Worth Watching: Oscar-Winning ‘Free Solo,’ Controversial ‘Leaving Neverland,’ ‘American Idol’ Returns
A selective checklist of notable weekend TV:
Leaving Neverland (Sunday, 8/7c, HBO): In shattering, graphic detail, this controversial documentary (which prompted Michael Jackson‘s estate to sue HBO) reveals through dual confessionals — by James Safechuck, now 37, and choreographer Wade Robson, now 41 — the sexual abuse they allegedly experienced as preteens during sleepovers with the musical superstar. The interviews with the men, each now a father, are chilling, and the testimonials of their own mothers (who come off as especially clueless for putting their children at risk) are exasperating. The two-part special continues Monday.
Free Solo (Sunday, 9/8c, National Geographic Channel): Winner of 2019’s documentary feature Oscar, this visually thrilling film follows celebrated mountain climber Alex Honnold on his quest to scale the 3,000-foot sheer wall of granite known as Yosemite’s El Capitan — without benefit of ropes or other safety equipment. Like the camera crew, you sometimes can’t bear to watch, but it’s impossible to turn away from this riveting spectacle.
American Idol (Sunday, March 3, 8/7c, ABC): The performances of Jennifer Hudson and especially Adam Lambert (with Queen) at the Oscars was a potent reminder of the power this singing competition once had to create true musical superstars. Can magic happen again? We’ll find out as judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, with Ryan Seacrest as host, hit the road from NYC to LA (with Louisville, Denver and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in between) to audition new hopefuls angling for that golden ticket to Hollywood.
Good Girls (Sunday, 10/9c, NBC): Last year’s seriocomic midseason caper returns for a second season, resolving the cliffhanger involving Beth (Christina Hendricks) realizing her plan to have gangster Rio (Manny Montana) had backfired, putting her family in danger. It looked like she was about to shoot him — and whatever happens next, she and her partners in crime, Ruby (Retta) and Annie (Mae Whitman) are in trouble when new evidence surfaces that puts Agent Turner (James Lesure) on their trail.
Inside Weekend TV: Hallmark’s latest rom-com movie, Just Add Romance (Saturday, 8/7c), stars The Bold Type‘s Meghann Fahy and Killjoys‘ Luke Macfarlane as culinary-school mates who cook up some serious chemistry when pitted against each other on a Kitchen Showdown competition show… The very funny John Mulaney returns for a second gig as guest host on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (11:30/10:30c), with country star Thomas Rhett making his first appearance as musical guest… As if weren’t extreme enough already, Discovery’s Naked and Afraid (Sunday, 8/7c) launches a new season by dropping its unclothed survivalists onto a frozen Alaskan glacier. In the second hour, another twosome endures scorching temps on a Brazilian island. (Given the choice, I’d go for the latter)… CNN chronicles a political dynasty in the six-part The Bush Years (Sunday, 9/8c), narrated by Ed Harris. The first chapter takes us back to the start of George H.W. Bush’s family and early career… The third season of Victoria on PBS’s Masterpiece (Sunday, 9/8c, check local listings at pbs.org) ends with the 1851 Great Exhibition, and all eyes are on the royal couple of Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and Albert (Tom Hughes).
Conversation33 Comments
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G
I'll watch ABC all night on Sunday. I still enjoy America's Funniest Home Videos, and American Idol is my favorite music competition. Plus Whiskey Cavalier is an enjoyable show to close the night.
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O
All i'll say about the neverland doc is that the man is no longer here to defend himself so I hope people have learned from the Jussie Smollet incident not to jump to judgment to believe something in a biased one sided documentary. Other than that I am pumped about the return of Bar Rescue!
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C
When the channel changed names (again!) to Paramount, I lost my access to it, so I can't watch Bar Rescue anymore. That was the only show I've watched on it for a long time.
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C
Yeah, he can be very abrasive like Gordon Ramsay at times. Still, I find it interesting to see how stupid people can be about their businesses. Have you ever read how many of those businesses still fail usually because they don't follow his advice and go back to their old ways?
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O
I think its on demand? Maybe you can find it on there
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C
Nope. I used to watch on their site too, and it won't let me anymore either.
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O
aw, man. That sucks. I have been watching that for almost seven years and I can't imagine Sunday nights without it.
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C
I've gotten over it. I hadn't thought about it for a long time until you mentioned it today.
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G
In 1983/1984 my parents got divorced and I moved to Encino Cali to live with my grandparents. They lived several blocks up the winding hill in Encino Hills (not too far from Bellaire ).
