Thompson on Hollywood

HBO Picks Start Date for Season Two of Sorkin's 'Newsroom'

Television

HBO is giving us some meaty counterprogramming during the summer, when multiplexes are jammed with mindless popcorn fare. The

By Anne Thompson
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April 12, 2013 3:18 PM
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'The Newsroom' Season 1 Finale: 'The Greater Fool' Rushes In, Can't Help Falling in Love

Television

Though not a strong episode, the season finale of "The Newsroom" was weirdly likeable by virtue of its commitment to sheer rom-com craziness. Because that is, for better or worse, what the show boils down to: A large serving of romance, with a side of news.

By Beth Hanna
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August 27, 2012 2:58 AM
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'The Newsroom' Episode 9 Review and Recap: 'The Blackout Part 2' -- Whither the Mock Debate?

Television

Sunday's all-new episode of "The Newsroom" was a moderate letdown from last week's strong episode, with promises of a mock debate barely materializing. But Sloan, the best thing about the Sorkin-scripted show, did get in a great one-liner: "Me? FUCK you."

By Beth Hanna
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August 20, 2012 3:57 AM
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Life Imitates 'The Newsroom,' as CNN Heads Mainstream

News

In the last episode of Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom," his fictional news show started to chase tabloid stories in an attempt to stop their ratings plunge. Well, in real life, number three network CNN is hurting for viewers, with its worst ratings in 20 years, and is now looking to go mainstream, according to The New York Post.

By Anne Thompson
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August 14, 2012 5:42 PM
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'The Newsroom' Episode 8 Review and Recap: 'The Blackout Part 1' Lights Up the Season

Television

While the newsroom staffers attempted to stop a ratings plummet, "The Newsroom" halted its season-long plummet with a smart, strong episode. And welcome back, Mackenzie. We like you so much better with a brain.

By Beth Hanna
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August 13, 2012 3:13 AM
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'The Newsroom' Episode 7 Review and Recap: '5/1' Somehow Makes the Death of bin Laden Uninteresting

Television

Sunday night's all-new episode of "The Newsroom," the weakest of the season, dealt with the death of Osama bin Laden by Navy SEALs, and the death of a potentially compelling 50 minutes of television by never-ending filler.

By Beth Hanna
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August 6, 2012 2:23 AM
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'The Girl,' Ethel Kennedy Dominate HBO at TCA: Hedren Calls Hitchcock 'evil and deviant,' Sorkin Answers 'Newsroom' Critics

Television

HBO may be making fewer movies, but it appears that “The Girl” will be as provocative as any it has ever mounted. It presents a distinctly unsavory vision of revered helmer Alfred Hitchcock (whose "Vertigo" tops Sight & Sound's new poll) through the prism of his unwelcome advances on leading lady Tippi Hedren during the making of the classic 1963 suspenser “The Birds.”

By Amy Dawes
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August 1, 2012 9:09 PM
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'The Newsroom' Episode 6 Review and Recap: 'Bullies,' Heroes and Will McAvoy's Charmed Navigation of the Two

Television

In Sunday's all-new episode of "The Newsroom," Will tries to knock internet bullies off their anonymous pedestals, and in turn realizes he's a bully. The problem with this show? Aaron Sorkin will never truly let Will McAvoy be knocked from HIS pedestal.

By Beth Hanna
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July 30, 2012 3:26 AM
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HBO Gives Middling to Poor Reviews of 'The Newsroom' a Strange Makeover in Print Ad

News

Misrepresentative review quotes being used for film or TV show ads is nothing new. HBO is the latest to climb on the bandwagon of strategically placed ellipses with its ads for Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom," a show receiving mixed reviews at best.

By Beth Hanna
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July 24, 2012 4:33 PM
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'The Newsroom' Episode 5 Review and Recap: In 'Amen,' Men Sustain Injuries while Women Sustain Hallmark Holiday Battiness

Television

In Sunday's all-new episode of "The Newsroom," personal injury and protest are recurring visuals against the powers-that-be -- an interesting idea that's clouded by Sorkin's grating use of Valentine's Day as a female crazyfest.