The short teaser for FX’s The Bear season three shows Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in the kitchen as the camera zooms in on his eyes. Carmy’s then seen from behind as the camera zooms out to show an overview of the city before announcing all 10 episodes will premiere on Thursday, June 27, 2024 on Hulu.
The promo was accompanied by the first photo from the Emmy-winning series’ new season.
Jeremy Allen White returns to lead the cast as Carmy, Ayo Edebiri’s back as Sydney Adamu, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach returns as Richard “Richie” Jerimovich. The cast also includes Abby Elliott as Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto, Lionel Boyce as Marcus, Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina, and Matty Matheson as Neil Fak. Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon are back in recurring roles.
“Season three of FX’s The Bear follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, Sydney Adamu, and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich as they do what it takes to elevate The Bear, their beef stand turned fine dining establishment, to the highest level, all while doing their best just to stay in business. It’s a losing battle every single day in the restaurant business. Carmy pushes himself harder than ever, and demands excellence from his crew, who do their best to match his intensity,” reads FX’s synopsis.
“Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the crew to new levels and stress the bonds that hold the restaurant together. As the team grows in size, each member will strive to reach a greater level of service within their role. In the restaurant industry, you’re never on solid ground, and with that ever-changing landscape comes new challenges and opportunities. Our chefs have learned that every second counts, but this season we’ll find out if they have what it takes to make it to tomorrow.”
Ricky Staffieri as Ted Fak, Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carly” Berzatto, and Matty Matheson as Neil Fak in ‘The Bear’ season 3 (Photo CR: Chuck Hodes/FX)
Christopher Storer created the series and executive produces along with Josh Senior, Joanna Calo, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson, and Hiro Murai. Co-executive producer Courtney Storer serves as culinary producer.
The Bear‘s first two seasons earned 10 Emmys, five Critics Choice Awards, two Spirit Awards, two PGA Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Writers Guild Awards. The series was also named AFI Television Program of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
The second official trailer for A Quiet Place: Day One shows more of the invasion’s beginnings. It also reveals that Lupita Nyong’o is ready to protect her cat at all costs, which confirms she’s a good person who we’ll be rooting for.
The cast of the prequel also includes Stranger Things‘ Joseph Quinn, Old‘s Alex Wolff, and two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (In America, Blood Diamond).
Paramount’s super short synopsis reads: “Experience the day the world went quiet.” Michael Sarnoski takes over as director, marking the first film of the franchise that doesn’t have John Krasinski at the helm. Sarnoski wrote the screenplay, based on a story by Krasinski and Sarnoski.
Krasinski, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, and Brad Fuller serve as producers. Executive producers include Allyson Seeger and Vicki Dee Rock.
The original A Quiet Place starring married actors Krasinski and Emily Blunt opened in theaters on April 6, 2018. The sequel, A Quiet Place Part II, with Oppenheimer‘s on screen couple Blunt and Cillian Murphy followed on May 28, 2021. Paramount Pictures will release the prequel in theaters, Dolby Cinema, and IMAX on June 28, 2024.
The cast of ‘Lioness’ (Credit: Ramona Rosales/Paramount+)
Paramount+’s action thriller Lioness has officially been renewed for season two, with Zoe Saldaña returning to star and execute produce. The streamer confirmed Laysla De Oliveira, Emmy nominee Michael Kelly, and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman are also returning for the new season. And Oscar winner Morgan Freeman has been upped to a series regular for the upcoming season.
“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of Lioness’ gripping, global story and the powerhouse performances from Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira and Nicole Kidman,” stated Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President, Programming, Paramount+. “We cannot wait to see more of the heart-stopping suspense and action that Taylor Sheridan and the incredibly talented team deliver in its second season.”
Series creator Taylor Sheridan executive produces with Kidman, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, David Lemanowicz, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman, and Keith Cox. Additional cast members include Dave Annable (Sheridan’s Yellowstone), LaMonica Garrett (Sheridan’s 1883), Jill Wagner, James Jordan (Sheridan’s Mayor of Kingstown), Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, and Hannah Love Lanier.
