Sam Davidson

Entertainment News Journalist

United States

Sam Davidson is an entertainment news journalist, on air host and writer based in Los Angeles with a dual degree in communication with an emphasis in entertainment and theatre from the University of Southern California.

Portfolio

Television Interviews

MEAWW
Toni Collette opens up about monogamy and sexuality on her new series 'Wanderlust'

In Netflix's newest British dramedy 'Wanderlust,' Toni Collette plays a therapist who tries to spice up her sex life with her husband (played by Steven Mackintosh) after they both sleep with other people In the six-part limited series created by writer Nick Payne, 'Wanderlust' opens up the age-old discussion of monogamy and if we as human beings are meant to be with just one person for the rest of our lives.

Press Pass LA
09/20/2015
THE CAST OF 'CODE BLACK' TELLS US WHAT SETS THIS MEDICAL DRAMA APART

The Paley Center For Media hosted a screening followed by a Q & A for one of CBS's newest series, "Code Black." The series takes place in an overcrowded and understaffed emergency room in Los Angeles County, and is based on the documentary by Ryan McGarry.

Press Pass LA
03/17/2016
PALEYFEST: THE SCREAM QUEENS TALK SEASON 2 - Press Pass LA

Press Pass LA was absolutely delighted to attend the Scream Queens panel at Paleyfest this weekend, and it was even better than we could have ever expected. They gave us so much insider info and leaks for season 2, that we were literally squealing in our seats with joy over what is to come.

MEAWW
'Little Fires Everywhere': Gavin Lewis on life lessons Moody taught him and learning from...

Hulu's newest original series 'Little Fires Everywhere' dropped its first three episodes on March 17, one day earlier than expected and fans couldn't have been more thrilled. Based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Celeste Ng, the limited series follows the lives of two mothers (played by Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington) and how their very different families collide in explosive and life-changing ways.

Press Pass LA
11/20/2015
GETTING TO KNOW THE CAST OF NBC'S NEW COMEDIES

Press Pass LA was invited to Universal Studios this week, to meet the cast of their two new comedies Telenovela (premiering on December 7 at 10 p.m.) and Superstore (premiering on November 20 at 10 p.m.) both on NBC.

Press Pass LA
07/13/2015
AMERICAN HORROR STORY/SCREAM QUEENS PANEL

The cast of American Horror Story: Hotel and Scream Queens along with creator Ryan Murphy, joined forces this weekend at Comic-Con and together created one pretty fantastic panel. As many of you know, Murphy has become a TV modern day "king of horror," and started off the panel discussing his new show, Scream Queens.

Press Pass LA
10/06/2015
ANNIE WERSCHING TALKS JUGGLING HIT SHOWS AND MOTHERHOOD

Actress Annie Wersching is one busy woman! Wersching got her first big break on General Hospital in 2007, then moved on to the big leagues when she was cast in the epic series 24 in 2009 as Renee Walker. She is now doing double0duty with two recurring roles in both The CW's The Vampire Diaries and Amazon's Bosch.

Press Pass LA
03/13/2016
PALEYFEST: EMPIRE CAST TALKS SEASON 2 AND DIVERSITY IN HOLLYWOOD - Press Pass LA

This weekend we got the pleasure of attending the Empire panel at the 2016 Paleyfest for the Paley Center For Media, and it did not disappoint. Held at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood, home to The Academy Awards, the creators, producers, and cast of "Empire" took to this legendary stage to discuss the huge success of this outstanding musical drama.

Press Pass LA
08/26/2015
HAILEY SOLE: 'WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP' BREAKOUT STAR

Who knew 13 was the new 30?! Young breakout star Hailey Sole is only just starting her freshman year of high school, but has a list of accolades that any adult actor would die for. Most recently, Hailey was in the much anticipated Netflix hit Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp as Amy, one of the campers.

Press Pass LA
05/29/2015
LIFETIME'S 'UNREAL': JOSH KELLY INTERVIEW

This week Press Pass LA had the pleasure of speaking with actor Josh Kelly, whose bare bod is now on billboards all over Los Angeles. Why you ask? Well, it is of course to promote his new show UnReal on Lifetime, premiering on Monday June 1st at 10pmET, get your mind out of the gutters!

