Director Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer) brings D. Eric Maikranz’s The Reincarnationist Papers to the screen with Infinite, an action-packed thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. The new trailer for the Paramount+ Original Movie finds Wahlberg discovering he’s been reincarnated multiple times and has retained knowledge from each of his prior lives.
In addition to Mark Wahlberg, the cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sophie Cookson, Jason Mantzoukas, Rupert Friend, Liz Carr, Toby Jones, and Dylan O’Brien.
Infinite will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
Ian Shorr adapted Maikranz’s book and Wahlberg, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Mark Huffam, John Zaozirny, and Stephen Levinson served as producers. Director Antoine Fuqua, Rafi Crohn, Brian Oliver, Bradley J. Fischer, and Valerii An executive produced.
Infinite is a high-octane sci-fi action film from Paramount Pictures that delves into the concept of reincarnation through spectacular visuals and nuanced characters who must use memories and skills from past lives to ensure the future.
For Evan McCauley (Wahlberg), skills he has never learned and memories of places he has never visited haunt his daily life. Self-medicated and on the brink of a mental breakdown, Evan is sought by a secret group that call themselves “Infinites,” revealing to him that his memories may be real—but they are from multiple past lives. The Infinites bring Evan into their extraordinary world, where a gifted few are given the ability to be reborn with their memories and knowledge accumulated over centuries.
With critical secrets buried in his past, Evan must work with the Infinites to unlock the answers in his memories in a race against time to save humanity from one of their own (Ejiofor) who seeks to end all life to stop what he views as the cursed, endless cycle of reincarnation.
Shannon DeVido as Sandra Rayhall and Josh Dallas as Ben Stone in ‘Manifest’ season 3 episode 11 (Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBC)
The net has been cast over the passengers of Flight 828 and Michaela has to make a choice on how best to help Ben and serve the callings in season three episode 11 of NBC’s Manifest. The episode begins with Ben (Josh Dallas) in jail awaiting arraignment. Grace (Athena Karkanis) brings him a suit to wear and he apologizes for going overboard in trying to carry out the last calling. Grace believes it doesn’t help anyone if he saves Cal, Michaela, and the other 828 passengers if he himself ends up lost. They agree he needs to find a better way of following the callings.
Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh) checks in on Cal (Jack Messina) to see how he’s doing. She tells him not to worry; Ben will be home soon. As she’s about to explain that Ben just went about trying to follow the calling the wrong way, Cal finishes her sentence. It appears they’re of the same mindset. Cal heads upstairs to his room, armed with lots of food.
Michaela calls Saanvi and leaves her a message saying she’s upset about her dodging her and that she needs to turn herself in. Saanvi (Parveen Kaur) promises she’ll be back in six hours.
Ben, Michaela, Cal, and Angelina (Holly Taylor) each have a calling that features burning and silent screaming. After it’s over, Cal opens his closet door and asks Angelina – who’s been hiding in it – if she felt the calling. They talk and he reveals the callings want her to be with him and his family.
Over at Eureka, Vance (Daryl Edwards) tells Dr. Gupta (Mahira Kakkar) that losing the Noah Ark driftwood moves the research in a new direction, meaning the tailfin of 828.
Ben and his lawyer agree to a plea deal during his arraignment. He’ll admit guilt and will do community service. The judge, however, isn’t interested in any deal because Ben and all the 828 passengers keep getting into serious trouble. Realizing the judge has it out for him, Ben pleads not guilty and the judge sets his bail at half a million dollars. Everyone in the courtroom, especially Michaela, is shocked by the judge’s actions.
Ben returns to his cell and Michaela pays him a visit. He’s understandably upset about the amount of bail and fears he won’t be able to help solve the calling if he’s trapped in jail. Michaela tries to calm him down and lets slip about needing to go get Saanvi. Ben pushes for an explanation and she reveals Saanvi killed the Major and she’s going to arrest her for it.
