Media stocks took a dive this week, following bad news about subscriber numbers for pay TV (~400,000 below expectations) and worrying comments from Turner about the TV ad market.

The subscriber decline, in particular, should concern cable and satellite TV companies. "After two quarters of slight improvements, pay TV subscriber declines appear to have accelerated markedly in 1Q17," UBS analysts led by Doug Mitchelson wrote in a note Wednesday. One thing this could mean: The new streaming TV bundles (vMVPDs), such as YouTube TV and DirecTV Now, aren't the savior the industry was hoping for — at least not yet.

"The cord cutting acceleration contrasts with the media bull case that [streaming TV packages] will stabilize or improve pay TV declines," UBS wrote.

UBS gave a few potential reasons for the acceleration of subscriber losses:

• Price increases on traditional services could be causing more people to cancel.
• "Promotional intensity" could have gone down, especially on lower-end tiers.
• Perhaps some of the early sign-ups to new streaming TV bundles were doubling up, and keeping their traditional TV packages. Those people could now be canceling.

Whatever the reason, the decline is likely to spark fears that cord-cutting will finally start to get moving in a way that will hurt the pay TV industry. For instance, in a recent report on the future of ESPN, Morgan Stanley wrote that the growth of streaming TV services would cause “subscriber erosion trends to improve.” Basically, that these services would turn around the growth picture. That might not be the case.

“The industry can’t resist change anymore,” industry analyst Michael Nathanson wrote in a note about cord-cutting, according to Variety. “The future has arrived.”

Here is a chart from UBS that puts that into perspective, showing how subscriber declines have accelerated (both with and without new streaming bundles):

SEE ALSO: Here's what Snapchat's big push for TV-like 'shows' will look like

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Comey reveals why he announced a new Clinton investigation 11 days before the election

There's a new candidate for the king of late night. His name is Donald Trump.

Well, not really. "The President Show" follows in the Comedy Central tradition of fake talk shows, one it basically created with "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report." The new iteration is hosted by our very own United States president in the form of Trump impersonator Anthony Atamanuik.

Airing for a half-hour on Thursdays at 11:30 p.m., "The President Show" imagines a scenario in which Trumpbypasses the media, with whom he has had a contentious relationship (to say the least), and does his own late-night show from the White House Oval Office. Like other late-night shows, this one includes desk segments, field pieces, and guest interviews, as well as its own Vice President Mike Pence (played by Peter Grosz, who's also an executive producer) as Trump's sidekick.

The show's premiere episode on April 27 did gangbusters for Comedy Central. It was watched by about 1 million viewers in its first three days after its debut, the network's highest series premiere debut viewership since its acclaimed comedy "Broad City."

The show's high ratings are well-deserved. It's a fresh take on both late-night shows and Trump satire, which is all the more remarkable given how familiar both of those formats have become. It's honestly one of the most exciting late-night shows in a long time.

Here's why you should watch "The President Show":

SEE ALSO: A Trump impersonator with a new show thinks he unlocked the secret to the president

DON'T MISS: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert nearly left Comedy Central in 2012

Anthony Atamanuik's version of Trump has an ease to it that Alec Baldwin's lacks.

Viewers may have first heard of Atamanuik from his very public feud with Baldwin while both were lobbying to play the president at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Baldwin is certainly good at impersonating Trump, but Atamanuik takes the impersonation to places the star regularly popping up on "Saturday Night Live" doesn't.

The difference is mostly in tone and physicality — and we're not talking about sporting a red tie, orange tan, and a gravity-defying blond wig. Baldwin's impression centers on the strained lip pout and an uptight feeling in Trump's body. It was timely for him when he began the impression in 2016, as it reflected a very anxious, sometimes angry country.

Atamanuik offers a much more relaxed physical presence in his impression. That probably comes from his improv background and his different read on Trump's personality.

"He fancies himself as a Rat Packer, but he’s really this insecure, almost dowager living in a mansion," Atamanuik told reporters last week of the real Trump. "He has this weird feminine quality to him that he tries to overcome with this sort of swagger-y masculinity."

And while Baldwin has starred in short sketches on "SNL" over the past several months, Atamanuik has been able to hone and relax into his Trump creation during a 41-city tour for the comedy show "Trump vs. Bernie."

All of the above makes for a more relaxed viewing experience compared to Baldwin's tightly wound take.

The show's Mike Pence is sidekick-comedy gold.

Peter Grosz as Vice President Mike Pence is always either sitting on the couch or lurking nearby Atamanuik's Trump.

Also an executive producer on "The President Show," Grosz plays Pence as quietly subservient and absolutely afraid of Trump. But there's also a great play on Pence's Christian right leanings, with strict avoidance of temptation or a penchant for acting out strange impulses.

Grosz walks the line of stealing scenes from Atamanuik and providing great interest to viewers who notice the details.

The set is awesome.

Comedy Central's Oval Office looks like the real thing, but it's got some hidden tricks.

First off, it was designed by Ellen Waggett, a former set designer for Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon, as well as the designer hired by Michelle Obama for the annual Broadway at the White House event.

Her take on the Oval Office reflects her own personal visits to the actual one, but she throws in some interesting comedic details. For example, there's a row of Russian nesting dolls on the bookshelf and touches of gold, something she gleaned while scoping out the over-the-top interior design of the D.C. Trump hotel during a visit.

