Days Opinion Article 6/12/22

Posted on June 15, 2022September 22, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

Opinion Article

by Marlene 6/12/22

Chad, Abigail, Thomas and Charlotte in "Days of Our Lives" on Peacock

Another storyline has gone wrong on “Days of Our Lives.” With so many tragedies and heartbreak in our society now, we look for a soap opera to brighten up our day and bring us some happiness when we’re watching. The murder of Abigail Dimera just makes us think about children losing a mother, growing up without a mother and having hardship in their life. No matter how rich the DiMeras are, this will be a tragedy for Thomas and Charlotte. I believe you do not break up a very strong couple whom we have seen grown up on the show. I do know the actress, Marci Miller wanted out, but that does not mean that the writers had to really bounce her out by murdering her character. Destroying the lives of Jennifer and Jack and her brother JJ, whom adored her is reprehensible. This is not romantic, fun or interesting.

Days has to come back to family togetherness and characters that are bringing joy to the show. I do agree some episodes are interesting, like Paulina covering for Lani in the shooting of TR, and Belle and EJ having a love affair. But these are good episodes without murdering any of the characters. A note to the writers: please bring more family episodes that can make your viewers smile, to bring joy and lighten up problems that most viewers are facing in real love.

Lani and Paulina on "Days of Our Lives" on Peacock

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

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Y&R Article: Should Characters Be Brought Back From the Dead?

Posted on May 10, 2022 by TvMegasite Admin

Young and the Restless Opinion Article

Susan Walters plays Diane on "Young and The Restless" on CBS

Article by Suzanne 5/10/22

The biggest news lately on the show is the return of Diane Jenkins, Jack’s ex-wife and father of Kyle, who was thought to be dead. At first, the story seemed to be about Jack finding his long-lost son, Keemo, and then Keemo’s daughter, Allie. They sure surprised us by having that springboard into the DIANE’S ALIVE! story. (See what they did there?)

Of course, on soaps (as the saying goes) no one is really dead. It’s a cliché, really, so it’s hardly a big surprise when anyone comes back. However, having Diane return fixes one of the mistakes they made back in 2012 when Nikki and Deacon both confessed to murdering Diane.They bashed her head in many times, and her body was found. The writers seemed to be saying, “Yes, she’s really dead! Dead, dead, dead!”

Deacon went to jail for awhile for that. He’s over on B&B now, so maybe someone will mention to him that she’s alive, and they can stop calling him an ex-con! At any rate, it’s usually a bad idea to kill off a major character, even one like Diane who seems to have few redeeming qualities. She was a trouble-maker, but not evil, like, for instance, David Kimble. He deserved to die, and no one was unhappy to see him go.

Diane spent most of her time on Y&R sleeping around, stealing husbands and trying to get money and fame from Jack and Victor, among others. Susan Walters is an amazing actress who managed to play Diane well, to make her seem more human than the writing reflected. It’s great to have her back. When her character was “murdered,” she was played by Maura West, who had previously played Carly on “As The World Turns” and now plays Ava on “General Hospital“. She’s another fabulous actress.

Now we’re supposed to believe that Diane faked her death and has been alive all this time. Also, she has supposedly changed and gotten therapy. If they’re going to make her into a better person now, that would be boring, so I hope it’s not true.

Of course, like a lot of stories in Soapland, it makes little sense. She not only died, but there was a body. Whose body was that if not Diane’s? Y&R is not like GH or “Days of Our Lives“. There’s no Helena Cassadine or Dr. Rolf there to give people magical drugs to make them seem dead, so it strains credulity. I wonder if they will even address this point? This is why it’s a bad idea to kill off major characters because later on you have to really jump through illogical hoops to bring them back. Leaving town or going to jail is a much better way to get rid of them, IMHO. I’m sure the writers would argue that killing off a character makes for great drama and gives them more story to work with. However, it’s happened so often now that it’s no longer such great story. It’s not even very surprising. Kill off someone who’s been there for 30 or 40 years (Nikki, Victor, Jack, Lauren et al.) and maybe then it would be surprising. Diane died after pissing everyone off, and everyone threatened her, so it was pretty obvious that she would die.

I was not very happy when they killed off Cassie on Y&R because it was just too sad (and had already been done with better effect on GH). Although I love the actress who played her, bringing her back as Cassie’s twin sister Mariah later on was pretty ridiculous. This is why soaps get such a bad rap. Stories like this would rarely fly on primetime or in movies, unless it happened in a comedy or scifi. I hate when people say, “It’s just a soap.” Stories like this are why they say that. Then people wonder why the poor soaps actors are unable to further their careers (or have to start all over again) when they’re trying to get roles elsewhere. It’s really unfair because the acting is usually really good on soaps (aside from a few newbies). It’s really the writers and producers who should have trouble getting more work outside soaps if you ask me. They just keep throwing up the same crap on our screens over and over. I’m sure the Y&R writers thought that bringing Diane back was a brilliant idea.

I hope that they turn Diane’s return into more than just the usual story about how she’s just coming back to cause more trouble. It would be nice to see something unusual and interesting happen for her, Jack and Kyle (and Summer, who’s returning). As I said, nobody wants to see her be a goody-two-shoes, either.

How about some original and unusual ideas? The idea to have lesbians on Y&R was a great one. The writing of the two characters has been hit-and-miss, but the idea was great. I hope the writers do drag more of the show into the 21st century. I’m not really in favor of having Kevin suddenly becoming gay because I hate when they change history, but if it will keep the actor happy, maybe they should. Then he won’t keep running over to Days. Or if you must use a soap trope, how about having Kevin learn that he has a twin gay brother? Maybe this Diane is not the real Diane, but the mother of the twins. Now that would be exciting!

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

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Jack and Diane on Y&R

Primetime TV Review: “Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends to Die For”

Posted on April 6, 2022July 28, 2022 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends to Die For” Review on 4/6/2022

by Eva

I enjoy watching mystery movies so when I saw the commercial for Lifetime’s movie Fallen Angels Murder Club Friends to Die For, I wanted to watch it. Friends to Die For is the first of two Lifetime movies based on the Fallen Angels Murder Club book series written by R. Franklin James.

I saw the first movie Friends to Die For starring Toni Braxton as Hollis Morgan an ex-convict trying to start a new life after serving time in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. Hollis joins a book club which is made up of other ex-convicts trying to restart their lives. This part of the movie was the most interesting to me… the close friendships that the book club forms with each other based on their shared experience of having spent time in jail and their love of reading murder mysteries. I won’t ruin the mystery for you it was a pretty good one. As always, the book club solves the mystery while the police can’t figure it out.

I liked this movie a lot, although with most mystery movies, I wish that the police were smarter but I am looking forward to watching the second movie Heroes and Felons airing on Lifetime on Saturday April 9, 2022.

I give the first movie Friends to Die For 4 out of 5 stars because it had some parts of it that were silly to me, but again this is my opinion and as I said I will be watching the second movie.

MORE INFORMATION:

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

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Primetime TV Review: Ordinary Joe

Posted on September 24, 2021September 10, 2023 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Ordinary Joe” Review on by Eva 9/24/2021

I decided to watch Ordinary Joe because it sounded interesting… but when I watched the show, I found it to be confusing.

The show centers around Joe Kimbreau (James Wolk), who graduates from college and has a choice to make of what to do with the rest of his graduation day. Joe’s first option ]is to ask Amy (Natalie Martinez), whom he just met, on a date. Joe’s second choice is to go with his girlfriend, Jenny (Elizabeth Lail), to the beach for a talk. His third choice for the day is to go to dinner with his family. The show then follows Joe’s three possible choices or timelines. If he goes with Amy on a date, he becomes a famous musician, marries her and they try to have a child; if he goes with Jenny, he becomes a nurse with a disabled son and an unhappy marriage. If Joe chooses dinner with his family, he becomes a cop who is single but still wonders what happened to Amy and Jenny.

This show is a bit confusing because it switches randomly from Joe’s three parallel lives, and you have to really pay attention to understand what Joe is doing and which life he is living. I really like James Wolk as Joe – he makes the best of what he is given and gives the audience a reason to root for Joe, hoping that he will solve his problems.

I think this show needs to work on being a little less confusing… maybe if they dealt with one of Joe’s lives in each episode, instead of all three lives in the same episode, it would work better. I think the show will do okay because it comes after “The Voice” on Monday nights. I will keep watching it to see if it improves, but for now I will give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Read Our Interview with Wolk

MORE INFORMATION:

ORDINARY JOE (NBC)

BROADCAST HISTORY:
9/20/21 – ???

STATUS:
currently airing (fall 2021)TIME SLOT:
mondays from 10:00 PM-11:00 PM ESTCURRENT SEASON:
1 (??? episodes)VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE

DESCRIPTION:
(from NBC’s web site, September 2021) Life is all about the choices you make – and sometimes, what you do in a single moment can change everything. This new heartfelt, life-affirming drama follows Joe Kimbreau, who faces one of these decisions at his college graduation. The three parallel stories that diverge from that night find Joe and the people around him with different careers, relationships and family lives, showing the unexpected ways that things change – and stay the same. But when it comes down to it, there is no “right” choice; no matter what happens, Joe’s life is always messy, exciting, tough, unpredictable… and beautiful.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
· Charlie Barnett as Eric Payne
· Elizabeth Lail
· James Wolk as Joe Kimbrough
· Natalie Martinez as Amy

CREW INFORMATION:
· Adam Davidson as EP/DIR (Pilot)
· Adam Kassan as EP
· Garrett Lerner as CRTR/EP
· Howard Klein as EP
· Matt Reeves as EP
· Rafi Crohn as EP
· Russel Friend as CRTR/EP

GENRE(S):
· drama

STUDIO INFORMATION:
· 20th Century Fox Television
· 3 Arts Entertainment
· 6th & Idaho
· Universal Television

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

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General Hospital Articles

Posted on July 20, 2021May 12, 2022 by TvMegasite Admin

Articles about the show

Sam and Spinelli on computer

5 Reasons why Sonny and Nina in Nixon Falls Is a Good Story By Suzanne 7/20/21

Interviews with GH Actors

Older GH Articles

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Peter August at his computer

GH Opinion Article 7/20/21

Posted on July 20, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

Lenny and Phyllis at the Tan-O on GH

Our Opinions

5 Reasons why Sonny and Nina in Nixon Falls Is a Good Story By Suzanne

I just started watching the show again after an absence of a few years. It’s not that I intentionally stopped watching…I just watch a lot of TV and fell behind. I was slowly, ever so slowly, catching up, but I’m still back in 2018. I’ve decided to try to watch the new ones so that I can edit our daily GH Transcripts and write some of the GH Updates while our regular writer Anthony catches up on past episodes. He’s behind, too. It’s so easy to fall behind in these busy times. The pandemic slowed some people down, but for those of us who worked at home (as well as essential workers and others), we never slowed down.

Even though I haven’t watched many episodes in the past 3 years, I do still regularly read the GH news and spoilers, and I read other fans’ posts about it on Twitter and Facebook, so I know what’s been going on.