“Lioness captivated audiences around the world as one of the most-watched global series premieres on Paramount+ last year,” said Chris McCarthy, Office of the CEO, Paramount Global and President & CEO, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios. “Driven by Taylor Sheridan’s masterful storytelling and Nicole Kidman’s and Zoe Saldaña’s remarkable performances, season two promises to immerse audiences in yet another riveting, adrenaline-fueled journey.”
Season one premiered in July 2023 and broke the record as the most-watched worldwide series premiere on its launch day. Nearly six million viewers watched the premiere during its first week. The streamer hasn’t confirmed a target date for season two.
“Lioness, inspired by an actual U.S. Military program, follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.
Caesar is dead but his legacy lives on in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Wes Ball, director of The Maze Runner films, takes over the helm in this new chapter of the seemingly never-ending Apes franchise. Despite a different approach from directors Matt Reeves and Rupert Wyatt, Ball’s Kingdom seamlessly fits into the established parameters of the contemporary Planet of the Apes saga.
What does that even mean? The tone and moral themes in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes align with those in the previous films. The world now belongs to the apes, and man is the weaker link in the evolutionary chain. But within the warring species, some apes and humans are at least willing to consider living in harmony. In Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, that outlook is embodied by Raka, an orangutan who has devoted his life to following the teachings of Caesar.
Raka (Peter Macon, The Orville) is a solitary being who devotes himself to preserving books and has adopted a philosophical approach to life. He has studied humans, but his knowledge comes primarily through stories passed down from the days of Caesar. Only when Noa disrupts his peaceful life does he realize the practical applications of his teachings.
Noa (Owen Teague, The Stand) and his eagle-raising clan are savagely attacked by Proximus’ followers. The brutal mask-wearing soldiers either kill or kidnap the Eagle tribe, and only Noa escapes unharmed. He vows to save his family and, while tracking Proximus’ minions, he literally falls into Raka’s home.
The duo evolves into a trio when a young human woman (Freya Allan, The Witcher) attaches herself as their traveling companion. The woman, called “Echo” by Noa and “Nova” by Raka, is actually named Mae. While the virus has stripped away speech and intelligence from most humans, Mae is an exception. She’s incredibly smart and has retained the ability to speak. These qualities make her a precious commodity to Proximus (Kevin Durand, Abigail), who seeks to climb more rungs on the evolutionary ladder before dying of old age. This puts a target on Mae and Noa, especially after Noa’s accidental display of his above-average intelligence.
Rise, Dawn, and War followed Caesar’s journey as a leader who chose peace over war. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is an entirely new story, set several generations after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes. Everything’s changed; even the landscape is different as forests have reclaimed cities.
Many clans aren’t even aware of what Caesar endured, or that humans were once the dominant species. That lack of knowledge of the past provides an interesting setting for the events in Kingdom and makes the temporary alliance between Raka, Noa, and Mae all the more intriguing. Raka’s the optimistic mentor and Noa’s the sponge soaking up the knowledge Raka has to share. But Mae is unique in that she understands the big picture.
The performance capture technology improved with each installment of the Rise, Dawn, and War trilogy. And with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, it is now at the point where the ape characters are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Every little nuanced facial movement elicits the intended emotional response from the audience.
The progress of performance capture is remarkable, as best demonstrated by Kingdom‘s seamless integration of apes struggling in water. The film’s remarkable visual effects extend to heart-pounding action sequences, including apes on horseback rounding up humans in a stream, zigzagging through a forest, and in a meadow of high grass.
Noa and Mae’s uneasy alliance allows them to see the world through the eyes of their adversary. In their case, it’s a “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” situation with tyrant Proximus the enemy of free apes and humans. Proximus twists Caesar’s legacy to fit his own agenda, taking advantage of the fact that those he subjugates are unaware of Caesar’s true beliefs.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a thought-provoking action film that successfully builds off the trilogy while striking out on its own. The apes are fully in control in Kingdom, and now the question is whether they’ll find a way to peacefully exist with humans – and with each other.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sci-fi violence and action
Release Date: May 10, 2024
Running Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Screenwriters: Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison
Studio: 20th Century Studios
The action heats up and the stakes rise as Fox’s The Cleaning Lady heads toward its two-hour season three finale. Episode 10, “Smoke and Mirrors,” airs on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT. The finale follows on May 21st.