Film Interviews

Press Pass LA
11/12/2015
WGA SALUTES THE 101 FUNNIEST SCREENPLAYS IN HOLLYWOOD

Press Pass LA had the honor of attending the Writers Guild of America's 101 Funniest Screenplays, an evening with panels and clips honoring outstanding screenwriting at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.

Film & Television Reviews

MEAWW
'Creed II' Review: A heartfelt sequel that takes us back to 'Rocky IV'

While 'Creed II' is the sequel to the massive hit 'Creed' that came out in 2015, more than anything, it is the continuation of the 'Rocky' franchise making 'Creed II' the eighth installment. To say it's hard to keep a story alive and fresh for this long is an understatement, however the team behind 'Creed' and 'Creed II' are able to do so with flying colors.

MEAWW
'Mile 22' review: A CIA action thriller with a feminist twist

While most CIA action thrillers are more geared towards men, with very few substantial roles for women, Peter Berg's 'Mile 22' is different. Mark Wahlberg plays James Silva, an operative of the CIA's most highly regarded unit that is on a dangerous mission.

Press Pass LA
08/07/2015
THE GIFT IS FULL OF SURPRISES ON DVD

Starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, and Joel Edgerton, The Gift follows a couple trying to move on from a miscarriage, while relocating to Los Angeles from Chicago. Bateman and Hall play Simon and Robyn, who are quickly confronted with a man from Simon's past, Gordo, played by Egerton who also wrote and directed the film.

Press Pass LA
05/12/2015
ABC's Revenge: What Really Happened?

Okay guys, so as well all know, just last week ABC decided to nix one of it's biggest shows Revenge after four seasons. While the plot lines were getting crazier and crazier, this show still had a devoted audience that deserved a real farewell to the characters we have grown to know and love over the past four years.

Reapmediazine
Reap Mediazine - Killing Kennedy

How do you make an audience find sympathy for one of the most hated men not only in America, but in the world? Will Rothhaar, who played Lee Harvey Oswald in Killing Kennedy on National Geographic, has some answers for us.

MEAWW
Lifetime's newest Drama 'You' is a brilliantly creepy tale that will be your next TV obsession

Lifetime's newest drama 'You' was previewed this weekend at Paleyfest in Los Angeles and premiered on Sunday, September 9. It's definitely a new series that is worth watching. Based on Caroline Kepnes novel, 'You' is about an unassuming bookstore manager Joe (played by 'Gossip Girl' alum Penn Badgley) whose crush on blonde Manhattanite student Beck (played by 'Once Upon A Time' alum Elizabeth Lail) turns into a deadly obsession.

Press Pass LA
05/20/2015
THE BACHELORETTE SEASON 11: NEW TWIST LETS THE MEN PICK!!

Alright guys, as all of The Bachelor Nation fans out there know, ABC took crazy to a whole other level for this season of The Bachelorette by picking two bachelorettes and then letting the guys vote on who they want to actually be the bachelorette. Whew, that sounded stupid even just typing it out.

Press Pass LA
05/26/2015
ABC FAMILY DELVES INTO SCI-FI DRAMA WITH 'STITCHERS'

This week, Press Pass LA was lucky enough to get the opportunity to attend an advance screening of the new ABC Family sci-fi drama Stitchers. The event was put on by both ABC Family and OK Magazine in Beverly Hills and was an absolute blast!

Press Pass LA
08/08/2015
KEVIN FROM WORK PREMIERE REVIEW

This week Press Pass LA had the pleasure of attending OK Magazine's screening event for ABC Family's newest comedy Kevin From Work. The half hour single camera comedy is starring Noah Reid, Paige Spara, Punam Patel, Matt Murray, Jason Rogel, and Amy Sedaris is relatable, hilarious, and absolutely adorable.

