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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Around the Remote: ‘Showbiz Kids’ a compelling documentary about growing up in Hollywood

Winter  (Associated Press)
By Chuck Barney East Bay Times

DON’T MISS: “Showbiz Kids” – Stardom at a young age can be incredibly exciting – and often full of pitfalls. This compelling documentary, written and directed by former child actor Alex Winter (“Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” with Keanu Reeves), explores the complexities of growing up under the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight and does so without shying away from the industry’s difficult truths. Among the prominent former child stars sharing their stories are Henry Thomas (“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”), Mara Wilson (“Mrs. Doubtfire”), Todd Bridges (“Diff’rent Strokes”), Evan Rachel Wood (“Thirteen”) and Cameron Boyce, a Disney Channel favorite who died last year, at 20, after suffering an epileptic seizure in his sleep. The film also follows two aspiring young hopefuls as they chase their showbiz dreams. (9 p.m. Tuesday, HBO).

Other bets

SUNDAY: The icy sci-fi thriller “Snowpiercer” wraps up its rollicking first season with a two-part finale. In the opening hour, the rebel forces are on the ropes when a dangerous foe defects to their side. They hatch a final plan to take control of the train once and for all, but it comes at a grave moral cost. (9 p.m., TNT).

SUNDAY: Couldn’t get enough of “Hustlers”? The new drama series “P-Valley” tells the story of a small-town strip club in the Mississippi Delta and the colorful characters who pass through its doors. Elarica Johnson and Brandee Evans lead the cast. (9 p.m., Starz).

MONDAY: “The Nest” is an emotional psychological thriller about a wealthy Scottish couple who have been trying for years to have a baby, with no success. When a troubled teen offers to be their surrogate, it could be the fulfillment of a dream – or the beginning of ominous trouble. (Acorn TV).

TUESDAY: It’s getting down to crunch time on “America’s Got Talent” as the opening round of auditions concludes. And, yes, the Golden Buzzer is still in play, meaning a lucky act can advance directly to the live shows. (8 p.m., NBC).

WEDNESDAY: Will Sasso and Christina Vidal Mitchel star in the new sitcom “United We Fall.” They play parents who learn the hard way that raising two kids isn’t quite as difficult as dealing with his live-in mother (Jane Curtin) and her highly judgmental attitude. (8 p.m., ABC).

WEDNESDAY: The infamous double-murder case at the center of USA’s “Dirty John” is further explored in “Snapped: Betty Broderick.” Included: interviews with detectives, legal experts and friends of Dan Broderick, the San Diego attorney who was fatally shot, along with new wife Linda, by his ex Betty in 1989. (8 p.m., Oxygen).

THURSDAY: Brace yourself for “Killer Camp,” a tongue-in-cheek British competition series. Eleven strangers think they’ve been cast in a fun new reality-TV show are shocked to discover that they’re actually participating in a horror whodunit inspired by 1980s slasher flicks and must figure out who the “murderer” among them is. (8 p.m., The CW).

FRIDAY: The new series “Cursed” is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend told through the eyes of Nimue (Katherine Langford). She’s a teen heroine destined to become the powerful (and tragic) Lady of the Lake. She joins Arthur (Devon Terrell), a young mercenary, in a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword. (Netflix).

SATURDAY: As discussions about racial injustice continue across the country, the timing seems right for “Harriet.” The 2019 theatrical film focuses on the life and heroic legacy of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo in an Oscar-nominated performance. The cast also includes Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe. (8 p.m., HBO).