There's also a trap door in the front panel of Trump's desk and one of the bookcases opens up to a yet-to-be-seen recurring sketch on the show that allows Trump to escape to magical worlds.

NEW YORK — YouTube plans to produce a slate of original video programs to air on its website, as the Google-owned company seeks to retain its audience amid competition from the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Facebook.

During a presentation at New York's Javitz Center on Thursday, YouTube boss Susan Wojciki showcased some of the new programs, which she said were something that YouTube advertisers had been asking for.

The shows will feature big-name celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and comedian Kevin Hart, and will be available exclusively on YouTube's free, advertiser-supported website, and not on the company's subscription-based premium service, YouTube Red.

YouTube is the world's most popular video streaming website, but much of the content is unpolished, created by amateurs and occasionally offensive — a problem that has come to the fore in recent months as advertisers discovered that their ads appeared alongside violent and racist videos. More than 250 brands reportedly pulled their spending.

“We apologize for letting some of you down," Wojcicki said on Thursday. "We can and we will do better."

Third time's a charm

The effort to bankroll high-quality original programming for the site marks YouTube's third-attempt at playing a more direct role in shaping the content on its site and underscores the challenge of finding the right formula for success in video streaming. YouTube initially spent more than $100 million in 2011 to help launch channels anchored by big names like Madonna and ESPN. That initiative was not entirely successful, and YouTube took another shot a few years later, this time relying on home-grown YouTube stars instead of celebrities. 

Now it appears that YouTube has reversed course yet again, and believes that celebrity talent is a key to success at a time when rivals like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu are pouring large amoung of money into professionally-produced original programs.

YouTube is still investing in its original talent too, with YouTube stars involved in the majority of roughly 40 original programs the company is rolling out for its various platforms.

When describing why YouTube was undertaking this initiative now, YouTube's business chief Robert Kyncl said it was because completely ad-supported series were "becoming more and more rare.” He said increasingly more premium video was going to subscription services, and that YouTube sees these shows as a way to partner with advertisers to "buck this trend."

In total, YouTube announced 6 new original shows with stars including Demi Lavoto, Ellen DeGeneres, comedy duo Rhett & Link.

Here is the descriptions of the shows, from YouTube:

• Ellen’s Show Me More Show: Like nothing Ellen has done before, Ellen’s Show Me More Show is a twice-a-week series built just for YouTube, giving fans behind the scenes access to some of the biggest stars and her favorite moments.
• Good Mythical Morning: Worldwide YouTube superstars—and hosts of YouTube’s most popular daily show—Rhett & Link will go to new heights in a long-form expansion of Good Mythical Morning, giving fans even more of what they crave: larger-than-life stunts, zanier challenges, and over-the-top laughs.
• Kevin Hart: What the Fit?: Kevin will team up with celebrity friends and YouTube stars each week as they attempt to master a different trending, grueling and sometimes ridiculous workout routine.  
• I Am: Demi Lovato: Global music sensation and social advocate, Demi Lovato reveals a yearlong personal journey of music reinvention and deep discovery as she dives into the writing and recording of her new album in her new series, I Am: Demi Lovato.
• Best.Cover.Ever.: From Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America, Best.Cover.Ever. is a cutting-edge talent competition series hosted by Ludacris where emerging talent from across the globe submit covers to YouTube to vie for the ultimate prize: an opportunity to perform a duet with a superstar artist. Submit your cover now at thebestcoverever.com.
• The Super Slow Show: YouTube stars The Slow Mo Guys will test the latest in technology to reinvent the way we look at celebrities, music, pranks, comedy sketches and more, giving a one-of-a-kind glimpse into what the world looks like in slow motion.
• Katy Perry Live Special: It's real. It's raw. It's Katy Perry. Live on YouTube, The Katy Perry Live Special will take you inside of her world, revealing the experiences and emotions she poured into her all-new soul-baring music on the eve of her highly anticipated album launch. With unique access, global reach and surprise fun packed along the way, Katy will break it all down in this album listen-along, and if you stick around long enough, there might just be fireworks.

SEE ALSO: Inside the crazy-successful, controversial life of billionaire Uber CEO Travis Kalanick

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's a visualization of Elon Musk's tunneling project that could change transportation forever

On Thursday, YouTube unveiled a new plan to fund a slate of shows from big-name celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart, and Katy Perry.

Significantly, these shows will live on YouTube's main ad-supported service, and not on its $9.99-a-month subscription service, YouTube Red. That means they will be free for everyone to watch.

Why is YouTube tapping these stars now?

"Five years ago, 85 percent of all original series were ad-supported," Robert Kyncl, YouTube's business chief, said Thursday. "This year, that number has fallen to just over two-thirds. And with significantly more content coming to subscription services, that shift is accelerating. So we see these shows as a way for us to partner with [advertisers] to buck this trend."

Kyncl said Johnson and Johnson had already signed on as the "exclusive sponsor" of one of these new shows, Ryan Seacrest's competition show called "Best.Cover.Ever."

