Primetime TV Review: Girls5eva

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 RenĂŠe 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.

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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 DVD Review: “Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection”

DVD Review!

Beverly Hills 90210: The Complete Collection DVD cover

“Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection” Review by Suzanne 5/15/21

This is such a great collection to have. I watched many of these episodes on cable re-runs. It’s great to finally have them all together to re-watch, along with the fantastic extras. This collection also has the 2019 short-lived comedy reboot series that most of the cast indulged in. I’m glad to have that as well because I never got around to watching it, although I meant to. Who can keep up with all of the series available today on broadcast, cable, streaming and DVD? I love having the DVDs to keep so that I can focus more on watching them.

The set is split up into three sections, each with its own extra features. The first set of disks has seasons 1-3; the second set has seasons 4-7; and the third set has seasons 8-10, plus the reboot series BH90210. Each set has many great interviews, behind-the-scene features, gag reels and much more.

The only drawback, from what I’ve read, is that they had to replace a lot of the songs because they couldn’t get the rights to the original ones they used back when the show aired. Frankly, I don’t care because I don’t really pay attention to the songs playing in the background.  Some fans might, though.

This would be a great gift for any fan of the show as well as anyone who loves good teen drama, or someone who’s nostalgic about the 90’s. Christmas will be here before you know it!

MORE INFORMATION:

Buy it here!

From CBS and Paramount Home Entertainment, Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection will be arriving on DVD on May 18.

Reunite with the gang of West Beverly Hills High as Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection arrives on DVD in an 74-disc collection featuring the entire original series as well as the debut season of the 90210 reboot. Cast includes Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley), Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty), Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth), Donna Martin (Tori Spelling), Steve Sanders (Ian Ziering), David Silver (Brian Austin Green), Andrea Zuckerman Gabrielle Carteris (Gabrielle Carteris), and Dylan McKay (Luke Perry).

Beverly Hills 90210: The Ultimate Collection

Street Date: May 18

Format: DVD

Description: The iconic series follows siblings Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley) and Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) as they navigate the treacherous halls of West Beverly High after moving from Minnesota to Beverly Hills. Taking place 19 years after the original series, the 90210 reboot also features original cast members as they play heightened, dramatized versions of themselves as they reunite for a reboot. 

From Target:

Everything a diehard fan or a curious newcomer could desire – in one Ultimate Collection. All 290 steamy, shocking and exciting episodes from 10 stunning seasons of the groundbreaking original series — PLUS the acclaimed 2019 series BH90210.

Beverly Hills 90210 – Join BFFs Brandon (Jason Priestley), Kelly (Jennie Garth), Dylan (Luke Perry), David (Brian Austin Green), Steve (Ian Ziering), Donna (Tori Spelling), Val (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen), Brenda (Shannen Doherty), Clare (Kathleen Robertson), Noah (Vincent Young), Janet (Lindsay Price), Matt (Daniel Cosgrove), Gina (Vanessa Marcil) and Carly (Hilary Swank) as they navigate life from high school and college to life on their own – all the hookups, breakdowns, betrayals, dreams, ambitions and passions of Beverly Hills 90210.

BH90210 – Having gone their separate ways since the original series ended 19 years ago, Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling reunite when some suggest it’s time to get a “Beverly Hills, 90210” reboot up and running. But getting it going may make for an even more delicious soap than the reboot itself. What will happen when first loves, old romances, friends and frenemies come back together, as this iconic cast -whom the whole world watched grow up together -attempts to continue from where they left off – The seven former teen idols play heightened versions of themselves in the brand-new serialized drama-with a healthy dose of irreverence-that is inspired by their real lives and relationships with each other.

Language: English

Street Date: May 18, 2021


TCIN: 82817152


UPC: 032429353276


Item Number (DPCI): 246-01-2699


Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

Special Features:

  • Includes a Beverly Hills 90210 VAM Disc with over 90 minutes of content!
  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes
  • Interviews
  • Season Recaps
  • Beverly Hills Moms
  • 7 Minutes in Heaven
  • Beverly Hills 90210: The Reunion
  • Beverly Hills 90210: A Look Back with Darren Star and More!

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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.

cast photo from "Beverly Hills, 90210"

Review of “The Bad Seed”

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

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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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

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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Adhir Kalyan as Al and Parker Young as Riley, from the CBS series United States of Al. Photo Credit: Robert Voets/ 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Primetime TV Review: “Punky Brewster (2021)”

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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Review of “Clarice”

TV Review!

"Clarice" on CBS

“Clarice” on CBS Review by Suzanne 2/15/21

This is a creepy show that is sometimes very slow, but not interminable. Clarice is the character from “Silence of the Lambs,” played by Jodie Foster in the 1991 movie. The show is a sequel to the movie, but with different actors and no Hannibal Lechter. Clarice (Rebecca Breeds) has PTSD from her ordeal with Hannibal and Buffalo Bill, so she’s dealing with a lot. She’s also in contact with Bill’s victim, Catherine Martin. If you’re like me, you haven’t seen this film in the past 30 years, so it may all seem hazy to you at first. Don’t worry because there are plenty of flashbacks and dialogue that help you out.

