HBO Max is making power moves to get attention: “Wonder Woman 1984” making its premiere in streaming premiere in December, HBO’s “Industry” is becoming entirely bingeable on November 27 and now, following its successful upgrade last year—moving from TBS to HBO Max—the beloved comedy thriller “Search Party” will return to HBO Max for its fourth season in January 2021.
READ MORE: ‘Search Party’: The Dark Comedic Path Of No Return Turns Surreal In Season 3 [Review]
“Search Party” is a murder mystery thriller with many twists and turns. The series, which lived for TBS for two seasons before upgrading to HBO Max in summer 2020, comes from Sarah–Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers (known for the acclaimed indie comedy “Fort Tilden”) and Michael Showalter. “Search Party” stars Alia Shawkat, John Reynolds, John Early, Meredith Hagner, and Brandon Micheal Hall. It’s hard to explain all of the show’s twists. It started out as a show about a group of friends who became involved in searching for a missing young woman and the obsessiveness behind Dory (Shawkat), who led the charge for the search. But lots of crazy things have happened across the span of three seasons.
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Joining the show’s stellar guest stars this season are Susan Sarandon, Busy Philipps, Ann Dowd, Griffin Dunne, and Lillias White, as well as acclaimed author R.L. Stine in a cameo role.
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Here’s the synopsis for Season 4, but note it has spoilers. We’d recommend you don’t read it, and catch up with “Search Party” immediately as it’s been on our Best TV list every year it’s aired and our Best TV of the Decade list too, the show is that funny, engaging, surprising, and damn good.
In the new season, “Dory” (Alia Shawkat) is held prisoner by her psychotic stalker “Chip” (Cole Escola), who is determined to make Dory believe that they are best friends. Meanwhile, “Portia” (Meredith Hagner) is starring in a film about the trial, although not as herself; “Elliott” (John Early) has switched party lines to become a far-right conservative talk show host; and “Drew” (John Reynolds) is trying to escape his dark past by working as a costumed cast member in a theme park. As the friends begin to connect the dots that Dory might not be touring Europe as her faked social media posts suggest, they must decide whether or not to put their traumatic pasts behind them and once again become a search party – but this time, for Dory.
No exact date has been given for “Search Party” Season 4, but mark your calendars loosely for the New Year and January 2021. Here are details on who the guest stars play in season four.
Susan Sarandon plays “Lylah,” the unapologetically wealthy aunt to Chip, Dory’s kidnapper. One of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actresses, Sarandon is an Oscar® and SAG Award® winner, and has earned nine Golden Globes® nominations and six Emmy® nominations. Her countless memorable credits include “Bull Durham,” “Thelma and Louise,” “Dead Man Walking,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” UTA reps Sarandon.
Busy Philipps plays “Donna DiMarco,” a former teen star who is cast as Portia in a film portraying the murder of “Keith Powell” (Ron Livingston). To Portia’s dismay, Donna has a lot of specific choices in mind. Philipps is an author, actor, activist, writer, and most recent late-night talk show host of “Busy Tonight.” Philipps released a collection of humorous autobiographical essays titled “This Will Only Hurt a Little,” which became a New York Times Best Seller in its first week. Her newest venture is a podcast with Cloud10 called “Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best,” and she is currently filming the comedy series “Girls5eva” opposite Sara Bareilles. “Girls5eva” will premiere on Peacock and is produced by Tina Fey. Philipps is represented by ICM, B Company, ID and Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc.
Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee Ann Dowd plays “Paula Jo,” a nosy Christmas-obsessed townie who gets a little too close to Chip’s house for his own comfort. Dowd is best known for her role as “Aunt Lydia” in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and her additional film and television credits include “Hereditary,” “Compliance,” and “The Leftovers.” Innovative and Principal Entertainment reps dowd.
Actor, director, and producer Griffin Dunne plays “Richard Wreck,” the CEO of a pastry company called Lil’ Sticky’s, which might offer a vital clue to finding Dory’s whereabouts. Dunne directed and produced the documentary “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold”; directed “Addicted to Love” and “Practical Magic”; and his acting credits include “I Love Dick,” “War Machine,” “Dallas Buyers Club” and “This Is Us.” He is an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominee. UTA and Industry Entertainment rep Dunne.
Tony® winner Lillias White plays “Wilma,” a world-famous talk show host who has an obsession with “Chantal” (Clare McNulty). White won a Tony for her role as “Sonja” in “The Life,” was nominated for a second Tony as “Funmilayo” in “Fela!” and her other Broadway credits include “Dreamgirls,” “Cats” and “Chicago.” On the screen, she received an Emmy as part of the cast of “Sesame Street.” Other notable film and television credits include Disney’s animated feature “Hercules,” “Pieces of April,” and “The Get Down” on Netflix. Coming in 2021 is her next solo album entitled “Get Happy!” Cornerstone Talent Agency reps white.
R.L. Stine is one of the most popular children’s authors in history. His books have sold more than 400 million copies, and the “Goosebumps” series has so far inspired a television show and two motion pictures. He is currently writing a series of graphic novels entitled “Just Beyond.”
Here are some new images of season four.
Here’s some trailers if you haven’t caught up.