But enough about the business strategy, what are the shows? Here is a list of the ones YouTube announced on Thursday, along with their description:

SEE ALSO: YouTube is tapping Kevin Hart, Ellen DeGeneres and other big-names to make original shows

Ellen’s Show Me More Show

"Like nothing Ellen has done before, Ellen’s Show Me More Show is a twice-a-week series built just for YouTube, giving fans behind the scenes access to some of the biggest stars and her favorite moments."

Good Mythical Morning

"Worldwide YouTube superstars—and hosts of YouTube’s most popular daily show—Rhett & Link will go to new heights in a long-form expansion of Good Mythical Morning, giving fans even more of what they crave: larger-than-life stunts, zanier challenges, and over-the-top laughs."

Kevin Hart: What the Fit?

"Kevin will team up with celebrity friends and YouTube stars each week as they attempt to master a different trending, grueling and sometimes ridiculous workout routine."

It's that time of year when the networks are each bringing down the ax on several of their series.

To make room for new shows, executives have been crunching the ratings numbers, reviewing pilots for new series, and making easy and difficult decisions about which shows have to go.

The easy cancellation decisions this year included Katherine Heigl's low-rated legal drama, "Doubt," by CBS. Then there was NBC and DC's critically panned and low-rated comedy experiment, "Powerless."

Among the tougher cuts this year was Fox's decision to cancel the low-rated but critically acclaimed "Pitch," the story of a young woman who breaks into Major League Baseball as a pitcher. In the same vein, Amazon canceled its show "Good Girls Revolt," about the women who paved the way for today's female journalists. HBO also couldn't hang on to "The Leftovers," which was beloved by critics and fans but couldn't pull in the necessary ratings.

And then you have the shows that had run their natural course, such as "Girls," "The Vampire Diaries," "Bloodline," and "Masters of Sex."

Here are all the broadcast shows that were canceled and a selection of canceled shows on the streaming and cable networks:

SEE ALSO: Here are all your favorite TV shows that are coming back for another season

DON'T MISS: 10 TV shows people think are about to be canceled

"Bates Motel" (A&E)

"Black Sails" (Starz)

"Bloodline" (Netflix)

Stephen Colbert bashed President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans for prematurely celebrating the victory of their controversial healthcare bill after it passed in the United States House of Representatives on Thursday.

"They did it! Obamacare is finally, officially dead!" the host said sarcastically during his opening monologue on Thursday's "Late Show."

He then detailed the complicated process before the plan, titled the American Health Care Act, can go into effect.

Republicans can really celebrate, the host said, "once the bill goes to the Senate then gets out of committee, is debated on the floor where amendments can be added, then the Senate votes on their bill, which is sent to the conference committee where the differences between the two bills are ironed out, then voted on in the House and Senate again, the sent to the White House for the president to sign."

He also joked, "Which is why Republicans were chanting, 'We’re number one… third of the way through a very complex process!'"

The new healthcare bill, a revised version of the one Republicans previously pulled from consideration when it was clear they didn't have the votes to pass it, is intended to repeal and replace Obamacare. Among the differences from President Barack Obama's plan, the new bill greatly strips coverage for maternity care, emergency services, and opens the door to denying coverage or raising rates on those with preexisting conditions.

Colbert also referenced a comment one reporter said White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told her of Trump's determination to pass the bill: "The president stepped up and helped punt the ball into the end zone."

“Accurate, because it gets you zero points and gives your opponent good field position,” Colbert said of the incorrect metaphor. To be fair to Priebus, the reporter later clarified that she believes he actually said "punch," not "punt."

Colbert, who apparently hadn't received the change memo, did offer up a new metaphor: "The GOP just kicked America in the balls."

Watch the video below:

SEE ALSO: Why Comedy Central's new 'The President Show' is the Trump parody you need to watch

DON'T MISS: Stephen Colbert fires back at #FireColbert campaign over his Trump insult: 'I would do it again'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Hasan Minhaj roast Trump at the White House correspondents' dinner

According to the local newspaper The Cannon Courier, Scientology facilities in Cannon County, Tennessee, are permanently closed and not operating after a 911 call led police to discover allegations that people were being held against their will with “no obvious amenity for life.”

“The Scientology facilities are closed and [no longer] operating,” a statement from Cannon County Sheriff’s Department said, The Cannon Courier reported.

The newspaper also reported that the Sheriff’s Department got a 911 phone call that gave it the opportunity to go inside the facilities. Officers described the scene as “a double-wide trailer with several tiny cabins located behind it.” The cabins were in the wilderness and gated. 

A man there who made the 911 call reportedly told officers that in addition to being held against his will, he was also being given unknown medications. He told officers that he was there for rehab and to “get cleansed through Scientology.” The man told officers that he’d been at the facilities for nine months. 

Officers desribed the man's bedroom in the area as “a small room with a single bed in it, the bed is bare except for a one sheet that he covers up with, his bathroom is the only room with a light."

The man was taken to a local hospital. After a search of the facilities, officers found a woman who was also transported to a local hospital.

Three suspects have been charged in the case and are in custody. The Cannon Courier reports that two of the suspects have entered guilty pleas on two counts of false imprisonment.

The Cannon County Sheriff’s Department and The Church of Scientology did not immediately respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.

SEE ALSO: All the most shocking things about Scientology, according to Leah Remini's revealing show

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 7 details you might have missed in episode 1 of 'American Gods'

Ellen DeGeneres won't have President Donald Trump as a guest on her hit daytime talk show.

