Apple TV+’s riveting adaptation of Blake Crouch’s bestseller Dark Matter continues with episode three, “The Box,” streaming on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The preview clip shows Jason2 (Joel Edgerton) struggling to remember the name of a hotel that the real Jason was obsessed with.
The synopsis for episode three also indicates Leighton and Amanda will be showing Jason around his groundbreaking invention.
Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly plays Daniela Vargas Dessen, Alice Braga is Amanda Lucas, Jimmi Simpson stars as Ryan Holder, Dayo Okeniyi is Leighton Vance, and Oakes Fegley plays Daniela and Jason’s son, Charlie Dessen.
“Hailed as one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade, Dark Matter is a story about the road not taken. The series will follow Jason Dessen, a physicist, professor, and family man who — one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago — is abducted into an alternate version of his life,” reads Apple TV=s’ synopsis. “Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could have lived. In this labyrinth of realities, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself.”
Author Crouch created the series and serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Joel Edgerton and Matt Tolmach Productions’ Matt Tolmach and David Manpearl.
Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly in ‘Dark Matter’ episode 3 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Joel Edgerton in episode 3 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Jennifer Connelly in episode 3 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Dayo Okeniyi in episode 3 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Alice Braga and Joel Edgerton in episode 3 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Joel Edgerton in episode 3 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
CBS’s SWAT season seven episode 13 brings the season to a close with a bang. The team’s up against dangerous extremists in the season, but thankfully not the series, finale. Directed by Billy Gierhart from a script by Matthew T. Brown and Daniela Labi, episode 13 – “Twenty Squad” – will air on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT.
Shemar Moore leads the cast as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Jay Harrington stars as David “Deacon” Kay, David Lim is Victor Tan, Rochelle Aytes is Nichelle Carmichael, Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell, and Patrick St. Esprit is Robert ‘Bob’ Hicks. Kenny Johnson recurs as Dominique Luca and Alex Russell recurs as Jim Street.
“Twenty Squad” Plot: SWAT faces their deadliest adversary yet when a violent cell of extremists looks to extract vengeance by blowing up half of Los Angeles, potentially killing thousands. Still reeling from the anger and outrage directed at him by his own community, Hondo questions if he still has what it takes to lead 20-Squad, adding to the fear that he won’t be able to pull the team together in time to save the city.
Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks in ‘SWAT’ season 7 episode 13 (Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS)
SWAT Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Inspired by the television series and the feature film, S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds.
Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in the season 7 finale (Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS)Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell in season 7 episode 13 (Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS)Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Jessica Camacho as Vasquez, and Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks in season 7 episode 13 (Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS)Jessica Camacho as Vasquez and Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay in season 7 episode 13 (Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS)Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell and Niko Pepaj as Miguel Alfaro in season 7 episode 13 (Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS)
Cynthia Erivo recalls going to see Wicked on her 25th birthday and feeling like she was floating on air. And in Universal’s new Wicked featurette, Ariana Grande says she saw the original Broadcast cast when she was just 10 years old and formed an immediate bond with the material.
In the Heights‘ Jon M. Chu directs from a screenplay by Winnie Holzman, based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire. Marc Platt (The Little Mermaid) and David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) serve as producers, with David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, and Jared LeBoff executive producing.
“Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart,” reads Universal’s synopsis.
“The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande star in ‘Wicked’ (Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures)
The cast of the film adaptation also includes Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once) as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible. Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) plays Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince. Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) is Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student. Marissa Bode makes her feature film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister. And Jeff Goldblum is the legendary Wizard of Oz.
Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots) play Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda. Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) plays Miss Coddle, a new character created for the film. Four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) is the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Wicked premieres in theaters on November 27, 2024, followed by Wicked Part Two on November 26, 2025.
The trailer for Fox’s Alert: Missing Persons Unit season two episode 10 warns that fans should prepare for a season finale that will leave them breathless. Fortunately, viewers will get a chance to see how it all turns out because Fox has renewed the popular drama for season three. Episode 10, “Federal Prisoner #07198F-068P,” will air on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT.
