It’s as if everyone in Hollywood ran out of new ideas all at once. Don’t blame writers, but executives who are rapidly shepherding their industry towards irrelevance with an over-reliance on reworked IP, while original ideas are left unproduced. In better news, the winter Olympic Games are this year, with the opening ceremony taking place Feb. 6 on NBC. (The Super Bowl is that Sunday as well.)

“The Pitt”

The Pittsburgh-set medical drama from “ER” showrunner John Wells is back for a second season, premiering almost exactly a year after it first debuted. Imagine, a streaming series returning on a reliable schedule! Dr. Robby (“ER” veteran Noah Wyle) is back once again, overseeing the managed chaos, student doctors and medical residents of his emergency department. One of the best examples of competency as comfort, something we could all use more of at the moment in real life. From Jan. 8 on HBO Max.

“The Night Manager”

Stylish and prestige-y as hell, Season 1 of this Tom Hiddleston spy drama premiered (squints) eight years ago. Welp, this is how TV works today. Season 2 follows Hiddleston’s character across the UK, Spain, Colombia and France as he “races to expose a conspiracy designed to destabilize a nation.” From Jan. 11 on Amazon. 

“Hijack”

The first season of this “Die Hard” ripoff starring Idris Elba took place on a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. For the entirely unnecessary second season, the setting is now a subway in Berlin that’s been taken hostage. If Elba’s character doesn’t say “Why does this keep happening to me?!” at any point, then what are we even doing here? From Jan. 14 on Apple TV.  

“Ponies”

“Game of Thrones” alum Emilia Clarke stars in this 1977-set Cold War thriller about two women (the other is played by Haley Lu Richardson) who become CIA operatives after their husbands are killed under mysterious circumstances in Moscow. The pair become “ponies” in the parlance — persons of no interest — in order to uncover the truth of what really happened. From Jan. 15 on Peacock. 

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

Another “Game of Thrones” spinoff. A prequel, this one takes place a hundred years before the events of “GoT,” as two unlikely heroes wander through Westeros: “A young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.” From Jan. 18 on HBO. 

“Steal”

Here I am typing “Game of Thrones” again because the show’s alum Sophie Turner returns to TV in this thriller about a heist at a British pension fund investment company: “But who would steal billions of pounds of ordinary people’s pensions and why? DCI Rhys (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) is determined to find out, but as a recently relapsed gambling addict, Rhys must keep his own money problems at bay while dealing with the secret agendas and competing interests at the center of this far-reaching crime.” From Jan. 21 on Amazon.  

“Drops of God”

I really liked the first season of this emotionally engrossing drama about two young wine experts who battle for a massive inheritance. The series was also criminally underseen, likely because: 1) Apple’s approach to promotion leaves much to be desired; 2) there are no recognizable (American) stars; and 3) that title, which makes sense once you’ve seen the show, but otherwise … nope. It’s back for a second season and if you’ve been missing that frisson of discovery in your TV viewing, this one is worth seeking out. From Jan. 21 on Apple TV.  

“Bridgerton”

Not a fan of this show, but plenty are, so mark your calendars. The Shonda Rhimes historical romance returns for Season 4, with a focus on the family’s second-eldest son, Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), who falls for a servant who sneaks into a masquerade ball. Netflix is chopping the season into two parts. From Jan. 29 on Netflix; the second half premieres Feb. 26.  

“Dark Winds”

This adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels, with their stories of the Navajo Tribal Police in the 1970s, continues with a fourth season about a missing Navajo girl, which takes our investigators out of their usual setting and sends them to the underbelly of organized crime in Los Angeles. A tick or two better than your typical cop show, star Zahn McClarnon is reason enough to watch. From Feb. 15 on AMC.  

“Scrubs”

The medical comedy from the early aughts is back, reuniting the old gang: J.D. (Zach Braff), Turk (Donald Faison), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Carla (Judy Reyes) and John C. McGinley’s memorably tangy Dr. Cox. New cast members include Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster. The premise appears to be the same as it was, picking up where the show left off. From Feb. 25 on ABC.

“Scarpetta”

A crime thriller based on Patricia Cornwell’s book series about the forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta, played by Nicole Kidman. According to the marketing blurb: “With skilled hands and an unnerving eye, this unrelenting medical examiner is determined to serve as the voice of the victims, unmask a serial killer, and prove that her career-making case from 28 years prior isn’t also her undoing. Set against the backdrop of modern forensic investigation, the series delves beyond the crime scene to explore the psychological complexities of both perpetrators and investigators, creating a multi-layered thriller that examines the toll of pursuing justice at all costs.” From March 11 on Amazon.  

