The Parting Shot with H. Alan Scott

After a nearly two-year hiatus, the Max-original Emmy Award-winning series ‘Hacks’ is back. And Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava, the comedy writer to legendary—and difficult—stand-up comic Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), used the time off to figure out how to be a person again. “I went on the road, I did stand-up, but I kind of had to fill in the rest of my time with various hobbies and things. It made me go like, ‘OK, I gotta like be a person. Do sh** that isn’t just work,’” Einbinder told Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott. Now that the dark comedy series is in its third season, Einbinder is no longer intimidated by Smart. “At this point in our relationship it’s familial close.” And now Einbinder has more than just Hacks in the works, she will also debut her first stand-up comedy special this June on Max. But she gives the credit to ‘Hacks’: “It is single handedly because of this acting gig. That boosted the visibility for me to be able to tour and develop. To run an hour, to sharpen it, it’s hard to get that opportunity. I am so grateful to do that and to work it out in a way that is not common. I hope people like it.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Eugenio Derbez, making the transition from being one of Mexico’s most recognizable faces in comedy to the American market was not easy. “We don’t laugh at the same things. Humor in Mexico and in the U.S. is completely different. I had to reinvent myself,” Derbez told Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott. He’s done a good job of reinventing himself because his Apple TV+ series ‘Acapulco’ (May 1) is now in its third season. “I’m so glad that the series is bilingual and it’s getting its third season.” The success of the show is directly tied to Derbez’s success stateside. Loosely based on his character Maximo from the 2017 film ‘How to Be a Latin Lover,’ Acapulco shifts between telling the backstory of young Maximo in the 1980s at a popular resort and the character in modern day. Part of why he wanted to do Acapulco was because “there’s still a big opportunity to tell beautiful things about Mexico. I was always concerned that Mexico equals violence.” With his success in the U.S., Derbez is looking to adapt his popular Mexican sitcom La Familia P. Luche into English. “It’s so different from anything that you’ve watched before in the U.S.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Because of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ drag has exploded. But what is often lost with all this drag we’re seeing on our televisions are the stories from small-town America, what’s really happening in cities that are sometimes overlooked and where, often, these “drag bans” are popping up. That’s where HBO Max’s ‘We’re Here’ comes in. ‘We’re Here’ shows drag superstars going to small cities to put on a drag show, but along the way stories are told that you rarely here. Stories about the struggles of being LGBT in America today, life in a small town, and how drag can be a force for good. Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott spoke with creators Stephen Warren and Johnnie Ingram and director Peter LoGreco about the impact of ‘We’re Here,’ and two of the new hosts for this new season, Sasha Velour and Latrice Royale from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reality TV has changed the landscape of not only television, but also pop culture. Its impact can be felt in every aspect of our lives, and—as some would argue—its impact may have even led to the election of former President Donald Trump. That’s a huge impact. (Or should we say, ‘yuge.’) Considering this, what is the state of reality TV? Where are we at with shows like ‘Survivor,’ ‘The Real Housewives’ and ‘Traitors’? To discuss this, Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott invited reality TV expert Kate Casey on the latest episode. Listen to Kate’s podcast ‘Reality Life with Kate Casey’: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reality-life-with-kate-casey/id1154758766 Subscribe to Kate’s ‘What to Watch’ newsletter: https://katecasey.substack.com/ Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, then this episode of the Parting Shot podcast is for you. Not only will Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott be chatting with the season 16 top three finalists Sapphira Cristál, Nymphia Wind and Plane Jane, he’ll also chat with Q and Tia Kofi, who was just recently crowned the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World. Sound off who you think will win RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 before the finale airs. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. Sapphira Cristál - https://www.instagram.com/sapphiracristal Nymphia Wind - https://www.instagram.com/66wind99 Plane Jane - https://www.instagram.com/the_planejane Q - https://www.instagram.com/living4q Tia Kofi - https://www.instagram.com/tiakofi See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Penn and Kim Holderness are widely celebrated for their entertaining viral parody videos (singing included!) on topics ranging from parenting and helping kids with homework and masking up for the pandemic (to the tune of the Hamilton soundtrack) to “stupid” healthy habits and everything in between. Now, Penn and Kim are tackling a serious subject close to their hearts in their new book, ‘ADHD IS AWESOME.’ It’s a lively but informative dive into what the ADHD brain is and systems and strategies that neurodiverse people and their loved ones can use to make the most of their unique brain chemistry. In addition to so many practical tips, the book is as humorous as the Holderness Family videos are and reads like a love letter between Penn and Kim, modeling a relationship in which the partners value one another and work hard to strengthen those bonds. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans singing the praises of ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary,’ fear not, they’ve heard you. “We love to hear it,” says Chris Perfetti, who plays Jacob Hill on the Emmy-winning sitcom about teachers at a Philadelphia public school. As for the show’s success, “it’s everything I’ve dreamt of as an actor.” For Perfetti, finding how to play Jacob didn’t start with studying teachers. “At the end of the day, they’re just human beings and teaching is their job.” Now in its third season, Perfetti says you will be seeing a new side of Jacob, but not to worry, he “will by no means stop putting his foot in his mouth or tripping over his words or over furniture for that matter.” The show is the definition of an ensemble. “I feel like those moments where we can just pingpong off of each other and make up something new and try and make each other laugh, those moments are sweet.” And yes, “there is a blooper reel,” but no matter how hard this reporter tried, Perfetti wasn’t giving up who among the cast breaks the most. “They would kill me if I told you.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Jew accidentally stumbles upon a gathering of white nationalists. For most, this would be a cause for concern, but for Alex Edelman it’s an opportunity for a hit one-man comedy show. “I always wanted to be a stand-up. I always thought that stand-up was the most fun, cool, delightful thing.” Edelman’s new HBO comedy special Just for Us (April 6) follows his successful Broadway run, where the comedian shares the impact this accidental meeting had on him. “I’d never want to be famous, but I’ve always wanted—and this feels grosser—but I’ve always wanted the respect of my peers.” And he’s gotten it, with many celebrities attending his sold-out shows. Edelman says his show is for everyone. “Judaism is a huge part of who I am. I’m very proud of it generally. But I perform for non-Jewish audiences. So being a public Jew, it’s put me in a position to speak to young Jews in a way that I wish I had been spoken to.” After six years of doing the show, Edelman is looking forward to other creative pursuits. “My brain is going to have to start gathering again.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If there’s one thing that’s true about Gillian Anderson, it’s that she isn’t afraid of a challenge. And that’s exactly what she’s doing in her new film, tackling the role of journalist Emily Maitlis in Netflix’s ‘Scoop’ (April 5), which documents the team behind the bombshell 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew over his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. For Anderson, who won an Emmy for playing Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Crown,’ she didn’t see it as another project about the royal family. “It wasn’t until afterwards when people started asking me that and I was like, ‘Really? Well, I didn’t even think about it.’” [laughs] What stood out to Anderson was the various portrayals of women involved in making the interview happen. “They are all incredibly powerful forces in their own rights, but also completely unique and different characters.” Anderson, whose legions of fans date back to her days on ‘The X-Files,’ is using that popularity to talk about women’s sexual health with her new energy drink line G Spot, targeted for women, but made for everybody. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedy legend Jane Lynch stops by to talk with Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott about hosting ‘The Weakest Link,’ and she looks back at some her iconic performances in ‘Glee,’ ‘Best in Show,’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Honestly, the story she shares about Jennifer Coolidge is just everything. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Describing Ramy Youssef’s work isn’t easy, because the multi-hyphenated talent refuses to settle on just one thing. “I feel really inspired to connect in the way that it makes sense.” That started out with stand-up, but has since morphed into acting, writing, directing and producing. The New Jersey native’s next endeavor, right on the heels of his appearance in the Oscar-winning film ‘Poor Things,’ is a new stand-up special called ‘More Feelings.’ “I'm definitely living on a prayer, and that's probably the magic piece in this special, where it kind of feels like everything's just hanging by this really thin string.” The key to his material “taking time off” and “always looking for what allows it to feel like almost a weird, linear thought, but going into a lot of different things, but somehow it's kind of all one thought.” But when working on material, for Youssef, it doesn’t matter if it’s for stand-up, his Hulu series ‘Ramy,’ or Netflix’s ‘Mo’—which Youssef co-created—the process is what dictates his creativity. “Some ideas are just so good for stand-up and then some you want to put on TV. I've started to think of what ideas would really be best fit for film. I've been dabbling in how to take my first swing at that.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much do we really know about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln? That’s a question Tobias Menzies hopes to answer in Apple TV+’s ‘Manhunt’ (March 15). “The thing that really struck me was the newness of the nation, that it wasn’t really all knitted together properly, it was still so raw.” Menzies plays Edwin Stanton, the U.S. Secretary of War under Lincoln, as he leads the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth. As a Brit, Menzies says “it’s not without its trepidation to take on these important figures in your country’s history,” but that he hopes “to bring enough insight, and maybe some of that is about being an outsider.” The show, which leans “toward the conspiracy political, crime thriller sort of genre,” is also surprisingly timely. “The political and physical reality of the United States is a sort of a given now. It was interesting putting ourselves back into a world where that’s not a given ... and the danger is that the tide will significantly turn in a different direction if [Stanton] isn’t able to resist the forces that have committed that deed.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bringing the life story of activist Shirley Chisholm to screen wasn’t an easy task for Regina King. “This has been a labor of love. My sister [Reina] and I have been at this for close to 15 years now.” Netflix’s Shirley (March 22) focuses on Chisholm’s long shot 1972 presidential campaign after she became the first Black woman elected to Congress. At times isolated from movements she had advocated for, like the women’s rights movement—which “was very disappointing and heartbreaking for her”—King’s Chisholm shows the woman behind the trailblazer. “She is a daughter, she is a wife, she is those things that we all, no matter what color you are, can relate to.” But she also got things done by “crossing party lines and getting some really huge changes, wage changes for Latino and Black people.” It’s in the expert hands of the Academy Award-winning King to show Chisholm’s full spectrum, especially in those incredibly important quiet moments. “They are quiet moments, but they’re so loud.