Scott Caan stars as Jason Grant and Dania Ramirez is Nikki Batista. Ryan Broussard plays Mike Sherman, Adeola Role is Kemi Adebayo, and Alisha-Marie Ahamed is Wayne Pascal.
“Federal Prisoner #07198F-068P” Plot: When Wayne (Alisha-Marie Ahamed) goes missing on the day of Nikki (Ramirez) & Mike’s (Broussard) wedding, the joyous festivities are put on hold as Jason (Caan) and the MPU race to locate her and finally bring down Inspector Braun (guest Star Gil Bellows) and his connection to the car bombing murders.
Alert: Missing Persons Unit is a procedural drama set in the Philadelphia Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit (MPU). Each episode features a heart-pounding, life-or-death search for a missing person headed by detectives Jason Grant and Nikki Batista. Together with the MPU team, their job is to find the missing or abducted and reunite them with their loved ones. Jason and Nikki, once married, have a very personal connection to these cases as their own young son went missing and was never found. The emotional toll of their son’s disappearance blew up their marriage, but even though they’ve moved on, their bond remains.
Nikki now runs MPU, where she and the team do for others what she wasn’t able to do for herself: bring a loved one back home. At MPU, she leads a highly skilled team, including her fiancé Mike Sherman, whom Nikki met when he was assigned to oversee the search for her son; Kemi Adebayo, a spiritually savvy detective with an astonishing knowledge base; and forensic anthropologist C (recurring guest star and newcomer Petey Gibson), who is a master at reconstructing the faces of those who have disappeared.
As the second season begins, the MPU team step into their new office in headquarters, where Jason and Nikki meet their new boss Inspector Hollis Braun (guest star Gil Bellows), who wants to keep a close eye on the team, particularly the unpredictable Jason Grant. Jason brings his old friend in to help with the case: master hacker Wayne Pascal, who he worked with in Afghanistan. Jason conveniently never told Nikki that Wayne was a woman (and a hot one!), which raises issues even as Nikki and Mike plan their wedding. Together, the team works to find the missing or abducted and help reunite them with their loved ones before it’s too late.
ABC’s teaser for The Good Doctor season seven episode nine shows Shaun’s incredibly happy to see Claire again, even if Claire’s facing a serious health issue. Episode nine, the show’s penultimate episode, will air on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT.
The final season stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, and Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo. Bria Samoné Henderson plays Dr. Jordan Allen, Noah Galvin is Dr. Asher Wolke, and Chuku Modu stars as Dr. Jared Kalu.
“Unconditional” Plot: Dr. Claire Browne (Antonia Thomas) returns from her work in Guatemala for a personal medical examination. Elsewhere, Dr. Glassman struggles to manage Hannah, who remains unresponsive to his attempts to help. Park seeks out the perfect last-minute wedding location.
Antonia Thomas and Freddie Highmore in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 7 episode 9 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)
Series Description, Courtesy of ABC:
In the farewell season of The Good Doctor, new challenges intermingle with the unresolved past. Following the birth of their son, Steve, Shaun and Lea navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. Meanwhile, the team continues to deal with the many changes they have faced at the hospital over the past year and must learn to come to terms with them if they want to move forward in their lives and careers.
Antonia Thomas in season 7 episode 9 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Antonia Thomas and Paige Spara in season 7 episode 9 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Richard Schiff and Freddie Highmore in season 7 episode 9 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Paige Spara and Freddie Highmore in season 7 episode 9 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Chuku Modu in season 7 episode 9 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)
Netflix’s Bridgerton season three teasers continue with the official unveiling of the songs featured in part one. The four-episode first half of the much-anticipated third season will include instrumental covers of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey’s “Snow On The Beach, BTS’s “Dynamite,” and Nick Jonas’ “Jealous.” Part one also features covers of Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” and Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything – Stripped Down.”