If you’re looking to tune in from home, staff at The Pasadena Star-News, from the parade’s home city, compiled a list of everything you need to know as you watch the 137th iteration of the floral extravaganza.

How to watch

The parade is set to begin at 8 a.m. PST on New Year’s Day. On TV, several channels will be broadcasting the parade, such as NBC, ABC and Univision. The 2026 Rose Parade will also be livestreamed on multiple platforms, and you can find viewing options here.

Want to experience a little-seen side of the parade? For the second time, the staff at the Pasadena Star-News will live-stream the parade on its YouTube channel, beginning at 10 a.m. PST. The stream will be stationed around where the floats make their way under the 210 Freeway bridge, making it a unique viewing experience not typically seen on TV – because the floats must fold in half to clear the bridge.

The floats

From a ‘Shrinking’-themed float from Apple TV to a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, there are plenty of floats on the docket this year that are sure to be talkers.

If you’re hoping to catch a specific float or want details on hand as you watch, check out our guide to every Rose Parade float, band and equestrian unit, in order on our website. And if you want a fun sneak peek, check out our list of 10 fun, creative and silly floats to look out for at the 2026 Rose Parade.

The musical performances

Bishop Briggs will kick off 2026’s musical performances during the parade’s opening performance. Her performance will contain her 2016 hit “River” alongside 24 world-class dancers.

A pelican chef cooking a pot of gumbo will accompany 19-year-old John Foster, last season’s  American Idol runner-up, atop the Explore Louisiana float for the mid-parade performance.

Performing in the Rose Parade Grand Finale is Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling artist Capital Cities, who will sing their hit “Safe and Sound.” They’ll be joined by DEK of Hearts, America’s newly crowned Mic Drop winner on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Several marching bands will also display their talents during the parade, and you can read more about this year’s talented groups and what it takes to get to the Rose Parade. Tip: Watch the creative ways some bands maneuver around the corners on the parade routes.

The tradition

The 2026 Rose Parade theme is “The Magic in Teamwork,” a theme chosen before fires ravaged nearby-Altadena and Palisades just days after last year’s parade, but has since become a nod to the teamwork needed to help the community recover and rebuild.

Fittingly, Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the grand marshal for the 137th Rose Parade. The basketball legend, businessman and social activist will lead off the parade and the following 112th Rose Bowl game, both on Jan. 1. In December, the Tournament of Roses Association President shared how Johnson was selected – and secured – with the Star-News.

This year’s Rose Queen is high school senior Serena Hui Guo, who has attended the parade since she was a child.

Breaking from tradition, rain is in this year’s forecast. The last time it rained on Pasadena’s parade was in 2006.

The big game

Alabama will face No. 1 Indiana at this year’s Rose Bowl game with kickoff at 1 p.m. PST, Thursday, Jan. 1. Note: That’s an hour earlier this year.

The 2026 Rose Bowl game is the final year that the Tournament of Roses will be tied to a lucrative deal that has long allowed it to enjoy a measure of control over the revenue that bowl games generate. Here’s how college football’s seismic shifts are impacting the Rose Bowl Game and giant New Year’s Day parade.

LOS ANGELES — Even with inflation, endless air travel complaints and the recent flight cancellations caused by the government shutdown, millions of Americans, including me, will begin their holiday celebrations on a plane. And while some are already making their packing lists, I am more concerned about what I should watch. In addition to getting you where you want to go, those hours spent in uncomfortable seats — first at the gate and then on board — are a guilt-free opportunity to catch up on or revisit great shows and films.

In-flight viewing is a specific, and sometimes unintentionally communal, viewing experience; not everything works. Choose tearjerkers and musicals with care. Ugly crying over “The Notebook” or singing along with “Wicked” might feel great, but it can cause your fellow passengers unnecessary consternation and/or annoyance.

If you are traveling with or seated near children, you should avoid hard-R-rated fare — as I discovered while briefly attempting to watch “Game of Thrones” while seated beside my then-young son, nudity and beheadings don’t need the sound on to be inappropriate.

Likewise, avoid anything that involves tragic or problematic air travel — catch up on the “Final Destination” franchise another time — and you also might want to skip full-attention-demanding subtitles. The perfect airplane watch allows you to immerse yourself while also remaining aware of what’s happening around you. (Including and especially requests from flight attendants.)

With all these considerations in mind, here are some suggestions.

Watch at the gate

Comedy series are best, for obvious mood-sweetening reasons (should delays occur), but also because the episodes are short and tend not to have dramatic moments that might keep you watching even after your group number has been called.