I know that a lot of fans are not happy with the fact that Sonny has been stuck in a small town with amnesia, away from his friends and family (who think he’s dead). It’s not usually a good idea to stick one or two characters off on their own for too long because the fun of a soap is seeing everyone in the cast interact. I’m not saying I’m a huge fan of Nina and Sonny’s “romance,” but here are a few good reasons to have this story.

#1 It keeps Maurice Benard happy. He’s the star of the show, as we were reminded recently when the shows EP said it. He obviously wanted to do something different than playing the same mob boss every day. It’s good to keep him happy so he doesn’t decide to retire. I know that not everyone loves him, but he’s very popular, so I do believe the show would suffer without him. Even though they had to create a different town and set of characters, I give them props for doing a pretty good job of it. Lenny and Phyllis are very likable. Maybe Maurice just got tired of wearing suits every day….he might be enjoying wearing those blue collar shirts. 😉

#2 It was a good choice for the Cyrus storyline because getting Sonny out of the way created a lot of problems for the other people in Port Charles, and they had to band together to get rid of him.

#3 It’s forcing Jason and Carly together. Now, most of us don’t really want to see them in a romantic relationship at this point. It’s been too long since they were together (1996, to be exact). They’re great friends, and they shouldn’t screw that up. I believe the writers are only putting them together to create more conflict for Jason and Britt (not to mention, Jason and Sam) as well as making it worse for Sonny’s eventual return. Hopefully, Jason and Carly won’t actually sleep together. Thank goodness she’s too old to get pregnant, too. Well, never say never in Soap Land…

#4 Having one of the characters leave town, lose their memory, and then everyone thinks he’s dead… that’s a soap trope by now. In fact, Sonny did something similar years ago when he was stabbed and nursed back to health by Angel (who was really boring). Micky Horton on Days did it way back in 1973. Victor on Y&R has done it a few times. It happened to Tad on All My Children, too. Those story memories are just off the top of my head, so I’m sure there are many more examples.

#5 The eventual reveal will be great – when Sonny gets his memory back and finds out that Nina kept his existence a secret from his family. I’m sure Carly will have a few slaps to give, too. With a real mobster, Nina would be dead from that kind of thing, but Sonny rarely kills anyone, so most likely Nina will just be persona non grata for a while around Port Charles. It would be really great if Sonny just forgave her because he still loves her, but I’m not going to hold my breath. Will Jason and Carly be sleeping together by then? Maybe. There will be a long list of people just waiting to yell at Nina (or worse).

The only thing I don’t like about this story is that Nina is the perpetual victim. She always makes the worst choices when it comes to love: Valentin, Franco, Jax and now a married mobster. Soap characters often have these problems, but hers seem to be worst than most. She was in a coma for 12 years because her evil mother put her there to steal her money, and she stole her baby, too. She can’t have more children, and the one she did have was dead by the time she learned about her.

It’s not only too sad to have her go through so many horrible love affairs, but it makes her look really dumb to keep making such poor decisions. This time it’s not just her romantic heart on the line, but she’ll probably also have a hard time getting permission to see grandson Wiley again, too. It’s great for Cynthia Watros because she’s outstanding in the role, but I just wish that Nina would have a nice, fun fling once in a while.

Most people hate change, but life – and daytime drama – is all about change. Fans want their favorite couples to stay together forever, and that’s just not what these shows are about. I can’t wait for the fireworks when Nina is found out!

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

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Sonny and Nina kiss on GH

Primetime TV Review: Small Fortune

Posted on June 3, 2021September 10, 2023 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Small Fortune” Review on by Eva 6/3/2021

I enjoy watching game shows so when I saw a commercial that a new game show called Small Fortune was going to be on I said I can’t wait to watch a new game show.

This game show is based on a British game show. The American version of the show is hosted by Lil Rel Howery who does a wonderful job as host of the show. He is funny and very encouraging to the contestants as they play these very difficult games. The games are difficult because they are the size of doll house furniture and the teams of three contestants have to play several rounds of these tiny games to win big money. One example of a game is a contestant must stack six tiny aluminum cans in one minute to win the money. The contestant gets one free chance to practice the game and if they want more practice games they must pay an amount from their possible winnings from that round. When the team of three contestants done playing they must play the big heist bonus game in which the team must work together to open a tiny safe in two minutes. If they open the safe they take home the money they earned in previous rounds.

I wanted to like this show, but I don’t because of two reasons. The first being that watching the team play these tiny games makes me very tense as I watch them try and fail several times before they possibly win the game. The second reason I don’t like it is because its missing the most important element of a game show it doesn’t allow the viewer at home to participate in the show. The viewers are bored by the show because they can’t answer questions or feel invested in the show in some way. I give this show a two out of five stars just because the host is good.

MORE INFORMATION:

NBC’S “SMALL FORTUNE” TAKES COMEDY AND COMPETITION TO NEW LEVELS WITH PREMIERE SET FOR MONDAY, MAY 31 AT 10 P.M. ET/PT

Game Show Marks Lil Rel Howery’s Return to NBC as Teams Test Their Skills for $250,000 Prize in Miniature-Sized Competition

· “Small Fortune,” NBC’s newest team competition game show hosted by Lil Rel Howery, premieres on Monday, May 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The series is a British import based on Youngest Media’s popular U.K. format and is unlike any team competition ever seen on U.S. television.

· In each heart-pounding episode, teams of three from various backgrounds, including first responders and Olympians from around the country, work together to earn a shot at competing for the $250,000 cash prize in the “Big Little Heist” finale game.

· To get there, each team must prove their skills on miniature playing fields from a shrunken sushi conveyor belt with tiny chopsticks (“Teeny Sashimi”) to a mini Ellis Island (“Statue of Liberteeny”). Challenges will require considerable dexterity and intense focus because with games this small, there’s no room for error as the slightest miscalculation or tremble may result in losing tens of thousands of dollars.

· In the eight-episode series, Howery raises the stakes by mixing encouragement with his brand of laughs to keep the players on their toes and audiences equally as anxious and entertained.

· Howery is fresh off his successful HBO comedy special “Lil Rel Howery: Live in Crenshaw,” which was rated the #1 hourlong comedy special of 2019 by Vulture.com. In film, he is perhaps best known for his roles as TSA agent Rod Williams in the Oscar-winning “Get Out,” Charlie in the Netflix smash “Bird Box, and more recently as Wayne in the Oscar-nominated “Judas and The Black Messiah.” On the small screen, he starred as Bobby, brother to Jerrod Carmichael, on the critically acclaimed NBC series “The Carmichael Show,” also starring Tiffany Haddish as his ex-wife. In addition to making an impression with his own comedy series, “Rel” on Fox, Howery has lent his talents to “Insecure” on HBO, “Southside” on Comedy Central and more.

· “Small Fortune” is co-produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio and entertainment studio Youngest Media, which created and produced the U.K. format.

· Lucas Church and David Flynn will serve as executive producers for Youngest Media alongside Steve Barry and Joe Braswell, who will serve as executive producers for Kelchris and showrunners for the series. Lil Rel Howery also executive produces.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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

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Primetime TV Review: Girls5eva

Posted on May 17, 2021September 10, 2023 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Girls5eva” Review on by Eva 5/17/2021

I thought this show sounded interesting so I thought I would watch it. A one-hit wonder girl group from the 90’s makes a brief come back because famous rapper Lil Stinker decides to use a part of their song in one of his rap songs. The ladies get the group back together to do the Tonight Show because Jimmy Fallon thinks its a good idea for the ladies to sing back-up for Lil Stinker ( Jeremiah Craft) when he appears on the show. The appearance goes well and since the ladies haven’t done much since the group split ip, they decide to make a comeback because people still want to hear them sing.

The cast includes Sara Bareilles (Dawn Solano), Paula Pell (Gloria Mcmanus), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Wickie Roy) and Busy Phillips (Summer Dutkowsky) have great chemistry together and really seem like good friends who have not seen each other in a long time and are trying to reconnect with each other. What I enjoyed most about the show where cameos by people like Jimmy Fallon and Dolly Parton will appear in a future episode. The show also has great music which sounds like it comes from the 90’s but is written for the show.

I think this show is a bit corny and uses the F Bomb when it really doesn’t need to do so. The show is already funny so useless profanity isn’t needed in the show. I think if you grew up in the 90’s, you will love the show but if you didn’t grow up in the 90’s the show won’t make any sense to you.

I give this show a 4 out of 5 stars. It is worth watching if you just want to watch some good mindless television. You can binge all eight episodes on the weekend or watch them one at a time when you need a break from the stress of life.

MORE INFORMATION:

Peacock Original comedy GIRLS5EVA will premiere Thursday, May 6. All eight episodes will drop at once on Peacock.

· When a one-hit-wonder girl group from the 90’s gets sampled by a young rapper, its members reunite to give their pop star dreams one more shot. They may be grown women balancing spouses, kids, jobs, debt, aging parents, and shoulder pain, but can’t they also be Girls5eva?

· The series stars Grammy(R) Award-winner and Tony(R) and Emmy(R) Award-nominated singer Sara Bareilles, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Renée Elise Goldsberry, Emmy(R) winning “Saturday Night Live” mainstay and comedy icon Paula Pell, and New York Times Best-Selling author, actor, activist, writer and host Busy Philipps.

· Meredith Scardino serves as creator and executive producer for the series. Jeff Richmond, Tina Fey (Little Stranger, Inc.), Robert Carlock (Bevel Gears), David Miner (3 Arts Entertainment), Eric Gurian (Little Stranger) also serve as executive producers. Girls5eva is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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

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Review of “The Bad Seed”

Posted on May 1, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

The Lamptons of "The Bad Seed" on Sundance Now

“The Bad Seed” on Sundance Now Review by Suzanne 5/1/21

This is a five-part drama from New Zealand. It aired in 2019 but is new to us here in the U.S. A woman is murdered in an affluent suburb, Remuera (near Auckland). Most of the show centers on two brothers, Simon and Ford. Simon is a respected doctor with a family. Ford is his brother, who hasn’t amounted to much. Simon is having an affair with another woman who lives nearby, and the murdered woman was his patient. Also, Simon’s family has donated money to a politician who appears to be the next Prime Minister. He’s popular, but his wife is not. The two brothers grew up in a horrid family and have worked to overcome their pasts. Now that’s threatened by this murder investigation.

Like most of these types of dramas, everyone has a big secret. First they tell us, little by little, about the characters and the secrets, and then it will show us the investigation. I hope it won’t be too disappointing. It’s off to a good start, judging just from the first episode. I definitely want to see what happens next.

MORE INFORMATION:

AWARD-WINNING NEW ZEALAND DRAMA SERIES THE BAD SEED ABOUT DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY WITH DARK SECRETS PREMIERES EXCLUSIVELY IN U.S.

All 5 Episodes to Stream Beginning Thursday, April 29

There are deep-rooted secrets in every family. Based on a series of books by award-winning New Zealand author, Charlotte Grimshaw, The Bad Seed tells the story of two brothers who have raised themselves from the desperate days of their early childhood, only to have their newly ordered lives begin to fall apart when one becomes a suspect in a murder and the police investigation draws the household into a hurricane of scandal. All five episodes of The Bad Seed will be available to binge on Thursday, April 29 via Sundance Now and the AMC+ streaming bundle.

