What Joe Biden Should Do When He Heads to Hollywood

This week:

• A new internet meme, a new existential crisis.

• Biden goes to Hollywood.

• The new Amy Schumer movie.

• A very fun Wicked rumor.

• A new mantra.

Mr. Biden Goes to Hollywood

The events of the last year in politics—particularly the presidential race—were so twisty, surprising, and dramatic that they either would have been fodder for a thrilling movie, or considered so preposterous that no studio would greenlight production on the script because it would be considered too unbelievable.

Perhaps it makes sense, then, that one of the major characters of that narrative, Joe Biden, has made his first big move since the inauguration: He’s going to Hollywood. Specifically, he’s signed with one of the industry’s top talent agencies, CAA, which represents stars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts.

While the practical side of me knows that the relationship is likely to negotiate speaking tours and book deals for Biden, the chaotically wishful part prefers to imagine Biden attempting to break into showbiz. What could that look like?

much-deserved

Keeping Up With the Bidens: A Biden-family centric reality show? I mean, we’ve basically been watching an unofficial version of this already over the last few years, and it’s been juicy. Indictments! Grand juries! Felonies! Pardons! Bravo would do unsavory things to capture this kind of drama with its cameras. Let’s not forget this is the family in which, after one son tragically died, his brother then began dating his widow.

But let’s be real about who the true reality star of the family would be. Andy Cohen, it’s time to greenlight The Real Housewives of Rehoboth Beach, and hand Dr. Jill her much-deserved center crab. (I dunno. You try to come up with something Delaware is famous for…)

Perhaps Biden follows the lead of other former White House fixtures and surrenders to the indignity of celebrity talent competitions. Sarah Palin and Rudy Giuliani have done stints on The Masked Singer. All I’m saying is that if there’s a crooning ice cream cone on the next season, I have a strong guess of who it might be.

If The Drew Barrymore Show needs to juice ratings, I’d say bring on Biden as co-host. He already has a propensity for getting uncomfortably close and touchy with people. He and Barrymore could tag-team guests on the show’s couch, encroaching on their personal space until they squirm their way off set.

Personally, I’d love to see Biden test out his acting chops, and I know the perfect vehicle. We’re in the Golden Age of B-level comedies starring older Hollywood legends basking in late-in-life friendship and getting their collective groove back. Book Club 3, co-starring Joe Biden, anyone?

Kinda Pregnant Is Kinda Sweet

I’ve mentioned before how underrated and undervalued the completely adequate, non-game-changing, delivers-exactly-what-you-want-and-nothing-more comedy movie is. We’re in a renaissance of sorts with them, with Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx’s Back in Action, Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon’s You’re Cordially Invited, and Keke Palmer and SZA’s One of Them Days.

I’m happy to announce, lukewarm on those heels, another perfectly pleasant and satisfactory addition to the trend: Amy Schumer’s new Netflix rom-com, Kinda Pregnant. I just watched Kinda Pregnant on a plane and can stress enough how this is the ideal plane movie. Giggled a little bit. Guffawed once or twice. Could predict every plot point, leading up to and including the big emotional climax: a moment that, 30,000 feet in the air, made me roll my eyes and cry at the same time. Bliss.

Schumer is very good at this kind of movie, mostly because she’s as skilled at self-deprecating humor and bawdy physical comedy as she is at nailing what could otherwise be corny emotional beats. Also, I love how Schumer casts actors you’d never expect to be swoon-inducing romantic leads in her movies, who then end up, well, making you unexpectedly swoon. She did it with Bill Hader in Trainwreck, Rory Scovel in I Feel Pretty, and, now, Will Forte in Kinda Pregnant. Will Forte, romantic lead? It really works!

I Couldn’t Be Happier

There’s a report/rumor/whispering/gossiping/scuttlebutt that the Oscars is going to open with a Wicked medley performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. While I’m loathe(ing, unadulterated loathing) to repeat what right now is just a report, it is the kind of good news for a person like me—a person who is writing this newsletter while wearing a Shiz University sweatshirt—that just makes the rest of everything bad disappear for just a few seconds.

Who knows if it will actually happen. But for now, let’s just belt “thank goodness” in our best Glinda voice for even imagining something fun like this.

Words to Live By

While accepting her Best New Artist Grammy, Chappell Roan wore a medieval princess hat that would not cooperate (as medieval princess hats are wont to do). “My hat’s gonna fall off, and it’s gonna be OK,” she said.

You know what? I think that’s beautiful. We all need to abide by this. I want it stitched on a throw pillow. Friends, sometimes our hats are gonna fall off, but don’t fret. Even with our heads naked and exposed, it’s still gonna be OK.

What to watch this week:

Clean Slate: The late Norman Lear’s fingerprints are all over this endearing new Laverne Cox sitcom. (Now on Prime Video)

Apple Cider Vinegar: The only thing Americans love more than being scammed is watching TV series about scammers. (Now on Netflix)

Super Bowl: I have to watch it for work. If I have to watch it, you all should be forced to, too. (Sun. on Fox)

What to skip this week:

Heart Eyes: I will never understand the desperation to make Valentine’s Day-themed horror movies happen. (Now in theaters)

Love Hurts: The Oscar curse is alive and well! Ariana DeBose, you need a new agent! (Now in theaters)

This is a preview of our pop culture newsletter The Daily Beast’s Obsessed, written by editor Kevin Fallon. To receive the full newsletter in your inbox each week, sign up for it here.