"I'm not going to change his mind," she told Matt Lauer during a pretaped interview on Friday's "Today" show of her reasoning for not having Trump on her talk show. "He's against everything that I stand for."

DeGeneres acknowledged that she does know the president. In the past, he had appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," also known as "Ellen," to promote his NBC reality show "The Apprentice" in its early seasons. But things have become icy between the two since the election.

"I knew him then," DeGeneres said. "I have not spoken to him since he's run for president or become president."

A big supporter of LGBTQ rights and an out lesbian for more than two decades, DeGeneres likely disagrees with Trump's recent executive order that revokes federal guidelines giving bathroom rights to transgender Americans.

She further explained what she believes Trump lacks as a leader.

"We need to look at someone else who looks different than us, and believes in something that we don't believe in, and still accept them and still let them have their rights," she said.

Watch the "Today" interview below:

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert slams the new healthcare bill: 'The GOP just kicked America in the balls'

DON'T MISS: Caitlyn Jenner challenges Trump on transgender bathroom rights 'disaster': 'Call me'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Hasan Minhaj roast Trump at the White House correspondents' dinner

In late 2016, the "Star Wars" universe (and the world) lost one of the greats with Carrie Fisher’s shocking passing.

Shortly after her death, it was confirmed that Fisher had filmed all of her scenes for "The Last Jedi," the follow-up to "The Force Awakens" due out in 2017, and there wouldn’t be any chamges made to the story. 

Concerns, however, did arise for fans and the filmmakers alike when it came to her role in "Episode XI," the last film in the new Disney-era "Star Wars" trilogy.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has confirmed that Leia will not appear in “Episode IX” at all. 

“Obviously, with Carrie having passed away, it shook everybody,” Kennedy said. “We pretty much started over.”

Kennedy also said that while Fisher will not be in "Episode IX,"  we’ll  see "a lot of Carrie in VIII," aka "The Last Jedi."

It will be heartbreaking to see the last of Fisher’s work as Leia (and ever) in "The Last Jedi," but we’re certainly looking forward to seeing a lot of her in the film, which hits theaters December 15. 

SEE ALSO: Here's everything we know about what will happen in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's all the food The Rock eats in a single day

No one thought that a civilian with no military or political experience could win the race for the highest office in the land, President of the United States.

That was of course until real estate mogul Donald Trump won the 2016 election and took office this year.

Now more than ever, civilian businessmen and women are reportedly considering a run for president. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and Oprah Winfrey are all reportedly considering a run.

Another notable CEO that is actively considering a bid is Disney's Bob Iger. 

Iger made Barron's list of The World's Best CEOs. During his time as Disney's CEO he has returned 300% to shareholders before dividends.

Now Axios is reporting that Dreamworks founder "Jeffrey Katzenberg, (also) the former Disney Studios chairman, is said to be a ringleader among those encouraging a run." Sources close to Iger say that he is "extremely intrigued by the idea."

Last Summer Iger said, "a lot of people — a lot — have urged me to seek political office."

In March, the Hollywood Reporter reported a similar story, saying that Iger had sought the advice of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg about running for president.

Iger is 66 and his contract with Disney expires in 2019, just in time for him to run, if he wants.

Click here for a real time Disney chart. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are outraged by this shocking video showing a passenger forcibly dragged off a United Airlines plane

No one thought that a civilian with no military or political experience could win the race for the highest office in the land, President of the United States.

That was of course until real estate mogul Donald Trump won the 2016 election and took office this year.

Now more than ever, civilian businessmen and women are reportedly considering a run for president. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and Oprah Winfrey are all reportedly considering a run.

Another notable CEO that is actively considering a bid is Disney's Bob Iger. 

Iger made Barron's list of The World's Best CEOs. During his time as Disney's CEO he has returned 300% to shareholders before dividends.

Now Axios is reporting that Dreamworks founder "Jeffrey Katzenberg, (also) the former Disney Studios chairman, is said to be a ringleader among those encouraging a run." Sources close to Iger say that he is "extremely intrigued by the idea."

Last Summer Iger said, "a lot of people — a lot — have urged me to seek political office."

In March, the Hollywood Reporter reported a similar story, saying that Iger had sought the advice of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg about running for president.

Iger is 66 and his contract with Disney expires in 2019, just in time for him to run, if he wants.

Click here for a real time Disney chart. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are outraged by this shocking video showing a passenger forcibly dragged off a United Airlines plane

Led Zeppelin fans worldwide have been collectively churning a recent mega-rumor: that the band could reunite for a concert, possibly in 2018, and possibly at the Desert Trip festival in California to celebrate the band's 50th anniversary.

Speculation was set off by a cryptic post to lead-singer Robert Plant's website: "Any time now..."

Then the fire was really set by a brief post at Feel Numb.

After a few days of in which Zep enthusiasts checked their bank balances and tried to figure out how to get themselves to Indio, Calif. — fully aware that when the group reunited in 2007 at London's O2 arena, 20 million people tried to buy 20,000 tickets — Billboard appeared to quash the fun.