Although “Silence of the Lambs” was a horror movie, it was also a psychological thriller and crime drama. The TV series leans more toward the latter.

Catherine’s mother is the U.S. Attorney General, so she sets up a special VICAP task force with the FBI to hunt down serial killers, other murderers and sexual predators. The relationship between Clarice and the other FBI members is uneasy (at least at first). It’s very well-written and has a great group of actors, including Michael Cudlitz and Kal Penn.

You don’t want to miss this one if you like good TV drama.

MORE INFORMATION:

CBS GIVES SERIES COMMITMENT TO “CLARICE,” A NEW DRAMA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ALEX KURTZMAN AND JENNY LUMET

CBS GIVES SERIES COMMITMENT TO “CLARICE,”

A NEW DRAMA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ALEX KURTZMAN AND JENNY LUMET

Drama Follows FBI Agent Clarice Starling

Following the Events of “The Silence of the Lambs”

CBS announced today it has given a series commitment to CLARICE, a new drama project written and executive produced by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. Secret Hideout’s Heather Kadin will also serve as an executive producer along with Aaron Baiers as co-executive producer. The project will be produced by MGM and CBS Television Studios in association with Secret Hideout.

It’s 1993, a year after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs.” CLARICE is a deep dive into the untold personal story of Clarice Starling as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high stakes political world of Washington, D.C.

“After more than 20 years of silence, we’re privileged to give voice to one of America’s most enduring heroes – Clarice Starling,” said Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. “Clarice’s bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always.”

In addition to “The Silence of the Lambs” being a bestselling novel, the feature film earned five Academy Awards, including for Best Picture.

Writing partners Kurtzman and Lumet are currently the co-creators and co-showrunners of the CBS All Access series THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH.

Kurtzman and his production company, Secret Hideout, are at the helm of the growing “Star Trek” universe on CBS All Access, including the critically acclaimed and award-winning STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and the upcoming STAR TREK: PICARD, featuring Sir Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard. He is also an executive producer on HAWAII FIVE-0, on the Network. Heather Kadin serves as an executive producer on the “Star Trek” projects and is the president of television at Secret Hideout.

Lumet is the author of RACHEL GETTING MARRIED for which she received the New York Film Critics Circle Award, Toronto Film Critics Association Award, and Washington, D.C. Film Critics Association Award. She also received the NAACP Image Award. She is an executive producer on STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, and a consulting producer on STAR TREK: PICARD. She authored the Short Trek “Runaway” with Kurtzman.

CLARICE is a deep dive into the untold personal story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field in 1993, one year after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs.” Brilliant and vulnerable, Clarice’s bravery gives her an inner light that draws monsters and madmen to her. However, her complex psychological makeup that comes from a challenging childhood empowers her to begin to find her voice while working in a man’s world, as well as escape the family secrets that have haunted her throughout her life.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
¡ Devyn A. Tyler as Ardelia Mapp
¡ Kal Penn as Emin Grigoriyan
¡ Lucca De Oliveira as Tomas Esquivel
¡ Marnee Carpenter as Catherine Martin
¡ Michael Cudlitz as Paul Krendler
¡ Nick Sandow as Murray Clarke
¡ Rebecca Breeds as Clarice Starling
CREW INFORMATION:
¡ Aaron Baiers as CO-EP
¡ Alex Kurtzman as CRTR/EP
¡ Elizabeth Klaviter as EP
¡ Heather Kadin as EP
¡ Jenny Lumet as CRTR/EP
¡ Maja Vrvilo as DIR (Pilot)
¡ Thomas Harris as BOOK

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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.

cast of "Clarice" on CBS

Review of “The Equalizer”

TV Review!

Cast of "The Equalizer" on CBS

“The Equalizer” on CBS Review by Suzanne 2/8/21

It’s nice to see a woman (particularly an African-American woman) kicking ass and taking names on TV. However, I’m not too fond of the concept of this show (as I wasn’t of the original series, either). That is, I’m not too fond of vigilante justice, whether it comes from a cop or a former CIA agent. Sure, I’m fine with vigilantes like Dexter, Batman, and Supergirl because those are not at all realistic. They’re fantasy shows. No real person could be like them. No one person should have the power to just shoot people and get away with it. I’m not saying that this show is gritty and realistic, because it’s not. It doesn’t quit fit into a fantasy world, either. It walks a fine line between reality and fantasy, much like most broadcast TV shows. If you want gritty reality, watch shows on AMC or HBO. Those who loved the original 80’s series, or the Denzel Washington movies, may not enjoy this one as much for that reason.

In this new series, at least they’ve toned down the violence from the original show. Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) doesn’t seem to kill people. She does use violence, but she doesn’t kill. I’m not sure if that makes the show better or worse. Perhaps they think that having a woman killer won’t fly on broadcast TV. I hope not. It makes sense, though, because of the changes they made in the story (compared to the original 1980’s version). Edward Woodward’s McCall went after violent offenders (the focus was on the villains). This McCall defends women that are being targeted (the focus is on the victims). This makes her a little less vigilante and a little more superhero. Because it’s 2021, she has a computer geek helping her out (like most dramas do now). Woodward’s McCall hid in the shadows, at night; while she works during the day, using disguises.

