Bass Reeves (played by David Oyelowo) describes himself as a bit of a lawman and an outlaw in the official trailer for Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves. The minute-and-a-half trailer highlights Reeves’ dedication to keeping the peace and protecting the innocent. The trailer ends with Reeves warning outlaws that their wicked days are over.
Joining Emmy nominee David Oyelowo in the first season of the anthology series are Lauren E. Banks as Jennie Reeves, Demi Singleton as Sally Reeves, Forrest Goodluck as Billy Crow, Barry Pepper as Esau Pierce, Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn, and Donald Sutherland as Judge Parker. Shea Whigham and Garrett Hedlund guest star, with Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, Grantham Coleman, Tosin Morohunfola, Dale Dickey, Rob Morgan, Ryan O’Nan, Margot Bingham, Mo Brings Plenty, Justin Hurtt-Dunkley and Bill Dawes on board in recurring roles.
Chad Feehan created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Taylor Sheridan, series star David Oyelowo, David C. Glasser, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, Christina Alexandra Voros, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and David Hutkin. The anthology is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Taylor Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions, and David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is the latest production from Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan’s roster of Paramount+ and Paramount Network dramas includes Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Special Ops: Lioness.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves will premiere on November 5, 2023 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes will stream on Sundays.
‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ poster featuring David Oyelowo (Photo Credit: Paramount+)
The Plot, Courtesy of Paramount+:
Revealing the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, Lawmen: Bass Reeves follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from enslavement to law enforcement as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Despite arresting over 3,000 outlaws during the course of his career, the weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost to his beloved family.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is an all-new, standalone anthology series, and future iterations will follow other iconic lawmen and outlaws who have impacted history.
Oscar winner Brie Larson (Room) whips up tasty meals on TV after being forced out of work as a scientist in Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry. Set in the 1960s, Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who was born in the wrong era. The male-dominated lab where she’s employed stifles Elizabeth’s talent, holding firm to the belief women are only capable of handling subservient positions and are far too fragile and delicate to undertake any actual scientific endeavors.
A chance encounter leads to Elizabeth putting her chemistry skills to use in front of the camera and teaching women not just how to be brave in the kitchen but also in all aspects of their lives.
Lessons in Chemistry is based on Bonnie Garmus’ bestselling novel, published in April 2022. In a March 2022 interview with Penguin Books, Garmus discussed the book’s setting.
“I could remember these housewives having to do so much work and take care of so many kids, and it was never recognized as work,” said Garmus. “It occurred to me that my daughters weren’t going to have the same job opportunities or be paid the same as men. And they would always, always have to walk home looking over their shoulder. And that’s still true in every corner of the world today.”
Apple TV+’s limited series premieres on October 13, 2023 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes of the eight-episode season follow on Fridays, leading up to the November 24 finale.
Lewis Pullman and Brie Larson in ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
The Lessons in Chemistry Cast and Plot:
Brie Larson is front and center as Elizabeth Zott, and Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick) plays introverted scientist Calvin. Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder) stars as Harriet Sloane, Stephanie Koenig (The Flight Attendant) is Fran Frask, Kevin Sussman (The Dropout) is Walter, Patrick Walker (The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey) is Wakely, and Thomas Mann (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) is Boryweitz.
The limited series is executive produced by showrunner Lee Eisenberg, a seven-time Emmy nominee for The Office and Jury Duty. Susannah Grant, Louise Shore, Piece of Work Entertainment’s Natalie Sandy, and Aggregate Films’ Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman also serve as executive producers. Executive producer Sarah Adina Smith directs episodes one and two.
“Set in the early 1950s, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott, whose dream of being a scientist is put on hold in a patriarchal society,” reads Apple TV+’s official synopsis. “When Elizabeth finds herself fired from her lab, she accepts a job as a host on a TV cooking show, and sets out to teach a nation of overlooked housewives — and the men who are suddenly listening — a lot more than recipes.”
Stephanie Koenig, Kevin Sussman, and Brie Larson (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Brie Larson and Aja Naomi King (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Rainn Wilson (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Lewis Pullman and Brie Larson in ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Brie Larson and Lewis Pullman (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)Brie Larson (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Froy Gutierrez as “Ryan” and Madelaine Petsch as “Maya” in ‘The Strangers’ Trilogy, a Lionsgate release (Photo Credit: John Armour for Lionsgate)
The 2023 New York Comic Con may be moving forward without any big-name actors, but it’s still got plenty of television panels (and a scattering of film panels) planned over the course of the four-day event. NYCC kicks off on October 12th at Javits Center, with the first day’s lineup confirmed to include a preview of The Strangers Trilogy, creatives from Futurama, details on For All Mankind season four, and the season one finale of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
NYCC continues on Friday, October 13th with Apple TV+’s upcoming epic dive into Legendary’s Monsterverse – Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Friday panels also include Archer, Evil, Goosebumps, Chucky, and a spotlight on horrormeister John Carpenter.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Krapopolis, Ghosts of Ruin, and Matthew Vaughn host panels on Saturday, along with the Star Trek franchise and highlights from Prime Video’s lineup. NYCC 2023 wraps up on Sunday, October 15th with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Good Burger 2, Monsters at Work, Hilda, and The Way Home.
