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Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 Adds Miya Cech as Toph

By
Rebecca Murray
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Avatar: The Last Airbender Miya Cech
Miya Cech joins ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (Photo courtesy of Netlix)

Miya Cech (Surfside Girls) is officially on board season two of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. Cech will be taking on the fan-favorite role of Toph, “a master earthbender who was born blind and trained to feel and sense the world around her.”

Cech’s casting was announced during Netflix’s Geeked Week Live celebration. The streamer also revealed that production is currently underway on the new season.

“I’ve been in boot camp for about a week and a half now and still have a lot of work to do, but it’s super fun. I have some martial arts experience,” said Cech in an interview with Tudum. “I have a great instructor who I take private classes with back home in Northern California, and he keeps me in shape when I’m not working. I also have some dance experience from when I was younger that has been very helpful as I learn about Toph’s movements.”

Cech joins a cast that includes Gordon Cormier as Aang, Ian Ousley as Sokka, and Kiawentiio as Katara. Daniel Dae Kim plays Fire Lord Ozai and Dallas Liu is Crown Prince Zuko.

“I personally am of Chinese and Japanese American descent and I’m so excited to represent my Chinese heritage in Toph Beifong,” explained Cech. “One of the most incredible aspects of this show is the diversity of the Asian cultures in the ATLA world. Even though the universe is fantasy, it feels like every culture is represented in some way and tied to the history and traditions of that culture or country. Just a few years ago, you might have seen one or two of these actors in a show or movie, but on this show we are all able to represent this world together and work together and collaborate. It’s really amazing and a gift as an actor.”

Discussing the new season with Tudum, executive producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani said, “We’re looking forward to working with all of our actors again and digging into the deeper, more complicated relationships that develop as their journey continues in season two. We are going to show the real-world versions of iconic scenes from the original, and explore some of the stories that the animation didn’t. Mainly — we’re looking forward to seeing our gang all together again.”

Avatar: The Last Airbender Synopsis:

“Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads, the first step taken by the firebenders towards conquering the world. With the current incarnation of the Avatar yet to emerge, the world has lost hope. But like a light in the darkness, hope springs forth when Aang, a young Air Nomad — and the last of his kind — reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar.

Alongside his newfound friends Sokka and Katara, siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang embarks on a fantastical, action-packed quest to save the world and fight back against the fearsome onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai. But with a driven Crown Prince Zuko determined to capture them, it won’t be an easy task. They’ll need the help of the many allies and colorful characters they meet along the way.”




Teacup Trailer: A Deadly Threat’s Unleashed in Peacock’s New Series

By
Rebecca Murray
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Peacock’s official Teacup trailer warns that “it’s coming and it kills everything that gets in its way.” And as the trailer unfolds, it appears that the terrifying warning was spot-on.

The new horror series is inspired by Robert McCammon’s bestseller Stinger and stars Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Scott Speedman (You), and Chaske Spencer (Marvel’s Echo). Kathy Baker, Boris McGiver, Caleb Dolden, Emilie Bierre, and Luciano Leroux also star.

Teacup Series Poster
Poster for Peacock’s ‘Teacup’

“Teacup follows a disparate group of people in rural Georgia who must come together in the face of a mysterious threat in order to survive,” reads Peacock’s synopsis. Ian McCulloch (Yellowstone) serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Francisca X. Hu, Kevin Tancharoen, author Robert McCammon, and Atomic Monster’s James Wan (The Conjuring Universe, Archive 81, M3GAN), Michael Clear (Swamp Thing), and Rob Hackett (I Know What You Did Last Summer) involved as executive producers. E.L. Katz (The Haunting of Bly Manor) directed the first two episodes and executive produces.

“Teacup defies easy labels,” says James Wan. “It’s a genre-bending blend of horror, mystery, and drama, with layers that unfold like a captivating puzzle. It goes beyond chills and thrills and holds up a mirror to humanity, exploring the darkness that resides within us all.”

Teacup will premiere on October 10, 2024 with the release of the first two episodes. Two new episodes will be released on subsequent Thursdays through Halloween.

