Charlie Hunnam to star in new Prime Video series ‘Criminal’

Charlie Hunnam at the season 6 premiere of "Sons of Anarchy" at the Dolby Theatre^ Hollywood. September 7^ 2013 Los Angeles^ CA

Actor Charlie Hunnam has signed on to star in the series adaptation of “Criminal” at Amazon Prime Video.  Variety has learned that Hunnam, 44, will play master thief Leo in the adaptation of the graphic novels by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Hunnam joins previously announced cast members Adria Arjona, Richard Jenkins, and Kadeem Hardison in the series.

A series synopsis says that the character of Leo is “A brilliant master thief who sees all the angles, and specializes in plans with no guns and no violence. Like a chess player, Leo thinks three moves ahead. Other crooks think he’s a coward, especially compared to his father Tommy, who went to jail for murdering the most feared man in the city, Teeg Lawless.”

Hunnam is best known for starring in the popular FX outlaw biker drama “Sons of Anarchy,” where he portrayed Jackson “Jax” Teller for seven seasons. He also recently starred in the Apple series adaptation of the book “Shantaram,” and played Raymond, the right hand man to pot kingpin Mickey Pearson, in Guy Ritchie’s film “The Gentlemen.” Hunnam’s other TV credits include “Undeclared” and “Queer as Folk,” while his film credits include “Pacific Rim,” “True History of the Kelly Gang,” “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire,” and “The Lost City of Z.”

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Steve Carell to star in untitled comedy series for HBO

Steve Carell at the "Beautiful Boy" Premiere at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater on October 8^ 2018 in Beverly Hills^ CA

Steve Carell will star in a new comedy series at HBO, with the network announcing in a press release that it ordered a 10-episode half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by Carell, along with Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses,

Variety has learned that the untitled, half-hour series is “set on a college campus, centering on an author’s complicated relationship with his daughter.” Lawrence said: “HBO has long been a standard bearer of quality TV. Getting to do a show there with Steve Carell is an immediate career highlight for Matt and me. Nothing can go wrong now.”

HBO & Max EVP of comedy programming Amy Gravitt said in a statement: “The combination of Steve Carell and Bill Lawrence promises to be full of great laughs, warmth, and charm. We’re thrilled to be the home for this long overdue collaboration.”  Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO, said: “We’re so excited to be collaborating with the dream team of Steve Carell, Bill Lawrence, and Matt Tarses on what is sure to be a brilliant new series. Collectively, they have been at the center of some of the most iconic and successful shows in television history. With thanks to our partners at HBO, we look forward to bringing them together to deliver the next great comedy.”

The new comedy for HBO is the second television role that the 61-year-old Carell has lined up this year so far; it was also recently announced that he would star opposite Tina Fey in the upcoming Netflix comedy series “The Four Seasons.”

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Drake becomes first artist in history to hit 100 billion streams on Spotify

Drake preforms at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit^ Michigan - August 16 2016

Drake has made Spotify history by officially becoming the first artist in history to reach 100 billion streams on the platform. The Toronto rapper surpasses the numbers earned by superstar Taylor Swift, who sits at No. 2, with 84.4 billion streams.

Drizzy is currently the most streamed rapper of 2024 so far with over 8 billion stream, and has more than double the streams of the second-closest rapper, Eminem. He is also the artist with the most songs (16) over 1 billion on Spotify

Drake recently lost his top spot as the rapper with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, however, with Eminem surpassing Drake to hit a new peak of over 80 million monthly listeners for the first time in his career with his latest track, “Houdini” — joining Drake as the only two artists to ever achieve this feat.

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G-Eazy releases his new album ‘Freak Show,’ announces world tour

G-Eazy at the Space Jam: A New Legacy Premiere at the Microsoft Theater on July 12^ 2021 in Los Angeles^ CA

G-Eazy has dropped his new album, Freak Show, is his first full-length release in three years, and dropped his brand new single, “Anxiety.”  Earlier this spring, G-Eazy released his new single “Femme Fatale” featuring Coi Leray and rapper Kaliii.

Along with the new album release, G-Eazy announced he will launch the Freak Show World Tour across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Kicking off in Berkeley, CA on October 24th, the 41-date tour will stop in major markets across North America including Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and more. The tour’s international leg will begin in Europe in 2025, including stops in Germany, France, Ireland, and the UK before continuing on to dates in Australia and New Zealand. For ticket informatio , visit G-Eazy’s website.

Take a listen to G-Eazy’s new song, “Anxiety,” out now.
To stream Freak Show, head here.

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Nicholas Galitzine to play He-Man in new live-action ‘Masters of the Universe’

Nicholas Galitzine attends the Amazon MGM Studios 'The Idea Of You' New York premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on April 29^ 2024

Nicholas Galitzine has been cast as He-Man in the live-action Masters movie from Mattel and Amazon MGM Studios, directed by Travis Knight. Knight will direct from a screenplay by Chris Butler, with Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner and Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing.

Masters centers on Price Adam of Eternia who, thanks to his Power Sword, turns into He-Man and is embued with superhuman strength and abilities, which he uses to defend his native planet and Castle Grayskull. Mattel’s Masters of the Universe brand was first introduced in 1982 via a line of action figures and later, in 1983, became the beloved animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Galitzine recently starred in the Amazon MGM rom-com The Idea of You with Anne Hathaway as well as the young adult adaptation of Red, White, & Royal Blue. He was also recently featured in the Showtime series Mary & George.   

Julie Rapaport, head of film production and development at Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to bring the beloved Masters of the Universe to life and couldn’t be more excited to announce the immensely talented Nicholas Galitzine as our He-Man. Joining forces with director Travis Knight, Mattel, and Escape Artists, this reintroduction of the character and his universe will be an epic film that will delight audiences from here to Eternia.”