The following list includes panel details, times, and locations, with descriptions courtesy of NYCC and/or studios and networks.
Krys Marshall and Joel Kinnaman in ‘For All Mankind’ season 4 episode 2 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
Exclusive First Look at The Strangers Trilogy – 3pm, Room 405
Director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Exorcist: The Beginning) and producer Courtney Solomon (After) discuss The Strangers and will provide an exclusive first-look from their new horror trilogy, releasing from Lionsgate in 2024. Renny and Courtney will also discuss the making of all three films during a Q&A with a TBA moderator, and who knows, maybe some Strangers will stop by…
Hulu’s Futurama Screening & Panel with Creatives Behind the Show – 4:15pm, Main Stage
The beloved sci-fi, animated series Futurama triumphantly returned to Hulu with all new episodes after a brief ten-year hiatus. Celebrate with a room full of Futurama fans as we screen the season finale episode and get a sneak peek at Season 12, followed by a panel with the creatives behind the show.
AMC Networks and AMC+ Present The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – 4:15pm, Empire Stage
NYCC attendees will be the first to see The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season finale ahead of its airing on Sunday, October 15 at 9pm ET/8c on AMC and AMC+, followed by a Q&A with Chief Content Officer of the Walking Dead Universe Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel, and Executive Producer Greg Nicotero.
Ahead of the episode screening, attendees will get an exclusive first look at new scenes and teasers from Orphan Black: Echoes, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, and Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire Season Two.
Max Presents: Scavengers Reign – 4:30pm, Room 405
Join Max Original Animation for an expansive conversation surrounding Scavengers Reign. Co-Creator/executive producer Joe Bennett and the team of writers and directors Benjy Brooke, Sean Buckelew, and James Merrill will explore and dive into the creative process that has turned their award-winning animated short into Max’s newest adult animation series. The panel features a first look into the season with a screening of the debut episode before it premieres on Max.
Apple TV+ presents For All Mankind’s Alternate New Millennium – 4:45pm, Room 409
After three seasons of rewriting history from the 1950’s to the 1990’s, Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed, alternate reality series For All Mankind returns for the highly-anticipated fourth season at the beginning of the new millennium, 2003. Now, the focus of the space program has turned to the capture and mining of extremely valuable, mineral-rich asteroids that could change the future of both Earth and the growing Mars colony.
Adult Swim Presents: A First Look At New and Returning Series – 5:45pm, Main Stage
Immerse yourself in the world of Adult Swim with a must-see screening event. NYCC fans will be the first to see a collection of new Adult Swim content from the Emmy-winning global phenomenon Rick and Morty, the iconic, long-running series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, the second season of the hit series SMILING FRIENDS, and more breaking news. This is a can’t-miss event for Adult Swim fans.
Blumfest NYCC – 7:00pm, Empire Stage
Blum is in the house. Blumhouse founder and reigning king of horror Jason Blum, the producer of M3GAN, the Halloween trilogy, and The Black Phone, reveals exclusive details about the company’s terrifying upcoming films, including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Night Swim, and Totally Killer.
Herd, US Feature Film Premiere & Panel – 7:30pm, Room 408
NYCC exclusive US Premiere screening. Touted as “George Romero meets The Last of Us” the film features Corbin Bernsen (Psych), Dana Snyder (Aqua Teen Hunger Force), and Ellen Adair (The Sinner). Directed by Steven Pierce (SNL) and cinematography by Brennan Full.
Godzilla in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
Apple TV+ Presents Monarch: Legacy of Monsters based on Legendary’s Monsterverse – 11:00am, Empire Stage
Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.
The dramatic saga – spanning three generations – reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
John Carpenter Spotlight – 1:30pm, Room 405
One of the truly great American masters of cinema, John Carpenter is as prolific as they come. From horror classics like Halloween to science fiction masterpieces like Escape From New York, there are few that have captured the imaginations of Americans quite like Carpenter. Join the living legend as he discusses his rich history behind the camera and answers fan questions.