Teacup Cast and Showrunner Interviews:




Found Season 2 Episode 1 Preview: Photos, Cast, Teaser and Premiere Date

By
Rebecca Murray
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Season one of NBC’s primetime drama Found ended with Gabi coming clean about her deep, dark secret to M&A after Sir escaped from her basement. Dhan, who was already in the know, set to work tracking down Sir, while Gabi and the team worked on finding Dashika following a new tip. A tip that, unfortunately, turned out to have come from Sir. The first season ended with a cliffhanger, with Sir poisoning Lacey’s dog and then hiding in her closet.

Season two episode one, “Missing While Bait,” will find the team adjusting to Gabi’s betrayal. The new season premieres on NBC on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT.

Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll gave TV Guide a preview of what’s in store for M&A now that the team knows Gabi has been lying to them. “It sets them back in a very detrimental way — both individually and M&A as a whole. Everyone at M&A is probably guilty of a little bit of hero worship of Gabi. She came into their lives at a point where they were at their lowest and gave them the inspiration and strength to turn their trauma into purpose. M&A exists because Gabi saved their lives in emotional ways — and in Lacey’s case, it was an actual, physical saving of her life. She is such a cornerstone of their mental health and healing journey,” said Okoro Carroll.

Okoro Carroll continued: “So when that gets absolutely shattered, which we see from their reactions, even though we can’t hear what’s being said, that is not something that’s going to be repaired quickly. It wouldn’t have been something that could be repaired easily with fully healthy individuals, let alone the kinds of individuals that have experienced the trauma that these guys have experienced.”

Shanola Hampton leads the cast as Gabi Mosely, Mark-Paul Gosselaar stars as Sir, Kelli Williams plays Margaret Reed, and Brett Dalton is Mark Trent. Gabrielle Walsh is Lacey Quinn, Arlen Escarpeta is Zeke Wallace, and Karan Oberoi is Dhan Rana.

“Missing While Bait” Plot: Gabi and her team at Mosely & Associates begin to spiral amid her shocking revelation. Lacey’s childhood flashbacks begin to resurface, providing vital clues as Sir remains at large.

Found Season 2 Episode 1
Shanola Hampton as Gabi, Dionne Gibson as Gina, and Kelli Williams as Margaret in ‘Found’ season 2 episode 1 (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)

Found Season 2 Description, Courtesy of NBC:

In any given year, more than 600,000 people are reported missing in the U.S. More than half that number are people of color that the country seems to forget about. Public relations specialist Gabi Mosely (Hampton), who was once herself one of those forgotten ones, and her crisis management team make sure there is always someone looking out for the missing. Gabi, however, has a chilling secret: In the midst of grief, she imprisoned her childhood kidnapper, Sir (Gosselaar). Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose, and her biggest secret is now her biggest threat.

Shanola Hampton and Brett Dalton
Shanola Hampton as Gabi and Brett Dalton as Detective Mark Trent in season 2 episode 1 (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)
Brett Dalton, Anisa Nyell Johnson and Shanola Hampton
Brett Dalton as Detective Mark Trent, Anisa Nyell Johnson as Detective Shaker, Karan Oberoi as Dahn, Shanola Hampton as Gabi, and Kelli Williams as Margaret in season 2 episode 1 (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)
Anisa Nyell Johnson, Shanola Hampton and Kelli Williams
Anisa Nyell Johnson as Detective Shaker, Shanola Hampton as Gabi, and Kelli Williams as Margaret in season 2 episode 1 (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)
Arlen Escarpeta and Karan Oberoi
Arlen Escarpeta as Zeke and Karan Oberoi as Dahn in season 2 episode 1 (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)
Karan Oberoi as Dahn and Arlen Escarpeta as Zeke in season 2 episode 1 (Photo by: Matt Miller/NBC)




Jeffrey Dean Morgan Set to Host Destination X Competition Series

By
Rebecca Murray
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Jeffrey Dean Morgan Destination X
Jeffrey Dean Morgan to host ‘Destination X’ ((Photo by: Danny Ventrella/NBC)

Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead: Dead City, The Boys) is apparently against having any downtime. Morgan’s just signed on to host NBC’s Destination X, an adventure competition series based on the Belgian format.

