Category Archives: Hulu

Meeting People Where They Are: Dr. Bernice King Launches MLK Week with Hoops, Hopes & Dreams

Dr. Bernice King, Alexis Feaster, Jetalli Bellanton

As the countdown to Martin Luther King Jr. Day officially began, Dr. Bernice King set the tone for the week with intention, humanity, and storytelling—hosting a powerful screening of Hoops, Hopes & Dreams, a film she serves on as Executive Producer, presented by Andscape.

Following the screening, Dr. King joined a thoughtful and dynamic panel conversation moderated by Tinisha L. Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Opportunity & Inclusion Officer at The Walt Disney Company. The discussion also featured Producer Alexys Feaster and Executive Producer Dr. Jatali Bellanton, offering audiences insight into both the creative vision and cultural responsibility behind the film.

Hoops, Hopes & Dreams opens with a moment that immediately reframes history. Former UN Ambassador Andrew Young reminisces about his younger days on the basketball court, recalling a point guard with a strong left-handed jump shot. “Later,” he says, “I realized it was Martin Luther King Jr.” Young’s reflections portray Dr. King not only as a leader, but as a teammate—a people person, always willing to defend others and connect through shared experience.

The film continues to humanize Dr. King through stories that extend beyond the pulpit. Journalist Jemele Hill appears in the film, noting that former President Barack Obama also knew his way around the basketball court—reinforcing the idea that basketball has long been a universal language of leadership, access, and community.

One of the film’s most resonant themes is that basketball is truly a worldwide sport, and the court itself becomes a place of teamwork, strategy, and trust. More importantly, it underscores a core truth about Dr. King’s approach to leadership: he met people where they were. If that meant being on the basketball court to reach a certain crowd, that’s where you’d find him. If it meant a pool hall, shooting pool and building conversation—that’s where he would go. His love for basketball simply made that connection even more authentic.

By presenting these lesser-known dimensions of Dr. King’s life, the film moves him beyond the stillness of statues and soundbites. It shows him as a full, complex Black man—diverse in interests, relational in nature, and deeply invested in human connection. This is the kind of storytelling that belongs in our school systems, ensuring history remains alive, relatable, and honest for future generations.

During the evening, Dr. Bernice King issued a clear call to action: a challenge for individuals to donate $100 to The King Center, helping preserve the legacy and ensure that real Black history is never erased or lost.

Looking ahead, MLK Week continues with impactful programming, including Nothing to See Here: Watts Beloved Community Talks, featuring a talkback with T.I. Harris, and culminating on Sunday, January 18, with the MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards—a celebration rooted in truth, legacy, and collective responsibility.

In every way, Hoops, Hopes & Dreams reminds us that change begins where connection lives—and that meeting people where they are has always been the heart of the movement.

SOURCE Upscale Magazine

Barbara Walters “Tell Me Everything” Documentary Drops 6/23 on Hulu

Today, ABC News Studios announced the new feature-length documentary, “Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything.” It is produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries. It will premiere Monday, June 23, on Hulu in the U.S. and later this year on Disney+ in select territories internationally after its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. This documentary comes from the producing team behind the 2024 Emmy® Award-winning Best Documentary, “Jim Henson Idea Man.” It is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker and journalist Jackie Jesko. The film examines the broadcast legend’s pivotal role in the history of journalism. It also highlights her pioneering example for women in the industry.

Barbara Walters (Sept. 25, 1929-Dec. 30, 2022) didn’t just report the news — she made news. She was a true American original and a trailblazer who broke ground for women in broadcasting. The documentary gives viewers an intimate and raw look at her astonishing career. It also explores her personal life. Additionally, it delves into the challenges she faced trying to balance it all as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Walters, in her own words, also reflects on the high price of fame and the legacy she hoped to inspire.

“ABC News broke new ground by hiring Barbara. They put a woman at the anchor desk. This move broke the exclusive preserve of men,” said David Sloan, senior executive producer, ABC News. “Her road was filled with peril and naysayers and navigating that was not without personal costs. Nevertheless, Barbara created a dazzling career that had no blueprint and changed broadcast journalism forever.”

Sara Bernstein, president of Imagine Documentaries, said, “Barbara Walters was a true trailblazer. She changed the face of broadcast journalism. She set the gold standard. She completely transformed the culture’s consumption of celebrity journalism. In the process, she inspired generations with her determination, brilliance and humanity. It’s been a true privilege to collaborate with Jackie Jesko, Betsy West and the exceptional team at ABC News Studios. We can’t wait to shine a light on Barbara’s iconic story with the Hulu audience.”

“My hope for the film is that audiences feel they get to know the real Barbara, in all her complexities. They will see her private struggles and her public triumphs,” said Jesko. “Barbara stayed a television fixture for five decades, battling rampant sexism, fierce competition, and a constantly evolving media landscape. Today, celebrities and politicians often choose to speak out on their own social media platforms. They prefer this over subjecting themselves to a news interviewer. Barbara’s story gives us the opportunity to explore the changing relationship between journalism, fame, and truth.”