"[T]here’s no deal in place to get Led Zeppelin’s surviving members -- Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones — back together, sources say, while AEG hasn’t announced another Desert Trip festival for this year," the publication reported. "The promise on Mr. Plant’s website, meanwhile, is more likely a tease to a forthcoming album than to an upcoming performance, sources tell Billboard."

Last year's Desert Trip was classic-rock hootenanny, featuring acts such as Paul McCartney, The Who, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. 

The event was expensive and controversial, but it was a musical festival for everyone who was either too old or too rich to go to Bonnaroo.

The perfect venue

The apparent negation of the tantalizing Zep rumors notwithstanding, Desert Trip or some kind of stand in the California desert would be perfect for a Zep reunion. The band started out all those years ago playing festivals in Europe, and over its astounding run until drummer John Bonham's death in 1980, decadent journeys to the Golden State were routine. 

Additionally, Zep's final performance by the original foursome — Bonham, Plant, Jimmy Page on guitar and John Paul Jones on bass — was at a festival, Knebworth, in 1979.

Between the 1980s and 2007, there were a few desultory reunions, and Plant and Page teamed up several times to engage in some interesting musical explorations. Plant undertook a successful solo career, Jones became more of a sideman, and Page released a solo record and formed two additional groups, Coverdale Page with Whitensake singer David Coverdale and The Firm with Bad Company's Paul Rodgers.

Over the past ten years, Plant really entered some new musical territory, winning a Grammy with bluegrass musician Alison Krauss and touring with some offbeat groups that would cover Zep classics using rootsy or world-music inspired arrangements.

Page devoted himself to remastering the entire Zep catalog to correct what he felt was a desecration of the band's legacy when the original vinyl albums were transferred to CDs. But he also frequently teased fans with the prospects of his own revived solo career, while also grumbling that Plant refused to reunite Zep for extra shows following the O2 "Celebration Day" reboot, with Bonham's son Jason on drums. 

The show is often spoken of as the greatest rock concert of all time, from rock's biggest band.

The last "Whole Lotta Love"

What knocked Zep fans for a loop was both the rumor and the realization that with Plant nearing 70 and both Page and Jones already there, a California stand in 2018 would perhaps be the last chance to see that band live. 

Obviously, we'll see. If Zep does decide to do something to celebrate the band's formation in 1968 and the release of Led Zeppelin I, its first album, in 1969, it would be huge. The "Celebration Day" film has done nothing but stoke the appetites of fans to witness the mighty Zep give it one last go, a proper "Swan Song," to borrow the name of the band's own briefly lived label.

If form holds, Page would likely be up for the gig, although he's been curiously absent from any live performance at all for some time now. When the band last reunited, it rehearsed for months to deliver a superb show in 2007. Jones would likely join in. Plant has been the holdout, insisting that he doesn't want to revive his 20-something rock-god self and would prefer that his former bandmates at least consider taking Zep in different direction: less loud, less libidinous, in the end maybe less Zep.

Honestly, it seems odd that Plant's website would be the place that an announcement would be made, so Billboard's reporting is probably correct. But the rumors should have reminded everyone that Zep at 50 does loom. Just because the lastest speculation could be baseless, that doesn't mean something isn't in the works. 

SEE ALSO: Everyone thinks 'Coda' is Led Zeppelin's worst album — but it's really surprisingly great

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch SpaceX land its 10th successful rocket after launching a top secret government satellite into space

Ever since the original "Guardians of the Galaxy" film came out in summer 2014, Marvel fans, movie fans, and Chris Pratt fans have been impatiently awaiting the sequel.

Luckily it hits theaters Friday. Overall, critics are loving it. The spirit of the film, the memorable personalities, and the modern music made "Guardians of the Galaxy" feel fresh, special, and unlike any other Marvel film. Critics agree that "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" doesn't disappoint. 

While the film doesn't feel as fresh as the original, it's still a must-see. 

Here's what critics are saying about "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2":

SEE ALSO: 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' confirms a crazy Marvel theory fans have had for years

It’s just like the first — and that’s a good thing.

“All sequels repeat the best tricks of their predecessors, but director James Gunn's choice of tricks is way more fun than most.” —Slate

It maintains the spirit of the original that fans loved so much.

“Like many a sequel to a slam-bang, much-liked mega-hit, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' isn't quite as much fun, not quite as clever, not quite as fresh as the original — but it still packs a bright and shiny and sweet punch.” —Chicago Sun-Times

Like the first, it's movie magic.

“The most fun I've had in a theater this year and as much fun as the original. This is the kind of fun that made me love movies as a kid and is why I keep reviewing film.” —Tri-City Herald

Social-media posters who complained about the Fyre Festival online were hit with cease-and-desist letters, according to a new lawsuit filed in Florida against the infamous event's organizers.

The class-action suit, which is seeking $5 million in damages, alleges that Fyre Festival attendees were sent letters requesting that they take their negative social media posts down.

"Specifically, if the social media comments were not taken down, the Defendants claim they could 'incite violence, rioting, or civil unrest,' with the caveat that if 'someone innocent does get hurt as a result ... Fyre Festival will hold you accountable and responsible,'" the complaint reads. 