Morgan will also serve as an executive producer.

“Destination X captivated me with its blend of travel, mystery, and gaming,” said Morgan. “I can’t wait to embark on this wild guessing game across the globe as Master of Ceremony, navigating players through challenges that test their mental and physical abilities.”

Additional executive producers include Andy Cadman, Lee Smithurst, and Twofour Managing Director Dan Adamson and Chief Creative Director David Clews. The unscripted competition series is produced by Twofour, part of ITV Studios, and Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group.

“Jeffrey Dean Morgan embodies the mischievous international man of mystery, making him the perfect host and puppet master for this new travel adventure series,” stated Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, Competition and Game Shows, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “He’s dashing, charming, playful, and the ultimate travel companion!”

NBC released this description of Destination X:

“Merging fantasy with reality in this larger-than-life adventure competition series, viewers will follow contestants as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime but have no idea where they are. In order to win, they must figure out their mystery locations. Once they’re on the blacked-out Destination X bus, the journey transforms into a real-life game board, with challenges designed to offer clever clues as to their location, along with a few misdirects to keep them guessing.

At the end of each episode, contestants must guess where they are and the furthest from the actual location is sent packing. The first participant to reach Destination X will be crowned the winner. With high stakes and mind-blowing spectacular gameplay, the series will keep viewers engaged and take them along for the ride.”




Zak Bagans Hosts ‘Destinations of the Damned’

By
Rebecca Murray
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Ghost Adventures‘ Zak Bagans is expanding his paranormal investigator resume with Destinations of the Damned with Zak Bagans. The new Discovery Channel series, which finds Bagans visiting the most cursed locations in the world, premieres on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11pm ET/PT.

Bagans will be traveling to locations including a mansion in Malaysia that is supposed to have otherworldly portals. He’ll also visit an asylum in Italy that’s a hub of demonic activity and a Philippines hotel with an evil past. Plus, he’ll check out a castle in the Czech Republic and a Singapore island where residents were forced to flee by sinister forces.

Destinations of the Damned with Zak Bagans
Poster for Discovery Channel’s ‘Destinations of the Damned with Zak Bagans’

Discovery Channel offered this description:

“In this chilling series, viewers are transported on a mysterious journey where haunts and horrors reign at every destination. These are the world’s darkest and most evil locations. Driven by the macabre history and hair-raising unexplained activity that surrounds each nefarious site, Bagans sends his documentary film crew around the globe to explore what lurks within.

Connecting with resident eyewitnesses and paranormal practitioners, the crew navigates local legends, historic mysteries, diverse cultural beliefs and real-life horrors to document claims of hauntings, possessions and curses. What terror inhabits these sites, and condemns the communities that live within them? Bagans narrates as cameras cross into the forbidden and foreboding zones of each deeply troubled location.

In the premiere episode, Zak Bagans sends his team to Armero, Colombia, where thousands perished after a volcanic eruption in 1985. Was it a horrific natural occurrence, or did a murdered priest’s last words cause this unprecedented disaster? Does his vengeful curse still echo through the jungle?”




One Piece Season 2 Adds Joe Manganiello and Lera Abova

By
Rebecca Murray
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One Piece Season 2 Cast
Joe Manganiello and Lera Abova join ‘One Piece’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)

Netflix’s hit pirate adventure One Piece has found its Mr. O and Miss All Sunday. Joe Manganiello and Lera Abova have joined the season two cast of the popular series, currently in production in South Africa.

The additional cast members for the new season include Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday, Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk, Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra, Brendan Sean Murray as Brogy, and Callum Kerr as Smoker. Camrus Johnson joined as Mr. 5, Clive Russell plays Crocus, Daniel Lasker is Mr. 9, David Dastmalchian is Mr. 3, Jazzara Jaslyn is Miss Valentine, Julia Rehwald is Tashigi, Rob Colletti is Wapol, Ty Keogh is Dalton, and Werner Coetser is Dorry.

