Tag: drama

Interview with Nikohl Boosheri, Amber Afzail, Roya Mahboob and Elaha Mahboob

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TV Interview!

 

"Rule Breakers" actors Nikohl Boosheri and Amber Afzail with activists Roya Mahboob and Elaha Mahboob of "Rule Breakers" movie from Angel Studios.

Interview with Nikohl Boosheri and Amber Afzail and with activists/writers Roya Mahboob and Elaha Mahboob from the film “Rule Breakers” by Suzanne 2/13/25

This is a truly inspiring story that everyone should watch. It’s based on the real story of how Aghani entrepeneur Roya Mahboob taught young women in Afghanistan and put together a female robotics team that entered in world-wide robotics competitions for students during war and oppression in Afghanistan.  Besides the drama, it has moments of fun, too, and you’ll be cheering on the women, no matter what. I enjoyed speaking to two of the actresses: Nikohl Boosheri (who played Mahboob) and Amber Afzail, who played Esin (one of the young women), and real-life heroines Roya Mahboo, and her sister, Elaha, who co-wrote the movie.  Usually, I only interview actors, producers, etc. but this is one of the few times I’ve interviewed the real-life people whose story has been brought to life.  It’s always fascinating.  I have to say that all of these women are beautiful, inside and out.  Don’t miss the movie, which premieres today, Friday, March 7, in theaters everywhere. Buy tickets here!

Nikohl Boosheri  and Amber Afzail

Roya Mahboob and Elaha Mahboob

 

"Rule Breakers" key artMORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob (“Supergirl,” “Altered Carbon”) + Amber Afzail as Esin (“Dear Home”) (Paired)

Executive Producer and Subject of the Film Roya Mahboob + Co-Writer Elaha Mahboob (Paired)

Synopsis: In a nation where educating girls is seen as a rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope-and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world.

Directed by: Bill Guttentag

Produced by: Bill Guttentag and Samudrika Arora

Written by: Jason Brown, Bill Guttentag, Elaha Mahboob

Cinematography: John Pardue (The Girl; Resistance; And Then There Were None)

 

Cast:

Nikohl Boosher (“Circumstance”) as Roya Mahboob

Ali Fazal (“Death on the Nile”)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”)

BIOS

Nikohl Boosheri stars in the film"Rule Breakers" from Angel Stuadios.Nikohl Boosheri is a Canadian actress based in Los Angeles. She made her film debut in 2011 with the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award Winner, “Circumstance.” Her acclaimed performance in the film won Best Performance at three other Film Festivals: LA Outfest, International Rome Film Festival, and the Noor Film Festival.

At the Tribeca Film Festival, 2013, Nikohl was named among the 10 Actors to watch for by IndieWires for her performance in Meera Menon’s feature “Farah Goes Bang.”

Nikohl’s credits include acting opposite Thandie Newton in DirectTV’s “Rogue”, and portraying the colorful character Sara in Daniel Grove’s “The Persian Connection.” This has been a busy year for Nikohl, she is playing a wide range of roles across several Networks this fall. Nikohl is also a songwriter, frequently collaborating with LA artist Wild the Coyote.Amber Afzali stars in the film"Rule Breakers" from Angel Studios.

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Amber Afzali discovered her passion for acting at an early age. After moving to Southern California with her family when she was eight, Afzali’s parents enrolled her in acting classes to help her overcome her shyness. It didn’t take long for Afzali’s natural talent to shine through and, when her teacher presented her with an award for best commercial skit, her confidence began to flourish. While she loved the creative freedom that performing afforded her, Afzali soon found it difficult to balance the demands of acting classes with her school work and made the decision to focus on her education as she pursued her dream of attending an Ivy League University. She channeled her energy into academics and other pursuits including serving as school president and in student government, among many other activities. After graduation, her Ivy League dreams came true when she enrolled at The University of Pennsylvania to study Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic forced Afzali to return to California and continue her studies remotely, that she began to realize her creative spark was missing. As the world began to reopen, she sought out a local acting class and once again found her love for performing. With her passion reignited, Afzali decided to seriously pursue a career in acting which would ultimately lead to an audition that would change her life forever.

Her big break came when she went on her first audition after returning to acting and landed a lead role in the upcoming Angel Studios film Rule Breakers. The movie chronicles the inspiring true story of the first all-girls robotics team from Afghanistan founded by Roya Mahboob, which would defy cultural expectations and go on to compete in competitions around the world. Afzali stars as Esin, a member of the team, alongside a talented cast including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Nikohl Boosheri, and Ali Fazal just to name a few. It is set to be released in theaters March 7th.

 

Roya Mahboob co-wrote the film "Rule Breakers" from Angel Studios.Roya Mahboob is Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO and entrepreneur, making a significant impact beyond the business world. She leverages her tech success to foster education and empowerment for Afghan women and girls and champions their rights. Mahboob founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF) to improve Afghan women’s technological and financial literacy. She is also the co-founder of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team and supports their endeavors while promoting robotics education through the Inoura platform. Additionally, she started a robotics company and is launching her educational project called Roby Robot, which is set to hit the market on July 25. She is also launching Zalla, an online platform to elevate the voices of Afghan women and journalists.

Roya Mahboob’s commitment to STEAM education and economic opportunities for women, with a strong emphasis on human rights, has earned her global recognition. She was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013, received the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award in 2014, and received other prestigious accolades, such as the Advancement of Gender Equality through Education Award. She was a Young Leader at the World Economic Forum in 2015, an Asia Game Changer in 2019, and received the Doha Forum Award in 2022. Her contributions have been honored with the Lantos Human Rights Awards, the Presidential Leadership Scholarship, and an honorary Doctorate of Science from McMaster University.

Elaha Mahboob co-wrote the film "Rule Breakers" from Angel Studios.Elaha Mahboob is a tech entrepreneur, social impact advocate, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Finalist in Social Entrepreneurship. She co-founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF), an organization dedicated to advancing opportunities for Afghan women and children through technology education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training. Among DCF’s innovative programs was the creation of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, whose remarkable journey is the subject of the feature film Rule Breakers. Through its IT centers across Afghanistan, DCF has equipped thousands of women with essential skills in technology and entrepreneurship, building pathways to economic independence.

As the co-writer of Rule Breakers: The Story of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, Elaha brings to life the resilience and determination of young women breaking barriers in science and technology.

Elaha is also the founder of Teamix, a platform that connects startups in emerging technologies—AI, Web3, and Robotics—with top talent to drive innovation and scale. Teamix is on a mission to create meaningful, human-centric jobs that AI and automation cannot replace, while addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these industries.

With expertise in driving growth and forging strategic partnerships, Elaha has been instrumental in delivering impactful solutions within the tech sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Herat University in Afghanistan and a Master’s in Public Administration from Cornell University, combining her technical expertise with a deep understanding of leadership and public policy.

Photo Credit: Joanna Degeneres

Female cast members of the film "Rule Breakers"; photo from Instagram post by Nikohl Boosheri

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Peter Gadiot and Lydia Wilson

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TV Interview!

 

Eric McCormack,David Ajala, Peter Gadiot and Lydia Wilson star in "Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue" miniseries on Prime Video (banner)

Interview with Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Peter Gadiot and Lydia Wilson of “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” on MGM+ by Suzanne

Interview date: 2/26/25

I enjoyed speaking with these talented actors. I’ve loved their previous work, and they all do a wonderful job in this intriguing drama. I only had about 10 minutes to speak with them, but it was well worth it. I can’t wait to see the last two episodes of this 6 part miniseries! It premieres March 2nd on MGM+.

 

Key art for "Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue" on MGM+ and Amazon PrimeMORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

About

Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue is a strikingly original and taut thriller series with a jaw-dropping reveal waiting at the end. A light aircraft with nine passengers crashes in the Mexican jungle – and everyone survives. But then, one after another, they begin to die in strange and violent ways and very soon they begin to realize that, for some inexplicable reason, somebody wants them dead. As the story unfolds in flashback, we meet the survivors as they fight against the heat, a shortage of supplies, the many dangers of the jungle – and each other. The setting becomes increasingly tense and claustrophobic until finally the identity of the killer and the truth are revealed.

Credits

Written, Created, and Executive produced by
Anthony Horowitz CBE

Executive Produced by
Anthony Horowitz, Jill Green & Eve Gutierrez for Eleventh Hour Films

Produced by
Eleventh Hour Films, a Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) backed company
Richard Burrell

Directed by
Brian O’Malley, Viviane Andereggen

Cast
Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Lydia Wilson, Peter Gadiot, Siobhán McSweeney, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Adam Long, Jan Le

Distributed by
Sony Pictures Television

Cast of "Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue" on MGM+

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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BTG Update Monday, February 24, 2025

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Beyond The Gates Updates

 

BTG logo

Update written by Suzanne

First, some family background to help you out: The main family of this soap is the wealthy Dupree family. Grandfather Vernon was an activist and senator. His wife, Anita, was a singer who raised their family and supported his work (Both are now retired). Anita dresses in fancy clothes, but with her own personal tastes. Everyone on the show dresses very well. They have two daughters: Dani (a former model) and Nicole, a successful doctor. Nicole is married to a surgeon, Ted. They have two children: Martin, an ambitious congressman, and Kat, who’s starting a business with her cousin, Chelsea. Ted has a nephew, Andre, who’s a photographer. Martin is gay and has a husband, Smitty, a former reporter. They have two teens, Tyrell and Samantha. Dani has two daughters, Naomi and Chelsea. Her ex-husband, Bill, is a savvy attorney. He and Dani are divorced, and he’s marrying a former family friend, Hayley. Naomi’s best friend is Ashley, a nurse. Ashley is married to Derek, a firefighter. Naomi’s boyfriend is Jacob, a police detective.

SUMMARY:

Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson drives her car into the gated community of Fairmont Crest while the song “Best of My Love” by The Emotions plays. She and her mom, Anita Dupree, are welcomed into the country club restaurant by the host, Calvin (clearly they eat there a lot). Anita and Nicole hug and sit down. They talk about Dani, another daughter, who’s supposed to be there, but neither has heard from her. Anita hopes that Dani isn’t giving her emotions free freight. The waiter, Jerome, greets them. Anita sighs that Nicole and Dani are so different. They talk about how Dani’s ex-husband, Bill, cheated on her with Hayley. Dani is still reeling from the end of her marriage, and now that Bill and Hayley are getting married there at the club, it’s set her off again (even though she and Bill have been divorced for a while now).

Dani is in her kitchen, looking upset and making coffee. She has two mugs. She throws one across the room. It smashes against the wall. She tries to calm down, but instead, she throws the other mug, too. Her good friend Vanessa drops by for a visit. She sees the mug debris on the floor and makes a funny comment. She can’t believe it when she sees that Dani still has the invitation to Bill and Hayley’s wedding. She thinks Dani should have thrown it into the garbage like most people have. Dani feels humiliated, but Vanessa assures her that she shouldn’t be embarrassed because her family rules Fairmont. She suggests they have a spa day to make her feel better. Dani likes the idea, but she has to meet her mom and sister.

Anita mentions to Nicole that she never liked Bill and felt that he just used them to get ahead and become more upper crust. It reminds her of how men acted in the music business (when she was a singer years ago). She wishes Dani had taken her advice and not given up her modeling career. Naomi texts Nicole to let her know that she’s running late. Naomi, meanwhile, is having sex with her husband, Jacob Hawthorne.

New nurse Ashley Morgan is greeted by her husband, Derek, in their kitchen. He is wearing pants and an apron (no shirt) as he offers her breakfast. He wanted to do something special for her on her first day as nurse.

Dani phones her daughter, Chelsea, to remind her about her wardrobe fitting later on. Chelsea is annoyed that her mom doesn’t think she can handle her life. After she gets off the phone, Dani remarks to Vanessa that her daughter is a brat. Chelsea is a model (and influencer) like Dani was when she was younger. Vanessa wishes she had known Dani back when she was a model. Dani speaks fondly of those days, saying that she faked confidence that she didn’t have.

Chelsea gripes about her mom to her cousin, Kat. Kat reminds her that they’re going to be starting their new line of purses, so they will be making their mark. Chelsea isn’t sure that she wants to abandon her mom just yet.

Nicole is going to receive an important award, so Anita tells her that she’s very proud of her. Nearby, Hayley is chatting with her wedding planner – giving her instructions. The planner points out that most of the invited guests haven’t responded, but Hayley dismisses the idea that there is any problem. She spies Dani, who’s just walked in. Hayley tells her that she’s upset that Dani and her family all hate her. She wonders if they can salvage their relationships. Dani tears into her for stealing Bill, saying that she betrayed them all. Hayley asks if they can find a way to be civil to each other, but Dani’s not having it.

Ashley thanks Derek for his support, as she sits on his lap. He is proud of her starting her new job as a nurse at Garland Memorial. He praises her for being so selfless, and they kiss.

Dani arrives at the table where Anita and Nicole sit, griping about Hayley. They remind her that Bill is also to blame, and in fact, he cheated before that. Dani is aware of that, but is more insulted that he slept with the woman that they had taken in, right under their roof. Dani makes fun of Nicole having the perfect husband and family.

Bill arrives at his office. His assistant, Caroline, has given him a very heavy schedule. She knows that he’ll be off on his honeymoon soon, so that’s why she’s given him so much to do before that. Bill tells her earnestly that “This is a new dawn.”

Hayley gets the keys for her new home in Fairmont Crest from Vanessa, her realtor. Vanessa wonders why she and Bill picked the same community where Bill’s family lives. She points out that everyone will freeze Hayley out, socially, thinking of her as the “sexy, younger, husband thief.” Hayley is optimistic that people will come around. Vanessa wishes her luck, sarcastically, saying that she’s going to need it.

Vernon, Anita’s retired Senator husband, meets his grandson, Martin, at a diner called Orphy Gene’s. It’s clear that they go there often. Vernon counts his many blessings and praises Martin for following in his footsteps to make a difference in their community. Martin declares that he wants more, but he’s not sure what that is yet.

Naomi checks in via text with her mom and Dani. She undresses Jacob again, to have more sex. Jacob is a police detective at the DC police department.

A woman, Bessy, walks up to Vernon and Martin at the diner. She chats with them about how she was also involved with the civil rights movement in the 70’s. She admires Anita as well, and his work as a senator. They shake hands, and he’s glad to hear from her. Vernon points out to Martin that this is the best way to get people to vote for you – talking to them personally and giving them attention.

A man named Wayne (a former football player) visits Bill in his office to ask him for help. He tells him that his son, Terry, was arrested. He’d gotten in trouble with drugs, so he broke into someone’s home to steal jewelry and cash. He tells Bill that the couple he stole from were Diana and Jerry Overton. Bill tells him that he’ll make this go away.

Dani and Nicole bicker (in front of Anita) about marriage. Naomi thinks that Dani should stop obsessing about Bill and Hayley; Anita agrees. Dani doesn’t like that advice and wants to make the cheaters pay.

Derek leaves with Ashley, saying that he’ll take her to the hospital and pick her up after her shift. She’s impressed with how much he’s spoiling her. They kiss.