“I start to try to think of songs from the past that could maybe work for this and then also current hits that could possibly make sense,” stated Music Supervisor Justin Kamps. “Then it’s really down to the script and then the themes. And sometimes initially it’s about what matches the choreography and then later it’s about what matches the scene and the emotion.”
Kamps added: “We have a lot of covers that aren’t necessarily part of ball sequences this year and it’s because we found some cute places to insert something that can play as a fun cover that doesn’t necessarily have to be attached to a dance sequence. And I think that’s been really fun this season. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3: PART 1 – Original and Cover Song List
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 ✦ EPISODE 1 ✦ SONG LIST
• “Funeral March in C Minor” by Soo Woo Kang
• “String Quartet in F Major op 18 no 1 – IV Allegro” by BMGPM
• “String Quartet No. 1 3rd Movement” by BMGPM
• “Elegant Country House” by APM
• “Sonata in G Major, L. 103” by APM
• “String Quartet No. 16 in E-Flat Major, K.428 – Haydn – Quartet No. 3-, Op. 10-3- IV. Allegro Vivace” By BMGPM
• Cover of GAYLE’s “Abcdefu” by Vitula
• “String Quartet in G Major op 18 no 2 III Scherzo” by BMGPM
• “String Quartet in B Flat Major Hunt – Presto” by Extreme
• “Etude for String Quartet 1” by APM
• “String Quartet in E Flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2 The Joke – IV. Presto” by BMGPM
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 ✦ EPISODE 2 ✦ SONG LIST
• “String Quartet in B flat Major op 130 – VII Finale” by BMGPM
• “Concerto for Violin, Orch in E-Major, Allegro Assai” by APM
• “String Quartet No 8 K168 IV Allegro” by WCPM
• “String Quartet in G Major” by De Wolfe Music
• Cover of BTS’ “Dynamite” by Vitamin String Quartet
• “String Quartet No. 23 in F-Major K. 590” by APM
• “String Quartet in B-Flat Major, K. Anh.IV, No. 210 – Milanese Quartet No. 2 – I. Allegro di molto” by BMGPM
• Cover of Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” by Shimmer
• “Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’: II. Andante con moto” by BMGPM
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 ✦ EPISODE 3 ✦ SONG LIST
• Cover of Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” by Vitamin String Quartet
• “String Quartet #13 Allegro Mod” by APM
• “String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, 1st Mov. Allegro Moderato” by APM
• “Evening Stars” by APM
• Cover of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” by Vitamin String Quartet
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 ✦ EPISODE 4 ✦ SONG LIST
• “Sequence (Three)” by Peter Gregson
• “String Quartet in F Major op 3 no 5 Serenade” by APM
• “String Quartet in D Maj. The Lark – Menuetto-Allegretto” by APM
• “String Quartet D-Maj.op.76/5 (#5)” by APM
• Cover of Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey’s “Snow On The Beach” by Atwood Quartet
• Cover of Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything – Stripped Down” by Archer Marsh
Part two will include “All I Want,” Bridgerton‘s first original song written by Grammy nominee Rogét Chahayed, Wesley Singerman, Taylor Dexter, and Nicole Cohen. Tori Kelly performed the song live at the Bridgerton fan wedding celebration and will also sing it at the Bridgerton World Premiere on May 13, 2024 in New York City. Composer Kris Bowers’ orchestral version will be featured in part two.
“Performing at the wedding was such a magical experience. Every detail of it was so thought out and it felt so special. I’m just honored that I was able to be a small part of such a beautiful day,” said Tori Kelly of the Bridgerton fan wedding. “I can’t wait to perform my new song ‘All I Want’ at the world premiere tonight. The fact that this is the first time an original song has been a part of Bridgerton makes the whole experience feel even more special! Really, I’m so excited that I get to be a part of this amazing show in my own way.”
Season three stars Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury. Ruth Gemmell stars as Violet Bridgerton, Lorraine Ashbourne is Mrs. Varley, Hannah Dodd is Francesca Bridgerton, Simone Ashley is Kate Sharma, and Jonathan Bailey is Anthony Bridgerton.
