Mahershala Ali has officially joined Season 2 of HBO’s acclaimed crime drama Task, stepping into a major new role opposite returning star Mark Ruffalo. The two‑time Oscar winner will play Eddie Barnes, a respected Philadelphia DEA agent whose team clashes with Ruffalo’s FBI task force, setting the stage for a tense new chapter in the series.
Ali will portray Eddie Barnes, described as a seasoned, well‑respected DEA agent in Philadelphia. His unit comes into conflict with Ruffalo’s character, Tom Brandis, who now leads a new FBI task force. The deeper the operation goes, the harder it becomes to determine who is actually being targeted—setting up a morally complex, high‑stakes storyline for the new season.
This marks Ali’s return to HBO after leading True Detective Season 3, a performance that earned him multiple award nominations.
Season 2 picks up with Brandis stepping into a new leadership role, navigating a task force where loyalties blur, and danger escalates. The introduction of Barnes adds a fresh dynamic—this time, a rival law‑enforcement figure rather than the criminal adversary seen in Season 1.
The first season featured a large ensemble cast, though many characters did not survive the finale, making room for new faces like Ali in the upcoming storyline.
The series continues under creator and showrunner Brad Ingelsby (Mare of Easttown), who returns alongside executive producers Mark Ruffalo, Paul Lee, Mark Roybal, Jeremiah Zagar, and Ron Schmidt. Nicole Jordan‑Webber and Karen Wacker serve as co‑executive producers.
Ali’s casting comes amid a busy period in his career. In addition to his acclaimed film work (Moonlight, Green Book), he has recently appeared in Leave the World Behind, Swan Song, and the Spider‑Verse animated films.
A whodunnit for the whole flock. #TheSheepDetectives is only in theaters May 8.
In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.
Starring Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, with Hong Chau and Emma Thompson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Rhys Darby.
Watch the trailer above.
In a significant development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Bill Cosby, a California civil jury has found the disgraced comedian liable for drugging and sexually assaulting a former waitress in 1972. The verdict, delivered in Los Angeles Superior Court in Santa Monica, orders Cosby to pay $19 million in damages to the plaintiff, Donna Motsinger.
The case stems from allegations that Cosby, then a rising comedy star, invited Motsinger — who worked as a waitress at a Sausalito restaurant — to one of his comedy performances. According to the lawsuit, he provided her with drugs without her knowledge or consent, rendering her incapacitated, before sexually assaulting her. Motsinger filed the civil suit seeking accountability for the decades-old incident, which resurfaced amid the wave of accusations that emerged in the mid-2010s.
Cosby, now 88, was not present in the courtroom during the trial. His legal team has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that any interactions were consensual and disputing claims of drugging or assault. The entertainer’s conviction in a separate 2018 criminal case (involving Andrea Constand) was overturned by Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court in 2021 due to procedural issues, leading to his release from prison after serving more than two years.
This latest civil trial, which began with jury selection in early March 2026 and featured opening statements around March 10, lasted approximately two weeks. Three other accusers were expected to testify in support of Motsinger’s claims, highlighting a pattern of alleged behavior. The $19 million award — significantly higher than previous civil verdicts against Cosby — reflects compensatory and possibly punitive damages for emotional distress, trauma, and long-term impact.
The decision marks another legal setback for Cosby, who once enjoyed widespread acclaim as “America’s Dad” through The Cosby Show and other projects. It follows a 2022 civil verdict in a separate Santa Monica case brought by Judy Huth, where a jury found Cosby liable for sexually assaulting her as a teenager at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 and awarded her $500,000 in damages.
Cosby continues to face multiple civil lawsuits across the U.S. related to decades-old sexual assault allegations, though many have been impacted by statutes of limitations extensions under laws like California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. This verdict underscores the persistence of accusers in seeking civil justice even after criminal avenues were limited.
For residents in Cheektowaga, New York (or viewers nationwide), the case remains part of a broader reckoning in Hollywood and beyond regarding accountability for sexual misconduct. As appeals are likely forthcoming, the full implications of the $19 million judgment — and whether it will be paid or challenged — are still unfolding.
Stay tuned for further developments as Cosby’s legal team responds, and potential appeals move forward.
Kenya Barris is stepping behind the camera in a new way. The creator of black-ish and one of Hollywood’s most prolific multi‑hyphenates is officially making his documentary directing debut with a feature‑length film about NBA icon Jerry West, produced for Amazon MGM Studios.
The project marks a major creative shift for Barris, who has built his career on scripted comedy, social commentary, and world‑building across television and film. Now, he’s turning his lens toward one of basketball’s most complex and influential figures, exploring West’s life far beyond the silhouette that inspired the NBA logo.