Naomi tells Jacob that she has a gift for Ashley – a stethoscope on a nice chain. She also got him a gift: pink, fuzzy handcuffs. He puts them on her

Vernon and Martin join Anita, Dani and Nicole. Dani vents that everything she had is one, telling Nicole that she has a right to her feelings. Vernon says soothing things to Dani, which calms her down. He agrees with her, saying that Bill is not worth her tears. They do a little verbal thing that seems like they’ve done it many times in the past, where he gets her to say that she’s the best and brightest. She agrees to let it go.

Chelsea and Kat sit nearby, admiring how Vernon got Dani to cheer up and actually laugh. Naomi comes in and joins them. Chelsea’s not sure how she feels about hating her dad for all he did, but Naomi already feels that way. They go over to join the rest of the family in the lounge.

Ashley starts her first day as nurse at the hospital.

Bill gets the Overtons to drop the charges. Wayne is astonished and how quickly that happened. He’s even more shocked when Bill tells him that there’ll be no charge. Bill tells him that he owes him one.

Vernon tells his family a story (that they’ve probably heard many times already) about trying to find Asian pears when Anita was pregnant with Dani. They talk about family and marriage. Naomi says she plans to stay single. Nicole tells her that there’s nothing wrong with that.

At the hospital, Andre, a photographer (Naomi’s husband’s nephew), chats with Ashley and congratulates her on her first day. He flirts with her as well.

Bill has a short video chat with Hayley. They make a date to have some sexy time in his hotel room.

Vanessa arrives at the club briefly to tell Dani that Bill and Hayley bought a house in Fairmont Crest. Dani is outraged, saying that she’s done being disrespected. She approaches Hayley and yells at her for moving into the house. She slaps Hayley, hard. The rest of the family each glare at Hayley as they walk out, one at a time. A woman sitting nearby, played by guest star Karen Huger of “The Real Housewives of The Potomac.” She says to Hayley, “Welcome to Fairmont Crest.”

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Interview with JJ Bailey

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TV Interview!

 

JJ Bailey, co-creator/showrunner of "The Hunting Party" on NBC

Interview with JJ Bailey, co-creator/showrunner of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne 2/20/25

This was a nice interview. I always enjoy talking to writers and producers because they know more about the background and creation of a show than the actors do. I was supposed to speak with his co-creator/showrunner, Jake Coburn, but I was told at the last minute that he wasn’t feeling well.  It was a short interview, but I asked most of my questions, so I was happy with it. It’s an interesting show, so I hope it gets a second season.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

THE HUNTING PARTY -- Pictured: "The Hunting Party" Key Art -- (Photo by: NBCUniversal)

The Hunting Party

Series Premiere Monday Feb 3 on NBC (10 pm ET/PT) 

A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.

The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.

Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.

“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

J Bailey

Executive Producer/Co-Showrunner, “The Hunting Party”

JJ Bailey is the creator, executive producer and co-showrunner on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”

After receiving a degree in business and economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Bailey made the left turn into entertainment, moving to Los Angeles in order to pursue a career in screenwriting. Since 2017, he has developed several projects with UTV/NBC, which include two pilot orders for “Echo” and “Getaway.”

Now working under an overall deal with NBCUniversal, Bailey has his first series order with “The Hunting Party” along with another project currently in development.

He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

THE HUNTING PARTY -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: (l-r) Sara Garcia as Jennifer Morales, Patrick Sabongui as Jacob Hassani, Melissa Roxburgh as Rebecca Henderson, Nick Wechsler as Oliver Odell, Josh McKenzie as Shane Florence -- (Photo by: Lindsay Siu/NBC)

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Colby Muhammad, Clifton Davis and Tamara Tunie in "Beyond the Gates" (photo from CBS preview)

 

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Clifton Davis (Vernon) and Brandon Clybon (Martin) greet unknown woman

Daytime Best Lines

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Best Lines from each soap!

 

GENERAL HOSPITAL – ABC’s “General Hospital” stars Donnell Turner as Curtis Ashford and Brook Kerr as Portia Robinson. (Disney/Ricky Middlesworth)

Beyond the Gates

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We need more volunteers to choose the funniest or most fun lines from the current soaps! Please email us to let us know if you want to help out!

 

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Interview with Sara Garcia

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

THE HUNTING PARTY -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: Sara Garcia as Jennifer Morales -- (Photo by: Lindsay Siu/NBC)

Interview with Sara Garcia of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne 2/14/25

This was fun, but short. It was nice to speak to Sara, whom I interviewed (in a group) 2 years ago for the family drama “Ride” on Hallmark. This new series is quite a different show, about a team of FBI agents that chase down serial killers that have escaped from a high-tech prison. She plays the army tech person that helps the field agents. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but it’s got a wonderful cast and solid action. It seems a little bit like “The Blacklist” crossed with “Criminal Minds,” but it’s got its own original take.

 

THE HUNTING PARTY -- Pictured: "The Hunting Party" Key Art -- (Photo by: NBCUniversal)MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

The Hunting Party

Series Premiere Monday Feb 3 on NBC (10 pm ET/PT)

A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.

The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.

Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.

“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

THE HUNTING PARTY -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: Sara Garcia as Jennifer Morales -- (Photo by: Lindsay Siu/NBC)Sara Garcia

Jennifer Morales, “The Hunting Party”

Sara Garcia stars as Jennifer Morales, an intel officer and major in the Army, on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”

Ontario-born and Toronto-raised, Garcia applied and was accepted to one of Toronto’s most prestigious arts schools, the Etobicoke School of the Arts. When it came time for college, Garcia chose to attend the renowned Queen’s University, where she double majored in global development and theater.

Her first foray on TV was a role on FX’s “Man Seeking Woman.” Other television credits include CW’s “The Flash” and “Reign,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” Hallmark’s “Ride,” the USA series “Falling Water,” the SYFY movie “Stickman” and the action series “X Company” for the CBC.

Most recently Garcia had a leading role in the animated Netflix series “Unicorn Academy,” which garnered her a Canadian Screen Award nomination; a recurring part on Netflix’s “My Little Pony” franchise; Amazon’s “Gary & His Demons”; and the Apple TV/Dreamworks project “Pinecone & Pony.”

Outside of film and television, she has displayed her acting skills with major roles in two incredibly successful video game franchises, “Far Cry 6” and “Starlink: Battle for Atlas.”

THE HUNTING PARTY -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: (l-r) Josh McKenzie as Shane Florence, Patrick Sabongui as Jacob Hassani, Melissa Roxburgh as Rebecca Henderson, Nick Wechsler as Oliver Odell, Sara Garcia as Jennifer Morales -- (Photo by: Lindsay Siu/NBC)

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Interview with Selina Ringel and Ritesh Rajan

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TV Interview!

 

Selina Ringel and Ritesh Rajan of the film "You, Me & Her"

Interview with Selina Ringel and Ritesh Rajan of the film “You, Me & Her” by Suzanne 2/7/25

It was fun to speak to these two actors (even though I was having a very bad hair day! LOL!). The film is sexy, fun, entertaining, and it shows marriage in a real way. Make sure to catch it when it opens tomorrow, February 14, in theaters nationwide.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "You, Me & Her"

YOU, ME & HER

The romantic comedy YOU, ME & HER, presented by Two Hands Productions, starring Selina Ringel (Single Mother By Choice), Ritesh Rajan (Definition Please, Russian Doll), and Sydney Park (First Love, The Walking Dead), will be released in 250+ theaters nationwide as the Alpha Test film for The Fithian Group’s new platform Attend on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2025. 

The film is directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and written by Selina Ringel, a husband-and-wife powerhouse.

“A thoughtful, provocative and ultimately moving marital drama that feels more realistic and more honest than any number of Hollywood romcoms.” 

– Action Reloaded

ABOUT YOU, ME & HER

94 minutes | Comedy | 2025 | English | USA | MPA Rated R for sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language

SYNOPSIS | For Mags and Ash, marriage has become a series of arguments and compromises, leaving them both yearning for more. On their first vacation alone since becoming parents, their arguments threaten to ruin the trip—until they meet Angela, a free-spirited digital nomad who stirs unexpected feelings in Mags and gives her permission to be a version of herself she has not been in years, fun! Intrigued by Angela, the couple flirts with the idea of a threesome, but it’s never as simple as it seems.

LOGLINE | A chronically married couple flirts with a threesome to rediscover themselves.

TAGLINE | Don’t Make it Weird.

THEATRICAL RELEASE | Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2025

DIRECTED BY | Dan Levy Dagerman

WRITTEN BY | Selina Ringel

PRODUCED BY | Selina Ringel, Dan Levy Dagerman, Fernando Lebrija, Pablo Lebrija, Ritesh Rajan, and Cameron Fife

STARRING | Selina Ringel (Single Mother By Choice), Ritesh Rajan (Definition Please, Russian Doll), and Sydney Park (First Love, The Walking Dead).

PRODUCTION COMPANY | Two Hand’s Productions

IN PARTNERSHIP | Fifthian Group and Attend

BIOGRAPHIES: 

ABOUT DAN & SELINA: Dan Levy Dagerman and Selina Ringel are a filmmaking husband and wife team. Their last movie Single Mother By Choice sold directly to HBOMax. Their newest film You, Me & Her has partnered with the Fithian Group as the Alpha Test for their new platform called Attend which might reshape the independent theatrical model. Their film will be in over 200 theaters nationwide on Valentine’s Day! They both graduated from AFI.

Selina Ringel, star of the film "You, Me & Her"SELINA RINGEL, Mags (Lead Actress, Writer, Producer): A dynamic Mexican-American filmmaker, has carved a niche in the independent film scene with her compelling narratives and unique voice. An award-winning writer, producer, and actress, her recent project, “You, Me & Her,” has won 15 awards, including Best Picture at the Mexican-American Film & Television Awards, and boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Selina’s groundbreaking film “Single Mother by Choice” captured her real-time pregnancy journey during COVID-19 and premiered on HBO Max. She is also known for her engaging comedy special on Amazon Prime, “2 Moms 1 Mic,” and her internationally recognized film “The Best People,” distributed domestically by Samuel Goldwyn Films.  Selina’s work continues to resonate globally, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation.

Ritesh Rajan, star of the film "You, Me & Her"RITESH RAJAN, Ash (Lead Actor): A graduate of NYU Tisch, you can see Ritesh’s work as the lead in Sujata Day’s new film “Definition Please” produced by Mindy Kaling & Ava DuVernay, as Farran in the Emmy award-winning hit “Russian Doll” and as the voice of Ken in “Barbie: Dream House Adventures”: and more all on Netflix. Other credits include recurring on Shonda Rimes “Station 19,” Disney’s “The Jungle Book, FreeForm’s “Stitchers,” “NCIS LA,” “Star Wars,” “Rebels,” “Beavis & Butthead” and the Hulu original, “Dollface.”

DAN LEVY DAGERMAN (Director): Dan is a distinguished director, producer, and innovator in the film industry, known for blending poignant narratives with groundbreaking cinematic techniques, establishing himself as a formidable force in modern independent cinema. After earning an MFA in Directing from AFI Conservatory, Dan co-founded Two Hands Productions with his wife, Selina Ringel. Their most recent feature, “You, Me & Her,” has garnered significant success on the film festival circuit, winning 15 awards, including Best Picture at the 2024 Mexican-American Film & Television Festival, and achieving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ahead of its 2025 theatrical release. Their previous feature, “Single Mother by Choice,” documented Selina’s real-life pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and was acquired by HBO Max, receiving critical acclaim and the Best Indie Feature award at Film Threat’s Annual AWARD THIS! in 2022, showcasing Dan’s directorial sensitivity to intimate, real-life stories. Dan founded High Concept Entertainment, a production company at the intersection of cannabis and entertainment, pioneering content marketing and distribution strategies that reflect the evolving demands of digital-age audiences. His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, storytelling excellence, and a keen understanding of cultural trends, whose work continues to inspire and drive change.

SYDNEY PARK, Angela (Supporting Actress): Sydney got her start at the age of 6 doing stand-up comedy at the Hollywood Improv. At the age of 8, she competed on reality competition show “America’s Got Talent” as “Syd the Kid,” the youngest stand-up comic to compete. She went on to guest star on hit Disney Channel series “That’s So Raven” and “Hannah Montana,”, in addition to HBO’s “Entourage,” “Comedy Central’s “The Sarah Silverman Program” and CBS’ “CSI: NY.”. Continuing her versatile work, Sydney starred in Nick at Nite’s “Instant Mom,” AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” the Netflix animated series, “Spirit Riding Free” and Freeform’s spin-off series “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.”  Her performance was highlighted as “the standout of the young cast” by Variety magazine. Sydney‘s credits also include season 3 of the hit Netflix series “Santa Clarita Diet,” the 2017 horror film “Wish Upon” and the Netflix slasher film “There’s Someone Inside Your House.”

FILMMAKERS STATEMENT

As a husband and wife team, we write stories that are a hyperbole of our lives. We believe that this approach allows us to create films that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, sparking conversations about love, relationships, and the human condition. You, Me & Her is a romantic comedy that draws on our personal lives and influences as diverse as Knocked Up, Scenes from a Marriage, and Force Majeure to bring the audience into the exploration of Mags and Ash’s relationship.

It’s fair to say everyone in a relationship has fantasized about what it would be like to be with someone else and on the surface the idea of a threesome seems like the ultimate loophole for a couple. In our film, we were determined to explore these complex emotions honestly and authentically within the characters and ourselves. The film poses the question of whether this ‘relationship band-aid’ can save a relationship or if festering issues buried under the surface have become too deep of a wound to fix.

