The essential comedy movies of 2021: starring Ryan Reynolds, Timothée Chalamet, Kristen Wiig and more

Not much about 2021 was funny, but “Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar,” “Free Guy,” “Shiva Baby” and more made us laugh all the same. Here are the essential comedies of 2021, starring Ryan Reynolds (“Free Guy”), Timothée Chalamet and Bill Murray (“The French Dispatch”), Kristen Wiig (“Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar”) and more.

Actor James Franco speaks out on misconduct claims, admits to having sex with students

Six months after settling a lawsuit accusing him and two other men of running an acting school that sexually exploited female students, actor James Franco admitted in a podcast that he had sex with some students, but said they were consensual encounters.

Transgender opera singer debuts new baritone voice

Lucas Bouk had been a mezzo-soprano singer before his transition, and made his professional debut as a baritone at a performance in Manhattan in August.

‘Swan Song’ review: Mahershala Ali stuns in Apple TV+’s sci-fi thinker

Mahershala Ali stars in Benjamin Cleary’s “Swan Song,” a mournful sci-fi thinker that plays out as a headier, more humanistic “Black Mirror” episode. Film critic Clint Worthington has more.

'The Matrix Resurrections' arrives with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss

The Matrix Resurrections has arrived. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss are back to resurrect their roles as Neo and Trinity in this new chapter of the epic franchise.

Review: ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ is an absolute blast

How do you follow up a perfect movie? It’s a question that’s haunted “The Matrix” franchise since the Wachowskis changed sci-fi action cinema forever in 1999. And it’s one that explicitly sits at the heart of this long-awaited fourth installment, which is set for a simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max. Film critic Caroline Siede reviews.

Most popular books at New York City libraries

Reading and talking about books is a good way for people to stay connected, especially when they're stuck at home. The Brooklyn Public Library's Fritzi Bodenheimer said about half of the most popular books readers borrowed provide plenty of escape. But many others deal with racial issues.

Suspect in Texas rapper Chucky Trill's shooting death arrested at Atlanta airport

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office said authorities arrested James Edwards Thomas, who faces malice murder and aggravated assault charges in the death of Corey Detiege, also known as rapper Chucky Trill.

COVID-19 surge: Here’s what’s canceled or closing across the US

As the omicron variant continues to spread across the country, many events are getting canceled and businesses are closing.

Daily Show’s Trevor Noah sues New York hospital for negligence after surgery

The Hospital for Special Surgery is facing a lawsuit from comedian Trevor Noah after he said a surgery left him feeling “sick, sore lame and disabled.”

YouTube TV, Disney reach deal to resume channels

YouTube TV subscribers should see Disney-owned channels trickle back into their lineup now that the two sides have agreed on a new contract.

UTFO’s Kangol Kid dies after battle with cancer at 55

Kid was known for often sporting the popular Kangol headwear and being a member of UTFO, which stands for Untouchable Force Organization. The four-member group was known for such 1980s hits as “Roxanne, Roxanne” and “Ya Cold Wanna Be With Me.”

YouTube TV drops channels owned by Disney from its lineup

YouTube TV subscribers will be without channels owned by Disney for the foreseeable future after the two sides failed to reach an agreement by Friday’s deadline.

Tubi partners with Kevin Garnett and Village Roadshow for 'Black Noir Cinema' initiative

Tubi, FOX's free, ad-supported streaming service, has entered a deal to produce multiple projects in partnership with Village Roadshow Entertainment Group as part of its new “Black Noir Cinema” initiative. First up on the docket are two films to be produced by NBA MVP Kevin Garnett and legendary director/producer Oz Scott (“Black Lightning,” “S.W.A.T.”).

The essential musicals of 2021: “West Side Story,” “Encanto,” “In the Heights” and more

As “West Side Story,” “Encanto” and “Bo Burnham: Inside” make clear, 2021 may not have been a year worth singing about, but it was certainly a year with no shortage of singing.

Chris Noth denies sexual assault claims made by 2 women

“Sex and the City” alumnus Chris Noth is facing sexual assault claims made by two women — accusations he firmly denied in a statement released to FOX News.

Happy birthday, Dick Van Dyke: 6 episodes of ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ to stream (for free!)

Legendary actor, singer and entertainer Dick Van Dyke was born on Dec. 13, 1925, and so this December marks his big 96th birthday. While many know him best for his iconic work in movies like “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” or perhaps his classic mystery series “Diagnosis: Murder,” to others he will always be Rob Petrie — the affable lead character of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

Betty White's 100th birthday celebration coming to theaters nationwide

Betty White’s 100th birthday celebration is being honored with a film honoring her best TV moments and more. Here’s how to get tickets.