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Marsden is good at keeping fans on their toes. Following his Emmy-nominated success with ‘Jury Duty,’ Marsden has three very different projects in 2024, the first being Michael Keaton’s ‘Knox Goes Away’ (March 15). “I like to take opportunities that are very different tone, and this was just like, ‘Wow, you’re in the company of great people here and how would I ever say no to this?’” Later this year he’ll star in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3.’ He says part of the franchise’s success is that they’ve always wanted to “be like ‘Fast and Furious’ meets one of those films. We want there to be action, we want the jokes to be smart.” If that’s not enough, he’ll also appear in Jerry Seinfeld’s ‘Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story.’ While raspberry is Marsden’s flavor of choice, growing up, “Pop-Tarts was a luxury thing that I’d go to the bus stop and see my other friends eating. Like, what’s this shiny aluminum- encased treat?” At this point, Marsden is proud of his genre-shifting career; he credits it with always aligning “yourself as much as you can with the best directors and the best material.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, the day has arrived, we have a winner of season two of Peacock’s ‘The Traitors.’ Or is it winners? Well, you’ll just have to listen to Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott talk exclusively with them. (You see how we’re intentionally not revealing their name or names? You’re welcome!) Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Understanding the balance between dark comedy and mystery is a unique quality of Annette Bening, which she puts to good use in Peacock’s limited series Apples Never Fall (March 14), based on Liane Moriarty’s book. “Everybody has a secret, and that’s fun.” Bening plays Joy Delaney, the matriarch of a seemingly perfect family who suddenly disappears. “Even in the best comedies, there’s a deep dis-ease inside of people that we’re trying to dramatize.” In typical Bening style, she’s able to show this dance between genres with such subtlety. “A lot of times in film, the moments that we remember characters are often quiet [ones].” Describing the story as “juicy,” Bening says, “right now we all need a certain amount of entertainment.” Recently she did just that in the film Nyad, playing the real-life Diana Nyad, who broke records swimming from Cuba to Florida coached by her friend Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster). The role earned her an Academy Award nomination. “This idea of chosen family is very familiar to [queer] people. And it’s just important that people see that.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whatever you do, don’t call Gayle King an icon. “Diana Ross, to me, is an icon.” Fair. But one moniker she is fine with is America’s best friend. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I like that.” And it fits, considering her many titles: center anchor of CBS Mornings, editor at large of Oprah Daily, co-host of CNN’s King Charles. “If I get five [hours of sleep a night], I'm doing the hula.” At CBS Mornings, it’s the combination of King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson that creates a dynamic unlike any other morning show. “We can educate, we can inform and entertain without being a comedy show.” And that’s because of what each of them brings to the show. “Clearly, people like watching people that they think like each other and enjoy working with each other. We certainly have that down on lock. But I think that we each bring something different to the table.” Even though she says she’s not “out here looking for more work,” she’s also never going to turn down an opportunity. “I just have so many varied interests in all different types of things. That has served me well over the years.” “I say this all the time, I have a front-row seat to history. And I like it.” Read the feature on Gayle King: https://www.newsweek.com/2024/03/15/gayle-king-not-just-oprahs-best-friend-shes-americas-best-friend-1874854.html Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new season of CBS’ Survivor is upon us, and former player Rob Cesternino stopped by to talk with Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott about the new season, his recent chat with Jeff Probst, and his crazy popular podcast Rob Has a Podcast. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

YouTube star Grace Helbig talks with Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and everything she’s learned since. Grace and H. Alan have been friends for years, but one thing they never thought they’d have in common would be cancer. They chat about that, what it was like to go to the same chemo center in Beverly Hills, and all the things that cancer has taught them. Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carrie Preston is ready to step into the spotlight. The Emmy-winning veteran character actress will helm the title role in Elsbeth on CBS (February 29), playing Elsbeth Tascioni, a character she originated 14 years ago on The Good Wife and its spinoff The Good Fight. “When this part came along, what was happening on the page was so extraordinary for television, because she was so unusual.” We now find the colorful lawyer assisting the NYPD in solving crimes. “People don’t quite know what to do with her either, and she knows that. She’s not like the other kids.” And Preston, best known for her supporting performances on True Blood and Claws, says, “I’m more prepared for it than I would have been in my 20s when I was just sort of dreaming about it.” But she’s still finding acclaim in smaller roles, too. She recently appeared in a small but key role in Alexander Payne’s Oscar-nominated film The Holdovers. “I knew watching other Alexander movies that he was going to treat my character with the same amount of care that he treated [the main] three, and it comes across.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.