No plot details or additional casting have been announced yet. Amazon MGM’s Masters will have its worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026.

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Will Smith to debut new song during performance at 2024 BET Awards

Will Smith at the premiere for "Emancipation" at the Regency Village Theatre.LOS ANGELES^ CA. November 30^ 2022

BET announced that Oscar-winner and four-time GRAMMY winner Will Smith will take the stage to debut a new, original song during a live performance at the 2024 BET Awards. Smith’s most recent studio album, Lost and Found, came out in 2005; he last performed live at Coachella 2024 in April when he made a surprise cameo during J Balvin’s set.

Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, said in a press release announcing the performance: “From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage. We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.” 

Taraji P. Henson will be back to host the annual awards show for the third time on Sunday, June 30 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Smith will be joining a star-studded list of live performers including Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Ice Spice, Tyla, GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey and Victoria Monét.

The show this year will pay special tribute to Usher, 45, who will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award.  Previous Lifetime Achievement BET Award recipients include Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, New Edition and Busta Rhymes.

The 2024 BET Awards will air live on BET Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/ PT.

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Will Smith to debut new song during performance at 2024 BET Awards

Will Smith at the premiere for "Emancipation" at the Regency Village Theatre.LOS ANGELES^ CA. November 30^ 2022

BET announced that Oscar-winner and four-time GRAMMY winner Will Smith will take the stage to debut a new, original song during a live performance at the 2024 BET Awards. Smith’s most recent studio album, Lost and Found, came out in 2005; he last performed live at Coachella 2024 in April when he made a surprise cameo during J Balvin’s set.

Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, said in a press release announcing the performance: “From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage. We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.” 

Taraji P. Henson will be back to host the annual awards show for the third time on Sunday, June 30 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Smith will be joining a star-studded list of live performers including Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Ice Spice, Tyla, GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey and Victoria Monét.

The show this year will pay special tribute to Usher, 45, who will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award.  Previous Lifetime Achievement BET Award recipients include Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, New Edition and Busta Rhymes.

The 2024 BET Awards will air live on BET Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/ PT.

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BTS’ Jungkook releases new single, ‘Never Let Go’

SUGA^ Jin^ J-Hope^ RM^ Jimin^ and Jungkook of BTS arrives for the KIIS FM's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball at the Forum Los Angeles in Inglewood^ CA Los Angeles^ California / USA - December 6 2019

BTS’ member Jungkook has released new solo music with the new song “Never Let Go”, dedicated to his fans. Jungkook released “Never Let Go” ahead of BTS Festa, the group’s annual celebration of its anniversary.

According to BTS’ label Hybe, “Never Let Go” is described the track as a “heartfelt tribute” to the K-pop idol’s fans with the message to “never let go of each other’s hands”. The label added that Jungkook’s ‘Never Let Go’ is also “a token of gratitude for the boundless love from ARMY all over the world”.

‘Never Let Go’ also marks Jungkook’s first solo release since his album Golden in November 2023 which featured the singles ‘3D’ with Jack Harlow and ‘Seven’ with Latto. Jungkook is currently servicing his military service, after having enlisted late last year. Prior to his enlistment, the K-pop singer held a final livestream, telling fans: “I love you guys, I’ll be back stronger. Bye, stay well!”

BTS consists of Jungkook, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin and V. The group has been on hiatus since 2022 as the members fulfill their mandatory military service, and pursue solo careers.

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‘The Bear’ Season 3 premiering on Hulu three hours early

Jeremy Allen White at 2023 Critics Choice Press Room at the Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15^ 2023 in Century City^ CA

Hulu announced Season 3 of FX’s hit series The Bear will drop all 10 episodes on the streaming platform three hours ahead of the original scheduled time – with all-new episodes beginning at 9/8c on Wednesday, June 26.

Hulu announced in a news release that Season 3 will simultaneously drop on Disney+ in Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Gibraltar, the Balkans, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Egypt and some Middle Eastern countries. The episodes will become available in all other territories on a to-be-determined date.

Season 3 of The Bear will follow Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they struggle to keep The Bear, a former beef stand and current fine dining establishment, afloat in the tumultuous and highly competitive restaurant world.

The season’s official description reads: “In the restaurant industry, you’re never on solid ground, and with that ever-changing landscape comes new challenges and opportunities. Our chefs have learned that every second counts, but this season we’ll find out if they have what it takes to make it to tomorrow.”

The Bear also stars Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas and Matty Matheson. Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon appear in recurring roles. FX’s The Bear, Season 3 Premiere, Wednesday, June 26, 9/8c, Hulu

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Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson partners with Peacock for the documentary, ‘TikTok Star Murders’

Curtis Jackson^ 50 Cent at the Paley Center's Hollywood Tribute to African-Americans in TV at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on October 26^ 2015 in Beverly Hills^ CA

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and his G-Unit Films & Television, Inc. have teamed up with Peacock for the new documentary, TikTok Star Murders.

A synopsis reads: ‘from executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, TikTok Star Murders, an upcoming Peacock Original true crime documentary, delves into how the seemingly picture-perfect relationship between a rising TikTok star and his wife turned deadly through private, never-before-aired cellphone footage and audio. The documentary follows the entire tragic story, tracking each step of the case including the recent trial and headline-making verdict.’

The documentary features first-time interviews with close friends and family of the social media-famed couple, commentary from reporter Kelsey Christensen, who interviewed Ali upon his arrest, and insights from a clinical/forensic psychologist.

TikTok Star Murders will premiere exclusively on Peacock on June 25; check out the trailer: here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com