

Coffee Table News
Taylor Momsen and More Gossip Girl Stars Have This Advice for the New Cast
It’s hard to know who lived more glamorous lives—the characters of the original Gossip Girl series or the actors that portrayed them. From avoiding the paparazzi (casual) to making the most “magical friendships” on set, some of the actors from The CW show are sharing their most impactful memories ahead of the new reboot.
That’s right: It’s time to welcome back the most powerful Upper East Sider of all. Gossip Girl (Kristen Bell) will return to our lives on Thursday, July 8, when HBO Max debuts its juicy new series.
But before there was Zoya Lott (Whitney Peak), Audrey Hope (Emily Alyn Lind), Aki Menzies (Evan Mock) and Julien Calloway (Jordan Alexander), fans were obsessed with the extravagant lifestyles of Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) and Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford).
So, in honor of the premiere, E! News asked the cast of the original Gossip Girl to share their A+ wisdom with the new stars, including some pretty heartfelt advice on how to savor all that NYC has to offer.
Nearly 10 years after portraying Jenny Humphrey, Taylor Momsen reflects, “Shooting Gos
Her advice to the newcomers? “I would encourage the new cast to take it ALL in,” Taylor, 27, tells E! News. “Gossip Girl was a unique time for me. When I look back I cherish the time I had to explore the city and to learn from people I respect, like [creators] Stephanie [Savage] and Josh [Schwartz].”
Robert John Burke, who portrayed Chuck’s dad Bart Bass, says he sends his “best wishes” the Gossip Girl ensemble, while offering some hot fashion tips. “Have fun, go with the outfit you first decide on and never, ever be on a rooftop alone with my son Chuck!” the 60 year old shares, referring to the bad boy’s scandalous side.
Another fan favorite on screen was Dorota, Blair’s feisty maid and trusted confidante, played by Zuzanna Szadkowski. The actress explains to E! News,” For me, Gossip Girl was all about chemistry,” pointing to the “electricity” between “Miss Blair and Mr. Chuck.”
“It was a real thrill when Dorota found her match in swoon-worthy Vanya,” she says of the doorman, played by Aaron Schwartz. “I hope that the caretaker and sidekick characters amongst the new GG crew find some heat and romance of their own.”
Since the show ended, Zuzanna has realized that the best part was the friendships she made on set. “The greatest gift Gossip Girl gave me was my friendship with Leighton Meester, and I learned so much from working with her,” shares The Gilded Age star, now 42. “There will never be another Blair and Dorota, but my wish for the new generation is that magical friendships will bloom in unlikely places.”
She adds that she’s “very excited” to watch the new Gossip Girl, noting that the original “spread love for NYC all over the globe.”
“This reboot comes at the perfect time because we could use some fun, flashy NYC-centric glamour right now,” Zuzanna gushes. “I can tell from the teasers that the cast already have their smoldering gazes and cold shoulders on lock. It looks really hot. I hope they ruffle some feathers.”
As for Katie Cassidy, who played Serena’s nemesis Juliet Sharp, she tells the new cast to “stay focused, work hard, and have fun!” Not to mention, “Watch out for paparazzi when you’re shooting exteriors in NYC.”
Katie went on to star in Arrow and recently wrapped filming on the movie Agent Game. For her, Gossip Girl is a real “throwback,” saying, “I miss Juliet Sharp, what a fun role I got to portray!”
And if she has it her way, we just might see her in the reboot. “Who knows, maybe I’ll direct an episode for Gossip Girl 2.0 or maybe we will see Juliet Sharp back in the Upper East Side,” Katie, 34, suggests. “Just putting it out there!”
To see what the rest of the O.G. Gossip Girl cast is up to these days, click here.
The Santa Clauses
Here’s When ‘The Santa Clauses 2’ Will Return to Bring You Holiday Cheer

