Latest news with #SurvivaloftheThickest
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
10 TV Shows With Powerful Female Leads That Are The Perfect Pick-Me-Up After A Bad Day
Some days just suck—and that's when you need a show that makes you feel seen and heard. Here's a list of TV series with badass female leads, that are the perfect pick-me-up and a good break from the usual stuff we're tired of watching! Survival of the Thickest Survival of the Thickest is the epitome of feel-good! The story revolves around Mavis Beaumont, a stylist living in NYC who decides to rebuild her life after her breakup. This show has everything you need to feel better about life—unapologetic representation, charm, a storyline around career and friendship and everything in between. It's self-love in a neat box. Top of the Lake Top of the Lake is a gripping mystery drama that follows Detective Robin Griffin as she investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl in a small town in New Zealand. It is dark, emotionally intense, and cerebral, led, of course, by a complex female character. Grace and Frankie Speaking of the perfect pick-me-up, Grace and Frankie has to be one of the best feel-good shows out there! It's a comedy-drama revolving around two older women, Grace and Frankie—nemeses since day one—who are forced to be in close proximity for a lot longer than anticipated after their husbands come out and leave them for each other. It's a series full of chaos, friendship, laughs, and starting over. Orphan Black Orphan Black is a sci-fi thriller led by a powerhouse performance from Tatiana Maslany. The story revolves around Sarah Manning, who witnesses an incident involving a woman who looks exactly like her, which leads her to discover that she is one of many genetically identical clones. Pitch Pitch is a sports drama that follows Ginny Baker, the first woman to play Major League Baseball, as she battles sexism, media scrutiny, and self-doubt while trying to prove she belongs on the field. Better Things Better Things is a comedy-drama that follows Sam Fox, a single mom, as she juggles raising three daughters and caring for her eccentric mother, all while handling her job as an actor. It is a funny and honest take on parenting and womanhood, which makes for the perfect pick-me-up. Wentworth If you're a fan of Orange is the New Black, this is going to be your next favorite. Wentworth follows Bea Smith, found guilty of attempting to kill her husband, as she navigates a women's correctional facility, which is rife with power struggles and the drive to survive. With its gripping plot twists and fierce female characters, this one will make you want to keep pressing play. Marcella Marcella is a dark crime thriller about a former detective who is pulled back into investigating a string of brutal murders while battling her own mental health struggles. If you like gripping storylines and a psychological deep-dive into the lead's mental health, this one's for you. Insecure Insecure follows Issa Dee as she navigates love, friendship, and career struggles in modern-day Los Angeles, with a relatable awkwardness that makes for a great watch. It's a coming-of-age story that will definitely make your not-so-good day better. Extraordinary Attorney Woo Extraordinary Attorney Woo follows Woo Young‑woo, a brilliant rookie lawyer on the autism spectrum, as she tackles unique legal cases with creativity and empathy while breaking down social barriers at her prestigious Seoul firm. It's got representation, softness, and resilience—what else do you need to lift your spirits? These are some of the many amazing shows with fierce female leads that make for a wonderful watch. Have any more such shows in your list? Tell us in the comments!
