Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards
If your brain got deep-fried watching the marvelous opening sequence to 50 Years of SNL Music, yes, it was a very intensive labor of love for Questlove, and the Emmys committee should already have a verdict. Speaking with Deadline about the method behind his creative madness, the director said that the seven-minute mash-up — which deftly remixed about a hundred SNL performances — took nearly a year to complete in the editing room. “I knew you got to gobsmack them right at the top,” he explained. “I had all this music, so I thought, I’m going to prepare this montage the way that I would prepare a DJ gig.” Questlove was asked by Lorne Michaels to direct the project in early 2021 and committed to watching every single SNL episode for research, which gave him about two and a half years to complete it before working with an editor on the montage. (Depending on the day, Quest watched between four to eight episodes.) However, he was disheartened that the editor relied on artificial intelligence to cultivate ideas.
“He kind of laughed at me said that he took the liberty of doing the same thing, but ‘I didn’t do your process, I just put a bunch of stuff in the computer and this is what it spit back to me,’” Questlove recalled about their first meeting. “I was laughing, so I didn’t have to sit through a year’s worth of SNL viewing? Then we just kind of went through my notes.” The final edit, of course, has his very human Roots crew touch all over it, because we’re doubtful ChatGPT could suggest a transition from “Hot in Herre” to “Take Me Out.” “That to me is the most important part of where we are right now in terms of technology,” Quest added. “Do we still trust humans to do this stuff or can we just type a command in and let AI do it for us?”
Questlove’s recent SNL music documentary montage took a year to make, and the result was well worth the wait. The montage, which aired during the show’s season finale, featured iconic musical moments from the show’s history spanning over four decades.
Questlove, the drummer for The Roots and music director for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, curated the montage with painstaking detail and precision. He carefully selected clips from various musical performances on SNL, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of artists who have graced the stage over the years.
The montage featured performances from legendary artists such as Prince, Aretha Franklin, Nirvana, and Beyoncé, as well as newer acts like Billie Eilish and Lizzo. Questlove’s keen eye for musical moments and his deep appreciation for the history of music on SNL made the montage a true celebration of the show’s musical legacy.
Fans and critics alike have praised Questlove’s montage for its creativity, nostalgia, and sheer entertainment value. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire, and the lasting impact that SNL has had on the music industry.
Overall, Questlove’s SNL music documentary montage is a testament to his skill as a curator and his passion for music. It took a year to make, but the end result is a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come.
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Incarcerated men in the Alabama prison system risked their safety to feed shocking footage of their horrifying living conditions to a pair of documentary filmmakers. The result is “The Alabama Solution,” which premiered this week at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.
Filmmakers Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman became interested in Alabama prisons in 2019. Jarecki, the filmmaker behind “The Jinx” and “Capturing the Friedmans,” and Kaufman first gained access to the restricted grounds through a visit with a chaplain during a revival meeting held in the prison yards. There men pulled them aside and whispered shocking stories about the reality of life inside: forced labor, drugs, violence, intimidation, retaliation and the undisclosed truths behind many prisoner deaths.
This process eventually led them to incarcerated activists Melvin Ray and Robert Earl Council (also known as “Kinetik Justice”) who had for years been trying to expose the horrifying conditions and deep- seated corruption across the system. They helped feed dispatches to the filmmakers with contraband cellphones.
“We’re deeply concerned for their safety, and we have been since the first time we met them,” said Kaufman. “They’ve been doing this work for decades and as you see in the film, they’ve been retaliated against in very extreme ways. But there are lawyers who are ready to do wellness checks and visit them and respond to any sort of retaliation that may come.”
On Tuesday at the first showing of the film, she had Council on the phone listening in. They put the microphone up to the cellphone so that Council could speak.
“We thank you all for listening, for being interested,” Council said. “On behalf of the brothers of Alabama, I thank you all.”
Several family members of their incarcerated subjects were also in the audience, including Sandy Ray, the mother of Steven Davis, who died in 2019 at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, his face beaten beyond recognition. Prison officials said Davis was killed in self-defense because he didn’t put down his weapons. The prisoners tell a vastly different story.
Alelur “Alex” Duran, who spent 12 years in prison in New York, also helped produce the film. Jarecki said they wouldn’t have taken on the subject without the expertise of someone who had been incarcerated.
“What you’re seeing in this film is going on all over the nation,” Duran said.
Also embedded in the story is Alabama’s long history of contracting prisoners to do work at private companies from Burger King to Best Western, an issue that the AP investigated for over two years. The cheap, reliable labor force has generated more than $250 million for the state since 2000 — money garnished from prisoners’ paychecks, the AP wrote in December. Parole numbers have also plummeted in recent years.
“We want to show viewers the truth about a system that has been cloaked in secrecy,” Jarecki said. “We hope the film sparks an effort to allow access for journalists and others so the public can have transparency into how incarcerated citizens are treated and how our tax dollars are being spent. We hope to inspire Alabama’s leadership to acknowledge the crisis and to overhaul its prison system and its use of forced labor.”
The film will have a theatrical release before it debuts on HBO sometime this year, but the specific dates and details are still being worked out. And while it is in its early days, the impact, Jarecki said, has already been seen, including in a class action labor lawsuit.
The recent release of leaked footage from inside Alabama prisons has shed light on the horrifying conditions that inmates are subjected to on a daily basis. A new documentary set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, titled “Inside Alabama Prisons,” captures the reality of life behind bars in the state’s correctional facilities.
The footage, obtained by undercover journalists, shows overcrowded cells, unsanitary living conditions, and widespread violence among inmates. In one particularly disturbing scene, a guard is seen brutally beating a handcuffed prisoner, highlighting the systemic issues of abuse and neglect within the prison system.
The documentary aims to expose the harsh realities of life for inmates in Alabama prisons and spark a conversation about the urgent need for reform. Director Sarah Johnson hopes that by bringing these shocking images to light, viewers will be inspired to take action and advocate for change in the criminal justice system.
As the film makes its debut at Sundance, it serves as a stark reminder of the inhumane treatment that many inmates endure behind bars. It is a call to action for all to stand up against the injustices within the prison system and fight for the rights and dignity of those who are incarcerated.
In its response to the association sent earlier this month, the university refutes many of the alleged rules violations and accuses the NCAA of “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program without credible evidence that other staff members knew of Stalions’ illegal in-person scouting system.
In the 137-page document — a portion of which Yahoo Sports obtained — Michigan makes clear that it will not enter into a negotiated resolution with the NCAA over the alleged wrongdoing, vigorously defending its former head coach, current head coach, several staff members and even Stalions, the low-level assistant who orchestrated one of the most elaborate sign-stealing systems in college football history on the way to the school winning the 2023 national championship. The school purports that the sign-stealing system offered “minimal relevance to competition,” was not credibly proven by NCAA investigators and should be treated as a minor violation.
An NCAA spokesperson confirmed that the association received Michigan’s response, but declined to provide additional details and refused to confirm the document that Yahoo Sports obtained. A Michigan spokesperson declined comment when reached, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. A Big Ten official declined comment as well.