"You, Me & Her" promo pic from Instagram

COLLATERAL TO SHARE: 

TRAILER | Click Here to Download Watch our Trailer (Unlisted)

POSTER | Click Here to Download our Poster

BTS | Click Here to View BTS 

FILM SELECTS | Click Here to View Film Selects

CAST PHOTOS | Click Here to View Cast Photos

OFFICIAL WEBSITE | https://www.ymhmovie.com/

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT | @youmeandhermovieBEHIND THE FILM: 

  • You, Me & Her is the first film for the Fithian Group’s experimental Alpha development phase of its recently announced online theatrical digital distribution and marketing platform, Attend. (The Hollywood Reporter).
  • The release will allow the parties to harness the conversations between filmmakers and theater owners into automated tools that will combine with the industry’s leading data set to form Attend.
  • The Fithian Group and the groundbreaking distribution platform Attend, are endorsed by over 90 significant filmmakers and producers including Damien Chazelle, Patty Jenkins, Steven Soderbergh, Sean Baker, and many more.
  • You, Me & Her is actively partnering with influencers, content creators, and brands that authentically resonate with the themes of the film. Their brand partners to date include Lindt Chocolate, Lyft, Lalo Tequila, Zomoz Mezcal, The Pleasure Chest, PleasureMed, Candier by Ryan Porter, Simmr, Potli, PYM Mood Chews, FemmeFun and La Nua. 
  • The You, Me & Her team will be activating unique experiences in different theaters all over the nation. In partnership with Riviera Nayarit, Hotel Ysuri and Casa Selva audience members will even have the chance to win a trip to Mexico.
  • Selina and Dan will participate in a Panel at Sundance 2025, Revolutionizing Theatrical Distribution to Expand the Range and Impact of Independent Films. Speakers include, Elizabeth Woodward (Founder and CEO, Willa) Selina Ringel (Screenwriter, You, Me & Her) Dan Levy Dagerman (Director, You, Me & Her), Jackie Brenneman (Co-Founding Partner, The Fithian Group). Please see the recorded Q&A here.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

  • Selina identifies as a bisexual woman and is married to Dan who identifies as a straight man
  • The film was sparked by a moment that made Selina question her sexuality, societal conventions, and honesty in relationships, which, needless to say, was quite a journey to experience with her husband, Dan.
  • Selina is Mexican-American and was raised in Guadalajara, Mexico.
  • The movie was shot in Spanglish and half of it was shot in Nayarit, Mexico.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS: 

  1. Grand Jury Award Best Feature Film Comedy Sherman Oaks Film Festival 2023
  2. Grand Jury Award Best Performance by a Cast 2023
  3. Grand Jury Award Best Screenplay 2023
  4. Best RomCom Amsterdam World Canvas Film Festival 2024
  5. Best Picture Festigious 2024 (2/6/2024)
  6. Best Original Story Festigious 2024 (2/6/2024)
  7. Best Comedy Festigious 2/6/2024
  8. Best Romantic Comedy Los Angeles Film Awards 2023
  9. Best LGBTQ+ Film Athens International Film Festival
  10. Best Picture New York Film Awards 2023
  11. Best Actor New York Film Awards 2024 (1/10/2024)
  12. Best Actress New York Film Awards 2024 (1/10/2024)
  13. Best Picture Mexican American Film Festival 2024 (5/18/2024)
  14. Best Queer Feature Film Lone Wolf International Film Festival 2024
  15. Best Director Paris Awards Film Festival 2024

PRESS QUOTES & REVIEWS

“Attend allows for an unprecedented collaboration between filmmakers, theater owners and marketers in expanding the reach of theatrical moviemaking. With You, Me & Her, and Dan and Selina’s embrace of experimentation, we think we have an ideal projet to build the tools that will become Attend.”  

– The Hollywood Reporter 

“We tell stories inspired by our lives. This film was sparked by a moment that made me question my sexuality, societal conventions, and honesty in relationships, which, needless to say, was quite a journey to experience with your husband [Dagerman]” said Ringel. 

– The Hollywood Reporter 

“A thoughtful, provocative, and ultimately moving marital drama that feels more realistic and more honest than any number of Hollywood romcoms.” 

– Action Reloaded

“The film exposes the frustrations and heartache that come with not being honest with each other and ourselves.” 

– We Are Moving Stories

“Dagerman and Ringel walk the line masterfully between titillation and meditation. There’s no reason a film can’t do both, but generally, filmmakers don’t even try to approach sex thoughtfully or with any emotional depth. The beautiful Mexican beach and Latin party music for the trip provides a visual feast, serving as a getaway for the audience as well as the characters.”

– Bradley Gibson, Film Threat

“With a compelling storyline, strong performances, and a tasteful approach to adult themes, You, Me & Her succeeds in offering a refreshing perspective on love, laughter, and the unconventional paths that relationships may take.”

– Tony Asankomah, GhMovieFreak

“What looks to be a raunchy sex comedy eventually turns into something more substantial, as Ringel’s nuanced script finds surprising depth as well as humor in a strained domesticity nearing the breaking point.”

– Dennis Harvey, 48 Hills 

“Attend expands possibilities for filmmakers and non-studio movies to reach audiences and to expand the reach and efficiency of existing distributors. Over many years of grappling with the challenges and opportunities facing the theatrical market worldwide, as industry leaders we have sought solutions that grow the business for all stakeholders.”

– Deadline

July 2, 2023, Hollywood, California, United States: (L-R) Ritesh Rajan, Selina Ringel, Dan Levy Dagerman and Sydney Park attends the 2023 Dances With Films World Premiere Of ''You, Me, & Her' (Credit Image: © Billy Bennight/ZUMA Press Wire) from IMDBPRESS BREAKS:

VARIETY / Brent Lang

January 16, 2025: “‘You, Me & Her’ Releases First Trailer; Romantic Comedy Will Test Fithian Group’s Digital Distribution Marketplace (EXCLUSIVE)” https://variety.com/2025/film/news/you-me-and-her-trailer-romantic-comedy-fithian-groups-digital-distribution-marketplace-1236275684/

VARIETY – X / Staff

January 16, 2025: “’You, Me & Her’ Releases First Trailer; Romantic Comedy Will Test Fithian Group’s Digital Distribution Marketplace (EXCLUSIVE)” https://x.com/Variety/status/1879966894402294260

*Please note, this was shared with VARIETY’s X (2.9M Followers).

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TV Review of “Doc”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

 

Cast of "Doc" on FOX

“Doc” on FOX Review by Suzanne 1/10/25

This show has an interesting concept: Amy Larsen, a middle-aged doctor and Chief of Internal Medicine (played by Molly Parker) seems to care more about figuring out medical mysteries at her Midwestern hospital than being nice to patients or co-workers (shades of “House!”); then she gets into a terrible car accident in the rain. When she wakes up, she doesn’t remember the last 8 years of her life. On the one hand, she seems to be a much nicer person, but she also doesn’t remember a lot of bad things that happened, such as her young son’s death, and divorcing her husband, Michael (Omar Metwally) – who’s also her boss. She has to learn all of that and deal with it. She also doesn’t remember that she and her daughter are at odds, or that she’s in love with one of the other doctors, Jake Heller (Jon Ecker), who’s younger and very handsome.

Scott Wolf (“Night Shift,” “Nancy Drew”) has a small role as a doctor that she’s had problems with. He’s clearly supposed to be  incompetent, or worse. When she’s injured, he’s made interim Chief of Internal Medicine, much to his weaselly relief.

I have to admit that, while I find the show intriguing and will keep watching it, I think that Parker was miscast. She’s a very good actress (and she’s been in many movies and shows, so she’s also very experienced), but she seems very bland to me and doesn’t have a ton of chemistry with anyone.  Her character appears to be very unlikable as well (even when we see her nicer version).  The actors around her have much more charisma, in my opinion. Perhaps she will grow on me. I hope so because I enjoy medical dramas.

Key art for "Doc" on FOXMORE INFORMATION: Official Website Trailer

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit eponymous Italian drama series, Doc is a new life-affirming medical drama, starring Emmy nominee Molly Parker (House of Cards) as hard-charging, brilliant Chief of Internal Medicine Dr. Amy Larsen, who suffers a brain injury that erases the last eight years of her memory.

After a late-night car crash results in severe head trauma, Amy wakes up from surgery with no recollection of the patients she’s treated, the colleagues she’s crossed and the tragedy that caused her to push almost everyone away. The relief that Amy gets from seeing her family post-accident is fleeting when she learns the incomprehensible – that she and her beloved husband, Dr. Michael Hamda (Omar Metwally, Big Sky, Lisey’s Story) have been divorced for four years. In fact, her entire family is not at all as she remembers them, rocking her foundation to the core.

Amy’s best friend, neuropsychiatrist Dr. Gina Walker (Amirah Vann, A Jazzman’s Blues, How To Get Away With Murder), has little guidance to give her for this new reality since matters of the brain are, even to the experts, still a big mystery. While Gina is hopeful, she does not know if Amy will ever recover her memories. In Amy’s fragile state, Gina must choose carefully what information from the past eight years to reveal to her, scared that too much too soon could prove more harmful than good. This includes her secret romance with Dr. Jake Heller (Jon Ecker, The Watchful Eye, Firefly Lane), since Amy now has no recollection of ever meeting him before, let alone being in a passionate relationship with him. Certain other memories, those close to her believe, would perhaps be too painful to relive and are best left forgotten.

In a fateful irony, that’s the fervent hope for Amy’s colleague, Dr. Richard Miller (guest star Scott Wolf, Nancy Drew, Party of Five), who has now been promoted to take over as Chief of Internal Medicine after Amy’s accident. Richard is desperate for Amy’s memories to never return since she was the only person to uncover his career-ending mistake – another thing she now doesn’t recall. And Richard isn’t alone in relishing Amy’s predicament – her previously contentious and unkind behavior left her with more than a few enemies at the hospital, including Dr. Sonya Maitra (Anya Banerjee, The Blacklist). While she does remember Dr. TJ Coleman (guest star Patrick Walker, Lessons In Chemistry), she does not recall that he became a doctor – nor that it was she who inspired him to do so.

Feeling completely off balance and having to piece together what happened through the prism of other people’s subjective points of view, practicing medicine remains the one constant for Amy, and she is determined to become a doctor again. While she may never get back what she’s lost, Amy knows she’s been given a second chance to do things differently and she will not take that gift for granted.

Doc is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and FOX Entertainment Studios. Barbie Kligman serves as showrunner and executive producer. Hank Steinberg, Erwin Stoff and Judith McCreary are executive producers. Doc is based on the globally acclaimed Italian series, Doc — Nelle tue mani, which was created and is produced by Lux Vide, a Fremantle Company.

 

Omar Metwally, Molly Parker and Jon Ecker at "Doc" screening

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The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The TV MegaSite or its other volunteers.

Interview with Bailey Chase, Dawn Olivieri and Jesse Hutch

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Bailey Chase, Jesse Hutch and Dawn Olivieri of the movie and TV series "Homestead" on Angel Studios

Interview with Bailey Chase, Jesse Hutch and Dawn Olivieri of the movie and TV series “Homestead” on Angel Studios by Suzanne 12/11/24

This is a really good movie, and I look forward to seeing the TV series that comes next. I really enjoyed Bailey Chase’s work, ever since I saw him in “As The World Turns” years ago, but he has grown into an amazing actor. It was nice to speak with all three of these gifted performers after watching them in the movie. I was originally supposed to speak to the show’s creator/director/showrunner, Ben Smallbone, but he had to leave at the last minute. Dawn was a real trouper to answer what she could of my questions for him as well.

Don’t miss it! You can watch the movie in theaters now.

Bailey Chase and Jesse Hutch

Dawn Olivieri

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "Homestead"

Exclusively in theaters December 20th

Angel Studios Launches the companion HOMESTEAD: FAMILY SURVIVAL Series

Exclusively on Angel.com and the Angel App on December 20th.

Synopsis: A nuclear bomb is detonated in Los Angeles, and the nation devolves into unprecedented chaos. Ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson and his family escape to The Homestead, an eccentric prepper’s fortress nestled in the mountains. As violent threats and apocalyptic conditions creep toward their borders, the residents of The Homestead are left to wonder: how long can a group of people resist both the dangers of human nature and the bloodshed at their doorstep?

Directed by: Ben Smallbone (Documentaries: Stone Cold Country + Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon)

Written by: Phillip Abraham, Leah Bateman, Ben Kasica
Produced by: Ben Kasica, Andrea Royer and Ben Smallbone
Starring: Neal McDonough (Minority Report), Dawn Olivieri (1883), Bailey Chase (Longmire)
Jesse Hutch (FBI: International), Currie Graham (Assault on Precinct 13), Olivia Sanabia (NCIS)

Bailey Chase (bio pic)Bailey Chase (Jeff Ericksson)

Bailey was born in Chicago but moved to Florida after his parents divorced at a young age. He attended Duke University on a football scholarship and majored in Psychology. After graduation, Bailey moved to LA to pursue his boyhood dream of acting which encompassed a training stint in London (LAMDA). His first film break came in Adam Shankman’s Cosmo’s Tale (1998), which screened at both Sundance and Cannes. Bailey’s career blossomed in television starting with Buffy, the Vampire Slayer then working with Oscar-winners in Saving Grace and Damages before his own critically acclaimed performance in Longmire. Bailey has starred in various projects since including Batman V Superman, Chicago PD, Grimm, 24: Legacy, Twin Peaks and Queen of the South. He was recently nominated for Best Lead Actor for his performance in Far Haven and is currently shooting Homestead (2024). Bailey resides in North Carolina with his wife and three children.

Bailey Chase in "Homestead"

Dawn Olivieri bio pic

Dawn Olivieri (Jenna Ross)

Dawn Orienne Olivieri is an American actress perhaps best known for her turn as Lydia in Heroes and Monica Talbot in House of Lies. She has appeared in the Showtime series House of Lies for 41 episodes, starting in 2012, playing the competitive management consultant and ex-wife of main character Marty Kaan and mother of their son, Roscoe Kaan. She acted as Janice Herveaux in the third season of the HBO series True Blood. She played a reporter and Damon Salvatore’s girlfriend Andie Star in the hit CW show The Vampire Diaries. Wrapping up the 4th season on Heroes, she has also completed parts on TBS’s My Boys, NBC’s Knight Rider, TNT’s Trust Me, and SyFy’s Stargate: Atlantis, and recurred on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother. Olivieri played a lead role in the SyFy movie Hydra, and she is the voice of Pepper Potts in the new Avengers animated series on Disney XD. She appeared in the October 2009 issue of Maxim. Olivieri appeared on HBO’s Entourage on September 13, 2009, and hosted a contest on Scripped. She voiced Lucy Kuo in a PlayStation 3 video game, Infamous 2, which was released in June 2011. As of March 2018, she has a recurring role in the CBS action-adventure series SEAL Team as Amy Nelson.

Dawn Olivieri in "Homestead"

Jesse Hutch bio picJesse Hutch (Evan Lee)

Jesse Hutch was born in the same geographical location as the Marvel hero Wolverine. This could be nothing more then a fun fact, however, it does not excuse why Mr. Hutch is immune to Tylenol and Novocaine(most commonly used in dental practice). He drowned when he was 19 years old. Fell from a 25 foot rock quarry while free climbing in middle school. Had his stomach cut open by a barbed wire fence when he was 10, and he moved across the country(solo) when he was 21 to pursue acting. Mr. Hutch says he’s still working on his: “24 year overnight success story”.

With over 100 professional Television and Film credits to his name, You may have seen him in cult classics such as “Freddy vs Jason” and “The Butterfly Effect”. Maybe you saw him in the 60’s as Jimmy Riley on Dick Clark’s ”American Dreams”. FBI International, Dark Angel, Kyle XY, Smallville, Arrow, Almost Human, Supernatural, Batwoman and Project Blue Book are but a few of his television roles.

Jesse’s upcoming theatrical releases include: “MEMEC” a dark thriller comedy where he plays the main antagonist. And “HOMESTEAD” a present day post apocalyptic series by Angel Studios. When asked what his best role has been to date, his response: “My best roles will always be that of husband and father. I believe that giving your life for others is one of the greatest gifts you can strive for. Turns out this is also the best acting class you will ever take…life”.

As for new Television in 2024: Jesse recently was a producer and actor on “A Little Women’s Christmas” where he acted alongside his daughter Charlize. He co-stars alongside Jill Wagner in their new Christmas Film which will also air on Great American Family.

Keep an eye out for Mr.Hutch. His performances range from Drama, to action, to comedy and back again. We are always in a state of mystery as to what his next role will be. His ability to be extremely grounded allow depth, yet he can be funny, charming, dangerous and unpredictable at times. He can play a large range of roles with believability. His stunt ability is backed by a consistent and regimented style of training. Hutch commands the screen regardless of wether he is speaking or listening.