Returning series stars include Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Ilia Isorelys Paulino as Alvida, Jeff Ward as Buggy, and Michael Dorman as Gold Roger.

“Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, ONE PIECE, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn.”

Matt Owens and Joe Tracz guide the series as showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Steven Maeda, and Tomorrow Studios’ Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements also executive produce.




‘Transformers One’ Review: One of the Year’s Best Animated Films

By
Kevin Finnerty
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Transformers One First Photo
Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1) and Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax) in ‘Transformers One’ – Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

First appearing in stores in 1984, the Transformers toyline soon morphed into a cartoon series as well as a comic book. In 2007, the Hasbro toyline was brought to the big screen with the use of CGI and live actors. Now comes the origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron in Paramount Pictures’ animated film Transformers One.

The film opens with Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) sneaking around unauthorized areas, trying to dig up hidden secrets about his planet, Cybertron. After setting off the alarm and instigating an exhilarating chase scene, he and his best friend D-16 (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) return to working in the mines of the planet for the power source, Energon. The planet is divided between two social classes: those who can transform and those missing power sources who cannot; they are the miners and working class of the planet.

Determined to learn about his planet and what the surface of it is like, Orion Pax uses “borrowed” jet packs and tricks his pal D-16 into going with him to the surface. Also along for the trip to the surface is a new friend they made in waste management named B-127 (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), and Elita – 1 (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), the ex-Autobot foreman of the mines.

Once on the surface, Orion Pax and his friends meet Alpha Trion (voiced by Laurence Fishburne), an Autobot from the old days who reveals the shocking truth about their planet and its tyrannical leader. Alpha Trion also gives them power sources so they can transform.

Now, determined to free their fellow Autobot miners and take back their planet, Orion Pax and D-16 set out on a path that will eventually lead to them becoming sworn enemies Optimus Prime and Megatron and to the birth of the Civil War of Cybertron.

Visually stunning and action-packed, Transformers One is an engaging and exciting adventure that doesn’t just do justice to the franchise; it’s the best film of the franchise. This animated prequel’s a fun, creative, and entertaining science fiction fantasy with a fantastic voice cast.

Chris Hemsworth is nothing short of perfect as the young and daring Orion Pax who only wants to learn the truth about his planet and rise to be all he can be. Hemsworth brings both humor and a moral compass to the role of the future leader of the Autobots, as well as some humor and likeability. He also stays true to the classic character in the third act of the film when Pax becomes Prime and displays great leadership and strength.

Brian Tyree Henry does a wonderful job of bringing D-16 to life. D-16 is a dedicated worker and best friend to Orion Pax, always defending him and getting into trouble by being tricked into joining him on his crazy quests. Henry also slowly shows the building rage in D-16 as he begins to learn the truth about the past of Cybertron and how he and all the miners have been manipulated and lied to.

Without a doubt Keegan-Michael Key steals every scene as the voice of B-127, who eventually becomes Bumblebee. Key is hilarious as B-127, the comic relief of the film, first as an Autobot who’s been cut off a little too long from other Autobots and is more than just quirky. And then in the second half as he learns to transform and becomes a powerful fighting presence.

The script is smartly written with solid dialogue and plenty of humor. It also holds true to the characters and is even emotionally intense when the devastating break-up of the friendship happens between Pax and D-16.

Full of action and brought to life with lavish animation, Transformers One is an exhilarating thrill ride for the entire family and sure to please all Transformers fans of any age. It’s also one of the best animated films of the year. Don’t miss it.

GRADE: B+

MPAA Rating: PG for language, animated action throughout, and sci-fi violence

Release Date: September 20, 2024

Running Time: 1 hour 44 minutes

Directed By: Josh Cooley




Sabrina Carpenter’s Ringing in the Holidays on Netflix

By
Rebecca Murray
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Sabrina Carpenter Holiday Special
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter (Photo Credit: Netflix)

Sabrina Carpenter’s ready to spread some holiday cheer. The singer/songwriter is starring in her first Netflix Christmas special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, premiering on December 6, 2024.

