EVERYDAY HEROES

One of the most gripping medical dramas on television, HBO Max’s The Pitt pulls viewers straight into the high-stakes world of first responders, offering an unfiltered look at the pressures facing today’s healthcare system and the doctors who hold it together.

The idea for the series came from actor Noah Wyle, who was deeply affected by what he witnessed during the pandemic. “The pandemic changed everything; I was getting a lot of mail from people, first responders, that was also confessional about how difficult their daily lives were and who was getting sick and who was getting treated,” he said. “I pivoted a lot of that to executive producer and director John Wells and said, ‘There’s something happening here that’s probably worth talking about again.’”

Wyle and Wells, longtime collaborators on ER, set out to create an immersive experience. “We’re trying to make it feel as if you’re right on the shoulder of someone,” noted Wells. “It’s a version of a ride along but with emergency room personnel… people who are dealing all day long with these very traumatic experiences.”

SONG BIRD

If you’ve seen the romantic drama Song Sung Blue, Kate Hudson’s soulful performance likely lingers long after the credits roll. Based on a true story, the film brings to life Milwaukee musicians Mike and Claire Sardina, whose shared love of music led to marriage – and unexpected fame through their Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning & Thunder. Hudson’s performance has already sparked Oscar buzz.

During a Q&A hosted by Demi Moore, Hudson reflected on discovering Diamond’s catalog through the role. “Delving into his catalogue is one of the great discoveries for me,” she acknowledged. “I’d never heard songs like ‘I’ve Been Here Before’ that I sing at the end of the movie. I didn’t even know ‘Cherry Cherry,’ ‘Crunchy Granola Suite,’ or ‘Soolamon.’ I can’t believe how prolific he is as a writer.”

She was especially moved by the emotional clarity of his songwriting. “He’s such a hopeful writer, and all of his songs sort of have this spiritual connection…He really wrote music and lyrics to connect with audiences.”

PAIN & FORTUNE

From the moment Ethan Hawke appears on screen in Blue Moon, he’s nearly unrecognizable. Transforming into legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart, Hawke underwent striking physical changes, even altering his posture to appear shorter.

“That was a really important part of his character…the way that people associate height with strength, power, and sexuality,” said Hawke. “The history of cinema has made lots of movie stars taller. So why couldn’t they make them smaller was part of our thinking, but we put a lot of work into it. The movie’s not about visual effects or anything like that.”

The transformation didn’t stop there: Hawke grew his hair long, then shaved the top to create Hart’s balding look. “So when I did the comb over, I looked really peculiar at the coffee shop in the morning!” he quipped.

Beyond the physicality, Blue Moon delves into Hart’s emotional struggles, including his lifelong battle with alcoholism and feelings of isolation.

LET IT GO

In HGTV’s new series Junk or Jackpot?, Emmy Award winning design expert Bobby Berk helps homeowners thoughtfully pare down overflowing memorabilia and transform their spaces in the process. Best known for Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Berk brings warmth and clarity to homes where passion projects have quietly tipped into stress. The series is executive produced by actor, wrestler, and entrepreneur John Cena.

Berk told Decider.com: “When John Cena asks you to host a show he’s created, you say ‘Yes.’ We come into these people’s lives when something that once was the heart and soul of their lives is starting to be the source of problems in their relationships or mental health. The thing that brought them the most joy is the thing that is actually causing the most harm now.”

One standout episode features Vivian, owner of one of the world’s largest Wonder Woman collections. “Bobby did such a great job and really put me at ease,” she told INDUSTRY. “The whole process was really fun. I loved the renovation!”

INTO THE UNKNOWN

Have a thirst for unexplained mysteries or existential questions? Check out The Space Within, a popular Audible Original series that takes listeners into a fascinating world of mystery, alien abductions, and altered human DNA. Now in its second season, executive producer and Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Scenes from a Marriage) also stars as Dr. Madeline Wyle, a PTSD and trauma psychiatrist.

“Reprising the role of Dr. Madeline Wyle for season two of The Space Within has been such a rewarding experience,” said Chastain. “This season takes Madeline into new territory, and returning to her world, full of drive, curiosity, and empathy, has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m excited for listeners to reconnect with her and see how she continues to evolve, both profes sionally and personally.”

“The Space Within wraps big ideas about identity, consciousness, and our place in the universe into a deeply personal story,” said Rachel Ghiazza, Audible’s chief content officer. “Jessica Chastain and this extraordi nary cast bring every moment to life.”