Goosebumps – A Thrilling New Series for a New Generation – 3:00pm, Main Stage
Join the team behind Goosebumps as they screen the premiere episode of the chilling new series, inspired by R.L. Stine’s worldwide bestselling books, debuting October 13 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Evil – 4:30pm, Room 405
You say EVIL like it’s a bad thing. In celebration of Evil’s upcoming fourth season (coming exclusively to Paramount+), fans are cordially invited to a spooky Friday the 13th panel at New York Comic Con. Come for a conversation with Evil showrunners Robert and Michelle King and stay for an exclusive look at season four. Fans will also have a chance to participate in an Evil-themed trivia contest – so study up and come prepared to win demonic swag!
Shudder Presents: The Latest in Horror – 4:30pm, Main Stage
In celebration of the return of the popular V/H/S franchise – V/H/S/85 begins streaming on October 6 – Shudder brings together directors from each installment of the horror phenomenon to talk about their respective films, the horror genre today, the evolution of the franchise and what’s to come. The panel, moderated by Shudder’s VP of Programming Samuel Zimmerman, will feature David Bruckner (V/H/S/1), Chloe Okuno (V/H/S/94), Natasha Kermani (V/H/S/85), Jason Eisener (V/H/S/2), and Tyler McIntyre (V/H/S/99), among others.
FX’s Archer: Exclusive Screening – 6:00pm, Main Stage
FX’s Archer, the hit animated spy comedy, returns to the Big Apple for one last blow-out celebration! Join us for a can’t-miss screening of never-before-seen footage and stay for additional surprises including a NYCC exclusive giveaway and a very special announcement!
Chucky Season 3: Exclusive Screening – 6:45pm, Empire Stage
The murderous doll we all know and love is back for more mischief just in time for Halloween! Join Chucky for an exclusive screening of a new episode from the series and much more. Chucky airs Wednesdays at 9PM on USA & SYFY.
Apple TV+ Presents The Changeling – 7:30pm, Room 405
Adapted from the acclaimed best-selling book of the same name, The Changeling is a fairytale for grown-ups — a horror story, a parenthood fable and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed. Join us for a special Friday the 13th Q&A with some of the brilliant minds behind the all-new dark, mythical fairytale that will intrigue viewers at every shocking turn, hosted by The Changeling author, Victor LaValle.
The eight-part drama stars and is executive produced by Academy Award-nominee LaKeith Stanfield and created by Kelly Marcel, who also serves as executive producer.
Thanksgiving Panel and Footage Presentation with Eli Roth – 8:30pm, Empire Stage
Director Eli Roth discusses the upcoming release of the TriStar Pictures film Thanksgiving. After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the infamous holiday.
Thanksgiving releases exclusively in movie theaters on November 17th.
Fox Entertainment Presents Krapopolis and Grimsburg – 12:30pm, Main Stage
FOX Entertainment is bringing Krapopolis and Grimsburg to New York Comic Con! Set in mythical ancient Greece, Krapopolis tells the story of a dysfunctional family of humans, gods and monsters that try their hand at running the world’s first cities – without trying to kill each other, that is.
Created and exec produced by Dan Harmon (Rick and Morty), the series features the voices of Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Pam Murphy, and Duncan Trussell.
Grimsburg, the all-new animated comedy starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm, joins the iconic FOX Animation Domination block in 2024. Grimsburg centers on Marvin Flute (Hamm), who may be the greatest detective ever to catch a cannibal clown and correctly identify a mid-century modern armoire. But there’s one mystery he still can’t crack — himself. To do that he must return to Grimsburg, a town where everyone has a secret or three, and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellow detectives, his ferocious ex-wife and his lovably unstable son.
Star Trek Universe – 1:45pm, Empire Stage
The fan-favorite Star Trek universe returns to New York Comic Con, featuring a special advance screening of an all-new episode from the current season of the hit Paramount+ original animated comedy series Star Trek: Lower Decks, plus more exciting reveals and surprises for Star Trek fans in attendance.
Prime Video Presents: The Power of Prime – 3:30pm, Empire Stage
Join Prime Video at New York Comic Con’s Empire Stage for a special presentation featuring exclusive first looks and never-before-seen footage of returning fan-favorite series and highly anticipated new series.
AI in Entertainment: The Performers’ Perspective – 4:45pm, River Pavilion: Professional Programming
AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the world. Entertainment performers must adapt to this groundbreaking technology that can not only replicate their voices and movements but also feed machine learning to create entirely new characters. With the support of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) and SAG/AFTRA, this will be a discussion on how existing legal structures can be used in some areas and how new standards need to be built for performers and producers to collaborate on great products while still protecting individual rights to performance and publicity.