“Schitt’s Creek” (Amazon)

Each episode of this perfectly addictive series about a once-rich (and very dysfunctional) family that finds itself forced to start anew in a small town will make you laugh no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

“Derry Girls” (Netflix)

Those unfamiliar with the Northern Ireland accent may find it necessary to use subtitles, which I just cautioned against. But this show is worth breaking the rules for. Living through the Troubles in 1990s Derry, five Catholic school friends and their families cope hilariously with everyday issues, including school life under the redoubtable eye of Sister Michael (Siobhán McSweeney).

“New Girl” (Hulu)

The shenanigans of friends/roomies Jess (Zooey Deschanel), Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), Winston (Lamorne Morris) and Cece (Hannah Simone) are always a delight.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Netflix)

Any time’s a good time to watch the greatest police comedy series since “Barney Miller.” Andy Samberg’s Jake Peralta heads a misfit but inevitably successful team of New York detectives, headed by the driest, wisest chief in TV history — Captain Holt, played by the late, great Andre Braugher.

“Abbott Elementary” (Hulu)

Celebrate the holidays with this quick-witted, revelatory and very sweet teacher-centric mockumentary-comedy created by and starring Quinta Brunson. Compared with classroom chaos, even the airport will seem like an oasis of tranquility.

“What We Do in the Shadows” (Hulu)

If you somehow missed this hilariously unique comedy-horror mockumentary about a group of vampires living in modern-day Staten Island, now is the time to rectify that.

Watch on domestic flights

All of the above comedy series work here as well — but movies are best, especially if you can time it so the film begins when altitude is achieved and ends as you’re returning your seat backs and tray tables to their full upright positions.

FILMS:

“The Da Vinci Code” (AMC+)

The perfect in-flight film, “The Da Vinci Code” offers something like cultural edification (the Louvre! The Knights Templar! Biblical history!) while not forcing you to think too much. A tour of Paris, great action sequences, the always endearing Tom Hanks and a literally beatific conclusion.

“Spy” (Amazon)

Melissa McCarthy is an everywoman intelligence agent who chooses to go into the field for the first time in this strangely unsung hero of modern comedy. Guaranteed to make you laugh even if you’re stuck in the middle seat. (Also set in Paris, it’s a perfect double feature with “The Da Vinci Code” for those five-hour flights.)

“Crazy Rich Asians” (Netflix)

Jon M. Chu’s glorious romantic comedy will transport you into a world far beyond the dreary confines of contemporary air travel and make you feel, if only for a moment, that you too are flying in a first-class compartment that contains an actual double bed.

“Iron Man” (Disney+)

Travel back in time to the moment when Robert Downey Jr. jump-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe and remind yourself why. It really is that good.

“Sense and Sensibility” (Amazon)

The exquisite nature of the performances, writing, direction, cinematography and score has made one of the best Jane Austen adaptations a go-to comfort film for when you’re feeling ill. Which is why it’s perfect while flying.

“Paddington” and/or “Paddington 2” (Netflix)

Come for the adorable bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw), stay for the adventure and sweet hijinks (and, in “Paddington 2,” Hugh Grant!). You will reach your destination feeling more kindly to your fellow travelers, which can only improve any trip.

“Edge of Tomorrow” (Netflix)

Tom Cruise teams up with Emily Blunt to battle an alien invasion, with some help from time travel. Classic dystopian thriller with several clever twists. If you’re feeling hot and cramped, just think of Cruise and Blunt in those super suits.

“The Martian” (Netflix)

Feel bad that your flight got delayed and you might not make your connection? A little time spent with Matt Damon’s astronaut, stranded for years on Mars, will put everything in perspective. At least you don’t have to figure out how to grow potatoes in hostile soil.

“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (Amazon)

The ultimate full-immersion movie sees four teenagers sucked into a survival adventure game in which their avatars are played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan.

“Skyfall” (Amazon)

Honestly, most Bond films are a good choice but Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond and “Skyfall” features a more-than-usual presence of M (Judi Dench). Also, the song.

“Knives Out” (Amazon)

A classic manor house mystery, which revived the genre when it became a hit in 2019, “Knives Out” is the ideal blend of mystery and wit, with a cast of characters to keep you company.

SHOWS:

“Hawkeye” (Disney+)

If you’re looking for a five-hour (or so) miniseries with plenty of Marvel action and a holiday theme, look no further. A year after the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” Hawkeye super fan Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) teams up with her reluctant hero, Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), to face down enemies new and old. Oh, and celebrate Christmas in New York.

“Black Mirror” (Netflix)

This sci-fi anthology series is perfect plane viewing because a.) It’s so very good and b.) Each episode is its own story, so you can construct however many hours you need (and, perhaps, catch up on a show so many people continue to talk about).

“Sherlock” (PBS)

Same principle — each episode is essentially a short film and you get to wallow in the wonder of Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Martin Freeman (Watson), Mark Gatiss (Mycroft) and all the rest as they solve crimes in modern twists on the classic tales.

