When KCIA agents live double lives and covert operations spiral into dangerous territory, Made in Korea delivers a tense, stylish, and unforgettable ride. Disney+/Hulu’s latest Korean drama stars an all-star cast including Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Woo Do-hwan, and more, bringing 1970s Korea vividly to life through political intrigue, crime, and power struggles.
This fall, fans of WICKED: FOR GOOD were treated to a truly spellbinding season of moments, from the iconic Rockefeller Center takeover to the film’s massive premiere and product collabs that felt Unlimited. And as if that weren’t magical enough, creators and media were invited to step into the ultimate Oz-inspired experience at the exclusive home entertainment event at ARTE Museum — a one-day immersive journey designed to capture the world of Wicked one last time ahead of the film’s release for home audiences.
This week’s episode of “Power Book IV: Force” delivered one of the strongest entries of the season.
This week’s Power Book IV: Force saw the death of JP Gibbs in the hands of Jenard.
There are people born the year RuPaul‘s drag race premiered who are now able to vote. People who have had the show their entire existence. What a wonderful world.
New York City celebrated the 18th season of the show with a star studded soirée featuring 14 Brand New queens vying for the crown – Athena Dion, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, DD Fuego, Discord Addams, Jane Don’t, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mandy Mango, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, and Vita VonTesse Starr.
Aqua Roma hosted a night that was full of surprises and nostalgia, a mix of old and new, as our fresh-faced competitors were joined by 16 previous winners from both regular season and all stars franchises – Alyssa Edwards (Global All Stars winner), Angeria Paris VanMicheals (All Stars season 9 winner), Aquaria (season 10 winner), Bebe Zahara Benet (season 1 winner), Ginger Minj (All Stars season 10 winner), Jaida Essence Hall (season 12 winner), Jimbo (All Stars season 8 winner), Kylie Sonique Love (All Stars season 6 winner), Monét X Change (All Stars season 4 winner), Nymphia Wind (season 16 winner), Onya Nurve (season 17 winner) , Sasha Colby (season 15 winner), Sasha Velour (season 9 winner), Symone (season 13 winner), Willow Pill (season 14 winner), and Yvie Oddly (season 11 winner).
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 09: Alyssa Edwards, Nini Coco, Ts Madison, and Kylie Sonique Love appear during RuPaul’s Drag Race S18 Premiere Event at Aqua New York on December 09, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for MTV)
Hosts Ross Matthews, TS Madison and Variety’s Senior Culture and Events Editor Marc Malkin kicked off the night hyping up the crowd for some of these queens’ first public appearance since the new season was announced.
One by one, they strutted their stuff in front of a ravenous and frankly thirsty crowd. Sheer madness in our eyes.
It’s so tough for me to guess which of these queens is a front-runner because they all felt like stars. Though I can’t help but root for Kenya Pleaser basked on vibe alone. Hey auntie!
A mother daughter dance of sorts ensued, as our new queens were paired with the veterans in a runway presentation befitting one of the show’s fabulous finales.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 09: Yvie Oddly appears during RuPaul’s Drag Race S18 Premiere Event at Aqua New York on December 09, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for MTV)
Then, from the shadows: ‘We’re from the same place.’
‘The Bronx?’
‘The world.’
The ever outspoken, iconic and inspirational law roach appeared from the wings to join our queens and hosts in the final toast before we turned the night fully over to our DJ. Making his entrance while quoting the year’s best meme? Legendary.
Electricity hung in the air as we saw the start of 14 new careers being launched into the stratosphere.
I’m a drag race is superfan and will be tuned into every episode, and I suggest you join me. Viva la dieciocho!
Carmela Zumbado, known for her breakout role in You as well as appearances in The Magicians and Chicago PD, has built a career rooted in a lifelong love of performing. Now featured in Power Book IV: Force, she reflects on where it all began.
Zumbado grew up in Miami as one of three sisters, all of whom became actresses. Their childhood in South Florida revolved around dance classes, theater programs, and school productions. Performing was simply part of their lives. Supported by parents who encouraged their artistic interests, the sisters naturally transitioned from high school drama rooms to full-time work in the industry.
When speaking to The Knockturnal, Zumbado reflected on the early hurdles of breaking into entertainment and the questions she receives from aspiring actors. Zumbado often emphasizes the value of starting in smaller markets with less competition and more opportunities to learn. That approach allowed her and her sisters to build real experience before eventually making the move to Los Angeles.