Simon Lampton (Matt Minto, Shortland Street, The Blue Rose), a respected obstetrician, has a lovely home in Herne Bay with two daughters and a beautiful wife, Karen (Jodie Hillock, The Inland Road): a well-organized mother and pillar of their community. Older brother Ford Dean O’Gorman, The Hobbit, Trumbo), once estranged and still rough around the edges, is staying in the spare room and appears to be the only outward disruption to Simon’s controlled life. But Simon has a secret– he’s having an affair with a beautiful young woman from one of Auckland’s seediest suburbs. When Julia Stevens, the Lamptons’ neighbor, is murdered in her own home, Detective Marie Da Silva (Madeleine Sami, Super City) starts focusing on the Lampton household, and Simon’s attempt to cover up his affair begins to unravel his carefully constructed life.

To add pressure, Roza Hallwright (Chelsie Preston Crayford, Underbelly), the wife of the soon-to-be next Prime Minister (Xavier Horan, West Side), has decided to make the Lamptons her best friends, ostensibly because Simon has contributed funds to her husband’s campaign, but she too has a secret that involves the Lamptons. As Detective Da Silva digs further, Simon’s world starts to crumble. But it’s going to take more than spadework to uncover that this fall from grace is no accident, rather a careful unpicking by someone Simon thinks he can trust.

The Bad Seed was produced by South Pacific Pictures for TVNZ 1, New Zealand. The series won for Best Script: Drama at the 2019 NZ TV Craft Awards.

Episode Synopses

Episode 1 – Simon Lampton is a successful obstetrician who looks like he has the ideal life, but everything begins to unravel when neighbor and former patient, Julia Stevens, is brutally murdered and Simon’s dysfunctional childhood comes back to haunt him.

Written by Sarah-Kate Lynch and Joss King. Directed by Helena Brooks.

Episode 2 –Simon begins to lose it emotionally as police pressure intensifies and his personal life crumbles. Ford helps and hinders his brother and Roza courts the Lampton family before dropping a

bombshell on Simon.

Written by Sarah-Kate Lynch, Joss King and Michael Beran. Directed by Mike Smith.

Episode 3 – Roza finally confesses her secret to David. Karen’s had enough of Simon’s lying and kicks him

out. Ford and Simon are forced to confront their violent father.

Written by Sarah-Kate Lynch, Joss King and Michael Beran. Directed by Caroline Bell-Booth.

Episode 4 -Karen and Roza declare war. Roza has an emotional breakdown and overdoses. Simon is

suspected of the murder of an investigative journalist and Ford manipulates Simon’s misfortune.

Written by Sarah-Kate Lynch, Joss King and Michael Beran. Directed by Caroline Bell-Booth.

Episode 5- Simon has a realization about the murder but can’t convince the cops. Roza has a double

celebration on Election Day.

Written by Sarah-Kate Lynch and Joss King. Directed by Mike Smith.

About Sundance Now:

AMC Networks’ streaming service Sundance Now is for culture craving TV watchers looking for their next series to obsess over and offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from engrossing true crime to heart-stopping dramas and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world, all streaming commercial-free. Exclusive new programs are added every week. Sundance Now has exclusively premiered several distinctive, critically acclaimed Sundance Now Original Series, including supernatural thriller A Discovery of Witches; glamorous thriller Riviera starring Julia Stiles; critically acclaimed French spy thriller crime drama The Bureau; and Swedish period drama The Restaurant, as well as Sundance Now Exclusives, such as British true crime thriller Des starring David Tennant; Australian drama Upright starring Tim Minchin; and Australian psychological thrilled The Secrets She Keeps; and riveting true crime series The Suspect, The Dakota Entrapment Tapes, No One Saw A Thing, and Killing for Love.

Facebook: @SundanceNow – Twitter: @sundance_now – Instagram: @sundancenow

About AMC+:

AMC+ is the company’s new premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from across AMC Networks’ entertainment networks and a number of the company’s targeted streaming services including Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as Riviera, Creepshow, A Discovery of Witches and Boyhood. Currently available to Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV channels, Roku Channels, Comcast Xfinity, DirecTV, DISH and Sling TV customers, AMC+ features a continually refreshed new library of commercial-free content, including Mad Men, Gangs of London, The Salisbury Poisonings, Orphan Black, Portlandia, Soulmates and The Walking Dead: World Beyond, among many others.

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

Poster for "The Bad Seed"

Primetime TV Review: Home Economics

Posted on April 9, 2021September 10, 2023 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Home Economics” Review on by Suzanne 4/9/2021

This is a comedy, but it’s not very funny. Still, it’s an interesting family show. The relationships between the two brothers and their sister (and all their families) is what drives this show. Each of the siblings competes with each other, but in a fairly realistic way. The oldest brother, Tom (Topher Grace), is doing OK financially but is struggling with his marriage. The middle sibling, Sarah (Caitlin McGee), has a great family but is having problems making ends meet. The youngest brother, Connor (Jimmy Tatro), is doing quite well financially but getting divorced.

I’m older, so I prefer sitcoms that have a lot of jokes, like Grace’s previous show, “That 70’s Show,” “Barney Miller” or “Frasier.” Nowadays they don’t do as much jokes in sitcoms. If you’re older, you might not find this show funny, but the characters are engaging. I think they’re hoping that you find similarities in the characters and their families with what your own family is going through. Personally, the last thing I want to do is to watch squabbling families (unless they’re really funny).

Let’s hope the show gets better.

MORE INFORMATION:

New Comedy “Home Economics” Coming WEDNESDAY APRIL 7 to ABC

By Steve Dove
Jan 25th, 2021

Starring and executive produced by Topher Grace, “Home Economics” takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship between three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class and one barely holding on. The comedy is inspired by the life of writer and executive producer Michael Colton. The new comedy premieres WEDNESDAY APRIL 7 8:30|7:30c on ABC.

The series stars Topher Grace as Tom, Caitlin McGee as Sarah, Jimmy Tatro as Connor, Karla Souza as Marina, and Sasheer Zamata as Denise. Also starring is Shiloh Bearman as Gretchen, Jordyn Curet as Shamiah, Chloe Jo Rountree as Camila and JeCobi Swain as Kelvin.

“Home Economics” was created by writers Michael Colton & John Aboud. They serve as executive producers alongside Topher Grace and Eric and Kim Tannenbaum of The Tannenbaum Company, whose Jason Wang will co-executive produce. The series is produced by Lionsgate and ABC Signature. ABC Signature, alongside 20th Television, is a part of Disney Television Studios.

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

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HOME ECONOMICS - Starring and executive produced by Topher Grace, "Home Economics" takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship between three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class and one barely holding on. The comedy is inspired by the life of writer and executive producer Michael Colton. (ABC/Temma Hankin)

Primetime TV Review: United States of Al

Posted on April 4, 2021September 10, 2023 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“United States of Al” on CBS Review on by Eva 4/4/2021

I was really interested in this show because the commercials for the it looked funny. It is funny, but not as much as I thought it would be.

The story revolves around Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran who is having trouble adjusting to his life back home in Ohio. Riley decides to help his friend Awalimir (Adhir Kalyan) – or Al for short – and his family get out of Afghanistan. Al was Riley’s interpreter, and that’s why the two men formed a close friendship. Al saved Riley’s life. The comedy arises as the audience watches Al adjust to life in America, which leads Riley and his family being appreciative of the opportunities they have had in America. Al is also determined to reunite Riley with his wife because they are in the process of a divorce.

I like several things about the show, such as the strong brotherly friendship between Al and Riley. It’s heartwarming and touching that these two men have shared so much that they consider each other family. The relationship is my favorite part of the show and the reason I will keep watching it – to give it a chance to improve and get funnier. The jokes didn’t make me laugh because I have seen some version of the jokes in other fish-out-of-water type comedies. I think that the cast needs time to mesh together so they become a group that works together well. If the show can write jokes that are funny, and the cast can work together better, I think this show will do well. I think that you should give it a chance because it’s a show that needs some time to warm up and come into its own. I give this show a 3 out of 5 stars.

MORE INFORMATION:

ADHIR KALYAN AND PARKER YOUNG STAR IN A NEW COMEDY ABOUT THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A MARINE COMBAT VETERAN AND THE INTERPRETER WHO SERVED WITH HIS UNIT IN AFGHANISTAN, ON THE SERIES PREMIERE OF “UNITED STATES OF AL,” THURSDAY, APRIL 1

Series Hails From Award-Winning Executive Producers Chuck Lorre, David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari

Dean Norris, Elizabeth Alderfer, Kelli Goss and Farrah Mackenzie Also Star

“Pilot” – Marine veteran Riley, home at last after serving in Afghanistan, is happily reunited with his friend Awalmir, who goes by Al, the interpreter with his unit, after a long struggle to get him a visa to travel to the United States from Afghanistan, on the series premiere of UNITED STATES OF AL, Thursday, April 1 (8:30-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Riley (Young), a marine combat veteran, is struggling to adjust to civilian life in Ohio and the interpreter, Al (Kalyan), who served with his unit in Afghanistan, has just arrived to start a new life in America. Dean Norris stars as Art, Riley’s father; Elizabeth Alderfer stars as Lizzie, Riley’s sister; Kelli Goss stars as Vanessa, Riley’s ex-wife and Farrah Mackenzie stars as Hazel, Riley and Vanessa’s daughter.

REGULAR CAST:

Adhir Kalyan	(Al)
Parker Young	(Riley)
Dean Norris	(Art)
Elizabeth Alderfer	(Lizzie)
Kelli Goss	(Vanessa)
Farrah Mackenzie	(Hazel)

WRITTEN BY: David Goetsch & Maria Ferrari

DIRECTED BY: Mark Cendrowski

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

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Television and its Adverse Impact on Youth Development

Posted on April 3, 2021April 3, 2021 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Opinion Article!

Television and its Adverse Impact on Youth Development

by Jason 4/2/21

With the introduction of electronic media such as television, video games and the internet, a large number of individuals, especially those of the younger generation, have improved their analytical skills. Alongside, acknowledging information about the current incidents has become feasible by just accessing television. Gone are those days where people used to highly depend on the print media sources such as newspapers to acquire adequate information about politics, weather, or sports events. These days, electronic media has declined the usage of print media with its immense availability and accessibility.

Even so, television has become a prime source of entertainment for the youth as it telecasts numerous shows, series, and movies for them. Moreover, over the years, with the advent of television, a large number of people have enhanced their communication and critical thinking power. When it comes to child development, television plays an imperative role nowadays. It also has an immersive contribution to the cognitive growth of children. Additionally, television helps to alter one’s perspective towards society and life; this assists him/her to become a better human being.

