The History Channel’s set a May 27, 2025 premiere date for a two-part documentary series focused on the life of Sitting Bull. Yellowstone‘s Mo Brings Plenty serves as narrator, and 1923‘s Michael Spears stars as the titular character.
Part one airs on Tuesday, May 27th at 9pm ET/PT, and part two follows on Wednesday, May 28th at 9pm ET/PT.
The History Channel offers this description: “Sitting Bull offers an overarching exploration of the remarkable life and accomplishments of the fiercely brave yet humble Lakota chief. In the mid-19th century, as American settlers continued their westward expansion, they began encroaching upon Native territories. Amid this turmoil, a legendary Lakota leader rose to defend his people, their culture, and their way of life. Unyielding in his resolve, he united Native Nations in an extraordinary alliance, led them in the historic Battle of Little Bighorn against US Army General George Armstrong Custer, gained worldwide fame with Buffalo Bill Cody, and courageously fought against seemingly impossible odds.
Told through expert interviews, dramatic yet authentic scripted sequences, and supplemented by rich archival material, Sitting Bull details the seminal moments and key figures in Native American history, including the Washita Massacre, renowned warrior Crazy Horse, the Battle of Cedar Creek, and the Wounded Knee Massacre.”
Stephen David Entertainment and Appian Way Productions, in partnership with IllumiNative and GroupM Motion Entertainment, produce the docuseries. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, Phillip Watson, Crystal Echo Hawk, Dee Jay Two Bears, Larry Pourier, Richard Foster, Chet Fenster, Mary E. Donahue, and Zachary Behr serve as executive producers.
The city is at risk when the team discovers dirty bombs in CBS’s FBI season seven episode 19, “Partner.” Directed by Eriq La Salle, episode 19 will air on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT.
Missy Peregrym stars as Special Agent Maggie Bell, Zeeko Zaki plays Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, Jeremy Sisto is Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine, and Alana De La Garza is Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille. John Boyd plays Special Agent Stuart Scola and Emily Alabi is Agent Dani Rhodes.
“Partner” Plot: After a young girl goes missing in Queens, the team discovers the kidnappers used her as leverage to carry out a major explosives heist, sending them on a hunt for the dangerous culprits. Meanwhile, Scola and Dani begin working on their footing as partners.
FBI is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This elite unit brings to bear all their talents, intellect, and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep New York and the country safe. Born into a multigenerational law enforcement family, Special Agent Maggie Bell commits deeply to the people she works with as well as those she protects. Her partner is Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, a West Point graduate via Bushwick who spent two years undercover for the DEA before being cherry-picked by the FBI.
Overseeing them is Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille, who operates under intense pressure and has undeniable command authority. The team also includes Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine, the nerve center of the office whose ability to easily relate to and engage with both superiors and subordinates makes him a master motivator. Special Agent Stuart Scola is an Ivy League-educated Wall Streeter-turned-FBI agent. These first-class agents tenaciously investigate cases of tremendous magnitude, including terrorism, organized crime, and counterintelligence.
14 elite survivalists will head to the Australian Outback for season three of Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing. The new season marks the first time fan favorites will compete against each other in the Outback. Season one took place in South Africa’s Oribi Gorge, and season two’s competition was held in Africa’s Munzwa Valley.
Season three will premiere on May 18, 2025, with new episodes airing on Sundays at 8pm ET/PT.
The 14 returning Naked and Afraid competitors will be competing for a 10.0 Primitive Survival Rating and the $100,000 grand prize. Discovery promises this new season will feature the “most shocking elimination ever seen in the franchise” as well as legacy-defining moments.
