It was sad to lose Malcolm-Jamal Warner. But, we really didn't need to hear from B*ll C*sby on the matter.
The opening episode of 80s sitcom The Cosby Show is about the son in the family, Theo. Well, it is as much about him as any episode of that show ever were. Bill Cosby was always the focus of that show, placing Cosby in the way of whichever family member that week was trying to achieve something by laying down some sort of moralistic sermon with hilarious results.
Of course, said hilarity has a tremendous ick-factor these days for reasons that are tremendously sick and related to Bill Cosby being a terrible human being/actual monster.
In the episode ‘Pilot,’ which is sometimes titled ‘Theo's Economic Lesson,’ there’s a beloved scene in which Cosby teaches Theo a lesson about the economic struggle that comes with having a lower-paid job. It is supposed to inspire him to do better at school.
Yeah, sorry, but I’m going to embed this scene from the show:
While Cosby is very much the focus of the scene, it doesn’t work without the doe-eyed Theo trying to justify his laziness and disinterest in further education. It’s a great performance from actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
It was shocking to read today that Warner has died in a drowning accident in Costa Rica. He was only 54.
Since The Cosby Show, Warner has carved out a solid career as an actor. He co-starred in a number of sitcoms and dramas from the 90s onwards, including Malcom & Eddie, the Jason Alexander comedy Listen Up, and sci-fi drama Jeremiah. You may have also seen him recur on shows like Community, The Resident, and Suits.
He was always good and it was a genuine shock to hear of his passing.
And then…
It’s a brave publication that runs with this angle:
There’s just some people we don’t really need to hear from, Complex.
News Desk
New data from Ampere Analysis shows Netflix puts more ads on its original titles than it does on licensed shows and movies. It found 12% more ads on original shows and movies (around 3.78 ads per hour of content on original titles, versus 3.33 on licensed titles). Read: Ampere
The estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs and showrunner Michael Kogge are presenting a John Carter: Warlord of Mars animated series at San Diego Comic-Con. Read: The Wrap
Does Mark Humphries really think he can change the world through comedy? Great question Dan Barrett at Mediaweek.
The very funny Josh Johnson is joining The Daily Show’s host rotation beginning this week. Read: THR
The trailer for Avatar: Fire & Ash will play exclusively in theatres before the new Fantastic Four film. Read: Variety
Warner Bros Discovery leave New Zealand's free-to-air television market, selling Discovery NZ to Sky Television for $1. This includes all TV3 brands, including Three, Bravo, Eden, Rush, HGTV, and the network's streaming platform, ThreeNow. Read: 1News
Happy Face has been cancelled after one season on Paramount+. Read: Deadline
There are protestors turning up outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre following the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Read: Deadline
Jake Johnson will star opposite Tatiana Maslany in upcoming Apple TV+ dark comedy thriller series Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed. Read: Variety
When season 13 of Futurama debuts On Hulu September 15 (and presumably Disney+ internationally), it will be a full-season drop. Read: thefutoncritic
Ted Lasso cast members Juno Temple and Brendan Hunt have closed their deals to return for season 4 of the show, which is good news as the show has reportedly resumed filming. There’s talk of a three-season arc, which would bring the show up to six seasons. Read: Deadline
Trailer Park
Raising The Bar debuts August 2 on Netflix.
A young, rookie lawyer with a strong sense of justice joins a top law firm - navigating the complex legal world under a cold, demanding mentor.
That’s the newsletter for today.
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