What makes this show great is that she has a sordid past that she’s trying to make up for. She has a police detective who both helps her and wants to put her behind bars. This makes for an interesting dynamic. They also have a sexual attraction between them. Besides making up for her past, McCall experienced some serious trauma that she’s having to deal with, which affects her daughter. This makes her a very interesting character to watch, which is great if you watch the show.

MORE INFORMATION:

THE EQUALIZER is a reimagining of the classic series starring Academy Award® nominee and multi-hyphenate Queen Latifah (“Chicago,” “Bessie”) as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn. McCall presents to most as an average single mom who is quietly raising her teenage daughter. But to a trusted few, she is The Equalizer – an anonymous guardian angel and defender of the downtrodden, who’s also dogged in her pursuit of personal redemption. Robyn’s clandestine work and her personal life collide when her smart and observant daughter, Delilah, and her aunt Vi, who lives with Robyn to help her balance life as a working mother, discover her secret career as a vigilante. While Robyn contends with uncertainty at home, she is joined in her pursuit of justice by William Bishop, her former CIA handler and longtime friend; Melody “Mel” Bayani, an edgy bar owner, and sniper from Robyn’s past; and Harry Keshegian, a paranoid and brilliant white-hat hacker. As Robyn aids the oppressed and exploited, she sometimes works with Marcus Dante, an NYPD detective who once sought to uncover her identity, but now respects the need for Robyn’s type of justice even as he often questions her methods.

Begins its second season Sunday, Oct. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available live and on demand on the CBS app and Paramount+.

 

ON AIR: Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)
ORIGINATION: New Jersey

FORMAT:

Drama (Filmed in HD)

STARRING:

Queen Latifah (Robyn McCall)
Tory Kittles (Detective Marcus Dante)
Adam Goldberg (Harry Keshegian)
Liza Lapira (Melody “Mel” Bayani)
Laya DeLeon Hayes (Delilah)
WITH: Lorraine Toussaint (Viola “Vi” Marsette)
AND: Chris Noth (William Bishop)

PRODUCED BY:

Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with CBS Studios

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:

Andrew W. Marlowe, Terri Edda Miller, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), John Davis, John Fox, Debra Martin Chase, Shakim Compere and Joseph C. Wilson
CREATED BY: Developed for television by Andrew Marlowe and Terri Miller, as based on the original series co-created by Richard Lindheim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theequalizercbs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theequalizercbs

Instagram: @theequalizercbs

CBS Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBSTweet

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Queen Latifah and Chris Noth of "The Equalizer" on CBS.

Primetime TV Review of “Firefly Lane”

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

Primetime TV Review of “The Long Song”

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 EmmysÂŽ 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 Long Song" on PBS

Primetime TV Review of “Jann”

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 ChantĂŠ (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”

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.
 

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”

TV Review!

"50M2" on Netflix

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

In this entertaining Turkish show, a man named GĂślge is working for a mobster, Servet, that took him in as a child and trained him to be his henchman. GĂślge 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 GĂźzelce, 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.

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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”

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.

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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”

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.

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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”

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.

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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”

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”

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.

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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”

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.

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“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+

Primetime TV Review of “Daughter From Another Mother”

TV Review!

"Daughter From Another Mother" on

“Daughter From Another Mother” on Netflix Review by Suzanne 1/28/21

This is a fun dramedy from Mexico. Two mothers have babies on the same day.  One is a young student, a single mom (Mariana), and the other is an older, middle-aged well-to-do mom with 3 other kids and a husband (Ana).  Mariana had planned on a home birth, but things didn’t go as planned, so her mother rushes her to the hospital. Both women happen to meet and take an instant dislike of each other.  Later on, a new nurse accidentally switches the babies when she takes off their ID bracelets and then puts them back in the wrong order.

There are a lot of characters, which include Mariana’s mother, her girlfriend, and her ex-boyfriend; Ana’s children, husband, personal assistant, chauffeur and others she works with.  They all get involved in these family problems (and two are having an extra-marital affair).  When the hospital finds out that the babies were switched, they insist that each mother give the other’s baby back. However, both moms have bonded with the other baby, so it’s heartbreaking. They come up with an easy solution: Mariana moves in with Ana’s family.

I enjoyed this first episode, and if I had time, I would watch the rest of it. Maybe I will someday.

MORE INFORMATION:

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
completed airing its first season on 1/20/21; has yet to be renewed for a second season.

DESCRIPTION:
(from Netflix’s web site, January 2021) After realizing their babies were exchanged at birth, two women develop a plan to adjust to their new lives: creating a single —and peculiar— family.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
¡ Ludwika Paleta
¡ Martín Altomaro
¡ Paulina Goto

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"Daughter From Another Mother" on

Primetime TV Review of “Fate: The Winx Saga”

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“Fate: The Winx Saga” on Netflix Review by Suzanne 1/30/21

This series is based on a hit 2004 Italian-American animated series called “Winx Club” that also ran on Nickelodeon. The basic idea is similar to Harry Potter: a young person that wasn’t raised with magic goes to a boarding school for magical kids, where they learn to hone their powers.  They even make a joke about Harry Potter in the first episode. There are two types of teen students at Alfea, the magical boarding school in the Otherworld (a world parallel to ours): The women are fairies, with magical powers based on the elements such as fire, water, mind etc. Their emotions are linked to their powers. The men are specialists, which appear to be humans training to defend the Otherworld.

