We’re on the precipice of a million different shows and films taking the COVID-19 pandemic and turning it into fodder for plot and entertainment. And though that’s to be expected whenever a major world event happens, it’s pretty insane that we’ve seen something like “Coastal Elites” not only be conceived, written, and produced in such a short time, but it will actually get released while the US is still dealing with the pandemic on a day-to-day basis.
As seen in the trailer for “Coastal Elites,” the HBO special has an all-star cast that attempts to add some humor to the utterly depressing state of affairs in the US, as the country not only deals with a deadly virus but does so during a Presidential Election year and while there are still protests daily in the streets of some cities. And if you’re ready to hear some big-name actors take that pain and uncertainty and satirize it while you’re still experiencing it, then “Coastal Elites” is for you.
The HBO special stars Bette Midler, Kaitlyn Dever, Dan Levy, Sarah Paulson, and Issa Rae. “Coastal Elites” is directed by Jay Roach, who started and completed production during quarantine (obviously). He’s probably best known for his feature films such as “Bombshell,” “Trumbo,” and “The Campaign.” Oh yeah, and he did the “Austin Powers” franchise ages ago.
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“Coastal Elites” arrives on HBO on September 12. You can watch the first trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
From playwright and screenwriter Paul Rudnick and directed by Jay Roach, HBO’s socially distanced comedy COASTAL ELITES debuts SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT). The comedic satire tells contemporary stories of characters breaking down and breaking through as they grapple with politics, culture, and the pandemic. Bette Midler (Tony Award winner for Hello, Dolly!), Kaitlyn Dever (“Unbelievable”, “Booksmart”), Dan Levy (Emmy nominee for “Schitt’s Creek”), Sarah Paulson (Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award winner for “American Crime Story”) and Issa Rae (Emmy nominee for HBO’s “Insecure”) star in this special presentation that explores our current world of deeply divided politics and the universal pursuit of human connection.