However, along with these sorts of benefits, this electronic media can adversely affect an individual’s life. An inappropriate TV show can mislead an individual who might unknowingly invite negative consequences in his/her life. A child who prefers to watch violent acts on TV can adapt to aggressive behavior. So, every parent should continuously evaluate the type of contents or channels the children mostly access to prevent the uncanny circumstances. Here, we are providing both the positive and negative impacts of television on youth for a better understanding.

Is there any Contribution of Television in a Youth’s Life?

Obviously, television helps to shape an individual’s trait, and the contribution of the different types of programs is unprecedented. And, the right kind of content can imbue social, health, and environmental awareness in a youth’s life. But if your kid tends to mostly watch crime drama or horror flicks during bedtime, then make sure you have changed such a habit immediately. Based on a recently conducted study, it was analyzed that television can affect a child’s regular eating habit, physical appearance, interest in the study, and other necessary things.

A growing interest in watching anime or other TV programs will eventually decline the interest in studying regularly. As per the study, only 250 children of 3-10 years age groups have studied for approximately 9 months. And, their average duration of television exposure was almost 18.5 hours a week.

A significant change in body weight was noticed in almost 19.6% of children for watching television for a considerable period. This can also lead to a breakdown of the TV, and then you need assistance from Electrician Dubai. So, in a nutshell, it can be concluded that television streaming can lead to severe health problems like obesity. Even, the overall school performance of these individuals declined in certain instances. Sleeping disorders and weak eyesight are also for watching television continuously. Technological revolutions have undoubtedly made the learning process easier and come with a plethora of disadvantages.

Let’s first proceed with the advantages that have helped more than millions of youth to improve their behaviur.

Positive Impacts of Television on Youth

Undeniably, when a child gets the right guidance, he/she will start indulging in watching the right shows and programs. This will help them to learn useful things which will be beneficial in the long run. Moreover, there are more than 1000+channels that have engaged more than millions of children.

In the media-rich environment, most of the children utilize their leisure time by watching superhero movies, music, and other animated series. And, when the users will be unable to access the device, the top-ranked electrical Dubai is always there to offer immediate recoveries.

Young people, especially teenagers, prefer exploring the different contents that are broadcasted on the TV regularly. And, this can obviously positively influence a kid’s living pattern and his/her behavior. So, let’s see in which way television can positively influence the youth generation:

By Serving Educational Content

You might have found numerous television channels that provide educational and informative content to the viewers. Cosmos: The Spacetime Odyssey is one of the most-watched television series aimed at teaching the kids about the solar system. Alongside, your kid can learn about the valuable life lessons from this show. And, this type of series mostly emphasises connectivity between human beings and nature.

It helps the kids to learn that every living being is resilient; even micro-animals such as tardigrades are also capable of withstanding a critical obstacle. Cosmos has become the highest-rated show by enhancing the curiosity level of the viewers.

With the presence of TV channels that showcase educational content, learning about different subjects such as art and craft, geography, and even mathematicians has become easier. You can also allow your kid to watch news channels, but make sure you have guided them throughout the process for a clear understanding. Even some shows have inspired millions of kids to try something new with papers or clays in their leisure time.

Most-Accessed Entertainment Medium

The creative sounds and colorful images on the TV screen captivate the eyes of the children. Be it a movie or cartoon show, and this electronic media successfully retains the attention of the youth. But make sure, the type of content they are watching on these different channels of Television to keep aside the negative occurrences.

There are TV shows that are completely oriented for the kids whose age is between 3-10 and some for the children who are more than 10. Based on their age and level of understanding, selecting the appropriate movie, show, or series plays a pivotal role in their mental development.

Increases their Interest in Sports

As a responsible parent, you should always encourage the kids to watch more sports events during their leisure time. And, this includes different ongoing events of tennis, soccer, baseball, cricket, and basketball as well. Make sure you have made them understand the gameplay, rules, and other essential information which will grow their interest in a specific sport.

Helps to Acknowledge about Different Cultures

When the kids watch television, it can aid in learning about the regional culture of different countries. But for that, you have to thoroughly search for the right program that can enlighten them about the different lifestyles, traditions, festivals, their food habits or about their languages as well.

How has Television Affected the Lives of the Youth?

Unfortunately, even after having such a prolonged list of benefits, television can negatively affect an individual, especially the kids. These adverse effects can even outnumber the positive ones when as a parent, you will overlook them.

Reduces the Physical Activities

Addiction to television can make a kid lazy and results in reducing the amount of physical activity he/she was involved in. Moreover, when your kid spends most of the time watching TV, it can negatively impact his/her socialisation. Don’t let this happen because social development is necessary for the upbringing of a child. So, it’s highly recommended to opt for reducing the overall time limit (1-2 hours is enough) for watching television.

Constraint on the Brain Development

Moreover, even watching educational shows or programs for more than 2 hours can impact the child’s brain development. Prolonged TV watching can decline an individual’s cognitive abilities. Even, it can lead to short-time memory loss and behavioural changes.

Exposure to Violence

It’s not always possible to control the type of content the kids regularly watch, especially when you are not around. Even, the violence portrayed in superhero movies can make them believe that violating norms is not a crime. Moreover, television shows might provide them with a distorted view of the world.

Another negative effect can be caused by the different ads that are daily telecast in between the TV shows. This can insist the kids consume unhealthy foods or drinks, which can result in obesity. Every parent should check on the ingredients that food or drinks contain to prevent the risk factors. Parental supervision is essential for reducing the negative consequences of television. So, behave like a responsible parent and prevent the exposure as early as possible.

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

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TV shows kids shouldn't watch

Family Guy Polls

Posted on March 14, 2021August 13, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

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Primetime TV Review: “Punky Brewster (2021)”

Posted on February 27, 2021September 10, 2023 by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Punky Brewster (2021)” Review on by Eva 2/27/2021

I was excited to watch the new Punky Brewster show now streaming on Peacock because I used to watch the original show…it was one of my favorite shows that I watched with my dad. I don’t expect much for reboot shows because very few of them can remain true to the original show and add a fresh update and keep my interest. The only other show that managed to do that in my opinion, although it had a slow start in its first season, was Fuller House on Netflix. Punky Brewster on Peacock does however manage to have an update that makes sense and the cast is great and the show is well written. Punky is now a recently divorced mother of three who still has feelings for her husband Travis (Freddie Prince Jr). Punky was a famous photojournalist who became a special occasion photographer because she wanted to spend time with her kids. Punky’s best friend Cherie (Cherie Johnson) now is the director of the orphanage where Punky lived until Henry became Punky’s foster father and eventually adopted Punky.

Punky has three children Hannah (Lauren Lindsey Donzis) Diego (Noah Cotrell) and Daniel (Oliver de Los Santos) Punky feels her life is a mess right now since she is trying to figure out how to be a divorced mom and handle the work/life balance. Cherie asks Punky to keep one of the little girls from the orphanage Izzy (Quinn Copeland) at her house for two weeks while she gets the paperwork together for her to have a couple foster her. Cherie is afraid that Izzy will run away from the orphanage before she can get the papers ready.

I really enjoyed this show. It is rated PG and I do suggest parents watch it with their kids because it deals with topics like drug abuse and child abandonment so your children may have questions for you. I think this show will be a hit for Peacock and it is worth watching because although it is modern it has the feel of a classic 80’s sitcom. I give this show a 5 out of 5 stars.

MORE INFORMATION:

Watch Punky Brewster, the continuation of the 80s sitcom. Punky Brewster (Soleil Moon Frye) is now a single mother of three trying to get her life back on track when she meets Izzy (Quinn Copeland), a girl who reminds her of her younger self. History repeats itself as Punky welcomes Izzy into her family with the help of her childhood friend Cherie and her love interest Travis (Freddie Prinze Jr). Upon the return of her long-lost mother, Punky must navigate the identity issues that link her past and her future.

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

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Primetime TV Review of “Firefly Lane”

Posted on February 6, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

Kate and Tully as teens in "Firefly Lane" on Netflix

“Firefly Lane” on Netflix Review by Suzanne 2/6/21

This drama is about two girls who become great friends during the early 70’s. One is shy and unpopular (Kate), and the other one is very cool and popular (Tully), but with a terrible home life. The show traces their beginning until middle age (it goes back and forth a lot, which I found a bit confusing). In the present, Tully is a successful (but lonely) talk show host. Kate has just been divorced and is raising her teen daughter, so she’s trying to get back into journalism. Although they’re good friends, they have their issues. However, they face what life throws at them, together.

I think most women will be able to relate to this great female friendship and the struggles that women have. It’s entertaining yet realistic. There haven’t too many shows or movies that involve important female friendships. There are some fun and lighthearted moments as well as real drama. Check it out!

MORE INFORMATION:

Based on the New York Times Bestselling book, Firefly Lane is the sweeping story of two inseparable best friends and their enduring, complicated bond, spanning four tumultuous decades.

Starring: Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke

Showrunner and Executive Producer: Maggie Friedman

Executive Producers: Stephanie Germain, Lee Rose, Katherine Heigl

Best friends Tully and Kate support each other through good times and bad with an unbreakable bond that carries them from their teens to their 40s.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
· Ali Skovbye as Young Tully Hart
· Beau Garrett as Cloud
· Ben Lawson as Ryan
· Brandon Jay McLaren as Travis
· Brendan Taylor as Mutt
· Jenna Rosenow as Kimber Watts
· Jon Ecker as Max Brody
· Katherine Heigl as Tully Hart
· Patrick Sabongui as Chad Wiley
· Roan Curtis as Young Kate Mularkey
· Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey
· Yael Yurman as Marah
CREW INFORMATION:
· Katherine Heigl as EP
· Kristin Hannah as BOOK/CO-EP
· Lee Rose as EP
· Maggie Friedman as CRTR/EP
· Peter O’Fallon as EP/DIR (Pilot)
· Stephanie Germain as EP

NETFLIX ORDERS NEW SCRIPTED SERIES “FIREFLY LANE,” BASED ON THE NOVEL BY KRISTIN HANNAH

Logline: Kate and Tully meet as young girls and become inseparable best friends throughout thirty years of ups and downs, successes and failures, depression and disappointments. When an unthinkable betrayal breaks them apart, the two women go their separate ways and it’s unclear whether they will ever be able to reconcile.

The series is based on the novel of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah, who serves as co-executive producer.

Episodes: 10

Writer/Showrunner/Executive Producer: Maggie Friedman

Executive Producer: Stephanie Germain

Kristin Hannah bio

Kristin Hannah is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 20 novels published in 43 languages, including the international blockbusters, The Nightingale and The Great Alone both of which are currently in production at TriStar Pictures with Michelle MacLaren set to direct The Nightingale. Now with her novel Firefly Lane being adapted for Netflix, Kristin Hannah has three of her bestsellers currently in production.

Trailer

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

Kate and Tully as women in "Firefly Lane" on Netflix

Primetime TV Review of “The Long Song”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"The Long Song" on PBS

“The Long Song” on PBS Review by Suzanne 2/6/21

This is a brilliant historical miniseries from PBS. It’s a little bit hard to watch at times because of the realistic depiction of slavery. July (Tamara Lawrance) is a slave in 1800’s Jamaica. She becomes the house maid for a spoiled white woman (Hayley Atwell) and her brother. The Christmas Rebellion, a slave uprising, causes problems for everyone. Then the king declares that slavery will be over soon, and a new young man comes to the plantation to improve conditions.

