Showbiz
Netflix Agrees to Buy Warner Bros Film and Streaming Businesses for $72bn
Netflix has reached a deal to acquire the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn. The acquisition, which includes franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, as well as the streaming service HBO Max, is set to create a new giant in the entertainment industry. However, the deal still requires approval from competition authorities. Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos expressed confidence in receiving regulatory approval, stating that the combination of Warner Bros' library with Netflix's original content would provide audiences with more of what they love. The deal has been met with criticism from some in the film industry, including the Writers Guild of America, which argues that it would negatively impact workers and consumers. Despite this, Netflix believes the acquisition will set the company up for success in the long term. The takeover is expected to result in $2bn to $3bn in savings, primarily through the elimination of overlaps in support and technology areas. Warner Bros films will continue to be released in cinemas, and the company's television studio will remain able to produce content for third parties. The acquisition is valued at $82.7bn, including debt, with Netflix paying $27.75 per Warner Bros share.
Pitchfork Readers' Poll Reveals Top Songs and Albums of 2025
The results of the Pitchfork 2025 Readers' Poll are in, with thousands of readers voting on the best songs and albums of the half-decade. The top song of 2025, according to readers, is Rosalía's "Berghain" featuring Björk and Yves Tumor. Other notable songs in the top 10 include Geese's "Taxes", Wednesday's "Elderberry Wine", and Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra". In the album category, Rosalía's "LUX" took the top spot, followed by FKA twigs' "EUSEXUA" and Geese's "Getting Killed". Other notable albums in the top 10 include Lady Gaga's "MAYHEM", Turnstile's "NEVER ENOUGH", and Clipse's "Let God Sort Em Out". The poll also highlights the diversity of music in 2025, with a wide range of genres and artists represented in the top 100 songs and albums. Readers can compare their picks with Pitchfork's own lists of the best songs and albums of 2025. The full lists of the top 100 songs and albums of 2025, as chosen by Pitchfork readers, are available online.
Frank Gehry, Renowned Architect, Dies at 96
Frank Gehry, the celebrated architect known for his imaginative and striking buildings, has died at the age of 96. He passed away on Friday in his home in Santa Monica after a brief respiratory illness. Gehry's designs, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, have achieved worldwide acclaim. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Pritzker Prize, the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal, and the Companion of the Order of Canada. Gehry's career in architecture began after earning a degree from the University of Southern California in 1954 and serving in the Army. He initially struggled to make a name for himself, but eventually found success with his unique and creative designs. His firm, Gehry Partners LLP, grew to include over 130 employees, and he personally oversaw every project. Despite criticism from some, Gehry's work has been widely praised for its originality and innovation. Gehry's legacy will continue to be felt around the world, with numerous buildings and projects still in development. The Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, first proposed in 2006, is expected to be completed in 2026. He is survived by his wife, Berta, and his children, Brina, Alejandro, and Samuel. Gehry's impact on the world of architecture will be remembered for generations to come, and his buildings will continue to inspire and awe people around the world.
Frank Gehry, Renowned Architect, Dies at 94
Frank Gehry, the legendary architect behind iconic buildings such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, has passed away at the age of 96. Gehry died on Friday in his Santa Monica home after a brief respiratory illness. Throughout his career, Gehry won numerous prestigious awards, including the Pritzker Prize, the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal, and the Companion of the Order of Canada. His unique and imaginative designs brought him worldwide acclaim, and he continued to work well into his 80s, creating notable buildings such as the IAC Building in New York City and the New York By Gehry building. Despite not everyone being a fan of his work, Gehry remained committed to his vision, even when faced with criticism and controversy. He also taught at several universities, including the University of Southern California, Yale, and Columbia University. Gehry's legacy will be remembered through his iconic buildings that have remade skylines around the world. His death marks the end of an era in architecture, but his designs will continue to inspire and influence future generations of architects and artists.