Watch on international flights

For flights six hours and longer, you can hunker down and make your way through a film franchise or an entire season or seasons of a television series.

FILMS:

“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (HBO Max)

Pick the director’s cut of all three and your journey through Middle-earth will take you almost 12 hours, which is about as long as it takes to fly from L.A. to New Zealand, where it was filmed.

“Hunger Games” (HBO Max)

The four films in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and friends attempt to wrest a shattered land from the tyranny of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) clock in at about nine hours total, which, with bathroom and meal breaks, should get you from L.A. to London or Paris.

“Mission Impossible” films (Amazon and other platforms)

Although they often include mishaps in the air, the fantastic (in both senses of the word) nature of “Mission: Impossible” makes these films an ideal high-altitude binge. From first to last, they run more than 18 hours, which is, quite frankly, far too many hours of consecutive movie viewing. But with plenty of installments to choose from, you can accept whichever assignments (and Cruise stunts) appeal to you.

“Harry Potter” (HBO Max)

However one feels about J.K. Rowling’s politics, this is a delightful film franchise that’s even longer than “Mission; Impossible” — about 20 hours. But you can start, and stop, the series wherever you want (though I would urge you not to skip the underrated “Order of the Phoenix”).

SHOWS:

“Black Doves” (Netflix)

Keira Knightley and Whishaw play highly unlikely but ruthlessly skilled mercenary spies who work for an ice-cold Sarah Lancashire. The six-hour-long series tells a complete tale (though Season 2 is in the works) and as the events take place in London as Christmas approaches, makes a fine holiday thriller.

“House”

Pick a season, any season (there are eight of them, with an average of 22 episodes each) and the wit, wisdom and scathing insanity of Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) and his team will carry you through to any destination. And unlike other medical shows, most of the ailments are so bizarre that you won’t have to worry if that cough or twinge is a sign that you’re getting one of them.

“The Durrells in Corfu” (PBS)

It’s 1935 and young widow Louisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes) decides that the answer to her financial straits is to move herself and her four children to the island of Corfu. Sweet and scenic hilarity ensues, and includes the young Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) and Callum Woodhouse (“All Creatures Great and Small”) as two of Louisa’s sons. Four seasons, 26 episodes. You’re welcome.

“Call the Midwife” (Netflix)

Seasonal purists could just download the dozen or so Christmas episodes of this long-running and still-exceptional drama about a group of midwives working out of a convent in London’s East End. (Between the nuns and the babies, the specials are always wonderful.) But if you haven’t seen the series, best to start with Season 1 and keep going.

“Mare of Easttown” (HBO Max)

If you somehow missed Kate Winslet’s turn as a small-town Pennsylvania cop (with a great Delco accent) who is trying to solve a brutal murder, then this is your chance. If you didn’t, well, it’s time for an eight-hour rewatch in which you can use the time you spent wondering who dunit to admire all the terrific acting.

“Slow Horses” (Apple TV)

The butt-numbing hours will fly by like minutes when you immerse yourself in the TV adaptation of the first five of Mick Herron’s Slough House novels. Gary Oldman is having a blast as Jackson Lamb, the greasy, rumpled, sharp-tongued and strategically flatulent keeper of a den of MI5 misfits. Who somehow manage to save the day.

“The Crown” (Netflix)

Think your flight is long? Consider the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth, played over the course of six seasons by Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton. For a full immersive experience, it’s tough to beat the royal settings, period clothes and changing times. And with 60 hours at your fingertips, you can move through history without ever leaving your seat.

“30 Rock” (Hulu)

Tina Fey’s send-up of a fictional “Saturday Night Live”-type show, and satirical look at the television business in general, is just as biting and gimlet-eyed as it was when it premiered almost 20 years ago. It got better as it aged, so for purposes of downloading, look to Seasons 4 and 5.

“Parks and Recreation” (Peacock/Amazon)

Life is always better when you spend some time with Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza) and the many fine public servants in Pawnee, Indiana’s city government. The mockumentary series found its feet in Season 2, so you might want to start there.

“The Wire” (HBO Max)

David Simon’s five-season Baltimore-based crime drama is definitely R-rated (thus breaking one of our earlier stated rules) but it is the show that is consistently listed as one of the best — if not the best — TV dramas ever. So if a long-haul flight demands that you binge, why not binge big?