This is very well done, with lots of great music and drama. Although the slaves speak with heavy accents, it’s easy enough to understand them without the closed-captioning. It’s a bit heartbreaking, but you have to admire July’s spirit in the face of great odds. Although she suffers greatly, she perseveres and eventually finds some love, family and freedom. Don’t look for a completely happy ending, though, because this is not a particularly happy period in history.

MORE INFORMATION:

A tale of hope and endurance based on the bestselling novel by Andrea Levyon MASTERPIECE Sundays, January 31 – February 14, 2021 on PBS. Tamara Lawrance (King Charles III) stars as an indomitable house slave in Jamaica during the era of emancipation, with Hayley Atwell (The Avengers) as her demanding, capricious mistress, in The Long Song. Based on the award-winning novel by Andrea Levy, the miniseries airs in three parts on MASTERPIECE, Sundays, January 31 – February 14, 2021 at 10/9c on PBS.

The British press applauded the UK broadcast of The Long Song, with The Guardian calling it “a beautiful, moving, horrifying adaptation of Levy’s unsimple tale, that honors the source and its subject.” The Radio Times judged it “so finely-tuned and carefully-balanced that it’ll break your heart—and make you laugh at the same time.” And The Times opined, “What can a period slavery drama tell us that we don’t already know? Quite a bit.”Scripted by Sarah Williams (Flesh and Blood), who previously adapted Levy’s International Emmy® Award–winning Small Island for MASTERPIECE, The Long Song also stars Jack Lowden (Mary Queen of Scots), Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Rogue One), Jordan Bolger (Peaky Blinders), Ayesha Antoine (Doctor Who), Gordon Brown (Only God Forgives), Leo Bill (The Living and the Dead), Madeleine Mantock (Into the Badlands), and the acclaimed comic, actor, and activist Sir Lenny Henry (Broadchurch). Andrea Levy, who died in 2019, was born in London to Jamaican parents and spent her writing career probing her heritage. Her numerous literary awards included the Walter Scott Prize for The Long Song (published in 2010), which was also a finalist for the English language’s most prestigious book award: the Man Booker Prize.The Long Song is framed by the reminiscences of July (played as a young woman by Lawrance), who grew up as a slave on a sugar plantation in Jamaica and is now looking back on her life. In extended flashbacks, she recounts her tumultuous story, which has been shaped by villains, heroes, and well-meaning people who are an unsettled mix of the two.

FUNDING FOR MASTERPIECE PROVIDED BYFirst there are July’s parents: Her mother, Kitty (Duncan-Brewster), is a stoic field slave. Her father is the brutal Scottish overseer of the plantation, Tam Dewar (Brown), who regularly rapes Kitty.As a young girl, July is callously taken from her mother at the whim of Caroline (Atwell), the sister of the plantation owner, John Howarth (Bill). Caroline wants July for a lady’s maid and bestows on her a more genteel name, Marguerite. July grows up catering to Caroline’s impulses, surrounded by other slaves, including the canny Godfrey (Henry), the spiteful Molly (Antoine), and the haughty Clara (Mantock). There is also the debonaire Nimrod (Bolger), who has bought his freedom and fancies July, promising her a fairy-tale life with him.A moment of truth arrives with the Christmas Rebellion of 1831, a slave uprising that heralds the end of official slavery in Jamaica and other English colonies—but at a great cost in lives, including some who are near and dear to July. In the aftermath, a handsome new overseer, Robert Goodwin (Lowden), rides into the story. He will set hearts aflutter, establish an enlightened tone with the emancipated slaves, and play a tragic role in the fates of all.The Long Song is a Heyday Television Production for BBC. It is based on the novel by Andrea Levy. The Executive Producers are David Heyman, Rosie Alison, Andrea Levy, Sarah Williams, and Tom Coan. Ben Irving is the Executive Producer for the BBC. The Producer is Roopesh Parekh. The writer is Sarah Williams. The Director is Mahalia Belo.

About MASTERPIECE Winner of 83 Primetime Emmys® and 18 Peabody Awards, MASTERPIECE has been essential Sunday night viewing for millions of fans since 1971. Susanne Simpson is the executive producer and Rebecca Eaton is the executive producer-at-large for the series. Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking and Raymond James with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust. Produced for PBS by GBH Boston, MASTERPIECE is known for recent hits such as Sherlock, Downton Abbey and Victoria, and beloved classics such as Upstairs Downstairs, Prime Suspect, The Forsythe Saga and Poldark.

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

"The Long Song" on PBS

Primetime TV Review of “Jann”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Jann" on HULU

“Jann” on HULU Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

Canadian singer/songwriter Jann Arden stars in this series, which she also helped create. It’s about a middle-aged singer/songwriter who had some hits back in the 90’s, but now she’s having trouble booking gigs. She’s “washed up,” according to the rest of the world. She has a manager, Todd (Jason Blicker) who’s not very good; an ex-girlfriend, Cynthia (Sharon Taylor) that she still pines for – who ditched her for a younger woman; a mom, Nora (Deborah Grover) with memory problems: and a married sister, Max (The wonderful Zoie Palmer), who keeps getting pregnant and isn’t happy about it. Jann even has to rent out her home to celebrities when they visit her town. One of the best characters on the show is Cale (Elena Juatco), who is not too polite but later helps Jann out. The series is a wry commentary on family, the entertainment world and fame.

It’s a pretty funny show, but I felt that the second episode dragged a bit. It picks up later. This was a hit in Canada, where they’ve aired the first two seasons. HULU has picked it up now. The 3rd season will be filming soon. Since Jann is a real-life person, with real hit songs, they play those in the series, and we do hear her perform as well.

The show is only semi-autobiographical, according to Arden. Just sit back and enjoy the laughs and the music. Check out our interview with Jann Arden below.

Read My Interview with Jann Arden!

MORE INFORMATION:

CTV Original Comedy JANN to Exclusively Stream in The U.S. on Hulu

− Premium streaming service to become U.S. home to Seasons 1 and 2 of hit comedy from Project 10 Productions and SEVEN24 Films –

− Co-created by series star Jann Arden, with Leah Gauthier and Jennica Harper, new episodes of Season 2 of JANN continue Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV –

− The critically acclaimed series was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast season −

“JANN blew everyone out of the water, establishing Jann Arden as a comic force on television.” – TV, eh?

“JANN is the real deal: a funny, biting satire about the entertainment industry that isn’t afraid to make fun of its star.” – NOW Magazine

“Arden aces it. She is fearless, a born comedienne, as in on the joke as a Second City veteran.” – Bill Brioux

“Jann Arden’s narcissistic alter ego shines in CTV’s JANN… Arden, with her sheer force of personality, breezy blunt speak and take-no-prisoners delivery, manages to showcase remarkable comic chops.” – Toronto Star

TORONTO (October 21, 2020) – CTV, Project 10 Productions, and SEVEN24 Films announced today that hit CTV Original comedy JANN has been acquired by streaming platform Hulu. In a deal executed by Project 10 Productions and SEVEN24 Films, Hulu secures exclusive U.S. rights for the first two seasons of the Canadian Screen Award-nominated series. The half-hour comedy, which was the most-watched new Canadian comedy series of the 2018/19 season, was co-developed by Bell Media and Project 10 Productions and is produced by Project 10 Productions and SEVEN24 Films in association with CTV. The first season, consisting of six episodes, and the eight episode second season of JANN will stream in the U.S. exclusively on Hulu early next year.

“Jann has done such an incredible job bringing this character to life, and the series is enjoyed by viewers across Canada,” said Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media. “Along with our partners at Project 10 Productions and SEVEN24 Films, we’re absolutely thrilled to introduce JANN, and the hilarious and heartwarming world they’ve created, to U.S. audiences through this sale to Hulu.”

“JANN is quickly becoming an iconic comedy sensation in Canada, and launching on Hulu is the first step in sharing this series with the rest of the world,” said Andrew Barnsley of Project 10 Productions and Jordy Randall of SEVEN24 Films in a shared statement.

“I cannot even begin to express my excitement and sincere gratitude to be partnered with the incredible people at Hulu,” said Jann Arden, co-creator, star, and executive producer. “We look forward to having JANN join their lineup of world class programming and we can’t wait to launch south of the border.”

JANN is created by multi-platinum award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, broadcaster, and author Jann Arden, who is also an Executive Producer alongside co-creators Leah Gauthier and Jennica Harper, who also serves as Showrunner. In JANN, Arden plays a fictionalized, self-deprecating version of herself: a singer songwriter of a “certain age” in severe denial of the harsh reality that her former music career is slowly (okay rapidly) fading away. But it’s not just Jann’s career that’s on life support – she’s newly single (don’t remind her), her sister may disown her, and her mother may be showing early signs of memory loss. Jann’s personal life is in shambles and she’s convinced that the cure-all is to enlist a new manager to help rebrand her image. Jann is at the crossroads between who she was and who she wants to be. Can Jann stage a comeback, reclaim fame… and be there for the people who love her?

Starring alongside Arden in JANN are Zoie Palmer (PURE, DARK MATTER) as Jann’s sister Max; Deborah Grover (ANNE WITH AN “E”) as Jann’s mom Nora; Patrick Gilmore (TRAVELERS; YOU, ME, HER) as Jann’s brother-in-law Dave; Elena Juatco (OPEN HEART, SCHITT’S CREEK) as Jann’s new manager Cale; Jason Blicker (F/X: THE SERIES, STATE OF GRACE) as Jann’s long-time manager Todd; Sharon Taylor (BAD BLOOD) as Jann’s ex-girlfriend Cynthia; Alexa Rose Steele (DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION) as Jann’s eldest niece Charley; Ceilidh MacDonald as Jann’s niece Sammie; and Keaira Pliva (TIN STAR) as Jann’s niece Frankie.

Guest stars in the inaugural season of JANN include Canadian indie pop singer-songwriter and guitarist Leslie Feist, Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist Kiesza, and TV personality Rick Mercer. Guest stars for Season 2 include singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan as herself; Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang as herself; actress Elisha Cuthbert (THE RANCH, HAPPY ENDINGS); singer, host, and actress Keshia Chanté (SOUL, PRIVATE EYES); and more.

Season 2 of JANN airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, with episodes from both seasons streaming on CTV.ca, the CTV app, and Crave.

JANN is executive produced by Andrew Barnsley and Ben Murray for Project 10 Productions, Tom Cox and Jordy Randall for SEVEN24 Films, and Randy Lennox for Bell Media. Jann Arden, Leah Gauthier, and Jennica Harper created the series and also serve as Executive Producers with Jennica Harper showrunning. For Bell Media, Chris Kelley is Production Executive; Sarah Fowlie is Director, Comedy Original Programming; Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Original Programming. Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, Programming, CTV and Specialty. Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.

Source: Numeris, Broadcast Season 2018-19 (Sept. 24, 2018 – May 26, 2019). Final data.