Marvel Studios to Re-Release Avengers: Endgame in Theaters Ahead of Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel Studios will re-release Avengers: Endgame in theaters on September 25, 2026, as a lead-up to the release of Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026. The re-release is intended to hype up audiences and fans for the new movie, which will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and feature the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the classic villain Doctor Doom. Avengers: Endgame was a massive pop culture event when it was first released on April 26, 2019, and it has become the second-highest grossing film of all time domestically, internationally, and globally. The movie's success can be seen in its impressive box office numbers, with $858 million domestically, $1.941 billion internationally, and $2.799 billion globally. It also had the biggest opening weekend of all time globally, with a $1.2 billion debut. The re-release of Avengers: Endgame is likely to boost the box office and is in line with Marvel's emphasis on theatrical releases. Marvel head Kevin Feige has stated that the company prioritizes making movies for movie theaters, and the re-release of Avengers: Endgame is a testament to this commitment. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to feature a star-studded cast, including the casts of movies such as Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and X-Men. The movie's release is highly anticipated, and the re-release of Avengers: Endgame is likely to generate even more excitement among fans. With its impressive track record and dedicated fan base, Marvel Studios is poised to continue its success with the release of Avengers: Doomsday and the re-release of Avengers: Endgame.
American Playwright Jeremy O Harris Arrested in Japan for Alleged Drug Smuggling
Jeremy O Harris, the 36-year-old American playwright and actor known for the Tony-nominated play Slave Play, was arrested on November 16 at Naha airport in Okinawa, Japan. Authorities discovered 0.78 grams of crystal containing the synthetic drug MDMA in his tote bag during a customs inspection. Harris was immediately arrested on suspicion of violating Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. He had arrived in Okinawa for sightseeing purposes, traveling from Britain via Taiwan. Harris remains in custody, and local customs officials have filed a criminal accusation with the regional prosecutor's office to begin formal charging proceedings. His representatives have not responded to requests for comment, and it is unclear whether he has retained legal representation in Japan. Japan is known for its strict drug laws, with severe penalties for possession and smuggling offenses. The country has some of the toughest narcotics regulations among developed nations, with even small amounts of illegal substances resulting in criminal prosecution. Harris is also known for his acting role in Emily in Paris and for producing the HBO drama series Euphoria. This incident is not the first time a foreigner has been arrested in Japan for suspected drug offenses. In recent years, individuals such as former Australian rugby league player Blake Ferguson and former Beatle Paul McCartney have faced similar charges. Harris's arrest has sparked attention due to his notable presence in the entertainment industry and the severity of Japan's drug laws.
15 Notable TV Shows of 2025: A Year of Original Storytelling
The year 2025 saw a resurgence in exceptional television programming, with numerous shows pushing boundaries and captivating audiences. Among the notable series are "Adolescence," a British limited series exploring the aftermath of a murder accusation, and "Andor," the sophomore season of the Star Wars prequel series, which delves into the revolutionary spirit and social uncertainty of our current times. Other standout shows include "Death By Lightning," a historical drama based on the assassination of President James A. Garfield, and "Long Story Short," an animated series that explores the complexities of family dynamics. Other notable mentions include "Pluribus," a sci-fi series about a woman who resists a hive-mind pandemic, and "Severance," which expands on the mystery of the Lumon company. "Task" is a crime drama that follows two men on a collision course, while "The Chair Company" is a darkly absurdist comedy that defies expectations. "The Last of Us" Season Two, although not as highly acclaimed as its predecessor, remains a well-crafted and emotionally resonant series. Additionally, "The Lowdown" is a hardboiled tale that unravels a complex infrastructure of class, race, and exploitation, and "The Pitt" is a medical drama that highlights real problems facing American hospitals. "The Rehearsal" returns with an even stranger sophomore season, and "The Studio" is a parody of Hollywood that balances cringe and appreciation for the craft. These shows demonstrate that TV's top creators still have innovative stories to tell, and 2025 was a remarkable year for television.
Critics Choice Awards Nominations Announced with 'Sinners' Leading the Pack
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards nominations have been announced, with 'Sinners' dominating the list with 17 nominations. The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, is followed closely by 'One Battle After Another' and 'Marty Supreme'. Notably, Cynthia Erivo was snubbed for her role in 'Wicked: For Good'. The awards, which tend to reflect broader industry consensus, introduced four new competitive categories this year: sound, stunt design, casting, and ensemble for film, as well as variety series for television. Chelsea Handler will return as host for the fourth consecutive year. The ceremony will air live on E! on January 4, 2026. 'Sinners' received nominations in major categories including Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and acting nods for Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku. Other notable nominees include Timothée Chalamet for 'Marty Supreme', Leonardo DiCaprio for 'One Battle After Another', and Emma Stone for 'Bugonia'. The Critics Choice Awards have proven predictive power in past years, with last season's winner 'Anora' going on to win at the Academy Awards. This year's nominations also include recognition for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', which could still appear in artisan categories despite not screening in time for the initial nomination committee. The full list of nominees can be found on the Critics Choice Association website.
Netflix Won't Change Theatrical Release Approach After Acquiring Warner Bros.