In its response, Michigan believes that the notice of allegations, sent to the school in August, makes “numerous factually unsupported infractions, exaggerates aggravating factors and ignores mitigating facts,” the document says. The school requests that the NCAA apply “common sense and commitment to fairness” and treat the case not as a serious Level I infractions case but a “Level II standard case.”
The document details why many of the 11 allegations against the school — six of them deemed as Level I — are without “merit or credible evidence,” the school contends, and that includes allegations against ex-head coach Jim Harbaugh and current head coach Sherrone Moore, who was an assistant on staff during Stalions’ advanced scouting operation and was found to have deleted text messages with him.
However, perhaps most notable in the document is an answer to a long-discussed question: Who originally tipped off the NCAA to Stalions’ scheme?
According to the document, the tipster derived from Michigan’s own campus. The unnamed source, which the NCAA has not disclosed, appears to have worked at the school, at least at one point. Michigan believes the confidential leaker was used by the NCAA to produce at least some of the charges in the notice of allegations, something in which it expresses “concern.”
While the school respects the secrecy of confidential sources, it says in the document, the NCAA can present evidence and infractions based only on “information that can be attributed to individuals who are willing to be identified.”
The case is now bound for a hearing before the Division I Committee on Infractions, an independent administrative body charged with deciding infractions cases. The committee has authority to set and conduct hearings as well as prescribe penalties.
However, Michigan is requesting a “pre-hearing conference” to discuss the origins of the tipster and their role in the charges against the school.
A hearing before the Committee on Infractions is likely to happen over the coming weeks as the school and association enter what could be a lengthy fight similar to the one that Tennessee waged against the NCAA in 2023 over recruiting violations. Eventually, the Volunteers avoided the dreaded postseason ban, instead suffering financial penalties and recruiting and scholarship reductions.
The NCAA’s notice of allegations, as well as Michigan’s response, did not stipulate proposed penalties against the school. However, six of the 11 violations are deemed to be Level I and the NCAA asserts that Michigan “failed to monitor” its football program given the severe nature and multi-year length of the Stalions scheme. The university and several of its coaches are considered repeat offenders, an allegation the school refutes in its response.
In its response, the school acknowledges that some impermissible in-person scouting appears to have occurred — “though less than the (NCAA) claims” — and that some recruiting violations occurred, as well. All of the wrongdoing, it says, will be addressed in the Committee on Infractions hearing and it will advise committee members of self-imposed penalties.
Michigan believes the COI will see that actual evidence has “not borne out” the NCAA’s initial assessment of “the resulting, sensational public narrative, or the approach taken in the notice of allegations,” the response says.
Despite producing phone, computer and other data to the NCAA, investigators have not proven that “any coaches were aware of, much less participated in” the scheme, Michigan says.
In his first full season as Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines went 8-5. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Sherrone Moore’s deleted texts
Of the NCAA’s 11 allegations against the school — six of them related to Stalions and his scheme — one of them stands as the most serious and impactful for the current state of the program: Moore, then an assistant, deleted 52 text messages with Stalions on the very day (Oct. 19, 2023) that Yahoo Sports broke the story of the NCAA’s investigation into the school.
In its response, Michigan and Moore acknowledge the deleted messages. However, the school contends that the texts were “innocuous and not material to the investigation” and that Moore cooperated fully with the investigation, even turning over his phone for imaging — a move that revealed the previously deleted messages.
The coach told school officials that he deleted the messages in anger and frustration shortly after the bombshell news story broke, suggesting that he did not want one person, Stalions, to receive credit for “all the work that” coaches and players put into the championship run.
“So, [I] deleted all the information — all Connor, on my personal phone,” he said in Michigan’s response. “And it wasn’t to hide anything, it was just that — I was just extremely angry of, you know, the type of person that would do that to this program and these kids.”
In its response, Michigan highlights several of the text messages between the coach and Stalions. While many of them are innocuous — Stalions reminding Moore of a prospect’s birthday, for instance — several of the messages were related to sign stealing.
However, the university notes, none of the texts were specifically about the in-person advanced scouting system, where Stalions allegedly organized himself and a group of low-level staff, friends and family members to record, in person, as many as 52 games of Michigan’s upcoming opponents over a three-year stretch.
While NCAA rules prohibit in-person scouting of future opponents, the association permits scouting opponents’ signs during games against that opponent, from television broadcast or taped recordings.
Some of the text messages between Moore and Stalions paint a fascinating picture of the behind-the-scenes nature of Michigan’s sign-stealing effort — one that, according to the school, is perfectly within the rules and is a fairly normal art among college football staffs.
– In an August 2022 text from Stalions to Moore, Stalions describes needing time to meet with the coach to discuss “a juicy report for you on CSU,” as in Colorado State, which Michigan opened the season against that year. The Wolverines won, 51-7.
– In October of 2022, Stalions sent Moore a single text about Michigan State’s blitzing signals, rules and tendencies. “Michigan played Michigan State every year and Michigan State never changed its signals,” the document says in providing context with the text.
– In a November 2022 text, Stalions suggests to Moore that Michigan should change its signals ahead of the Ohio State game. Moore responded that he’ll “think about it.” And Stalions responds that, “Nebraska is screwed,” a reference to the fact he could easily decipher the Huskers’ signals ahead of the Wolverines’ game against them that very week. Michigan won that game, 34-3. But Moore told university officials that Nebraska used wristbands, so there were no signals to steal.
– Perhaps the most interesting text came in April 2023. Stalions sent a note to Moore that Central Michigan assistant coach Jake Kostner planned to visit the facility to meet with Moore. Central Michigan opened the 2023 season with Michigan State, which UM regularly played. Ironically enough, Stalions is believed to have attended that game — CMU vs. Michigan State — while in disguise. In fact, CMU fired Kostner last fall as the NCAA investigated the matter of Stalions’ alleged appearance on the sideline of the game.
Connor Stalions’ scheme
The NCAA accuses Stalions of engaging in in-person scouting of 52 games over the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, many of them involving scheduled opponents of Michigan.
In its response, the university contends that Stalions attended just one of those games and that only eight more were attended by a then-Michigan staff member — lower-level managers that Stalions assigned to attend and presumably record sideline footage for his signal system.
Other games were attended by Stalions’ friends or family and do not violate NCAA bylaws, the school contends. Michigan also asserts that “in many instances” the only evidence of the in-person scouting system is that “Stalions purchased a game ticket.”
Michigan also argues that many of the in-person scouting allegations “do not support the six elements of a completed indirect scouting violation,” including lack of witness statements or eyewitness evidence that videos were taken from the stands at many of the games in which Stalions purchased tickets. However, in the NCAA’s notice of allegations, the association did attach some videos and photos of people near the seats Stalions purchased recording the sideline.