Mr. Hutch is married to his beautiful Wife Loreili, and they have 3 wonderful children.

As a final note, His social media presence is fun, genuine and family friendly.

Jesse Hutch in "Homestead"

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Primetime TV Review: Dexter: Original Sin

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

 

Key art for "Dexter: Original Sin"

“Dexter: Original Sin” on Showtime Review by Suzanne 12/16/24

My original review is below. I didn’t like the casting, at first, but the show won me over. Gibson sounds more like Dexter than I had originally observed, and he plays a younger, more innocent version of the serial killer we all know and love. Christian Slater is always great, and he excels here as Harry. Molly Brown captures the essence of Deborah.  After awhile, I could enjoy the show and forget that these two don’t really look anything like the actors on the mother ship. It’s a great show, and I’m sad that it’s over now. I sure hope we get a second season.

I loved “Dexter” and its sequel, mostly because of Michael C. Hall and his devilish grin. He’s a fantastic actor, and he’s – let’s just say – sexy. He has a lot of charisma, no matter which role he’s playing.  The new actor playing the college-age Dexter, Patrick Gibson, doesn’t really look at all like Michael C. Hall. Moreover, he is not as good of an actor and is not as charismatic nor handsome. He’s handsome enough, I suppose, but he’s not going to make the female viewers swoon.  He reminds me of the actor who starred in “Ugly Betty,” Eric Mabius. Mabius looks kind of dopey (he’s great at comedy), and so does Gibson.  It doesn’t really work.

That would be bad enough, but the actors they chose to play Harry (Dexter’s adopted father) and Deb (his sister) don’t look or sound at all like the actors who played them in “Dexter.” Christian Slater plays Harry Morgan. He’s a great actor, no question, but he doesn’t look or act anything like James Remar (who played Harry).  Molly Brown plays Deborah, and she’s a beautiful woman.  She’s a good actress, but the original actress, Jennifer Carpenter was not beautiful. She is an amazing actress, but she has a big, pointy nose and is gangly, like she doesn’t know what to do with her arms and legs all of the time. For me, this part of the casting is terrible. I may get used to it, but I don’t know. It helps that Michael C. Hall narrates the show.  The other actors, who play Masuka, LaGuerta and Batista, look and act enough like their “Dexter” counterparts. There are three new characters, played by familiar actors: Sarah Michelle Gellar (of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fame) plays Dexter’s new boss at the forensics lab, Tanya. Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatony”) plays the chief detective, Captain Aaron Spencer. Lastly, Reno Wilson (“Good Girls”) plays Detective Bobby Wyatt, who is partnered with Harry (and his best friend).

In the first episode, Dexter was still in college and about to graduate. He told Harry that hunting animals no longer satisfied his “urges.” Because of a situation, Dexter has to get his first kill, and it goes well.  Then he gets a job at the lab.  I don’t want to give you any spoilers. It’s a good show; very well written by the same people who wrote “Dexter” and “Dexter: New Blood.” Prequels are very popular now on TV. We’ve had many, such as “Bates Motel,” “Young Sheldon,” “Young Rock,” and the new “NCIS: Origins.” There’s also a new “Dexter” series, “Dexter: Resurrection.” I hope they’ll have a better ending than the last one.

Check it out because it does drag you into the story. If you can look past the different-looking characters, you should enjoy it.  It just started on Showtime with Paramount+.

MORE INFORMATION:  Official Site   Trailer

New Series Now Streaming
DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN chronicles America’s favorite serial killer…in training.
Starring: Christian Slater, Patrick Gibson, Molly Brown, Patrick Dempsey, James Martinez
Dexter: Original Sin
Set in 1991 Miami, DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN follows Dexter Morgan as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry, he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcements’ radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.

Release

PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME UNVEILS TEASER AND PREMIERE DATE FOR SHOWTIME ORIGINAL SERIES DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN

PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME® UNVEILS TEASER AND PREMIERE DATE FOR SHOWTIME ORIGINAL SERIES DEXTER®: ORIGINAL SIN 

Series Set to Premiere on Friday, December 13, Streaming on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Plan Ahead of its On-Air Debut on Sunday, December 15

Produced by SHOWTIME Studios and Counterpart Studios

Photo Credit: Patrick Wymore/Paramount+ with Showtime

Watch the New Teaser HERE 

September 12, 2024 – Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® today revealed the premiere date and new teaser for the highly anticipated prequel DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN. The series will premiere Friday, December 13 on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® plan, before making its on-air US debut on Sunday, December 15. The title will begin rolling out on Paramount+ internationally on December 13. Currently in production in Los Angeles, the 10-episode drama series chronicles America’s favorite serial killer in training. 

Set in 1991 Miami, DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN follows Dexter (Patrick Gibson) as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry (Christian Slater), he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcement’s radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department. 

DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN also stars Patrick Dempsey, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson and special guest star, Sarah Michelle Gellar. Michael C. Hall returns to voice the iconic inner monologue in Dexter Morgan’s head. 

DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN is executive produced by Clyde Phillips and produced by SHOWTIME Studios and Counterpart Studios. Executive producers also include Scott Reynolds (Jessica Jones), Michael C. Hall (DEXTER, Six Feet Under), Mary Leah Sutton (Resident Evil), Tony Hernandez (Emily in Paris) and Lilly Burns (Russian Doll), with the series being produced by Robert Lloyd Lewis (The Lincoln Lawyer). Michael Lehmann (Heathers) serves as directing executive producer. 

For Showtime Studios, the series is being creatively overseen by Gary Levine and Urooj Sharif with production supervised by Tara Power. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets. 

For more information on Dexter: Original Sin, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X and join the conversation using #DexterOriginalSin.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment and news brands, is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combining live sports, breaking news and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, the service’s cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME® content, including scripted hits and critically acclaimed nonfiction projects and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.

About SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks

SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks is a global network of media assets that reaches over one billion people in more than 180 countries featuring some of the most iconic brands in entertainment including SHOWTIME, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Network among others – and, its Studios arm which produces 120+ series annually, including some of today’s biggest hits such as Yellowstone, Yellowjackets, Emily in Paris, 1883, 1923, George & Tammy, South Park, Tulsa King, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Challenge and Jersey Shore, to name a few.

 

Patrick Gibson as Dexter Morgan, Molly Brown as Debra Morgan and Christian Slater as Harry Morgan in "Dexter: Original Sin" (Frank Ockenfels 3/Paramount+ with Showtime)

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Primetime TV Review: NCIS: Origins

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

 

NCIS: ORIGINS follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and is narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). NCIS: ORIGINS stars Austin Stowell as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks, Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan and Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland. Flagship series star Mark Harmon will narrate and executive produce. In addition to Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal will executive produce, with North and Monreal co-writing the premiere episode and serving as co-showrunners. Niels Arden Oplev will executive produce and direct the pilot. The series is produced by CBS Studios. ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

“NCIS: Origins” on CBS Review by Suzanne 12/16/24

It took me a while to warm to this show, but I enjoy it. It’s been a slow burn.  At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the actor who plays young Leroy Gibbs (Austin Stowell) because he looks nothing like Mark Harmon (who plays Gibbs in the present).  We all know what Mark Harmon looked like when he was young because he was on TV at age 22. He was much more handsome and has more charisma than Stowell. Stowell is good-looking but has a longer face, a pointier chin and a larger nose. His eyebrows and ears are different. Harmon has piercing blue eyes, and Stowell does not. He has green eyes and wears blue contacts over the green ones. In short, it doesn’t quite work.  However, he is a very good actor, and he has the same quiet intensity that Harmon has (especially as Gibbs). They have similar lips and are the same height. After a while of watching Stowell as Gibbs, it works.  The other cast members do a great job, too.  There are only two others playing characters we know from NCIS. One is Gibbs’ mentor and friend, Agent Mike Franks. He was originally played by Muse Watson, but now he’s played by Kyle Schmid, who is one of the best things about the show. The other is Special Agent Vera Strickland, played originally by Roma Maffia, now played by Diany Rodriguez. She appears to be a potential romantic interest for Gibbs.

Gibbs’ main story this season has been about grieving the murder of his wife and daughter, dealing with PTSD and injuries from the Gulf War, and fitting in with the new NIS squad in 1991 (they become NCIS in 1992).  These events take place a decade before the main “NCIS” show’s events.  Anyone who knows the history of the show will remember that Gibbs shot the cartel guy who killed his family, and all that he dealt with in the past, but we get to see it all again in this show.  Gibbs’ dad was played well by the late Ralph Waite. Now he’s played equally well by Robert Taylor (“Longmire”).  I hope we see more of him.

One of the main things that makes the show more interesting is that Mark Harmon narrates the series. It’s great to hear his voice again.

There have been many spinoffs from NCIS, but this prequel is worth watching. I think the stories are better and not as dull as some procedurals can be. One thing that’s fun about setting a show in the early 90’s is that the technology is different (no cell phones!), and the laws are also a little different.  The show is set in Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, CA (about 40 minutes north of San Diego). I grew up in San Diego and then moved to Carlsbad (one of the towns near Oceanside) for high school, so it makes me laugh when they mention that area.

It will be interesting to see how Gibbs changes going forward, as they make him into the Gibbs we know from “NCIS.” I look forward to it.

MORE INFORMATION: Official Site Trailer

NCIS: ORIGINS follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and is narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office, where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid).

Premieres Monday, Oct. 14 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

ON AIR:

ORIGINATION:

Mondays (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT), beginning Oct. 21

Los Angeles

FORMAT:

Drama (Filmed in HD)

STARRING:

Austin Stowell

(Leroy Jethro Gibbs)

Mariel Molino

(Lala Dominguez)

Kyle Schmid

(Mike Franks)

Tyla Abercrumbie

(Mary Jo Hayes)

Diany Rodriguez

(Vera Strickland)

Caleb Foote

(Bernard “Randy” Randolf)

PRODUCED BY:

CBS Studios

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:

David J. North, Gina Lucita Monreal, Mark Harmon and Sean Harmon

X: @ncisverse

Instagram: @ncisverse

CBS X: https://x.com/CBSTweet

Cast on social:

Instagram

Austin Stowell

@amstowell

Mariel Molino

@marielmolino

Kyle Schmid

@iamkyleschmid

Tyla Abercrumbie

@tylaabercrumbie

Diany Rodriguez

@dianysaurusrex

Caleb Foote

@calebfoote

 

NCIS: ORIGINS follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and is narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). NCIS: ORIGINS stars Austin Stowell as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks, Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan and Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland. Flagship series star Mark Harmon will narrate and executive produce. In addition to Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal will executive produce, with North and Monreal co-writing the premiere episode and serving as co-showrunners. Niels Arden Oplev will executive produce and direct the pilot. The series is produced by CBS Studios. ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Interview with Madison Wolfe and Brec Bassinger

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TV Interview!

 

"The Man In The White Van" key art

Interview with actors Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson and Gavin Warren, and Director Warren Skeels of the film “The Man In The White Van” by Suzanne 12/2/24

This is a very suspenseful and chilling thriller, set in the early 1970’s.  You don’t want to miss it when it opens tomorrow, 12/13/24, in theaters.  Madison Wolfe stars as a young women, Annie, targeted by a serial killer. Brec Bassinger stars as her sister, Margaret. Skai Jackson plays Patty, Annie’s friend. Gavin Warren plays Annie and Margeret’s younger brother, Daniel. Sean Astin and Ali Larter play Margaret and Annie’s parents.  I hope you enjoy our video interviews! I was particularly glad to speak to Brec Bassinger, since I was a huge fan of her show, “Stargirl.”

 

Madison Wolfe (Annie)

Brec Bassinger (Margaret)

Skai Jackson (Patty) and Gavin Warren (Daniel)

Director Warren Skeels

"The Man In The White Van" key artMORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

DIRECTED BY: Warren Skeels

WRITTEN BY: Warren Skeels & Sharon Y. Cobb

STARRING: Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Goonies), Ali Larter (Final Destination, upcoming Taylor Sheridan series, Landman), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2, Malignant), Brec Bassinger (CW’s Stargirl, Final Destination: Bloodlines), Skai Jackson (Disney’s Jessie and spinoff Bunk’d), Gavin Warren (Night Swim)

SYNOPSIS: Based on true events. In 1975 Florida, a series of violent disappearances go unnoticed, and young Annie (Madison Wolfe) is targeted by an ominous white van that stalks her every move. As the menace escalates, her parents dismiss her fears, and Annie is soon plunged into a terrifying nightmare that shatters her world. Also starring Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson, Ali Larter, and Sean Astin. Directed by Warren Skeels.

GENRE: Thriller

Madison Wolfe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She began acting at the age of seven, and made her debut alongside Kristen Stewart and Amy Adams in “On The Road.” In the years following, Wolfe landed many roles in various critically acclaimed films and television shows such as Jessica Brady in “The Campaign,” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, Audrey Hart in “True Detective,” opposite Woody Harrelson and Matthew Mcconaughey, and Young Poppy in “Mr. Church,” starring Eddie Murphy. She can also be seen playing Bryan Cranston’s daughter in “Trumbo,” and acting alongside Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bradley Cooper in David O. Russell’s “Joy.”

Wolfe is best known for her lead role in James Wan’s “The Conjuring 2.” Starring opposite Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, she plays Janet Hodgson: a young girl from Enfield, England who is traumatized and haunted by the possession of demonic spirits. Wolfe is also well known from her lead role in Oscar winner Anders Walter’s “I Kill Giants.” Rotten Tomatoes names Madison’s “powerhouse performance” as troubled teen Barbra Thorson one of the highlights of the film.

Most recently, Wolfe can be seen playing Tessa Mayfair opposite Alexandra Daddario in AMC’s “The Mayfair Witches.” She has completed production for her next true crime thriller, Warren Skeel’s “Man in The White Van.” Set in 1974, Wolfe portrays the lead role of Annie Willains: a free spirited teen from a small town in Florida who becomes the obsession of a horrific stalker. Being a musician, Wolfe also wrote and recorded an original song for the film’s soundtrack to be released. The film is not yet rated.

Brec Bassinger, born May 25, 1999, is an American actress best known for her leading role as ‘Bella Dawson’ on the Nickelodeon series “Bella and the Bulldogs,” her role as ‘Catherine’ in the “47 Meters Down” sequel, her recurring roles in “School of Rock” and “The Goldbergs,” and her starring role in the DC Universe series “Stargirl” (2020).

Brec grew up in a small town in Texas, and first went to Los Angeles for acting when she was 13 years old. Growing up she enjoyed gymnastics, cheerleading, volleyball, and natural-beauty pageants. She was crowned the 2009 World’s Our Little Miss. Her acting career started with a recurring role on Nickelodeon’s “Haunted Hathaways.” She graduated high school at 16 and continues to expand her education. A Type-1 diabetic, she has become a huge advocate for diabetes research and is a national ambassador for JDRF. She had the leading role of Stargirl for the CW for two years, and then she plays the titular role in the miniseries “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn” on Lifetime..

 

Skai Jackson starred as the adorable “Zuri Ross” on the Disney Channel sitcoms Jessie (2011), with Debby Ryan, and Bunk’d (2015). Before that, we’ve seen her in small roles on Boardwalk Empire (2010) and Royal Pains (2009), and even in the film, The Smurfs (2011).

