All TV
A civil rights activist on what ‘Eyes on the Prize III’ means at this moment“Eyes on the Prize” was a landmark documentary about the Civil Rights Movement. Dream Defenders’ Phillip Agnew, who is part of a new six-part series, talks about what the documentary means at this time of political upheaval.
Lia Block Q&A: Can F1 Academy pave the road for women in motorsports?Season 7 of “Formula 1: Drive To Survive” debuts March 7 on Netflix. The Monitor reached out to rising star Lia Block to ask about the direction she, and racing, are headed.
After ‘Severance,’ will we ever see work-life balance the same way?Is “Severance,” about workplace drudgery, the greatest exploration of work-life imbalance ever filmed?
Touring Texas with ‘Somebody Somewhere’ star Jeff HillerActors often mine their pasts for material. On a recent trip to Texas, Jeff Hiller of “Somebody Somewhere” reflects on the humanity – and humor – in his.
No more sunny days? ‘Sesame Street’ finds itself homeless after 55 years.As “Sesame Street” enters what may be its final season, a Monitor columnist reflects on losing shows for children that created a set of tenets rooted in love.
Juan Rulfo helped invent magical realism. His ‘Pedro Páramo’ is now on Netflix.Mexican author Juan Rulfo helped invent magical realism and influenced a generation of beloved Latin American writers. His novel “Pedro Páramo” just received a twisty adaptation on Netflix.
An unwanted kiss shook Spanish soccer – and society. A new documentary explores why.Just as the Spanish women’s national team was celebrating its 2023 World Cup victory, it found itself embroiled in a fight with the soccer federation president over an unwanted kiss. A Netflix documentary looks at the scandal.
‘The Last of the Sea Women’: How one director is documenting a South Korean traditionWomen free divers in South Korea don’t view age as a limitation. The director of a new documentary discusses their determination, and how it helps them persevere in the centuries-old tradition they uphold.
Live, from New York, it’s the ‘SNL’ origin story ‘Saturday Night’“Saturday Night Live,” which is celebrating its 50th season, launched the careers of scores of comedians. A diverting new film about the show’s premiere features frenetic creativity – and its toll.
How Netflix’s ‘Rebel Ridge’ turned ‘civil asset forfeiture’ into a No. 1 hitThe film, with more than 70 million views on Netflix, takes its cues from “Rambo” – and police reform.
Politicians are embracing ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Tolkien had something different in mind.J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” has become entangled in culture war sparring. Yet some say the text has universal qualities that transcend politics.
How director Lagueria Davis brought out the joy and the legacy of Black BarbieWhat did the first Black Barbie mean to a generation of children? A director who says she “hated“ dolls draws joy and inspiration from an icon.
They came to the US against their will. Their descendants returned to Africa for them.The last enslaved people to arrive in the U.S. from Africa tried to get home after they were emancipated. More than 150 years later, their descendants make the journey for them – and consider the legacy they left.
‘Butterfly in the Sky’ review: LeVar Burton soars in ‘Reading Rainbow’ doc“Reading Rainbow” remains a touchstone for generations of American children. But as a new documentary shows, it – and host LeVar Burton – means so much more than nostalgia.
‘Steve! (Martin)’ review: The wild and crazy (and private) guy shares his storySteve Martin is known for turning high-style goofiness into an art form, the Monitor’s film critic writes. A new documentary offers the notoriously private entertainer an opportunity to consider what it takes for a funnyman to find happiness.
‘X-Men ’97’ is nostalgic and compelling, but its superpower is its inclusivityUltimately, “X-Men ’97” is a blast from the past that resonates in this time, while retaining its ability to present difference in a humane way.
‘Percy Jackson’ takes on the Greek gods – and HollywoodWith the Season One finale of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” airing Tuesday, do fans think the Disney+ series has erased memories of two earlier movies?
First LookEmmys: Classic TV reunions and 'Succession,' 'The Bear' win big“Succession” won best drama series and acting nods for Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfadyen. “The Bear” won best comedy series along with every award it was nominated for in the first Emmys ceremony post-strike.
Space, love, and poetry: ‘The Nikki Giovanni Project’A new documentary offers a nonlinear, lyrical look at the activism and life of poet Nikki Giovanni. What our commentator comes away with is a sense of love and awe.
What makes a show about everyday Texans must-see TV?Texas is changing, and so is one of its beloved institutions, “Texas Country Reporter.” How is a show that has captured the heart of the state evolving?