Buzz Feed
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
11 TV Show Episodes To Celebrate Pride Month
Will and Grace — "Queens for a Day Part 1 and 2" (Season 7, Episodes 10 and 11) A lot of things happen in this Thanksgiving episode of Will and Grace. Will Truman tries to impress his boyfriend, Vince D'Angelo's family, and Vince's sister, Ro D'Angelo, reveals a secret about her sexuality to Jack McFarland. It's hilarious and worth watching in June, even if it's set in November. Never Have I Ever "...Been a Big Fat Liar" (Season 1, Episode 7) In this episode, Fabiola Torres comes out to her mom, Elise Torres, making this a positive and uplifting Pride Month watch. Ginny and Georgia — "Latkes Are Lit" (Season 2, Episode 5) In "Latkes Are Lit," Maxine Baxer and Sophie Sanchez plan to take their relationship further. The OC — "Lonely Hearts Club" (Season 2, Episode 12) The OC fans still talk about Olivia Wilde's guest appearance as Alex Kelly. She makes the show edgier, and in "The Lonely Hearts Club," Alex and Marissa take their relationship to the next level. Golden Girls — "Scared Straight" (Season 4, Episode 9) In Golden Girls, "Scared Straight," Blanche Devereaux's brother, Clayton Hollingsworth, comes to visit. Blanche tries to set him up on dates with women, until he finally reveals why he's not interested. Survival of the Thickest — "Are You Crying, B***?" (Season 1, Episode 4) In this empowering episode of Survival of the Thickest, Marley tells her therapist, Anita how liberating she feels after experiencing her queer side. Grey's Anatomy — "White Wedding" (Season 7, Episode 20) In this romantic episode of Grey's Anatomy, the couple Callie Torres and Arizona Robbins finally tie the knot despite the challenges they face during their big day. Grace and Frankie — "The End" (Season 1, Episode 1) A show about two women whose husbands leave them for each other is a given to watch during Pride Month. Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein receive the shocking news that their husbands, Sol Bergstein and Robert Hanson, have been in love with each other. And Just Like That — "Tragically Hip" (Season 1, Episode 5) Such a prominent character, who fans have known for years, explores a change in her sexuality. In And Just Like That, "Tragically Hip" Miranda Hobbs experiences her first queer hookup with Che Diaz. She then has a realization about her sexual preference. Harlem — "Pride" (Season 2, Episode 5) After Quinn Joseph goes through a breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Isabela Benitez-Santiago, she's ready to let loose at New York's Pride. But she ends up drunk and a mess. In the meantime, Tye Reynolds thinks about leaving her LGBTQ+ dating app to start a new one. In the middle of her decision, many couples reveal their romantic success stories with the app. Modern Family — "The Wedding Part 1 and 2" (Season 5, Episodes 23 and 24) In this special episode of Modern Family, Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker officially say I do. After seasons worth of love and watching them raise a witty daughter, to see TV's hilarious couple finally be legally tied to one another is exciting and emotional. Throughout part 1 and part 2 of the episodes, the two face multiple challenges from wildfires to stolen venues, but of course, they eventually get the celebration they deserve. Looking for more LGBTQ+ or Pride content? Then check out all of BuzzFeed's posts celebrating Pride 2025.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Colman Domingo, Paul Tazewell, Sean Bankhead to be Honored at Native Son Awards
Native Son has announced the honorees of its 2025 Native Son Awards, recognizing the accomplishments and advocacy of Black gay and queer men. This year, the organization will honor actor Colman Domingo, costume designer Paul Tazewell, choreographer Sean Bankhead, multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams, National Black Justice Collective CEO and executive director Dr. David J. Johns and founder of the Black AIDS Institute Phill Wilson. More from The Hollywood Reporter Ike Barinholtz Jokes He's "Lucky to Be Alive" After Driving With 'The Studio' Costar Seth Rogen How 'Survival of the Thickest,' 'Mo' and 'Shrinking' Are Helping Destigmatize Therapy for Men of Color The Hollywood Reporter Sets Tonys Preshow 'I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition at the Native Son Awards,' Tazewell, who made history earlier this year when he became the first African American male costume designer to be nominated for the Academy Award for best costume design, which he later won for his work on Wicked, tells The Hollywood Reporter. 