At the time Michael , Janet, Latoya ,his parents (almost certain) and likely some other members of his large family lived in the mansion on the bottom of the hill. As HUGE teenage fans my brother and I would visit his estate outside the gate ALL the time! We would see lots of young people our age and younger enjoying the playground through the fence. One early sunny morning a yellow Lincoln with a blonde chauffer was leaving the estate and the gate opened. Michael Jackson must have told his driver to stop and the rear window opened. I clearly saw him and spoke to him for a minute or two and he stuck out his hand and we both shook it. I don't think I ever felt such soft tender hands. He couldn't have been more friendly and sweet and this was when the Thriller album was a sensation not just an album. That is the memory I wish to have of him forever.
Not too long after , my brother was at a very high end supermarket Gelsons across the street from Michael Jackson's estate and he spotted Janet and Latoya in the parking lot. Janet hadn't released the Control album yet, but she was still well known. My brother got kiss on the cheek from her and again she was oh so sweet. Latoya was older and more reserved but still friendly. I wasn't there that day, just my grandma and my brother. Of course my brother rushed to buy her albums (I think she only had a couple of slow sellers at the time). We both became big fans of hers also. Control, Rhythm Nation and Janet are my three favorites of hers. And from Michael, I love Off the Wall, Thriller , Bad and Dangerous.
Side note, Lisa Bonet from the Cosby Show sat right in from of me in American Literature class at Birmingham High School in the valley. I had a huge crush on her and would help with school work. She missed lots of days because she was filming in NY and had to travel a lot. One day she fainted in class and the guy behind me had to carry her to the nurse. I recall the teacher saying she thought she needed to lose weight for the role (she didn't). The next season Cosby premiered with huge ratings and her career took off. I saw her in Brooklyn (where Cosby was filmed) a year or so later walking outside a pizza shop. She was being followed by a bunch of fans and didn't want to bother her.
I have nothing but kind words to say about my memories of her in high school.
I met lots of other celebs in Beverly Hills that were quite popular at that time. My great aunt worked in a hotel there and would show us around town. Good memories.2
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C
I remember reading years ago that a huge number (something like 60%) of restaurants go out of business in the first year. You can tell by these shows that many haven't got even the slightest clue of what to do.
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C
They forgot that half the Vietnamese were on our side.
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C
Yes, I agree that there are a lot of reasons why restaurants (and a lot of other small businesses) fail, but I'd venture to guess that at least half are because the owners don't know what they're doing.
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R
Wow, those are some interesting "celebrity interactions."
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C
He forgot the part where Michael Jackson rolled down the window and asked, "Have you ever seen a grown man naked?"
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G
I have much more:
In the 8th grade (1981) we went on a class trip to Philadelphia. When we first arrived we visited some historical locations. Kind of boring for me at that time. After that we had a choice, the zoo or see the filming of Rocky III! Of course we chose the latter. Sylvester Stallone was in a suit on a horse and I was so small I managed to get past security and sneak under the ropes to meet him. He actually didn't care and got off his horse and shook my hand. I don't remember what I told him , but he couldn't have been more gracious.. I do recall he was tan, but it was probably makeup because they were filming. One of my classmates is seen in the movie and I could spot the back of my head in a distant shot.
At that time Rocky mania was in full swing.
The prior year I went to Cali to visit my grandparents and my great aunt took me to Beverly Hills where she worked. I met Burt Young ( a supporting character in the Rocky movies - played Rocky's brother-in-law and Burgess Meredith who played Rocky[s trainer). Amazing coincidence that I met several stars from the movie series. I also met Talia Shire (played Rocky's wife), but in all honesty I don't fully remember just a vague memory.
My grandmother took my mom and brothers to an upscale restaurant in Beverly Hills and Michelle Lee (Karen on Knots Landing ) was sitting at the table behind us with her family. I told her I loved her character and show which at the time (83/84) was a pretty popular show, although not at the level of Dallas or Dynasty , speaking of which....
In 1985/86 Heather Locklear was promoting Jack la lane fitness centers and she was appearing in my area around 20 minutes away. I went with my mom to meet and greet her. Again, I got to speak to her (she was even more beautiful in person) and complemented her success on Dynasty and T.J. Hooker. My mom spoke to her more than I did, she didn't have a huge ego at all. I also became a member of the club for about a year or two.
Sad to hear Locklear is suffering from so many issues .