Social Media links @CTV_PR @CTV @TheLede_ca @JannArden @ZoiePalmer @PatrickGilmore @ElenaJuatco @AlexaSteele @SharonCTaylor Facebook.com/CTV @CTV_PR @CTV @TheLede_ca @JannArden @Zoiepalmerzeeeps @PatrickGilmore @ElenaJuatco @JasonBlicker @AlexaSteele @Sharontwashere

About Project 10 Productions

Project 10 is a global television production company with offices in Toronto and Los Angeles specializing in scripted comedy. The company works closely with high-profile talent to develop and produce compelling content for the worldwide marketplace. The principal executives for Project 10 Productions Inc. are Andrew Barnsley, Ben Murray (Toronto) and Andrew Moncrief (Los Angeles). Leveraging their considerable strengths and decades of experience with those of partner and three-time MLB All-Star Vernon Wells, Project 10 has established itself as a go-to partner for domestic and international creators, broadcasters and distributors alike.

About SEVEN24 Films

SEVEN24 Films is an independent film and television production company whose work has spanned over two decades. Executive Producers Tom Cox and Jordy Randall have produced dramatic series, mini-series, television movies and feature films garnering over one hundred industry awards and nominations. Their focus on integration of scripted programming with interactive content and social media has helped make Heartland and Wynonna Earp two of the most dynamic scripted television projects in the digital space.

In addition to the People’s Choice Award winning series, Wynonna Earp, current projects include: Family Law, a one-hour legal series for Global, JANN, the #1 new Comedy on CTV, and the hit family series Heartland, the longest running one-hour series in Canadian history, now in its fourteenth season for CBC and UPtv.

Previous projects include Fortunate Son, a political thriller for CBC and NBCU International, Dark Cargo, a noir thriller for YouTube Premium, Young Drunk Punk for Rogers and CBC, the Canadian Screen Award winner Borealis, the Gemini Award winning movie Mayerthorpe and Gemini Award winning Mini-Series Burn Up. Tom Cox and Jordy Randall were also co-producers on numerous high-profile feature films including the Academy Award nominated Brokeback Mountain, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Resurrecting the Champ and are both recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of their contribution to the arts.

About Bell Media Original Productions

Bell Media has commissioned some of Canada’s most-watched and most-acclaimed original programming, working with the best Canadian independent producers in the country. Hit series commissioned by CTV include #1 Canadian drama TRANSPLANT; record-breaking Canadian formats THE AMAZING RACE CANADA and MASTERCHEF CANADA; #1 new Canadian comedy series JANN; culinary series MARY’S KITCHEN CRUSH; and CANADA’S WALK OF FAME AWARDS. Upcoming new series include CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING from the producers of LETTERKENNY and the inspirational lifestyle series HOLMES FAMILY EFFECT starring Mike Holmes, his son Michael, and daughter Sherry. Among the original series on Bell Media specialty and streaming platforms are CTV Sci-Fi Channel’s WYNONNA EARP and upcoming THE SURREALTOR; CTV Drama Channel’s mystery dramedy CARTER; and CTV Comedy Channel’s CORNER GAS ANIMATED. Crave Originals include hit comedy LETTERKENNY and much-anticipated CANADA’S DRAG RACE; dozens of original stand-up specials; original feature documentaries THE NEW CORPORATION and INCONVENIENT INDIAN, and more. Discovery is home to Bell Media’s hit factual series and franchises HIGHWAY THRU HELL, HEAVY RESCUE: 401, and DISASTERS AT SEA, in addition to upcoming docu-series MUD MOUNTAIN HAULERS and THE LAST OF THE GIANTS, and others. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. Learn more at www.BellMedia.ca.

About CTV

CTV is Canada’s #1 television brand. CTV provides unparalleled entertainment programming across two broadcast television networks; a powerful suite of specialty channels including CTV Comedy Channel, CTV Drama Channel, CTV Life Channel, and CTV Sci-Fi Channel; and digital channels CTV Throwback and CTV Movies, streaming on demand from CTV.ca and the CTV app. CTV has been Canada’s most-watched television network for the past 19 years in a row and features a wide range of sports and information programming, including CTV News, Canada’s highest-rated national and local newscasts. CTV’s parent company is Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and out-of-home advertising.

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Jann and her mom, Nora (Deborah Grover)

Primetime TV Review of “Resident Alien”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Resident Alien" on Syfy

“Resident Alien” on Syfy Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

I love this show. Syfy let me see the first 7 episodes because I recently interviewed the star of the show, Alan Tudyk. The first episode is good, but it gets better and better. There were many times I laughed out loud. The story is great, and it has many wonderful characters.

Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Doom Patrol) stars as an alien that crash-lands in the small, snowy town of Patience, Colorado. He finds this doctor in a nearby cabin and kills him, then takes his identity. His mission was to drop a small device that will kill everyone, but he ends up crashing instead. He then has to try to find his spaceship and the pieces of the device, out in the snowy wilderness.

However, the town doctor is found dead, so the alien, now posing as Harry, the doctor, takes over his office temporarily. It’s fun to watch Harry learn how to be human. We also hear his voice-over, which is very funny. There are many characters, but the writing is so good that you don’t get any confusion about who they all are. Harry makes friends with the doctor’s nurse, Asta (Sara Tomko), and her friend D’arcy (Alice Wetterlund), the town bartender. There is also a funny town sheriff, Mike (Corey Reynolds), his deputy Liv (Elizabeth Bowen), the mayor (Levi Fiehler), the mayor’s son, Max (Judah Prehn), and more. Max is the only one in town that can see the alien as he really is.

You’ll notice that the show will remind you of other scifi shows, like “Mork & Mindy,” “Starman,” “Alien Nation” and more. We’ve really never seen a scifi comedy like this one, however. Not only is it a comedy/drama/scifi show, but it’s also a mystery. For each episode, they really leave you wanting more. As the episodes progress, we see that Harry is not alone here and that there are some people who know he’s here (and are not friendly). Linda Hamilton (“The Terminator”) plays a general that’s hunting for the alien.

Asta and her family are native Americans, and it’s great that they showcase them because that’s rare on American TV. Canadian TV shows seem to show them much more often than we do on this side of the border.

If you’re a fan of scifi or comedy, you won’t want to miss this one.

MORE INFORMATION:

‘RESIDENT ALIEN’ BLOOPER REEL & DELETED SCENE REVEALED

—Season Finale Airs Wednesday, March 31 at 10/9c—

In advance of the season finale, we’re excited to share the hysterical season 1 blooper reel and deleted scene from episode 7.

Blooper Reel HERE
Deleted Scene HERE

Based on the Dark Horse comic, SYFY’s RESIDENT ALIEN follows Harry, an alien played by Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One,” “Firefly”) that crash lands on Earth and passes himself off as a small-town human doctor. Arriving with a secret mission to kill all humans, Harry starts off living a simple life… but things get a bit rocky when he’s roped into solving a local murder and realizes he needs to assimilate into his new world. As he does so, he begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his mission and asking the big life questions like: “Are human beings worth saving?” and “Why do they fold their pizza before eating it?”

From UCP, in association with Amblin TV and Dark Horse Entertainment, RESIDENT ALIEN was adapted to television by executive producer Chris Sheridan (“Family Guy”). Mike Richardson (“Hellboy”) and Keith Goldberg (“The Legend of Tarzan”) of Dark Horse Entertainment (“The Umbrella Academy”), and Justin Falvey (“The Americans”) and Darryl Frank (“The Americans”) of Amblin TV also executive produce. David Dobkin (“Wedding Crashers”) executive produced and directed the pilot. “Resident Alien” also stars Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund and Levi Fiehler.

SYFY PICKS UP DARK HORSE COMICS’ ‘RESIDENT ALIEN’ TO SERIES

breaking news | May 30, 2019Alan Tudyk Stars in Series from UCP, with Chris Sheridan Executive Producing Alongside Dark Horse Entertainment and Amblin TV

David Dobkin Executive Produced and Directed the Pilot

NEW YORK, NY – February 28, 2019 — SYFY today announced the series pickup of RESIDENT ALIEN, a comedic drama based on the popular Dark Horse comics series by co-creators Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse. From Universal Content Productions (UCP), in association with Amblin TV and Dark Horse Entertainment, the series was adapted to television by executive producer Chris Sheridan (“Family Guy”). Mike Richardson (“Hellboy”) and Keith Goldberg (“The Legend of Tarzan”) of Dark Horse Entertainment (“The Umbrella Academy”), and Justin Falvey (“The Americans”) and Darryl Frank (“The Americans”) of Amblin TV will also executive produce. David Dobkin (“The Judge”) executive produced and directed the pilot.

RESIDENT ALIEN is a twisted and comedic fish-out-of-water story that follows a crash-landed alien named Harry (Alan Tudyk) who, after taking on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor, slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth — ultimately asking the question, “Are human beings worth saving?”

Tudyk (“Doom Patrol,” “Rogue One”) is joined by series regulars Sara Tomko (“Once Upon A Time”), Corey Reynolds (“The Closer”), Alice Wetterlund (“People of Earth”) and Levi Fiehler (“Mars”). The series will begin production in Vancouver this summer.

About SYFY
SYFY is a global, multiplatform media brand that gives science fiction fans of all kinds a universe to call home. Celebrating the genre in all its forms, SYFY super-serves passionate fans with original science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and superhero programming, live event coverage and imaginative digital and social content. The brand is powered by SYFY WIRE (www.syfy.com), the premier portal for breaking genre news, insight and commentary. SYFY is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About UCP
UCP is a premium content studio that operates with a highly curated indie sensibility, while simultaneously leveraging the power and scale of NBCUniversal. As fierce advocates for creators with an eclectic point of view, the UCP team develops pioneering original programming with partners such as Amazon (“Homecoming”), Netflix (“The Umbrella Academy”), Hulu (“The Act”) and YouTube (“Impulse”). In addition, UCP produces high-caliber content for NBCU Cable networks, including Bravo (“Dirty John”), USA (the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning drama “Mr. Robot,” the Golden Globe nominated “The Sinner,” “The Purge” and “Suits” ) and SYFY (“Happy!,” and “The Magicians”). UCP’s content library also features 800 hours of award-winning and critically-acclaimed content, including the Emmy Award-winning “Monk,” the Peabody and Hugo Award-winning “Battlestar Galactica” and the Emmy nominated “Psych.”

About Amblin Television:
Amblin Television, a long-time leader in quality programming, is a division of Amblin Partners, a content creation company led by Steven Spielberg. Amblin Television’s co-presidents, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, oversee all development, production and programming for the company. Amblin Television currently has thirteen projects in various stages of production including “Bull” and “Tommy” for CBS, “Roswell, New Mexico” for the CW, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” for Netflix – the follow-up chapter to The Haunting of Hill House, “Amazing Stories” for Apple, “Halo” for Showtime, a straight-to-series order for “Brave New World” from USA Network, “Cortes and Moctezuma” for Amazon, “Animaniacs” for Hulu, “Why We Hate” for Discovery, “Resident Alien” for SYFY, and the documentary films “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind” for HBO and “Laurel Canyon” for Epix.