The star of the show is Bloom (Abigail Cowen), an American girl who grew up in our world, not knowing what she was or that magic existed.  She finds out that she was a Changeling, a fairy baby switched with a human one.  She left her human parents because she had accidentally burned down their house and injured her mother one day, after getting angry. She meets the other magical teens as she moves to Otherworld.

It’s a good fantasy show, with a lot of action and teen angst.  If you like shows such as “Legacies,” then you should enjoy this.

MORE INFORMATION:

NETFLIX TO ADAPT “WINX CLUB” INTO A LIVE ACTION YOUNG ADULT SERIES

March 14, 2018 – Netflix is bringing the popular Italian animated franchise Winx Club to its members around the world in a new, live action young adult series. For the first time the popular six fairies will turn into real teenagers learning to hone their powers while living together in a magic boarding school.

Winx Club was created and produced in Italy in 2004 by Iginio Straffi, founder and CEO of Rainbow Group. After its launch, It has become one of the most successful animated series in Europe and one of the first Italian series to be sold in the US.

In 2016, Netflix globally and exclusively released two seasons of World of Winx, a spinoff from the successful Winx Club, which has been popular with audiences around the world.

Erik Barmack, VP of International Originals at Netflix, says: “Winx is a global phenomenon and through this exciting series we are thrilled to reinforce our relationship with Rainbow and to develop the next chapter of Winx. The famous fairies will grow up with their audience and will explore complex themes as real-life teenage super heroines in a live action show”.

Iginio Straffi – Winx Club’s author, Founder and CEO of Rainbow Group, says: “We are very pleased that our successful collaboration with Netflix continues with ever more ambitious projects. Netflix’s young adult series have touched a chord with audiences around the world and we are looking forward to seeing the Winx fairies in this new exciting live action adaptation.”

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 117 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 140 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

About Rainbow

The Rainbow Group was founded in 1995 by Iginio Straffi, current President and Chief Executive Officer, and gained a worldwide reputation thanks to the extraordinary success of the Winx Club fairies brand. The group operates in the children and teenager entertainment industry, ranking among the main international companies for the development of content – both animated and live action – for TV and cinema productions, as well as for the creation, development and licensing of content and the production of animated content for third parties, integrated by the group with the acquisition of Canadian studios Bardel Entertainment in 2015.With the acquisition of Iven Group in 2017, the Rainbow Group has also broadened its offer of TV and movie products dedicated to adults and families, with the TV formats and film library owned by Colorado Film Production S.r.l., (one of Iven Group’s companies) that has been active on the market for more than 30 years. In over 20 years of experience, the group has created and developed a variety of properties and can count on a product portfolio aired in over 100 countries through different broadcasting platforms; in the consumer products industry, has led to the company being 11th on the yearly Global Licensor List worldwide – and 1st in Europe – with more than 500 licensees worldwide on a global scale.

Abigail Cowen Has Joined the Cast of “Fate: The Winx Saga” – Adapted from the Popular Italian Franchise
Brian Young will showrun the YA-series set at a magical boarding school where five friends try to navigate their powers, romance, and deadly monsters.

DESCRIPTION:
Determined to master their enchanting powers, a group of teens navigate rivalry, romance and supernatural studies at Alfea, a magical boarding school.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
¡ Abigail Cowen as Bloom
¡ Alex Macqueen
¡ Danny Griffin as Sky
¡ Eliot Salt as Terra
¡ Elisha Applebaum as Musa
¡ Eva Birthistle
¡ Eve Best
¡ Freddie Thorp as Riven
¡ Hannah van der Westhuysen as Stella
¡ Jacob Dudman as Sam
¡ Josh Cowdery
¡ Precious Mustapha as Aisha
¡ Robert James-Collier
¡ Sadie Soverall as Beatrix
¡ Theo Graham as Dane
CREW INFORMATION:
¡ Brian Young as CRTR/EP
¡ Iginio Straffi as EP
¡ Jon Finn as PROD
¡ Lisa James Larsson as DIR

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</script> photo "show" on network Review by Suzanne 1/28/21 Review MORE INFORMATION: INFO Proofread and Edited by Brenda Back to the Main Reviews Page The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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Primetime DVD Review: “Doom Patrol: The Complete Second Season”

DVD Review!

Doom Patrol: The Complete Second Season [Blu-ray] DVD cover

“Doom Patrol: The Complete Second Season [Blu-ray] ” Review by Suzanne 1/23/21

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this post. The opinions I share are my own.