The complaint also includes screenshots of tweets from Fyre Festival attendees complaining about the lack of proper shelter, food, and organization at the festival. Festivalgoers arrived on the island of Great Exuma on April 27 but found a lack of food, shelter, and organization. As it became clear that the luxury music festival would not happen as planned, efforts to leave were hampered by a lack of infrastructure for getting people off of the island.

 The suit was filed by Greenspoon Marder in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, "a region considered to be the 'hub' for Fyre Festival," according to a press release. It alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, fraud in the inducement, breach of contract, and violation of various state consumer protection laws. 

Fyre Festival organizers Billy McFarland and Ja Rule are facing several other class-action suits, including one seeking $100 million in damages, which was filed earlier this week. 

This new suit also names as defendants two PR firms that were tasked with promoting the event: 42West and Matte Projects. 

"Even with the slightest bit of due diligence, we believe that the PR agencies knew or should have known that what they were promising could never be delivered," Jeffrey Backman, a shareholder at Greenspoon Marder and co-counsel for plaintiffs Kenneth Reel and Emily Reel, said in a press release. 

A host of supermodels had promoted the festival on social media, including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski, and Bella Hadid. Blink-182, Major Lazer, Migos, Tyga, and Disclosure were among the artists scheduled to perform, according to the festival's promotions.

Tickets started at $1,200, but reports have said that some attendees paid close to or over $100,000 for the weekend.

SEE ALSO: Comcast nearly invested millions in the doomed Fyre Festival's parent company

DON'T MISS: Here's what Fyre Festival attendees thought they were getting when they bought $1,200 tickets — and here's the nightmarish reality

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Fyre Festival expectations vs. reality — here's what attendees thought they were getting when they bought $12,000 tickets

Fyre Festival organizers Billy McFarland and Ja Rule are facing several major lawsuits after attempting to put on a music festival in the Bahamas only to have it collapse before it began.

The most recent suit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, was brought by two Fyre Festival guests, Emily and Kenneth Reel.

Filed by Greenspoon Marder and seeking $5 million in damages, the suit names Fyre Media, McFarland, Ja Rule (Jeffrey Atkins), and two PR firms that were tasked with handling promotion for the festival, 42West and Matte Projects. 

"Even basic due diligence would have revealed that the Fyre Festival could not possibly live up to the hype, as basic infrastructure was not even in place," the complaint reads. "And, upon information and belief, the PR Defendants did nothing to ensure that what they were marketing, and in turn what people were relying upon in purchasing tickets, was or even could be true."

One shot showing a woman swimming in the sea off Exuma is highlighted, which according to the plaintiff, is incorrect, as one of the employees of the festival was told not to go near the water off Exuma because of "a rampant shark problem," the lawsuit says. 

Here's the full Fyre Festival promo video:

The lawsuit outlines what the expectations were for this supposedly "luxury" festival vs. the realities. Take a look at the pictures below:

SEE ALSO: Lawyers for the Fyre Festival sent cease-and-desist letters to people who tweeted about it, lawsuit claims

The three-day party was supposed to be on a private beach on the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas.

It was supposed to be over two weekends: April 28-30 and May 5-7.

A host of supermodels had promoted it on social media, including Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski, and Bella Hadid.

As a model turned Bollywood star, Tina Desai has built a huge fan base. But her current role on Netflix's "Sense8" — with its sensual scenes, challenging love predicament, and complicated science-fiction plot — had the Indian actress worried if her fans would take the ride with her.

"It was something that took me time to adjust to, as well. I think I'm still adjusting," Desai recently told Business Insider when asked about how her fans reacted to the Netflix show's racier elements. "It's hugely different from what I grew up with and what I've grown up exposed to."

Cocreated by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski ("The Matrix") and J. Michael Straczynski ("Thor"), "Sense8" returns for its second season on Friday. Desai plays Kala, one of a small cluster of individuals from all over the world who share a mental connection that allows them to tap into one another's thoughts and skills, and basically experience life together as well as survive being hunted down by a mysterious organization.

Beyond the sex scenes on the show, Desai wondered if her Indian fans would watch a show that's so entrenched in the sci-fi genre.

"I did not expect people to watch it in India," she said, "simply because it's the kind of genre that I thought people would not like because we like fantastical cinema in India, we like escapist cinema. And so while this show is fantastical, it just seems too out there.

"I feel very proud," Desai continued. "I think each time I step out of the house, there's at least one person who comes up to me and talks to me about the show. And I actually sometimes go on to question them about it, because I wonder if they just say that to me or if they really mean it."

As "out there" as "Sense8" may be, Desai believes that Kala's conflict between her choice to marry Rajan (Purab Kohli), who seems perfect for her, and her ongoing love affair with fellow cluster member Wolfgang (Max Riemelt) is something her fans can relate to.

"I think it's a very common phenomenon," she said. "A lot of people just go the arranged-marriage way because a lot of our family, our parents have married that way and they're happy, so why not we do the same thing? It's surprising that it's still in existence. But I will say that an equal number of marriages by choice also happen — and that's exactly what Kala's dilemma is."

As nothing is simple in "Sense8," Kala's marriage isn't arranged, but it is one that looked good on paper and she went ahead with it. But Wolfgang certainly makes Kala wonder if she should have held out for love.

"I think it would've even been much easier if she didn't have that problem in her mind," Desai said.