Reapmediazine
Reap Mediazine - The Veronica Mars Movie Kickstarter Campaign

It has been a good year for fellow "Marshmallows" worldwide. What are "Marshmallows" you ask? Well, "Marshmallows" are what die hard fans of the pre-maturely cancelled Veronica Mars have called themselves for years. Veronica Mars only ran for three seasons, and was abruptly cancelled in 2007, leaving fans devastated and desperate for some closure.

Long Form Investigative Pieces/Profiles

MEAWW
Does HBO's 'The Deuce' get the portrayal of sex workers right?

One of the only television series to ever tackle the world of sex workers and the adult film industry is HBO's 'The Deuce.' Returning for its second season on September 9th, the series stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Franco and follows the lives of sex workers and pimps in the 1970's right when the adult film industry began.

MEAWW
Experts weigh in on Hollywood's take on aliens and the myths surrounding extraterrestrial...

Popular culture has been creating extraterrestrial narratives for about 70 years now, and each story explores the legends of aliens in different ways. With the release of CW's newest series 'Roswell, New Mexico' coming in just a few days, we decided to dig deeper into these fascinating myths to perhaps find some kernel of truth in what many assume to be a highly fictionalized topic.

MEAWW
12/16/2018
How Midge Maisel sets a fictional precedence for the female comics of today and yesteryear

Amazon's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' swept the Emmy's this year, and it is finally back for a second season. The protagonist Midge Maisel not only resonated with women around the world, but, of course, other female comedians themselves. Just like the series portrays, being a woman in comedy wasn't easy in the 1950's, and quite frankly, it still isn't today.

Breaking News & Politics

MEAWW
11/15/2018
'We hope that people that are transgender can show this to their family': How the 'TransMilitary'...

Logo's newest documentary 'TransMilitary' tells the story of four troops who are not just defending their country, but also their own rights at the same time. The subjects of the film, Senior Airman Logan Ireland, Corporal Laila Villanueva, Captain Jennifer Peace, and First Lieutenant El Cook put their careers and livelihoods on the line by coming out as transgender to top officials at the Pentagon in hopes of obtaining the right to serve openly.

Lifestyle & Events

Entertainment Voice
01/06/2015
The People's Choice Awards 2015 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

This year, The People's Choice Awards will be hosted by the stars of "Mom" on CBS Anna Faris and Allison Janney, with a performance by Lady Antebellum. The event will take place at The Nokia Theater at L.A. Live on Jan. 7, 2015 with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.

Reapmediazine
The Magic Behind Cinespia

If you do not live in L.A., then you probably do not know about Cinespia, and that is a crying shame! Cinespia is an organization that hosts screenings of classic films (and the occasional television finale or special) at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Sound creepy? Perhaps, but it works I promise you that.

Press Pass LA
11/17/2015
ROKU OPENS IN STYLE IN WEST HOLLYWOOD

This Saturday, the Sunset strip was alive and booming with the opening of ROKU, one of West Hollywood's newest restaurants and hot spots, created by the Innovative Dining Group. Celebrities, writers, and social media influencers were in attendance at the casual, yet decadent event where each party goer got to enjoy food, drinks, and more.

Presspassla
10/22/2014
DENIM & DIAMONDS FOR AUTISM

This weekend Press Pass LA attended the 9th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism event at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village, California presented by ACT Today! (Autism Care & Treatment Today) where many celebrities came out to support the great cause.

Lapostexaminer
01/16/2014
PaleyFest magic is coming to L.A.

The annual television festival is moving from The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills to the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland! What is the PaleyFest you ask? It is an amazing interactive pop culture festival produced by The Paley Center for Media that connects fans with the creators and cast members of their favorite series.

Press Pass LA
10/01/2015
PENNY MARSHALL HONORED AT THE HOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL

Last week The Hollywood Film Festival took place at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood and honored star Penny Marshall with the Cinema Icon Award. The first evening of the film festival started with a dazzling red carpet outside of the theater.