Netflix has confirmed that it will maintain its short theatrical movie runs despite acquiring Warner Bros. studio. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that the company will continue to focus on streaming over long exclusive theater windows. However, Warner Bros. will still release movies in theaters for longer periods. Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. is part of its deal for Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studios business. Sarandos emphasized that Netflix doesn't oppose movie theaters, but rather the long, exclusive windows that he believes are not consumer-friendly. He predicts that theatrical windows will shrink over time, making movies available for streaming faster. Sarandos also addressed the possibility of Netflix adopting Warner Bros. Discovery's model of licensing movies and shows to competing media companies, stating that Netflix plans to keep Warner Bros. producing content for third parties, but will not change its own model. Netflix has previously created tension with big-name talent who prefer the prestige and audience experience of the big screen. Despite this, the company plans to stick to its current approach, which has contributed to its success. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move for Netflix to gain access to Warner's prized HBO and studio assets.
Jeremy O. Harris Arrested in Japan on Drug Allegations
Jeremy O. Harris, the playwright behind the boundary-pushing "Slave Play," has been detained in Japan for nearly three weeks following his arrest on drug smuggling charges. Harris, 36, was stopped by customs officials at Naha Airport on November 16 after they allegedly found less than a gram of MDMA in his bag. He has remained in custody since his arrest under Japan's strict narcotics laws. Local prosecutors received a criminal complaint from Okinawa customs officials, moving the case toward formal charges. It is unclear whether Harris has addressed the allegations or secured legal representation in Japan. Harris had traveled to the resort island from the U.K. with a layover in Taiwan, reportedly for tourism. Japan maintains some of the developed world's strictest drug enforcement policies, prosecuting even small-scale possession cases. Other entertainment figures have faced similar troubles in Japan, including Grammy-winning DJ David Morales and Paul McCartney. Harris emerged as one of theater's most provocative voices with "Slave Play," which interrogated race, sex, and power dynamics en route to becoming the most Tony-nominated play in Broadway history. Beyond theater, he has built a robust screen career, co-writing A24's "Zola" and contributing to Olivier Assayas' "Irma Vep" for HBO. The case is ongoing, with formal charges potentially forthcoming. Harris' representatives have been reached out to for comment, but no statement has been released yet.
Four Countries Withdraw from 2026 Eurovision Song Contest Over Israel's Participation
At least four countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia, have withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation. The decision comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allowed Israel to continue competing despite tensions over its conduct in Gaza. The EBU adopted tougher contest voting rules in response to allegations of vote manipulation by Israel, but did not exclude any broadcaster from the competition. The withdrawals have sparked concerns over the future of the contest, with some experts predicting a significant impact on viewership and revenue. The contest, which celebrates music and culture, has been marred by political controversy in recent years, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Other countries, such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, have expressed support for Israel's participation. The EBU has announced that a final list of participating countries will be released by Christmas. The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, and will mark the 70th anniversary of the event. However, the controversy surrounding Israel's participation threatens to overshadow the celebration, with some experts predicting a highly politicized contest. The withdrawals have been met with mixed reactions, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressing pleasure that Israel will continue to participate, while others have criticized the decision to allow Israel to compete. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the EBU in balancing the cultural and entertainment aspects of the contest with the complex geopolitical realities of the region.
Netflix in Exclusive Talks to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's Film and TV Studios and HBO Max
Netflix is currently in exclusive talks to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's film and TV studios along with its HBO Max streaming service. According to sources from Bloomberg, Netflix has submitted a superior offer compared to its rivals, including Paramount and Comcast. The potential deal, which could be finalized within days, would significantly alter the landscape of Hollywood and the streaming market. Warner Bros. Discovery's cable channels, including CNN, TBS, and TNT, valued at over $60 billion, would not be included in the deal and would be spun off before the closing. If approved, Netflix would gain ownership of the HBO network, its library of series, and a vast film and TV archive consisting of 12,500 feature films and 2,400 TV series. This includes notable properties like Batman, Lord of the Rings, and Friends. To secure the deal, Netflix has offered a $5 billion breakup fee if the acquisition is not approved by regulators. The acquisition would be subject to scrutiny by the FCC and regulators from other nations due to the global reach of both companies. The bidding process for Warner Bros. Discovery began in October, with multiple suitors expressing interest. Netflix's offer of around $28 a share for WBD minus the cable assets has reportedly been the most attractive. The acquisition would be the largest in Netflix's history, which has traditionally focused on organic growth. It remains unclear how Netflix would integrate HBO Max into its services or whether it would honor Warner Bros.' commitment to theatrical releases.