Ho ho ho—it’s a Christmas miracle.
Tim Allen is gearing up to jump back into the Santa suit as Disney+ announced the premiere date for the second season of The Santa Clauses.
The Santa Clauses 2 will hit the streaming service on Wednesday, Nov. 8, airing its first two episodes of the six-episode season.
Episodes will then air weekly leading up to the Dec. 6 finale!
While there was some hesitation from fans of the original film franchise when it came to the TV spinoff, the first season of the series was positively received with viewers wanting more Christmas magic from Scott Calvin and his jolly family.
As for what’s to be expected from season 2, Allen’s man in the red suit will face off against a new foe, Magnus Antas, known also as the Mad Santa, played by Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet.
Per the synopsis, Mad Santa reigned during the 14th century and is now trying to reclaim his spot at the North Pole, which we know the Calvins will staunchly protect against any danger, disaster, or threats.
Stonestreet isn’t the only heavy-hitter joining the series, however, as comedian Gabriel Iglesias will star as Kris “Kringle” Moreno, the owner and operator of a Christmas-themed amusement park called Santaland,” while 30 Rock’s Tracy Morgan will bring his comedic chops to the Easter Bunny role. And lastly, Marta Kessler will appear as a “take-no-prisoners gnome” known as Olga, who is also Magnus’ sidekick.
So much for that retirement Calvin dreamt up in season 1, right?
In addition to all the new drama, Calvin will also be training his son, Cal, played by Austin Kane, who is set to take over the family business, though, personally, we’re still on Team Sandra (Elizabeth Allen-Dick).
Also returning in their series regular roles are Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol aka Mrs. Clause and Devin Bright as Noel, while Matilda Lawler, Santa’s chief of staff and Noel’s love Betty, will reappear as a recurring guest star.
Liam Kyle as Gary, Isabella Bennett as Edie, Sasha Knight as Crouton, Ruby Jay as Riley, Mia Lynn Bangunan as Pontoon, and Laura San Giacomo as La Befana, the Christmas Witch will also grace the screen.
If you missed the first season of the series, or simply want to catch up, you can check out all of our coverage here!
Hallmark Gets Into the Holiday Spirit With ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Lineup
Only Murders in the Building
Will There Be a Season 4 of ‘Only Murders in the Building’?

With just a few episodes left in the third season of Only Murders in the Building and the action ramping up, fans are wondering whether we’re about to reach the end of the road with Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short), the dynamic murder-mystery-solving-podcasting trio.
It would be a shame to wrap up a series with a cast that has such a genuine bond and chemistry, however, one has to wonder how many murders three people can endure without it taking a toll on their mental health.
This season alone, it seems like they’re over death taking such a strong hold over their lives, but then again, getting to solve the unsolved mysteries and helping those wrongly incarcerated get out of prison is important work.
As for writing, Hulu has not given word on whether it will renew or cancel Only Murders in the Building. This means Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is not guaranteed, and it can go either way, however, it does have plenty working in its favor. Each season, there’s a better and more star-studded cast, leaving fans wondering how the series can top itself.
There’s also plenty of buzz and interest in the show, along with rave reviews, including Emmy wins and nominations. The writers continue finding new and fresh ways to expand the storyline, with season 3 roping in potential suspects outside of the walls of the Arconia (though the murder does still happen there) through Oliver’s Broadway play.
There are so many reasons for Hulu to give the series a green light, however, we may have to wait a smidge longer as it’s impossible currently due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. The strikes have halted production on most shows, and that extends to any talks of renewals.
Until an agreement is reached between the union and the studios, we likely won’t get any information about the show’s fate, unless there was an agreement for a fourth season in place prior to the strikes.
If there are any developments, we’ll update this post quickly and accordingly.
Christmas
Hallmark Gets Into the Holiday Spirit With ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Lineup

Move over, spooky season—it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Hallmark.
The network is starting the Christmas season in October, unveiling its 40-movie holiday lineup on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Fans will be thrilled to know that 31 of the movies will air on Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” schedule and nine will be available on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Miracles of Christmas.”
The beloved TV movie event that fans look forward to each year will kickoff on Oct. 20—yep, while most networks are still airing all of their Halloween content.
The streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now, will also offer early access by a week to two upcoming premieres, along with other perks like two original films available only for streaming—An Ice Palace Romance and Rescuing Christmas—along with extended versions of two 2022 original fan-favorites, A Holiday Spectacular and Three Wise Men and a Baby.
There’s plenty of familiar faces returning to the network, including Tyler Hynes, Jonathan Bennett, Brennan Elliott, Dan Jeannotte and Bethany Joy Lenz, along with some new exciting faces making their debut like Virgin River’s Mark Ghanimé, Phylicia Rashad, and Bryan Greenberg.
The full lineup is below, so mark your calendars and let the Christmas vibes:
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