I love this series. I grew up reading the “Doom Patrol” comic books. I love superhero shows, and the actors do a fabulous job. I’m very glad to have this on DVD because I never seem to have the time to watch it otherwise. The second season is just as good as the first, in my opinion. The characters, having vanguished the villain Mr. Nobody in season 1, now have plenty to do in season 2 as they battle their own inner demons as well as the real-life bad guys.  They do a wonderful job of bringing the comic book to life.

Season 2 ended on a cliffhanger because of the pandemic (there was supposed to be one more episode); there are 9 episodes total.  The show was renewed for season 3 and has already started filming. Hopefully, it will return later this year. It airs now on HBO Max, since DC Universe no longer shows TV shows.

Any comic book fan should love this series.  It’s great drama, tragedy, action and quite a bit of humor as well.

The special features include “Doom Patrol: The Magic of Makeup” and “Doom Patrol Season 2: Come Visit Georgia PSA.”  The first feature is very cool and shows how some of the makeup gets done for the show. The second feature is really boring, but it’s short. I wish they had more extras.

MORE INFORMATION:

Now’s the Time to Get a Grip of Your Inner Demons!
DOOM PATROL:
THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Contains All Action-Packed Episodes from the Second Season of the Hit DC UNIVERSE Original Series, Plus Two Featurettes!
Come Face-To-Face with Your Secrets with the Release of the Hit Series on Blu-ray™ & DVD on January 26, 2021
BURBANK, CA (October 21, 2020) – Get ready to embrace the strange. DC’s favorite misfit heroes are back to save the world once again with the release of Doom Patrol: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray and DVD on January 26, 2021 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Strap yourself in for an exhilarating ride with all 9 episodes from the second season of the original DC series, plus enjoy the captivating extra features including two behind-the-scenes featurettes. Doom Patrol: The Complete Second Seasonis priced to own at $29.98 SRP for the DVD ($39.99 in Canada) and $39.99 SRP for the Blu-ray ($44.98 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). Both sets have an order due date of December 22, 2020.
DC’s strangest group of Super Heroes are back again to save the world – that is if they can find a way to grow up…both figuratively and literally. Following the defeat of Mr. Nobody, the DOOM PATROL now find themselves mini-sized and stranded on Cliff’s toy race car track. Here they begin to deal with their feelings of betrayal with Niles Caulder aka The Chief, while confronting their own personal baggage. As each Super Hero faces the challenge of moving beyond trauma and failure, they must come together to protect the newest family member, Niles’ daughter, whose powers remain a mysterious but real threat to bringing on the end of the world.
With Blu-ray’s unsurpassed picture and sound, Doom Patrol: The Complete Second Season will be released in 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. The 2-disc Blu-ray will feature a high-definition Blu-ray and a Digital Copy of all 9 episodes from season two (available in the U.S.).
Doom Patrol stars Diane Guerrero (“Orange is the New Black”), April Bowlby (“Two and a Half Men”), and Joivan Wade (“Doctor Who”), with Matt Bomer (Magic Mike), and Brendan Fraser (The Mummy), and a special appearance by Timothy Dalton (License to Kill). Based on the characters from DC, Doom Patrol is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Riverdale,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow)”, Jeremy Carver (“Supernatural,” “Frequency”), Geoff Johns (Aquaman, Wonder Woman), Chris Dingess (Agent Carter, Eastwick) and Sarah Schechter (“The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Blindspot,” “Black Lightning”). Doom Patrolhas been renewed for a third season exclusively on HBO Max.
SPECIAL FEATURES
  • The Transformers: Doom Patrol’s Make-up FX
  • Doom Patrol – Come Visit Georgia PSA
9 ONE-HOUR EPISODES
  1. Fun Size Patrol
  2. Tyme Patrol
  3. Pain Patrol
  4. Sex Patrol
  5. Finger Patrol
  6. Space Patrol
  7. Dumb Patrol
  8. Dad Patrol
  9. Wax Patrol
BASICS
Street Date: January 26, 2021
BD and DVD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format
Running Time: Feature: Approx 405 min
Enhanced Content: Approx 11 min
DVD
Price: $29.98 SRP
3-Discs (3 DVD-9s)
Audio – English (5.1)
Subtitles – English SDH
US & Canada
UPC# 883929725298
Catalog# 1000780601
BLU-RAY
Price: $39.99 SRP
2-Discs (2 BD-50s)
Audio – DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English
BD Subtitles – English SDH
US
UPC# 883929727759
Catalog# 1000781748
Canada
UPC# 883929725304
Catalog# 1000780602
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
About DC
DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics and graphic novels in the world and home to some of the most iconic and recognizable characters ever created. As a creative unit of WarnerMedia, DC is charged with strategically integrating its stories and characters across film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, interactive games, and the DC Universe digital subscription service. For more information, visit dccomics.com and dcuniverse.com.

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.

Doom Patrol Season 2 cast

Primetime DVD Review: “Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season”

DVD Review!

Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray] DVD cover

“Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season (BD + Digital) [Blu-ray]” Review by Suzanne 1/23/21

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this post. The opinions I share are my own.