Gavin Warren is an American model and actor. As a child he played the piano and did gymnastics before, inspired by Adam Sandler, he decided he wanted to become an actor. In 2015, Warren won an acting and modeling competition, after which he was accepted into a local artist agency. This was followed by his first roles in the short film Two Wongs Make a White and in the film drama Back Roads, before Warren was seen in Damien Chazelle’s film biography Awakening to the Moon alongside Ryan Gosling in 2018.

In order to focus on his acting career, Warren switched from public school to home schooling. In subsequent years, he made guest appearances in the television series Daybreak and NCIS: New Orleans, while he took on supporting roles in the films Mack (2019), A Hard Problem (2021) and 12 Mighty Orphans (2021). In 2023 he appeared in the eighth season of the horror series Fear the Walking Dead before playing a leading role in the horror film Night Swim the following year.

His other announced film projects include the thrillers The Descendant and Geechee, the drama film Unbreakable Boy and the crime film The Man in the White Van.

Madison Wolfe, star of "The Man In The Whilte Van"

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Interview with the cast of “Cruel Intentions”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

"Cruel Intentions" banner - photos from the Amazon press site.

Interview with actors Sara Silva, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Harlan Kim and Khobe Clarke; and writers/EP Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher of “Cruel Intentions” on Prime by Suzanne 11/13/24

I really enjoyed watching this show, and the actors I chatted with couldn’t have been nicer; it was the same with the two producers. You don’t want to miss this show! It’s not just any teen drama. The writing is top notch. Even if you never saw the movie(s) or book it’s based on, you should enjoy it; it dragged me into the drama!

Sara Silva (CeCe) and Sean Patrick Thomas (Hank)

John Harlan Kim (Blaise) and Khobe Clarke (Scott)

Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher (co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers)

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "Cruel Intentions" on PrimeABOUT THE SERIES

All eight episodes of Prime Video’s highly anticipated series, Cruel Intentions, will premiere November 21 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Twenty-five years after the iconic film captivated audiences with its provocative drama, sex, and scandal, this series introduces a new class of cruel characters who are ready to take their games and manipulation to a whole new level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or new to the twisted tale, the series promises binge-worthy fun that audiences won’t want to miss.

In this new adaptation, Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, a Washington, D.C.-adjacent university, where reputation means everything, fraternities and sororities are the gold standard, and two ruthless step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont, will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy. After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Greek Life system, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation – even if that means seducing Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. Hearts will be broken, loyalties will be tested, and secrets will be revealed in this modern-day royal court that is Manchester College.

Cruel Intentions stars Sarah Catherine Hook as “Caroline Merteuil”, Zac Burgess as “Lucien Belmont”, Savannah Lee Smith as “Annie Grover”, Sara Silva as “Cece Carroway”, John Harlan Kim as “Blaise Powell”, Khobe Clarke as “Scott Russell”, Sean Patrick Thomas as “Professor Hank Chadwick”, and Brooke Lena Johnson as “Beatrice Worth”.

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film. Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film also executive produce along with Roger Kumble. Moritz produced the original film, which was written and directed by Kumble. Bruce Mellon along with Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi of Iervolino & Bacardi Entertainment are producers.

Good Article About the Series

Sara Silva

CeCe Carroway

SARA SILVA is a Brazilian-American actress from the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied acting at UCLA’s School for Theater, Film and Television, where she starred as Medea in Euripides’ titular play and Maritza in Tanya Saracho’s Mala Hierba.

Sara will star as ‘CELESTE “CECE” CALLOWAY’ in the Prime Video SeriesCRUEL INTENTIONS written by Phoebe Fisher, and based on the 1999 film by the same name, which starred Selma Blair in the same role.

Sara also recently starred opposite Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly) in the feature TAURUS written and directed by Tim Sutton, which premiered domestically at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.  You can also spot Sara in the recent season of FX’s anthology series AMERICAN HORROR STORIES in episode ‘Necro’.   Other recent television roles include the Freeform seriesGROWN-ISH, and Amazon’s THE BOYS.  Sara also recently played the Sorority leader ‘Hunter’ in the short ‘Scotty’s Vag’ written & directed by Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Award at the 2023 SXSW film festival.

Sara is drawn to provocative stories and loves finding empathy for the twisted characters she plays. When she’s not acting, she’s writing plays, making music with her band “Dance Arts Center” and cuddling with her black cat, Pepita.

Sean Patrick Thomas

Professor Hank Chadwick

Respected actor/producer, Sean Patrick Thomas, is continuing his hot streak. Recently wrapping production on the TV version of “Cruel Intentions,” Thomas is the only member of the original film to appear in the series. He is currently in production on the second season of fan favorite, “Gen V.” Previously he was seen in the critically acclaimed, award-winning feature, “The Tragedy of Macbeth” with Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand and the MGM/UA film “Till,” which tells the heartbreaking story of Emmett Till. Other projects include the Hulu limited series, “Reasonable Doubt,” reuniting him with Kerry Washington, who executive produced the series and directed its pilot episode along with a recurring role in “For All Mankind” on Apple+.

Previous film credits include “The Curse of La Llorona,” the ensemble hit franchise “Barbershop,” Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain,” John Sayles’ “Honeydripper,” “Cruel Intentions,” “Halloween: Resurrection” and the box office smash “Save The Last Dance,” for which Thomas won two MTV Movie Awards. On the small screen, Thomas starred in Kenny Leon’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” for which he earned a nomination from the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a TV Movie. And on Broadway he conquered a different character, that of Nigerian suitor Joseph Asagai, in “A Raisin in the Sun” once again opposite Denzel Washington. He starred on the CBS series “The District” and recurred on “The Good Fight” as well as voicing the character of Professor Macalester on the animated series “Vixen.” Additional television credits include “Insecure,” “Madam Secretary,” “American Horror Story,” “NCIS: New Orleans” and “NCIS.”

John Harlan Kim

Blaise Powell

John Harlan Kim will next star in a series regular role as ‘Blaise Powell’ on Prime Video’s “Cruel Intentions,” the highly anticipated television adaptation of the 1999 feature cult classic. The series will be released globally on the streaming platform in November 2024. Previously, John appeared as ‘Bobby’ in the hit Apple TV+ series, “The Last Thing He Told Me,” opposite Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice. Previous television credits include: the Ryan Murphy Fox series “9-1-1,” the CW series, “Nancy Drew,” and the TNT series “The Librarians.” His film credits include: Netflix’s “Purple Hearts” opposite Sofia Carson and the Warner Brothers’ thriller written and directed by John Lee Hancock,“The Little Things,” opposite Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek.

Khobe Clarke

Scott Russell

Khobe Clarke was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. His childhood was filled with incredible outdoor experiences, including a motorcycle trip across Mongolia, and a trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest. But despite his love for climbing the world’s tallest mountains and exploring the Canadian wilderness, acting was his true passion, and the only thing he wanted to do.

After graduating high school he picked up and moved to Vancouver, BC to pursue a career in film and television. Things started to move quickly for Khobe. Within 2 short years, after signing with his Vancouver agent, he landed a number of great roles. Most notably a major recurring guest star role on Netflix’s popular series Firefly Lane (S2), a lead role in a 4-part movie event series V.C. Andrews Cutler Series for Lifetime, and also recurred on the Emmy-Nominated Showtime series Yellowjackets. Khobe is so excited to be part of the Cruel Intentions cast, and can’t wait to see what type of adventure this brings.

Sara Goodman

She was born 1973, in Toronto, Canada. She’s known for her work in I Know What You Did Last Summer, Gossip Girl (2007), Preacher, Outsiders, The Detail, Rake.

Phoebe Fisher

  • Credits

    Produced by
    Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film

    Co-Showrunners, Writers, Executive Producers
    Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher

    Executive Producers
    Neal H. Moritz
    Pavun Shetty
    Roger Kumble

    Producers
    Bruce Mellon
    Andrea Iervolino
    Monika Bacardi

    Cast
    Caroline Merteuil played by Sarah Catherine Hook (First Kill; The White Lotus S3)
    Lucien Belmont played by Zac Burgess (Boy Swallows Universe; Totally Completely Fine)
    Annie Grover played by Savannah Lee Smith (Gossip Girl)
    Cece Carroway played by Sara Silva (American Horror Stories)
    Blaise Powell played by John Harlan Kim (The Last Thing He Told Me; 9-1-1)
    Scott Russell played by Khobe Clarke (Firefly Lane; Yellowjackets)
    Professor Hank Chadwick played by Sean Patrick Thomas (Till)
    Beatrice Worth played by Brooke Lena Johnson (You)

Cruel Intentions Los Angeles Red Carpet Premiere Credit: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Prime Video Copyright: 2024 Getty Images Description: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: (L-R) Sean Patrick Thomas, Khobe Clarke, Savannah Lee Smith, Sara Silva, Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess, Brooke Lena Johnson, and John Harlan Kim attend Cruel Intentions Los Angeles red carpet premiere at The Ebell Club of Los Angeles on November 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Prime Video)

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Interview with Isaiah Mustafa and Ben Watkins

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TV Interview!

Cross Global Premiere In Los Angeles Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Prime Video Copyright: 2024 Getty Images Description: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Ben Watkins, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Aldis Hodge, Eloise Mumford, Isaiah Mustafa and Ryan Eggold attend the Cross Global Premiere at NYA WEST on October 29, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Prime Video)

Interview with Isaiah Mustafa and Ben Watkins  of “Cross” on Prime by Suzanne 10/29/24

I enjoyed speaking with one of the main actors, and the showrunner, of this great new series. I’ve spoken with the main star, Aldis Hodge, years ago (when he was in “Leverage”). Sadly, I did not get that chance this time.

Hodges stars as Alex Cross, the forensic psychiatrist and detective featured in James Patterson novels (and some movies). Aldis was one of my first one-on-one interviews, so it was memorable. He’s always very nice. I also spoke with him in 2011 and 2012.

Mustafa and Wakins, whom I interviewed recently, also were a joy to speak with. Mustafa is a former football player but has become quite a good actor. He plays John Sampson, Mustafa’s close friend and fellow detective. Ben Watkins created, wrote and executive produced the show. He’s worked on some of my favorites, including “Hand of God” and “Burn Notice”.

These are audio-only, even though I did speak with them on video. I didn’t realize that they were only going to send me the audio until yesterday (that was my mistake for not making sure). Oops!

You should definitely check out this series’ first season, which drops Nov. 14 and has already been renewed for season 2. It is a thrilling drama that everyone should enjoy. It also stars Ryan Eggold (“New Amsterdam”), Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill.

Isaiah Mustafa “John”

Ben Watkins (showrunner)

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Cross Key Art - Horizontal Copyright: Amazon MGM StudiosStarring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a crime thriller series that follows ALEX CROSS, a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill also star; Ben Watkins serves as showrunner.

  • Credits

    Produced by
    Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios, Skydance Television

    Created by
    Ben Watkins

    Directed by
    Ben Watkins

    Executive Produced by
    Ben Watkins
    Sam Ernst
    Jim Dunn
    Craig Siebels
    James Patterson
    Bill Robinson
    Patrick Santa
    David Ellison
    Dana Goldberg
    Matt Thunell

    Cast
    Aldis Hodge
    Isaiah Mustafa
    Juanita Jennings
    Alona Tal
    Samantha Walkes
    Caleb Elijah
    Melody Hurd
    Jennifer Wigmore
    Eloise Mumford
    Ryan Eggold

Isaiah Amir Mustafa (born February 11, 1974)] is an American actor and former American football wide receiver. Mustafa is widely known as the main character in a series of Old Spice television commercials, “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like“. He is also known for portraying Luke Garroway on Freeform‘s fantasy series Shadowhunters and adult Mike Hanlon in It Chapter Two.

Ben Watkins was born on March 19, 1971 in San Francisco, California, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Cross (2024), Burn Notice (2007) and Quest to Ref (2002). He has been married to Kandi Ali since June 1992. They have four children.

Cross Global Premiere In Los Angeles Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Prime Video Copyright: 2024 Getty Images Description: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Ben Watkins, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Aldis Hodge, Eloise Mumford, Isaiah Mustafa and Ryan Eggold attend the Cross Global Premiere at NYA WEST on October 29, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Prime Video)

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Interview with Molly Kunz

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TV Interview!

 

Molly Kunz of "The Irrational," Tuesdays on NBC - photo from her Instagram

Interview with Molly Kunz of “The Irrational” on NBC by Suzanne 10/24/24

I really enjoyed speaking with Molly! I love her show, so it was very nice to speak with her about it, and about her character. Don’t miss the next episode, which airs Nov. 12!

 

THE IRRATIONAL-- Pictured: "The Irrational" Key Art -- (Photo by: NBCUniversal)The Irrational

Season 2 Premiering October 8 on NBC (10-11p.m. ET/PT)

“The Irrational” follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) as he lends his unique expertise to high-stakes cases and mysteries. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him to work alongside varying clients ranging from the FBI to everyday people caught in perplexing situations desperate for answers. With the help of his trusted team and social-science experiments, Alec solves crimes and uncovers the truth to answer intriguing, and irrational, questions.

The cast also includes Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi.

Arika Lisanne Mittman, Mark Goffman, Sam Baum, David Frankel and Robert Wolfe executive produce.

The show is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Next Episode: “Anatomy of a Fall” Simon’s mother asks Alec to help stop a suicide contagion when a third student death strikes the campus; Alec asks Marisa to help when he thinks there might be more to the case; Phoebe struggles with her next career move.

THE IRRATIONAL -- Season: 1 -- Pictured: Molly Kunz as Phoebe -- (Photo by: Brendan Meadows/NBC)Molly Kunz

Phoebe, “The Irrational”

Molly Kunz stars as Phoebe in the NBC drama “The Irrational.”

Kunz recurred on “Colony,” “Finding Carter” and Hulu’s original series “Battleground,” created by J.D. Walsh. She also co-starred in the Lifetime movie “The Marsh Sisters at Christmas.”

On the film side, Kunz will co-star in the thriller “Wild Eyed and Wicked” and was previously in “The Wolf and the Lion,” based on the French film “Mia and The White Lion.” Kunz also had a supporting role in Steve McQueen’s feature “Widows,” opposite Colin Farrell, as well as a role in the indie “The Wise Kids.”

Kunz is originally from Madison, Wisc., and began her career in regional theater. Productions include “The Nerd” (Memorial Theatre Company), “The Sound of Music” (Music Theater of Madison), “Carousel” (Madison Repertory Theater), “The Boxcar Children” (CTM Family Theater Company), “The Secret Garden” (University of Wisconsin Theater), “Annie” (Stagestruck Productions), “Tom Sawyer” (Madison Creative Arts Program), “Alice in Wonderland” (Shorewood Drama), “The Nutcracker Ballet” (Madison Ballet), and “Sleeping Beauty Ballet” (Performing Arts for Children).

THE IRRATIONAL -- "Formal Ties" Episode 204 -- Pictured: Molly Kunz as Phoebe -- (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

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Interview with Sarah Drew

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TV Interview!