The documentary will chronicle West’s journey from his upbringing in West Virginia to his Hall of Fame playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and later his transformative impact as an executive who helped shape multiple championship‑winning teams. Known for his relentless competitiveness, sharp basketball mind, and famously intense inner life, West remains one of the sport’s most fascinating personalities.
Barris’ film aims to capture both the triumphs and the turbulence—West’s battles with mental health, his perfectionism, and the personal struggles that fueled his drive. The project promises a portrait that goes beyond highlight reels, offering a layered look at a man whose influence on the NBA spans generations
For Barris, the documentary marks a meaningful expansion of his creative portfolio. While he has produced unscripted projects before, this will be his first time directing a documentary feature. His storytelling sensibilities—sharp, human, culturally attuned—make him an intriguing match for West’s story, which blends sports history with emotional depth.
Barris is also producing the film through his Khalabo Ink Society banner, continuing his partnership with Amazon, where he has multiple projects in development.
The Jerry West film joins Amazon’s expanding lineup of sports‑driven nonfiction, which includes projects on Reggie Miller, the New England Patriots, and the broader evolution of the NBA. West’s story, with its mix of personal struggle and professional brilliance, fits squarely into the streamer’s strategy of spotlighting iconic figures whose impact extends beyond the game.
Production is underway, with interviews, archival footage, and previously untold stories expected to shape the documentary’s narrative. A release date has not yet been announced, but anticipation is already building among basketball fans and documentary enthusiasts alike.
With Kenya Barris at the helm, the project promises a fresh, emotionally resonant take on one of the most influential—and enigmatic—figures in sports history.
Here’s a polished, engaging article on Don Cheadle joining the docuseries Vs. Goliath as an executive producer. I shaped it in a clear entertainment‑news tone with momentum and context.
Don Cheadle is expanding his footprint behind the camera, signing on as an executive producer for the upcoming documentary series Vs. Goliath. The acclaimed actor and filmmaker brings his sharp creative instincts and long‑standing commitment to socially conscious storytelling to a project centered on everyday people taking on powerful institutions.
Produced by XTR and directed by Morgan Fallon, Vs. Goliath explores real‑world David‑and‑Goliath battles—ordinary individuals who challenge corporations, government systems, and entrenched power structures. Each episode highlights a different story of resistance, resilience, and the personal cost of standing up to forces much larger than oneself.
Cheadle’s involvement signals a deeper investment in stories that examine justice, inequity, and the human spirit. Known for his work in Hotel Rwanda, Black Monday, and Marvel’s Armor Wars, Cheadle has long used his platform to elevate narratives that push conversations forward. His role as executive producer is expected to help shape the series’ tone, depth, and emotional impact.
In a statement, the creative team emphasized that Cheadle’s perspective aligns perfectly with the project’s mission: to illuminate the courage of individuals who refuse to be silenced, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Vs. Goliath arrives at a moment when public trust in major institutions is under intense scrutiny. The series aims to humanize the people behind headline‑making battles—whistleblowers, activists, community leaders, and everyday citizens whose lives are transformed by their fight for accountability.
With Cheadle joining the producing team, the series is poised to blend gripping storytelling with a strong moral core, offering viewers both emotional resonance and a deeper understanding of the systems that shape their lives.
Production on Vs. Goliath is underway, with release details expected to be announced later this year. With Cheadle’s creative influence and a subject matter rooted in real‑world stakes, the series is already generating early buzz as one of the most compelling nonfiction projects on the horizon.
Comedian Katt Williams is stepping into the literary spotlight with his highly anticipated debut memoir, Nine Lives, No Wives, and 69 Concubines. The announcement dropped on March 18th, 2026, via publishers Gallery Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) and 13a Publishing, sending fans and followers into a frenzy over the bold, provocative title and the promise of no-holds-barred storytelling.
Set for release on October 20, 2026, the 320-page book is described as a “raw, unfiltered, wild ride from homelessness to Hollywood.” It traces Williams’ remarkable path — from a turbulent childhood and periods of homelessness to becoming one of the most influential and unapologetically outspoken voices in stand-up comedy, television, and film. Expect revelations about his resilience, deep faith, signature humor, and the unfiltered truths behind his decades in the industry.
The memoir features a foreword by NBA icon and longtime friend Shaquille O’Neal, adding an extra layer of star power and personal endorsement. PEOPLE exclusively revealed the eye-catching cover, which features Williams in classic sharp style against a vibrant backdrop that matches the book’s audacious energy.
Williams wasted no time hyping the project on social media and beyond. In a hilarious promotional video, he playfully urged fans to preorder — even joking that you should buy it “even if you can’t read.” The clip showcases his trademark quick wit and charisma, teasing the kind of candid, laugh-out-loud (and likely controversial) anecdotes readers can expect. Preorders are now live at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and more, with audiobook versions also available for those who want to hear Williams deliver his own story in his inimitable voice.