Harriet Cains stars as Philipa Featherington, Bessie Carter is Prudence Featherington, Jessica Madsen is Cressida Cowper, Florence Hunt is Hyacinth Bridgerton, Martins Imhangbe is Will Mondrich, and Will Tilston plays Gregory Bridgerton. The ensemble also includes Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Hugh Sachs as Brimsley, Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix, and Sam Phillips as Lord Debling. Julie Andrews returns as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
“Bridgerton is back for its third season and finds Penelope Featherington (Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season. She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly,” reads Netflix’s synopsis.
“Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly. Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.”
Jess Brownell serves as showrunner and executive produces alongside Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, and Chris Van Dusen.
Part one premieres on May 16, 2024 followed by part two on June 13th.
RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Traitors top the list of the Sixth Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards honoring the best in nonfiction, reality, and unscripted programming. Both shows scored six nominations and will be going head-to-head in the Best Competition Series, Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series, Best Show Host, and Male Star of the Year categories.
After Covid-19 and strikes canceled the 2021 and 2023 in-person awards ceremonies, the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards will return to an in-person gathering. (2022 took place but under strict Covid-19 protocols.) This year’s awards will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza on June 15th.
“The historic strikes by the WGA and SAG/AFTRA necessitated a record amount of unscripted programming in all areas of television, from broadcast to cable to streaming, making the last 12 months a remarkable time for reality TV,” stated Critics Choice Association TV Branch Vice President Ed Martin. “The depth and diversity of our nominees for the sixth annual Real TV Awards reflects the importance and ever-increasing scope of the genre, which continues to offer something for everyone.”
SIXTH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE REAL TV AWARDS NOMINEES:
BEST COMPETITION SERIES
The Amazing Race (CBS)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix)
Survivor (CBS)
Top Chef (Bravo)
The Traitors (Peacock)
BEST COMPETITION SERIES: TALENT/VARIETY
American Idol (ABC)
America’s Got Talent (NBC)
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
The Masked Singer (Fox)
So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
The Voice (NBC)
BEST UNSTRUCTURED SERIES
Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory (Nat Geo WILD)
Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (HBO)
Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Bravo)
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
Why Not Us (ESPN+)
BEST STRUCTURED SERIES
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
The Food That Built America (History)
How to With John Wilson (HBO)
Queer Eye (Netflix)
Shark Tank (ABC)
We’re Here (HBO)
BEST CULINARY SHOW
Be My Guest with Ina Garten (Food Network)
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
MasterChef Junior (Fox)
Next Level Chef (Fox)
Selena + Restaurant (Food Network)
Top Chef (Bravo)
BEST GAME SHOW
Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Celebrity Jeopardy! (ABC)
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (ABC)
Guy’s Grocery Games (Food Network)
Password (NBC)
Weakest Link (NBC)
BEST TRAVEL/ADVENTURE SHOW
The Great Food Truck Race (Food Network)
Lost Cities Revealed with Albert Lin (National Geographic Channel)
Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins (National Geographic Channel)
On the Roam (HBO | Max)
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)
BEST BUSINESS SHOW
Bar Rescue (Paramount Network)
Kitchen Nightmares (Fox)
The Mega-Brands that Built America (History)
Shark Tank (ABC)
Start Up (PBS)
BEST ANIMAL/NATURE SHOW
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (National Geographic Channel)
Earthsounds (Apple TV+)
Life on Our Planet (Netflix)
Planet Earth III (Prime Video)
Queens (National Geographic Channel)
The Wizard of Paws (BYUtv)
BEST CRIME/JUSTICE SHOW
Cold Justice (Oxygen)
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace (Investigation Discovery / Max) Death in the Dorms (Hulu)
Justice, USA (HBO | Max)
Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller (National Geographic Channel)
Unlocked: A Jail Experiment (Netflix)
BEST SPORTS SHOW
30 for 30 (ESPN)
The Dynasty: New England Patriots (Apple TV+)
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO | Max)
Quarterback (Netflix)
Untold (Netflix)
Welcome to Wrexham (FX)
BEST RELATIONSHIP SHOW
Farmer Wants a Wife (Fox)
The Golden Bachelor (ABC)
Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (HBO)
Love is Blind (Netflix)
Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)
Swiping America (Max)
BEST LIFESTYLE SHOW: HOME/GARDEN
Celebrity IOU (HGTV)
Farmhouse Fixer (HGTV)
Home Town (HGTV)
Selling Sunset (Netflix)
Ugliest House in America (HGTV)
Windy City Rehab (HGTV)
BEST LIMITED SERIES
American Nightmare (Netflix)
Beckham (Netflix)
Black Twitter: A People’s History (Hulu)
JFK: One Day in America (National Geographic Channel)
Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop (Netflix)
Telemarketers (HBO | Max)
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN AN UNSCRIPTED SERIES
House of Villains (E!)