 

Sarah Drew, star of "Mistletoe Murders" on Hallmark+ - photo from her Instagram

Interview with Sarah Drew, star of “Mistletoe Murders” on Hallmark+ by Suzanne 10/18/24

It was a lot of fun to speak with Sarah about her new mystery series! We had a nice chat about the new show.  Check it out. It premieres Thursday, 10/31/24 on Hallmark+ .

 

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"Mistletoe Murders" on Hallmark+ key artPremieres: Thursday, October 31 on Hallmark+

Stars: Sarah Drew, Peter Mooney, Sierra Marilyn Riley

Mistletoe Murders follows Emily Lane (Drew), the outwardly friendly, and optimistic shop owner of a charming year-round Christmas-themed store, Under the Mistletoe. However, her inner voice reveals a sardonic sense of humor, cunning intellect, and keen eye for details most people would miss…because Emily has a big secret. Residing in the quaint tourist town of Fletcher’s Grove, Emily finds herself compelled to investigate not-so-quaint local murders. And when Emily begins her personal investigations, Detective Sam Wilner (Mooney), a smart local cop – with a crush on Emily that is not completely unrequited – begins to wonder if there’s more to Emily than meets the eye.

Executive Producer/Showrunner Ken Cuperus (Carter), Executive Producers Michelle Melanson (The Next Step), Jocelyn Hamilton (Burden of Truth), Drew and Co-Executive Producer Grant Harvey (The Way Home) and producer Robbie David (Dark Matter).

The series comes from Lionsgate Canada and Headspinner Productions.

Mistletoe Murders is adapted from the Audible Original series Mistletoe Murders starring Cobie Smulders, Raymond Ablack and a full ensemble cast. Two seasons are currently available and season 3 will premiere on November 7, only from Audible.

Mistletoe Murders Season 1

With time running out to prove her friend’s innocence, Emily puts her own secret past on the line to find the real tree farm killer, raising suspicion from Detective Sam Wilner.

Sarah Drew, star of "Mistletoe Murders" on Hallmark+ - photo from Hallmark press siteSarah Drew

Multi-hyphenate actor, producer, writer, and director, Sarah Drew is best known for playing ‘Dr. April Kepner’ for nine seasons on the hit ABC series “Grey’s Anatomy” and Hannah Rogers in Warner Bros’ “Everwood”.

Her recent TV credits include Freeform’s hit series “Cruel Summer” which was the recipient of the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Drama Series, and the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Amber Brown,” written, directed and produced by Bonnie Hunt. Sarah released four films in 2023, producing and starring in Lifetime’s “The Girl Who Caught a Killer”, Sony Affirm’s “Birthright Outlaw”, and starring in Hallmark’s “Guiding Emily”. “A Cowboy Christmas Romance” marks Sarah’s second feature film that she’s written and executive produced for Lifetime, in 2022, Sarah produced and starred in her writing debut “Reindeer Games Homecoming” as part of Lifetime’s holiday slate. Sarah made her directorial debut in “Grey’s Anatomy: B-Team the Webisodes” which was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Awards for an Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.

She recently directed a radio play for LA Theater Works called “Fever Syndrome” which is set to be released later this year. In film, some notable projects include her debut in Columbia Picture’s “Radio” alongside Ed Harris and Cuba Gooding Jr., as well as the lead in the hit Sony comedy “Moms’ Night Out” alongside Patricia Heaton and Sean Astin. In 2022, she received a Canadian Screen Award Nomination for her lead role in Lifetime’s “Stolen By Their Father”. She began producing with Provident Films’ “Indivisible,” in which she starred alongside Tia Mowry.

Sarah got her start in the arts at a young age before booking the lead role of the critically acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet at McCarter Theatre Center, an award-winning regional theater, in her fourth year of university. The opportunity catapulted her career, opening doors thanks to rave reviews by critics. She went on to make her Broadway debut in Vincent and Brixton, a classic play based on Vincent van Gogh, at the Lincoln Center Theater, then London’s West End, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and film. When she’s not working, Sarah spends time giving back to her community, donating to charities close to her heart such as Door of Hope in Pasadena and Lwala Community Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving health care in Africa.

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Primetime TV Review of “Joan”

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TV Review!

 

"Joan" key art - from The CW press site

“Joan” on The CW Review by Suzanne 10/7/24

I wanted to like this UK series (originally on ITV) because it has top notch acting and writing, and my late mom’s name was Joan!’ but I have a problem with any show like this, where the main character turns to crime. I guess I can’t ever imagine myself being so desperate as to become a criminal (even though I grew up very poor and was also in foster care). We can blame the success of shows like “Weeds” and “Breaking Bad” for these TV series… There are so many, like “Ozark,” “Claws,” and “The Good Girls.” I also don’t like shows like “The Punisher” or “Penguin” that glorify real villains. I’ve always loved the hero of the story; the good guy. It’s really hard for me to be objective about “Joan” because she makes a lot of poor decisions and endangers her life as well as the lives of her family (especially her daughter).

Perhaps if the show had started with Joan as a sophisticated, beautiful, rich jewel thief who fell in love with a handsome detective, and then we find out gradually what made her turn to crime, then I would like it more (See “The Thomas Crown Affair”). I think we’re supposed to find her sympathetic because she has a rotten husband, gangsters are threatening her and her child, and she has very little family or money. She’s desperate and turns to a life of crime. However, she also loves the excitement of being a thief, and she clearly enjoys beautiful, sparkly things (doesn’t everyone?).  She’s obviously smart, so she should go to college and get a real career. Nope, sorry. No sympathy here.

Anyway, if you like these types of shows, this is a good one. Sophie Turner is excellent as a British woman, down on her luck, who becomes a jewel thief. It’s apparently based on a true story.  You won’t be alone because the show is very successful. Check it out!

MORE INFORMATION: Official site Trailer

"Joan" stars Sophie Turner (Joan) and Frank Dillane (Boisie) - photo from The CW press site

“JOAN”

Wednesdays at 9/8pm CT on The CW

Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones,” “X-Men: Dark Phoenix,” “The Staircase”) stars as notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington in this exhilarating yet emotional story set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s — an era known for its bold fashion trends, iconic music and cultural shifts.

The series opens with Joan, a fiery and uncompromising woman in her twenties who is deeply scarred and vulnerable. She is a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, but is trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary. When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to create a new life for herself and her daughter.

Joan becomes a masterful jewel thief. She embarks on a thrilling, high-stakes journey that challenges her every limit, driven by her desire to care for her daughter and create a secure home for them both. Through her sharp intelligence, charm and talent for impersonation and performance, we follow the twists and turns in Joan’s life, the ups and downs, the heartache and the joy that makes this story so compelling to follow.

Turner stars alongside Frank Dillane (“Fear the Walking Dead”) as Boisie, a London antiques dealer. Kirsty J. Curtis (“Match Not Found”) plays Nancy, Joan’s older sister and salon worker while Gershwyn Eustache Jr. (“I May Destroy You”) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who’s made a new life in Spain with his wife Val, played by Laura Aikman (“The Split”).

JOAN is written by acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon (“The Essex Serpent”) and directed by BAFTA award-winner Richard Laxton (“Rain Dogs”). The series is from Snowed-In Productions and executive produced by Ruth Kenley-Letts (“Stonehouse”), Jenny Van Der Lande (“Too Close”), Neil Blair (“The Midwich Cuckoos”) and Richard Laxton.

JOAN has been commissioned for ITV1 and ITVX by Head of Drama Polly Hill. The series is produced in association with All3Media International and The CW Network.

EPISODES

Episode One

Season 1
Episode 101
Airdate:

SERIES PREMIERE – SOPHIE TURNER STARS AS JEWEL THEIF JOAN HANNINGTON –Joan O’Connell (Sophie Turner) is a young mother trapped in a catastrophic relationship. When her husband brings danger to their door, Joan takes drastic action to keep her six-year-old daughter, Kelly (Mia Millichamp-Long), safe. Attempting to build a new life, Joan begins working in her sister’s salon, determined to get herself back on her feet, but can’t control her reckless streak. After getting a job at a jeweller, Joan finds herself needing to leave due to the unwanted advances of the manager, and finds herself impetuously stealing several diamonds first. High on the thrill, Joan celebrates in the pub where she meets Boise Hannington (Frank Dillane) who runs an antiques shop nearby and proves to be the consummate gentleman. He is also a professional thief. Joan needs money desperately and Boisie offers her a job instead. Joan agrees – could this be the beginning of a successful business relationship, or something more (#101)? The episode was written by Anna Symon and directed by Richard Laxton. The CW original airdate 10/2/2024.

Episode Two

Season 1
Episode 102
Airdate:

THE GLAMOUROUS LIFE – Joan (Sophie Turner) falls for Boisie (Frank Dillane) who recognizes her innate talent. She enjoys the spoils of crime in glamorous Spain, but faces scrutiny over her role as a mother (#102). The episode was written by Anna Symon and directed by Richard Laxton. The CW original airdate 10/9/2024.

Episode Three

Season 1
Episode 103
Airdate:

HIGHS AND LOWS – Joan (Sophie Turner) rises to new heights: the theft of a valuable painting and an audacious ring switch. Boisie (Frank Dillane) falls for Joan while Kelly (Mia Millichamp-Long) slips even further away (#103). The episode was written by Anna Symon and directed by Richard Laxton. The CW original airdate 10/16/2024.

 

The cast of "Joan" (pic from Sophie Turner's Instagram)

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Primetime TV Review: “Doctor Odyssey”

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TV Review!

 

DOCTOR ODYSSEY - Key Art. (Disney)

“Doctor Odyssey” on ABC Review by Suzanne 10/7/24

At first glance, this seems like a slightly-more-dramatic version of “The Love Boat,” from the doctor’s point of view.  The series was created by Ryan Murphy, who usually comes up ideas that are either horrifying (“American Horror Story”) or at least, slightly-off-kilter (“Nip/Tuck”) or  very original (“Glee”). However, even at second glance, this show really does seem to be a just a breezy medical drama set aboard a cruise ship. I find it a little bit disappointing, just from the fact that Murphy created it and that it stars Joshua Jackson, who’s been excellent in so many series, from “Dawson’s Creek” to “Doctor Death.”

Jackson plays a renowned doctor, Max, who is looking for a more relaxing, fun life aboard a cruise ship after battling COVID and other horrors (he reveals in the first episode that he was “Patient Zero” in NYC and nearly died). The legendary Don Johnson plays the ship’s captain, who runs a tight ship and expects excellence from his crew.  (Who knew that Sonny Crockett would turn into Captain Stubing?) Max has two nurses that assist him, Avery (Phillipa Soo) and Tristan (Sean Teale). The ship, its crew, and the many medical maladies they encounter on board are not the easy life that Max expected.

Amid the health crises, there is plenty of time for romance, dancing, and drinking.  Max and Avery have a slight tryst in the first episode. The second episode is about “Singles Week.” Apparently, each weekly cruise has a different theme, to make it slightly more interesting. I guess Ryan Murphy is trying to pay tribute to the shows he loved in his youth on ABC (the same network where “The Love Boat” aired).  Although each episode has new guest stars, they’re not the center of all the action the way they were on the original “Love Boat” that ran from 1977-1986.  The show’s four main stars are the focus of the show, along with the ship and the beautiful scenery. Guest stars include Chord Overstreet, Shania Twain, John Stamos, Cheyenne Jackson, Gina Gershon and Rachel Dratch.

From what I’ve read, ABC is trying to sell this as exciting and sexy.  My advice is that you pour yourself a nice tropical drink and sit down to watch this one….but you may find that it’s not the drinking that makes you sleepy. I really hope it gets better. Otherwise, the talent on the series deserves better than this. FOX had a much better retro show with the “Fantasy Island” reboot that they canceled last year, sadly. I really enjoyed that one. ABC should have rescued that instead.

MORE INFORMATION: Official Site Trailer

DOCTOR ODYSSEY - ABC's “Doctor Odyssey” stars Sean Teale as Tristan, Don Johnson as Captain Massey, Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, and Phillipa Soo as Avery. (Disney/Pari Dukovic)From the brilliant mind of Ryan Murphy comes high-octane procedural “Doctor Odyssey.” Max (Joshua Jackson) is the new on-board doctor for a luxury cruise ship where the staff works hard and plays harder. It’s all-hands-on-deck as Max and his small but mighty medical team navigate unique medical crises and each other, miles from shore.

“Doctor Odyssey” stars Joshua Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale and Don Johnson. The series, produced by 20th Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television, is written and executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken. Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson serve as executive producers. Paris Barclay directs and executive produces. Eric Paquette, Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson and Nissa Diederich also serve as executive producers.

EPISODES

04. Wellness Week

During a week dedicated to wellness, The Odyssey ironically finds itself overwhelmed by a surge of ailing patients. Meanwhile, Tristan’s new romance sparks jealousy, and Capt. Massey must bring the ship to safety in the midst of a hurricane.
Air Date: 10/17/2024

03. Plastic Surgery Week

Plastic Surgery Week on The Odyssey brings new faces and fresh features to be carefully maintained by the medical team. Meanwhile, when the owner’s wife comes on board, Capt. Massey must juggle charm and skillful dodging to sidestep her advances.
Air Date: 10/10/2024

02. Singles Week

It’s Singles Week on The Odyssey, and lust is in the air. As Max, Tristan and Avery navigate their relationship, the crew fends off advances from passengers. With rising desire and quickly spreading ailments, Max and the team rush to restore order.
Air Date: 10/03/2024

01. Pilot

Max Bankman is The Odyssey’s new onboard doctor, where the staff works hard and plays harder. It’s all-hands-on-deck as he gets acquainted with Capt. Massey and his medical team, Avery and Tristan, while treating crises miles from shore.
Air Date: 09/26/2024

 

DOCTOR ODYSSEY - "Singles Week" - It's Singles Week on The Odyssey, and lust is in the air. As Max, Tristan and Avery navigate their relationship, the crew fends off advances from passengers. With rising desire and quickly spreading ailments, Max and the team rush to restore order. THURSDAY, OCT. 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Tina Thorpe) JOSHUA JACKSON, PHILLIPA SOO, SEAN TEALE

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Primetime TV Review: “Murder In a Small Town”

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TV Review!

 

"Murder In A Small Town" on The CW key art

“Murder In A Small Town” on FOX Review by Suzanne 10/7/24

I love the actors in this show. I’m a huge fan of “Smallville,” and I’ve watched all of the shows Kristin Kreuk has starred in since.  I really enjoyed Rossif Sutherland’s work in the Prime show “Three Pines.”  It’s wonderful to see them paired together in this series. They have amazing chemistry together.

This series really reminds me of those Hallmark movies, or series of movies, which usually take place in a small town. The heroine falls for a guy, or her old boyfriend, and sometimes, like in several of the Hallmark movie series, they solve murders together. The heroines, such as Hannah Swensen, Aurora Teagarden, or Ruby Herring, are generally smarter than everyone around them, including the boyfriend.  Now, this series on FOX (based on the Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries, a series of B.C.-set crime novels by L.R. Wright.) is a Canadian show about a detective named Karl Alberg (Sutherland) who’s new to town, and he meets up with the town’s librarian, Cassandra (Kreuk).  The murders are the focus of the show, but their romance is what ties the show together and makes it worth watch.