Some of Amblin Television’s previous credits include the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning drama “The Americans” for FX, Emmy-nominated HBO movie “All The Way” starring Bryan Cranston, “Smash” for NBC, “Under the Dome” for CBS, “Falling Skies” for TNT, “The Borgias” and “The United States of Tara” for Showtime, and “Las Vegas” for NBC.

About Dark Horse Entertainment:
Dark Horse Entertainment was spun off from founder Mike Richardson’s Dark Horse Comics in 1992. The company’s first major hits—THE MASK and TIMECOP — were based on Richardson’s creations and DHE has since produced over 30 films and series, including an Emmy Award–winning documentary, MR. WARMTH: THE DON RICKLES PROJECT. Recent projects include THE LEGEND OF TARZAN with Warner Bros., the DARK MATTER television series for Syfy network and POLAR, adapted from Victor Santo’s noir graphic novel starring Mads Mikkelsen (Rogue One) at Netflix. Current projects include a reboot of Mike Mignola’s HELLBOY starring David Harbour (Stranger Things) directed by Neil Marshall (The Descent), and THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, a Netflix original series based on the comics created by Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and Gabriel Ba.

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"Resident Alien" on Syfy

Primetime TV Review of “50M2”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"50M2" on Netflix

“50M2” on Netflix Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

In this entertaining Turkish show, a man named Gölge is working for a mobster, Servet, that took him in as a child and trained him to be his henchman. Gölge only has a photo of his parents and wants to know who they are and where he comes from (as well as his real name). He learns that Servet has been lying to him. Servet tries to kill him, but he escapes. Meanwhile, he finds out that a tailor, Adil, in the small village of Güzelce, has died, and the people there think that he’s the tailor’s long-lost son, Adem. He hides out at the tailor’s shop, posing as Adem and building a very different life for himself.

The name is based on the size of the small shop: 50 meters squared (That’s 165 square feet to us Americans).

This is a really cool, stylish show that reminds me of shows I liked growing up, like “Mission: Impossible” or “It Takes a Thief.” It has some aspects of “The Bourne Identity” as well. It’s a good action-drama, but there’s a lot of humor and mystery in it as well. Of course, it is violent, but not exceedingly so. Any fan of action should enjoy it.

MORE INFORMATION:

FROM BURAK AKSAK & SELCUK AYDEMIR, NETFLIX’S ORIGINAL SERIES “50M2” BEGINS PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY

FROM BURAK AKSAK AND SELCUK AYDEMIR, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BKM, NETFLIX’S NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “50M2” BEGINS PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Starring Engin Ozturk, Aybuke Pusat, Kursat Alniacik, Cengiz Bozkurt, Tolga Tekin, Yigit Kirazci, Hasan Yalnizoglu, Ozgur Emre Yildirim, Tuncay Beyazit, Tugce Karabacak and Murat Kilic

He needs a 50m2 space to be reborn… How many lives could fit in a 50m2?

Istanbul, Turkey – January 15 2020 – Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, begins principal photography on 50m2, a dark comedy series, in partnership with BKM.

Produced by BKM, 50m2 will be directed by the highly acknowledged director Selcuk Aydemir alongside the renowned writer/director Burak Aksak who is also the scriptwriter of the series. The eight-part dark comedy series stars Engin Ozturk, Aybuke Pusat, Kursat Alniacik, Cengiz Bozkurt, Tolga Tekin, Yigit Kirazci, Ozgur Emre Yildirim, Tuncay Beyazit, Tugce Karabacak, Hasan Yalnizoglu and Murat Kilic.

The series tells the story of a mysterious hitman named Golge (Engin Ozturk) who tries to find himself on the run for his life. While escaping from his wealthy and dark like followed by a betrayal from Servet who treated him like his long-lost father, he suddenly finds himself living in a 50 meter square tailor shop in a foreign neighborhood. While hiding in there until the situation settles down, he discovers those in the neighborhood think that he is the son of the deceased store-owner. However, he quickly realizes that maintaining this identity won’t be as easy as he thinks.The more he lives in this new neighborhood, the more he will discover the secrets about his past and his real identity, the more he helps those around him, the more he will become someone else.

The series is expected to launch globally in 2020.

Video Source Netflix, Inc.

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"50M2" on Netflix

Primetime TV Review of “Go Dog Go”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Go Dog Go" on Netflix

“Go Dog Go” on Netflix Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

This is a very entertaining and cute CGI animated kids show. All of the characters are dogs, and they live in Pawston. They have a lot of energy and fun. Some of them sing. Of course, they also learn some valuable lessons. The show doesn’t hammer you over the head with the “lesson,” though. They like to zoom around in fast cars, which is why it’s entitled “Go, dog, go!”

The main dog is Tag, who’s like a 6 year old child, and in the first episode he meets a newcomer to town, Scooch Pooch. Scooch Pooch is from a farm, so he is new to city life. They have a big dog party in a tree. Everyone wants to go, so the traffic is slow. They keep trying different ways to get there: on foot, by river and by blimp! They are all slow.

The show is based on a series of children’s books that have been around a long time. Dreamworks is behind the series, and they always have top-notch shows.

MORE INFORMATION:

Handy and inventive pup Tag chases adventure with her best pal, Scooch, solving problems and helping the citizens of Pawston along the way.

NETFLIX TO LAUNCH DIVERSE SLATE OF ORIGINAL PRESCHOOL SERIES FROM AWARD-WINNING KIDS PROGRAMMING CREATORS

Hollywood, Calif. – July 22, 2019 – In a commitment to deliver high quality, age-appropriate content for kids ages 2-6 everywhere, Netflix today announced seven original preschool series from some of the industry’s most respected and prolific creators. Netflix’s preschool slate is produced by creators from all over the world, designed for diverse audiences, and inclusive of a wide range of genres and formats – from educational to nonverbal comedies, and with many options in between.

“With high-quality, age-appropriate programming for kids at every age and stage, we want to help young people find and connect with the stories and characters they love on Netflix,” said Melissa Cobb, vice president of original animation at Netflix. “We are also here to empower parents to find the shows that are just right for their families during whatever time they feel is appropriate to enjoy entertainment.”

The Netflix Kids experience gives adults the ability to prevent access to certain content on their account by setting age restrictions and requiring PIN controls.

The seven new Netflix Original Preschool titles include:

DreamWorks Dragons Rescue Riders (2019) is a CG animated comedy adventure series that opens a brand new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The all-new series is about twins, Dak and Leyla, who because they were raised by dragons, share a unique ability to communicate with them. The brother and sister lead a team of five young dragons that spend their days rescuing other dragons, and helping the people in their adopted town of Huttsgalor.

Executive Producers: Emmy Award winner Jack Thomas (Dragons: Race to the Edge, The Fairly OddParents) as executive producer and Brian K. Roberts (VeggieTales in the House) as co-executive producer.

Director: TJ Sullivan (Barnyard, Beware the Batman)

Hello Ninja (2019) For Wesley and his best friend Georgie, every day is an adventure. When Wesley puts his hands together, bows to his reflection and says the words, “Hello, Ninja” his surroundings instantly transform into an enchanting Ninja world. From Atomic Cartoons, a Thunderbird Company, this CG animated series is based on the picture book of the same name from author N.D. Wilson.

Executive Producer: N.D. Wilson

EP/showrunner: Mark Palmer (Treehouse Detectives, Kim Possible)

Story Editor: Susan Kim (Wonder Pets, Handy Manny)

Director: Michael Dowding (Slugterra, Reboot)

StarBeam (2020) Zoey is excited to tackle second grade, but when danger beckons, she sneaks away and – with her signature call out “It’s time to shine!” – transforms into StarBeam, the speediest, most powerful and most enthusiastic superhero to ever sip from a juicebox. StarBeam is a CG animated series produced by Kickstart Entertainment.

Executive Producers: Jason Netter (Preacher), Loris Kramer Lunsford. (Johnny Test), and Heather Puttock (Ready Jet Go!)

Head Writer: Noelle Wright (Doc McStuffins, Super Monsters)

DreamWorks Go, Dog. Go! (2020) is a CG animated series produced by DreamWorks Animation and DHX Media, based on the beloved, classic children’s book by P. D. Eastman, published by Random House Children’s Books. Every dog wants to go! Go fast, go far, go to a big dog party in a tree. The series follows young pup Tag Barker and her adventures in Pawston, a colorful community of dogs on the go.

Showrunner / Executive Producer: Adam Peltzman (Odd Squad, Wallykazam)

What-To-Doodles (2020) A team of adventurous and lovable young creatures play, grow, laugh, learn, and sing together in this CG animated series that teaches young viewers “what to do” in everyday social experiences and firsts. Created by Art Spigel and Hannah Kole, the series is produced by creative production company 7ate9 Entertainment.

Story Editor: Doug Wood (Molly of Denali, Bob the Builder)

Izzy Bee’s Koala World (2020) 11-year old Izzy Bee, known affectionately as the Koala Whisperer, lives on Australia’s Magnetic Island where she rescues and rehabilitates koalas with her veterinarian Mom, Ali and her dad, Tim. This non-fiction series is produced in partnership with The Dodo and Nomadica Films.

Executive Producers: Jared McGillard (Dodo Heroes, Last Alaskans), Izzie Lerer (Founder/Chief Creative Officer The Dodo, Dodo Heroes), Suzanne Kolb (Dodo Heroes, The Swim), Elizabeth Keyishian (Sesame Street, Paw Patrol, Astroblast)

Producers: David Glauber (Snug’s House, Toca Boca: Toca TV), John Collin (Dodo Heroes)

Emily’s Wonder Lab (2020) Discover what makes STEAM fun with these visual demonstrations that will blow your mind! Acclaimed science communicator Emily Calandrelli takes kids through lively experiments and entertaining activities in this new live-action series created and produced by Bunim Murray Productions (The Real World, Crystal Maze, Keeping up with the Kardashians).

Executive Producer & Host: Emily Calandrelli (Xploration Outer Space, Bill Nye Saves the World)

Executive Producers: Gil Goldschein, Maria Peppin, Trish Gold

The new slate joins the already robust Netflix original preschool offering for kids aged 2-6, which includes beloved shows such as Ask The StoryBots, Chip and Potato, Mighty Little Bheem, Motown Magic, Super Monsters, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Word Party, and YooHoo to the Rescue. Other previously announced Netflix preschool originals that are soon to launch include DreamWorks Archibald’s Next Big Thing, Go! Go! Cory Carson, and Chico Bon Bon.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 151 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

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"Go Dog Go" on Netflix

Primetime TV Review of “Deer Squad”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Deer Squad" on Nick

“Deer Squad” on Nickelodeon Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

This is a typical children’s show. The characters are deer, but they live in a town like people. They have super powers that remind me a little bit of Power Rangers. Since it’s a show for young kids, they teach many lessons in the show. In the first episode, the rich human “bad guy” wants to stay in bed all day, so he makes giant sunglasses that block the sun. The Deer Squad have to find a way to get rid of the sunglasses, since their powers come from the sun. They learn the lesson that even though the sun might be annoying some times (such as when it gets in your eyes), it’s important for life.