At first Ben’s upset Michaela didn’t tell him earlier but then argues she shouldn’t arrest Saanvi because he knows she must have been in fear for her life. Michaela believes it’s part of Saanvi’s salvation and that it’s her job. Ben thinks Michaela has to decide if she’s a cop first or a passenger.
At the Stone home, Angelina tells Cal he’s been chosen by God to solve the calling and that she’s supposed to help him. Cal’s convinced he needs to tell Ben and Grace about the calling. Angelina notices Cal has a burn mark on his body from the calling and says she’s convinced they’re supposed to solve the calling together.
Michaela talks to Captain Kate Bowers (Andrene Ward-Hammond) and Jared (J.R. Ramirez) and before she can get a word out, she’s told by Bowers a new mandate has been handed down by the government instructing them to crack down on any incidents involving 828 passengers. All of Michaela’s cases are being reviewed by the FBI.
Michaela walks out and Jared follows her. She’s upset and says she’s a good cop and that following the callings has helped her to save lives. Jared says he’s got her back, declaring, “It’s us against the world.” Michaela replies, “It hasn’t been us against the world in a long time.”
Vance visits Ben in an interrogation room to warn him something’s coming and that the viewpoint of the world toward 828 passengers is changing. He claims it’s beyond his control. Jared interrupts to inform Ben he made bail and is free to go.
As Ben heads out with Vance he sees Eagan (Ali Lopez-Sohaili) being put into jail. Eagan sees Ben with Vance and starts yelling that he’s in bed with the NSA and is a Judas to the passengers.
Eagan speaks with Michaela and rants about Ben betraying the 828 passengers and being a tool of the NSA. Michaela tells him he’s wrong; he made bail and that’s why he left jail. Eagan claims he’s going to be the new leader of the passengers and warns her not to stand in his way.
Over at Eureka, Vance confronts Saanvi about switching the Noah Ark’s driftwood. He demands to know where it is and she confesses she dropped it into the lava and it’s gone. She needs him to order the scientists to stop running tests on the tailfin. Vance reminds her he works for the government and since she destroyed the driftwood he has to fire her. Vance adds that she’s lucky that’s all he’s doing.
Ben returns home and is under house arrest. He asks Grace how she got the money for the bail and she confesses she took out a second mortgage on the house. Plus, she also used the money she was going to start the restaurant with.
Cal comes downstairs and tells his mom and dad he needs to follow the calling. Ben volunteers to go with him but Grace reminds him about the house arrest and ankle guard alarm he’s wearing. Cal insists he can do it on his own and Grace suggests they let Michaela take the lead on it. Cal becomes upset and heads back upstairs.
Cal begins drawing and explains to Angelina it’s an answer to the calling.
Michaela visits and finds Grace lying on the couch, depressed. She tells Michaela that Ben is in the garage going over 828 stuff and that she can’t continue like this. Michaela believes she can and agrees it will probably get even tougher. However, in three years when they have all beat the death date and she has Ben and Cal in front of her safe, it will be worth it.
Michaela speaks with her brother and suggests he needs to pay more attention to Grace. She shares that Grace is worried and feels the world is falling apart. Ben reveals he’s talked to dozens of 828 passengers and they all had the burning calling. Michaela tells him to lean on her.
Up in his room, Cal reveals his burns are starting to hurt and thinks he should probably tell his dad. Angelina argues that Ben can’t help him and that the only way to beat the burns is to follow through on his drawing of the calling.
Melissa Roxburgh as Michaela Stone in ‘Manifest’ season 3 episode 11 (Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBC)
A little later Michaela meets up with Saanvi. Saanvi’s ready to turn herself in but makes Michaela promise she’ll find a way to stop Vance and the scientists from testing the tailfin. Michaela promises and takes her to the precinct.
Michaela’s told that from now on she’s on desk duty. Captain Bowers also tells Michaela that things are getting worse for 828 passengers and that in Singapore an 828 passenger was executed. Michaela pleads her case, stating she’s been a good cop and followed orders by the book but her value is being erased because she’s an 828 passenger. She thinks the rules are changing for the passengers of 828 and she didn’t sign up for this. Michaela resigns!
