AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:01 p.m. EST

Paramount must convince regulators its deal with Warner will not hurt customers

After months of heated wrangling, Paramount has emerged the apparent victor in its bid to acquire storied Hollywood rival Warner Bros. Discovery. But a bumpy regulatory road lies ahead. Up until Thursday, Netflix had been the favored suitor from Warner’s board and others. But Netflix abruptly dropped out of the running after Paramount upped its rival offer. A Paramount buyout would reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape. And unlike Netflix, Paramount wants the entire company. A merger of this size is reviewed by the U.S. Justice Department, which could sue to block the transaction or request changes. And other countries and entities could challenge the acquisition, too.

CNN chief prescribes calm after staff anxiety over Paramount's expected purchase of parent company

Shortly after it became known that Paramount was the apparent victor in the competition to buy CNN's parent company, network president Mark Thompson was compelled to send his staff a note to calm down, in effect. “I suggest that you don't jump to conclusions,” he said. But that didn't stop the leaping: Paramount chief David Ellison had reportedly suggested to President Donald Trump — no big fan of CNN — that he'd make changes at the network. Paramount has controlled CBS News for the past six months, and he installed opinion journalist Bari Weiss as its editor-in-chief, and his moves at CBS are being scrutinized for what they might mean for CNN.

Actor Tessa Thompson, Sen. Adam Schiff and more sound off on Paramount eying Warner Bros. Discovery

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paramount’s possible takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business is sparking loud political and Hollywood pushback. Sen. Adam Schiff of California says regulators need the highest scrutiny and no White House influence. Actor Mark Ruffalo warns consolidation hurts competition, wages and quality. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts calls the idea an antitrust disaster. She says it could mean higher prices and fewer choices. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut threatens breakups if Democrats regain power. California Attorney General Rob Bonta says the deal is not done. He says his office has an open investigation and plans a tough review.

Kate Moss closes Demna's first Gucci show in a plunging gown and branded thong

MILAN (AP) — Demna has unveiled his first Gucci runway show in Milan, and he's pushing the brand back toward sleek, body-hugging sex appeal. On Friday, he opened with skin-tight white dresses and muscle tees he calls “palette cleansers.” He built the collection into slim trousers, clingy gowns, and sharp outerwear like pea coats and trenches. He nods to Gucci heritage and to Alessandro Michele with a few romantic looks. He mixes posh Milan style with “Maranza” street attitude. Kate Moss closes in a glittering gown with a branded thong. Demna called it “Primavera,”  or "spring,'' and said Gucci should feel emotional, not intellectual.

30 years after Pokémon's release, fans are still trying to catch 'em all

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In the years Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green were released in 1996 for Nintendo Game Boy in Japan, marking the debut of Pokémon, the franchise has taken over the globe with its animated shows, mobile games and highly coveted trading cards. Friday marks the 30th year anniversary of Pokémon as its popularity continues into the next generation with fans young and old. Avid collectors may buy and sell cards for thousands of dollars each, with the fervor leading to a string of break-ins at card shops in California. Fans say they have found community around the game.

Music Review: Bruno Mars is for lovers on the throwback 'The Romantic,' his first album in 10 years

Bruno Mars is back. The 16-time Grammy Award winner has released his fourth full-length album, “The Romantic.” With just nine songs spread over 30 minutes, it's a brief return for Mars. It is also his first solo album in a decade. In a review, The Associated Press' Music Writer Maria Sherman writes that Mars remains one of the great, spirited nostalgists on “The Romantic,” where retro-pop is still the name of the game. But new influences include Philly soul and Latin music. Sherman says throwback grooves have always been a priority for Mars. And on this album, the world is sure to dance with him once again, even if it isn't the most innovative work.

Eddie Vedder turns solo vulnerability into a powerful plea in Netflix’s 'Matter of Time'

Eddie Vedder uses two emotional solo concerts and a new Netflix film to push for a cure for epidermolysis bullosa. In October 2023, he played two sold-out shows in Seattle that form the basis for “Matter of Time,” which mixes songs with stories from families facing EB. The disorder makes skin so fragile it can blister and tear from minor contact. Vedder and his wife, Jill, started EB Research Partnership in 2010 to fund science and build awareness. As for what is next, Vedder said there will be more Pearl Jam music.

Rom-coms are having a moment, from 'Heated Rivalry' to 'Nobody Wants This' and even Broadway

NEW YORK (AP) — A fresh wave of romantic comedies is heating up winter screens and Broadway, and creators say audiences still crave love stories. There’s the HBO Max hockey romance “Heated Rivalry” and the Netflix agnostic-falls-for-a-rabbi series “Nobody Wants This.” The see-you-next-year movie “People We Meet on Vacation” has become a huge Netflix hit. The musical “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” leans into the classic opposites-attract setup. A British optimist meets a world-weary American who hates Christmas songs. Experts say rom-coms come in waves and the genre deserves more respect. New hits add twists like same-sex romance and faith questions.

Deon Cole returns to host NAACP Image Awards and says 'terrible' BAFTA disruption will be addressed

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Deon Cole returns to host the NAACP Image Awards, and he says the night remains focused on celebrating Black excellence. The show will air live Saturday across several Paramount networks, including BET and CBS. Cole says the NAACP Image Awards is planning to address the recent disruption at the BAFTA Film Awards and calls it “terrible.” At the BAFTAs on Sunday, a racial slur came from the audience as two Black actors were announcing an award. The Image Awards ceremony will also honor Viola Davis with the Chairman's Award and Colman Domingo with the President's Award.