbye to his Black Panther. Let the good times and the tears roll.
The Hype: Season 1 (HBO Max series streaming 8/12)
Streetwear professionals finally get a proper reality-competition show that aims to create a collision of streetwear, culture, and business. Cardi B’s judging, along with Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Ferg, Dapper Dan, and Bobby Hundreds. All involved aim to mentor the contestants while imparting their specialized visions toward the visionary contestants. From fashion to music to art to lifestyle and everywhere in between, the creativity here should be off the hook, and maybe some of that coolness will rub off on us.
Modern Love: Season 2 (Amazon Prime series streaming 8/13)
Who doesn’t want to watch Jon Snow Kit Harington romance Lucy Boynton? It’s the return of the popular anthology series that found inspiration in the famed New York Times column. Relationships and connections shall happen, as well as betrayals and revelations, and the cast is chock full of talent you already know and love, including Tobias Menzies, Minnie Driver, Garrett Hedlund. All rules of love shall be henceforth broken in locales including Dublin and the whole of New York, including that Big Apple. Did I mention? Jon Snow getting randy again is not to be missed.
Brand New Cherry Flavor (Netflix series streaming 8/13)
Every so often (Warrior Nun, hint hint) a pulpy-looking Netflix series looks as though it may not last long due to its niche quality, but it’s still worth some time to peruse. And who knows? This pulpy series could find a devoted fanbase, too. There’s sex, magic, revenge, and felines on hand for an early 1990s filmmaker character, who’s attempting to make it big in Hollywood, but things get very spooky. Halloween arrives early this year here, and since time means nothing anymore, go for it.
Heels: Season 1 (Starz series streaming 8/15)
Does the world need a series about a small-town wrestling circuit? Well, maybe not, but how about a show about a small-town wrestling circuit that’s written and created by Michael Waldron, creator of Loki and writer of Rick and Morty and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Now, you’ve got my attention. Family legacy is front and center in this Georgia setting as brothers (Alexander Ludwig and Stephen Amell) who do the good-guy/bad guy thing, and “heel” refers to the latter role, which is harder to shake off outside the ring than it appears. Ain’t no drama like wrestling drama, and the writing on Loki suggests that this show will be anything but predictable.
Nine Perfect Strangers: Season 1 (Hulu series streaming 8/18)
Nicole Kidman’s one of several A-listers who’ve made themselves at home on the so-called “small screen” in recent years, and after a few Emmys and a Golden Globe for Big Little Lies and a Globe nomination for The Undoing, she’s not done yet. She portrays a wellness guru that might remind you of certain celebrities who shill bizarre products and claim that they’ll change your life with a dash of snake oil. Yes, the Paddington villain is here to shake up your little world again, so get ready.
Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens: Season 2 (Comedy Central series streaming 8/18)
Awkwafina might be omnipresent in feature films, but it’s still worth checking out her semi-autobiographical series, in which she plays a hot mess attempting to adjust to adulthood. That’s pretty much all of us, regardless of our age as adults, and this season, expect more of the same (and that’s a good thing) as her Nora character’s personal and family lives see more (comedic) challenges and adventures. BD Wong, who plays Nora’s dad, will step in into the director’s seat this season, and expect the moods to keep seamlessly flowing through the episodes. From funny to awkward to touching to boisterous as hell, this show (and its star) can manage it all.
The Chair (Netflix series streaming 8/20)
Sandra Freaking Oh headlines this show about the first woman of color to become chair at a prominent university. In the process of adjusting to her job, she confronts dizzyingly high expectations while one of the university’s cornerstone programs is tanking. Jay Duplass co-stars (his character is a complete and delightful mess), and are we ready for Sandra Oh supremacy yet? This trailer also features the latest song (aptly titled, “Oh!”) from viral punk teen stars The Linda Lindas.
See: Season 2 (Apple TV+ series streaming 8/27)
Apple TV+’s See helped launch the tech giant’s streaming service less than two years ago, and the show was so wild and wooly that it worked. Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss, a fierce warrior and leader in a post-apocalyptic world that went blind, long ago, and he’s the guardian of sighted miracle-twins who could be the key to humanity’s future. The show’s jaw-dropping visuals include Momoa, who’s now forced to fend off to come with the introduction of Dave Bautista as Edo Voss, the brother of Baba, and the reunion doesn’t look too friendly. Muscle-bound dudes fighting through “echolocation” sounds a good time. Clashing egos and warring beards can only help.
Only Murders In The Building: Season 1 (Hulu series streaming 8/31)
Only a few short years ago, Selena Gomez stood awkwardly in a designer gown alongside t-shirt clad co-stars Adam Sandler and Kevin James at a photocall, and let’s just say that her current co-stars would never. Here, she stars alongside the legendary Steve Martin and Martin Short, and the three portray NYC neighbors who aim to unravel an apparent murder inside their apartment building. Yes, they’re all podcasting because everyone does it (duh), and before long, the killer might be after them, too. Martin hasn’t written a feature film since the Pink Panther movies and Shopgirl, and I don’t wanna come out and call this trio a “much cooler Three Amigos” update, but Martin wrote that, too, so why not?
Back in January 2020, the lineup for that year’s Coachella festival was unveiled, with Frank Ocean as one of the headliners alongside Travis Scott and Rage Against The Machine. The event was pushed back to 2021 and then 2022; A couple months ago, it was revealed the 2022 festival will take place from April 15 to 17 and April 22 to 24. The lineup has yet to be revealed, but festival co-founder Paul Tollett shared some tidbits about it in a new Los Angeles Times story. The most notable takeaway: Frank Ocean won’t be performing in 2022 since he was unavailable for the rescheduled dates, but he’s apparently set to take the Coachella stage in 2023.
Explaining why he decided to make that reveal so far in advance, Tollett told the publication, “Right now, it’s the Wild West. I’m just trying to be as fair as I can to artists and to the fans to make sure that eventually they get to see everyone that we talked about.”
The story also notes that Scott and Rage Against The Machine will return to headline in 2022, while a third headliner is set to be announced.
Elsewhere in the piece, Tollett discusses what it was like to delay Coachella so many times and the state of the music/concert industry at large, so read the full story here.
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