In one interesting bit, a handwritten note was found on Stalions’ desk and was included as a reference to the plan for the Ohio State game in 2023 that states, among other things, “Focusing on them all year + watching every TV copy, sky cam.” The university contends that this supports that much of Stalions’ sign-stealing system came through legal avenues and not in-person scouting.
“An enormous amount of signal decoding was therefore permissibly done with TV and other publicly available footage,” the response says.
In another interesting note, Michigan reveals that Stalions traded opponents’ signal plans with other schools and received signal plans for opponents from others as well, including getting plans from Rutgers and Nebraska staff members for the signals of Michigan State and UNLV. These were listed in documents as “potential alliances.”
Michigan also claims that players and staff members only used Stalions’ signal boards on a limited basis and that they did not provide a competitive impact. Michigan players used pre-snap calls of “birds” (a pass) and “rabbits” (a run) even before Stalions joined the staff, the school says. They often determined such, not by signals, but by offensive line stance, the offensive formation or other tells.
Michigan refutes the NCAA’s assertion that it “failed to monitor” its football program in light of the Stalions scheme after “at least two members of the football program raised concerns about Stalions’ process for deciphering opponents’ signals,” according to the NCAA. “The information was not reported to compliance for further review and/or willfully ignored so as to not learn about the potential violations.”
One of those members was then-running backs coach Mike Hart, who told NCAA investigators he received a call in September 2023 from a Rutgers staff member who told him that Michigan was stealing signals and “going further” than most do. Hart brought attention to this call to then-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The Rutgers staff member mentioned Stalions specifically.
Michael Neyman, a low-level Michigan staff member, raised concerns about Stalions’ sign-stealing system and refused to be a part of it when Stalions wanted him to rent a car to scout a football game at Georgia — a team Michigan could have eventually played in the playoff but a team not on the program’s schedule, making it permissible to scout them, according to UM’s response.
Neyman approached assistant coach Chris Partridge to inform him that he did not want to be part of Stalions’ scheme. Partridge went to Stalions directly and said he told him, “You’re not using this kid in your signal organization stupid thing, so, like, just have him be a manager.”
Jim Harbaugh and Michigan won it all amid the sign-stealing scandal in the 2023-24 season. (CFP/Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh, other former coaches
Some of the NCAA’s 11 allegations are unrelated to Stalions’ scheme and are instead connected to recruiting violations allegedly committed by assistant coaches, many of them no longer with the program.
For instance, Michigan acknowledges that former assistants Partridge and Minter sent more than 100 combined texts to a recruit outside of the NCAA’s contact period, but the school refutes the allegation that several former assistants held tryouts in the spring of 2023 with recruits.
As for Harbaugh, the school says the NCAA’s allegation against him is “without merit.” The NCAA alleges that Harbaugh failed to cooperate between Oct. 20 and Jan. 24, 2024 when he did not produce text and telephone records from his personal cell prior to his departure from the school.
Imaging of Harbaugh’s phones — his personal and work — were part of a large initial collection of data that included imaging of phones and other devices from 10 individuals, the school says, including two computers assigned to Stalions and an external hard drive owned by Stalions.
However, there were “legitimate concerns” that the data being imaged contained personal and sensitive information and/or attorney-client communications, so images were withheld. The NCAA did not receive Harbaugh’s images by the deadline and deemed him to have failed to comply.
Michigan also refutes three of the NCAA’s four allegations that Stalions impeded the investigation, including that Stalions failed to preserve all pertinent information by (1) declining to produce his personal phone for imaging, (2) withholding and removing hard drives from his office, (3) putting relevant information into a backpack and instructing a staff member to take it to an unpaid student intern’s house where he (Stalions) could pick it up, and (4) instructing a student intern to delete potentially relevant information.
The fourth allegation, the school says, is the only one substantiated.
Michigan believes that the NCAA’s allegation against Partridge — who it fired — is unsubstantiated. The association says he violated a bylaw by pressuring an athlete to “protect” the football coaching staff by providing false or misleading information when answering questions. “Partridge was terminated by the institution for disregarding the institution’s directive to not discuss the investigation with anyone,” Michigan said. “His failure to abide by the institution’s directive does not constitute a violation of any NCAA bylaw.”
The University of Michigan is pushing back against allegations made by the NCAA in the ongoing sign-stealing saga involving former baseball player Connor Stalions. In a statement released by the university, they vehemently deny any wrongdoing and are fully cooperating with the NCAA investigation.
The NCAA has accused Stalions of using electronic devices to steal signs during games, giving the Wolverines an unfair advantage. However, Michigan’s head coach, known as “Doc” among players and fans, has stated that they have always emphasized fair play and sportsmanship.
The university is conducting its own internal investigation and is confident that they will be able to clear their name of any wrongdoing. They are committed to upholding the integrity of collegiate athletics and will take any necessary steps to address these allegations.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans and supporters of the Michigan baseball program are standing behind “Doc” and the team, trusting in their commitment to fair play and ethical conduct. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. #GoBlue
As Sean “Diddy” Combs awaits his May trial on federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, the disgraced hip-hop mogul’s rise and fall is being examined once again in another documentary.
Investigation Discovery’s new docuseries “The Fall of Diddy,” which concludes Tuesday, depicts Combs as a man prone to violent outbursts who used his power to keep survivors, as well as those in his inner circle, from speaking out about any alleged abuse or misconduct. Featuring interviews with Combs’ former employees, collaborators, friends and accusers, the four-part documentary from the producers of “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” is also available to stream on Max.
“The Fall of Diddy” arrives on the heels of Peacock’s special “Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy,” which premiered earlier this month. Both documentaries follow Combs’ September arrest as well as numerous accusations — including from former girlfriend Casandra Ventura — of sexual and physical abuse. Combs, who has denied all allegations, is currently being held in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center and recently filed a defamation lawsuit against one of his accusers, Courtney Burgess, Burgess’ attorney and Nexstar Media Inc. — the parent company of NewsNation.
ID’s docuseries touches on earlier moments from Combs’ career, including his time at Howard University and his alleged involvement in a 1999 shooting; dives into his relationship with “Cassie” Ventura — former Combs staffers talk about the alleged abuse they witnessed — and features new allegations from an ex-girlfriend. Here are three of the biggest takeaways from the final two installments of “The Fall of Diddy.”
Ex Kat Pasion says she had a nonconsensual encounter with Combs
Actor Kat Pasion, who briefly dated Combs after his split with Ventura, revisits her relationship with the rap mogul and alleges that he forced himself on her one night in 2021.
After detailing how she became drawn to Combs despite his reputation, Pasion recalled a time when the two of them had watched a documentary about R. Kelly. According to Pasion, as Combs left her room, he said to her, “There’s a little bit of R. Kelly in all of us.”
“I remember being like, ‘There is not a little bit of R. Kelly in all of us,’” said Pasion, “but I wasn’t absorbing the severity of that statement until later.”
After some time apart, Pasion said she returned to Combs’ orbit more as a friend while he was recording “The Love Album” in 2021. One night, after Combs allegedly took a recreational drug, Pasion said he woke her up and forced himself on her.