“It was really hard to gain a foothold in South Florida because [there’s not too many TV and film productions] there.” said Zumbado. “So instead of just making the big jump to LA and being a small fish in a big pond, we decided to build our resumes in smaller markets like New Orleans and Atlanta, where a lot of things were filming.”
Zumbado often encourages aspiring performers to get a feel for the industry by working as background actors in their own cities. She notes that most major cities eventually host a few television or film productions, and signing up for background work can offer an invaluable first look at how a set actually operates. It provides a crash course in the rhythm of a production and the many roles that keep it moving.
Zumbado also points out that the experience can open unexpected doors. While some newcomers may arrive thinking only about acting, time on set can reveal an interest in other creative departments such as costumes, props, locations, or set design. Background work, she explains, is often the simplest and most accessible way to discover where someone truly fits within the world of filmmaking.
It is a strategy that helped shape the career she has today, leading to the roles audiences now recognize her for, including her work in this week’s episode of Power Book IV: Force.
“The Last Dance” Carmela Zumbado (“MIREYA GARCIA”), Joseph Sikora (“TOMMY EGAN”). Photo Credit: Starz
Carmela Zumbado on Crafting Scenes That Resonate With Viewers
When discussing the emotionally charged episode in which Mireya enters an abortion clinic and ultimately decides not to terminate the pregnancy, Carmela Zumbado reflected on the collaborative process behind crafting those moments. The conversations between Zumbado, Joseph Sikora, and the episode’s writer and producer were centered on grounding Mireya’s decision in authenticity and emotional truth. They worked closely to make sure every beat felt earned, especially given the weight of the storyline.
The episode was directed by Lisa Demain, whom Zumbado describes as a remarkable creative force. Demain’s extensive television experience gave her a steady hand in guiding the cast through the episode’s most delicate scenes. Zumbado noted that Demain’s strength lies in her open-minded approach. She encourages exploration and is willing to try scenes in multiple ways, allowing the actors to find the most honest version of a moment.
“She might want us to go level ten emotion here, but then maybe try to bring it back to a five and pull it back a little bit more,” she said. “So the reason Joseph and I were able to really dive into this whole range of emotion is because Lisa was willing to be patient and take the time to decide in every scene, what level of intensity are we going to be at? What’s the backstory here? What happened right before the scene? What’s going to happen later on in the season? That’s going to need to match this? So I give her all the credit for the performances, especially in this episode. She was a really great guide.”
Zumbado also highlighted the dinner-table scene with Tommy and Miguel, a moment that required a different type of collaboration. The three actors approached it with the understanding that their characters are now tied together as a family, and that their choices must reflect a shared future rather than individual impulses.
“Joseph and Manny are my great friends, so it wasn’t awkward at all. We were in between takes, laughing and having a great time, and both of those men are nowhere near as intense as their characters are,” she said. “They’re both goofballs. They’re both hilarious, so it’s just so funny to see them snap into character when the director yells ‘action!’ and have to make it seem like it’s awkward. Because in real life we were just actually having a great time.”
When talking about Tommy Egan finding out he’s going to be a father, Carmela Zumbado said she immediately felt it would push him to change, and maybe even for the better. She sees fatherhood as something that can sharpen a person, make them think faster on their feet, and add a new kind of strength that boosts everything they already bring to the table. In her view, that responsibility could end up making Tommy an even more powerful version of himself.
“I’m interested to see where he takes that. I don’t think he’s going to need to choose between being Tommy Egan and being a father. I think becoming a father might just fortify who he is,” said Zumbado.
Going into Jimmy Donaldson’s MrBeast Games Season 2 brings a whole other beast into the competition. Which raises the question: what would you actually do to survive these challenges? Episode 4 pushes that idea even further, asking contestants to navigate not just one game show, but the clash of two survival worlds at once.
This week, Survivor enters the arena — Jeff Probst’s prize possession — creating a crossover no one saw coming but everyone immediately needed. The hosting duo leans into the unknown, and the mix of styles, generations, and fanbases sets the stage for one of the most chaotic (and genuinely fun) streaming showdowns to hit the internet yet.
Amazon invited us to an early viewing of this episode, and watching it with a room full of fans and press made it clear how much this season has evolved. Season 2 finally leans into the humor it was missing the first time around, giving us the laughter we need in between the frantic, stress-heavy moments that define each challenge. You can actually feel the shift: the pacing is tighter, the beats land better, and the contestants’ reactions carry way more personality. Cutting the number of players down was one of the smartest choices the production made. Instead of feeling lost in a sea of strangers, we actually get the chance to learn who these people are, root for them, and understand their strengths and flaws as the pressure builds.