The small town, in this case, is Gibsons, a small coastal town that most of us in the U.S. have no doubt never heard of. It’s in the area called the Sunshine Coast. It sets a moody tone that you may be familiar with from watching shows like “The Killing” or “True Detective.”  The romance between the two, and the quirky characters, keep the show from getting too dark.

Each episode has a different murder, and the murder is solved within the show’s 42 minutes.  Whether there will be many long-term stories (besides the romance) remains to be seen.  Alberg is aided in his detective work by stalwart policeman Sergeant Sid Sokolowski (Aaron Douglas of “The Watchful Eye”). Guest stars include James Cromwell, Erica Durance, Lucas Bryant, Greyston Holt, Nathan Witte, Stana Katic, and Paula Patton.

I think the stories and characters are worth watching.  Even if you don’t like the show, you may enjoy the beautiful British Columbia scenery.

MORE INFORMATION: Official Site  Trailer

Kristin Kreuk (Cassandra) and Rossif Sutherland (Karl) star in "Murder in a Small Town" (photo from trailer)All new murder mystery series Murder in a Small Town is based on the Edgar Award-winning, nine-book Karl Alberg series by acclaimed novelist L.R. Wright, and stars Rossif Sutherland (Reign, The Handmaid’s Tale) and Kristin Kreuk (Smallville, Beauty and the Beast). Murder in a Small Town follows Karl Alberg (Sutherland), who moves to a quiet, coastal town to soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. He’ll quickly learn that this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets and will need to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore. Kreuk stars as Cassandra Lee, a local librarian who becomes Karl’s muse, foil and romantic interest.

Mya Lowe (My Life with the Walter Boys, Yellowjackets), Savonna Spracklin (Two-Spirit Odyssey, Wildhood), Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica, The Watchful Eye) and Fritzy-Klevans Destine (The Boys, Superman & Lois) recur in the series, which also features special guest stars James Cromwell (Babe, Succession), Stana Katic (Castle, Absentia), Paula Patton (The Perfect Match, Precious) and Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek).

Murder in a Small Town is produced by Sepia Films in association with FOX Entertainment and Jeff Wachtel’s Future Shack Entertainment. The series is produced in British Columbia with Ian Weir (Arctic Air, Edgemont) serving as head writer/executive producer, Milan Cheylov (24, The Cleaning Lady) executive-producing and directing multiple episodes of the program, and Nick Orchard (Soapbox Productions), Morris Ruskin and Sharon Wisnia (Mojo Global Arts) and Jon Cotton also serving as executive producers.

 

Kristin Kreuk (Cassandra) and Rossif Sutherland (Karl) star in "Murder in a Small Town" (photo from Kreuk's Instagram)

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Primetime TV Review: “Matlock”

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TV Review!

 

Kathy Bates as Mattie in "Matlock" on CBS (photo from IMDB)

“Matlock” on CBS Review by Suzanne 10/5/24

I wasn’t sure whether I would like this show or not because I didn’t really care for the original series, starring Andy Griffith. It was just another show, similar to “Diagnosis: Murder” or “Murder She Wrote,” where an older person helps solve crimes in their every-day life.  Of course, “Matlock” was more like “Perry Mason” in that he was a lawyer that would help find the real murderer (so that his client would go free).  It’s basically the same idea, though.

This version of “Matlock” is not really a reboot at all.  The main character is played by a woman (Kathy Bates), and she is not what she seems, which we find out at the end of the first episode. Bates is always fascinating to watch, and she really excels here because the writing is top-notch.  She mentions the original show “Matlock” many times, so we know that this is not set in the original show’s “universe.”  What they’ve done with it is very interesting, though, and anyone who stays through the end of the first episode will figure that out.

Besides the great lead actress, there is a wonderful cast of people, including Beau Bridges, Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, David Del Rio and Leah Lewis. There are some fun guest stars each week as well. I can’t wait to see what else they do with this series. Do yourself a favor and tune in ASAP because this is already the best new show of the Fall season.

MORE INFORMATION: Official Site  Trailer

Kathy Bates, Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, David Del Rio, and Skye P. Marshall of "Matlock" on CBS (key art)

MATLOCK stars Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian who achieved success in her younger years and decides to rejoin the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases. Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice, Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the head of the firm, is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills. As Matty endeavors to establish herself in her new high-stakes world, she works alongside the firm’s younger associates – the charismatic Billy (David Del Rio) and the uber ambitious Sarah (Leah Lewis). MATLOCK is inspired by the classic television series of the same name.

Premieres Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

ON AIR:

ORIGINATION:

Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), beginning Oct. 17, 2024

Los Angeles

FORMAT:

Drama (Filmed in HD)

STARRING:

Kathy Bates

(Madeline “Matty” Matlock)

Skye P. Marshall

(Olympia)

Jason Ritter

(Julian)

David Del Rio

(Billy)

Leah Lewis

(Sarah)

PRODUCED BY:

CBS Studios

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:

Jennie Snyder Urman, Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, John Will, Kat Coiro and Kathy Bates

Honored numerous times for her work, Kathy Bates is an undeniable force on stage, screen and television. Bates won an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe® for her portrayal of obsessed fan Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s 1990 hit “Misery,” based on Stephen King’s novel. In 1995, Bates appeared in the title role of King’s “Dolores Claiborne.”

Currently, she can be seen in the Lionsgate feature adaption of Judy Blume’s classic novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” alongside Rachel McAdams.

Additionally, Bates will also star in the Netflix rom-com “A Family Affair” with Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Liza Koshy and Zac Efron. The film will release on the platform later this year. She is set to star in the independent feature film “Thelma,” which recounts the real-life story of the mother of John Kennedy Toole, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Confederacy of Dunces. Bates will star alongside John Malkovich and Lewis Pullman in the film, which is penned by Black List screenwriter Andrew Farotte and will be directed by Ken Kwapis.

Upcoming, Bates will star in the highly anticipated, reimagined CBS series MATLOCK as a new incarnation of the Andy Griffith character from the original hit series. She also serves as an executive producer on the show. Additionally, Bates recently wrapped production on Castille Landon’s comedy “Summer Camp” opposite Diane Keaton and Alfre Woodard.

Bates recently received the National Board of Review Award as well as an Oscar® and Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal as Bobi Jewell in Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell.” Starring alongside Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm, the WB film is based on Marie Brenner’s 1997 Vanity Fair article “American Nightmare: The Ballad of Richard Jewell.”

In 1999, Bates received Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations and won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® and a Critics Choice Award for her performance in Mike Nichols’ “Primary Colors.” Bates earned her third Oscar nomination for her role in Alexander Payne’s “About Schmidt,” for which she won a National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress and garnered Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.

Her film work has also been recognized with Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominations for Jon Avnet’s film adaptation of Fanny Flagg’s “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and she also shared a SAG Award nomination with the ensemble cast of James Cameron’s blockbuster “Titanic,” as well as a nomination for the ensemble of Woody Allen’s biggest success, “Midnight in Paris.”

Bates received her star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 20, 2016.

Her additional film credits include: “The Blind Side” with Sandra Bullock; Stephen Frears’ period drama “Cheri,” in which she starred with Michelle Pfeiffer; Sam Mendes’ drama “Revolutionary Road,” which reunited her with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet; Adam Sandler’s “The Waterboy”; Robert Altman’s “Come Back to the Five & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean”; “Straight Time” with Dustin Hoffman; and Milos Forman’s “Taking Off.”

On television, Bates has received 14 Emmy® nominations, winning her first award in 2003 playing the ghost of Charlie Harper in Chuck Lorre’s TWO AND A HALF MEN. Bates won rave reviews and her second Emmy as the deliciously evil Madame LaLaurie in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Coven” on FX. She received two more Emmy nods for her respective performances in “American Horror Story: Freak Show” and “American Horror Story: Hotel.”

For the 1996 HBO film “The Late Shift,” Bates won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award and earned an Emmy nomination. Her television honors also include Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for her performance as Miss Hannigan in The Wonderful World of Disney musical “Annie.”

Bates has also been honored for her work behind the camera as a director. She helmed the A&E telefilm “Dash and Lily,” starring Sam Shepard and Judy Davis, which earned nine Emmy nominations, including one for Bates as Best Director. She also directed five episodes of the acclaimed HBO series “Six Feet Under,” earning a Directors Guild of America Award® nomination for the episode “Twilight.” Her directing credits also include episodes of “Oz,” “Homicide: Life on the Street” and PBS’ “Great Performances.”

Bates first gained the attention of critics and audiences on the New York stage starring as Joanne in Jack Heifner’s “Vanities” – one of the longest-running plays in Off-Broadway history. She was nominated for a Tony Award® for her portrayal of the suicidal daughter in the original Broadway production of Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “‘night, Mother.” She has been honored with an Obie Award® for her performance as Frankie in the original Off-Broadway production of Terrence McNally’s “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.” She portrayed Elsa Barlow in Athol Fugard’s “The Road to Mecca” alongside Fugard and Yvonne Bryceland.

For the past several years, Bates has served as the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). LE&RN is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1998 to fight lymphatic diseases and lymphedema through education, research and advocacy. With chapters throughout the world, LE&RN seeks to accelerate the prevention, treatment and cure of these diseases while bringing patients and medical professionals together to address the unmet needs surrounding lymphatic diseases, which include lymphedema and lipedema.

Bates currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

 

Jason Ritter, Kathy Bates and Skye P. Marshall star in "Matlock" on CBS.

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Interview with Bárbara Mori and Fernando Rovzar

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TV Interview!

 

Bárbara Mori and Fernando Rovzar of "Women in Blue" on Apple TV+

Interview with Bárbara Mori and Fernando Rovzar of “Women in Blue” AKA “Las Azules” on Apple TV+ by Suzanne 9/18/24

This is such a wonderful series, and everyone should watch it. It takes places in 1970, when women were encouraged to join the police department in Mexico City, only to find that they’re being used for political reasons. The women then have to prove themselves in the search for a serial killer targeting young women. María, Valentina, Gabina and Ángeles are the focus of the show as we learn about each of them and how they work together. It’s intriguing both as a look back on how women were treated then, and as a riveting police drama.  Mori starts as María, so I was delighted to speak with her and Rovzar. He created and wrote the show, as well as directed some of the episodes. I didn’t know (until María mentioned it in this interview) that the two of them are married.  I was fascinated to learn more about the creation and filming of show after watching many of the episodes. I hope you enjoy our interview as well! Tomorrow is the series finale, so don’t miss it! It’s worth binge-watching.  If you don’t like to read subtitles, and you don’t know Spanish, you can watch it in English (dubbed). They have all of those options for you on Apple TV+, which is great. I prefer dubbed, myself.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"Women in Blue" key art

Apple TV+ shares first-look at “Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”), new Spanish-language crime drama from International Emmy Award winner Fernando Rovzar

Set to debut globally July 31, 2024 on Apple TV+, new series featuring Ariel Award nominee Bárbara Mori is inspired by the thrilling true stories of Mexico’s first female police force and stars Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez and Amorita Rasgado 

Apple TV+ today unveiled the premiere date and a first-look at “Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”), its upcoming ten episode Spanish-language crime drama featuring an entirely Hispanic cast and crew led by Ariel Award nominee Bárbara Mori (“Perdidos en La Noche,” “La Negociadora,” “La Mujer De Mi Hermano”). Created by International Emmy Award-winning showrunner and director Fernando Rovzar (“Monarca,” “Sr. Ávila”) and Pablo Aramendi (“Tijuana,” “Los Elegidos”), “Women in Blue” will make its global debut with the first two episodes on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode weekly through September 25.

Set in 1970 and inspired by true events, “Women in Blue” tells the story of four women who defy the ultra-conservative norms of the time and join Mexico’s first female police force, only to discover that their squad is a publicity stunt to distract the media from a brutal serial killer. As the body count grows, María (Mori), whose determination to catch the killer becomes an obsession, Gabina (Amorita Rasgado), whose father is a renowned cop, Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana), a brilliant fingerprint analyst, and Valentina (Natalia Téllez), a young rebel, set up a secret investigation to achieve what no male officer has been able to do and bring the serial killer to justice.

The series stars Mori, Sariñana, Téllez, Rasgado, Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappan, and Horacio García Rojas.

Rovzar, Emmy Award nominee Wendy Riss (“Yellowstone,” “Genius,” “The Killing”), Erica Sanchez Su (“Monarca,” “La Venganza de Las Juanas,” “Paramédicos”), Sandra Solares ( “Point Break,” “Y Tú Mamá También,” “Instructions Not Included”) and International Emmy Award winner Billy Rovzar (“Monarca,” “Control Z,” “Sr. Ávila”) serve as executive producers. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Lemon Studios.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 488 wins and 2,143 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

Natalia Téllez, Amorita Rasgado, Ximena Sariñana and Bárbara Mori in "Women in Blue (Las Azules)," now streaming on Apple TV+.

About Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*

*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

Cast & Crew

  • Bárbara Mori
  • Ximena Sariñana
  • Natalia Téllez
  • Amorita Rasgado
  • Miguel Rodarte
  • Leonardo Sbaraglia
  • Christian Tappán
  • Horacio García Rojas

Executive Producers

  • Fernando Rovzar
  • Wendy Riss
  • Erica Sánchez Su
  • Sandra Solares
  • Billy Rovzar

Natalia Téllez, Bárbara Mori, Fernando Rovzar, Amorita Rasgado and Ximena Sariñana at the premiere of "Women in Blue (Las Azules)," now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Interview with David Arquette

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Robert Schwartzman and David Arquette of "The Good Half," out in theaters now (photos from their Instagrams)

Interview with director Robert Schwartzman and actor David Arquette for the film,”The Good Half” by Suzanne 8/6 and 8/8/24

This movie is one that everyone should watch. It does deal with family drama and grief, but it’s also heartwarming and funny, and it has some romance. To my mind, it’s not morbid, nor is it overly sentimental. It’s out in theaters now, and you shouldn’t miss it. Nick Jonas stars and shows us that he is a fine actor (and not just the great singer he has proven many times over).  There are many lovely performances in the movie. It has a great cast. David Arquette has a small but important role as Nick’s stepfather. He plays it masterfully.  It was so interesting to speak with these two about this movie. Don’t miss it!

Robert Schwartzman

Key art for film "The Good Half" with David Arquette

David Arquette

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"The Good Half" key art

UTOPIA Presents logo

THE GOOD HALF

In Theaters August 16th

**LA Premiere Screening on August 13th**

Starring Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, David Arquette,
Alexandra Shipp, Matt Walsh and Elisabeth Shue
Directed by Robert Schwartzman 

**Official Selection – 2023 Tribeca Festival**

Directed by: Robert Schwartzman (The Unicorn)

Written by: Brett Ryland
Produced by: Russell Wayne Groves, Robert Schwartzman, and Brett Ryland
"The Good Half" star Nick Jonas with director Robert Schwartzman
Starring:
Nick Jonas
Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect)
David Arquette (Scream)
Alexandra Shipp (Anyone But You)
Matt Walsh (“Veep”)
Elisabeth Shue (Leaving Las Vegas)

Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother’s funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief.

