The Parting Shot with H. Alan Scott

Paul Giamatti on joining Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, fulfilling his "dream role" to play a Klingon pirate, reflecting on The Holdovers and the persistent myth that he’s already won an Oscar. (He hasn’t, but should.)  Subscribe to my newsletter:  https://for-the-culture.beehiiv.com   Follow me:  https://linktr.ee/halanscott   See Privacy Policy at...

Legendary composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to discuss his highly anticipated new book, Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner, and share intimate stories from his storied career in Hollywood and on Broadway. Marc dives into his deep bond with the late, great Rob Reiner, reflecting on their friendship and the creative synergy th...

In this episode of Parting Shot, we sit down with the "Powerhouse in Pigtails" herself, Margaret Josephs. While the future of Real Housewives of New Jersey remains a hot topic, Josephs is busy proving she is much more than a reality star. We dive into her "full circle" journey as a licensing expert—from the Macbeth Collection to her new TikTok Shop sensation, Soirée. Josep...

Academy Award nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to discuss her latest lead role in the Netflix thriller The Rip. Catalina reflects on the 20-year legacy of her breakout performance in Maria Full of Grace and shares what it’s really like working alongside industry titans Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Plus, she offers a rare, behind-the-curtain piece of advice fo...

What happens when the ultimate reality TV strategist decides to turn the camera on the genre itself? This week, we’re joined by two-time Survivor legend Stephen Fishbach to celebrate the release of his propulsive debut novel,  Escape!  Stephen pulls back the curtain on reality TV production, exploring the psychological toll of being turned into a television character and the th...

We now live in a world where Kate Hudson is a two-time Academy Award nominee. Let that sink in.  The 98th Academy Award nominations are officially out, and while we’re usually the first to complain about the Academy playing it safe, this year they chose violence. From historic record-breaking hauls to the complete and utter erasure of Oz, the nominations for the Class of 2026 are no...

Jay Shetty is known for guiding millions through life’s biggest questions, but what happens when the advice gets "messy"? In this episode, Jay joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to discuss his new Audible Original series, Messy Love, where he steps away from abstract concepts to work directly with real people navigating the complexities of modern dating and long-term commitment.  Subscribe to my...

After the huge success of her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy marks a bold transition to fiction with new novel Half His Age. But to McCurdy, no matter the genre, it’s all about the voice, and she’s confident about hers. “I feel like my voice is my voice.” Half His Age explores the “funny-sad” tightrope of Waldo, a girl with an...

Today we're chatting with the incomparable Mandy Mango fresh off her departure from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Known for her wit and her warmth, Mandy joins us to pull back the curtain on what really happens when the cameras stop rolling and the lipstick message is written. Mandy gets real about the moment she was voted off and how she processed the judges' critiques. She al...

The castle just got a lot quieter, but the drama is only getting louder. This week, we’re joined by the two most talked-about departures from The Traitors Season 4: Michael Rapaport and Tiffany Mitchell.  First, Michael Rapaport joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to address the firestorm surrounding his exit. He breaks down that explosive roundtable moment&...

Vanderpump Rules has a new face, and he’s already stirring the pot. This week, Shayne Davis joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to pull back the curtain on his debut season and the "player" label that seems to be following him.  Shayne opens up about the reality of filming, the pressure of joining an iconic cast, and his deeply personal journey with sobriety&nbsp...

After five seasons playing Gregory on ABC’s  Abbott Elementary , Tyler James Williams is adding a new title to his job: director. “I think for a while, I have been wanting to get my hands dirty in another aspect of the process.” The actor learned that he approaches directing differently because of his acting background. “My brain thinks in act breaks and pacing, and I guess finding the funnie...

The fire has been extinguished—or has it? Today I’m sitting down with the spicy DD Fuego to unpack her exit from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18.   DD doesn't hold back on why she feels she shouldn't have been in the bottom, the "unfiltered" truth about her elimination, and how she’s handling it. Plus, we dive into her iconic relationship with her boy...

