This image released by Searchlight Pictures shows Sebastian Stan in a scene from "Fresh." (Searchlight Pictures via AP)
This weekend, Cheddar recommends sitting down with the birth of Showtime in Los Angeles, a dating horror story, a Cold War tale that seems awfully contemporary, and the rom-com classic that taught us all about what water can do to a fresh perm.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty
Picked by Digital Editor Mike Nam
Before Steph, Lebron, Kobe, and Michael, there were Magic and Larry. The 1980s saw the rebirth of the moribund National Basketball Association and, not coincidentally, the return to glory for the Los Angeles Lakers and its rivalry with the Boston Celtics. At the center of "Showtime" versus "Celtic Pride" were a host of sociopolitical, cultural, and racial divisions the entire country was undergoing, and the creators of The Big Short and Don't Look Up fashioned a fictionalized, fourth-wall-breaking limited series in Winning Time to give you the perspectives of Ervin "Magic" Johnson, team owner Jerry Buss, and the other major figures when sexiness and entertainment were married to the game of professional basketball, making the sport what it is today.
Fresh - Hulu
Picked by Reporter Alex Vuocolo
Hulu has been churning out original horror flicks for the past few years, but very few have distinguished themselves amid the wash of new streaming content. Director Mimi Cave’s Fresh is one such exception. This is pulpy shock-horror at its finest, so the less said the better. But let’s just say it's a tale of modern dating gone horribly, horribly wrong. The two leads, Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones have real chemistry, which they carry forward into the film’s utterly disturbing second half. The squeamish should turn back now, but horror-heads should get a kick out of this tale of a meet-cute-turned-cat-and-mouse chase.
Without Remorse - Amazon Prime Video
Picked by Producer Lawrence Banton
With Amazon announcing the acquisition of MGM in an $8.5 billion deal, I figured I'd show some love to Prime's original content. Without Remorse, starring Michael B. Jordan, is an action-packed thriller, based on a Tom Clancy novel, that follows an elite Navy SEAL seeking revenge for the murder of his wife. Amid the search for those responsible, the protagonist John Kelly discovers a plot that could tip the scales in favor of an all-out war between the United States and Russia. Kelly becomes tasked with two major responsibilities: avenge his wife's death and get to the bottom of the conspiracy — which might be homegrown, leading to increased tension between the two countries. If you're into action and a good whodunnit flick, I think you'll be pleased.
Legally Blonde - Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto
Picked by Sr. News Editor Dina Ross
While I try to get through a bunch of series that have been recommended by colleagues (hello,The Gilded Age,Ozark, and Insecure!) maybe it's time for something a little longer. As Amazon snaps up MGM, perhaps I'll add something from its archive to my viewing list for the weekend, like, say, Legally Blonde. Who knew it would turn out to be a classic — one of the top-grossing films in MGM history, according to The Numbers. Reese Witherspoon has made a lot of films over her career, but this one, arguably, launched her into movie stardom, playing a rich sorority girl who decides to go to Harvard Law in order to hang onto her beloved beau. It's silly, quirky, and very, very light, but following an Ozark marathon (see above), it may provide a much-needed break.
Looking for more to watch? Check out our recommendations from last week and the week before.
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, it's also a time to reflect on how they can be better heard and supported.
Black Americans are still fighting for voting rights, facing more severe impacts from COVID-19, and experiencing gaps in workforce representation and pay. Alexandra Schrecengost, hybrid work expert and CEO of "Virtual With Us" and "Culture With Us,' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