The Deer Squad protect the animals in Central Forest and the people who live in Platinum City. This seems a lot to ask for deer, but they do have super powers. I’m sure young children will enjoy it.

MORE INFORMATION:

DEER SQUAD GOES GLOBAL ON NICKELODEON CHANNELS

First Chinese-Originated Nickelodeon International and VIS KIDS collaboration with iQIYI to premiere on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Jan. 25

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NEW YORK—JAN. 13, 2021—Nickelodeon will premiere CG-animated series Deer Squad in the U.S. following a successful run overseas. The result of a partnership between iQIYI, an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, Nickelodeon International and VIS KIDS, a division of ViacomCBS International Studios, Deer Squad will premiere on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Jan. 25, at 9 a.m. (ET/PT) in the preschool block. The series will continue to air regularly weekdays at 9 a.m. (ET/PT).

The adventure-rescue show follows four, lovable, enthusiastic and heroic deer friends—Kai, Lola, Bobbi and Rammy—who protect the animals of Central Forest and the humans who inhabit Platinum City, a futuristic metropolis surrounding their woodland home. When there’s trouble, the Deer summon their special Planet Powers of Water (Kai), Wood (Lola), Earth (Bobbi) and Sun (Rammy) to solve problems.

“We first partnered with iQIYI on the series with a worldwide audience in mind. We’re incredibly proud to see this original preschool series become the first Nickelodeon International global Chinese-originated collaborative project, as we further our commitment to developing kids-first content from around the world,” said Nina Hahn, Head of VIS KIDS and Senior Vice President of International Production & Development for Nickelodeon International.

“Deer Squad is a major breakthrough for iQIYI’s development of original children’s animation, creatively supervised by Nickelodeon International. We appreciate Nickelodeon’s international broadcasting strategy on the show, and it is great news that we have achieved No.1 in viewership in many regions. We hope that there will be more Chinese original animations to go international,” said Yang Xiaoxuan, Vice President of iQIYI and Head of Original Animation and Investment.

Nickelodeon International aired Deer Squad across Asia in August 2020, including iQIYI’s platform in China, and premiered in Australia, New Zealand and the UK later in the year. It was the #1 show in the Philippines amongst kids 2-14¹, ranked Nick Jr. as the #1 STV channel in Australia among kids 0-4 during Deer Squad premieres² and averaged +148% in the UK compared to the timeslot benchmark³. The series is scheduled to air in Europe and Africa in March 2021.

Deer Squad is currently in production for a second season. The show marks the first time for Nickelodeon Asia to partner on a Chinese original from its conception phase.

About Nickelodeon International

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, available in nearly 400 million households across 170+ countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of ViacomCBS Networks International, a division of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC). For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc.

About ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS)

Introduced in 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) is a division of ViacomCBS Networks International that produces content for ViacomCBS brands and platforms, including Paramount+, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Channel 5, Network 10, Telefe and Porta Dos Fundos, as well as for third parties. In 2020, VIS Kids launched to further the expansion of the studio’s global kids content pipeline. The content that VIS produces covers all genres, from preschool to young adult and across live action and animation, as well as soap operas, dramas, short and long-form comedy formats and feature film productions. VIS global sales include original productions, co-productions, formats sold for local adaptations, and sale of ready-made content.

About iQIYI

iQIYI, Inc. is an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China. Its corporate DNA combines creative talent with technology, fostering an environment for continuous innovation and the production of blockbuster content. iQIYI’s platform features highly popular original content, as well as a comprehensive library of other professionally-produced content, partner-generated content and user generated content. The Company distinguishes itself in the online entertainment industry by its leading technology platform powered by advanced AI, big data analytics and other core proprietary technologies. iQIYI attracts a massive user base with tremendous user engagement, and has developed a diversified monetization model including membership services, online advertising services, content distribution, live broadcasting, online games, IP licensing, online literature and e-commerce.

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"Deer Squad" on Nick

Primetime TV Review of “Bridge and Tunnel”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Bridge and Tunnel" cast

“Bridge and Tunnel” on Epix Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

This show is about some friends in their 20’s who’ve graduated from college and have gotten together where they grew up, on Long Island. The acting is fine. I found the story to be pretty boring. There are a lot of characters, and they don’t make us care about any of them, so it’s hard to tell them apart at times.

Even though the show is set in the 80’s, most of the music they play is from the 70’s…not even 1979, but earlier. Now, sure, if you grew up in the 70’s, you would still want to listen to your own music from college and high school, but you’d also probably still be listening to the current music. Don’t get me wrong — I love 70’s music. I enjoyed that part of watching the show. I’m sure that it would have a great soundtrack. I just wondered why there wasn’t more music from the time the show is actually set in.

I only watched the first episode, so perhaps they do use more music from 1980 later on. I wasn’t interested enough in the show to keep watching, though. There are so many wonderful shows out there…there’s no time for me to watch something I already don’t like, to see if it gets better.

Also, it seemed like the actors might have been paid extra every time they used the F word. Seriously.

MORE INFORMATION:

Bridge and Tunnel

Premiered January 24, 2021 on EPIX

Written, directed and produced by Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan, Public Morals), this dramedy series set in 1980 revolves around a group of recent college grads setting out to pursue their dreams in Manhattan while still clinging to the familiarity of their working-class Long Island home town. Production is currently underway in New York.

The series features a stellar ensemble cast including Sam Vartholomeos (Star Trek: Discovery), Caitlin Stasey (Reign, Please Like Me), Gigi Zumbado (9-1-1, Criminal Minds, Scream), JanLuis Castellanos (13 Reasons Why, Marvel’s Runways), Brian Muller (The Deuce, Madame Secretary, The Good Wife), Isabella Farrell (The Good Fight), Barrett Wilbert Weed (Mean Girls on Broadway) and Erica Hernandez (Hollywood Fringe, Brittany Runs a Marathon).

In addition to Burns, the series is also executive produced by Aaron Lubin (Something Borrowed, Public Morals) and Lori Keith Douglas (The Village, Friends from College). This is the second series from EPIX Studios. Bridge and Tunnel will be internationally distributed by MGM.

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"Bridge and Tunnel" on Epix

Primetime TV Review of “Pixar Popcorn”

Posted on February 5, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Pixar Popcorn" on Disney+

“Pixar Popcorn” on Disney+ Review by Suzanne 1/28/21

This is a cute little show that features Pixar characters you know from the movies doing fun things, such as exercising. The series is mostly wordless — probably because they’d have to pay the actors money if they were speaking. There are only a few episodes, but they’re worth watching. Your kids will love them, too.

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The collection of 10 mini shorts features characters from Pixar favorites like “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” “Cars” and “The Incredibles” in all-new, bite-size stories created by Pixar Animation Studios’ talented animators.

Grab a quick snack of Pixar! This collection of mini shorts stars your favorite characters in all-new, bite size stories. Created directly by Pixar animators as a quick pop of Pixar fun.

Trailer

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"Pixar Popcorn" on Disney+

Primetime TV Review of “The Sister”

Posted on January 30, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"The Sister" on HULU

“The Sister” on HULU Review by Suzanne 1/25/21

This is a really good mystery/suspense/thriller. It grabs you from the beginning of the first episode and doesn’t let go. Russell Tovey plays Nathan, who seems like a regular guy. He’s harboring a big secret, though. Someone from his past, Bob (Bertie Carvel), appears, threatening his normal life. Nathan gets more and more spun out of control as things happen. This would be a good enough show, especially with these actors and the wonderful writing. However, it’s also a ghost story.

In the first episode, we learn that a woman died that Nathan had a crush on, and he and Bob had something to do with it. In the meantime, Bob, who’s an expert on the supernatural, gives Nathan evidence that the woman is a ghost and haunting them. Nathan doesn’t want to believe it. Not only that, but he’s now married to the woman’s sister.

This is very well done. You should watch it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

MORE INFORMATION:

How far would you go to keep a secret? One rainy evening, Nathan is surprised by an unwelcome face from the past. Nathan has never been able to forget the worst night of his life: a party that led to the sudden, shocking death of a young woman. Only he and Bob, an eccentric old acquaintance, know what really happened… and they’ve resolved to keep it that way. But years later, Bob appears at Nathan’s door with terrifying news that threatens to tear Nathan’s world apart. Because Nathan has his own secrets now. Secrets that could destroy everything he has desperately fought to build for himself and his family.

The four-part series is written by Neil Cross and is inspired by the novel Burial, also written by Neil Cross (Luther, Hard Sun, Mama). Executive Producers are Euston Films Managing Director Kate Harwood (Dublin Murders, Hard Sun, Baghdad Central), alongside Executive Producer for Euston Films, Noemi Spanos (Dublin Murders), and Neil Cross. The series is directed by Niall MacCormick (The Victim, The Durrells, Doctor Thorne) and produced by Jonathan Curling (Tin Star, Baghdad Central). The Sister is a Euston Films (a Fremantle company) production for ITV and is distributed internationally by Fremantle. The series was commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill.

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"The Sister" on HULU

Primetime TV Review of “Losing Alice”

Posted on January 30, 2021September 10, 2023 by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Losing Alice" on AppleTV+

“Losing Alice” on Apple TV+ Review by Suzanne 1/24/21

This is a very strange Israeli show. After viewing the first episode, I’m still not sure what’s really going on. That may be on purpose. They want to keep you guessing. I find it very hard to follow. In this psychological thriller, Alice (Ayelet Zure) is an older female film director/writer who has writer’s block and is feeling insecure. She meets a strange young woman, Sophie (Lihi Kornowski) on a train who seems to worship her. The young woman acts very odd and somewhat sexual. The older woman is clearly affected by her. She finds out that Sophie had submitted a script to her husband, David, and he liked it. Later, Alice goes home and has some unsettling encounters with her neighbors, who are remodeling their home. She also talks to her husband about Sophie and reads Sophie’s script. She finds the script to be amazing. We see part of the “movie” in the script, but I don’t know if it’s real or not.

If you love thrillers and aren’t bothered by movies that are very unusual and don’t follow a regular plot, then you’ll probably love this one. I don’t like to have to work this hard when I watch TV. I like to sit back, relax, and be entertained. Skip this one if you’re like me.

MORE INFORMATION:

“Losing Alice” is a thrilling cinematic journey that uses flashbacks and flash-forwards in a satisfyingly complex narrative that takes the viewer through the conscious and subconscious of its protagonist’s mind. The series follows Alice (played by Ayelet Zurer), a 48-year-old female film director, who feels irrelevant since raising her family. After a brief encounter on the train, she becomes obsessed with a 24-year-old screenwriter femme fatale, Sophie (played by Lihi Kornowski), and eventually surrenders her moral integrity in order to achieve power, relevance and success. Through the prism of this female Faust, the series explores issues such as jealousy, guilt, fear of aging, and the complex relationships women have among themselves and each other. But above all, “Losing Alice” is a love letter for the still-too-rare female director.

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"Losing Alice" on AppleTV+