In case you didn’t know, this is the TV version of the 2013 movie “Snowpiercer” starring Chris Evans (which was adapted from a book). It takes place in the future, after mankind, in trying to fix climate change, froze the earth. The rich people got together and built a massive train just for them and their families. However, many regular people forced their way on board with them before the train started up.  Now the people at the back of the train (the Tailies) are poor and starving, while the rich people live in the rest of the train, sectioned off from the rest.  The Tailies want to rebel and overtake the rest of the train, but the rich people try to keep the ecological balance of their part of the train and enforce their privacy with a security force.  They occasionally bring Tailies into the front part to work as maintenance, security and other menial tasks.

I never saw the original “Snowpiercer” movie, so I can’t compare the TNT series to that. I was reluctant to watch either because I had read what they were about, and I’m not a big fan of post-apocalyptic or dystopian movies/shows. They’re usually lacking in hope; everything is dark, dirty and depressing.  I love scifi, but I was raised on “Star Trek,” where everything is clean and hopeful.

However, they sent me the DVD to review, so I had to watch it. It’s not bad.  Things are bad for humanity in this show, but they’re not hopeless. There is a lot of violence, but they do have some nice moments to balance it a bit. It is a very intense show that keeps you watching.

It’s compelling drama as long as you ignore how ridiculous parts of it are. I don’t know about the movie, but it seems to me that without the Tailies, the rich people wouldn’t have anyone to do the manual labor (unless they already had brought on their favorite nannies and other staff). How do you build a track or train that long, and what happens if part of the tracks deteriorate or freeze over? What happens if other things go wrong mechanically on the train. I’m sure that in real life, they have maintenance crews to fix things. It doesn’t make a lot of sense as to why they would build a train to just go around and around on the ice planet, especially when they could have built a city instead, or a spaceship. Why a moving train at all? No one appears to have guns, so either they were outlawed or the rich people didn’t think they would need them, I guess. If they weren’t expecting people to jump on the train, then how do the security guards have all these fancy uniforms?

The show’s two main stars are Daveed Diggs of “Hamilton” fame (Andre Layton) and movie star Jennifer Connelly (Melanie Cavill).  You’ll no doubt recognize other familiar faces in the show, such as Mike O’Malley (“Glee,” “Yes, Dear”), Alison Wright (“Castle Rock”) or Sheila Vand (“Undone”).  Sean Bean joins the show in the 2nd season. Lyaton is the show’s hero from the Tail. He’s brought up to the front of the train to solve a murder because he was a former police detective in Detroit.  He’s forced to help the rich people, even though he doesn’t want to.  Connelly is the heroine (of sorts) who helps run the train and keep the status quo.  She and Diggs have a lot of chemistry.

The movie is, of course, about class warfare. It’s made even clearer by the fact that the rich people are all white or Asian, and the tailies tend to have more black people.  The tailies live in the dark, with no windows, and no creature comforts (I gather they’re back with the luggage? I wonder what happened to all the rich people’s luggage?). Everything looks dirty and raggedy.  The front part of the train is very clean, white and beautiful. They seem to have everything one could want. The show is set 7 years after the train started, and I believe the movie was set later than that. I supposed that makes it a prequel.

There are only 10 episodes, so there are only two disks. There are many bonus features, including an Overview of the show; a segment called Class Warfare; a behind-the-scenes interview with the two main stars; a feature about the train itself; and a segment called “Behind the Curtain: Art of the Frozen World” which focuses the Hollywood magic they use to make the cold parts of the show.  It’s a good show to binge-watch, along with the extras.