'This organization is incredibly close to my heart, and to be acknowledged by a community that celebrates the brilliance and resilience of Black queer and gay men is truly humbling. Thank you for seeing me.' In addition to recognizing the aforementioned honorees, the event will feature performances by Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr and The Voice contestant Deon Jones. The program will also include social impact moments led by former Native Son Awards honorees Rashad Robinson, Alphonso David and Keith Boykin highlighting Black and queer history. The Native Son Awards were created by media professional and professor Emil Wilbekin as an extension of his Native Son movement, designed to be a safe space for the Black gay community to commune and celebrate one another. The gala, first held in 2016, serves as a fundraiser to support Native Son's programs and initiatives throughout the year. 'As Native Son looks toward our milestone 10th anniversary next year, it is incredible to think about not only how much the movement has grown but how much it was and continues to be needed in this community,' said Wilbekin in a news release. 'The work that we are doing and the safer spaces we have created is especially critical as we think about the countless challenges we are facing at this moment in our country's history. Our community is seeing erasure, rollbacks of important protections and, in general, the enforcement of anti-LGBTQ legislation. At Native Son, we are committed to remaining steadfast in the storm to continue to uphold and archive the voice, visibility and existence of Black gay and queer men.' The Native Son Awards will be held during Pride Month on June 11 at the IAC Building in New York City. Former CNN broadcast journalist Don Lemon will serve as host for the third consecutive year. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Harvey Weinstein's "Jane Doe 1" Victim Reveals Identity: "I'm Tired of Hiding" 'Awards Chatter' Podcast: 'Sopranos' Creator David Chase Finally Reveals What Happened to Tony (Exclusive)
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How ‘Survival of the Thickest,' ‘Mo' and ‘Shrinking' Are Helping Destigmatize Therapy for Men of Color
When The Sopranos debuted in 1999, the series moved the cultural needle in innumerable ways — not least with its depiction of a hypermasculine man in a therapist's office. Over six seasons, the series featured eponymous mobster Tony Soprano's regular visits with Dr. Jennifer Melfi — a subplot so socially impactful that actress Lorraine Bracco was once honored by the American Psychoanalytical Association. More from The Hollywood Reporter The Hollywood Reporter Sets Tonys Preshow Colman Domingo, Paul Tazewell, Sean Bankhead to be Honored at Native Son Awards Hollywood Flashback: Noah Wyle Nabbed 5 Emmy Noms the First Time He Played a Doctor on TV In the decades since the HBO series challenged white men's historical aversion to the therapist's couch, men of color have remained largely absent from that needle-shift. Shows like Atlanta and This Is Us are among the few hits in the past quarter century in which a man of color visited a therapist. But at least three series this season — Netflix's Survival of the Thickest and Mo, and Apple TV+'s Shrinking — have devoted significant time to unpacking men of color's complicated history with psychotherapy. This collection of disarming portrayals depicts realities and dispels stereotypes, and potentially even shifts real-world behaviors. 'A thing that all of us [writers] were most attracted to is how do you take care of your mental health when you don't even know that you have to,' says Survival of the Thickest star and co-creator Michelle Buteau, whose Black male lead Khalil (Tone Bell) starts to consider therapy, then takes the plunge after learning on the basketball court that many of his Black male friends already go. 'I was also really inspired by — we talked about this in the room a little bit — when Will Smith and Chris Rock had that moment at the Oscars. I was just like, 'These two very successful Black men that have access to all the resources still somehow, from what I saw, haven't worked through it yet.' ' Mo creator and star Mo Amer's experience with a brother who has multiple disabilities (along with show consultant Dani Rodwell, a clinical social worker with autism who specializes in neurodevelopmental disabilities) shaped the depiction of Sameer (Omar Elba), Mo's older brother who receives an autism diagnosis. In season two, Sameer's sister Nadia (Cherien Dabis) sets up an appointment with a therapist after years of their mother's reluctance. 'In real life, I did that with my brother, and he was very responsive to it,' Amer, who notes his family has always been more open about these discussions, says. 