NAKED AND AFRAID: LAST ONE STANDING Season 3 Survivalists
• Matt Wright – Home State: Colorado/Florida; Previous Challenges: 8; Days Survived: 252
• Max Djenohan – Home State: Washington; Previous Challenges: 6; Days Survived: 177
• Ky Furneaux – Home State: Victoria, Australia; Previous Challenges: 6; Days Survived: 136
• Laura Zerra – Home State: Montana; Previous Challenges: 5; Days Survived: 156
• Suzänne Zeta – Home State: Virginia; Previous Challenges: 5; Days Survived: 81
• Trish Bulinsky – Home State: New Jersey/North Carolina; Previous Challenges: 4; Days Survived: 103
• Kaila Cumings – Home State: New Hampshire; Previous Challenges: 4; Days Survived: 88
• Darrin Reay – Home State: Colorado; Previous Challenges: 3; Days Survived: 83
• Patrick French – Home State: New Hampshire; Previous Challenges: 3; Days Survived: 82
• Trent Nielsen – Home State: Utah; Previous Challenges: 3; Days Survived: 73
• Cheeny Plante – Home State: Maine; Previous Challenges: 3; Days Survived: 67
• Jamie Frizzell – Home State: Scotland; Previous Challenges: 3; Days Survived: 44
• Kaiela Hobart – Home State: Washington/Colorado: Previous Challenges: 2; Days Survived: 61
• Jermaine Jackson – Home State: Virginia/Texas; Previous Challenges: 2; Days Survived: 35
Discovery Channel offers this description of the new season: “The unforgiving Australian Outback was intentionally chosen to push these battle-tested survivalists—each of whom has completed at least two previous Naked and Afraid challenges—to their absolute limits. Competitors will enter the uninhabited Outback completely naked and without any food or water, facing the blistering heat during the day and freezing temperatures that threaten hypothermia at night.
The brutal environment presents both deadly threats and game-changing opportunities—from the highly lethal taipan snake, whose bite has enough venom to take down 100 humans, to 250-pound wild boars that could provide an ample food source to skilled hunters.”
CBS’s Ghosts season four episode 20 finally brings Stephanie (played by Odessa Adlon), the teenager who died on her prom night, back into a storyline. Episode 20, “I Know What You Did Thirty-Seven Summers Ago,” will air on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 8:30pm ET/PT.
Rose McIver stars as Sam, Utkarsh Ambudkar is Jay, Brandon Scott Jones is Isaac, and Richie Moriarty plays Pete. Danielle Pinnock is Alberta, Asher Grodman is Trevor, Román Zaragoza stars as Sasappis, Rebecca Wisocky plays Hetty, Devan Chandler Long is Thorfinn, and Sheila Carrasco is Flower. Tristan D. Lalla guest stars as Mark.
“I Know What You Did Thirty-Seven Summers Ago” Plot: When Sam and Jay host a fundraiser for the mayor to earn a favor for Jay’s restaurant, they learn of his bizarre connection to one of Woodstone’s ghosts. Justin Kirk guest stars as Tad, the Mayor.
Ghosts is a single-camera comedy about Samantha and Jay, a cheerful freelance journalist and up-and-coming chef from the city, respectively, who threw both caution and money to the wind when they decided to convert Woodstone Mansion, which Sam inherited, into a bed & breakfast—only to find it was inhabited by the many spirits of deceased residents who now call it home.
The departed souls are a close-knit, eclectic group that includes a saucy Prohibition-era lounge singer (Danielle Pinnock); a pompous 18th-century militiaman (Brandon Scott Jones); a ‘60s hippie fond of hallucinogens (Sheila Carrasco); an overly upbeat ‘80s scout troop leader (Richie Moriarty); a cod-obsessed Viking explorer from 1009 (Devon Chandler Long); a slick ‘90s finance bro (Asher Grodman); a sarcastic and witty native from the 16th-century (Román Zaragoza); and a society woman and wife of a 19th-century robber baron who is Sam’s ancestor (Rebecca Wisocky), to name a few. The opening of the B&B has been a source of intrigue, anxiety, and curiosity among the spirits, but they will gladly put up with the commotion as long as they can continue to interact with a living inhabitant.
Universal Pictures’ Him promo material prominently features the fact that Oscar winner Jordan Peele is a producer. That alone is enough to draw in horror fans, and the teaser itself doesn’t disappoint. It asks the question, “What would you sacrifice to become the greatest of all time?” The answer to that question is ultimately, “Everything.”
Him stars Marlon Wayans (Air), Tyriq Withers (Atlanta), Julia Fox (Uncut Gems), Tim Heidecker (Us), and Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show). MMA fighter Maurice Greene, hip hop’s Guapdad 4000, and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack make their feature film debuts with the horror film.
“Him stars former college wide receiver Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade, a rising-star quarterback who has devoted his life and identity to football. On the eve of professional football’s annual scouting Combine, Cam is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma.
Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White (Wayans), a legendary eight-time championship quarterback and cultural megastar, offers to train Cam at Isaiah’s isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife, Elsie White (Fox). But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker, sending his protégé down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.”