Elodie Yung leads the cast as Thony, Martha Millan plays Fiona, Kate del Castillo is Ramona Sanchez, and Eva De Dominici is Nadia. Santiago Cabrera plays Jorge, Faith Bryant is Jaz, and Sean Lew plays Chris. Mayans MC‘s Clayton Cardenas guest stars as Dante and Brandon Jay McLaren guest stars as Jeremy.
“Smoke And Mirrors” Plot: After finding hidden cameras in her home, Thony attempts to get her family’s normal life back by turning down a powerful offer from Ramona. Meanwhile, Jorge proposes a new money-laundering venture to Nadia. Then, Ramona and Jorge’s properties are searched by the FBI after Russo obtains a warrant against them.
The stakes in season three are higher and more intense than ever. This season, Thony turns her efforts to bringing Fiona back to the US after she was deported to the Philippines, devising an extraction plan with Arman (Adan Canto) using Nadia’s plane. When he mysteriously disappears, Thony and Nadia begrudgingly team together to look for him.
Meanwhile, Fiona tries to manage the aftermath of her deportation to the Philippines while Thony explores drastic measures to get her back home as well as search for answers regarding Arman. While Thony is relieved that Luca’s medical issues have improved, he and Thony face a new threat that may keep them apart, while Chris makes a careless decision to help his mother Fiona but may jeopardize their futures as well as that of Jaz’s.
As Thony’s journey continues to unfold, she is completely alone. Her world is turned upside down as she fights to protect her family, forcing her to take steps that deepen a new association with a dangerous Cartel.
A once in a generation tornado outbreak pulls retired tornado chaser Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Where the Crawdads Sing) out of retirement in the second Twisters trailer. And, of course, the new trailer delivers a lot more of Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) as hotshot tornado wrangler Tyler Owens. Plus, the three-minute video serves up jokes, a little flirting, and a whole lot of tornado action.
The cast of the action thriller includes Anthony Ramos (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), Brandon Perea (Nope), Maura Tierney (Beautiful Boy), Sasha Lane (American Honey), Harry Hadden-Paton (The Crown), David Corenswet (We Own This City), Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), and Tunde Adebimpe (Leave the World Behind). Katy O’Brian (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Nik Dodani (Atypical), Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Paul Scheer (Black Monday) also star.
Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), Javi (Anthony Ramos), and Tyler (Glen Powell) in ‘Twisters’ (Photo Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon / Universal Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures & Amblin Entertainment)
“Twisters stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos as equal forces, with opposing motivations, who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, the immense power of tornadoes. Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Ramos) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better,” reads Universal’s synopsis.
“As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler, and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.”
Oscar nominee Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) directs from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), based on characters created by Michael Crichton and Anne Marie Crichton. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley serve as producers, with Steven Spielberg, Thomas Hayslip, and Ashley Jay Sandberg executive producing.
Glen Powell, Laura Dern and Anthony Mackie (Photo Credits: Brian Bowen Smith courtesy of Netflix, Mark Seliger, Provided by Rocket Science)
Oscar winner Laura Dern (Marriage Story), Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), and Anthony Mackie (Twisted Metal) have signed on to star in Monsanto, based on a true story and directed by John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side). Hancock co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc, and Ned Benson.
“Monsanto tells the true story of young, untried attorney Brent Wisner (Powell) who takes on a seemingly insurmountable case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dewayne ‘Lee’ Johnson (Mackie) who used Monsanto’s best-known product Roundup, a wildly financially successful weed and grass pesticide killer, as part of his job as a high school groundskeeper,” reads Rocket Science’s synopsis. “During the trial, Dr Melinda Rogers (Dern), the chief toxicologist of the Monsanto Company, testifies with certainty that Roundup is safe.”
Moritz Borman, Eric Kopeloff, Philip Schulz-Deyle, Jon Levin, and HyperObject Industries’ Adam McKay and Kevin Messick are on board as producers.