RT: 100 Minutes

 

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Interview with Gabriela Pessions and Dimitri Leonidas

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Gabriela Pessions and Dimitri Leonidas of "Those About to Die" on AMC and AMC+

Interview with Gabriela Pessions and Dimitri Leonidas of “Those About to Die” on Peacock by Suzanne 6/28/24

It was fun to speak to these two actors. You don’t want to miss this epic series, which stars Sir Anthony Hopkins (among many others). It has a huge cast. It’s filmed more like a movie than a TV show. If you loved “Spartacus” or “Gladiator,” you should love this one as well. I love the characters, the politics and the action. It starts 7/18!

 

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

All episodes premiering July 18 on Peacock, just in time for viewers to also watch the 2024 Paris Olympics (July 26 – Aug 11, 2024) 

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

Directors: Roland Emmerich (Ep 101, 102, 103, 109, 110), Marco Kreuzpaintner (Ep 104, 105, 106, 107, 108)

Created by: Robert Rodat (Wrote Ep 101, 102, 103, 109, 110)

Executive Producers: Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser, Gianni Nunnari, Robert Rodat, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, Miguel A. Palos Jr., Marco Kreuzpaintner, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Oliver Berben, Jonas Bauer, Charles Holland, Namit Malhotra.  THOSE ABOUT TO DIE -- Episode 104 -- Pictured: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus -- (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy, Romana Maggiora Vergano 

Studio: AGC Television   

Production Companies: Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions, Street Entertainment    

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE -- Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Rupert Penry-Jones as Consul Marsus, Gabriella Pession as Antonia -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)Format: Drama Series, 10 x 60 min episodes

Gabriella Pession plays “Antonia”. An American-Italian actress born November 2, 1977 in Florida, she starred in the TV show Crossing Lines 2013 to 2015. She was also best known for Wilfred (2011) and The Red Door (2017). In 2015, she received the America Award from the Italy–USA Foundation. In 2014 she had a son, Giulio, with her Crossing Lines co-star Richard Flood. They got married in 2016.

Dimitri Leonidas plays “Scorpus”. He was born on November 14, 1987 in England, UK to an English woman and a Greek father. He is an actor, known for Centurion (2010), Rosewater (2014), The Monuments Men (2014) and Riviera (2017).

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Interview with Lucian-River Chauhan, Abigail Pniowsky and Barry L. Levy

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

actors Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky and creator/EP Barry L. Levy of "Me" on Apple TV+

Interviews with Lucian-River Chauhan, Abigail Pniowsky and Barry L. Levy of “Me” on Apple TV+ by Suzanne 6/26/24 and 6/27/24

This is a fun superhero series with some teenage angst that is very realistic and honest. The actors do a phenomenal job (both young and old). I was glad to interview both the two lead actors, as well as creator/executive producer Barry L. Levy. I hope you can check out this cool new show that premieres July 12th!

Barry L. Levy

Suzanne:  How did you come up with the idea for this show?

Barry: Absolutely. So I have three kids. I have a son named Ben, just like the lead in the show.

Suzanne:  Okay.

Barry: And my oldest are identical twin daughters…

Suzanne:  Oh!

Barry: And then, a couple of years younger, is my son. And so he was always a little tall for his age, and it looked like triplets.  but it was never quite triplets, right?

Suzanne:  Right.

Barry: And he could never figure out who he was supposed to be, because he couldn’t be them. And so it became a conversation… It became a bedtime story. And then it became the story we started working on as a family of, “Who does Ben want… if he could be anyone, who would he want to be in that, if he could be anyone transformed into… {by] shapeshifting?” And that’s really where it came from. And then this series, it’s not traditionally the kind of work that I do, but it was something that I could do as a love letter to my family,  and really capture their lives.

I’m glad that you looked down at a pet because I swear to God, mine is going to drive me nuts. [Laughs]

Suzanne:  Oh, mine has the “zoomies” at the moment. I forgot to give her allergy medicine this morning, I just realized…

Barry: That’s funny.

Suzanne:  So that’s great. And your son doesn’t mind that he’s, sort of, the subject of your show?

Barry: I think he’s gone through the whole roller coaster (of emotions), but once he got to meet River, when we were shooting, I think he felt like he was in great hands. And it just changed everything.  It really sort of put it to life, and I think (he felt that) it ceased to be him, and it started to become  the character that River had created, and that really was freeing for everyone.

Suzanne:  Oh, that’s great.  Yeah, the casting is great. The kids are awesome. And the adults… it’s just all really, really great.

Barry: Thank you.

Suzanne:  And I think it’s the kind of story that anyone can relate to, no matter what their age, because  we all were that age at one point, right?

Barry: Yep.  Well, we tried to find ways to sort of bring in a show that would be for the whole family, so that there are elements for parents, and there are things that are nostalgic, but there are also other elements of it that are really contemporary and speak to another generation.

Suzanne:  Good. Yeah. Well, I think it worked.  Are you the sole writer of the series, or are there other people who work on it with you?

Barry: So, I wrote four episodes.  The rest of the episodes were written by the staff.  So what had happened was that I was hired to write a pilot. They liked it. They wanted  some more, so I wrote a second.  And then, while we were building the room, I wrote a third to kind of get us going.  And then we actually went back over those first three and made sure that we were really happy with what they were and built it all the way through ten (episodes), together in a room. So that was great.

Suzanne:   I haven’t finished watching them yet because I’m moving (as I mentioned), but I like what I see so far.  Are you already planning ahead for season two?

Barry: I mean, I certainly planned for season two well before we had a season one. So,  we’ll have to see how audiences receive it, but I’m hopeful, and I’m excited for it.  I would love the opportunity.

Suzanne:  Yeah, I hope so.   You know, it struck me as funny that it’s on Apple. To me, it seems like something that would have been on the old ABC Family Network (struggles to remember the new network’s name) because it’s so kid-friendly, family-friendly, and science fiction.  They had a lot of shows like that in the past.

Barry: Yeah. Interesting. Freeform, right? Freeform.

Suzanne:  Yes. That’s the name. Yes. Is this your first time as showrunner?

Barry: It is, it is. I had run the writer’s room on another series, a few years back, and I really enjoyed it.  I didn’t expect that I would enjoy it and find it as rewarding, but it was (working with) a really gifted showrunner, in that regard. [I realized] “Ooh, this is, this is really exciting.  I’d love to do this.” And so here, here I am.

Suzanne:  Well, that’s good.  Were there any challenges in shooting the first season that you didn’t foresee?

Barry: I mean, there are always challenges. I think for us, trying tounderstand what everyone could do…because,  the truth is, we recognized from the table reads the weeks before production that this cast was so much  more on the ball than we ever could have imagined, and that we had to go back and write a lot of new material and sort of deepen things.  Ultimately, it paid [off in] dividends. But the challenge was making sure that we could give everyone their just desserts, and what it felt like, what’s going to make the show go.

Suzanne:  Right. And I was impressed by River, especially, at such a young age. I mean, how old was he when you started?

Barry: I think he was 13.

Suzanne:  Yeah.

Barry: Something like that.

Suzanne:  Yeah. It’s amazing. He seems like he’s got everything down.

Barry: Yeah. It’s also his personality. He’s so emotionally generous, and friendly.  I gather you, you may see that for yourself if you get to talk to him, that he seems like an old soul.  And I think we saw that (before we started). When I watched  the movie he did with Riz Ahmed,  Encounter, it was so clear that there was this sort of depth to him, and in his eyes, that we just knew [that] “This kid is incredible. We have to work with that.”

Suzanne:  And,  before you cast him, were you always looking for a particular,  ethnicity, or did it not matter?  Or were you going to cast whomever you thought was great?

Barry: It was entirely open.  The casting director is a near and dear friend, Josh Einstein. He had done, “This Is Us,” “Love Victor,” and a lot of different shows. We said we needed performers who could carry a real emotional depth.  And I think, even in the pilot, you see that, and what we found was extraordinary. And then the question, once we found River, was, who really felt like they could be the sibling to him? And Abby was just incredible.

Suzanne:  Yeah. She’s great, too.

Barry: Yeah. So we were really blessed there.

Suzanne:  Good. Well, I hope it’s a big success.  I love it when the show is– well, I love science fiction, anyway, but I love it when a show is fun, and it’s got a great cast and interesting characters. That’s… so, you accomplished that.

Barry: Thank you. Thank you so much.

Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky

Suzanne: All right. How are you two this morning?

River: We’re doing well, Suzanne.

Abby: Good, how are you?

River: Nice to meet you.

Suzanne: Good. Nice to meet you, too. Uh, I love talking about me! (laughs) Bad joke…bad joke. I’m sorry.

River: No, I love it.

Suzanne: I was talking  to Barry yesterday, and he raved about you guys… just raved about both of you, so he seems nice.

River: I have to say, “Thank you for the kind words, Barry.. If you’re watching.”

Abby: Thank you, Barry!

Suzanne: Well, I was raving about you, too, cause I watched a lot of the episode, but you guys did a great job. Definitely.  especially, and I’m sure it sounds condescending, “for your age.” So. Hey, enough compliments. So, what did you each enjoy most about filming?

River:  I think for me, personally, I had never done a show with a bunch of kids that were my age. And so, that was, that was really interesting, to get a chance to experience… because, from the other shows,  it’s a different atmosphere, and, with kids, you get a chance to play around a lot more and have fun. And it doesn’t always have to be so intense all the time. And I think that’s something that was really, really fun for me to experience. I think because I’m actually the only child.  I have never had any sort of a brother-sister experience before, and so I was sort of able to build that and learn about that with Abby.

Suzanne: Oh, that’s great. Abby. What about you?

Abby: Yeah, I have to say, I completely agree with Riv.  It was really fun bonding with all the kids on set, and especially bonding with Riv.  Creating that dynamic… It was really cool, and I feel like at the end of the day,  you, sort of, went home tired, but with a smile on your face. There was a lot of laughter on set.

Suzanne: That’s good Yeah, I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before: it’s not work if you love it.

River:  Exactly. Yep.

Suzanne: And what would you say was the most challenging part of doing the show?

River:  Ooh.  I think, because we were filming in the middle of COVID 19. I think that was probably the most challenging.  We sort of had to take all the precautions necessary, like testing every day, and wearing masks all the time, which definitely got annoying.  But in hindsight, I’m kind of glad that we did do that because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Suzanne: Abby?

Abby: I would say, probably, that we filmed by location (rather than in sequence), so we were kind of jumping between different episodes. So I think really staying present in the episode [and] understanding how I’m feeling between each episode, especially with the dynamic with Max and Ben, was really…it was a little difficult for me, but it was a nice challenge. I liked it.

Suzanne: Okay. And  before you filmed this, were you a fan of superheroes, and comic books, and that kind of thing?

River: Oh, yeah.

Abby: …A fan. .

River: Oh yeah, . Uh, I’m a, I’m a big superhero guy. I mean , a personal superhero that I really look up to is “The Flash.”  I love all things Flash , and  his superpower is also really cool.  So that would be a superpower [that] if I were to get one… that would be the one that I want. But no, I’m a big fan of watching  superhero shows, and origin stories.  But I think, with this one, it’s a little bit different because you get a chance to see it from a kid’s perspective, and not only just [with] the superhero aspect, but also something much deeper, like the relationship between Ben and Max.

Suzanne: What about you, Abby? Were you a fan of that kind of thing before?

Abby: Yeah, I think that superheroes are really cool.  My personal favorite is Spider-Man. Uh, love him. Love the guy. Um, but I agree with Riv. I think that this one is a little bit different… that the superpowers are a big point in the story, but they’re not the only plot point.

Suzanne: Sounds like we got a little Marvel-DC competition going on here, though.  (Laughs)

Have you heard anything about whether they would maybe make this into a real life comic book?

River: No, but now that you mention it, that Is like, like just, that just blew my mind, actually. Wow. That would be so cool.

Suzanne: They’ve done it with a few other shows. I can’t think of most of them [off the top of my head]. I know they did it with the character Nia from the “Supergirl” TV show. And I think she wrote part of it as well. She has her own comic now. So yeah, it can happen. Definitely.

River: Yeah,  we’ll see. You never know what’s going to happen.

Suzanne: That’s true. We’ll put that out. I thought of that when I was talking to Barry. He could probably get it done.

River: Hey, you never know. You never know. I think it would be interesting to write it too.  I’ve never actually written anything before.  but   it would be pretty interesting to get a chance to learn from, from Barry if he’s, if he’s up to that.

Abby: That’s what I was thinking.

Suzanne: All right. Okay. Well, thank you guys so much.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site    Trailer

Key art for "Me" on Apple TV+

“Me” follows a 12-year-old kid named Ben who is in the throes of middle school (complete with bullies, crushes and school dances!) as he adjusts to a newly blended family AND the realization that he has super powers. Throughout the 10-episode season, Ben goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns what having super powers truly means. He finds an ally in his stepsister, Max, who helps him harness these powers and uncover the secrets behind the mysteries and tragedies of his community … all while he tries to come to terms with what it means to be Ben.

Cast & Crew

  • Lucian-River Chauhan
    as Ben Vasani
  • Abigail Pniowsky
    as Max Davis
  • Dilshad Vadsaria
    as Elizabeth Vasani
  • Amanda Reid
    as Carter Kennedy
  • Barry L. Levy

    Executive Producer

    Writer

    Story By

  • Michael Dowse

    Executive Producer

    Director

  • Amy Welsh-Hanning

    Executive Producer

  • Eben Russell

    Executive Producer

Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky of "Me" on Apple TV+LUCIAN-RIVER CHAUHAN

‘Ben’

Lucian-River Chauhan can currently be seen in the recurring role of Teo in the Netflix series AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER based off the hugely successful graphic novel of the same name. He will also next star as the title role in the Apple+ series ME which follows his character Ben as he navigates the complexities of 6th grade. The series will premiere this year. River was named a “must see performance” by EW for his lead role opposite Riz Ahmed in the Amazon feature ENCOUNTER from director Michael Pearce which premiered last year at Telluride and TIFF to rave reviews. The Hollywood Reporter also highlighted his performance in the film saying, “the astonishingly good Lucian-River Chauhan, who plays Malik’s adolescent son, Jay” and Screen International said “Both of the boys cast as Malik’s sons are impressive, but Chauhan, who plays the older Jay, is quietly remarkable.” Previously he recurred on the hit CBC series HEARTLAND for two seasons. He is also fluent in French.

ABIGAIL PNIOWSKY

‘Max’

Abigail Pniowsky is sixteen years old and has already built an impressive body of work. She will next be seen as the female lead of Apple TV’s first YA series, ME. She recently shot the lead role in the independent feature, AMERICAN BABY. Abby began her TV career as a lead in the Universal / Syfy show CHANNEL ZERO alongside Fiona Shaw and Paul Schneider. She appeared as a series regular opposite Kyra Sedgwick in the ABC series, TEN DAYS IN THE VALLEY. On the big screen, Abby played opposite Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner in Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar winning ARRIVAL, for which Abby attended both the Venice Film Festival and TIFF. She also starred opposite Yvonne Strahovki in the feature HE’S OUT THERE and opposite Heather Graham in THE REST OF US, which had its premiere at TIFF as well.

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