“It was just scary,” said Pasion, who did not want to get into the details of the alleged incident. “It wasn’t consensual.”
In response to inquiries about the new docuseries, Combs’ legal team told the Hollywood Reporter in a statement, “These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context. By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations. This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim.”
Combs accuser Thalia Graves details her alleged rape
Thalia Graves at a September news conference about her lawsuit against Sean Combs.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)
Thalia Graves, who filed a lawsuit against Combs in September, spoke out in “The Fall of Diddy” about her alleged 2001 encounter with the rapper.
According to Graves, Combs drugged, bound and violently raped her at Bad Boy studios after reaching out to her in the guise of wanting to discuss her then-boyfriend’s job performance. She discussed the alleged attack and running out of the studio “terrified” after she came to.
“I just didn’t want to die,” said Graves. “I was scared, not just for my life, I was scared for my parents finding out. … And I didn’t want to go to the police because I was in the middle of a child custody battle and a divorce.”
Graves also said Combs threatened her into silence, but she eventually came forward after learning in 2023 that the alleged attack on a pool table was recorded and shown to others.
“Why would somebody record raping somebody and then show it to other people?” asked Graves.
In a statement to the filmmakers, Combs’ attorneys said, “Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court the truth will prevail: that the accusations against Mr. Combs are pure fiction.”
Combs’ former employees shed more light on his relationship with Ventura
Combs’ former personal chef Jourdan Cha’Taun, bodyguard Roger Bonds and makeup artist Mylah Morales are among the interview subjects who discussed in “The Fall of Diddy” the abuse they said they witnessed by the rapper against then-girlfriend Ventura.
Ventura, who previously settled her 2023 lawsuit alleging rape and abuse, is cited as the catalyst for more accusers coming forward and the federal indictment that followed. In May, CNN obtained a video of Combs attacking Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel.
Morales described an instance when Combs allegedly attacked Ventura one night in a hotel room. Bonds, meanwhile, detailed attempting to break up an alleged altercation between Combs and Ventura by throwing them in his car, where the alleged attack continued while Bonds drove.
Cha’Taun said, after she found out that Combs was allegedly abusing Ventura, Bonds told her that “he was beating the s— out of her” and that he thought Combs was going to kill her. She also said Combs, after finding out that they were discussing the alleged abuse, threatened to “end” her if she told anybody about it.
“He never once said it didn’t happen,” said Cha’Taun.
Bonds also seemingly corroborated allegations that Ventura was forced to participate in “freak-offs” with other men. The former bodyguard said he saw male visitors around Combs and Ventura‘s hotel room, where they spent weekends.
“I’ve seen questionable things, but I never knew exactly what was going on,” said Bonds.
The highly anticipated documentary “Fall of Diddy” has finally been released, and it is filled with shocking revelations that have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The film, which chronicles the rise and fall of music mogul Diddy, has uncovered new allegations that have taken the public by surprise.
One of the biggest revelations in the documentary is the allegation of financial misconduct by Diddy. The film alleges that Diddy engaged in fraudulent activities to maintain his lavish lifestyle, including embezzling funds from his artists and business partners. This accusation has raised serious questions about Diddy’s integrity and has led to calls for further investigation into his financial dealings.
Additionally, the documentary delves into Diddy’s personal life, revealing new allegations of misconduct and abuse. Several women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Diddy, painting a troubling picture of the music mogul’s behavior behind closed doors. These allegations have sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the industry.
Overall, “Fall of Diddy” has shed light on the dark side of Diddy’s empire and has raised important questions about power, privilege, and accountability in the entertainment world. As the allegations continue to surface, it remains to be seen how Diddy will respond and what the future holds for his career.
The hip hop world has long used artist beefs or feuds, often with threats of violence, as public spectacle for promotional and financial gain.
So there’s a cruel irony with Investigation Discovery’s The Fall of Diddy docuseries revealing so many people in the rap world and in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ orbit over the years who lived in fear and didn’t dare diss or cross the music and fashion mogul to avoid threats of retribution.
“I am absolutely nervous about sharing what I’ve seen him do to another human being. He’s powerful. And he’s scary,” said an unnamed young woman in the ID four-parter whose identity is protected, as she was a classmate of Combs at Howard University in 1988 and described an alleged beating of his girlfriend with a belt outside her dormitory.
The young woman in the series recounts a brutal attack by Combs that allegedly took place over 35 years before Combs, in September 2024, was arrested and locked up in a Brooklyn federal jail where he is currently awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Maxine Productions’ Emma Schwartz, a co-director on The Fall of Diddy, recalls an uphill climb to find people from Combs’ inner circle and survivors to participate when they mostly emerged from a world once dominated by the self-styled king of hip hop.
“I do think the fear has been incredibly palpable for so many people — even those who came forward and those who came close to and are not yet ready — in a very, very tangible way and, at least from my experience, that I have not felt as acutely before,” Schwartz told The Hollywood Reporter.
For fellow co-director Yoruba Richen of Emmy-nominated Maxine Productions, there was no capturing Combs’ downfall without first portraying his dramatic ascent and sway over the entertainment world that fed into the perception of power and control he had over people around him.
“You can’t talk about who this man, who he affected and the allegations, without talking about his rise, because he was singular in terms of his influence,” Richen argued, not least by bringing hip hop into pop culture’s mainstream in the 1990s.
ID as a true crime network found earlier success mining the darker side of pop culture with last year’s bombshell Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, also from Maxine Productions. The Fall of Diddy echoes earlier #MeToo-era TV treatments of entertainment industry titans whose abuse of seeming indomitable power left a trail of emotional, physical and career devastation before their own downfalls.
Schwartz adds, “The power that people perceive [Combs] to hold over them has to do with his rise and his reach, and all of the empire that he built over the decades. And one of the things that stood out to me, that made his story so different from so many other stories, where we hear all kinds of allegations, is that many people today are trying to grapple with what his legacy is.”
For that reason, ID president Jason Sarlanis told THR that The Fall of Diddy aimed for a full picture of Combs, which includes the darkness that lay beneath his creative genius and a seemingly obsessive need to control and abuse people in his orbit, including employees.
“That did give him great influence over the culture, and with that came great power. And the documentary also gives an opportunity for people who allege that they were victims of that power to speak back to that power, and that duality is is what we’re trying to achieve with this documentary,” Sarlanis said.
The Fall of Diddy portrays Combs’ decades-long impact on music and popular culture, from his early days as a talented creative in the hip hop world to his 2024 arrest, while also tackling claims of sexual assault, abusive behavior and violence that has also have become part of the rap world star’s legacy.
To get people to speak up, often for the first time, the researchers at Maxine Productions — led by Schwartz, Richen and executive producer Mary Robertson, and the partnering team at Rolling Stone Films — had to surmount the fear and anxiety that women especially felt around Combs and his impact on their lives, whether personally or professionally.
