This week, all this editor can think about is Bo Burnham’s song “Welcome to the Internet” as YouTube and Instagram have taken over my media consumption. The United Kingdom is gaining a Saturday night staple, new movie trailers are dropping left and right and a new album announcement from “Olivia Rodriguez, that little Mexican girl that be singing all them sad songs” has people excited for the summer. If you aren’t chronically online, no need to worry — Sidelines distractions team has it all written out, offering “Anything and everything, all of the time.”
‘Live From London, it’s Saturday Night!’
For over 50 years, fans of the celebrated late-night sketch show “Saturday Night Live” have grown accustomed to seeing American culture satirized as iconic hosts, musical guests and cast members showcase their talents and comedic timing. Now, “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels is taking the beloved show format across the Atlantic.
“Saturday Night Live UK” premiered on March 21 on the UK’s Sky One, with American comedian Tina Fey as host and English indie rock band Wet Leg as musical guest. Although the inaugural episode received mixed reviews from critics, it still drew 226,000 viewers on the night of the broadcast and 528,000 on-demand views.
Saturday, April 4, both American and British audiences were treated to actor-musicians as hosts and rock acts as musical guests. In the U.S., Jack Black hosted for the fifth time, while actor and rapper Riz Ahmed hosted in the UK. Rock legend Jack White wowed crowds in New York, while English rock band Kasabian held down the fort in London.
Those in the U.S. can catch reruns of “SNL UK” on Peacock. Maria Hartzell
Triple elimination signals an intense future in “Survivor 50”
“Survivor 50” makes history in episode six with the largest merge, uniting 17 competitors on Vatu Island. With large numbers come higher stakes, as a triple elimination looms in the survivors’ minds.
Ozzy Lusth finds an advantage on Vatu after an islandwide hunt, sending him and Rizo Velovic into exile — safe from elimination but unable to compete or make connections with new tribemates.
For the challenge, the newly merged tribe is split into three groups of five, where the winner of each group gains immunity, with the first-place winner earning their group a unique “Survivor” reward: Applebee’s.
All three groups head to Tribal Council later that night, voting out Kamilla Karthigesu, Colby Donaldson and Genevieve Mushaluk — despite Mushaluk’s attempt to use her Shot in the Dark for safety.
Catch “Survivor 50” Wednesdays on CBS or Paramount+. Jesse Jones
Stepping into the unknown horror of the Backrooms
A24 Studios released the official trailer for “Backrooms” on its channel, a movie based on the YouTube horror series of the same name.
The creator of the series, Kane Pixels — also known as Kane Parsons — directed the movie in collaboration with A24 and also posted the trailer to his YouTube channel. Starring actors include English BAFTA winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, “Creep” actor Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett and Lukita Maxwell.
The first “Backrooms” video was uploaded four years ago on Parsons’ YouTube channel, featuring the unsettling yet oddly familiar landscape of minimalistic architecture and unending hallways. The found-footage series has 22 videos, each unveiling the history, secrets and dangers of the Backrooms.
As an internet horror fan myself, I will definitely have to check out the movie. However, I may need to rewatch the YouTube series first.
“Backrooms” will come to theaters on May 29. Lily Agee
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Supergirl!
On March 31, the second official trailer for “Supergirl” was released.
The upcoming DC Studios movie, directed by Craig Gillespie, will feature Milly Alcock in the lead role of Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, following her cameo in last year’s “Superman” movie.
The movie is based on the eight-part comic book miniseries “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” which so far seems to follow a very similar story.
The trailer opened with a cameo from David Corenswet reprising his role as Superman, then leads into a deeper look at the beautiful connection between Zor-El and her dog, Krypto.
Until tragedy strikes and in an attack, Krypto is shot, leaving him with only 3 days to live unless the cure is retrieved. Joining alongside her is a young galactic warrior named Ruthye Marye Knoll — played by Eve Ridley — who is in need of Kara’s help for revenge against those who killed her father. The movie releases on June 26 and puts Supergirl to the test as she begins to find her place in the world. Karlie Lohr
Olivia Rodrigo is back with ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’
Olivia Rodrigo announced April 2 that her third studio album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” will release June 12.
The work includes 13 tracks and an album cover of Rodrigo swinging upside down and laughing. Fans have been theorizing for months about the title for this album, sticking with a four-ketter theme as seen in her ealrier works: “Sour” and “Guts.”
Sticking with the sound of her first two albums, this writer expects nothing short of emotional ballads and angsty dance tracks. However, the singer may surprise audiences with something different.
The album is currently available for pre-order on Rodrigo’s website and pre-save on all streaming platforms. Tucker Young
#fizzyglizzy draws attention to Dr. Pepper-infused sausage
This special hot dog is gaining attention at local gas stations, offering an acquired taste on a classic American dish.
According to the Johnsonville website, the item is easy to find at stores such as 7-Eleven, Walmart and Kroger, with some also at Speedway.
The taste is unique and different — but also sweet — all in one bite, making it a fascinating choice for risk-taking foodies. Shania Williams
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