“I was drawn to this contemporary David vs. Goliath true story because I found it dramatic, moving, quite funny and of critical importance in today’s world,” said director Hancock. “My ambitions are to deliver a smart, thoughtful, and commercial legal drama that takes the audience on a human journey.”
Rocket Science is launching international sales at Cannes, with CAA Media Finance handling the film’s domestic rights.
“I’ve always been fascinated by true stories of ordinary people against extraordinary odds. This story encapsulates that spirit with a critical issue that affects us all. And it’s a privilege to bring it to audiences with an exceptional filmmaker and powerful cast,” explained Glen Powell, recently seen in the romantic comedy Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney. Next up is Hit Man which he produced and co-wrote with Richard Linklater.
Laura Dern and writer/director Hancock previously worked together on The Founder and A Perfect World. “I’ve loved my collaborations with John Lee and look forward to working with him again,” said Dern. “There couldn’t be a more vital story to be a part of.”
And producer McKay added: “These days stories about the ‘little guy’ taking on huge institutions seem few and far between. Both in real life and on the big screen. So, when a story as riveting and inspiring as this one shows up on our desks we get excited. Why? Because people love and need these movies. They always have and always will. Erin Brockovich, Silkwood, It’s a Wonderful Life, Spotlight, 12 Angry Men, Moneyball, Norma Rae… I legitimately think I can list 200 wildly successful and beloved films about real people standing up against overwhelming odds with only fairness and truth on their side. So, let’s make number 201.””
ABC’s Station 19 fans are still applauding the Vic-entric season seven episode six which found Vic letting everything out. The episode also put fans through the wringer with the death of Morris (played by George Wyner). Episode seven, “Give It All,” finds Maya speaking her mind and dealing with her brother. “Give It All” airs Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT.
Season seven stars Jaina Lee Ortiz as Andy Herrera, Jason George as Dr. Ben Warren, Grey Damon as Jack Gibson, Barrett Doss as Victoria Hughes, Jay Hayden as Travis Montgomery, and Danielle Savre as Maya Bishop. Boris Kodjoe plays Robert Sullivan, Stefania Spampinato is Dr. Carina DeLuca, Josh Randall is Sean Beckett, Merle Dandridge is Natasha Ross, and Carlos Miranda is Theo Ruiz.
“Give It All” Plot: The crew responds to a call at a local park, only to have their assumptions challenged by the Tulalip Tribe when they arrive. Meanwhile, Maya confronts her past, and Carina goes on the offense.
Boris Kodjoe in ‘Station 19’ season 7 episode 7 (Disney/Eric McCandless)
Series Description, Courtesy of ABC:
Station 19 follows a group of heroic Seattle firefighters as they put their lives and hearts on the line. From the executive producers of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, the series takes us inside the tough, tight-knit and sometimes heartbreaking world of the city’s bravest first responders.
Josh Randall and Jay Hayden in season 7 episode 7 (Disney/Eric McCandless)Barrett Doss, Boris Kodjoe, and Jaina Lee Ortiz in season 7 episode 7 (Disney/Eric McCandless)Josh Randall, Jason Winston George, Cameron Esposito, and Carlos Miranda in season 7 episode 7 (Disney/Anne Marie Fox)Josh Randall and Jason Winston George in season 7 episode 7 (Disney/Anne Marie Fox)Carlos Miranda, Jason Winston George and Johnny Sibilly in season 7 episode 7 (Disney/Anne Marie Fox)
Joe Manganiello hosts ‘Deal or No Deal Island’ (Photo by: Patrick Ecclesine/NBC)
NBC’s given a season two renewal order to the game show Deal or No Deal Island hosted by Joe Manganiello (True Blood). The network has also renewed the half-hour comedy Lopez vs. Lopez starring George Lopez for season three.
Season one of Deal or No Deal Island wraps up on May 13, 2024, and filming is expected to get underway this summer on season two.
“With expert gameplay, adventure and a new layer of strategy, the reimagined Deal or No Deal Island had fans on the edge of their seats, just like the original,” said Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content. “A huge thanks to our crew and the biggest gamer of them all, host Joe Manganiello. Together we’re thrilled to be back with another season that will be sure to test the contestants and the Banker’s limits.”