Moderated by Linsay Rousseau (Transformers: War for Cybertron, God of War Ragnarok), panelists include Cissy Jones (The Owl House, Transformers Earthrise), Tim Friedlander (Record of Ragnarok, president/founder of NAVA) and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland (National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator for SAG/AFTRA), Andi Norris (Resident Evil 8: Village, Star Wars Vader Immortal), and Courtenay Taylor (Mass Effect series, Resident Evil series).
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off with Series Creators Bryan Lee O’Malley & BenDavid Grabinski – 5:00pm, Main Stage
Bryan Lee O’Malley, BenDavid Grabinski, and Edgar Wright are bringing back the beloved cult-classic world of Scott Pilgrim with the upcoming Netflix series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. In this new reimagining of the beloved comics, Scott Pilgrim meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, but learns he must defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her. Then things get even more complicated.
Join Bryan & BenDavid for a Q&A and exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming anime series from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, and animation studio, Science SARU. Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley.
Matthew Vaughn: From Kick-Ass to Kingsman to Argylle – 6:15pm, Empire Stage
With his brand new spy thriller Argylle in the can, master filmmaker Matthew Vaughn takes you behind the curtain of the blockbusters that could only come from his twisted mind, including Kick-Ass, The Kingsman films, X-Men: First Class, Stardust, and Layer Cake.
Gala Film: Ghosts of Ruin – 7:45pm, Room 405
Talent from Ghosts of Ruin including Tony Revolori and K-Pop star AleXa will be joined by the creative team led by Hans Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers Music’s Giovoni Rios, Hendric Buenck, and Russell Emanuel, as well as the series’ showrunner / executive producer: Michael Ryan, and Academy-Award nominated director: Thierry Marchand, to invite fans into the world of upcoming science fiction animated series. Fans will get a peak at new content, new characters, take part in a real time fan vote that determines the outcome of the series, and meet some special surprise guests.
Aryan Simhadri, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Walker Scobell in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (Disney/David Bukach)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
Hilda Season 3 Sneak Peek – 10:45am, Location: Room 409
Catch a sneak peek at the third and final season of the award-winning Hilda animated series, followed by a panel discussion featuring Head Writer Stephanie Simpson, Director Andy Coyle, and others.
Monsters at Work – A First Look Behind the Doors of Season Two – 12:00pm, Room 405
Get your fix of monstrous surprises with a sneak peek screening of Monsters at Work ahead of its season two debut. From Disney Branded Television, the Emmy Award-nominated animated series is inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
Hold The Sauce! Good Burger is Back! – 12:30pm, Main Stage
This panel will feature never-before-seen clips and artwork from Good Burger 2, the all-new Paramount+ original movie and sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film based on the sketch from Nickelodeon’s hit comedy series All That. Good Burger 2 will premiere later this year exclusively on Paramount+.
Disney+ Original Series Percy Jackson and the Olympians Sneak Peek – 1:15pm, Empire Stage
The highly anticipated Disney+ Original series makes its debut at New York Comic-Con with an exclusive sneak peek. Based on the best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers. When the sky god, Zeus, accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt, Percy sets off on an adventure of a lifetime with his friends, Grover and Annabeth, to find it and restore order to Olympus.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians will debut with a two-episode premiere on December 20 on Disney+.
Travel back in time with the cast of Hallmark Channel’s hit show The Way Home – 1:30pm, Room 405
Please join us for Hallmark Channel’s very first Comic Con panel featuring an in-depth conversation with the cast of The Way Home. During its first season, the show became Entertainment Cable’s #1 Most-Watched Series with P2+. The multigenerational family drama with a time travel twist stars Andie MacDowell, Chyler Leigh, Evan Williams, and Sadie Laflamme-Snow. The series tells the story of three generations of women – Kat Landry (Leigh), her teen daughter Alice (Laflamme-Snow) and Kat’s mother Del (MacDowell) – who are all strong, willful and independent. More than 20 years prior, life-changing events prompted Kat to move away from her small, Canadian farm town and she remained estranged from Del.
At a crossroads in her life, Kat moves back with Alice to her family’s farm though the reunion isn’t what Kat envisioned. When Alice and Kat unwittingly discover the ability to travel between the past and present, mother and daughter are determined to unearth the truth around the earlier tragedies as they try to change the course of events. Kat’s childhood friend Elliot (Williams) is there for them in both eras as they navigate their journeys across time, helping the three women find their way back to each other.
The plot is specific, but the message is universal. No, not everyone can time travel, but everyone can relate to the themes of love, loss, parent-child relationships, identity, mortality, trauma, and trying to come to terms with your past.