'A lot [of people] within our [Palestinian American Muslim] community deny what's actually going on and don't deal with it head-on; they just self-diagnose, in a way. But it's important to own [in the show] if we are helping [Sameer] or hurting him. That's something I needed to acknowledge: Move forward as a family with love, care and understanding.' Meanwhile, in the latest season of Shrinking, Sean (Luke Tennie), a veteran with PTSD, continues treatment despite an emotional blowup with his estranged father, who downplays the impacts of his therapy. Tennie credits writer Bill Posley, who worked in his perspective as a Black veteran. 'We see [Sean] get excited, or even begin to lean on his therapy as a way to give him more choices than the ones he had before. We start to see somebody who's using a tool for himself instead of just being reprimanded by it,' says the actor. Tennie also notes that the initial paternal rejection offered its own opportunity for real-world mirroring. 'A lot of these Black dads are not going to say sorry,' says the actor. 'But what we've provided is a catharsis and a hope that could convince other people that they could be the father who gives this to their child.' These portrayals enter a world in which men of color have had a far more wary attitude toward therapy than white men. Between 2010 and 2013, white men with daily feelings of anxiety and depression were up to two times as likely to talk to a medical professional than Black and Hispanic men, according to the CDC. 'The historical relationship between men of color — particularly Black men — and therapy has been shaped by systemic inequities, cultural stigmas and a legacy of mistrust toward mental health institutions,' says Dr. Nashira Funn Kayode, a longtime clinical social worker and mental health expert in the areas of trauma, PTSD and criminal justice-involved individuals. '[This has] led to Black men being less likely to seek treatment and more likely to receive inadequate care when they do.' But more positive depictions of men of color in therapy are cropping up now, say experts, due to the streaming age's influx of writers of color as well as evolving attitudes within society itself. 'There's a cadre of people coming out of the 1990s and 2000s era, which is when you're starting to see more boys — especially boys of color — having disciplinary problems in school, learning disabilities,' says Stephanie Troutman Robbins, head of the Gender & Women's Studies department at the University of Arizona. That fact, she says, meant many more adults today were as children brought 'into contact with the guidance counselor, with a psychoanalyst.' The TV trend could further accelerate these shifts. Research published in 2016 by the American Psychological Association found that portrayals of therapy decreased stigma around mental health. And Bracco has said that more men started going to therapy because of Tony Soprano. Experts are hoping for the same effect from these new depictions. Says Troutman Robbins: 'I'm here to see proces ses that are often either inaccessible or underrepresented demystified.' This story first appeared in a June stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ike Barinholtz Jokes He's 'Lucky to Be Alive' After Driving With ‘The Studio' Costar Seth Rogen
Ike Barinholtz is everywhere. In the past few months, he has captivated audiences by playing Continental Studios executive Sal Saperstein in Apple TV+'s The Studio, but he's also made moves behind the camera as co-creator, exec producer and writer on Netflix's Running Point. The two projects somewhat overlapped, which Barinholtz admits was 'intense. But that's what I signed up for.' Here, the actor delves into his preparation for The Studio, known for its long takes, and how Running Point, based on the life story of Lakers president Jeanie Buss, had its own unique challenges. More from The Hollywood Reporter How 'Survival of the Thickest,' 'Mo' and 'Shrinking' Are Helping Destigmatize Therapy for Men of Color Ted Sarandos' 'Studio' Appearance Is a Wink - And a Flex The Hollywood Reporter Sets Tonys Preshow Your work on andoverlapped a bit, right? What was that experience like? Yes, Running Point started maybe six weeks beforehand, but there was definitely an overlap. I'd never done that to that extent, for an extended period of time. I'm so lucky to have the partners that I have in Dave Stassen and Mindy Kaling and to have to work for guys like Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who just make it easy, and they make it so when you roll into one place, you know exactly what's going on. It was intense, but hey, that's what I signed up for. In terms of , Seth Rogen wrote Sal Saperstein for you. What were those early conversations with him like? He called me many years ago, and he was like, 'I love The Larry Sanders Show. Evan Goldberg and I are doing a show about showbiz, and we're writing a part for you. Would you do it?' And it was a very easy yes. The Larry Sanders Show is one of my favorite