Television

Vested Interests: Gemma (America Ferrera) and Jonah (Ben Feldman) in the NBC sitcom, Superstore.

Arts

Comedy Is Old And New Again: 'Superstore' And 'You're The Worst'

2:12pm September 08, 2016

by Linda Holmes

Today, a TV show's style doesn't tell you as much as it used to. A traditional network workplace sitcom slyly breaks with tradition, and an edgy cable sitcom hides a beating human heart.

George Takei predicted Star Trek would be too sophisticated to last — but he says he's happy to have been proved wrong.

Arts

Much More Than A 5-Year Mission: 'Star Trek' Turns 50

9:23am September 08, 2016

by Eric Deggans

Star Trek debuted on TV in 1966, and Starship Enterprise is still seeking strange new worlds. Co-star George Takei credits creator Gene Roddenberry's inclusive vision for Trek's enduring popularity.

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Arts

'Atlanta,' 'Queen Sugar,' Bring Modern Black Culture To TV

4:35pm September 06, 2016

by Eric Deggans

A new comedy by Community alum, Donald Glover, called Atlanta premieres on FX on Tuesday night. And over on Oprah's network, OWN, Queen Sugar premieres. Both shows reflect the push toward diversity in prestige cable television, with creators, stars and subject matter focused on black people.

Pamela Adlon plays a single mother to three girls in the series Better Things, which premieres Sept. 8th on FX.

Arts

Actress Pamela Adlon Says 'Better Things' Is Dedicated To Her Daughters

2:27pm September 06, 2016

Adlon's new FX series is based on her own experience raising three girls as a single mom. Her daughters are "very much a part" of the show, she says.

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Donald Glover plays Earnest Marks in Atlanta.

Arts

Singular Points Of View: 'Atlanta,' 'One Mississippi' And 'Fleabag'

10:22am September 06, 2016

by Linda Holmes

We look at three fall shows that step away from generic, broad-appeal TV concepts and come straight from the specific sensibilities of their creators.

Former Telenovela Actress Changed Landscape Of Spanish-Language TV

5:35am September 05, 2016

by Jasmine Garsd

Telenovelas are staples of Spanish-language TV. Telemundo was always in second place behind Univision — that is until executives figured out the way to success: telenovelas starring anti-heroes.

Ava Duvernay And 'Queen Sugar': Celebrating Diversity, Inclusivity In TV

6:55pm September 04, 2016

by NPR Staff

Ava Duvernay, director of the acclaimed film Selma, brings her talents to TV in Queen Sugar, an original drama series for Oprah's OWN network premiering Sept. 6.

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To Reform Prison System, Corrections Officer Put Himself In Solitary Confinement

8:53am September 04, 2016

Rachel Martin speaks to Secretary Gregg Marcantel about reforming the New Mexico state penitentiary system. He appears on season 2 on A&E's "Behind Bars."

Arts

Ray Liotta On 'Goodfellas,' Acting And His Return To TV

1:37pm September 02, 2016

"My career has been up and down, and I like it much better being up," Liotta says. He plays a corrupt NYC police lieutenant on the NBC series Shades of Blue. Originally broadcast Jan. 12, 2016.

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Gretchen (Aya Cash) and Jimmy (Chris Geere) in You're The Worst.

Arts

Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'You're The Worst' And Making Drama Funny

12:49pm September 02, 2016

by Stephen Thompson

The gang discusses a drama-filled FXX comedy as a jumping-off point for a look at the ways humor and seriousness can collide. Then, as always, we close with What's Making Us Happy this week.

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