Nancy Grace to host ‘Crimefeed’ (Photo Courtesy of ID)
Nancy Grace will host and executive produce Crimefeed, a new true crime series greenlit by ID. Crimefeed will premiere on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11pm ET/PT on ID and will focus on current true crime stories.
“With Crimefeed, we’re expanding our programming to further solidify ID’s place at the center of the true crime conversation by digging into captivating, national stories that are being discussed in living rooms all across the country. Guiding this conversation, we have one of the most recognized voices in the business, an unparalleled legal expert and tireless prosecutor who has never lost a case, Nancy Grace,” stated Jason Sarlanis, President, Turner Networks, ID & HLN, Linear & Streaming.
Legal analyst and former prosecutor Nancy Grace will be joined by journalist and four-time Emmy winner Mara S. Campo and former police sergeant and private investigator Derrick Levasseur (former host of Breaking Homicide).
Investigation Discovery offers this description of the new series:
“Each week, Crimefeed will delve into key, true crime stories as they unfold, bringing the audience breaking news updates in cases at the forefront of headlines across the globe. Grace, award-winning journalist Mara S. Campo, and former police sergeant and private investigator Derrick Levasseur will lend their extensive knowledge and expertise as they evaluate each story, weighing in on everything from the legal and police proceedings to the forensics in the investigation.
Grace, Campo, and Levasseur will also be joined by a variety of guests such as investigators, survivors, true-crime experts, attorneys and law enforcement throughout each segment.”
Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk and Melora Hardin as Trudy in ‘Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie’ (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK)
Tony Shalhoub returns to the role of Monk for Peacock’s Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie. The 90-minute mystery will air exclusively on the streaming service on December 8, 2023, and reunites Shalhoub with series creator, writer, and executive producer Andy Breckman.
“Monk returns to solve one last, very personal case involving his beloved stepdaughter Molly, a journalist preparing for her wedding,” reads Peacock’s synopsis.
Joining Monk star and executive producer Tony Shalhoub for the movie are returning cast members Ted Levine (On Becoming a God in Central Florida), Traylor Howard (Boston Common), Jason Gray-Stanford (Percy Jackson and The Olympians), Melora Hardin (The Office), and Hector Elizondo (Chicago Hope). Executive producer David Hoberman and executive producer/director Randy Zisk also return for the much-anticipated Monk project.
Caitlin McGee (Home Economics) joins the cast as Molly Evans and James Purefoy (Sex Education) plays Rick Eden.
“We’re so delighted to have made a movie version of Monk, and we are thrilled that every one of our stars were so enthusiastic about coming back. But in coming back, we wanted to do a film that was worthy of our legacy. Mr. Monk’s Last Case is a story that is powerful, emotional, funny, heartwarming, and has something to say about the human condition. And it will be both familiar and surprising,” stated Breckman, Hoberman, and Zisk.
Traylor Howard as Natalie Teeger, Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, Jason Gray-Stanford as Randy Disher, and Ted Levine as Leland Stottlemeyer (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK)Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK)Ted Levine as Leland Stottlemeyer and James Purefoy as Rick Eden (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK)Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Photo by: Steve Wilkie/PEACOCK)Hector Elizondo as Dr. Neven and Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Photo by: PEACOCK)Caitlin McGee as Molly (Photo by: PEACOCK)
Netflix’s crown jewel, The Crown, will wrap up its six season run with a two-part final season. Season six part one will consist of four episodes and will premiere on November 6, 2023. The six-episode part two will follow on December 14th.
The series’ final season will chart events beginning in 1997 and wrapping up in 2005.
The streaming service confirmed season six will feature returning stars Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret. Salim Daw reprises his role as Mohamed Al Fayed, Khalid Abdalla is back as Dodi Fayed, Claudia Harrison plays Princess Anne, Olivia Williams is Camilla Parker Bowles, and Bertie Carvel returns as Tony Blair. Rufus Kampa and Fflyn Edwards join the cast as Prince William and Prince Harry, respectively.
Part two will find Ed McVey and Luther Ford taking over the roles of Prince William and Prince Harry. Meg Bellamy joins the final season during part two as Kate Middleton.
Peter Morgan created the series and serves as writer and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Suzanne Mackie, Andy Harries, Stephen Daldry, Matthew Byam Shaw, and Robert Fox.
Netflix offers this description of the award-winning drama’s sixth and final season:
“The first four episodes (Part 1) depict a relationship blossoming between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences.
The final chapter (Part 2) is told across six episodes. Prince William tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion. As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate.”