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Bravo)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
The Traitors (Peacock)
Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)
We’re Here (HBO)
BEST SHOW HOST
Will Arnett – Lego Masters (Fox)
Terry Crews – America’s Got Talent (NBC)
Alan Cumming – The Traitors (Peacock)
Kristen Kish – Top Chef (Bravo)
Keke Palmer – Password (NBC)
RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
MALE STAR OF THE YEAR
Jerrod Carmichael – Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (HBO)
Alan Cumming – The Traitors (Peacock)
Bertie Gregory – Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory (Nat Geo WILD)
Eugene Levy – The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
Gerry Turner – The Golden Bachelor (ABC)
FEMALE STAR OF THE YEAR
Selena Gomez – Selena + Restaurant (Food Network)
Sandra Lee – Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC)
Ariana Madix – Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)
Reba McEntire – The Voice (NBC)
Phaedra Parks – The Traitors (Peacock)
Retta – Ugliest House in America (HGTV)
Downton Abbey lives on, with Focus Features and Carnival Films announcing a third feature film is currently in production. The first film inspired by the critically acclaimed, award-winning period drama premiered on September 20, 2019. The second film, Downton Abbey: A New Era, followed in May 2022. Focus Features hasn’t announced a target theatrical release date* for the third film, currently referred to as Downton Abbey 3.
Returning original cast members include Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, and Penelope Wilton as Isobel Merton. Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, and Douglas Reith also return for the third film.
Dominic West reprises his role as Guy Dexter from Downton Abbey: A New Era, and Paul Giamatti returns as Cora Grantham’s brother Harold Levinson. New additions include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan.
Oscar winner and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay and A New Era‘s Simon Curtis directs. Fellowes, Gareth Neame, and Liz Trubridge are producing. The film is a Carnival Films production, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International distributing.
* Update: Focus Features has set a September 12, 2025 release date.
Fox’s primetime schedule for the 2024-2025 broadcast season is going to look dramatically different from its 2023-2024 lineup. The network’s diving back into scripted comedies and dramas with the addition of Rescue: HI-Surf, starring Robbie Magasiva and Arielle Kebbel, and Doc starring Molly Parker. Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk star in the new psychological drama Murder in a Small Town, and Denis Leary headlines the live-action comedy Going Dutch.
Fox is also adding the animated comedy Universal Basic Guys, from Adam and Craig Malamut, about brothers Mark and Hank Hoagies who lose their jobs to automation. The network’s already given their latest animated offering a second season order.
“With Universal Basic Guys, the Hoagies brothers join FOX’s iconic lineup of undaunted, irreverent, and absurdly outrageous characters,” said Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, FOX Entertainment. “It’s what defines the FOX animation brand, and from episode one of this terrific new comedy, Adam and Craig Malamut turn the Hoagies’ everyday life on its head in such an original way that we immediately ordered a second season.”
Fox’s upcoming schedule will also include the new survival competition series Extracted.
