Television

PBS To Air Eddie Murphy Receiving The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize

5:14am November 23, 2015

by Eric Deggans

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor went to comedian Eddie Murphy this year. Monday night, PBS will air Murphy's first jokes for an audience in 28 years, delivered during his acceptance speech.

Aziz Ansari in the Netflix series Master of None.

Books
Arts

Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Master Of None' And 'Challenger Deep'

10:48pm November 20, 2015

by Linda Holmes

A newly minted National Book Award winner and a new Netflix series have us fully occupied this week, but we've also got plenty making us happy.

Queue Listen Now

'Scandal' Finale Stirs Up Controversy

6:43pm November 20, 2015

by Eric Deggans

Fans express support as well as opposition after the lead character of the hit ABC drama is shown undergoing an emotional procedure.

Arts

'Scandal' Abortion Storyline Marks Bold Move For Network Television

5:41pm November 20, 2015

by Eric Deggans

The winter season finale for the hit ABC TV show, Scandal, featured the lead character seemingly getting an abortion. That's highly unusual for network television and an invitation to controversy.

Krysten Ritter plays the believably damaged ex-superhero in Netflix's latest Marvel series, Jessica Jones.

Arts

'Jessica Jones' Struggles In Life — But Triumphs On Screen

5:12pm November 20, 2015

by Eric Deggans

Netflix's latest venture into the Marvel universe follows Jessica Jones, an unlikely ex-superhero who tries to keep her powers hidden while she works to defeat the telepathic villain who abused her.

Rupert Evans plays Frank, a young man caught up in postwar drama and turmoil, in the Amazon Prime series, The Man in the High Castle.

Amazon's 'High Castle' Offers A Chilling Alternate History Of Nazi Triumph

6:34pm November 18, 2015

by David Bianculli

The Man in the High Castle, a new Amazon Prime series set in 1962, takes place in an America occupied by German and Japanese forces. Critic David Bianculli calls the show "breathtakingly original."

Queue Listen Now

Arts

The Next 'Law & Order?' 'Chicago' Series Take Over TV With New Franchise

4:32pm November 18, 2015

by Eric Deggans

NBC's Chicago franchise grew this week with the premiere of Chicago Med. NPR explores whether it can be the next ER and whether executive producer Dick Wolf, who built the Law & Order empire, can do it again with the Chicago shows.

National

Charlie Sheen Says He's HIV-Positive, Paid To Keep It A Secret

10:03am November 17, 2015

Steve Inskeep talks with NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans about the actor's announcement that he is HIV-positive. Sheen said he has paid millions to keep his health issue a secret for years.

Queue Listen Now

CBS Holds 2 Show Episodes Because Of Paris Attacks

7:09am November 16, 2015

The attacks prompted the network to put off an episode of Supergirl — the story revolved around a bombing. NCIS: LA will makes changes to an episode about a young girl recruited by terrorists.

Aziz Ansari's Show Gives Me Pause About Being An Indian Dad In America

8:36am November 15, 2015

by Deepak Singh

The U.S.-born creator of Master of None loved working with his Indian folks. But as the father of a 6-year-old, I worry that family ties here aren't as strong as in my homeland.