That was before the floodgates began to open and still-fearful people came forward more assuredly after singer and ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura brought her federal lawsuit against the music mogul in November 2023, and in which she accused him of rape and physical abuse during their relationship.
By then, Maxine Productions was well on its way with the project, allowing ID to unveil plans for the docuseries in mid-September 2024 and only one day after Combs was arrested on sex trafficking and racketeering charges and subsequently denied bail.
But even as he sits behind bars awaiting an upcoming trial, a sense of dread still hangs in the air over fears that a defiant and wealthy Combs will eventually walk free.
“While Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, aka P Diddy, may be sitting behind bars in New York at the moment, I think that many who believe he is yet to be held accountable and would like to see him held accountable wonder whether or not that day will come to pass. And whether or not it does come to pass in the judicial system will influence the sense of their own safety,” exec producer Robertson explained.
A rep for Combs told The Hollywood Reporter that many of the doc’s allegations were left unchecked. Here is the statement in full: “These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context. By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations. This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction.”
Combs’ trial is set to start on May 5, 2025. If found guilty on all charges, he faces a potential life sentence in prison.
The Fall of Diddy, produced for ID by Maxine Productions and The Intellectual Property Corporation, both part of Sony Pictures Television, in partnership with Rolling Stone Films, airs on Jan. 27 and 28 at 9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery before streaming on Max.
The highly anticipated documentary “Fall of Diddy” has been generating buzz for shedding light on the downfall of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. However, the directors of the film are facing a major challenge: getting people to speak out about their experiences with the hip-hop icon.
In a recent interview, the directors revealed that many potential interviewees are hesitant to participate in the documentary due to fear of retaliation from Diddy and his powerful network of industry connections. This fear has created a roadblock for the filmmakers, as they strive to create a comprehensive and honest portrayal of Diddy’s rise and fall.
Despite the challenges, the directors remain determined to uncover the truth behind Diddy’s fall from grace. They are committed to providing a platform for those who have been silenced or intimidated by the music mogul, and hope that their documentary will spark conversations about accountability and power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
As they continue to navigate the delicate balance of telling a compelling story while respecting the privacy and safety of their subjects, the directors of “Fall of Diddy” are determined to create a film that will challenge audiences to think critically about the cult of celebrity and the consequences of unchecked power. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking documentary.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of mistreating Kim Porter, his former partner and the mother of three of his children, in a new docuseries that also details the sexual misconduct allegations the mogul is facing.
The claim is made by Danyel Smith, the former editor-in-chief of Vibe, who is one of many people interviewed in the upcoming docuseries The Fall of Diddy, airing Monday, Jan. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery and streaming on Max.
“I’ve seen [Combs] act around Kim in many ways that were just awful and very mean,” Smith alleges in an exclusive clip from the docuseries.
Smith recalls one incident in which she claims she was at a nightclub with Porter and other women when Combs showed up.
“He just started hollering at her that she should be at home, not out,” Smith says. “Then he grabbed her handbag and literally turned it upside down. He just emptied it out in front of everybody.”
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Kim Porter and Diddy had three children together: Christian Combs and twins Jessie James Combs and D’Lila Combs. Quincy Brown was Porter’s son with R&B singer Al B. Sure! Quincy was adopted by Diddy around 3 years old.
In a statement to PEOPLE regarding Smith’s allegation, Combs’ attorneys wrote: “These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context. By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations. This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction.”
Combs is currently in jail as he awaits trial on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, following a September indictment. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Fall of Diddy also features interviews with D. Woods, a member of Danity Kane, the girl group formed on Combs’ former reality show Making the Band, and several former of Combs’ employees and accusers.
The Fall of Diddy airs Monday, Jan. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery and streams on Max.
In a recent article published by Doc Features, shocking claims have been made about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his treatment towards the late Kim Porter. According to sources close to Porter, Diddy was allegedly “awful” and “mean” to her during their relationship.
The article details instances where Diddy would reportedly belittle and disrespect Porter, causing emotional distress and strain on their relationship. Friends of Porter have come forward to share their experiences of witnessing Diddy’s behavior towards her, painting a troubling picture of their dynamic.
These claims have sparked outrage and concern among fans, who have always viewed Diddy and Porter as a power couple in the entertainment industry. The revelations have shed light on a darker side of their relationship, raising questions about the true nature of their connection.
As more details emerge, it is important to remember that these are allegations and have not been confirmed by Diddy or his representatives. However, the impact of these claims on Porter’s legacy and Diddy’s reputation cannot be ignored. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
The pair starred in the 1986 film “Children of a Lesser God” about a deaf woman’s romance with a hearing speech teacher. The actress was only 19 when she was cast in her feature film debut opposite a then 35-year-old Hurt. They were lovers on-screen and off.
Marlee Matlin remembers being scared of William Hurt when she won her Oscar. Getty Images
The actress recalls the moment in a new documentary. Corbis via Getty Images
In 1987, Matlin won the Academy Award for best actress, with Hurt presenting the award.
“I was afraid as I walked up the stairs to get the Oscar,” she recalls in “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” which premiered Thursday at the Sundance Film Festival (per People). “I was afraid because I knew in my gut that he wasn’t happy. Because I saw the look on his face, and my thought was, ‘S–t!’”
Matlin says that after kissing Hurt onstage and approaching the podium, she “didn’t take the Oscar from him right away” out of fear: “I wish it were different. I wish I had shown my joy. But I was afraid because he was standing right there.”
The film’s director remembers seeing bruises on Matlin’s arm while they were filming. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Matlin became the first deaf actor to win an Academy Award. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
The “CODA” star, 59, has previously spoken out about Hurt’s behavior that night.
In author Dave Karger’s 2024 book, “50 Oscar Nights,” Matlin shared that Hurt was dismissive of her win and told her later that night, “‘So you have that little man there next to you. What makes you think you deserve it?’ I looked at him like, ‘What do you mean?’ And he said, ‘A lot of people work a long time, especially the ones you were nominated with, for a lot of years to get what you got with one film.’”
The documentary includes interviews with Matlin’s sign language interpreter Jack Jason and “Children of a Lesser God” director Randa Haines.
Jason remembers seeing Matlin sporting a black eye while exiting a room with Hurt, while Haines recalls seeing bruises on Matlin while they filmed.
Matlin does credit Hurt, who died in 2022, with her decision to go to rehab. WireImage for Vanity Fair
She checked herself into the Betty Ford Center in the ’80s. AFP via Getty Images
“I could see that they were having arguments, fights,” she says. “I remember once noticing a bruise. But I didn’t know. Nobody felt that they had license to enter into a private relationship or comment on it or ask questions about it.”
Haines also details how Hurt “would tell a joke and turn his back to [Matlin] so that she couldn’t see,” adding, “I tried to understand what was going on. But I saw that she was suffering from it.”
Matlin does, however, credit Hurt with inspiring her to check into the Betty Ford Center for drugs, where she was the famed facility’s first deaf patient in the ’80s.
