Archive for July, 2016

Emmy Fever: Mr. Robot Leads a Wave of First-Time Nominees

The nominations for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced and, in a refreshing change, many first-time nominees have earned recognition from the TV academy. There were, also, lots of returning favorites in the mix and, of course, some glaring snubs. TV Guide Magazine senior critic Matt Roush weighs in on this year’s Emmy race:

The Emmys so often feel like a closed shop, repeatedly welcoming back those who’ve won and been nominated before, that any new blood is always welcome. This is especially true in the most competitive arena: the TV drama.

So pardon a critic for loudly cheering when a longtime favorite, FX’s The Americans, finally gets its due in its fourth season of riveting spy intrigue, including overdue nominations for best drama and for its two chameleonlike stars, Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell.

Also breaking through: the provocative cult sensation Mr. Robot, a true game changer for USA that earned bids for best drama and its unconventional leading man, Rami Malek, in its freshman year. (Both series were also nominated for writing.)

With a best-in-field 23 nominations, HBO’s epic Game of Thrones is favored to repeat last year’s victory on the strength of its sensational climactic episodes, featuring the stunningly photographed “Battle of the Bastards” and the destruction of much of King’s Landing, with memorable casualties galore.

Also in this issue:

• Sharknado: Behind-the-scenes photos from the making of The 4th Awakens, the latest chapter in Syfy’s high-flying franchise.

• Ballers: Oscar nominee Andy Garcia talks about his alpha dog role opposite Dwayne Johnson on the HBO sports comedy.

• Oprah Winfrey: The queen of media opens up about her decision to join the cast of OWN’s spiritual drama Greenleaf.

• Plus: Outlander, Preacher, MADtv, Ripper Street, Bachelor in Paradise, the Summer Olympics, The Bold and the Beautiful, and the best of movies, streaming, sports and more.

Dwayne Johnson Gets Back in the Game With Season 2 of Ballers

Ball so hard. Those three words—uttered by former NFL superstar turned financial planner Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne Johnson) in the Season 2 premiere of Ballers—not only serve as the business motto for Spencer and his all-star clientele, but they also represent the attitude Johnson himself has adopted for the sophomore year of his hit HBO comedy. “Now that we’ve established the character, we want to push harder and dig deeper in terms of what challenges Spencer faces,” says Johnson (aka The Rock), who also serves as an executive producer. “Spencer will continue to scratch and claw his way up the ladder, he’s even hungrier and more driven.”

Ballers’ first season was a breakout success for HBO, finishing its initial run as the most-watched half-hour program for the premium cable network in six years. The series was also the first major scripted television project for Johnson, who leaned on his own background as a former professional athlete to bring authenticity to his portrayal of the behind-the-scenes, big-money negotiations associated with NFL players and their representatives. “I think there were a lot of people out there who really didn’t know what the show was,” Johnson says. “We’re about showcasing how these guys get up every day—even if they f— up—and just keep trying to be better in the face of challenge.”

Also in this issue:

• Mr. Robot: Everything you need to know about Season 2 of USA’s critically adored tech drama.

• The Real Housewives of New Jersey: After a year in prison, Teresa Giudice returns to rule the roost.

• Difficult People: Creator/star Julie Klausner reveals some pop-culture hallmarks that inspired Season 2 of the Hulu comedy.

• Suits: The cast of USA’s hit legal drama previews secrets to be revealed in Season 6.

• American Ninja Warrior: An inside look at the challenges facing this year’s competitors.

• Republican National Convention: Guest columnist Chris Wallace of Fox News Channel previews the political pow-wow.

• Plus: Bones, Animal Kingdom, Power, 12 Monkeys, Looking: The Movie, Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor, The Young and the Restless and the best of movies, streaming, sports and more.