Michaela walks out and tells Saanvi to go outside and wait for her. Jared tries to talk to Michaela but she cuts him off, confirms she resigned, and leaves.
Cal and Angelina sneak out and take a cab to follow the calling. Angelina’s convinced this calling is for him to do alone. She compares him to Moses and being chosen by God. Cal gets out of the cab and Angelina remains inside as it drives off.
Ben and Grace have a talk and he starts to apologize but Grace cuts him off. She explains she wants him to risk it all to make sure the lifeboat saves all the passengers including him and Cal.
Michaela and Saanvi join them and Grace leaves so they can talk. Saanvi gets a little upset and apologizes to Ben for lying and not telling him about the Major and the tests at Eureka. He gives her a hug and assures her it’s okay. Michaela wants to focus on what their next move is when suddenly she, Ben, Angelina, and Cal all have callings of themselves on fire and silent screaming.
Eagan also experiences the calling as does Adrian (Jared Grimes) who’s in another cell. Adrian says something is coming.
Back at the Stone home, Ben, Michaela, and Saanvi talk about the different callings they’ve had recently. They’re able to trace them back to the resurfacing of the plane’s tailfin. Ben realizes it was never supposed to resurface. They agree they need to destroy it.
At Eureka, Dr. Gupta is just about to touch the tailfin when she gets called away to look at something. Dr. Gupta heads outside and walks to the main fence where Cal’s waiting. He says he needs to see the tailfin.
To quote a line from the official trailer for The Good Fight season five, “What the f is going on?” Seriously. The new trailer for Paramount+’s critically acclaimed series is loaded with WTF moments, not the least of which involves the distribution of permits to tell politically incorrect jokes.
The stunning new trailer was accompanied by a poster for the upcoming fifth season.
Season five’s cast is led by Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart and Audra McDonald as Liz Reddick. Sarah Steele plays Marissa Gold, Michael Boatman is Julius Cain, Nyambi Nyambi is Jay Dipersia, Zach Grenier is David Lee, Charmaine Bingwa is Carmen Moyo, and Mandy Patinkin stars as Hal Wackner.
The Good Fight was created by Robert King, Michelle King, and Phil Alden. Robert and Michelle King are the showrunners and executive produce along with Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, Brooke Kennedy, Liz Glotzer, William Finkelstein, Jonathan Tolins, and Jacquelyn Reingold.
The 10 episode fifth season will premiere on June 24, 2021. New episodes will arrive on subsequent Thursdays.
The Season 5 Plot, Courtesy of Paramount+:
In the fifth season, Diane (Baranski) is forced to question whether it’s appropriate for her to help run an African American law firm with Liz (McDonald) when the firm loses two top lawyers. Meanwhile, Marissa (Steele) and the firm become entangled with Hal Wackner (Patinkin), a regular Chicagoan who decides to open his own courtroom in the back of a copy shop.
Esther Smith and Rafe Spall in season two of ‘Trying,’ (Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+)
Apple TV+’s adult comedy Trying debuted during the middle of quarantine, arriving when there seemed to be a glut of series vying for our attention while we were cooped up indoors. The eight-episode first season premiered in May 2020 and quickly became a must-see for Apple TV+ subscribers, a bright spot during a year that needed as many fun diversions as possible.
The British comedy focuses on a couple whose attempts to conceive have proven fruitless. With few options available, Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) turned their attention to adoption. Season one found the twosome going to crazy, ridiculously entertaining lengths to impress the adoption committee – from completely redecorating their apartment with borrowed/temporarily purchased goods to begging their friends, family, and past loves to swear they’ll make suitable parents.
Nikki’s infectious optimism perfectly counterbalanced Jason’s more grounded-in-reality, almost fatalistic attitude toward their chances of expanding into a threesome. Fortunately for the unmarried couple, social worker Penny (Imelda Staunton), took an instant liking to the pair and was not only able to overlook their shortcomings but also see their potential.