“He went to rehab, and I was able to see what it did for him,” she explains, “and I knew that checking in there would do me great.”
Marlee Matlin, the acclaimed deaf actress who made history as the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award for her role in “Children of a Lesser God,” is speaking out about her past relationship with actor William Hurt in a new documentary.
In the upcoming film, Matlin opens up about the emotional and physical abuse she endured during her relationship with Hurt, which ultimately overshadowed her historic Oscar win. Matlin describes Hurt’s “habit of abuse” and the toll it took on her mental and emotional well-being.
Despite the difficulties she faced, Matlin is determined to share her story and shed light on the issue of domestic abuse. She hopes that by speaking out, she can empower others who may be in similar situations to seek help and break free from toxic relationships.
Matlin’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and standing up for oneself.
Tags:
Marlee Matlin, William Hurt, abuse, Oscars, documentary, Marlee Matlin abuse allegations, Hollywood abuse, Marlee Matlin documentary, domestic violence, Marlee Matlin Oscar win, Marlee Matlin and William Hurt relationship, Marlee Matlin new movie
Following a riveting NBA Cup journey, the Milwaukee Bucks seemed to return to their old mistakes again. Defensively, they were failing to stay organized. And on the offense, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were the only ones who prevailed. But their last eight games have got a stark change. While the Greek Freak has continued to stay dominant, there’s been a large change in his right-hand man.
Tonight the win against the Raptors was Milwaukee’s seventh win in their last eight games. The team itself has come together well. But in particular, Lillard has made it a point to pressure the rim and take advantage of the spacing the Bucks present. The switch didn’t come during the early stages of the season when Lillard hesitated in unloading himself. However, some motivation from assistant coach Vin Baker gave him confidence in himself.
“Just talking to me and Vin Baker maybe about two and a half weeks ago, we had a really long phone conversation where he was just like it’s actually time for you to just go be who you are. Don’t worry about doing the right thing and all that stuff like you play the right way as it is. It’s time for you to just take off and go. Don’t worry about nothing. Be Dame Lillard. And because of the relationship I have with him I know he wouldn’t just be saying that to me just because,”said Damian Lillard.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) smiles on the court before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dame Dolla admits the conversation “freed” him from holding himself back. And in the last five games, his impact has been instrumental in the Bucks’ rampaging run. He is averaging two fewer triples, but his efficiency is off the chart. Putting up 26 points per game in that stretch, Lillard’s attack-first mentality has been vital. And the four-time All-Star’s words allowed Lillard to revert to his natural predatory instincts.
“I always wanted to show that my intentions are right. Sometimes that can take away from your aggressiveness or your attack mode. But I think that conversation really did something for me. It’s allowed to just take off and go,” he said about Baker.
The other dimension of Damian Lillard’s improvement
Offensively, it was only a matter of time before Damian Lillard got going. In his off time, he is constantly studying and finding ways to improve. Aside from his talk with Baker, his routine never changed. “My routine stayed the same. I just start watching film and looking for areas that I can help myself. Where I might be having turnovers or might be opportunities for me to keep attacking,” said the seasoned guard.
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But there has been another revolution in his game which took even Doc Rivers by shock.
“Dame’s intensity has been terrific. It really has. There was a stretch in the first quarter where I thought he was our best defender on the floor at times. Brook and Giannis’ ability to attack the basket as far as blocking shots has been great. Dame’s mixing it up,”he said about the Bucks point guard.
Previously, backcourts took advantage of the defensive mismatch with Damian Lillard. In the recent stretch though, the 34-year-old is doing just enough to Antetokounmpo and Lopez, two premier shot blockers who set themselves for those attacking the rim. Additionally, his ferocity now to aim for points at the rim puts pressure on the opponents’ defensive schemes. Tonight, the Raptors were forced to foul often.
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Such intensity on both ends of the floor has led to a resurgence for the Bucks. They now sit as the fourth seed in the West after barely being over .500 prior to this stretch. And without Damian Lillard making the necessary adjustments, it might not have been possible.
In a recent surprising revelation, Doc Rivers, head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, shared details of a long phone call he had with 4-time All-Star Damian Lillard. During the call, Rivers and Lillard discussed a wide range of topics, including Lillard’s future in the NBA.
Rivers revealed that Lillard expressed a desire to compete for a championship and that he is open to exploring potential trade opportunities to make that happen. While Lillard has been a loyal and dedicated player for the Portland Trail Blazers throughout his career, he is reportedly considering his options as he enters the prime years of his career.
The revelation has sparked speculation among fans and analysts about the possibility of Lillard joining forces with a contender like the 76ers. With Rivers at the helm, Philadelphia could offer Lillard a chance to play alongside fellow All-Star Joel Embiid and compete for a title in the Eastern Conference.
As the NBA offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Lillard and the potential for a blockbuster trade that could shake up the league. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
[Editor’s note: The following contains some spoilers for Doc.]
Summary
In the Fox medical drama ‘Doc,’ Dr. Amy Larsen (Molly Parker) faces challenges post-brain injury, including memory loss and a secret romance.
The show explores the complexities of Amy’s character, who is forced to rebuild her life and redefine her identity.
The potential for future seasons lies in Amy’s vulnerability, identity formation, and deep character exploration within a medical procedural.
The Fox medical drama Docfollows Dr. Amy Larsen (Molly Parker), the brilliant but demanding Chief of Internal Medicine, as she pieces her life back together after suffering a brain injury from a car crash that erases the last eight years of her memory. No longer interested in being the woman who pushed everyone away after an unimaginable loss, colleagues are no longer sure where they stand, her best friend, neuropsychiatrist Dr. Gina Walker (Amirah Vann), isn’t sure how much to tell her, and her secret romance with Dr. Jake Heller (Jon Ecker) is now even a secret to her. The one connection she’s still holding onto is her family until she’s rocked to learn that she’s been divorced from husband Dr. Michael Hamda (Omar Metwally) for four years. So, Amy does the only thing she can, focusing on becoming a doctor again and figuring out what she wants for her life now.
During this one-on-one interview with Collider, Parker talked about playing a character in the process of rebuilding her life, telling a story over different time frames, shooting the car crash, exploring the relationship between mother and daughter, the love triangle, the tricky relationship with Dr. Richard Miller (Scott Wolf), and the potential for everything still to explore in future seasons. She also discussed her time on Deadwood and how meaningful the experience was.
‘Doc’ Is a Character Drama Wrapped in a Medical Procedural
Image via Fox
Collider: This character is a challenging protagonist, but if it were a male character at the center of this, no one would question his behavior or how he acts. It’s so interesting to not only watch her, but to see how everybody reacts to her and to see how they don’t know what to do when she’s different after her accident. When this came your way, how much did you know? Did you have any idea just how deep you’d get into that?
