The University of California system has highlighted a range of recent books, music, movies, and television projects involving its alumni and faculty, offering recommendations for winter entertainment and last-minute gifts.
Among the television selections is “Welcome to Derry,” an HBO Max prequel to Stephen King’s “It,” featuring UC Riverside professor Kimberly Guerrero. Guerrero commented on her recent career momentum: “I’ve worked more in my 50s, and on very high-profile work, than I ever had. It’s been one project after another. I’m on a high right now.”
The Emmy-nominated series “Reservation Dogs” was chosen as the “Common Experience” media for first-year students at UCLA in 2025. UCLA alumna Tazbah Rose Chavez contributed as co-executive producer, writer, and director. Her recent work includes directing an episode of NBC Peacock’s “The Paper.”
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, a UCLA student and Team USA athlete, competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” bringing her experience from international competitions to the dance floor.
On Netflix, “All the Sharks” follows marine biologists exploring remote ocean habitats. Brendan Talwar from UC San Diego participated in filming rare shark species. Talwar stated: “Worst case — you don’t like the show but get to dive together in some of the last remaining near-pristine marine ecosystems the world can offer… Best case — the show plays a part in inspiring the next generation of marine biologists, showcases the wide diversity of sharks and rays in our oceans, and makes a global audience excited about these animals and their habitats, many of which are under increasing threat. So, we decided that the goal of the show was worth the risk.”
UC Merced was featured on Season 11 of Amazon Prime’s “The College Tour,” providing prospective students insight into campus life. The university recently rose into the top 25 public schools nationally according to U.S. News & World Report rankings and joined R1 research universities.
Book recommendations include Robert Reich’s memoir “Coming Up Short,” where he examines shifts in American society through his personal story; Beatriz Victoria Albina’s self-help book “End Emotional Outsourcing,” which provides practical advice for overcoming codependency; Mariam Rahmani’s debut novel “Liquid, a Love Story”; Edward J. Watts’ historical overview “The Romans: A 2,000-Year History”; Jeff Chang’s biography “Water Mirror Echo” about Bruce Lee; and Morgan Lockhart’s holiday romance novel “A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart.”
In music, Gillian Welch (UC Santa Cruz) released “Woodland,” winning this year’s Grammy for Best Folk Album with David Rawlings. Steve Aoki (UC Santa Barbara) released his latest album “Hiroquest 3: Paragon” while maintaining ties with his alma mater.
Cookbook releases include Joe Sasto’s “Breaking the Rules,” encouraging improvisation in Italian cooking based on his experience as a UC Davis alum and Top Chef contestant; and Samin Nosrat’s “Good Things,” which focuses on connection through food.
Recent films include “Nickel Boys,” starring Ethan Herisse (UC Irvine), an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that earned two Oscar nominations. Manohla Dargis wrote: “When Elwood and Turner look at each other they look right into the camera and, of course, at you… Their eyes hold you and, in a way few movies do, make you feel that something profound is at stake.”
Sara Bareilles (UCLA) served as executive producer for Apple TV documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light.” She also delivered UCLA’s commencement address in 2025.
These works reflect ongoing contributions by members of the University of California community across creative fields.