Season one ended with Nikki and Jason learning they were approved to adopt a child. Season two delves into the actual process of trying to get matched up with an available child. Their struggle is relatable and earnest, with Nikki wearing her heart on her sleeve while the more practical Jason continues to take a cautious approach to the life-changing adoption process.
Are Nikki and Jason actually ready to handle day-to-day parenting duties? No way. But that just puts them on equal footing with all first-time parents. Working in the couple’s favor is their ability to improvise and eventually work their way to being on the same page when dealing with unexpected issues.
If season one taught us anything it’s that Nikki and Jason make a lot of dumb decisions but their hearts are in the right place. When given the choice of two paths, they always manage to take the one that forces them into uncomfortable situations.
Their journey to becoming parents is alternately (and sometimes simultaneously) heartbreaking and hilarious. Because both Esther Smith and Rafe Spall are so incredibly charismatic, it’s impossible not to root for Nikki and Jason’s success. Smith and Spall are so terrific and their on-screen chemistry is so perfect that they practically force us to become invested in Nikki and Jason’s relationship.
The supporting players are fleshed out more in season two, but it’s still obviously the Nikki and Jason show. The new season finds Freddy (Oliver Chris) and Erica (Ophelia Lovibond) adjusting to life apart, and Freddy’s definitely not emotionally mature enough to be going it on his own – although it’s a blast to watch him try.
Imelda Staunton continues to be a scene-stealer as Penny the social worker, a woman who speaks her mind and refuses to back down. Penny’s become one of my favorite characters and Staunton absolutely nails Penny’s take-no-prisoners approach to life.
Season one introduced us to Nikki, Jason, and their motley crew of friends and relatives. Setup now complete, season two has a slightly more relaxed pace. Trying season one was beautifully written and brilliantly performed, and the humor, warmth, and wit that made the series’ first eight episodes so joyous and engaging are equally evident in season two.
Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso snagged all the awards attention following its first season. I’d argue the streaming service’s Trying, created by Andy Wolton, is just as worthy of attention. It’s a true must-see comedy that ensnares you with its smart humor and irresistible charm.
* * * * * * *
Season one is available to stream now on Apple TV+. New season two episodes arrive on Fridays.
Disney+’s summer schedule includes the much-anticipated Marvel series Loki starring Tom Hiddleston as well as Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow and the animated film, Luca. The subscription service will also add Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt to their “Summer of Disney+” lineup.
The Monsters, Inc franchise grows with the addition of Monsters at Work premiering July 2nd. Plus the new series Turner & Hooch based on the 1989 Tom Hanks film of the same name arrives on July 16th. ’80s comedies Mrs. Doubtfire, Adventures in Babysitting, and The Sandlot will also be added to Disney+’s roster over the next couple of months.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon begins the “Summer of Disney+” on June 4th, with Tomorrowland and X-Men: Dark Phoenix closing it out on Friday, September 3rd.
Summer of Disney+ Premiere Dates and Descriptions:
Friday, June 4
“Raya and the Last Dragon” (Available to All Subscribers)
“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.
“Us Again”
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes a spectacular short film, set in a vibrant city pulsating with rhythm and movement. In “Us Again,” an elderly man and his young-at-heart wife rekindle their youthful passion for life and each other on one magical night. The years fade away as the joy of dancing propels them across the exciting cityscape of their youth and revives fond memories.
Wednesday, June 9
Marvel Studios’ “Loki” (Premiere)
Marvel Studios’ “Loki” features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new Disney+ series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. Kate Herron directs “Loki,” and Michael Waldron is head writer.
Friday, June 11
“Zenimation” (Season 2 Premiere)
The series that creates a mindfulness soundscape experience with scenes from the timeless films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, returns for a new season. Enjoy moments from over eight decades of acclaimed films – including scenes from Disney’s first feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs all the way through to never-before-seen moments from Raya and the Last Dragon. Unplug, relax, and refresh your senses with the soundscapes of Disney Animation’s Zenimation, a tribute to the visual and sound artists who have created Disney Animation’s legacy of films.