MOLLY PARKER: What’s exciting about the show is that we meet this woman at the moment when she loses everything. She loses her memory, but comes to find that she’s also lost all these other parts of her life and parts of herself. That’s a really rich, exciting, fulfilling place as a departure point. We get to start at that place where the person is forced to either just give up and die or change, and that’s an exciting place to start. Because the situation of the show is so extreme and because we’re dealing with memory loss, there are a number of different versions of this woman. Certainly, her core is the same, but her behavior and her personality change.
This woman’s life is defined by these two moments where she has lost everything. To me, what’s great about the show is we get to see her make both choices. We get to see her go down the very dark path of what that does to her, and then we get to see her not do it differently because she doesn’t get to go back and redo her life, but she gets to shift her understanding of herself. She becomes a mystery to herself. What would otherwise be internal work, or women’s work, gets externalized because of the situation. She has to look outside herself to find out who she was, who she became and what she did, so it’s externalized in that way.
This show has so much potential because there’s this really complicated, rich character work to do because sometimes she’s really mean and horrible and nasty. And yet, we don’t have to apologize for that because that’s not all she is. We get to see all aspects of her, like we all have. In different relationships or different dynamics, those get turned up or turned down, and all of that happens in the container of this medical procedural. I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s a genre that people obviously love because it really works. At its best, it is this great container for that really deep character work. It’s also fun, it’s juicy, there’s a love triangle, and there are super high stakes.
Dr. Pierdante Piccioni’s incredible story is the inspiration for this new series.
When you sign on to do a TV show, you’re really only signing on for the beginning of the story because you don’t know what the middle or the end will be. Were there conversations about making sure she keeps that edge to her and that she doesn’t suddenly become a nicer person?
PARKER: Yeah, absolutely. When our showrunner and writer Barbie Kligman first pitched it, she talked about it as This Is Us meets House meets Regarding Henry, which is the way people talk about things. The show is told in a number of different time frames. Because of that, we get to see her in many different forms, and I don’t think that’s gonna go away. I think that’s a fundamental part of the show. What I love about these kinds of shows is when they do the mystery part really well, and there’s gonna be mystery illness every week. This woman is a brilliant diagnostician. That’s what she’s really good at. But she’s also a mystery to herself, and that, to me, is fun.
Obviously, you’re not in the car when it’s flipping in the air, but what was it like to shoot the scenes involving the accident? Is it a little bit out of body when you know you’re filming a scene like that?
PARKER: It was super out of body. When we shot it, I had laryngitis and I was really sick. At one point, they hung me upside down in front of a green screen in a harness. It was dreadful. It looks really cool. Thank God for stunt people.
Molly Parker Loves Exploring the Layers of the Mother-Daughter Relationship in ‘Doc’
Image via Fox
I love that we get to see her form this new relationship with her daughter. There’s something really beautiful about her getting a chance to make that right. What was that like to explore?
PARKER: That relationship with her daughter is really interesting. You were talking about what female characters are allowed to be before they become “unlikable,” which is something you can do in film, but it’s a very hard thing to pull off on television. One of the things that we find unforgivable, as a society, is not being a good parent. To not be a good mother or to have gone through a period where she’s abdicated that role a little bit is something that is tricky to pull off in a way where we still have compassion for the character because we are so judgmental about women in that way. This woman is doing the best she can, and the best she can do is just not die. That’s so heavy and horrible, but I think that’s true for her.
And so, she just throws herself into her work, and that’s the best she can do. And then, she gets this other moment to reconnect. She doesn’t get to do those things over. None of us do. But we can always make changes, going forward. I think there’s also a lot of grief in watching your kids get older. I have an 18-year-old, and we’re really close. We have a great relationship. But part of me mourns that the little guy is gone. He’s not that little guy anymore. He’s grown. He’s six feet tall. And it makes me so sad sometimes. I can relate to that, and I think a lot of people can relate to that. When you have a baby, you think, “This is it. This is the rest of my life.” But it’s not. It’s this one era of your life. It’s these 20 years, but then they’re grown. They’re still a part of your life, but that keeps changing. The thing that gives me hope and the thing that we’re finding in the show is that it’s so great, having a relationship with this young adult. But she’s failed her daughter, and that’s a truth that they need to confront.
Another really interesting relationship in this show is the one between Amy and Sonya (Anya Banerjee). Sonya is clearly holding things against her and judging her for things that Amy doesn’t remember, and then they end up on this case that so personally affects Sonya that it’s a real turning point for their relationship. What was the episode like to shoot?
PARKER: That was great. Anya, who plays Sonya, is this wonderful young actor from New Zealand. She’s really brilliant. She just killed it in that episode. She did such a great job. It’s a really interesting and tricky dynamic between the two of them. On the one hand, yes, Amy became not a very nice person. On the other hand, she’s a boss, she’s that woman’s boss, and she’s a tough boss. It’s a really serious job. The job is important, so her expectations of the people who work under her are extremely high. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a lot of compassion, at that point in her life, for them or herself. We get to see Amy growing, and we get to see Sonya growing too.
Parker plays a doctor who forgets the past eight years of her life after a car crash.
When you have a love triangle, it’s especially compelling when both options are good people. Aside from the fact that her ex-husband should be thinking about his new wife who happens to be pregnant at home, these are both decent guys.
PARKER: Because, in the end, it’s not about them. Their story is about them. The person who’s better for her is gonna depend on who she becomes. One of the things that I think is quite lovely about how they’ve rendered the Jake character for her is that she was not able to be vulnerable with anyone in her life, but for some reason, she was able to do that with him, just a little bit. And for some reason, he was able to make that safe for her to do with him. I think that’s gonna be really interesting, going forward. Obviously, this is an incredibly extreme TV situation, but when you date somebody who is recently out of another relationship, there are often three people still in the relationship. There are lots of juicy, fun problems there.
The dynamic with Richard stands out because it’s a one-sided adversarial relationship that she doesn’t understand.
PARKER: He’s fighting this ghost, this version of her that doesn’t seem to exist anymore. He’s so full of fear that she’ll remember who she was and what she knows about him. But what that dynamic does is that it actually really shines a light on how he’s not just the villain. We really come to understand why this man did the things that he did, and it’s tragic. He makes a mistake, but it’s always the cover-up that gets you. And Scott [Wolf] is so good. Where that character gets to, by the end of the season, I just thought he was marvelous in that.
Molly Parker Sees Potential and Possibilities for Where ‘Doc’ Could Go in Future Seasons
By the end of the season, Amy is left in a place that’s still very unsettled and unresolved. There is definitely room for things to continue in another season. What would you be most interested in exploring next for her? Do you know what could come next? Are there things that you specifically want to dig in deeper into?
PARKER: To me, this show has so much potential because of where it begins and because of the memory loss. In that, all kinds of things could happen. When Amy is first confronted with her amnesia, it forces her to become vulnerable with other people in a way that she has not been for a long time. That’s a part of herself that she really shut down. She was tragically self-sufficient, which I completely relate to. Because she doesn’t know who she is, she has to listen to everyone else. They tell her who she became. She has to trust them. She has to believe people. By the end of the season, we see her go, “I’m starting to know who I am again,” and to challenge that a little more. That stuff about identity and how we form our identity is interesting to me. Typically, by the time one is middle age, your identity is pretty formed. With this woman, that’s a process she has to go through again, and that’s an interesting process to watch. I think the first couple episodes of the show are wonderful, and they’re very emotional. It’s a lot of setting that scene. Once we get to the third episode, we really get into what the show is gonna be, and it’s propulsive after that and a little more fun. I’m into exploring the fun parts of this format.