The first season averaged 5.8 million viewers over all platforms and ranks as the most-watched unscripted NBC show on Peacock.
“It was incredible to see how audiences immediately took to the new format of Deal or No Deal Island, welcoming Joe Manganiello and the Banker’s guests into their homes and bringing new life to the iconic IP,” said Sharon Levy, Chief Executive Officer, Endemol Shine North America. “We’re thrilled that NBC has picked up a second cycle and eagerly anticipate seeing how the Banker will physically test and mentally challenge a new season of contestants as they compete for a transformative jackpot.”
Host Joe Manganiello executive produces along with Matt Kunitz, Vittoria Cacciatore, Jeffrey Breeden, and Howie Mandel. Additional executive producers include Endemol Shine North America’s Sharon Levy, Michael Heyerman, and Sean Loughlin.
“In Deal or No Deal Island, the iconic briefcases containing a total of more than $200 million in prize money are hidden around the island. In each episode, players compete in daring challenges to secure the briefcases that will be used in that night’s game of Deal or No Deal. The player who snags the highest-value case gains immunity and gets to choose a fellow player to enter The Temple. The chosen competitor must then play a high-intensity game of Deal or No Deal. If the player makes a bad deal and accepts an offer of a lesser value than what is in their chosen case, they are immediately eliminated. If the player makes a good deal and accepts an offer of a higher value than what is in their case, they gain the power to select whom to eliminate,” reads NBC’s synopsis.
“The winnings from each game of Deal or No Deal are added to a group pot that grows exponentially throughout the season. At the end of the season, the last player standing faces the Banker to potentially win the biggest prize in Deal or No Deal history.”
George Lopez as George and Mayan Lopez as Mayan in ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC)
Lopez vs. Lopez finished its 10-episode second season on April 30, 2024, with 10 million viewers tuning in across all platforms. George Lopez and Mayan Lopez lead a cast that includes Selenis Leyva, Matt Shively, Brice Gonzalez, and Al Madrigal. George Lopez also serves as an executive producer alongside Bruce Helford, Michael Rotenberg, and Katie Newman.
Debby Wolfe co-created the comedy and serves as showrunner and executive producer.
“George Lopez and his daughter, Mayan, return to NBC to put the fun back in dysfunctional family comedy. This time there will be big life changes for Mayan and the whole Lopez familia while George takes his first step in sobriety,” reads NBC’s synopsis. “Get ready for another season of Lopez vs Lopez that will have you laughing, crying and shouting ‘ta loca!”
Paramount+ with Showtime’s The Chi has earned a seventh season renewal ahead of season six part two’s premiere. Part one of the current season debuted in August 2023, and part two kicks off on May 10, 2024 on Paramount+ and May 12th on Showtime linear.
“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” stated Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. “On the heels of a record-breaking season and ahead of this week’s return, we’re excited to provide fans with the promise of more – ensuring that they can continue to enjoy the raw, emotional stories and unforgettable characters that have made this seminal series a resounding success for Showtime.”
Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe (Master of None, Twenties), The Chi season six part one increased its viewership by nearly 25% over season five. Production on season seven will begin in Chicago this month.
The critically acclaimed drama stars Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook. Season six guest stars include Emmy winner Lynn Whitfield, Jill Marie Jones, Kadeem Hardison, Leon, Brett Gray, and Daniel J. Watts. Additional season six guest stars include Kandi Burruss, La La Anthony, Vic Mensa, Carolyn Michelle Smith, Jason Weaver, and Iman Shumpert.
Nia Jervier, L’lerrét Jazelle, Hannaha Hall, Ahmad Ferguson, Genesis Denise Hale, Joel Steingold, Judae’a Brown, Miriam A. Hyman, Tyla Abercrumbie, Tai Davis, Rolando Boyce, and Tory O. Davis also guest star.
“The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
Oscar winner Common (Selma), Hillman Grad CEO Rishi Rajani, and ID8 Multimedia’s Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, Derek Dudley, and Shelby Stone executive produce. Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel executive produce and are co-showrunners.