Credit: Variety
During the panel, MrBeast was honest about what he wanted to change going into Season 2. He talked about how he listened closely to feedback from audiences and journalists – what worked, what didn’t, and what fans felt made the show exciting in the first place. One of his biggest goals was removing the reliance on luck: no more random wins, no more chance-based eliminations. Episode 4 reflects that shift completely. With Survivor in the mix, the competition finally feels intentional, strategic, and built on actual skill. It asks the real question that defines any survival-style show: what actually creates a winner? Is it being smart, being strong, being adaptable, or being just self-aware enough to outplay everyone around you?
Bringing two completely different game-show styles together doesn’t just make Episode 4 feel bigger — it changes the entire energy of the competition. Survivor’s strategic backbone blends with MrBeast’s high-speed chaos in a way that forces contestants to think differently, move differently, and react with way more intention than past episodes. Instead of relying on spectacle alone, the challenges suddenly have layers: social strategy, physical instinct, teamwork, and the pressure of not knowing which host’s rules you should be playing by. Jimmy even admitted during the panel that working alongside Jeff Probst pushed him to rethink his role as a host. Jeff’s calm authority and instinct for when to step in (and when to step back) ended up teaching him more than he expected. Jimmy said he doesn’t mind being humbled by Jeff’s experience; in fact, he welcomed it. Watching Jeff let the show breathe and letting players drive the drama helped Jimmy feel more comfortable allowing MrBeast Games to play itself out instead of trying to control every beat.
Even the bribes got the crossover treatment, blending both shows’ personalities into a hybrid strategy session that felt half-chaotic, half-cutthroat. Contestants weren’t just fighting through challenges — they were pitching, negotiating, and pleading their cases the way Survivor players do when their fate hangs on a vote. The episode leans fully into that format, complete with the tension of who’s staying, who’s going, and what someone is willing to offer to keep their spot. Jeff Probst clearly had just as much fun as the players. At one point he joked about making this crossover an annual tradition, and before Jeff even finished the thought, Jimmy reached out and shook his hand — unprompted, way too enthusiastically, absolutely ready for more. It was one of those moments where you can see the respect between the two hosts, and also exactly how much this collaboration energized both sides.
After the screening wrapped, fans were given the rare chance to meet MrBeast himself and actually talk with him — not rushed selfies, but real conversations about the episode, the challenges, and the direction the show is heading. The space was filled with MrBeast products lined across the venue, a reminder of just how massive his empire has become and how seamlessly he’s built a world around his brand. It felt less like typical promo and more like stepping into the ecosystem he’s created, from the snacks to the merch to the games. And yes, everyone got to take a piece of that world home: the PR boxes were stacked with products, small surprises, and touches that made the whole night feel personal and celebratory, perfectly closing out a crossover event that already felt larger than life.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 07: Guests attend as Prime Video hosts an advance screening and Q&A with Jimmy Donaldson AKA MrBeast for “Beast Games” season two In Los Angeles at The Culver Studios on December 07, 2025 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Prime Video)
In the end, Episode 4 does more than merge two shows — it shows just how far MrBeast Games has come. The crossover with Survivor doesn’t feel like a stunt; it feels like a step forward, a sign that the series is ready to grow, experiment, and listen to the people who watch it. From the challenges to the panel to the fan interactions after the screening, this episode proves that Season 2 is finally stepping into its full potential. And if Jeff and Jimmy keep shaking hands on ideas this big, next year’s “annual” crossover might be even better.
In an industry that evolves by the minute, Ryan Serhant continues to set the pace. His drive, and commitment to innovation have shaped SERHANT into a company that isn’t just responding to the market but actively redefining it. The premiere of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan’s second season reflected that spirit. It was more than a celebration of a new chapter, but a night that honored what it looks like when an ambitious vision becomes reality through dedication. On Friday, December 5th, The Knockturnal had the pleasure of attending the premiere party at Terminal 5 in NYC, where we spoke with Ryan and Emilia Serhant along with several members of the cast.
I had the incredible opportunity to watch the Season 2 premiere of Percy Jackson and the Olympians at the Academy Museum, and experiencing it on the big screen with the cast in attendance made it unforgettable. Main actors such as Walker Scobell and Leah Sava Jeffries were there, engaging with fans and sharing behind-the-scenes stories that added a personal touch to the event. Being in a room full of fans, seeing the excitement build before the first scene, and hearing the reactions in real time made the premiere feel like a shared adventure, just like the one Percy and his friends are about to embark on in Season 2.