“It’s a nonsense holiday and we’re so here for it. In this special with musical guests, pop icon Sabrina Carpenter will perform songs from her holiday EP fruitcake and other iconic chart-topping holiday covers,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “This special will also feature show-stopping music performances, comedic guests, unexpected duets, plus many more surprises and fun cameos.”

Carpenter executive produced the special along with Bill Perlman, Janelle Lopez Genzink, and Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Simone Spira, and Kfir Goldberg for OBB. Sam Wrench is the director and Nikki Boella serves as showrunner.

“The holidays have always been so special to me,” stated Sabrina Carpenter. “I am excited to bring my take to a classic holiday variety show – infusing my love of music and comedy to make something that is uniquely me.”

Carpenter recently released her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, which took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.

“Sabrina’s vision to subvert the classic holiday special has been clear since day one,” said Michael D. Ratner, executive producer and founder/CEO of OBB Media. “At OBB, we partner with the world’s most captivating artists to reimagine the expected, and we’re proud of the work by our entire team and want to highlight Simone Spira, the Volara team, Sam Wrench, Nikki Boella, and all involved that brought Sabrina’s vision to life on Netflix.”

Sabrina Carpenter’s been keeping busy as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. Carpenter wrapped up her part of Swift’s tour in March 2024, and in April she made her first appearance at Coachella. Her single “Espresso” was streamed over 200 million times on Spotify, and “Please Please Please” went straight to the top spot on Spotify’s Global and US charts, as well as the top spot on Apple Music. Her sixth album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and became the third biggest first-week debut of 2024 in the US.




‘Beyond the Gates’ Daytime Drama Reveals First Cast Members

By
Rebecca Murray
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Beyond the Gates
Poster for ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Photo © 2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

Filming is expected to get underway this fall on CBS’s first Black one-hour daytime drama Beyond the Gates. With the series about to head into production, the network announced the first three cast members: Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Daphnee Duplaix (One Life to Live), and Karla Mosley (The Bold and the Beautiful).

CBS Studios/NAACP Venture developed and produce the series in partnership with P&G Studios. Michele Val Jean created the new daytime drama and serves an executive producer and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner, and Anna Saalfeld.

CBS is targeting an early 2025 premiere.

CBS offered this description of the series and key characters:

“Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work, and play. Those who have ‘made it’ and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.”

Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago.

Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, and exudes warmth, empathy, and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life … from the outside.

Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum.




Black Mirror Season 7 Cast: Emma Corrin, Awkwafina, and Issa Join the Anthology Series

By
Rebecca Murray
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Black Mirror Season 7 Cast
The cast of ‘Black Mirror’ season 7 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)

Netflix released the lengthy lead cast list for the upcoming seventh season of Black Mirror. The critically acclaimed anthology series is currently in production on the six-episode seventh season, with the following taking on roles in the new season:

• Awkwafina (Jackpot)
• Milanka Brooks (Mum And I Don’t Talk Anymore)
• Peter Capaldi (Criminal Record)
• Emma Corrin (Deadpool and Wolverine)
• Patsy Ferran (Firebrand)
• Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
• Lewis Gribben (Blade Runner 2099)
• Osy Ikhile (Citadel)
• Rashida Jones (Sunny)
• Siena Kelly (Domino Day)
• Billy Magnussen (Road House)
• Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean)
• Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
• Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids)
• Issa Rae (Barbie)
• Paul G. Raymond (Horrible Histories)
• Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish)
• Jimmi Simpson (Westworld)
• Harriet Walter (Succession)

Netflix is keeping all details on the six new episodes secret. However, the streamer did confirm they are targeting a 2025 premiere and the new season will include a sequel to USS Callister.

“The high-profile episode stars Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly, a brilliant but troubled programmer who co-created a popular online video game,” reads Netflix’s USS Callister episode description. “Unhappy with a perceived lack of recognition at his gaming company, Robert then creates a simulated reality within the game, giving himself the role of a Captain Kirk–like figure aboard a starship and leading an adoring crew — based on his real-life co-workers — on zany sci-fi adventures. Of course, because this is Black Mirror, things take an unexpected and sinister turn.

Charlie Brooker created the series and serves as an executive producer along with Jessica Rhoades and Annabel Jones.

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