It List: Francis Ford Coppola unleashes unconventional epic 'Megalopolis,' 'SNL' returns ahead of the presidential election, Joshua Jackson sets sail in 'Doctor Odyssey'
Hello, friends! I’m Kelsey, your guide to all things pop culture for Yahoo Entertainment, and this is the It List, our weekly rundown of what’s new and notable. In it, I recommended a slew of upcoming releases to watch, stream, listen to, read and binge. I’ll walk you through my favorites.
What to watch:
📺 Doctor Odyssey makes waves
When: Doctor Odyssey premieres Sept. 26 at 9 p.m. on ABC and airs on Thursdays. It streams the following day on Hulu.
What to know: Joshua Jackson of Dawson’s Creek fame stars in the new series as a doctor caring for the wealthy and beautiful passengers on a luxury cruise ship. The first season’s guest stars include John Stamos and Kelsea Ballerini. [People]
Why I’ll be watching: I compulsively watch everything from creator Ryan Murphy, from Glee to 9-1-1, because I know he’ll take a run-of-the-mill procedural and make it delightfully over-the-top. Seems like a lot of other people will be watching too, because the trailer amassed a record-breaking number of views. [Deadline]
📺 Great British Baking Show soothes our souls
When: Great British Baking Show Collection 12 premieres Sept. 27 on Netflix. New episodes drop on Fridays.
What to know: Another batch of 12 nonprofessional bakers are competing in weekly timed challenges for a shot at the grand prize — a bouquet of flowers and a cake stand. The contestants are kind and cooperative, and the show has an incandescently charming vibe. [Yahoo Entertainment]
Why I’ll be watching: I love cooking competition shows, but watching Gordon Ramsey scream at a bunch of chefs fighting for their livelihoods à la Hell’s Kitchen is not great for my blood pressure at this age. GBBS is its opposite — a soothing balm in TV form. Watch the trailer and you’ll see what I mean. [People]
🎥 Megalopolis brings a legendary director’s dreams to life
When: Megalopolis is in theaters Sept. 27.
What to know: The film follows brilliant architect (Adam Driver) on his quest to turn the city of New Rome into a utopia, but the actual plot is secondary to the lore surrounding it. Director Francis Ford Coppola spent decades and $120 million of his own money making the movie outside of the studio system. It has racked up controversies, including its misleading trailer and on-set allegations. [Today/The Wrap]
Why I recommend it: The off-screen chaos got me interested in the movie, but the film’s stunning visuals kept me glued to my seat — as well as the live actor, who appears in certain U.S. theaters to interact with the movie. At TIFF, Coppola told me that cinema is always changing — and those who don’t want it to change “want to sell it to you.” [Yahoo Entertainment]
📺 SNL celebrates a big birthday — and an election year
When: The first episode of Saturday Night Live Season 50 airs Sept. 28 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streams the following day on Peacock.
What to know: The show is ushering in a milestone 50th season with three new cast members and high-profile hosts like Ariana Grande and John Mulaney. There’s also a buzzy upcoming movie about the show’s chaotic first episode that might draw in new viewers. [Yahoo Entertainment]
Why I’ll be watching: Like so many other people, I’m obsessed with trying to guess which celebrities will play key candidates in sketches about the presidential election. We’ve got Maya Rudolph on deck to portray Kamala Harris, and James Austin Johnson will reprise his Trump impression, but what about those potential VPs? [Yahoo Entertainment/ Deadline/The Wrap]
What to read:
📚 Sally Rooney leaves her comfort zone with Intermezzo
When: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney is now available for purchase.
What to know: Author Sally Rooney is back with her fourth novel, which follows two brothers grappling with heartache and ethical quandaries. [People]
Why I’ll be reading: I adored Rooney’s other books about quiet young women navigating relationships and capitalism, Conversations With Friends and Normal People, but I was excited to hear that she stepped out of her “social reality” with this one. I won’t be expecting a TV adaptation though. [The Hollywood Reporter]
We’ll be back next week with our latest picks. Are there other things you’re excited about? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out our guides to the best in fall entertainment.
