AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:45 p.m. EDT

'Malcolm in the Middle' returns after 20 years with questions of legacy and its trademark craziness

NEW YORK (AP) — Hulu has revived “Malcolm in the Middle” with a four-part series subtitled “Life’s Still Unfair.” The show picks up 20 years after the original, with Malcolm now a father trying to protect his daughter from his chaotic family. Original creator Linwood Boomer and his wife, Tracy Katsky Boomer, developed the revival, focusing on Malcolm's struggles as a parent. Some of the original cast members, including Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, return to their old roles. Director Ken Kwapis says original cast members “slipped back into their roles effortlessly.” The revival explores family dynamics and the legacy passed to children. Episodes premiere Friday.

Movie Review: Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel are razor-sharp in art comedy ‘The Christophers’

Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel lead Steven Soderbergh's new movie “The Christophers,” about a famed artist and the unfinished paintings his estranged kids want to inherit. Coel plays an artist hired for her forgery skills, but things don't go exactly as you expect in this taut two-hander. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that “it’s a meditation on art, legacy, creativity and the oh-so-touchy subject of who has the right to critique” with a “razor-sharp script” brought to life by the inspired cast. Rated R, “The Christophers” opens Friday in New York and Los Angeles.

'SNL' season closes out with plenty of Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Damon, Will Ferrell and Paul McCartney

NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Damon, Will Ferrell and Paul McCartney will help close out the “Saturday Night Live” season, with Olivia Rodrigo hosting and performing on May 2. This marks Rodrigo's hosting debut and third time as musical guest. Damon will host on May 9, with Noah Kahan as the musical guest. Ferrell will host the 51st season finale on May 16, marking his sixth time. McCartney will be the musical guest for the fifth time. Colman Domingo and Anitta are set for this Saturday. The NBC sketch comedy show airs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and streams live on Peacock.

Paramount president Jeff Shell is stepping down from his post amid a legal battle

NEW YORK (AP) — Longtime media executive Jeff Shell is leaving Paramount. The move arrives amid a messy legal battle and the Skydance-owned company’s ongoing efforts to take over Hollywood rival Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount confirmed Wednesday that Shell decided to “transition” from his role as president and board member. The board reviewed allegations from a lawsuit claiming Shell violated securities disclosure rules but found no evidence. Last month, Shell was sued for fraud by R.J. Cipriani, who claimed he provided Shell 18 months of crisis communications services without compensation. Shell countered, accusing Cipriani of defamation and extortion. Shell was previously CEO of NBCUniversal, but left in 2023 over an inappropriate relationship.

Music Review: Make way for Ella Langley's 'Dandelion,' a new era of old-soul country

NEW YORK (AP) — Ella Langley has become a standout in modern country music by embracing classic sounds. Her 2024 hit “You Look Like You Love Me,” featuring Riley Green, put her on the map. But her sophomore album, “Dandelion,” co-produced with Miranda Lambert and Ben West, only further proves her chops. Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman writes in her review that “Dandelion” plays to Langley's old soul strengths. And while country music is full of traditionalists, Langley brings the past to her present, melding wistful insights with contemporary acuity. But she's not a revisionist. She's a nostalgist, one who sees the value in using old tools to tell new stories.

'Mormon Wives' star Taylor Frankie Paul can't have unsupervised visits with toddler son, court rules

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah court commissioner says Taylor Frankie Paul, star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” can't have unsupervised time with her 2-year-old son. Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas said during a hearing Tuesday that his concerns about Paul's volatility arose from interactions she had with the boy's father, Dakota Mortensen. The court addressed a protective order sought by Mortensen, with Paul filing her own. Minas delayed ruling on the orders until April 30. The hearing focused on child custody, with both sides discussing heated interactions caught on video. A court-appointed lawyer for the child said he had concerns about Paul's volatility and tendency to fight with Mortensen in his presence.

Oscars set dates for 99th and 100th broadcast, before move to YouTube

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has set dates for its final two Oscars on ABC. The 99th Oscars will be on March 14, 2027, and the 100th on March 5, 2028. These will be the last ceremonies broadcast on ABC before moving to YouTube in 2029. They will also be the last at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The show will then move to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Last month, the 98th Oscars saw a 9% dip in ratings. Conan O'Brien hosted, with “One Battle After Another” winning best picture.

Kevin Hart and Jason Kelce are among the celebrity caddies at Augusta National's Par 3 Contest

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Comedian Kevin Hart caddied for Bryson DeChambeau in the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National. Meanwhile, ex-NFL lineman Jason Kelce was guiding Akshay Bhatia around the short course in this low-key event the day before the start of the Masters. Other players had family members alongside them, including young children. Hart joked that he might take over the putting part too if DeChambeau wasn't doing what he asked. At first Kelce’s main contribution seemed to be cleaning Bhatia’s clubs as they walked toward one hole. But eventually he started lying on his stomach in a dramatic attempt to help read a putt.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ray Stevens recovering after breaking neck

NASHVILLE (AP) — Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ray Stevens has broken his neck and is recovering at home. A statement on X confirmed Tuesday that the 87-year-old country star had been briefly hospitalized after falling late last month. The statement says he “is now fully mobile & in good spirits.” Stevens is known for his topical satire. His decades-long recording career has included such hits as the Grammy-winning “Everything Is Beautiful” as well as the zany “The Streak,” which captured the mid-1970s craze for running naked in public. His latest album is expected to be released Friday on Curb Records.