Returning series include 9-1-1: Lone Star, Accused, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, The Cleaning Lady, Animal Control, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, The Great North, Grimsburg, Krapopolis, and The Simpsons. Crime Scene Kitchen, The Floor, Hell’s Kitchen, LEGO Masters, The Masked Singer, MasterChef, Name That Tune, Next Level Chef, and Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test are also returning with new seasons.
“With outstanding original ideas and world-class talent across both new series and returning favorites, FOX’s 2024-25 schedule is filled with unexpected, unforgettable entertainment in every genre,” said FOX Entertainment CEO Rob Wade. “Great creative is the center of all we do, and that is reflected in next season’s lineup, as is our ability to attract so many of the industry’s finest storytellers.”
RESCUE HI-SURF – From prolific, award-winning executive producer/director John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester, pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: HI-Surf follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The series stars Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, and Zoe Cipres. In addition, Sea Shimooka, Shawn Hatosy, and Ian Anthony Dale will appear in recurring roles.
DOC – Based on the globally acclaimed Italian series, Doc — Nelle tue mani, which was created and is produced by Lux Vide, a Fremantle Company, and featured Simona Tabasco and Beatrice Grannò of The White Lotus, FOX’s Doc is a new medical drama starring Molly Parker as the hard-charging, brilliant Dr. Amy Elias, Chief of Internal and Family Medicine at Westside Hospital in Minneapolis. After a brain injury erases the last eight years of her life, Amy must navigate an unfamiliar world where she has no recollection of patients she’s treated, colleagues she’s crossed, the soulmate she divorced, the man she now loves and the tragedy that caused her to push everyone away. She can rely only on her estranged 17-year-old daughter, whom she remembers as a 9-year-old, and a handful of devoted friends, as she struggles to continue practicing medicine, despite having lost nearly a decade of knowledge and experience.
The series also stars Omar Metwally, Amirah Vann, Jon Ecker, and Anya Banerjee. Scott Wolf and Patrick Walker will recur in featured roles.
MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN – Based on the Edgar Award-winning, nine-book Karl Alberg series by acclaimed novelist L.R. Wright, and starring Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk, Murder in a Small Town follows Karl Alberg (Sutherland), who moves to a quiet coastal town to soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. But this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets, and Karl will need to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore. Kreuk stars as Cassandra, a local librarian who becomes Alberg’s muse, foil and romantic interest.
Mya Lowe, Savonna Spracklin, Aaron Douglas, and Fritzy-Klevans Destine recur in the series, which also features special guest stars James Cromwell, Stana Katic, and Paula Patton.
GOING DUTCH – From executive producers Denis LearY, Jack Leary, and Joel Church-Cooper, and starring Denis Leary, single-camera comedy Going Dutch centers on an arrogant, loudmouth U.S. Army Colonel, who, after an epically unfiltered rant, is reassigned to the Netherlands, where he is punished with a command position at the least important army base in the world. After serving with distinction in every warzone of the last three decades, he now finds himself in charge of a base with no guns, no weapons, and no tactical purpose. Instead, it has a Michelin-star-level commissary, top-notch bowling alley and the best (and only) fromagerie in the U.S. Army.
Surrounded by a diverse group of underdogs, the colonel tries to reinstall military discipline and professionalism with the help of the base’s previous interim leader, who just happens to be his estranged daughter.
UNIVERSAL BASIC GUYS – From creators Adam and Craig Malamut, animated comedy Universal Basic Guys centers on two brothers, Mark and Hank Hoagies, who lose their jobs to automation and are given $3,000 a month in a new basic income program. Now, they’re using their free time and free money to find purpose in a world where they’re no longer needed.
EXTRACTED – Extracted is a groundbreaking new survival competition series, in which, for the first time ever, the contestants are not in charge of their destiny.