“The Pacifier”
A super tough Navy SEAL agrees to take care of a scientist’s family, only to discover that from diapers to curfews, this is his toughest mission yet.
Friday, June 18
“Luca” (Premiere)
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
Friday, June 25
“The Mysterious Benedict Society” (Premiere)
Placed undercover at a boarding school known as The Institute, a group of orphans must foil a nefarious plot with global ramifications while creating a new sort of family along the way. Based on the bestseller by Trenton Lee Stewart which Time Magazine called “one of the best young adult books of all time,” The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Emmy® Award winner Tony Hale in the titular role and features a standout ensemble of young actors.
“Wolfgang” (Premiere)
Wolfgang Puck persevered after a troubled childhood in Austria to pursue his dreams and become the world’s most famous chef, along the way inventing a radically new American cuisine and creating the very concept of the “celebrity chef.” This is the inspiring and emotional true story of the man behind the legend.
“Adventures in Babysitting” (1987)
A seemingly quiet night turns into a wild expedition for a teen babysitter.
Friday, July 2
“Monsters At Work” (Premiere)
“Monsters At Work” tells the story of Tylor Tuskmon and his dream to become a Jokester, as well as his misadventures with MIFT, the crew that keeps Monsters, Incorporated running. Produced by Disney Television Animation and inspired by the world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning “Monsters, Inc.,” the series introduces new monster characters alongside returning favorites and stars Ben Feldman as the voice of Tylor Tuskmon. Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their beloved roles as Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan.
“The Sandlot”
One boy becomes a part of the gang, nine boys become a team and their leader becomes a legend by confronting the terrifying mystery beyond the right-field wall.
Friday, July 9
Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” (Disney+ Premier Access)
In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow,” Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow, Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz is Melina. Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, “Black Widow”—the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe— will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets on July 9, 2021.
“MIRACULOUS WORLD: Shanghai, The Legend of Ladydragon”
On school break, Marincette heads to Shanghai to meet Adrien. But after arriving, Marinette loses all her stuff, including the Miraculous that allows her to turn into Ladybug!
“Flicka”
Defying her stern, practical rancher father, a 14-year-old girl befriends a wild filly, and with her older brother’s help, tries to buy the animal back from a rodeo entrepreneur by winning a wild horse race, only to nearly lose her again when a mountain lion attacks during the stormy trip home.
Friday, July 16
“Turner & Hooch” (Premiere)
When an ambitious, buttoned-up US Marshal inherits a big unruly dog, he soon realizes the dog he didn’t want may be the partner he needs. Turner & Hooch stars Josh Peck as Scott Turner, son of Detective Scott Turner portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 1989 film of the same name.
“We Bought a Zoo”
A single dad tries to give his family a fresh start by moving to a home in the middle of a zoo.
Friday, July 23
“Stuntman” (Premiere)
From executive producers Dwayne Johnson (“Jungle Cruise”) and Dany Garcia from Seven Bucks Productions, and directed by Kurt Mattila, “Stuntman” chronicles the highs and lows of veteran Hollywood stuntman, Eddie Braun as he attempts what many argue is the most dangerous stunt in cinematic history. Following in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Evel Knievel, Braun reflects on having survived multiple car crashes, explosions, and death-defying leaps over the course of his 30+ year career in film and television. Now, in his mid-50s and contemplating retirement, Braun decides to cap off an extraordinary career by recreating Evel Knievel’s infamous unsuccessful Snake River Canyon rocket jump.
“Playing with Sharks” (Premiere)
From National Geographic Documentary Films and two-time Emmy®-nominated director Sally Aitken, “Playing with Sharks” captures the life of Valerie Taylor—a woman ahead of her time whose life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today. A fearless diver, cinematographer, and pioneering conservationist, Valerie is a living legend and icon. Through remarkable underwater archival footage, along with interviews with Valerie herself, “Playing with Sharks” follows this daring ocean explorer’s trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector.
“Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life” (Premiere)
Two tiny chipmunks have huge adventures while trying to live the good life in a big city park.
“Ice Age: The Meltdown”
Manny, Sid, Diego and Scrat join forces with new friends: Ellie and her possum brothers, Crash and Eddie, to save the valley from an epic flood.
Friday, July 30
“Jungle Cruise” (Disney+ Premier Access)
Join fan favorites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.
“Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts” (Premiere)
Get personal with Robin Roberts and some of Hollywood’s groundbreaking women as they bear witness to their incredible journeys on their path to purpose. Each episode is a profound conversation filled with emotion and inspiration. Listen to never-before-heard stories of how these groundbreakers came face-to-face with their vulnerability, authenticity and intuition. Discover their commonalities and learn how their stories and experiences created room for expansion and evolution.
“Short Circuit” (Season 2 Premiere)
If you could tell any story with the team of talented artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios, what would you create? Welcome to Short Circuit, an experimental, innovative program where anyone at the Studio can pitch an idea and get selected to create their own short film. Season 2 features five all-new short films.
“The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” (Batch 2 Premiere)
It’s nothing but fun and excitement for Mickey Mouse and his best friends as they embark on their greatest adventures yet, navigating the pitfalls and curveballs of a wild and crazy world where the magic of Disney makes the impossible possible.
“Garfield”
A jealous Garfield lures Odie out of the house where he wanders away and gets lost. Discovering that Odie’s in danger, Garfield springs into action with a tummy full of lasagna to save him.
Friday, August 6
“Mrs. Doubtfire”
The eccentric dad of three children dresses as a British nanny so he can care for his children at the home of their mother in this touching comedy.
Friday, August 13
“Aquamarine”
Two 13-year-old best friends embark on the adventure of their lives when they discover a mermaid named Aquamarine in a swimming pool.
Friday, August 20
“Growing Up Animal” (Premiere)
“Growing Up Animal,” the six episode, Disney+ original series from National Geographic, takes viewers on the intimate and extraordinary adventure of baby animals, from the safety of the womb to the uncertainty of birth and their tentative first steps. Each episode follows the incredible transformation of a different iconic animal, including baby chimps, sea lions, elephants, African wild dogs, lions, and grizzlies. “Growing Up Animal” is the magical story of a mother’s instinct to nurture and her infant’s drive to survive.
“Eragon”
In a mythical time, a teenage boy becomes a dragon rider and embarks on a journey of adventure.
Friday, September 3
“Tomorrowland”
A former boy-genius jaded by disillusionment and a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.”
“X-Men: Dark Phoenix”
When Jean Grey is struck by a mysterious cosmic force that transforms her into the iconic Dark Phoenix, the X-Men must unite to face their most devastating enemy yet — one of their own.
NBC’s New Amsterdam finishes up season three with an episode that showrunner David Schulner promises will be unlike any other episode in the show’s history. Season three episode 14, “Death Begins in Radiology,” will air on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
Ryan Eggold leads the cast as Dr. Max Goodwin. Janet Montgomery plays Dr. Lauren Bloom, Jocko Sims is Dr. Floyd Reynolds, Freema Agyeman is Dr. Helen Sharpe, Tyler Labine is Dr. Iggy Frome, Anupam Kher is Dr. Vijay Kapoor, and Daniel Dae Kim plays Dr. Cassian Shin.
“Death Begins In Radiology” Plot: Reynolds receives a dramatic offer. Max scours the hospital after he misplaces his wedding ring. Iggy contemplates a serious life change. Bloom learns some potentially life-changing news about Leyla.
When Dr. Max Goodwin took over New Amsterdam, he asked a simple, revolutionary question: “How can I help?” In season three, Max and his team face the daunting task of sustaining that optimism while dealing with a pandemic that exposed the gaping inequities in our health care. Max is no longer content to fix a broken system. He’s determined to tear it down and build something better.
Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin and Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe in ‘New Amsterdam’ season 3 episode 14 (Photo by: Zach Dilgard/NBC)Janet Montgomery as Dr. Lauren Bloom and Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin in season 3 episode 14 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Jocko Sims as Dr. Floyd Reynolds in the season 3 finale (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin in the season 3 finale (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Jocko Sims as Dr. Floyd Reynolds in season 3 episode 14 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Janet Montgomery as Dr. Lauren Bloom in season 3 episode 14 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Mike Doyle as Martin McIntire, Tyler Labine as Dr. Iggy Frome, Delaney Quinn as Harper, and Nirvaan Pal as Saleem in the season 3 finale (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Oscar nominee Neill Blomkamp’s fourth film, Demonic, just debuted a creepy, indecipherable trailer. Blomkamp announced his presence as a director to watch with 2009’s District 9, one of the best rookie feature films in recent years. His second film, Elysium, was a bit of a swing and a miss, and his third effort, Chappie, went over like a lead balloon. Based solely on Demonic‘s trailer, it appears Blomkamp has our attention once again with something completely freaky.
The supernatural horror/sci-fi film stars Carly Pope (Elysium), Chris William Martin (The Vampire Diaries), and Michael Rogers (Siren). Blomkamp wrote and directed Demonic, and IFC Midnight is planning an August 20, 2021 release in theaters, on demand, and digital.
The very basic synopsis: “A young woman unleashes terrifying demons when supernatural forces at the root of a decades-old rift between mother and daughter are revealed.”
Chris William Martin in the horror film, “DEMONIC,” an IFC Midnight release. (Photo courtesy of IFC Midnight)
Matt Berry as Laszlo, Natasia Demetriou as Nadja, Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson, and Kayvan Novak as Nandor in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (Photo Credit: Russ Martin/FX)
FX’s summer programming slate includes new seasons of American Crime Story, What We Do in the Shadows, Archer, and American Horror Story. The new limited series American Horror Stories and the new comedy Reservation Dogs will premiere this summer, along with Y: The Last Man and an untitled B.J. Novak anthology series.
In addition to announcing the summer premiere dates for eight series, FX released official synopses of the upcoming seasons of the new and returning shows.
FX’s Summer Premiere Dates:
American Horror Stories debuts Thursday, July 15 exclusively on FX on Hulu
Reservation Dogs debuts Monday, August 9 exclusively on FX on Hulu
American Horror Story: Double Feature premieres Wednesday, August 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX
Archer Season 12 premieres Wednesday, August 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FXX
What We Do in the Shadows Season Three premieres Thursday, September 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX
Impeachment: American Crime Story premieres Tuesday, September 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX
Y: The Last Man debuts Monday, September 13 Exclusively on FX on Hulu
Untitled B.J. Novak Anthology Series debuts Thursday, September 16 Exclusively on FX on Hulu
American Horror Stories: American Horror Stories is a spin-off of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s award-winning hit anthology series American Horror Story. American Horror Stories is a weekly anthology series that will feature a different horror story each episode.
Reservation Dogs:
From Co-Creators and Executive Producers Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, Reservation Dogs is a half-hour comedy that follows the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma who steal, rob and save in order to get to the exotic, mysterious and faraway land of California.
“Bear Smallhill” (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) is destined to be a warrior, and a leader. The only problem is he’s not a good fighter, and the gang doesn’t really consider him the leader. But with the guidance of a questionable spirit guide, he just might get there. “Elora Danan” (Devery Jacobs) may be the true leader of the group. But she’s so focused on getting to California, and so oblivious to her own power, that she often can’t see the beauty and goodness in herself and all around her. Smart-mouthed tough girl “Willie Jack” (Paulina Alexis) is the beating heart of the group. She’s always looking out for her crew. Meanwhile, “Cheese” (Lane Factor) is the gentle, quiet ride-or-die who is so willing to go along with the group that he never stops to consider what his own dreams might be.
