American late-night comedy show on NBC
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
Two interviews reveal shifting dynamics in public discourse: a renowned comedian discusses his career, while a broadcaster’s tone hints at evolving industry norms. The conversations highlight personal storytelling, audience expectations, and resilience in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Insiders reveal how Louis Theroux is portrayed and used in a recent Saturday Night Live UK finale sketch, highlighting the contrast between his measured style and the performers’ improv. The piece examines how the cameo came together and what it signals about cross-Atlantic parody on UK screens.
The Edinburgh International Festival presents Sobelle’s Clown Show, a contemporary portrait of America as a falling-apart circus. The piece, commissioned by EIF, asks audiences to dream while tracing a nation’s fragility through circus imagery and live performance.
Dolly Parton has died at age 80 in Nashville, her publicity team has said. Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news on Instagram. Parton has written thousands of songs, sold more than 100 million records, won multiple Grammys and founded the Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of free books.
Tim Curry has died at his Los Angeles home on 25 August at age 80, his longtime manager Marcia Hurwitz has confirmed. The English actor had been wheelchair‑bound after a major 2012 stroke and had a history of kidney cancer; the death certificate lists those conditions as contributing factors. He had originated Dr Frank‑N‑Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and enjoyed a six‑decade career across stage, film and voice work.
The Television Academy is distributing hundreds of Primetime Emmys across two ceremonies at the Peacock Theater, LA. The Pitt leads drama nominations with up to nine wins possible; Hacks leads comedy nominations. Five categories move to Sunday, boosting star power as guests and rookies contend for top prizes.
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon says studios are still avoiding her because of her outspoken support for Palestinians. At Venice, she notes shifts in public opinion but reports ongoing gatekeeping by agencies and studios despite her new film, The Echo Chamber.
Jimmy Kimmel has said he will post his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube rather than air it on ABC, saying the FCC under President Donald Trump has threatened his show and ABC affiliates. ABC and Disney have sued the FCC over early licence reviews and new guidance on equal-time rules; other late-night hosts have moved candidate interviews online.
Céline Dion has returned to full live performance with a sold‑out 26‑show residency at the Plenitude Arena outside Paris. The 58‑year‑old has opened the run with a 2‑hour, 25‑song set; she has been performing despite a 2022 diagnosis of stiff‑person syndrome and has adjusted keys and pacing to protect her voice and stamina.
The Independent and AP News report on upcoming SNL hosting gigs and musical guests, highlighting Brunson’s hosting debut with Katseye, Dakota Johnson promoting Verity, Oct. 3 Turnstile appearance, Navarrette’s Halloween return, and Abrams returning as musical guest. SNL UK refreshes with Freddie Meredith joining the cast and Jeff Goldblum hosting season two.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night, taking honors for Widow’s Bay (comedy) and The Beast in Me (limited series). He also holds a previous lead drama win, making him the first man to win in all three lead acting categories. Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay dominates the night with 14 wins.
Pro-Palestinian backlash to Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has led to Macklemore’s removal from the lineup and to radio stations in Ireland halting Sheeran’s music, with supporters planning protests and ticket resale prices dropping in some markets.
Leaders across tech and policy are pressing for stronger safeguards as AI development accelerates. Industry chiefs warn against over-regulation while regulators push for concrete rules. New warnings about existential risk and recent security incidents are accelerating the debate.
The Ed Sheeran tour has been thrown into crisis after Macklemore was dropped for his pro-Palestinian remarks. Promoters say the move is to protect venues and the tour’s continuity. Sheeran has apologised and emphasised unity, while other acts have withdrawn in solidarity. The controversy has sparked protests and public comment from fans and fellow artists.
Jalen Brunson has hosted Saturday Night Live, becoming the first Knicks player to host since 2007. The episode opened the Knicks’ season after their title victory, featuring questions from Brunson’s teammates in the monologue and a series of sketches.
Anthropic's Dario Amodei will join President Trump for a private White House dinner, marking a rare one-on-one with the president as AI safety debates intensify. The gathering underscores a thaw in relations while policy disagreements over frontier AI persist.
The White House has arranged a private dinner between President Trump and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. The meeting follows a broader push for AI guardrails amid ongoing tensions over safety standards and government oversight. A separate legal ruling has upheld the Pentagon’s ban on Anthropic’s Claude models, signaling continued regulatory friction.
A roundup of new and notable cultural events features a slate of film, theatre and art exhibitions as audiences respond to changing tastes. The Guardian and other outlets highlight new releases, performances and exhibitions, underscoring a moment of experimentation and renewed public engagement.