Top 10 Jazz Albums of the Year: A Diverse and Vibrant Selection
The year has seen a plethora of exceptional jazz albums, showcasing a wide range of styles, influences, and demographics. Four of the top albums are led by women, and five feature prominent female musicians. The leaders' ages span from 38 to 87, demonstrating the genre's timeless appeal. Seven of the albums were released by independent labels, with four of them on artist-owned labels. The selected albums offer a mix of old and new, with a focus on vibrant sound quality, and half are available on finely mastered vinyl. The top album is Mary Halvorson's "About Ghosts," a triumph that marks her stature as a truly original musician, bandleader, and composer. Other notable albums include Sylvie Courvoisier & Mary Halvorson's "Bone Bells," Fred Hersch's "The Surrounding Green," and Sullivan Fortner's "Southern Nights." Patricia Brennan's "Of the Near and Far" is a gemstone in the mosaic of today's music, featuring a unique blend of 20th-century classical, avant-jazz, and Latin influences. The list also includes albums by veteran musicians such as David Murray, Dave Douglas, and Charles Lloyd, who continue to produce exceptional music. Jason Moran's collaboration with the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, "Go to Your North," rounds out the year with an unusual and lively project. These albums showcase the diversity and vibrancy of jazz, offering something for every listener.
Maria Friedman's Film Adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along Hits Theaters
The holiday season is bringing a new movie musical to theaters, as Maria Friedman's film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along rolls out to over 1,000 theaters. The movie is a filmed version of the hit Broadway revival, shot over three nights at the Hudson Theatre in New York with the same cast, orchestrations, and sets. The film features Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez, who all re-create their Tony Award-winning performances. Merrily We Roll Along tells the story of three friends, Franklin Shepard, Mary Flynn, and Charley Kringas, and their relationship over 20 years, but with a twist: the story starts at the end and goes backward in time. The film is an intimate and cinematic take on the musical, with a focus on the emotions and relationships between the characters. The musical originally opened on Broadway in 1981 and was considered a flop, but it has since become a certified hit. The film adaptation is being treated like a movie, not a filmed stage show, and is expected to be a major success. The score features some of Sondheim's best work, including the title song, "Old Friends," and "Our Time." The cast delivers exceptional performances, making this a must-see for fans of the musical. Incidentally, a separate film adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along is currently in production, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Paul Mescal, Beanie Feldstein, and Ben Platt, which will be shot over the course of 20 years. For now, Maria Friedman's adaptation is the one to watch, and it is set to be released on December 5, 2025, by Sony Pictures Classics.
Thomas Markle Sr. Undergoes Emergency Surgery, Loses Left Foot and Lower Leg
Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan Markle, underwent emergency surgery in the Philippines, resulting in the amputation of his left foot and lower leg. According to his son, Thomas Markle Jr., the surgery was necessary due to a blood clot that cut off circulation in his left leg, causing it to turn black. The 3-hour operation took place on Wednesday, and Thomas Sr. is now facing a critical period, with his doctors warning of potential infection, sepsis, or gangrene. Thomas Jr. stated that the next two or three days are crucial for his father's recovery. Thomas Sr. is also scheduled to undergo another surgery to remove a blood clot in his left thigh. The incident occurred in Cebu, Philippines, where Thomas Sr. has been living to start a new life away from reminders of his estranged relationship with Meghan. The two became estranged in 2018 after Thomas Sr. was accused of staging paparazzi photos before Meghan's royal wedding. Meghan has not publicly commented on her father's latest medical scare. Thomas Sr.'s condition is being closely monitored, and his family is awaiting further updates on his recovery.
Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery Confirm $82 Billion Mega Deal, Raising Industry Concerns
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) plans to meet with Netflix to discuss concerns regarding the streamer's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The meeting comes after Netflix won the bidding war for the legacy media company, with the two entering exclusive talks to secure a deal worth $82 billion. A DGA spokesperson stated that the development "raises significant concerns" for the guild, emphasizing the need for a "vibrant, competitive industry" that safeguards the careers and creative rights of directors and their teams. The Writers Guild of America East and West had previously expressed similar concerns, warning that further media consolidation would be detrimental to writers, consumers, and competition. Netflix offered around $28 per share for WBD, mostly in cash, outbidding Paramount. The deal is expected to be finalized by mid-to-late December. The DGA's meeting with Netflix aims to outline their concerns and understand the streamer's vision for the future of the company. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the industry, with potential implications for the careers of directors, writers, and other creatives.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2 Falls Short of Its Predecessor
The sequel to the 2023 movie adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy's has been released, but it fails to live up to the standard set by its predecessor. The film picks up where the first left off, with security guard Mike, his sister Abby, and police officer Vanessa dealing with the aftermath of their battle against the animatronics created by Vanessa's serial killer father, William Afton. The introduction of a new animatronic, The Marionette, adds to the complexity of the story, but the writing assumes the audience is already familiar with the game's lore, leaving new viewers confused. The movie's horror elements also fall short, with less effective kills and tension compared to the first film. The cast's performances are mixed, with Piper Rubio standing out as Abby, bringing a convincing level of sorrow and anguish to her character. However, Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail feel lost in the mix, with Hutcherson seeming bored and Lail's performance not matching the tone of the movie. The film's attempt to balance horror and comedy also falls flat, with a mean-spirited science teacher character being a notable misstep. Overall, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is a disappointment, feeling like a step backward from the first movie and leaving non-fans of the series feeling like outsiders trying to keep up. The movie opens in theaters on December 5.
Red Sea International Film Festival Opens with Star-Studded Ceremony
The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday night with a glamorous red carpet event and the Middle East premiere of the boxing biopic "Giant". The festival, which runs from December 4-13, features over 100 films from more than 50 countries, including 16 titles in the main competition. The event drew a star-studded crowd, including Adrien Brody, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kirsten Dunst, Vin Diesel, and Michael Caine, who received a Red Sea Honoree Award. Caine delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on his 70-year career and long marriage. The festival's lineup includes powerful dramas that have impressed at A-list festivals, such as Óliver Laxe's "Sirāt" and Annemarie Jacir's "Palestine 36". The "International Spectacular" section will feature films like Alice Winocour's "Couture" starring Angelina Jolie and Olivier Assayas' "The Wizard of the Kremlin". The Red Sea Souk market will open on Friday, with over 160 companies from 45 countries registered, including senior executives from Netflix and Disney+. The festival has quickly become a leading date on the Arab film calendar, showcasing global visibility and Saudi Arabia's efforts to build a domestic film industry.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Premieres with New Cast Members
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) is set to return for its 15th season, premiering on December 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. The new season will feature two new full-time housewives, fashion designer Rachel Zoe and financial empowerment coach Amanda Frances, joining the returning cast members Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Sutton Stracke, Dorit Kemsley, and Bozoma "Boz" Saint John. Jennifer Tilly and Kathy Hilton will also return as friends of the housewives, along with new friend Natalie Swanston Fuller. Faye Resnick and Adrienne Maloof will make occasional appearances throughout the season. The upcoming season promises to bring drama and excitement as the ladies travel to various destinations, including the Hamptons, Sedona, and Florence. Old wounds will reopen, and alliances will shift, testing the women's loyalty to each other. Former Housewife Denise Richards will also make an appearance, meeting up with some of the women amidst her highly publicized divorce from Aaron Phypers. Viewers can watch the new season live on Bravo or stream it for free using a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV, which offers a five-day free trial and starts at $29.99/month. Alternatively, subscribers to Peacock can watch new episodes on Fridays, the day after they air on cable. Although Bravo has not confirmed the episode count for Season 15, it is likely to have a similar number of episodes as the previous two seasons, including a multi-part cast reunion.
HBO Max's "Heated Rivalry" Sparks Conversation with Explicit Gay Romance
HBO Max's new series "Heated Rivalry" has taken the top 10 charts by storm, rising to number 6 as of December 4. The Canadian import series, based on Rachel Reid's book series "Game Changers," follows the love story of two professional male hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. The show has been making waves with its explicit content, including heavy sex and nudity from its first episode. The series explores the challenges faced by the characters as gay men in the closet and athletes in the public eye, as well as their struggles with family demands and vulnerability. Williams and Storrie have spoken about the intensity of their on-screen love story, attributing it to their own tactile nature and close friendship. Series creator Jacob Tierney has addressed speculation about the stars' sexuality, stating that it's irrelevant to the story. The show has gained a significant following, particularly among queer men and women, with the "Game Changers" books being a sensation on BookTok. New episodes of the six-episode first season debut every Friday through December 26, but there is no word yet on a second season. With its explicit content and authentic portrayal of gay romance, "Heated Rivalry" has become one of the most talked-about shows of the year.