Meghan Rafferty, ‘NBC Nightly News’ EP, to Join Versant

Comedian Katherine Ryan is launching a cheeky new podcast called Write Me Dirty, where humor and steamy storytelling collide. Each episode, Ryan throws out a wild, often absurd prompt, and two guests compete to write the most entertaining erotic stories about each other. It’s playful, raunchy, and exactly the kind of boundary-pushing fun you’d expect from her.

Editor’s Note: Podcasts are constantly evolving, and Ryan’s Write Me Dirty is a fresh twist on comedy—blending improv, storytelling, and a dash of risqué humor. It’s a sign that creators are getting bolder with niche formats, and for fans of Ryan’s sharp wit, this could be a must-listen. Plus, it’s a reminder that even in oversaturated markets, there’s always room for something weird and wonderful.

A new reality competition show inspired by Sherlock Holmes' legendary deductive skills is in development. Contestants will channel their inner Holmes to solve mysteries, with Banijay-backed Remarkable Entertainment behind the project. Think less survival drama, more brainy puzzles—where logic, not luck, wins the game.

Editor’s Note: Reality TV’s getting a clever upgrade. Instead of relying on physical challenges or interpersonal drama, this show leans into intellectual problem-solving—a refreshing twist for fans of mystery and strategy. It could spark a trend of more cerebral competition formats, proving that brains can be just as entertaining as brawn.

Norway’s Haugesund Film Festival just dropped its full lineup for its 53rd edition, and it’s packing some serious star power. Leading the charge is Mona Fastvold, the Oscar-nominated director behind The Testament of Ann Lee, who’s also gearing up for Venice’s Golden Lion race. Joining her is Vikings actor Thorbjørn Harr, adding some Nordic flair to the mix. The festival, running August 16–22, is shaping up to be a must-watch for film buffs.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another film festival announcement—it’s a signal that Haugesund is becoming a key stop on the international cinema circuit. With big names like Fastvold and Harr involved, it’s drawing attention to Norway’s growing influence in global filmmaking. For movie fans, it’s a chance to catch rising talent and potential award contenders before they hit the bigger festivals. Plus, it’s a win for Norway’s cultural scene, putting its creative voices front and center.

Netflix’s new documentary "Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes" digs into chilling, never-before-heard recordings of David Berkowitz from 1980, paired with fresh interviews from detectives, survivors, and even people weirdly fixated on the case. Director Joe Berlinger (known for true-crime deep dives) uses Berkowitz’s own voice to pull viewers into the twisted mind of one of America’s most infamous serial killers—but it’s not just about him. The film also explores how the case gripped New York City and the lasting scars it left.

Editor’s Note: True crime fatigue is real, but this isn’t just another rehash. The unreleased tapes add a fresh layer to the Son of Sam story, making it more than a nostalgia trip. For crime buffs, it’s a chance to hear Berkowitz in his own words; for everyone else, it’s a stark reminder of how serial killers don’t just vanish—they leave behind a trail of trauma, obsession, and unanswered questions.

Turns out, the UK couldn’t resist those little yellow troublemakers in 2024. Minions: The Rise of Gru—a 2022 film that’s not even a Netflix original—topped the streaming charts there, pulling in a whopping 13.7 million views. Families especially seemed to flock to it, proving that classic animated chaos still rules the roost when it comes to shared screen time.

Editor’s Note: Streaming isn’t just about prestige dramas or buzzy originals—sometimes, it’s the goofy, familiar stuff that wins. The Minions’ dominance highlights how family-friendly content drives massive engagement, even years after a movie’s release. For platforms like Netflix, it’s a reminder that licensed hits (not just their own productions) can be golden tickets to keeping subscribers glued to their screens.