Justin Tipping (Kicks) directed from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie’s screenplay, which earned a coveted spot on the Black List. Tipping is also credited as a screenwriter. Producers include Ian Cooper, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson, with David Kern and Kate Oh executive producing.
Taron Egerton as arson investigator Dave Gudsen in ‘Smoke’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Apple TV+’s Smoke starring Taron Egerton and Prime Video’s We Were Liars with Emily Alyn Lind will have their world premiere screenings during the 2025 Tribeca Festival. This year’s festival will run June 4-15 in New York City.
“Television is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums of our time, and Tribeca is proud to be a home for the visionaries who are redefining it,” stated Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano. “Tribeca TV is a cornerstone of our festival—an essential platform where innovation, artistry, and audience converge. As the lines between film and television continue to blur, our commitment to championing exceptional stories in all forms remains steadfast.”
SundanceTV’s The Furry Detectives: Unmasking A Monster and BritBox’s Outrageous will also have their world premieres during the 2025 Tribeca Festival, In addition, The Gilded Age season three, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season three, and the season finale of MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem will host screenings at the festival.
2025 TRIBECA FESTIVAL TV SELECTION
The Furry Detectives: Unmasking A Monster (SundanceTV) New Series World Premiere The Furry Detectives: Unmasking A Monster, a four-part documentary, unpacks a horrifying conspiracy of animal abuse lurking beneath the Furry Fandom’s playful exterior. Navigating the line between amateur sleuthing and official police investigation, a pack of dedicated vigilantes from the Furry community fights for the victims and defends their community from the evil within. The series is directed and executive produced by Theo Love (The Legend of Cocaine Island) and produced by Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions.
After the Screening: A conversation with series director Theo Love and producer Julia Lindau, moderated by Alex Gibney.
The Gilded Age (HBO) – Season Three World Premiere
Following the Opera War, the old guard is weakened. The Russells stand poised to take their place at society’s head. Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights; George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionize the railroad industry. Agnes refuses to accept Ada’s new position as lady of the house. Peggy meets a doctor from Newport whose family is less than enthusiastic about her career.
After the Screening: A conversation with Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Christine Baranski, Louisa Jacobson and Denée Benton and series creator Julian Fellowes.
Godfather of Harlem (MGM+) – Season Four Finale.
In Season 4 of Godfather of Harlem, Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker) continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the arrival of gangster Frank Lucas (Rome Flynn). After Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic assassination, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antionette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers.
After the Screening: A conversation with Forest Whitaker, Ilfenesh Hadera, Lucy Fry, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy and series Showrunner and Executive Producer Chris Brancato.
Outrageous (BritBox) – New Series World Premiere. Outrageous is the story of six aristocratic sisters who refused to play by the rules, their often-scandalous lives making headlines around the world. Set against the gathering storm clouds of the 1930s, masked by the decadence, frivolity, and lavishness of British high society, Outrageous will bring the full, uncensored story of the Mitford sisters to the screen for the first time – a story of family bonds and betrayals, public scandal, political extremism, love, heartache and even imprisonment.
After the Screening: A conversation with Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, and series Creator Sarah Williams and Executive Producer Matthew Mosley.
Smoke (Apple TV+) – New Series World Premiere.
Inspired by true events, Smoke follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists. Starring Taron Egerton as arson investigator ‘Dave Gudsen’ and Jurnee Smollett as police detective ‘Michelle Calderone,’ the cast of Smoke also features Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Anna Chlumsky, Adina Porter, Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear, and John Leguizamo.
After the Screening: A conversation with Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett and Creator, Executive Producer and Writer Dennis Lehane.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+) – Season Three World Premiere.
In season three of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, we reconnect with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still under the command of Captain Pike (Anson Mount), as they face the conclusion of season two’s harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve. An exciting twist on classic Star Trek, season three takes characters both new and beloved, to new heights and dives into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy and mystery with varying genres never before seen on any other Star Trek.
After the Screening: A conversation with Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Celia Rose Gooding, Babs Olusanmokun, Carol Kane, and Executive Producers Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, and Henry Alonso Myers.
Tribeca Talks: In Conversation with Lena Dunham.