At 54, Williams has been on a career renaissance in recent years. Fresh off viral interviews, sold-out tours, Emmy-winning work (including his role in Atlanta), and standout appearances in films like Scary Movie franchises and The Ridiculous 6, this memoir arrives at a peak moment. It promises to dive deep into the highs and lows — the industry beefs, personal triumphs, spiritual grounding, and the relentless hustle that have defined his journey.
For comedy fans, Nine Lives, No Wives, and 69 Concubines looks set to be one of the must-read books of fall 2026. Whether you’re drawn to the behind-the-scenes Hollywood dirt, the inspirational comeback story, or just Williams’ legendary punchlines, this memoir delivers it all — no filter, no apologies.
Mark your calendars for October 20th. Preorder now, because as Katt himself might say: This one’s gonna be legendary.
Netflix is turning up the heat once again with its live roast format, and this time the target is none other than comedy powerhouse Kevin Hart. On March 20, 2026, the streamer announced that Hart will be roasted live during the final night of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026, with Shane Gillis stepping in as host for the high-stakes event.
Titled The Roast of Kevin Hart Hosted by Shane Gillis, the special is set to air live on Netflix on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT, closing out the week-long comedy extravaganza (May 4–10) in Los Angeles. The event will take place at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, the same venue that hosted Netflix’s groundbreaking The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady in 2024 — a massive cultural hit that drew huge viewership and set the stage for more live roasts.
Hart, who executive-produced and co-hosted the Tom Brady roast (alongside Jeff Ross and others), is now flipping the script by volunteering to sit in the hot seat himself. The announcement came with the cheeky tagline “It takes one to roast one,” highlighting the irony of the self-proclaimed roast master getting torched. Hart is also executive producing this time around, alongside Casey Patterson (Casey Patterson Entertainment), Jeff Ross, Amy Zvi, and his manager, Dave Becky.
Shane Gillis — the sharp, no-holds-barred comedian known for his Netflix specials like Beautiful Dogs, his scripted series Tires, and his headline show at the Hollywood Bowl during the same fest — will preside over the proceedings. Gillis’s unfiltered style promises a roast that’s raw, unpredictable, and packed with the kind of boundary-pushing humor that made the Brady event so memorable. The full lineup of roasters has yet to be revealed, but expect a mix of comedy heavyweights ready to deliver brutal, hilarious jabs at Hart’s height jokes, Hollywood empire, endless hustle, and everything in between.
This roast caps off a massive Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026 slate that already includes Hart’s own Funny AF comedy competition (with live semi-finals and finals earlier in the week), Shane Gillis & Friends at the Hollywood Bowl, Jon Stewart hosting Night of Too Many Stars, John Mulaney, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David reuniting for podcasts, and hundreds of other events across L.A. venues.
Tickets for the live roast go on sale Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT via netflixisajokefest.com. The special will stream live exclusively on the platform, making it easy to catch the chaos from home.
After years of dishing out roasts and building one of the biggest comedy brands in the business, Hart stepping into the spotlight as the roastee is a bold move — and with Gillis at the helm, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about comedy events of the year. Nothing is off-limits, and the laughs (and burns) are guaranteed to be epic.
Mark your calendars for May 10 — Kevin Hart’s about to get roasted, and it’s going to be must-watch TV.
NEW YORK, (UPI) — The Office and Killing It icon Craig Robinson says it was an honor to play the nemesis of Tracy Morgan’s title character in The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.
“Tracy just has an aura about him. King of the set. He’s so confident,” the 54-year-old actor told UPI in a Zoom interview this week. “It was awesome to finally work with him.”
The Peacock comedy follows Reggie, a disgraced, former pro football player who hires down-on-his-luck filmmaker Arthur (Daniel Radcliffe) to make a documentary about him in the hopes that he can redeem himself in the public eye after a gambling scandal.
Robinson plays Reggie’s long-time rival, Jerry, while Heidi Gardner plays Jerry’s wife Tisha.
“He got overlooked. He was always better than Reggie, but the Heiseman didn’t see it that way and he bested me in some games or whatever. Whatever. But, I’m on top now, so that’s what it is,” Robinson said of his character, who is now a TV presenter and heads up a successful kids’ football camp.
“I love all the characters and I love a good mockumentary setting. So, I was ready to go with that,” he laughed. “Heidi was easily one of the best partners I’ve had on screen. She just is willing to play and have fun. We’d just get an idea, and we’d go with it. She’s a great writer, too.”
He also had a great time working with Erika Alexander, who plays Reggie’s ex-wife and manager Monica.