Princess Diana poster for ‘The Crown’ season 6 (Photo Credit: Netflix)Queen Elizabeth poster for ‘The Crown’ season 6 (Photo Credit: Netflix)
The trailer for Showtime’s Billions season seven episode 10 confirms that Bobby Axelrod will be pulled into the battle between Mike Prince and the newly formed alliance of #TeamWendy and Chuck. The teaser indicates Mike’s attempt to get Bobby to stay on the sidelines by threatening Wendy doesn’t go as planned.
“Threatening her is a bigger mistake than threatening me,” warns Bobby.
Episode 10, “Enemies List,” will air on Paramount+ with Showtime on Friday, October 13, 2023. Season seven episodes also air on Showtime on Sundays at 8pm ET/PT.
Season seven stars Paul Giamatti as Chuck Rhoades, Corey Stoll as Mike Prince, Maggie Siff as Wendy Rhoades, David Costabile as Mike “Wags” Wagner, Asia Kate Dillon as Taylor Mason, and Dola Rashad as Kate Sacker. Jeffrey DeMunn plays Chuck Rhoades Sr., Sakina Jaffrey is Daevisha “Dave” Mahar, Kelly AuCoin is “Dollar” Bill Stern, Daniel Breaker is Roger “Scooter” Dunbar, and Toney Goins plays Philip Charyn.
Damian Lewis reprises his role as Bobby Axelrod for the final season.
“Enemies List” Plot: Prince makes big changes in the wake of betrayal. Chuck forges unlikely alliances as part of his mission to take down Prince. Wendy finds herself in an impossible position. Axe and Taylor work to dismantle Prince’s sinister moves.
Damian Lewis as Bobby “Axe” Axelrod in ‘Billions’ season 7 episode 10 (Photo Credit: Cara Howe/Showtime)
The Season 7 Plot, Courtesy of Showtime:
In season seven, alliances are turned on their heads. Old wounds are weaponized. Loyalties are tested. Betrayal takes on epic proportions. Enemies become wary friends. And Bobby Axelrod returns as the stakes grow from Wall Street to the world.
Damian Lewis as Bobby “Axe” Axelrod, Derek Wilson as Derek, and Corey Stoll as Michael “Mike” Prince in the “Enemies List” episode (Photo Credit: Cara Howe/SHOWTIME)Paul Giamatti as Chuck Rhoades in season 7 episode 10 (Photo Credit: Christopher T. Saunders/SHOWTIME)Maggie Siff as Wendy Rhoades in the “Enemies List” episode (Photo Credit: Christopher T. Saunders/SHOWTIME)Corey Stoll as Michael “Mike” Prince in season 7 episode 10 (Photo Credit: Christopher T. Saunders/SHOWTIME)Daniel Breaker as Roger “Scooter” Dunbar and Dola Rashad as Kate Sacker in the “Enemies List” episode (Photo Credit: Christopher T. Saunders/SHOWTIME)Damian Lewis as Bobby “Axe” Axelrod in “Enemies List” episode (Photo Credit: Cara Howe/SHOWTIME)Toney Goins as Philip Charyn in season 7 episode 10 (Photo Credit: Christopher T. Saunders/SHOWTIME)Eva Victor as Rian and Dhruv Maheshwari as Tuk Lal in season 7 episode 10 (Photo Credit: Christopher T. Saunders/SHOWTIME)
ID’s set a November 5, 2023 premiere date for Lost Women of Highway 20, a three-part true crime documentary series executive produced by Oscar winner Octavia Spencer (The Help). The docuseries marks the first project to air under Spencer’s deal with Investigation Discovery. Spencer’s partnership with ID also includes the six-part series FBI debuting on November 8th at 10pm ET/PT.
All episodes of Lost Women of Highway 20 will drop on November 5, while new episodes of FBI will air on Wednesdays following its November 8th premiere.
“As an avid fan of true crime, to now be partners with ID and October Films is a dream,” stated Octavia Spencer when the partnership was announced. “Everyone at Orit Entertainment is committed to shedding light on the most fascinating cases and crime stories with a unique perspective. We are thrilled to launch our collaboration with Highway 20, an incredible series of cases that took place over decades, only recently connected into a larger story – and this is just the beginning.”
ID offered this description of the three-part docuseries:
“Lost Women of Highway 20 is a sprawling, true-crime odyssey that begins with the disappearance of a 13-year-old Rachanda Pickle. When Rachanda disappears in 1990, detectives discover a trail of missing and murdered women along a ghostly stretch of Oregon’s US Highway 20 that goes back for decades, leading them to a killer who has been hiding in plain sight. With narration from Spencer, Lost Women of Highway 20 is a gripping documentary that asks poignant questions of our society’s treatment of women – then and now.”