You’ve spent a good amount of time playing characters in Lost in Space, House of Cards and Deadwood, which was really the longest run you’ve had with a specific character. Does that still feel like it was a special experience? Is that one of those projects that you think will always hold a special place in your heart?
PARKER: Absolutely, and I wish it had been longer. It really wasn’t. It’s only three seasons. But then, we came back and did the movie, 20 years later. That role and that entire experience was formational for me. It was the first real TV role I did after many, many years of doing independent film. At the very, very beginning of my career, I played people’s girlfriends and people’s daughters on little TV stuff, and I didn’t really like it. And then, I had this opportunity to do an indie film, and that was like, “Oh, this is what I wanna do,” because it was just exciting and there was character stuff you could do. When Deadwood came, it was David Milch. He wrote that whole thing. It seemed like it came fully formed out of him. I was just incredibly lucky. I’m proud of Deadwood. I’m proud to have been a part of it.
Dr. Amy Larsen, Chief of Internal and Family Medicine at Westside Hospital in Minneapolis, faces a profound challenge after a brain injury erases eight years of her memory. She must rebuild her personal and professional life, relying on her estranged 17-year-old daughter and close friends, while striving to continue practicing medicine despite the significant loss of experience.
Release Date
January 7, 2025
Cast
Molly Parker
, Omar Metwally
, Amirah Vann
, Jon Ecker
, Anya Banerjee
Main Genre
Drama
Seasons
1
Network
FOX
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu
Doc airs on Fox and is available to stream on Hulu. Check out the trailer:
Molly Parker is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world, and her latest project, the Canadian medical drama series “Doc,” is allowing her to showcase her incredible range as an actress. From her breakout role in “Deadwood” to her captivating performance in “House of Cards,” Parker has proven time and time again that she is a versatile and talented performer.
In “Doc,” Parker plays Dr. Anne McGregor, a talented and dedicated physician who is struggling to balance her personal and professional life. As she navigates the challenges of working in a busy hospital, dealing with difficult patients, and facing her own personal demons, Parker brings depth and nuance to her character, making Dr. McGregor a relatable and compelling protagonist.
What sets “Doc” apart from other medical dramas is its focus on the emotional and moral dilemmas that healthcare professionals face on a daily basis. Parker’s portrayal of Dr. McGregor captures the complexity of the medical profession, as well as the humanity and compassion that drive healthcare workers to do what they do.
With “Doc,” Molly Parker is proving once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of television. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft are on full display in this captivating and thought-provoking series. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Parker do it all in “Doc.”
Deadwood star Molly Parker has achieved another streaming success with Doc, a medical drama series now airing on Hulu. Based on the Italian television series Doc — Nelle tue mani, the show premiered its first episode, “If at First You Don’t Succeed…” on January 7, and got off to a solid start, with 2.2 million viewers tuning in.
Blending mystery and medical procedural elements, Doc follows Dr. Amy Larsen (Parker), a devoted surgeon at Minneapolis’ Westside Hospital, who suffered a brain injury following a car accident, causing her to lose her memory for the past eight years. As she attempts to rebuild her life, Larsen must piece together significant events from her forgotten years that could prove vital to her recovery.
Doc is the latest addition to the ever-growing roster of medical TV dramas that, despite being a well-worn genre, have kept audiences captivated for years. Having said that, the first episode has already proven to be hugely effective, skillfully navigating the familiar tropes that make these shows successful.
In particular, fans were blown away by Parker’s performance as Dr. Larsen, and the showrunners couldn’t have been happier with the reception. The series’ executive producer Hank Steinberg, who spoke to Variety recently, said:
“She’s just a thoroughbred, and it’s just so fun. When you’re doing a show, and you’ve got so many episodes to do and so many different things you want to explore, it’s important to know that anything you can throw at the actor — that they can not only handle it but elevate it. She really, really does that. Her ability to play all parts of the role, her ability to carry the complexity of the character through a very difficult situation. She has so much gravitas. I can’t say enough about her.”
Even though only one episode has been released so far, Doc has garnered favorable reviews. That is an impressive feat for an adaptation, considering that remakes rarely turn out as expected. We will have to wait and see how the second episode, which will premiere on Hulu on Jan. 14, fares compared to the pilot episode.
‘Doc’ is Made Up of Promising Supporting Characters
While Parker is outstanding in her role as Dr. Larsen, Doc is blessed with a promising group of actors who play their roles exceptionally well. And most notably is Scott Wolf (Party of Five), who plays Dr. Richard Miller, Amy’s rival. She is clearly upset at the fact that he took over her job following the accident, even if it is a position he has had his eye on for a long time.
One of the most popular genres in television, the medical drama has offered many top-notch series throughout its history. Here’s a list of the best!
On the other hand, characters like Dr. Michael Hamda (Omar Metwally) and Dr. Jake Heller (Jon Ecker), have well-defined relationships with Amy, with the former being her ex-husband, who also happens to be her boss. Meanwhile, Dr. Heller shows unwavering loyalty and support in his romantic relationship with Dr. Larsen.
Barbie Klingman, well-known for her work on The Vampire Diaries, Secrets and Lies, and CSI: NY, is the show’s creator and writer. Additionally, Doc is directed by Rebecca Thomas, who has previously worked on notable TV shows such as Stranger Things, Archive 81, and Limetown. The series is produced by Nick Iannelli, with Hank Steinberg, Erwin Stoff, and Klingman as executive producers.
Release Date
January 7, 2025
Seasons
1
Network
FOX
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu
“Fox Medical Drama ‘Doc’ Is a Streaming Success on Hulu”
Fox’s latest medical drama, “Doc,” has taken Hulu by storm, captivating viewers with its gripping storylines and talented cast. The show, which follows the life of a brilliant but unconventional doctor as he navigates the highs and lows of the medical field, has quickly become a fan favorite on the streaming platform.
With its compelling characters and heart-wrenching medical cases, “Doc” has garnered rave reviews from both critics and viewers alike. The show’s stellar performances, intricate plot twists, and emotional depth have set it apart from other medical dramas on television.
Fans of the show have been eagerly binge-watching episodes on Hulu, unable to get enough of the captivating storytelling and dynamic characters. From the intense surgeries to the personal struggles of the doctors, “Doc” has kept audiences on the edge of their seats week after week.
If you’re looking for a new medical drama to add to your watchlist, look no further than “Doc” on Hulu. With its gripping storylines and talented cast, this show is sure to keep you hooked from the very first episode. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to dive into the world of “Doc.”
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