shows of all time, and I've never really gotten a chance to do anything that really puts an eye on this business. But things happen where someone will say something to you, and then the show never materializes, or they end up making it with someone else, so I just said, 'I'm in.' Every six months or so, he would call me and be like, 'You're in, right?' And I was like, 'It's your show, dude!' But then at some point, Dave [Stassen, showrunner] and I were approached by Mindy [Kaling] to come on Running Point. And then a year later, we were rolling [on Running Point]. How did your career in Hollywood prepare you for the role, given that you've had experience with studio executives? The key to making it in Hollywood is being OK with endless rejection, disappointment, moments of great joy and excitement surrounded by nightmarish anxiety. I have been very lucky to be a writer and a producer, and I have dealt with a lot of executives on the other side of it, and the vast majority are smart and nice people who really just want the movie to be as good as possible while keeping their job. I had a lot to tap into when it came to putting Sal together. I came into this business in the 2000s, which was a crazy time, where you had the excess and bad behavior left over from the '90s, but you also had incredible yield. You had incredible comedy. I had seen a lot of executives come and go, and I tried to find someone who made their bones in that era and is still around, so they got to experience the excess and bad behavior of the 2000s but then have made it through the 'awakenings' of the 2010s and '20s. Sal's just a guy who's partied and done it all and been in multiple threesomes at Sundance over the years, but now in 2025 he understands there are certain things you have to change, otherwise you won't last. What is Sal's day like when he's not working? I think every other weekend he spends with his daughters. I definitely believe that after work, he is a martini guy. I think he could do an espresso martini if he would find himself at a brunch, but he's an old-school, normal, Vesper-ish martini guy. I could see Sal five nights a week going to Dan Tana's or Spago or Sushi Park. I could see him spending a lot of time throwing down the silver Amex. If I had to go out five nights a week, I would just die. He also probably joined some weird private gym where he just sits and reads The New York Times. What would've been Sal's bar mitzvah theme? Sal's bar mitzvah was in 1990 and would have had a theme of a film from that year, so maybe Home Alone? Possible chance his dad got Daniel Stern [who played Marv the burglar] to come. The show has some extraordinary continuous takes — what was that like for you being in front of the camera? Seth driving is just … I'm just lucky to be alive. I'm just praying in multiple different languages and religious tomes to make it through that scene. He's a very good driver, but he's a very fast driver, and we're driving cars that were built in, like, 1959. You think affable, sweet, Jewish Canadian stoner. But no, he wants to go fast. He should be in a Fast & Furious movie. As Seth Rogen. At some point, Vin [Diesel]'s character, Dom Toretto, is like, 'There's only one guy we could call, and it's Seth Rogen. He's mishpocha,' which is Yiddish for family. But no, to prepare to do this was unlike anything I'd done in my life. What was your most challenging scene? One of the first scenes I shot was [with] Chase Sui Wonders, which was a very big, emotional one. I'm going from screaming to crying to being grateful. Also, I didn't know Chase, we had just literally met, and she's such a sweet young lady, and she's like, 'Nice to meet you. I'm a big fan.' And then an hour later, I'm just in her face, like, 'You loser!' I would say the stuff in Vegas toward the end was rough. We shot for basically two weeks, every day, long hours, and we're shooting on a live casino floor late at night and dragging nude Bryan [Cranston] through the lobby of The Venetian. Were people in the casino trying to approach you all? We had a great crew that had a lot of spotters, but I mean, you're going through a packed casino floor with Seth Rogen, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara and Kathryn Hahn. Everyone likes at least one of them, if not all of them. I like to gamble a bit, and when we'd do hair and makeup, you'd have 20 minutes until you have to be on set, and I would just kind of walk past a blackjack table. I was playing, and Cranston walks past, and he's like, 'What are you up? What are you down?' And the dealer froze. He's like, 'Was that Bryan Cranston?' And I was like, 'Yeah,' and he goes, 'Your Honor is the greatest show I've ever seen.' And I was like, 'Yeah, it's amazing. And Breaking Bad!' He goes, 'Never seen it.' There is a guy out there who's like, 'My