Originally, Desai said the show did have Kala falling in love with her fiance, in addition to him being a good match for her. But Desai said they scrapped the love part in the end. After all, what would be the fun in that? Fans of the couple can expect the situation for Kala and Wolfgang to get very complicated on the second season — and Rajan shouldn't be counted out quite yet.

"There's more trouble this time," Desai said, laughing. "I'm actually rooting for the other guy. I was quite surprised if I might say. And I'm actually quite taken in by the impact, so I'm hoping that the friction continues because my God is it impactful."

Watch a trailer for the second season of "Sense8" below:

SEE ALSO: RANKED: The 13 most popular Netflix original shows

DON'T MISS: 24 TV shows that were just canceled

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The trailer for the Wachowskis' mind-bending new Netflix series 'Sense8' has a lot of 'Matrix' in it

Facebook has kicked its push for TV-like shows into high gear and is aiming to premiere its slate of programming in mid-June, multiple people familiar with the plans told Business Insider.

Facebook plans to have about two dozen shows for this initial push and has greenlit multiple shows for production, according to people familiar with the discussions. They said the social network had been looking for shows in two distinct tiers: a marquee tier for a few longer, big-budget shows that would feel at home on TV, and a lower tier for shorter, less expensive shows of about five to 10 minutes that would refresh every 24 hours.

The new video initiative means Facebook would play a much more hands-on role in controlling the content that appears on its social network with nearly 2 billion members — and it comes as companies like Amazon, YouTube, and Snap are locked in an arms race to secure premium video programming.

Facebook sees high-quality, scripted video as an important feature to retain users, particularly a younger demographic that is increasingly flocking to rival Snapchat, as well as a means to rake in brand advertising dollars traditionally reserved for traditional TV.

Whether Facebook's users will embrace such programming is unclear. The short video clips that autoplay in Facebook's News Feed have been a success for most publishers, but there's no guarantee that consumers will begin to think of Facebook as a destination for watching longer-form shows.

Facebook declined to comment for this story.

VR dating and A-list celebs

The effort to snag exclusive shows is being led by CollegeHumor cofounder Ricky Van Veen, whom Facebook hired in December to be its global creative strategy chief.

His small team has been meeting with production companies and hearing pitches for episodic shows five to 30 minutes long that would live in a revamped version of Facebook's video tab.

Multiple people mentioned Netflix's "House of Cards" as a representation of the caliber of shows that have been pitched to Facebook for its higher tier, while another cited "Scandal" as an example. As for the lower tier, Facebook is looking for production budgets that fall somewhere between TV and digital shows, similar to the shows on Verizon's go90 service, one person said.

One show Facebook has greenlit is a virtual-reality dating show from Conde Nast Entertainment in which people go on first dates in VR before they meet in real life, according to one person who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. At Conde Nast's NewFront presentation on Tuesday, the company confirmed that it had a new video project with Facebook, but didn't give details. 

Facebook has tapped A-list celebrities to star in some of the shows, according to multiple people briefed on the plans. One agency has already attached an A-list Hollywood star to a show, according to a person familiar with the talks.

While Facebook is interested in a range of content, one genre it's intensely targeting is teen-centric shows.

"They are obsessed with Snapchat," one person said. Another said Facebook was targeting younger users "to expand the audience demo."

Snap has been actively pursuing show deals with many of the same of the same companies as Facebook for its app's Discover section.

"They are definitely in a race right now," a third person said.

Another area Facebook is looking closely at is sports, and the company has reportedly talked with MLB.

"Sports is probably something that we'll want to try at some point," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on a recent earnings call.

One person said the mid-June launch date could be pushed back. Another said Facebook initially planned to unveil its shows around its developer conference in mid-April but decided to debut in time for the Cannes Lions advertising festival, which starts June 17.

The ad play

The new video strategy pits Facebook directly against YouTube, which on Thursday announced it would fund a slate of original shows starring big names like Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart, and Katy Perry. The new shows will be supported by ads and available for anyone to watch, instead of living in YouTube's $10-a-month subscription service.

"Five years ago, 85% of all original series were ad-supported," Robert Kyncl, YouTube's business chief, said at an event on Thursday of the company's strategy. "This year, that number has fallen to just over two-thirds. And with significantly more content coming to subscription services, that shift is accelerating. So we see these shows as a way for us to partner with [advertisers] to buck this trend."

Facebook's thinking seems in line with YouTube's, as Facebook's primary means of monetizing its original shows will be through ads in the middle of the video, known as mid-roll ads, multiple people said. The social network has been testing the ads for months with a handful of publishers in live and recorded videos but hasn't made the format widely available.

In discussions with partners, Facebook executives have repeatedly said they eventually want to move toward a revenue-sharing model for scripted shows through mid-roll ads. To start, Facebook is purchasing the rights to some shows upfront with plans to recoup its costs through mid-roll ads later.

Living-room screens

A concern among partners is that Facebook executives have yet to explain why people would seek out longer shows in the Facebook app's video tab.

"Facebook hasn't figured it out," one partner said.

"That's a needle they have to thread," another person said.

Facebook released a standalone video app for the Apple TV and other set-top boxes in March that could presumably also be used to feature its original shows, the people said.