Press Pass LA
10/17/2016
The 6th Annual "Catbaret" Gala Benefitting The Kitty Bungalow - Press Pass LA

The Kitty Bungalow Charm School For Wayward Cats put on an absolutely fantastic gala at Avalon in Hollywood raising money for animal rescue! The night was filled with celeb-loving cats that wanted to do their part and lend their gifts, whether that be singing, dancing, comedy or acting, to help raise the money that The Kitty Bungalow needs.

Entertainment Voice
12/14/2014
Bring in the Holiday Spirit with a Bang at The Getty Center

Starting on Nov. 29 and going through Jan. 3, every Saturday patrons can stroll through the Central Garden at The Getty Center and experience a night of holiday bliss. The Getty Center opens at 9 a.m., however if you want to hunt for the special holiday lights, be there at 5:30 p.m.

Lapostexaminer
12/25/2013
Christmas is Santa Appreciation Night for this family

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday and I have my father to thank for that. Growing up, both of my parents were Jewish ... I even had a Bat Mitzvah! However for as long as I can remember, my father had the whole family celebrating his own special holiday: Santa Appreciation Night.

Press Pass LA
09/22/2015
ROLLING GREENS LAUNCHES DIY ARRANGEMENT BAR WITH DESIGN BLOGGER VICTORIA SMITH

The beautiful Rolling Greens Home + Garden and nursery hosted a lovely event with blogger and design junkie Victoria Smith to launch the store's new arrangement bar. Bloggers and social influencers alike were invited to the intimate event in West Hollywood on Friday night to check out the newest addition to the store, as well as getting first hand experience in arranging your own succulent!

Press Pass LA
10/11/2016
Celebrities Come Out For The Opening Night Of The Hollywood Haunted Hayride - Press Pass LA

On Sunday evening, Press Pass LA had the honor of attending the opening night of The Hollywood Haunted Hayride in Griffith park, and it did not disappoint! Dozens of celebs showed up ready to scream and have a good time, including Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung, Shenae Grimes, Ashley Tisdale, Ashley Madekwe, Zedd, Christopher Mintz, Ronnie Ortiz-Margo, Bridget Marquardt and more.

Pop Culture

Daily Toast
12/07/2015
Top 10 Most Memorable Celebrity Mugshots

Sometimes, living the life of a celebrity is not all its cracked up to be. Being in the public eye isn't easy, especially when you are breaking the law. As we all know, sometimes celebrities can ge...

Daily Toast
12/06/2015
11 Hilarious Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions

Sometimes, being rich and glamorous is not all its cracked up to be. While celebrities are often donning some of the most beautiful and expensive clothes in the world, they are not always so easy ...

Daily Toast
12/10/2015
10 Celebrities Caught Freaking Out At The Paparazzi `

One of the biggest downfalls of being a celebrity is having to deal with the pesky and intrusive paparazzi. While it seems like a small price to pay for the gift of fame, it can literally drive celebs crazy.

Daily Toast
12/04/2015
Disney Stars That Turned Into Sex Symbols

When you think about Disney stars, you usually think of pure, adorable kids...right? Well, not anymore! Some of today's biggest sex symbols started their careers on either The Disney Channel or ...

Daily Toast
11/10/2015
Justin Bieber's Top 10 Most Embarrassing Moments

You either love him or you hate him, but Justin Bieber sure knows how to keep us on our toes! The Biebs troubles have turned from somewhat dangerous, to pretty darn hilarious and entertaining. Ch...

Comedy & Theatre

Entertainment Voice
02/01/2015
Jay and Silent Bob Get Old at The Ice House Comedy Club

The hilarious duo of the legendary Jay and Silent Bob is finally back together again. The film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will be reuniting at a very special show titled "Jay and Silent Bob Get Old" at The Ice House Comedy Club on Feb. 28.

Entertainment Voice
01/01/2015
McCullough and DePaolo Team Up to Host Skinny Sundays

Comedian Julian McCullough hosts one of the hottest shows in Los Angeles every Sunday at 9:30 p.m. at The Hollywood Improv. The weekly show is titled "Skinny Sundays" host, Joey DePaolo also takes the stage with McCullough every week.