I met Jenifer Lopez at a listening party in NYC (worked in a record store) in the early 00's. She was promoting an album and got to take a great photo with her. She looked gorgeous and was sweet as sugar. Sounded good too.
I also had the opportunity to meet many artists who visited the store for promotional signings and video shoots: Aaliyah (rest in peace sweet soul) she was absolutely on3 or the most genuinely good hearted artists I have ever met. Aaliyah was promoting the Romeo Must Die movie soundtrack A close runner up was Alicia Keyes she was promoting her very first album . I still have that CD.
Ja-Rule and Jay Z both filmed videos at the store. Ja-Rule was the most friendly rapper I have ever met. And I met lots more of the years I worked at the record store.
Sean Paul (very approachable) also appeared multiple times with MTV promoting albums.
Just missed meeting Mariah Carey, she was supposed to promote her album in our store , but last minute she went to Virgin.
When I went to the Bahamas (around 1988/89) MTV was filming on the beach and Downtown Julie Brown was hosting. Met her and some popular artists at the time . But don't remember the artists names. I was seen in some distant shots that aired on MTV after I came back home. That was fun.
Lastly in the very early 00's I appeared on The Peoples Court (Judge Marilyn Millian).
The case was stupid and not worth mentioning, but I won. $400 and free limo service and lunch. Not a bad day.
I still have the VHS tape they sent me with my appearance. First and only time I spoke on TV. Was very exciting at the time.
Over the decades I met lots of other actors , (singers, rappers...) but some weren't very friendly or not worth mentioning because they aren't famous any longer.1
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G
He never even attempted anything on me or my younger bro. And we were good looking .
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C
I was just kidding. It's not like he would try to molest you in the middle of the street.
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G
He could have enticed me or my bro to come back later for a sleepover
At that time, we would have taken his offer
His estate was filled with kids and he had what looked like an amusement park. He really did miss out on a childhood. -
C
It was an amusement park with lots of rides, and he had a rather large zoo there at one time. Hef had a big zoo at the Playboy mansion too.
I'm not sure we'll ever know the whole truth about what went on there. So far, I haven't heard any allegations about actual sex taking place. Wrestling in underwear and sleeping in the same bed may be inappropriate, but it's not molestation to me.
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C
I just read another review of this program, and these guys do make allegations about actual sex acts taking place. This is the first time I've heard that. Let's wait and see what comes of it now.
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R
That's probably why when Marcus Lemonis (The Profit, CNBC) invests in a business...no matter how much money or what percentage of the stock he gets...(sometimes less than 50%)...they agree that from then on he makes ALL the business decisions...
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G
Michael Jackson actually moved out of his Encino home and bought another estate in another part of CA years after I moved back east. His parents and some other family members stayed at the Encino estate long after Michael left.
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O
Thank you for saying lets wait and see. Because people don't do that anymore. If you ask me its a little funny them just alleging that now. I don't know sounds... Interesting
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C
Instead of jumping to conclusions, I always follow what's supposed to be the law: Innocent until PROVEN guilty! Since Michael isn't here to defend himself this time, it's a very difficult situation. The kids could be telling the truth or they could just be making it up for money and/or attention.
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O
That's exactly right. All we can do is look at the evidence that we had at the trial years ago and the inconsistencies were staggering. Again, we weren't there we have no clue what truly went on though I do have my own ideas about all of this. It is horrible that anyone could really make up such a horrible thing for money and attention. Abuse of children or anyone should NEVER be used for any gain.
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R
I'll be watching Ransom, and after that is a repeat of a Magnum episode. I know I saw the episode in original airing, but don't specifically recall it. (And the premise is interesting.)
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C
Why is "Finding Neverland" (which was a Johnny Depp movie later made into a Broadway musical) in the header and "Leaving Neverland" in the article? Which is it?
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P
Leaving Neverland, not Finding (a disappointing film, but that's neither here nor there); unfortunately, they haven't changed it yet.
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C
Victoria on PBS and 2 new Zoo episodes tonight!
Another new Zoo tomorrow along with Walking Dead, Talking Dead, new Simpsons and Family Guy, and the finale of Worst Cooks!
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R
I know The Zoo (original show, at the Bronx Zoo) is on tomorrow, but what two episodes are new tonight? I see ONE episode of Secret Life of the Zoo (UK version), but nothing else zoo-related that's new.
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C
New episode of The Zoo at 11:00 tonight.
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R
as far as I could tell, it's a rerun of last week's episode.
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C
The listings say it's a new episode, but you may be right. I don't remember the part about a goat being born, but it does mention those confiscated lizards.
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