Multi-hyphenate Lena Dunham returns to her Tribeca stomping grounds to discuss her highly anticipated return to TV, Too Much. Via exclusive clips and commentary, Dunham will delve into the Netflix series (premiering this summer) she co-created with her husband Luis Felber and how it mirrors her own departure from NYC to start a new life in London. Starring Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe with guest stars including Rita Wilson, Andrew Scott, Andrew Rannells, Janicza Bravo, Rhea Perlman, and Emily Ratajkowski.
We Were Liars (Prime Video) – New Series World Premiere.
Based on the best-selling novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars, the series follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit inner circle, nicknamed the Liars, during their summer escapades on her grandfather’s New England private island. The Sinclairs are American royalty — known for their good looks, old money, and enviable bond — but after a mysterious accident changes Cadence’s life forever, everyone, including her beloved Liars, seems to have something to hide.
After the Screening: A conversation with select cast.
2025 TRIBECA FESTIVAL NOW SELECTION
Hal & Harper, (United States) New York Premiere – Episodes 1-3.
Hal and Harper, two codependent siblings living in L.A., are doing their best to navigate long term relationships, friendships, and situationships. When their Dad makes a big announcement, the two are forced to consider the current state of their lives, as well as their complicated childhood. While exploring the trauma of their past, and the dramatic changes of their present, Hal & Harper & Dad chart the evolution of their family, while discovering the ways their intense bond has shaped the ways they interact with those they love, for better or worse. Starring Cooper Raiff, Lili Reinhart, Mark Ruffalo, Betty Gilpin, Havana Rose Liu, and Addison Timlin. Created by Cooper Raiff.
After the Screening: A conversation with Cooper Raiff, Lili Reinhart, Mark Ruffalo, Betty Gilpin, Addison Timlin, and Executive Producers Daniel Lewis and Clementine Quittner.
Mrs. America (United States) World Premiere – Episodes 1 & 2.
The stakes are high, and the heels are higher, as married women across the nation compete for the coveted Mrs. America crown in this funny and inspiring documentary series. Created by Penny Lane.
The Price of Milk (United States) World Premiere – Episodes 1-3.
The untold battle behind the ‘90s ‘Got Milk’ campaign leads an investigative romp from the dairy farm to the White House, diving into Americans’ love/hate relationship with milk. Directed by Yoni Brook and Nicholas Bruckman.
Tribeca Festival NOW Showcase
Bulldozer (United States) New York Premiere.
After discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity, Jo spirals and ends up involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility. Upon her release, Jo attempts to rebuild her life, find love, and figure out what’s wrong with her (be it physical or mental). Starring Joanna Leeds, Nat Faxon, Mary Steenburgen, Kate Burton, Harvey Guillén, Chris “CP” Powell, Allen Leech, Tim Bagley, Nick Armstrong, Andrew Friedman, and Leonard Robinson. Created by Joanna Leeds.
Earth to Percy (United States) World Premiere.
Floating 250 miles above the earth, NASA Astronaut Percy Dennis discovers the rest of the crew has made plans to hang out in Maui after their mission, but he’s not invited. Shocked to learn his friendships are not what he thought they were, he refuses to let it go even as his world unravels. Starring Jeremy Beiler, Amy Schumer, Josh Charles, Wyatt Cenac and Maya Rudolph. Created by Jeremy Beiler.
Mother, May I Have A Kidney? (United States) World Premiere – Episodes 1 & 2.
When Doug learns he’s in need of a kidney transplant and the perfect match is his estranged mother, he’s forced to embark on a journey towards reconciliation with his family. Starring Doug Plaut, Tina Benko, Charlotte Ray Rosenberg, Darius de Haas, Troy Iwata, and Myra Lucretia Taylor. Created by Veronica Reyes-How.
Seasoned (United States) World Premiere. Based on the real lives of Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody, Seasoned follows the delightfully tumultuous relationship and life of this successful, gregarious, deeply committed, slightly insane married couple. As they navigate a society that feels as if it’s crumbling around them, will they remain standing? Starring Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody. Created by Gideon Grody-Patinkin and Ewen Wright.
Although Marvel Studios is still holding back on a full reveal of Galactus, the new trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps does provide shots of the Silver Surfer and has Sue and Reed confirming that Sue is pregnant. It also teases that Reed stretching the bounds of space caused the Silver Surfer to pay Earth a visit.
The trailer’s release was accompanied by photos and a new poster.
The first film of Marvel’s Phase 6 stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Julia Garner plays Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson is the film’s big bad, Galactus. Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles also star.