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“A Keller Christmas Vacation”

What’s better than one Christmas romance? How about three? This movie sees siblings Dylan (Jonathan Bennett), Cal (Brandon Routh) and Emory (Eden Sher) sorting out their love lives while reluctantly on a Christmas river cruise in Europe that their parents dragged them to. Dylan is struggling with a proposal gone wrong and his boyfriend William’s strange behavior in recent weeks, Cal is getting over his divorce and his longtime crush who got away, while Em is in search of someone who just makes her feel special. Hijinks ensue (of course, the boat leaves them behind at one point), but there’s also some heartwarming family bonding. You can tell that this family loves each other deeply, despite driving each other crazy. Available on Hallmark.

“We Met in December”

Annie (Autumn Reeser) and Dave (Niall Matter) make the most out of a travel delay, spending a romantic evening together talking about their hopes and dreams, and sharing one perfect kiss. But after failing to exchange contact information and missing each other on the flight back to Chicago the next day, they try everything they can to find each other. From going to their favorite local spots to putting out a message on the radio, they’re determined to find their missed connection who just might be the one. Available on Hallmark.

“She’s Making a List”

Isabel (Lacey Chabert) is an inspector for a company that puts together the Christmas naughty or nice list. She’s up for a promotion if she can just close out this holiday season. But things get complicated when she’s undercover evaluating 11-year-old Charlie’s case and runs into her subject’s dad, Jason (Andrew Walker). She ends up going on a date with Jason, and as they spend more time together, she sees how there’s more behind some of Charlie’s not-so-nice behavior — she’s struggling with the death of her mom. Isabel has to balance her growing attraction for Jason and her increasing care for Charlie with the strict rules of her job. Available on Hallmark.

“A Grand Ole Opry Christmas”

It wouldn’t be Christmas without some time travel. Here, Christmas magic combines with the magic of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, sending Gentry (Nikki DeLoach) back in time to 1995. Her father, a country music star, is still alive. This trip to the past reignites Gentry’s dream of being a songwriter and gives her a chance to work with her dad on a song. Of course, Gentry’s lifelong friend Mac (Kristoffer Polaha), who has long harbored feelings for her, is thrown back in time too. For those who want a little country flair in their Christmas movies. Plus, there are a handful of cameo appearances from real country stars, including Brad Paisley. Available on Hallmark.

“Christmas at the Catnip Café”

Olivia (Erin Cahill) finds the condo of her dreams, but doesn’t quite have enough money to afford the down payment. So when she learns that her late great-aunt left her a cat cafe and that a developer is looking to purchase the building, she thinks it’s her Christmas dreams coming true. All she has to do is convince the cafe’s co-owner, veterinarian Ben (Paul Campbell), to sell the place. She ends up offering to help him plan all of the cafe’s Christmas events, and slowly starts to fall in love with the cute cats and the cute vet. Available on Hallmark.

Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.

A reader from Whitehall Township reached out to The Morning Call after receiving notice that he must remove his TV from its coaxial cable hookup to new equipment featuring a fiber optic connection.

“This is not what many customers want and many TVs will need to be replaced because they do not have HDMI inputs for [Internet Protocol Television],” he wrote. He added that switching to a different provider is not an option because of his location.

“I have limited access to other carriers and must stay with Astound but do not want IPTV, as this will not work well with all the other tablets, etc. in my household interfering with the TV’s connection,” the reader wrote. “This is why I like a separated coaxial cable connection.”

Astound spokesperson Ann Murphy said about 65% of its Valley customers use the older equipment and they must upgrade.

Can a customer keep that older cable connection? The answer is no for a simple reason.

“It won’t work,” she said.

Astound — which was formerly RCN and, before that, Twin County Cable — is investing $81 million to upgrade its fiber optic network in Pennsylvania. In the Lehigh Valley, Astound said in July that it will spend $39 million to upgrade 4,200 miles of fiber optic cable that serves 262,000 homes and 23,000 businesses.

It’s not just Astound customers that are facing the switch in the competitive Lehigh Valley telecommunications market. Service Electric Cable TV, Comcast/Xfinity and Verizon Fios are among those also expanding their fiber optic networks.

Here are some things to know about the transition:

What is the difference between cable and fiber optic?

The primary difference between fiber optic and cable internet is the physical pathways (wired or wireless) that carry data signals between devices used for data transmission.

Fiber internet uses optical fiber cables made of ultra-thin glass fibers that transmit data as pulses of laser light.

Cable internet uses copper wires — coaxial cables — and electric signals to send data.

Astound said this method of data communication is vulnerable to network congestion, frequency interference by other electronic devices, loss of signal strength over long distances and damage from unfavorable weather events.

Why are the upgrades being made?

Simply, Astound is keeping up with technology. It wants customers to have equipment that is compatible with the newest technology.

The oldest TV equipment is not compatible with the updated network, and coaxial cable will soon be obsolete for TV service. After the shutdown date, no channels will be available via the older equipment.