Commenting on Feds, Spencer said, “A big part of my excitement about our partnership with ID was the opportunity to bring incredible stories to true crime fans from an entirely new perspective. Feds is genuinely unique. As viewers, we have never been as inside the case as we are in this series. Being a true crime follower myself, speaking to active special agents with the FBI has been a thrill, and I could not be more excited to share Feds with the ID audience,” said Octavia Spencer, Executive Producer and Founder, Orit Entertainment.
Poster for ‘Feds’ (Photo Courtesy of ID)
The Feds Plot, Courtesy of ID:
Feds will take viewers deep inside America’s most elite crime-fighting agency, the FBI. The series, through gripping interviews with active-duty FBI agents, will detail high-profile, dangerous, and unusual cases with added insight from informants, undercover operatives, and victims. Offering unparalleled perspective, Feds reveals the twists and turns of each case, as agents let their guard down and for the first time, bring us into their private world.
Showcasing a variety of investigations – from infiltrating MS–13 in Boston to taking down a multimillion–dollar drug empire in Florida – Feds shows the lengths the FBI goes to protect citizens across the country. In the season premiere, FBI special agents Wayne Jackowski and Andy Kehren recount an investigation into a terrifying kidnapping of a couple that results in a heart-pounding car chase with the prime suspect.
The teaser video for NBC’s Magnum PI season five episode 12 finds Magnum and Higgins involved in a really fishy case. Episode 12, “Three Bridges,” will air on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT.
Jay Hernandez leads the cast as Thomas Magnum, Perdita Weeks is Juliet Higgins, Zachary Knighton stars as Orville ‘Rick’ Wright, Stephen Hill is Theodore ‘TC’ Calvin, Amy Hill is Kumu, and Tim Kang plays Det. Gordon Katsumoto.
“Three Bridges” Plot: Magnum and Higgins try to help Zhao, a close friend of Kumu, recover her life savings that was all lost to a scammer. TC becomes increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress in his recovery and pushes everyone away.
Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins and Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum in ‘Magnum PI’ season 5 episode 12 (Photo by: Zack Dougan/NBC)
The Season 5 Plot, Courtesy of NBC:
Magnum P.I. is a modern take on the classic series centering on Thomas Magnum, a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. A charming rogue, an American hero and a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan, Magnum lives in a guest cottage on Robin’s Nest, the luxurious estate where he works as a security consultant to supplement his P.I. business.
The “majordomo” of the property is Juliet Higgins, a beautiful and commanding disavowed MI:6 agent whose second job is to keep Magnum in line, with the help of her two Dobermans. When Magnum needs backup on a job, he turns to his trusted buddies and fellow POW survivors Theodore ‘TC’ Calvin, a former Marine chopper pilot who runs Island Hoppers, a helicopter tour business, and Orville “Rick” Wright, a former Marine door-gunner-turned-impresario of Oahu’s coolest nightclub and the most connected man on the island.
With keys to a vintage Ferrari in one hand, aviator sunglasses in the other, and an Old Düsseldorf longneck chilling in the fridge, Thomas Magnum is back on the case!
Zachary Knighton as Orville “Rick” Wright in season 5 episode 12 (Photo by: NBC)Stephen Hill as Theodore “TC” Calvin in season 5 episode 12 (Photo by: NBC)Tim Kang as Detective Gordon Katsumoto in season 5 episode 12 (Photo by: Zack Dougan/NBC)Amy Hill as Teuila “Kumu” Tuileta in season 5 episode 12 (Photo by: NBC)Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum and Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins in season 5 episode 12 (Photo by: Zack Dougan/NBC)Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins and Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum in “Three Bridges” (Photo by: Zack Dougan/NBC)Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins and Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum in the “Three Bridges” episode (Photo by: Zack Dougan/NBC)
On December 26, 1973, horror fans endured long lines for the theatrical premiere of The Exorcist – a film that’s now considered by many to be the scariest movie ever made. Directed by William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Boys in the Band) and based on the bestselling novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist broke box office records in its first week of release. Theater employees reported that moviegoers were passing out, becoming ill, and heading for the exits before the credits rolled because the subject matter was so disturbing and intense.
The creation of the classic horror film, which is the gold standard for movies dealing with possession and the devil, begins with Blatty’s novel published in 1971. Blatty’s story focused on a 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil who went from a happy-go-lucky, horse-loving preteen to a foul-mouthed, head-spinning nightmare after being possessed by a demon. Coming to Regan’s rescue were two Catholic priests who eventually performed an exorcism to drive the evil entity out of the innocent child and back to Hell.