The film features unaired footage from ABC’s extensive archives. It includes interviews with people who knew and worked with the broadcast legend. Some of these people are Cindy Adams, Joy Behar, Connie Chung, Martin Clancy, and Andy Cohen. Others include Katie Couric, Peter Gethers, Lori Klein, and Cynthia McFadden. Bette Midler, Victor Neufeld, David Sloan, Katie Nelson Thomson, Chris Vlasto, and Oprah Winfrey are also among them.

“Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything” is produced by Imagine Documentaries for ABC News Studios. It is linked to Latchkey Films. Jesko directed it. For Imagine Documentaries, the film is produced by Marcella Steingart, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes and Meredith Kaulfers. Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes and Betsy West serve as executive producers. Muriel Pearson is executive producer, and David Sloan is senior executive producer for ABC News Studios.

Hulu’s Paradise Premiere: Highlights and Insights

Sterling K & Paradise Cast

On March 7th, Hulu rolled out the red carpet for an exclusive special premiere screening of their hit drama series PARADISE. The event took place at The Television Academy in Los Angeles, bringing together the show’s creators, cast, and industry insiders for a night of celebration.

The evening welcomed PARADISE’s powerhouse team, including Executive Producer, Showrunner, and Writer Dan Fogelman, along with Executive Producer and Star Sterling K. Brown. Also in attendance were Executive Producers, Writers, and Directors John Hoberg and John Requa, alongside a stellar lineup of cast members, including James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Krys Marshall, and Nicole Brydon Bloom.

The highly anticipated premiere set the stage for what’s to come in PARADISE, promising an unforgettable season filled with gripping storytelling and standout performances. Fans can catch the latest season streaming exclusively on Hulu.

Guests at the premiere were treated to an exclusive screening of Episode 7, “The Day,” offering a sneak peek into the gripping storyline that has captivated audiences. Following the screening, a dynamic panel discussion took place, featuring PARADISE’s creative minds and leading stars.

Executive Producer and Showrunner Dan Fogelman joined cast members Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, James Marsden, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, and Krys Marshall for an engaging conversation about the episode’s themes, character arcs, and behind-the-scenes insights. The discussion provided fans and attendees with a deeper look into the creative process behind the series, making for an unforgettable night of storytelling and star power. 

ABOUT PARADISE

“Paradise” is set in a serene community inhabited by some of the world’s most prominent individuals. But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high-stakes investigation unfolds.

Created by: Dan Fogelman

Starring: Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV.

Credits: Executive produced by Dan Fogelman, Sterling K. Brown, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, John Hoberg, Jess Rosenthal, and Steve Beers. The series is a 20th Television production. 

Reasonable Doubt: Jax Stewart Faces New Challenges and Engaging Cases

“Reasonable Doubt” is created, written and executive produced by Raamla Mohamed. Kerry Washington executive-produces alongside Pilar Savone for Simpson Street and Larry Wilmore via Wilmore Films. Shawn Holley, Tamara Gregory and Jon Leshay serve as co-executive producers. The series hails from Onyx Collective and is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.
Big Tigger - Narrator

“Reasonable Doubt” Season 2 premieres Thursday, August 22 on Hulu. In part of the celebration, Hulu and the Onyx Collective decided to host a screening in Decatur Georgia at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse with the honorable radio personality Big Tigger as moderator of the Q & A after the screening with the returning cast of last season. Emayatzy Corinealdi, McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Aderinsola Olabode, and Thaddeus J. Mixson.

This new season heralds significant developments for the audience, with the acclaimed actor Morris Chestnut (The Best Man) making his debut in the cast, alongside several remarkable guest appearances. I am pleased to divulge one name in particular: Kandi Burruss. The upcoming season promises to be truly exceptional.

After successfully healing from her wounds from last season’s arduous trial and deadly affair, Jax Stewart is determined to rebuild her life. But when one of her closest friends confesses to killing her husband in self-defense, Jax brings in an ambitious defense attorney to lead the case. Despite the tense situation, Jax remains hopeful as she works to defend her friend, strengthen her marriage, and navigate the biggest case of her career while preserving her energy.

Onyx Collective and ABC Signature have excitedly announced a renewal for the second season of the popular Hulu Original drama series “Reasonable Doubt,” spearheaded by executive producers Raamla Mohamed, Kerry Washington, and Larry Wilmore.

“Reasonable Doubt” continues to captivate audiences with the compelling story of Los Angeles-based high-powered criminal defense attorney Jacqueline “Jax” Stewart (Corinealdi) as she confronts past traumas, navigates the challenges of a failing marriage and motherhood, and tackles a captivating murder case, all while striving to keep balance in her life. Chestnut will portray Corey Cash, a charming and media-savvy defense attorney who often finds himself as the underdog. As Jax enlists Corey’s help on a new high-profile case, she realizes the potential in Corey’s shine and is determined to leverage his strengths to fortify her position at the firm.

Photo Credit: Jonell Whitt