Astound has sent notices about the changes to customers via mail, email and phone calls, Murphy said, and new equipment has been sent out free of charge.

Customers receive instructions on installing the new equipment, though a company technician also will come to the residence free of charge. A return label that includes postage will also be provided for older equipment to be returned to Astound.

As for the internet, customers can continue to use the same modems and will still have the same speeds they are subscribed to. There is an upgrade available for faster speeds.

How long will it take?

Murphy said Astound, which also has customers from New England to the West Coast, is currently focused on the Lehigh Valley.

The upgrades will continue through 2026.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office said in online records that Ransone died by suicide on Friday.

Ransone’s film credits include “It: Chapter Two,” “The Black Phone” and “Black Phone 2,” and he appeared in TV shows including the cop drama “Bosch” and “Poker Face.”

Messages seeking comment were left for representatives of Ransone on Sunday, as well as with a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office.

——

EDITOR’S NOTE — In the U.S., the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org

“I think a lot of people facing food insecurity right now feel very alone and isolated,” she tells Bastianich in the special, which airs Tuesday on Chicago’s WTTW, “and what I’m trying to do is make sure that they have the skills to feel normal and feel empowered, even though everything else feels like it’s on fire.”

It’s an especially timely subject with the recent uncertainty around SNAP benefits.

Rough, 29, wears heart-shaped glasses. She was born in Hoffman Estates and moved around often as a child. Now she’s based in Porter County, Indiana. She started the “Recession Recipes” series less than a year ago, in February.

She was already on TikTok, with about 60,000 followers that she had picked up after posting videos of her and her husband “doing weird stuff, like he rigged a stove to heat our pool and we could bake cookies while our pool was being heated. Just funny stuff like that. I was just posting stuff randomly and didn’t have a strategy.”

In January, she lost her job working at a software technology company, “so I took a step back and said, what am I good at? I bought a nice camera and I was going to start doing software product demonstrations, because the industry I was working in was so niche that I figured I could find some of these companies in this ecosystem to buy software demonstrations from me.”

But instead of pursuing that, “Recession Recipes” came about — and by accident. “The biggest luxury to me was getting to a place where I could go to the grocery store and put whatever I wanted in my cart, and all of a sudden that wasn’t true again. So for fun, I decided to make a video making a common meal I used to make when I had no money. And I woke up after I posted that and I had 150,000 followers. And I was like, oh! So from there, I realized this is impacting people hard.”

Now she posts a new video three to four times a week, while juggling  a new job that she landed in March. “I don’t make enough from this series to do it full-time, so I work about 30-40 hours a week at this software technology firm and then I get off and work about 20 hours a week on these videos.”

Reached at her home, she talked about the origins of the series and whether this is something she can eventually turn her attention to full-time.

Q: What’s your backstory as a cook?

A: I don’t have any formal culinary experience. The knowledge that I have is from life experience, and being totally kicked on my butt and having to make do with whatever I could get access to. I had to drop out of college for a while and all of a sudden I was working three minimum-wage jobs. I was on food stamps, but I only got about $40 a month. And then I got a 10 cent raise at one of my jobs and I lost my food stamps. So I was playing Tetris with my budget.

Q: Fast-forward to February and your thought process after posting that first video.

A: I was really excited at the response and I thought maybe this is when I start showing people the basic skills that I had to teach myself. We weren’t really a cooking household growing up; I love my mother, but she is not the best cook. Something that really excited my audience is what can actually be made in the kitchen, because we have a knowledge gap.

Q: When influencers start making money — sometimes big money — one criticism they have to contend with is that they’re not relatable anymore. Looking ahead longer term, how do you think about navigating that?

A: I’m very mindful about that. I have a tip jar, but I don’t want my followers to ever have to purchase my content. I want it to be free.

Right now, the way that I live would be considered lower middle class. I’m strictly shopping at Dollar General and Aldi right now. I would love to get to middle class. I’ve taken on about $5,000 in debt to create the series, so the money that I make not only goes to pay down that debt, but yesterday I just got a better camera that will allow me to show more intricate shots of what I’m doing. So I’m constantly making sure that I’m pouring money back into the series.

And I don’t advertise this, but sometimes I’ll send some of my followers grocery money. Or this one woman was like, “I’d love to make this but I don’t have spoons or bowls right now,” so I sent her a gift card to get spoons and bowls. I live very modestly and I hardly shop for myself, so I do not intend on turning this into something where I all of a sudden detach from the reality that my followers are living in. I don’t want this to be a get-rich cash funnel.

Q: In the PBS special, you talk about finding ideas in old recipe books from the early 1900s, the Depression and wartime eras. 