Entertainment Voice
01/01/2015
The Innocence Project Benefit Showcases Stellar Comedians

Saturday Night Live alum and comedian John Mulaney will be hosting End The Sentence: A Benefit For The Innocence Project at Club Nokia on Jan. 28, 2015. Proceeds will benefit The Innocence Project, which is a public policy organization whose goal is to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals.

Entertainment Voice
02/01/2015
Comedian Wil Anderson Celebrates 200th Episode Podcast

Comedian Wil Anderson will be hosting a live taping of the 200th episode of his critically acclaimed podcast TOFOP at NerdMelt in Hollywood on Feb. 9. In 2013, TOFOP was named the iTunes best Classic Audio Podcast, and is still one of the top podcasts around.

Entertainment Voice
01/16/2015
Funny-Man Tom Green to Perform At the Hollywood Improv

Comedian Tom Green is one of the most epic comedians of our time. He began his career with MTV fame on one of the network's highest rated programs, "The Tom Green Show." This show was the first of its kind and paved the way for other series like "Punk'd," "Jackass," and "Fear Factor."

Entertainment Voice
02/01/2015
Mike Epps to Perform Two Nights at the Orpheum Theatre

The hilarious Mike Epps will be performing at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 on his tour titled "The Real Deal Tour." The very appropriately titled tour rings true to who Epps is, the real deal!

Entertainment Voice
02/01/2015
The Talented Demetri Martin to Take the Stage at Club Nokia

The multi-talented comedian Demetri Martin is set to take the stage at Club Nokia on Feb.14. Demetri began to rise in the comedy scene in the late 90s in New York City. He then got his big break in 2001 doing stand-up on Comedy Central's stand-up showcase Premium Blend.

Entertainment Voice
01/16/2015
Comedian Rod Man to Perform at the Legendary Ice House

Best known as the winner of "Last Comic Standing" season 8, comedian Rod Man will be taking the legendary comedy club the Ice House by storm on Jan. 18. Rod Man is a truly an original with his unique delivery and his innate ability to capture audiences all over the country.

Entertainment Voice
02/01/2015
Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman Host Hollywood Babble-On

Legendary comedians Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman will be hosting a special show at The Hollywood Improv called "Hollywood Babble-On Valentine's Bonanza with Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman" on Friday Feb. 13. The show will take a somewhat twisted look at entertainment news.

Press Pass LA
07/09/2015
THE CRUEL INTENTIONS UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL

I have been lucky enough to see one of the most fun, hilarious, and nostalgic pieces of theater that I experienced in quite some time, and that would be "The Cruel Intentions Unauthorized Musical Parody" at the Rockwell Theater in Los Angeles.

Entertainment Voice
02/02/2015
All-Star Comedian Joe Rogan to Perform at Hollywood Improv

Comedian and actor Joe Rogan has been on the scene for more than twenty years now, selling out theaters all over the world with his inquisitive yet intense comedic style. He will be headlining in his own show at The Hollywood Improv on Feb. 27.

Entertainment Voice
01/15/2015
Norm Macdonald Takes the Stage at The Regent Theater

"Saturday Night Live" alum Norm Macdonald will be performing at The Regent Theater in early 2015. Macdonald was on five seasons of "Saturday Night Live," and for three of those years, Macdonald anchored "Weekend Update," which is SNL's longest running recurring sketch.

Entertainment Voice
01/14/2015
Comedian Don Rickles Will Take the Stage at Saban Theatre

The king of "insult comedy," Don Rickles, will be performing at the beautiful Saban Theatre in Los Angeles on Jan.17. Rickles is known as "The Merchant of Venom" due to his tendency to insult the audience, and is by far, one of 20th century's most famous and hilarious comedians.

Entertainment Voice
02/25/2015
Comedian Brian Regan To Perform at Dolby Theater

One of the most hilarious comedians of our time, Brian Regan, will be performing at the beautiful Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 28. Regan's relatively clean comedy has attracted audiences of all demographics all over the world, his upcoming show at The Dolby Theatre is one you will not want to miss.