THE REAL FULL MONTY SPECIAL – Inspired by the beloved, award-winning 1997 film, FOX’s The Real Full Monty is an all-new two-hour special in which a daring group of male celebrities volunteer to bare all to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer testing and research. The event features Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, the NFL’s Chris Jones, Tyler Posey, Bruno Tonioli and James Van Der Beek. FOX’s all-new special is based on the international unscripted format with hit versions in the U.K., France and The Netherlands. The Real Full Monty will be co-produced by Spun Gold TV and FOX Alternative Entertainment.
During the two-hour special, The Real Full Monty’s male celebrity talent will train and rehearse for the most revealing performance of their careers, culminating with a big strip-tease dance, choreographed by Emmy Award-winner Mandy Moore, in front of a live audience. Leading up the final disrobing, the men will push their limits of comfortability, modesty, and brotherhood with a series of rehearsals and experiences, both private and public, designed to build confidence and remove them far from their comfort zone and strengthen their bond as a group. Along the way, each of the celebrities will share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives.
Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘BACK TO BLACK’ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features)
In the history of music, there has quite possibly never been another star quite as enigmatic as Amy Winehouse. Since her untimely passing in 2011, there have been countless documentaries and biographies made about her. Back to Black is one more.
Back to Black takes the viewer through the life of Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela, who has been in British television shows such as Industry and Cobra, but also played Teen Talk Barbie in last summer’s Barbie) from the start of her career until the sudden end of her life. Most of the movie revolves around her tumultuous on-again off-again relationship with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil (Unbroken’s Jack O’Connell) and how it affected both her music and her life.
That synopsis may be more interesting than the plot of the movie. Of course, everyone knows about the demons that Winehouse had to stare down in her life. So, it’s surprising that director Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) and writer Matt Greenhalgh (Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool) play it so safely with Winehouse’s life story. In what seems to be an effort to not exploit the tragic parts of the tale, the most pivotal events, including the domestic abuse and rampant drug use, are skipped over, with the audience only seeing the aftermath. This whitewashes the story, effectively sterilizing what should be a fascinating look inside the life of a tortured artist.
For example, in one scene, Amy and Blake are arguing loudly and passionately, and then the film cuts to Amy running with a wound on her head, and the next scene shows Blake with scratches all over his face. It’s clear to the audience that a physical confrontation occurred, but the impact is lessened by not showing it, or at least creatively depicting it in another way rather than just skipping it altogether. It’s cowardly filmmaking.
The substance abuse in the film is handled similarly. While a line of cocaine or a swig from a bottle is shown here and there, most of the overuse is implied. Blake’s gift of a crack pipe to Amy raises some eyebrows, but there’s no gut punch that would come with seeing the actual act of using it. All of a sudden, Amy asks her father (played wonderfully by character actor Eddie Marsan from the Sherlock Holmes movies) to take her to rehab without actually showing her hit rock bottom. Again, cowardly filmmaking.
The most emotional that the movie gets is Amy dealing with the illness and death of her grandmother, Cynthia (Lesley Manville from Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris). As a singer herself, Cynthia was Amy’s role model, and thanks to some great acting by (and chemistry between) Abela and Manville, the audience really gets a feel for the love that these two characters feel for each other. And with that love comes the connection that the movie so desperately needs.
As one might expect, music is the heartbeat of the film. As a musical artist, Amy Winehouse has some real bangers, and they all get played in some way or another in the movie, whether as a selection on a jukebox in a bar or being performed at the Grammys. The soundtrack also includes songs from artists like The Shangri-Las, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, and The Specials that all in one way or another influenced Winehouse’s career. Even the score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis (the team who also scored Hell or High Water and Lawless) is remarkable. Thankfully, in a movie about music, the music in Back to Black shines through.
Back to Black feels like a wasted opportunity. It’s an incredible true story that just feels neutered. It’s never boring, it’s just not as impactful, and therefore not as memorable, as it should be. It will wind up being just another movie about the adventures and misadventures of Amy Winehouse.
GRADE: C-
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, drug use, nudity, and sexual content
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Running Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
Studio: Focus Features