A: We’ve already gone through this history and lived it as a society, so I can just pull from the pros. One thing that doesn’t necessarily translate is that back then, nearly everyone had access to eggs, and that’s just not the case anymore (with egg prices increasing). Or everybody used dairy, which isn’t the case now. My family has very severe food allergies — and a lot of them — so how can I take these recipes and do the math and make it not only modern, but adaptable for people who have food allergies?

What I’m mindful of is that people have limited ingredients and I don’t want to give them a recipe that requires a certain level of skill that they might not be at. But also, even if they make a couple of mistakes, it’ll still end up being good, because very few people can afford to waste their food. There is no room for experimentation in lower-income kitchens right now, so I have to make sure everything I’m putting out is an entry-level skill set, but also that whatever substitutions you use are going to work. You have to be able to eat that meal after you make it.

Q: Where are you finding these books?

A: Oh, it’s so fun, it’s like a treasure hunt! There is an antique book reseller near me that has my number on file and he’ll be like, “Hey, I just got one from the 1920s, do you want to come in?” But also I go to estate sales, there are a lot of hidden gems in there. And also, I was really touched by this, someone was clearing out their deceased parents’ house and found their cookbooks and sent them to me. I can’t tell you how much that moved me. The books are everywhere; you just need to know where to look.

Something I notice in the books is, all of a sudden there will be pigeon as an ingredient. They tried to use everything. Sometimes it will call for leftover grease from another recipe. You can tell everyone was trying to use every last drop. Also, they got a little too excited with Jell-O, I’ll say that.

Q: Are there recipes that you come across and think: No one is going to eat this, I really can’t consider it for an upcoming video.

A: Oh, 100%! Some of the ingredients are like: Are you willing to shoot rodents? There was this one cookbook I didn’t buy that was focused on recipes made with squirrel and rabbit.

Q: What recipe got a big response that surprised you?

A: Bagels and cream cheese. That blew some people’s minds, because they were like, “I’m not a bakery but I can make bagels?” That’s my favorite one. The bagels and the cream cheese are from scratch.

Q:  Coming up with new ideas and then shooting and editing your videos is a full-time job in terms of time and effort. Do you want it to become your full-time job for real?

A: Well, right now I don’t have kids. So that’s a big time-freer. I have an acting degree and this series has allowed me to reconnect to that love of performance, but also that love of being myself. Because when you’re acting, you’re being someone else and tapping into someone else’s vision, and this has given me such a good creative outlet as myself.

It’s also the way that I can help right now. And I am so invested in the people that I’m helping, that I will continue to juggle this if I have to and don’t end up monetizing it enough to make it my full-time job.

It’s tough because my inbox is full of people who are so scared and they really express those fears to me. I’m just one woman, but with the SNAP uncertainty, I feel even more motivated. But the concern for everyone swallows me sometimes.

Q: What is it like becoming the face of a business venture? 

A: It’s really humbling. I was bullied growing up, because I was a weird girl, because I make noise when I want, and I say funny things that may not land. So, becoming a personality that people gravitate to and trust, I’ve never felt more appreciated and supported in my life. It’s not like they’re loving this curated personality; they’re appreciating me.

I kind of had to have an ego death in order to put this together because I didn’t have an hour to do hair and makeup between my day job and the filming. I had to let that go and just show up how I am for the day and then slap that on the internet. And it’s made me let go of that vanity because the impact is there whether or not I have lipstick on. I know that the people at home care way less about how I look and care more about how I’m talking to them and the knowledge that I’m giving them.

Q: Have you been contacted by book agents or TV producers?

A: I have been contacted by a few book agents and what I will say right now is that I need to make sure that if I take a book deal that it heavily aligns with my values. And right now I’m not there yet.

I haven’t been reached out to by a producer yet, but having a show would be a dream. And I don’t think people understand how far I could take this. How bright I could make this.

I’m an adult, I don’t have kids, but I watch “Bluey” because it gives me this feel-good feeling. It’s wholesome and it calms me down after watching the news. And I think now is the time to step back and create that kind of positive content that people can lean into. That’s part of the appeal of Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross. They are neurologically calming!

So I would love to have a show where I meet new people, cook new things and get new perspectives on life from different walks of life. My brain is a constant creative machine and I know if I had the resources, there is so much cheer I could bring to households.

The torch relay is already underway and some of the top athletes are already making headlines. There are 16 sports in all, including some never seen before, and 116 gold medals are waiting to be awarded.

This will be the most spread-out Winter Games in history: The two primary competition sites are the city of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the upscale winter resort in the Dolomites that is more than 250 miles away by road. Athletes also will compete in three other mountain clusters besides Cortina, while the closing ceremony will be in Verona, 100 miles east of Milan.