MORE INFORMATION:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The World Outside Is Frozen Solid. The World Inside Is Heating Up.
SNOWPIERCER:
THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
All Aboard The World’s Most Elite Train On January 26, 2021
When the Blu-ray™ & DVD Become Available!
BURBANK, CA (October 20, 2020) Attention all passengers – the revolution is coming! Get ready for more secrets, plot twists, and reveals as Warner Bros Home Entertainment takes you on an epic journey with the release of “Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season” on Blu-ray and DVD on January 26, 2021. Strap yourself in for an exhilarating ride with all 10 episodes from the first season, plus enjoy the captivating extra features, behind-the-scenes interviews, featurettes, and more! “Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season” is priced to own at $24.98 SRP for the DVD and $29.98 SRP for the Blu-ray, which includes a Digital Copy. Both sets have an order due date of December 22, 2020. “Snowpiercer: The Complete First Season” is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.
Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, “Snowpiercer”centers on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a perpetually moving train, with 1001 cars, that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation.
“In only its first season this insanely brilliant series, with incredible actors takes us through the ultimate journey of what could potentially be the aftermath of global warming,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation & Family Marketing. “Get ready for the ride of a lifetime as you binge watch the entire first season on Digital, Blu-ray & DVD!”
Based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel series and the film from Academy AwardÂŽ winner Bong Joon Ho (“Parasite”), the all-new series stars Academy Awardwinner Jennifer Connelly (“A Beautiful Mind”),  GrammyÂŽ and Tony AwardŽ winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton,” “Black-ish”) EmmyÂŽ nominee Alison Wright (“The Americans”), Mickey Sumner (“Frances Ha,” “Battle of the Sexes”), Susan Park (“Ghostbusters”), Iddo Goldberg (“Peaky Blinders,” “The Zookeeper’s Wife”), Katie McGuinness (“Dirty Filthy Love”), Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee Lena Hall (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), Annalise Basso (“Bedtime Stories”), Sam Otto (“Jellyfish”), Roberto Urbina (“Narcos”), Sheila Vand (“Argo”) and Jaylin Fletcher (“Saturday Church”).
The series is executive produced by Graeme Manson, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements, James Hawes, Matthew O’Connor, Ben Rosenblatt and Scott Derrickson, and the original film’s producers, including Bong Joon Ho, Miky Lee, Tae-sung Jeong, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi. The show is produced by Tomorrow Studios (a joint venture between Adelstein and ITV Studios), along with CJ Entertainment. ITV Studios handles international distribution.  Cable’s #1 new drama series, “Snowpiercer” season two will premiere Monday, January 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TNT.
SPECIAL FEATURES
  • Overview
  • Class Warfare
  • Jennifer & Daveed – Behind The Scenes Interview
  • The Train
  • Behind the Curtain: Art of the Frozen World
10 ONE-HOUR EPISODES
  1. First, The Weather Changed
  2. Prepare to Brace
  3. Access is Power
  4. Without Their Power
  5. Justice Never Boarded
  6. Trouble Comes Sideways
  7. The Universe Is Different
  8. These Are His Revolutions
  9. The Train Demanded Blood
  10. 994 Cars Long
DIGITAL
The first season of Snowpiercer is also available to own on Digital. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital is available from various retailers including Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, PlayStation, Xbox and others. A Digital Copy is also included in the U.S. with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs for redemption and cloud storage.
BASICS
Street Date: January 26, 2021
Order Due Date: December 22, 2020
BD and DVD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format
Running Time: Feature: Approx 440 min
Enhanced Content: Approx 20 min
DVD
Price: $24.98 SRP
3-Discs (3 DVD-9s)
Audio – English (5.1)
Subtitles – English SDH
UPC# 883929723768
Catalog# 1000778531
BLU-RAY
Price: $29.98 SRP
2-Discs (2 BD-50s)
Audio – DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 – English
BD Subtitles – English SDH
UPC# 883929723775
Catalog# 1000778532
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
About TNT
TNT, a WarnerMedia brand, is watched by more people than any other cable network and known for big, lean-forward television that gives viewers the best seat in the house for electrifying stories, dynamic characters and thrilling events. TNT is home to some of television’s most popular original series including ”Snowpiercer,” ”The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness,” “Animal Kingdom” and ”Claws.” TNT is expanding its programming to include premium unscripted with the docuseries ”ShaqLife.” TNT also presents popular shows such as ”Bones” and ”Castle,” in addition to primetime specials and sports coverage, including the NBA and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships and the professional wrestling league All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which has exploded onto the scene with “AEW Dynamite,” premiering as the night’s #1 wrestling show. Website: www.tntdrama.com

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.

Snowpiercer's Connelly and Diggs

Primetime TV Review: “Dino Ranch”

TV Review!

Dino Ranch

“Dino Ranch” on Disney Junior Review by Suzanne 1/21/21

This is a cute computer-animated kid’s show about a fantasy world where the Cassidy family tames and raises dinosaurs of all shapes, colors and sizes on a ranch (much as you would cattle or other animals). The show demonstrates cooperation, problem-solving and other ideas that kids should learn. Each episode is only 11 minutes long, so they show several in one half hour segment.

I think most kids should love this show, especially if they’re already into dinosaurs. There are three kids in the show (Jon, Min and Miguel), plus the parents, Bo and Jane. It’s aimed at preschool children. I’m sure there will be plenty of show-related toys for the kids to want to buy as well.

MORE INFORMATION:

(from Boat Rocker Media’s press release, January 2021)

Filled with adventure and life-long friendships, the new preschool series “Dino Ranch” will make its U.S. debut January 18, 2021, on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW. The animated series, produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, follows the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical, “pre-westoric” setting where dinosaurs roam. As the young explorers learn the ropes, they discover the thrill of ranch life while navigating the great outdoors through unpredictable challenges. In addition to an irresistible blend of dinosaurs and ranchers, the series has four key themes at its core and celebrates outdoor fun, embraces nurturing and friendship, demonstrates the strength of teamwork and personal growth, and promotes the importance of family and community. The sun rises. A Pterodactyl crows. Dinosaurs roar … and a dedicated family of dinosaur-riding Dino Ranchers hits the saddles to race off for another day of fun-filled, free-range roping ‘n’ riding, dinosaur-driven fun!

CREW INFORMATION:
¡ Matt Fernandes as CRTR
GENRE(S):
¡ comedy (all)
¡ comedy (animated)
STUDIO INFORMATION:
¡ Boat Rocker Media
¡ Industrial Brothers

Trailer

More Information

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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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.

Dino Ranch

Primetime TV Review: “Miss Scarlet and the Duke”

TV Review!