Blatty’s novel was (very loosely) based on the reported possession of 14-year-old Ronald Edwin Hunkeler (initially referred to as Roland Doe) in 1949.
Warner Bros. Pictures quickly purchased the rights to the bestselling novel following its release and eventually hired William Friedkin, hot off winning a Best Director Oscar for The French Connection, to direct. Blatty, who wrote the screenplay for the film, Friedkin, and the studio had different actresses in mind to play Regan’s mother, and names bandied about included Anne Bancroft, Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, and Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn was interested but turned it down when filming couldn’t take place in Rome. Bancroft was also interested in the role but was pregnant at the time. The filming schedule precluded her involvement.
Actress Ellen Burstyn, best known for The Last Picture Show at the time, was certain the part was meant for her. After Friedkin met with Burstyn, he decided she was perfect to portray the strong, independent mother/actress Chris MacNeil. Burstyn’s take on the protective, yet terrified, mom earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
For the role of Father Merrin, the elderly priest who had done battle with the Devil before, Friedkin picked 43-year-old Max von Sydow. The actor transformed from early-40s to 80 via three-hour makeup sessions.
Casting the part of Father Karras, the young priest who builds the case of possession and presents it to the church for authorization of an exorcism, was also a challenge. Father Karras’ struggle with his faith in God and his involvement in obtaining permission for an exorcism made for a juicy role, and Roy Scheider and Stacy Keach were both solid choices.
Keach was already signed for the part when, according to Friedkin’s memoir, he became convinced that playwright and stage actor Jason Miller (That Championship Season) was better suited. Miller had actually studied for the priesthood, which lent an authenticity to his performance. He earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for playing the conflicted priest, but lost to John Houseman in The Paper Chase.
A thousand young girls auditioned for the part of Regan, which eventually went to New York child model Linda Blair. Friedkin paired up Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair and confirmed they had the right mother-and-daughter chemistry. He also learned during the casting process that Blair’s performance was more compelling when she was allowed to change her lines on the spot.
Filming on The Exorcist began on August 14, 1972 and would last for an exhausting 200+ days. The stories of what it was like to be on the set and work with director William Friedkin are almost as legendary as the film itself. Among the war stories shared by those who experienced the filming were tales of Friedkin firing a pistol to shock the actors. There are even reports of Friedkin slapping William O’ Malley, a real priest who played Karras’ best friend Father Dyer, in the face to obtain the reaction he needed for a pivotal scene.
Some frightening – and unexplainable – incidents occurred during the shoot, leading to the rumor it was a cursed set. A set caught fire and burned to the ground, with only Regan’s bedroom left standing. The fire caused a six-week delay as the set was rebuilt. Ellen Burstyn was injured while shooting a scene in Regan’s bedroom, and numerous people associated with the film passed away during production.
The horrifying and unforgettable look of Linda Blair as the possessed Regan was created by makeup artist Dick Smith, who went on to earn a Best Makeup Oscar in 1985 for Amadeus. Smith created many different demonic looks for Regan, with Friedkin suggesting that her face should display bloody scars because of self-harm and still be recognizable as human. Smith’s said that working with Friedkin was tough but that it was also very stimulating. Collaborating with Friedman helped Smith do some of the best work of his career.
Friedkin had originally planned to use Linda Blair’s own voice and distort it, but ultimately decided to go another route. Radio actress Mercedes McCambridge was brought in to voice Pazuzu, with the actor spending hours in the sound booth and eating raw eggs, drinking alcohol, and smoking to get the desired sound – and personality – of the demon.
The exorcism scene required the actors’ breath to show, indicating the room was freezing. In an interview with DGA Quarterly Magazine, Friedkin described the process of bringing the temperature down.
“So, what we did was place a gigantic restaurant air conditioner across the top of the set. At the end of each day’s shooting, we turned on the A/C all night, so by the next morning it was 40 below zero. We also had to set little clip-lights on the floor and on the back of furniture. If you just had the actors talking and didn’t highlight their breath with lighting, it wasn’t going to show up on film,” said Friedkin.
Upon its release, the film set new box office records, and theaters were forced into adding extra showings to accommodate the never-ending lines of anxious moviegoers. Although The Exorcist received criticism for being too shocking and repulsive, the controversy surrounding the film didn’t keep audiences away. It also did not hurt the film’s critical reception, as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members recognized it with 10 Oscar nominations. The R-rated horror film won two Oscars: Best Sound and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Exorcist forever changed horror movies and has the distinction of being the first film of its genre to receive a Best Picture nomination. In 2010, the Library of Congress added the film to the National Film Registry, an honor reserved for films that are considered culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