What happens when you put a Real Housewife legend and a  Big Brother  winner in a Scottish castle? Apparently, a whole lot of being misunderstood.   I sat down with Porsha Williams and Ian Terry to discuss their (criminally short) time on  The Traitors . It was truly a case of "wrong place, wrong time" for both of them. Ian—our resident genius—was...

Dacre Montgomery chats Dead Man's Wire, working with Gus Van Sant, life after Stranger Things and just how to pronounce his name.  Subscribe to my newsletter:  https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture   Follow me:  https://linktr.ee/halanscott   Subscribe to Newsweek’s YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/newsweek   See Privacy Policy at https://art1...

What happens when your own eyes and ears become a weapon against you? This week, Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott is joined by Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) and Melissa Barrera (Scream, Abigail) to declassify their mind-bending new Peacock series, The Copenhagen Test. (It’s seriously so good!)   (And yes, Simu was asked about Oh, Mary!)   Subscribe to my newsletter:  https://link.news...

In this episode, Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott sits down with the legendary Stephen Lang to discuss the next chapter of the Avatar saga. Known for his powerhouse portrayal of Colonel Miles Quaritch, Lang takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash and reveals how the shifting landscape of Pandora is changing the man we thought we knew.  Subscribe to my newsletter:  https:/...

Yes, Asher Grodman is a two-time Critics Choice nominee for his performance as Trevor on CBS’ Ghosts, but he knows what you (and host H. Alan Scott) really wants to talk about: his legs. Sure, the work too, but as a ghost who has to “live” for eternity with no pants on, one is bound to wonder just how Grodman keeps it all… in. We chatted about that, the incredible&nbs...

Director Paul Feig wants you to support local movie theaters, ideally at his new movie The Housemaid, based on the popular book series by Freida McFadden. “My last three movies have been streamers, and thank God I got to make movies, but I make movies for audiences in a room.” Adapting a popular book into a film is “intimidating,” but Feig is content with McFadden’s approval. “She said she thinks&...

James L. Brooks, director of classics like Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News and As Good as it Gets, returns to form with Ella McCay, his first film in 15 years. Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott chatted with Brooks about the inspiration behind the story and how the women in his life inspired so many of his iconic female characters. Later in the chat Scott chatted with Jamie Lee Curtis about what&nb...

Wagner Moura chats with Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott about The Secret Agent, the Oscars buzz surrounding it and why “carrying Brazil with us” makes the moment so special.  Transcript:  https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/wagner-moura-on-the-secret-agent-oscars-and-his-return-to-brazilian-film-11182568   Subscribe to my newsletter:  https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-cul...

Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott sits down with the iconic Susan Powter, the original wellness influencer of the 90s, to discuss her unexpected journey from the heights of fame to driving for Uber Eats. Her journey is documented in the Jamie Lee Curtis produced documentary ‘Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter.’ In this candid conversation, Susan opens up about her decision to...

Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson discuss faith in “Wake Up Dead Man,” praising Josh O'Connor’s humor and Glenn Close’s legendary performance in the new mystery. Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott chats with Johnson and Craig about the origins of the story; O’Connor about his love of comedy; and finally Close about how her time in a cult as a child inspired her performance.   Subscribe to my newslette...

Erika Alexander and Kim Coles join Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to chat about their podcast  ReLiving Single , the "limitless creativity" of  Living Single  and the sitcom's enduring impact on pop culture.  You can watch the first season of ReLiving Single on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ReLivingSinglePodcast   Subscribe to my news...

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star and New York Times bestselling author Heather Gay joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to discuss her powerful new special, Surviving Mormonism. We dive into how reality TV has become an unexpected frontier for defining Mormon culture, why women are leading that charge, and how Heather is navigating her own journey from "Bad Mormon" to cultural trailblazer.  S...