Miss Scarlet and the Duke poster

“Miss Scarlet & The Duke” on PBS Review by Suzanne 1/21/21

This is a fun new mystery miniseries Sundays on PBS. I’m really enjoying it. It takes place in London, in Victorian England. Miss Eliza Scarlet (Kate Philips) is the daughter of a private detective (and former police officer). She wants to be a private detective, too. He trained her for many years as she was growing up. Her father goes missing and she has to handle a new client, and dealing with what happens to her father, among other things. Although she’s “a lady,” she’s not afraid and can defend herself. Her childhood friend is William Wellington, a police officer known as “The Duke” (Stuart Martin). Like most men of his time, he’s very chauvinistic. He doesn’t think young ladies should be involved in dead bodies and gruesome things like that. However, she’s a very good detective, so they work together.

I love most PBS mysteries, and especially ones that feature powerful women, and handsome men. Kate Philips is excellent in the role. She has just enough moxie to pull off the character while still seeming like someone who was raised in a genteel fashion. Stuart Martin reminds me a lot of Hugh Jackman. They make a great team. Eliza also has some household servants who are more like family, and there are other various characters (some unsavory). The ending of the first episode reminds me a little bit of “Remington Steele.”  Check this out.

MORE INFORMATION:

Go on the case with private eye Eliza Scarlet, Victorian England’s first-ever female sleuth, as she solves crimes – and sometimes flirts – with her partner and childhood friend, Detective Inspector William “The Duke” Wellington.

Miss Scarlet in the parlor with the dead man

Miss Scarlet & The Duke

Kate Phillips and Stuart Martin star in a new Victorian mystery series

on MASTERPIECE

Sundays, January 17 February 21, 2021 on PBS

Before Marple and Tennison, there was Scarlet—Miss Eliza Scarlet, private detective. Kate Phillips (Wolf Hall) stars as Victorian London’s brilliant, beautiful, and first-ever female sleuth, with Stuart Martin (Jamestown) as her friend and associate, Detective Inspector William “The Duke” Wellington. Celebrating MASTERPIECE’s 50th anniversary in 2021, Miss Scarlet & The Duke premieres with six thrilling episodes, Sundays, January 17 – February 21, 2021 at 8/7c on PBS.

Lighthearted yet gripping, the series features Kevin Doyle (Downton Abbey) as Eliza’s father, Henry Scarlet, who is also her mentor in crime-solving.

Danny Midwinter (Casualty) plays the Duke’s profane but proficient sergeant, Frank Jenkins. And Ansu Kabia (World on Fire) is the shadowy underworld figure, Moses, whose motives keep the police guessing.

Also appearing are Andrew Gower (Poldark) as the companionable aristocrat Rupert Parker, who is living a double life; Cathy Belton (Philomena) as Eliza’s devoted housekeeper and former nursemaid, Ivy; and Nick Dunning (The Tudors) as the Duke’s insufferable boss, Superintendent Stirling.

Miss Scarlet & The Duke is set in London at the start of the Sherlock Holmes era, circa 1880. Eliza’s father, Henry, is a widowed retired police officer, currently a private detective running up bills and drinking through his occasional earnings. Nonetheless, he is a talented investigator, and he has taught his only child, Eliza, the trade since she was a girl. She is now determined to break into this male-only profession.

Fortunately, Eliza’s childhood friend happens to be a detective inspector at Scotland Yard: William “The Duke” Wellington. He gets his nickname from the most famous Englishman of the 19th century: the Duke of Wellington, victor over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Like that other Wellington, the Duke is cool and decisive in a scrape. And he is also a ladies’ man, which leads to interesting complications with Eliza.

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Sometimes working together—but often at odds—Eliza and the Duke tackle a series of fascinating cases. On launching her business, Eliza’s initial chal- lenge is not criminals or clients so much as getting society to take a female detective seriously, even one who has mastered wounds, poisons, motives, and red herrings. But she forges ahead and sees her first commission—a simple search for an older gentleman’s lost niece—turn into something very sinister, which she resolves with the Duke’s help.

And with that her career, if not her income, is off and running. Eliza’s exploits range from an open-and-shut murder case that only she realizes is not so clear-cut, to a dastardly plot that will make history if it succeeds, to a client being harassed from beyond the grave. In her final investigation of the season, spanning Episodes 5 and 6, Eliza is pursuing the mystery of her father’s demise when she unwittingly lures the Duke into a deathtrap. Naturally, the ordeal is a bonding experience for the two quarrelsome but secretly affectionate crime-solvers.

Miss Scarlet & The Duke is an A+E NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL and ELEMENT 8 ENTERTAINMENT production co-produced with MASTERPIECE in association with Eighty Seven Films and Bandidos Yanquis. The writers are Rachael New (Episodes 1-3 & 6) and Ben Edwards (Episodes 4 & 5). The director is Declan O’Dwyer. The Executive Producers for A+E NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL are Melissa Madden, Moshe Laniado-Peleg, Hannah Dal Pozzo, Zalika Webley and Matthew Zagha.

About MASTERPIECE

Winner of 83 Primetime EmmysÂŽ 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 Forsyte Saga and Poldark.

FUNDING FOR MASTERPIECE PROVIDED BY

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Miss Scarlet and The Duke cast