1. FILM: The Smashing Machine (Oct. 3)

The Rock slimmed down so much to play former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr in this biopic that fans online jokingly called him “The Pebble.” The actor, also known as Dwayne Johnson, is earning Oscar buzz for his performance. Writer and director Benny Safdie chronicles Kerr’s role in the early stages of mixed martial arts, his rise to fame in the sport, and his eventual painkiller addiction. Emily Blunt stars as Kerr’s now-ex-wife, Dawn Staples. The Smashing Machine had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, where it got a 15-minute ovation, and it screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

2. TV: Abbott Elementary (Oct. 1, ABC/Disney+)

School’s back in session at Abbott Elementary, as the Peabody Award-

See Full Page