The new Chevy Chase documentary profile,
“I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,”
premieres on HBO Max on Saturday, January 31. Filmmaker Marina Zenovich explores the complex and often contentious career of the comedian, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and the “Fletch” film series. With interviews featuring fellow stars Dan Aykroyd, Beverly D’Angelo, Goldie Hawn, Lorne Michaels, Ryan Reynolds, and Martin Short, the film provides rare insight into both Chase’s professional highs and personal challenges.
Exploring a Varied Entertainment Landscape This Week
Alongside the Chevy Chase documentary, this week sees a variety of new releases in movies, music, television, and gaming. The Associated Press entertainment journalists highlight selections such as the multiplayer shooter Highguard, the action comedy “The Wrecking Crew” starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, and the third season of the Apple TV series “Shrinking.” These offerings present a diverse mix of genres and platforms for audiences to engage with.
Notable New Films and Performances Now Available
Mary Bronstein’s psychological drama,
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,”
arrives on HBO Max this week, featuring Rose Byrne in an Oscar-nominated role as a mother confronting the mysterious illness of her unseen child. The film pushes Byrne into one of the most demanding dramatic performances of her career, noted by AP reviewer Jocelyn Noveck as showcasing her versatility and emotional strength.
Meanwhile, “The Wrecking Crew,” an action comedy directed by Angel Manuel Soto, debuts on Prime Video. Starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista as estranged half-brothers reuniting after their father’s enigmatic death, the film blends family drama with explosive action, following Soto’s successful 2023 feature “Blue Beetle.”
Additionally, Ira Sachs’ “Peter Hujar’s Day,” premiering on the Criterion Channel, dramatizes a 1974 interview between writer Linda Rosenkrantz (portrayed by Rebecca Hall) and photographer Peter Hujar (played by Ben Whishaw). The film brings a historical and intimate tone to the Independent Film Spirit Awards front-runner.
Prominent Television Series Returning or Launching This Week
Netflix continues its Regency-era romance saga with the release of the first part of “Bridgerton” season 4, focusing on Benedict’s storyline and his search for Sophie, a housemaid hidden beneath a silver disguise. The remaining episodes are set to arrive in February.
Apple TV+ brings back the acclaimed “Shrinking” for its third season, featuring Jason Segel as Jimmy, a widowed therapist balancing work and fatherhood, alongside co-stars Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams. This season introduces guest appearances by Michael J. Fox, Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, Isabella Gomez, and Candice Bergen, expanding the story’s heartfelt exploration of family and companionship.
Paramount+ continues “School Spirits” with its third season, starring Peyton List as Maddie, a teenager navigating the afterlife while uncovering the truth about her death alongside fellow ghostly classmates.
MGM+ premieres a new mystery limited series, “Vanished,” on Sunday, February 1. Kaley Cuoco stars as a woman investigating the disappearance of her boyfriend, played by Sam Claflin, during a train journey in France.
New Music Releases and Upcoming Award Events
The 68th annual Grammy Awards air live on CBS on Sunday, February 1. Headlined by performances from Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga, the event promises a competitive showcase of top musical talent. Various live TV streaming services including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV will also broadcast the ceremony, while Paramount+ premium subscribers can stream it live, and essential plan users gain on-demand access the next day.
California-based power pop-punk band Joyce Manor has returned with their seventh album, aptly titled
“I Used to Go to This Bar,”
continuing their legacy of catchy, emotionally resonant tunes from a band maturing while maintaining its signature sound.
Latest Gaming Releases Offer New Adventures and Challenges
“Highguard,” a new multiplayer shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, lets players become arcane gunslingers battling for supremacy over a mythical land. Promising a mix of magical powers, mythical mounts, and traditional firearms, the free-to-play title is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The studio’s founders bring experience from industry hits like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Titanfall.
Following up on the 2019 title “Code Vein,” Bandai Namco released “Code Vein II,” blending demanding combat akin to Dark Souls with a vampire-themed storyline. Players confront mindless monstrosities known as Revenants to prevent their destruction. The sequel continues to support play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, allowing players to use blood-draining abilities to enhance their powers.
Why the Chevy Chase Documentary Matters in Today’s Entertainment Landscape
The documentary
“I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not”
shines a light on the turbulent journey of one of comedy’s most influential yet controversial figures. Chase’s candid interviews, paired with perspectives from peers like Lorne Michaels and Goldie Hawn, reveal the complexities behind a career marked by groundbreaking success and personal struggles. In an era when public figures face intense scrutiny, this film offers a nuanced portrait that may influence how audiences and industry members view Chase’s legacy.
Moreover, the documentary’s January 31 release on HBO Max situates it amid an influx of strong content debuts, signaling streaming platforms’ commitment to delivering both entertainment and insight. By connecting Chase’s story with contemporaneous offerings across entertainment sectors, the documentary contributes valuable context on celebrity, creativity, and resilience in the modern media environment.