“We were fast friends,” Robinson said. “Now, when we see each other, we just start singing duets.”
Radcliffe made a good impression on him, as well.
“He’s a great actor,” Robinson said. “He’s hysterical and a super-nice guy, devoted father. We saw that off the screen and stuff. He was real cool.”
In addition to his live-action acting and stand-up comedy performances, Robinson is also a popular voice actor, playing roles in animated series such as The Cleveland Show, American Dad!, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and Big Mouth, as well as movies like Shrek Forever After, Sausage Party, The Bad Guys and the upcoming Toy Story 5.
Robinson said he enjoys the convenience and ingenuity that comes with recording his lines for cartoons.
“You can go in your pajamas if you want to and it’s so much fun and you’re usually in a booth by yourself. I think I’m going to do a project somewhere where I’m actually with another great comedic actor, so that’s going to be crazy,” he explained.
“But, for the most part, it is you and the producers, and you’re going back and forth trading jokes and creating stuff.”
While The Office may have wrapped its nine-season run in 2013, the show remains wildly popular in re-runs, not just with the original die-hard fans, but, also, in many cases, their children.
So, how does it feel to be part of something with such a cherished legacy?
“It feels like you have friends everywhere,” Robinson said.
“People come out, they support my shows, and they reach out and say the nicest things and people bond with their families, or sometimes it’s the only thing their family watches together. It’s an amazing position to be in.”
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the news of Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham being diagnosed with a collapsed lung and what we think may be the outcome of this news as the NBA Playoffs draw near.
We also talk about the updates of the NCAA Tournament and the surprises we have so far! All of that and the hottest topics in sports!
Watch the latest episode above!
In an exciting development for comedy fans, Lionsgate has acquired distribution rights to Ride Or Die, the upcoming romantic buddy comedy starring Marlon Wayans and Keke Palmer. The announcement, made earlier this month in March 2026, positions the film as a high-energy, laugh-out-loud pairing of two of Hollywood’s most charismatic and versatile performers.
The project marks a fresh on-screen collaboration between Wayans and Palmer, who have previously shared hilarious chemistry in interviews, podcasts (like Palmer’s Baby, This Is Keke Palmer), and social media moments that have gone viral for their effortless banter and mutual respect. While the duo hasn’t co-starred in a feature before, their dynamic—blending Wayans’ irreverent, physical comedy style with Palmer’s sharp wit, timing, and relatable charm—has long sparked “they need to do a movie together” buzz among fans.
Ride Or Die is described as a fast-paced romantic buddy comedy with road-trip vibes, where two mismatched former friends (or perhaps exes-turned-reluctant allies) are forced back together for a high-stakes adventure. Expect classic tropes flipped with modern flair: wild mishaps, heartfelt moments amid chaos, plenty of banter, and that “ride or die” loyalty tested through absurd situations. The script leans into themes of second chances, personal growth, and finding unexpected romance in the unlikeliest of circumstances—all delivered with the stars’ signature humor.
Wayans, known for iconic roles in White Chicks, the Scary Movie franchise (with Scary Movie 6 currently in the works), and recent dramatic turns like his psychological horror project HIM, brings his physical comedy chops and emotional depth. Palmer, fresh off standout performances in projects like One of Them Days (her buddy comedy with SZA), Good Fortune, and her multifaceted career in TV, film, and hosting, adds layers of vulnerability, sass, and star power. Their combined energy promises a film that’s equal parts hilarious, romantic, and feel-good.
Lionsgate, a studio with a strong track record in comedy (The Expendables series, John Wick action-comedy crossovers, and hits like Anyone But You), sees Ride Or Die as a perfect fit for their slate. The acquisition follows a competitive bidding process, highlighting confidence in the film’s broad appeal—targeting both theatrical releases and strong streaming potential. No official release date has been set yet, but production is reportedly moving quickly, with filming eyed for later 2026 and a potential 2027 theatrical rollout.
The deal comes at a prime time for both stars: Wayans continues to dominate comedy headlines with Scary Movie 6 hype and his evolving range, while Palmer’s star continues to rise with critical acclaim, awards buzz (including NAACP Image Awards wins), and a packed schedule.
For viewers in Cheektowaga, New York (or anywhere craving fresh comedy), this Lionsgate pickup means another must-see rom-com on the horizon—one that could deliver the kind of infectious laughs and chemistry we’ve seen glimpses of in their off-screen interactions.
Stay tuned for casting updates, first-look images, and trailer drops. Ride Or Die looks set to be the buddy comedy (with a romantic twist) we’ve been waiting for—proving once again that when you pair big personalities like Marlon Wayans and Keke Palmer, the results are bound to be electric.