favorite actor, Bryan Cranston, Your Honor.' The show has amazing guest stars — was there a standout for you? Other than your dad. Obviously, my dad! It's impossible to pick just one. Martin Scorsese is a very important person in my life, and I never thought I would get to work with him, let alone act with him, so that was surreal. … Every day there was a new person where you're like, 'I can't believe I'm sitting in a sprinter van with Ron Howard.' It'll be interesting, for season two, who do you get? How do you top it? You've got to get Tom Hanks or something. After a day of intense filming, what was your way to decompress? When you're acting, especially all day in every scene, it is nice to come home and, at least I try, to watch like a half hour of either a TV show or a basketball game or something. But for this show, I would come home and have to instantly go into my office and work on my lines for the next day, so when I show up, I'm prepared. But it is a bit of a must that if I get home before 10 o'clock, a basketball game is really nice. Vegas was interesting because in L.A., you wrap at 8:30 pm. People are like, 'bye, see you guys tomorrow.' In Vegas, you wrap and you're standing in front of a martini bar and Catherine O'Hara is like, 'does anyone want a martini?' We did get to unwind a little bit after shooting some of those long days in Vegas with a drink or two, or in some cases, seven. In terms of , I know there was a different creative team involved first and you joined later. Initially, Mindy came to Dave and I with the idea, and we, at the time, were knee deep doing History of the World Part II with Mel Brooks. And we were bummed, because we for years were like, we got to figure out a thing to do with Mindy again, just because we love her so much. She's so funny. We just kind of missed each other, which happens. And then by the time we had finished History, she came back, and she was like, 'Hey, we're trying something new.' We sat down and talked about what we thought the show could be and then we pitched it and I think Warners and Netflix saw the path we wanted to go. Before you know, we were back in Mindy's office ordering humongous Italian sub sandwiches just like the old days. How did you collaborate with Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis, given that the show is based on Jeanie's story? I've been lucky enough to know them for a few years, and they really are two of the nicest people I've ever met. They gave us unprecedented access, where they would let us come to the training center in El Segundo. Walking around the locker room, Austin Reaves came out in a towel and was like, 'Oh, shucks y'all, nice to meet you.' … We knew the tone we wanted, and we knew a little bit of how we wanted Isla [played by Kate Hudson] to be, but hanging with Jeanie and seeing how her employees react to her, and how they interact with each other, really informed a lot, because they love her and she loves them. That informed the writing, because we wanted the characters to be flawed. We love Succession, and we love how they just constantly shit on each other, but we really wanted to make sure there was a big undercurrent of love, and seeing that firsthand really helped us. … I'll never forget, the first day we did our camera test, and Kate walks out. She's got the hair with the little bangs, and she's got the skirt with the blouse tucked, and the lanyard. And I was like, 'It's Jeanie.' Kate and Jeanie have known each other since Kate was little. Did their relationship aid the storytelling? I think when I hear both those names, Kate Hudson and Jeanie Buss, I think of Southern California. I think they just kind of emerged from the Pacific Ocean and walked onto the beach, whether it's Manhattan Beach or the Palisades or wherever. I didn't know [they knew each other], I was just like, that makes the binding ties stronger. … It's amazing when you think about the lives both these women have led, and the fact that now one is kind of playing a version inspired by the other is just delicious. What challenges did you face? Shooting basketball is hard and very expensive. We knew this was a comedy about a family that owns a basketball team, and not about players. At first, I was like, 'How are we going to shoot basketball? We're not able to fill an arena, and we don't have the budget that, say, a Winning Time has.' But Dave Stassen brilliantly made the choice to make it feel almost like a Nike commercial from the mid-'90s. … TV budgets are just not what they used to be, so envisioning a show that was supposed to be very big, and still making it look beautiful and cool, but not having all the tools to have it, is something that was challenging at times, but I think we did it. This story first appeared in a May stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