"The goal is going to be creating some anchor content initially that helps people learn that going to the video tab — that that's a great destination where they can explore and come to Facebook with the intent to watch the videos that they want," Zuckerberg said during Facebook's last earnings call with investors. "And then the long-term goal is actually not to be paying for specific content like that, but doing a revenue share model once the whole economy around video on Facebook is built up."

SEE ALSO: Twitter is adding a slew of new shows in its quest to be a hub for live video

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell on Snapchat becoming the 'third force' to Google and Facebook

In 2007, a mysterious game named "BioShock" seemingly came out of nowhere. It was cinematic, philosophical, gorgeous, and thrilling — a game that thrilled critics and became a blockbuster commercial success.

Ten years later, we may have the makings of another breakout hit in the same vein as the beloved "BioShock."

The game's called "Prey," and it just launched on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

While "BioShock" took place in an underwater dystopia, "Prey" takes place in a futuristic space station overtaken by an alien species that's usually imprisoned. But everything is not as it seems in "Prey." Where the world of "BioShock" had so-called "plasmids," the world of "Prey" has neuromods. With every power you choose, a bit more of your humanity slips away. 

This is the give and take of "Prey," and it's just the surface of the tradeoffs you'll face on the space station Talos 1.

SEE ALSO: 'BioShock' has the best opening sequence of any video game ever made

"Prey" is a first-person character action game, where you explore a beautiful, isolated world that's falling apart. It's riddled with story clues, unique characters, and stuff that wants to kill you. It very much feels like "BioShock" in space, which I mean as a compliment.

There's a sharp, distinct sense of style right from the jump. This office is yours, which you visit early on in the game.

The story backbone to "Prey" is based on the concept that President John F. Kennedy survived his assassination, and advanced the human push into space dramatically as a result. An alien force, known as the Typhon, saw humans as a threat and attacked. The US and the Soviet Union joined forces against the threat, defeated it, and built a space station to imprison and study the aliens.

Perhaps you're planning to binge all of the "Star Wars" movies in preparation for the latest, "The Last Jedi," coming later in 2017. But there are so many these days that you have no idea where to start.

Do you watch the original trilogy first? Do you watch the prequels first, and then get instantly upset with yourself for watching them because they ruined your unbridled love of "Star Wars"?

And where does the standalone “Rogue One” fit into the marathon? And when the new Han Solo spin-off comes out, where will that fit in?

It turns out a lot of people have opinions about the right order in which to watch the “Star Wars” movies.

Here's the right way to watch the "Star Wars" movies — and why:

SEE ALSO: The first trailer for the next 'Star Wars' movie is here!

By watching the original trilogy first, you get to experience the films the same way the rest of the world did.

We’re assuming you’ve seen the movies before. But if you’re showing them to someone who has been living in a bunker for the past 40 years or if you're showing the movies to your kids for the first time, the original trilogy is the right way to immerse them into the universe. Don't spoil it for them right off the bat.

“A New Hope” — along with the other two films in the original trilogy — immerse you in the world and gradually introduce you to beloved characters and mythology.

In 2015, Vulture asked some famous people what they think is the right way to watch “Star Wars”:

Lin Manuel-Miranda said “chronologically, when it was released. Absolutely. I had a pretty good time experiencing it that way. Linear is the best way to do it.”

(It should be noted that in the chronology of the "Star Wars" fictional world, however, the prequels come before the events of "A New Hope.")

Dennis Quaid agreed. "See the first one that was out, and then watch them in order. That way you get the whole experience, just as we earthlings did. I was actually at the very first night of the very first 'Star Wars.' We weren't really aware what we were watching. All I remember is seeing that big, huge spacecraft going across the scene, going across the screen. It just kept going and going. It was like the greatest special effect ever. The whole audience was in then."

The prequels just aren’t as immersive and magical as the original films. And the problem with watching them first is that they were made with the understanding that everyone knew that Anakin was going to turn into Darth Vader.

Not knowing what Anakin becomes from the beginning makes the movies even more boring than they already are.

Then you're left with the Trade Federation “drama” that sucks all of the fun out of “The Phantom Menace.” 

Judge Michael Corriero has known Judge Judy for the last 4 decades. Judge Corriero served on the bench for 28 years and was elected to the New York State Supreme Court. He's currently the cohost of Hot Bench and is the founder of the New York Center for Juvenile Justice. Following is a transcript of the video.  

She became — ultimately became a judge. I became a judge. 

We've known each other, and our paths have crossed. Although we don't necessarily agree on all issues, but we respect each other's point of view. Judy's tough. Yeah, but that's not bad tough — she is who she is. She's open-minded. And she'll listen. And she doesn't take any guff. 

I was in Jamaica when I got an email from your favorite TV judge. And it was Judge Judy, and she says, "Michael." She says, "How are you?" Whatever. "I'd like to talk to you about a program that I'm involved with." The email came in late, and I was going to call the next day, and the next morning I was actually shaving when my phone starts ringing. And it was Judge Judy. Now one thing we know about Judge Judy, she is persistent. And so she said, "How come you didn't respond?" I said, "I'm in Jamaica!"

I don't think she likes bullies. And — I don't believe she likes people who are trying to take advantage of other people, or her, or the system. And when she gets that sense that this person before me is just trying to con me or whatever that arouses a response on her part. 

Join the conversation about this story »