Marvel Studios offers this description of the much-anticipated comic book adaptation: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.”
Matt Shakman directs, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Executive producers include Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters on July 25, 2025.
Netflix’s teaser and first photos from Ginny & Georgia season three show Georgia behind bars after being arrested for murder. “This season we blew up our world. That’s the best way to describe it,” says creator and executive producer Sarah Lampert. “The characters were pushed to new places, and the actors delivered performances that shook me to my core. The fans have been so patient, I cannot wait for them to see Season 3.”
Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry return to star as the titular characters. Season three also stars Diesel La Torraca as Austin, Jennifer Robertson as Ellen, Felix Mallard as Marcus, Sara Waisglass as Max, Scott Porter as Mayor Paul Randolph, Raymond Ablack as Joe, Katie Douglas as Abby, Chelsea Clark as Norah, and Nathan Mitchell as Zion.
“Georgia has just been arrested for murder during her wedding, ruining her fairy tale ending and putting the spotlight on the Millers like never before. It’s always been Ginny and Georgia against the world, but the world has never come for them quite like this,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “Now, Ginny needs to see where she stands when push comes to shove—is the two of them against the world something Ginny really wants to sign up for?”
The 10-episode third season premieres on June 5, 2025.
Sarah Lampert created the series and serves as an executive producer. Sarah Glinski guides the season as showrunner and also executive produces along with Jeff Tahler, Jenny Daly, Holly Hines, Daniel March, Lance Samuels, Daniel Iron, and Armand Leo. Season three’s directors include April Mullen, Jasmin Mozaffari, Liz Allen, Sharon Lewis, and Darnell Martin. David Monahan, Danielle Hoover, Michelle Askew, Ayotunde Ifaturoti, Ali Kinney, Eboni Freeman, Jordan Dumbroff, Zachary Arthur, and Kourtney Richard are the season three writers.
Holliday Grainger, Robyn Betteridge, Beatrice Cohen and Denise Gough in ‘The Stolen Girl’ episode 1 (Disney/Matt Squire)
The new Freeform thriller The Stolen Girl released its first episode on April 16, 2025, and the opening scene is chilling. A car trunk opens, and a young girl inside questions, “Who are you?”
(This is a recap, so there are spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned!)
Elisa Blix (Denise Gough), a flight attendant for a private plane, is late picking up her daughter, Lucia, from school. She meets the mom, Rebecca (Holliday Grainger), of her daughter’s new friend, and Lucia begs to go to her friend’s house. Rebecca assures Elisa it’s okay. After some reluctance, Elisa gives in and lets her daughter go with them.
Lucia calls her mom and asks if she can sleep over, and again Elisa is reluctant. Lucia has never had a sleepover before. After agreeing, she brings Lucia’s overnight bag to Rebecca’s house so she can see where her daughter will be staying the night. As the girls emerge in costumes, Elisa prepares to snap a photo when Rebecca abruptly instructs her not to. Rebecca feels uncomfortable with her daughter’s photo being taken.
The next day, while on a flight, Elisa calls her husband, Fred (Jim Sturgess), to see if he talked to Rebecca. Apparently, Rebecca is taking the girls swimming and will be dropping Lucia off at noon.
Elisa calls mid-flight to talk to Lucia, but Fred says she isn’t there. Elisa points out that it is after two. After assuring her he will figure it out, he asks if Lucia used Rebecca’s cellphone to call them to ask about sleeping over. Elisa confirms that she did, and Fred finds it strange that Rebecca’s call this morning came from a restricted number.
Jim Sturgess and Denise Gough in ‘The Stolen Girl’ episode 1 (Disney/Matt Squire)
Elisa calls the number and finds it’s disconnected. Fred meets her at the airport, and they go straight to Rebecca’s house. They are shocked to learn from the housekeeper that no one lives there. It is a vacation rental!
After that disturbing turn of events, they call the police and head to the station. Elisa appears to be in shock, and her husband does all the talking. Elisa, unable to handle the situation, steps outside and breaks down.
Reporter Selma Desai (Ambika Mod) is late to the press conference, sliding into a seat just as it begins. The press conference reveals that Rebecca provided the school with a false identification card. The police show a sketch of Rebecca provided by Elisa. After the police lay out their information, Elisa speaks to the press, trying to appeal to Rebecca.
