TV

Television audiences can’t get enough stories about crime. And almost invariably, whether we’re talking about real-life or fictional homicide detectives, crime-scene investigators or prosecutors, those working to maintain law and order are portrayed as staunch heroes.

“Full House” star Dave Coulier revealed on Wednesday that he is battling Stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

While gearing up for the long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel “Gladiator II,” you may be wondering, who is this Paul Mescal character and is he fit to wield the sword of Maximus? That is, of course, if you have not followed the ascent to stardom of the Irish actor over the past four years, which started with his breakout role in the series adaptation of “Normal People” on Hulu in 2020. The good thing is that he’s rarely made a misstep in his career, so catching up on the Mescal filmography of late is a treat and a joy.

With Hugh Grant delivering a villainous turn in the horror movie “Heretic,” it’s the perfect time to take a stroll through his filmography. Plus, from lush Merchant Ivory period pieces, to defining modern rom-coms, the Grant oeuvre is full of the perfect escapist comfort watches that might prove to be a balm during this election week. So let the British charmer do his thing, and remember why we fell in love with the floppy-haired Grant in the first place.

With Liam Neeson’s latest film “Absolution” hitting theaters this weekend, a reunion with his “Cold Pursuit” director Hans Petter Moland, in which he plays a mob enforcer struggling with memory issues (the fallout of his life of violence), it calls to mind the later period of his career in which Neeson has embraced the action-thriller B-movie mantle like a neo-Charles Bronson. Since 2008’s “Taken,” Neeson has made all manner of dramatic action films in which he’s demonstrated his particular set of skills. But not all of these so-called “geezer teasers” are created equal. So here’s a rundown of the best of these later period Neeson joints and where to stream them.

Ron Ely, the star of the original “Tarzan” TV series, has died at age 86. The actor died on Sept. 29 at the Santa Barbara, California, home of his daughter Kirsten. She confirmed his passing on Instagram Wednesday, but did not reveal a cause of death.

With Edward Berger’s papal election thriller “Conclave” hitting theaters in wide release, it’s a chance to consider all the films and TV shows of late that have delved into the secretive world of the Vatican. From documentaries to horror films, the heart of the Catholic Church has fascinated filmmakers and become rich territory upon which to explore philosophy, morality, ritual and tradition. So if “Conclave” has you hankering for more pope content, look no further than this list.

Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with the chilling “Woman of the Hour,” which premieres on Netflix Friday, Oct. 18. Kendrick also stars in the film written by Ian McDonald, based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who once appeared on — and won — “The Dating Game.” Kendrick stars as Sheryl, a struggling actress who appears on the show while trying to jump-start her ...

Fran Tarkenton arrived in New York City exhausted, dispirited and maybe a little confused. Three days earlier, the Minnesota quarterback had lost to the John Madden-coached Oakland Raiders in the Super Bowl, trudging off the field at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 9, 1977, leaving the Vikings with an 0-4 record on football's biggest stage. Now, a different stage. 

In Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film “Pulp Fiction,” Harvey Keitel starred as the quintessential crime-scene clean-up man, known only as the Wolf. Keitel’s character is a no-nonsense professional, competent in all the ways needed to cover up even the bloodiest of messes.

Actor John Amos, known for “Good Times” and “Coming To America,” has died. He was 84 years old.