After Season 1 introduced us to Camp Half-Blood and the whirlwind of monsters, gods, and mortal drama, Episode 1 of Season 2, titled “I Play Dodgeball With Cannibals,” immediately raises the stakes and promises a more intense adventure. Season 1 did a fantastic job of world-building, showing us the quirks of Percy’s world, the humor that makes him so relatable, and the foundations of friendships and rivalries at Camp Half-Blood. Even so, it often felt like the story was only scratching the surface and teasing the epic journey that fans know is coming.
This premiere makes it clear that Season 2 is ready to deliver. Percy and Annabeth’s dynamic feels more nuanced and mature, and the addition of new characters adds exciting layers to the story. The visuals are stunning, giving monsters and settings a tangible, immersive presence. The sense of danger feels more real than ever, and although some of the dialogue leans heavily on exposition, the writers are successfully balancing world-building with a higher-stakes tone that keeps viewers invested.
What is most exciting is how Season 2 embraces the adventure that was only hinted at in Season 1. The episode teases epic battles, moral dilemmas, and journeys that extend far beyond Camp Half-Blood. Monsters, magic, and new challenges promise to push Percy and his friends in ways that feel earned and thrilling.
If Season 1 was about laying the groundwork by establishing relationships, rules, and humor, Season 2 is shaping up to be about action, growth, and adventure on a larger scale. This first episode sets a strong tone and shows that the series is ready to expand its story and take fans on a quest that feels faithful to the spirit of the books while ambitious in its scope. Experiencing the premiere at the Academy Museum, alongside the cast and other fans, made it clear that this season will be one to remember.
Netflix celebrated the premiere of The Abandons on December 3 at the Tudum Theater with a Western-themed red carpet that had the buzzy fun feeling of a family reunion. Red carpets tend to blur together, but this one had a strange consistency to it. Reporting for The Knockturnal, almost everyone I spoke to ended up talking about the same thing: cowboy camp.
Created by Kurt Sutter, The Abandons is set in Washington Territory in 1854 and follows two opposing matriarchs whose families clash over land, loyalty, and survival. But standing on the carpet, the plot felt almost beside the point. What the cast actually wanted to talk about was the physical work, and how much it changed the way they related to one another before filming even began. It came up again and again, unprompted.
Diana Silvers lit up immediately when cowboy camp came up. “My horse Rusty was the greatest gift ever,” she said, explaining that what initially sounded daunting quickly became something she loved. “It was honestly the two best weeks of my life. We learned how to lasso, steer wagons, cut cows.” She described her character as “tough, brave, misunderstood,” and admitted she tried to take Rusty home. “I wanted to,” she laughed. “But I guess I need season two for that.”
Lucas Till spoke about cowboy camp more practically. “There was a moment when we were all in this pen separating cows from each other,” he said. “After two weeks, we could do it seamlessly.” The work was exhausting. “You’re using muscles you’ve never used before,” he added. Still, he called the role “one of my favorites of all time” (and he promised he meant it.)
Natalia del Riego described riding as something that forced her out of her head. “It forced me into the present,” she said. “My character, Lilla Belle, is really one with her horse.” She spoke about Lilla losing her family at eight years old, and how that loss defines everything that follows. “There’s a before and an after,” she said, describing the series as driven by betrayal, love, and constant tension.
Gillian Anderson described her character as a sharp departure from previous roles, like her character Jean in Sex Education. “She’s ruthless, and she feels like she has a righteous pursuit,” Anderson said. “She believes she’s doing good for America and is focused on the bigger picture.” It is her first time playing a true villain, something she spoke about with clear enthusiasm. She also took a moment to praise Lena Headey, saying, “I was so impressed with her and what she brought to every scene. We have some fair showdowns.”
Headey described her own character differently. “Mine is more grounded. More earthy,” she said, before adding, “I also got to fist fight, which was fun.” This was said very plainly, like it was just another perk of the job.
By the end of the night, what stood out most wasn’t the Western theming or the scale of the production, but how often the cast described learning how to function together before they ever stepped on set. Cowboy camp came up too frequently to feel like a throwaway anecdote. It seemed to be the thing that leveled everyone out before they had to play family on screen.
The Abandons premieres December 4 on Netflix.
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