Although they said they would not be taking any questions afterwards, Selma stops Elisa before she and Fred could leave. Selma asks the couple, “Why Lucia? Why you?” Elisa stares at her before being led away without an answer.
DC Coolidge (Forrest Bothwell) is sent back with the Blixes, just in case Rebecca makes contact. Back at the house, DC Coolidge looks around as Elisa and Fred discuss whether their son Georgie should stay with them, only to discover Coolidge observing them. Fred realizes Coolidge is there to watch them and make sure they aren’t involved in their daughter’s disappearance.
While Fred is making promises to Elisa about finding Lucia and bringing her home, he spots Selma lurking outside their home. Coolidge handles it by telling Selma to leave. Selma receives a voice message from a male saying he needs her finished copy of an article she’s been assigned to write.
The police search the house Rebecca claimed was hers. DI Sinclair (Bronagh Waugh) and DS Walker (Layo-Christina Akinlude) show up at the search and reveal the credit card Rebecca used to rent the place was stolen a month prior. The search turns up empty, except for Lucia’s stuffed animal Elisa dropped off for the sleepover.
Selma visits Lucia’s school to question the teacher about Rebecca and learns Rebecca seemed sweet and like a loving mother. But when the teacher says she didn’t know Josephine well, Selma is confused. She assumed Josephine had been at the school a while. The teacher informs her she was recently brought in as an emergency transfer due to being bullied at her last school.
Sinclair and Walker meet with the Blixes and hand them the stuffed animal they found. Fred breaks down. The cops believe Josephine isn’t really Rebecca’s daughter and was most likely brought in to help take Lucia. Elisa is in denial; their relationship seemed so real, and they seemed very close.
The Blixes are asked if anyone has a grudge against them. Fred explains he’s a criminal lawyer and has a client who was coerced into laundering money. Sinclair informs them they will be looking into their home lives. They need access to their emails and passwords. Elisa is on board right away, while Fred looks scared. Elisa notices, and Fred wants to talk to her alone. He admits there is another woman.
Denise Gough and Jim Sturgess in ‘The Stolen Girl’ episode 1 (Disney/Matt Squire)
Back at the police station, Sinclair starts to read Fred’s emails with the other woman, Sarah, to Elisa and Fred. Sarah contacted him after seeing him at mini golf with his family, and eventually he FaceTimed with her. Walker reads his subsequent message to Sarah about how the FaceTime was sexy, despite his claim that they just talked. Sarah pushes Fred to meet in person, but he stops responding to her, which makes her angry. Her last message to Fred was, “I’ve had enough of you. Go back to your perfect family and enjoy it while you can.”
They show him a video (a poor one where you can’t see Rebecca’s face) to see if that is Sarah. He can’t tell. Elisa questions why the police can’t look her up by her phone or her Instagram. They reveal Sarah is basically a ghost; they can’t find anything on her.
Selma shows up at work, and she’s not happy her article was messed with. She’s told she’s late, missed the deadline, and was already warned not to approach Elisa. She shouldn’t go after the mother of a missing girl. Selma is convinced that the target was Elisa, which is why Lucia disappeared.
Georgie comes home, and Fred’s mom attempts to get them to let her stay. Georgie asks if someone hurt Lucia; he saw it on TV. Elisa is furious that her mother-in-law let Georgie watch the news. After Fred’s mom takes a jab at Elisa, saying Lucia spent half her childhood with her while Elisa was up in the air, she finally leaves.
Elisa tries to hold it together in front of Georgie. Fred apologizes to his wife about Sarah, and when the apologies don’t work, he throws himself a pity party. He uses Elisa’s absences against her and coldly says, “I would never let Lucia stay with a woman I didn’t know.”
The Stolen Girl episode one ends just like it began, with the trunk opening and Lucia asking, “Who are you?” Rebecca, now sporting darker hair, watches the press conference. She repeatedly replays the portion with Elisa begging, “Please don’t hurt our daughter.”
Don’t expect to learn more about the plot with the release of the new 28 Years Later trailer. There’s a lot going on visually, but it’s the trailer’s use of Rudyard Kipling’s “Boots” that elevates the horror onscreen.
The 28 Days Later sequel stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. The original low-budget zombie film opened in theaters on June 27, 2003. The sequel will be released on June 20, 2025.
“Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected,” reads Sony Pictures’ synopsis. “One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.”
28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy serves as an executive producer. Producers include Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, and Alex Garland.