Get ready for all of the events with this guide of things to know.

Key dates to know

Competition runs Feb. 4-22. Here are some of the big days to mark on your calendar:

Feb. 4: Competition begins (curling).

Feb. 6: Opening ceremony.

Feb. 7: First gold medal events.

Feb. 8: Gold medal, women’s Alpine skiing downhill.

Feb. 13: Gold medal, men’s figure skating.

Feb. 18: Gold medal, women’s Alpine skiing slalom.

Feb. 19: Gold medal, women’s figure skating. Gold medal game, women’s ice hockey. First gold medals in ski mountaineering, a new Olympic sport.

Feb. 22: Gold medal game, men’s ice hockey. Closing ceremony.

How to watch

Dozens of countries will stream or air each day’s events, with some delaying broadcasts until primetime depending on the time zone.

That will be the case in the U.S., where Eastern time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina. NBC will carry showcase events at night while streaming sports on Peacock.

Top storylines

Athletes to watch: Two of the most decorated Alpine skiers in history, 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, opened the World Cup season in dominant form, raising American hopes of a golden run in Cortina. Eileen Gu is back in freestyle skiing, as is Chloe Kim in snowboarding. NHL players are back on Olympic ice for the first time since 2014 so watch for the likes of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.

Venues: All eyes are on the hockey arenas in Milan, which were still under construction in December; the main rink will be about 3 feet shorter than NHL and PWHL players are used to. And the athletes’ village in Cortina is a set of more than 350 mobile homes.

Russian athletes: Some sports federations are deciding whether to let Russians compete as neutral athletes but only after they are cleared by an independent review process to ensure that they have not publicly supported the war in Ukraine and are not affiliated with Russia’s military or other forces.

What’s new: Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut while skeleton has added a mixed team event, luge has added women’s doubles and large hill ski jumping added women’s and men’s super team events.

In a seismic shift for one of television’s marquee events, the Academy Awards will depart ABC and begin streaming on YouTube beginning in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday.

ABC will continue to broadcast the annual ceremony through 2028. That year will mark the 100th Oscars.

But starting in 2029, YouTube will retain global rights to streaming the Oscars through 2033. YouTube will effectively be the home to all things Oscars, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards and the Oscar nominations announcement.

“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” said academy chief executive Bill Kramer and academy president Lynette Howell Taylor. “The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”

While major award shows have added streaming partnerships, the YouTube deal marks the first of the big four — the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys and Tonys — to completely jettison broadcast television. It puts one of the most watched non-NFL broadcasts in the hands of Google. YouTube boasts some 2 billion viewers.

The Academy Awards will stream for free worldwide on YouTube, in addition to YouTube TV subscribers. It will be available with audio tracks in many languages, in addition to closed captioning.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” said Neal Mohan, chief executive of YouTube. “Partnering with the academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

The Walt Disney Co.-owned ABC has been the broadcast home to the Oscars for almost its entire history. NBC first televised the Oscars in 1953, but ABC picked up the rights in 1961. Aside from a period between 1971 and 1975, when NBC again aired the show, the Oscars have been on ABC.

“ABC has been the proud home to The Oscars for more than half a century,” the network said in a statement. “We look forward to the next three telecasts, including the show’s centennial celebration in 2028, and wish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continued success.”

The 2025 Academy Awards were watched by 19.7 million viewers on ABC, a slight increase from the year before.

His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news to TV Insider, saying, “It was a shock for me and our families and our friends. For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

Geary grew up in Utah, moving to Los Angeles in the late-1960s to pursue a career in Hollywood. His first role was in an episode of “Room 222,” which helped him land small parts in “All in the Family,” “Dan August,” “Mod Squad,” “The Partridge Family” and the film “Johnny Got His Gun.” In his early career, he was credited as Tony Geary.

His breakout came in 1978, when Geary was tapped to play the street-savvy hustler Luke Spencer on ABC’s “General Hospital.” Luke’s romance with Laura Webber (played by Genie Francis) culminated in an on-screen wedding that was watched by 30 million live viewers. The 1981 installment remains the highest-rated soap opera episode in American TV history. Geary and Francis’; scripted relationship became a cultural phenomenon, and the two actors graced the cover of Newsweek in 1981.

Geary’s character also brought new themes to “General Hospital” that expanded the show beyond the medical genre, including espionage storylines, mob intrigue and overseas subplots.

From 1978 to 2017, Geary appeared in 1,997 episodes of “General Hospital.”

He was nominated for 17 Daytime Emmys and won a record-breaking eight. He retired from the role in 2015 and appeared in a cameo in an episode in 2017.

Geary moved to Amsterdam with Gama, and the two got married in 2019.