*By Samantha Errico*
Boris McGiver didn't need to research his journalist character on "House of Cards" ー he simply had to read the scripts.
"The writing was and remains so good," McGiver said Monday of the show, which was the first of Netflix's ($NFLX) binge-watchable programming when it premiered in 2013 and is now wrapping up after six seasons.
McGiver played no-nonsense journalist Tom Hammerschmidt, a veteran reporter on a mission to expose the corruption behind the Underwoods' political empire.
Fans have commented on the show's sometimes-eerie parallels to real life, from political sex scandals to unexpected power-grabs.
"I think they just have always had their fingers on the pulse of zeitgeist ー that's how good these writers are, and they all remain that good, much to their credit," McGiver said.
The final season comes on the heels of sexual assault allegations against lead actor Kevin Spacey. Spacey's character Frank Underwood was killed between seasons, and to fill the void he left behind, Oscar-nominated actors Diane Lane and Greg Kinnear were added to the cast. The two actors portray powerful siblings Annette and Bill Shepherd, who together run the industrial conglomerate Shepherd Unlimited and bring "money-power" to the show.
McGiver sees more parallels to real life in that storyline.
"That's what the reality is ー it's money. We watch this every day, we watch political stuff happening. It's money behind the votes, behind their [speech], behind their choices. It's the money talking," McGiver said.
All final episodes of the political thriller are available on Netflix.
Cheddar News checked in from Staten Island to learn more about the Lenape people and how they lived before the Dutch settled in. Luke G. Boyd, director of education and public programs of Historic Richmond Town, discussed their story and showed their typical dwellings.
Elon Musk said his cage fight against Mark Zuckerberg will stream on 'X,' the app formerly known as Twitter.
Restaurant Week in New York City continues through Aug. 20 and Cheddar News checked out some of the most delicious and inspirational dishes at Dagon Restaurant, a Mediterranean-style eatery known for its exquisite cuisine and led by Chef Ari Bokovza.
Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' movie has reached $1 billion in sales at the box office.
Dungeons & Dragons is updating its artists' guidelines and said illustrators will no longer work with artificial intelligence.
Luke G. Boyd, director of education and public programs of Historic Richmond Town, spoke with Cheddar News about Voorlezer's House in Staten Island, NY, the site of one of the oldest schoolhouses in the country. The historic building, which was built around the 1700s, and Boyd explained the history behind the schoolhouse.
After no big winner Friday night, the Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.55 billion.
Because no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $1.35 billion jackpot, the top prize increased to $1.55 billion for the next drawing Tuesday night.
In just three weeks in theaters, “Barbie” is set to sail past $1 billion in global ticket sales, breaking a record for female directors that was previously held by Patty Jenkins, who helmed “Wonder Woman.”
Social media influencer Kai Cenat is facing charges of inciting a riot and promoting an unlawful gathering in New York City, after the online streamer drew thousands of his followers, many of them teenagers, with promises of giving away electronics, including a new PlayStation.
