Arts & Culture :: Television
Bruce Vilanch: The comedy writer on good times and bad ideas
In his second book, “It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time,” comedy writer Bruce Vilanch shines a klieg light on some of his more infamous efforts, including TV fare such as “The Star Wars Holiday Special” and “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special.”
‘Outrageous’ – British Mitford family was stranger than fiction
The scintillating, superb, scrumptious new six-episode series, “Outrageous,” having premiered on BritBox this month, is based on Mary S. Lovell’s definitive biography, “The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family." British, yes. "Downton Abbey" it isn't.
Doug Spearman: ‘Noah’s Arc’ actor on the new movie about Black gay men making families
When “Noah’s Arc” premiered 20 years ago, it was a groundbreaking creation, the story of a group of Black gay men and their wonderful friendships. Actor Doug Spearman shares his experiences working on the seriess, and the new "Noah's Acr: The Movie."
‘Pee-wee as Himself’ – Reverent documentary on Paul Reubens tells almost all
If you are wondering why the doc “Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Documentary Films) airs in two parts on HBO Max, it’s because both subjects, the late Paul Reubens and his alter-ego Pee-wee Herman are simply too much to be contained in one cinematic project.
B.A.R. television critic Victoria Brownworth dies
Victoria Brownworth, a lesbian who was the longtime television columnist for the Bay Area Reporter and contributed to other publications, died May 22.
Étoile: Ballet grand jeté series missteps but still dazzles
If you are a fan of ballet, the new Amazon MGM Studios eight-episode series “Étoile" may or may not enchant you. The series creators, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino adore this art form; it's not a dance show, but a show about dancers.
Hacking it: The Lavender Tube on ‘Hacks,’ Martha Stewart’s return, ‘Elsbeth’ & more
Get ready. “Hacks” returns for its fourth season. Martha Stewart cohosts a new cooking show. “Elsbeth” ramps up the murder mystery camp, plus reality shows and recent news are covered by our prolific Lavender Tube columnist.
Dystopian drama: The Lavender Tube on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ ‘The Last of Us,’ and more dark viewing pleasures
Our prolific Lavender Tube columnist offers updates on the highly anticipated return of “The Last of Us” in its second season, the season 6 series finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and a very queer episode in the new batch of “Black Mirror.”
Modern families: The Lavender Tube on the new gay sitcom, Bella Ramsey in ‘The Last of Us’ & more
The new sitcom "Mid-Century Modern offers fresh comedic gay break from our current political chaos. Bella Ramsay returns in season two of "The Last of Us." Michelle Williams stars in a sexy dramedy, and Richard Chamberlain is remembered.
'Mid-Century Modern's Max Mutchnick: 'Will & Grace' cocreator on his new gay sitcom
Need a few laughs? The new gay sitcom "Mid-Century Modern," bowing on Hulu on March 28, is the creation of Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, the gay men who were also behind "Will & Grace."
Arthur Dong films rereleased: celebrating LGBT and Asian stories on Blu-ray
Kino Lorber has released the Arthur Dong Collection, an expansive three-disc box set that features all of his LGBTQ and Asian American-themed documentaries, plus hours of extra features.
'Family' viewing: The Lavender Tube on 'Good American Family,' 'General Hospital' & more
Hulu's original drama "Good American Family" stars Ellen Pompeo; "General Hospital" keeps the gay drama going, and Lena Waithe joins "Grey's Anatomy." All this plus more from our prolific TV columnist.
Hollywood honors: The Lavender Tube on the Oscars, 'White Lotus' and more
After weeks of hype, interviews with first-time nominees and first-time host Conan O'Brien, the 97th Academy Awards Oscars extravaganza did not disappoint.
Oscar time: 2025 Academy Award predictions
As we approach the 97th Academy Awards, rather than the usual celebration of cinema, this has been one of the mean-spirited pre-Oscar seasons in decades, resulting in a potentially volatile Oscar race in several major categories.