One year ago, Daniel, the fifth member of the Reservation Dogs, died. Struggling to make sense of the loss, the remaining four blame the reservation, its poverty and its ability to crush the spirit. They decide to honor Daniel by adopting his dream of getting to California as their own. To succeed, they will have to save enough money, outmaneuver the methheads at the junkyard on the edge of town, constantly dodge conspiracy-obsessed Lighthorseman “Big” (Zahn McClarnon) and survive a gang war against a much tougher rival gang, led by the enigmatic “Jackie” (Elva Guerra).
Reservation Dogs has Native rappers, catfish, Indigenous superstitions and spirits both hilarious and terrifying, laughter, tears, unexpected grandmothers, decent people, terrible people, and a cavalcade of supporting characters who color and shade this already vibrant world.
Filmed on location in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Reservation Dogs is a breakthrough in Indigenous representation on television both in front of and behind the camera. Every writer, director and series regular on the show is Indigenous. This first-of-its-kind creative team tells a story that resonates with them and their lived experiences – and invites audiences into a surprisingly familiar and funny world.
American Horror Story: Double Feature: American Horror Story is the wildly popular anthological limited series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk that explores a different horror theme and setting for each installment, ranging from a haunted house, insane asylum, and witches coven to a traveling freak show, a hotel with a dark and murderous history and a murderous summer camp. The Emmy and Golden Globe winning franchise, the progenitor of the modern-day limited series format and the longest-running hour-long series in FX’s history, has aired nine installments and been renewed through a 13th installment.
Archer Archer is an animated, half-hour comedy that follows Sterling Archer as he navigates the changing landscape of the spy world. This season, Archer and gang face a new threat: a spy conglomerate known as IIA (International Intelligence Agency). With a limited number of spy jobs up for grabs, can the Agency compete against the soulless vultures of IIA, or will our mom-and-pop spy agency be the next to get swallowed alive?
The series features the voices of H. Jon Benjamin as the (former) world’s greatest spy, “Sterling Archer;” Aisha Tyler as the spy with marital problems, “Lana Kane;” Jessica Walter as Archer’s mother and spymaster, “Malory Archer;” Judy Greer as the loveably crazy office assistant, “Cheryl/Carol Tunt;” Chris Parnell as the top office spy, “Cyril Figgis;” Amber Nash as the positively offensive go-getter, “Pam Poovey;” Adam Reed as the opportunist, “Ray Gillette” and Lucky Yates as the unscrupulous scientist, “Algernop Krieger.” Season 12 also features the voices of guest stars Pamela Adlon, Eric Andre, Bruce Campbell, Harvey Guillén, Kayvan Novak, and Stephen Tobolowsky, to name a few.
What We Do in the Shadows What We Do in the Shadows, based on the feature film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, documents the nightly exploits of vampire roommates Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo (Matt Berry), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) as they navigate the modern world of Staten Island with the help of their human familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén).
After the shocking season two finale, we find the housemates in a panic about what to do with Guillermo after discovering that he is a vampire killer. This season, the vampires are elevated to a new level of power and will encounter the vampire from which all vampires have descended, a tempting Siren, gargoyles, werewolf kickball, Atlantic City casinos, wellness cults, ex-girlfriends, gyms, and supernatural curiosities galore. Plus, Colin Robinson is turning 100. And Nandor, faced with his own eternal-life crisis, tries to inject his life with more meaning. Will he find love or is he destined to be an immortal bachelor with 37 ex-wives?
Impeachment: American Crime Story
Written by Sarah Burgess, Impeachment: American Crime Story unravels the national crisis that swept up Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, and Linda Tripp as principal characters in the country’s first impeachment proceedings in over a century.
Y: The Last Man
A drama series based on DC Comics’ acclaimed series of the same name by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, Y: The Last Man traverses a post-apocalyptic world in which a cataclysmic event decimates every mammal with a Y chromosome but for one cisgender man and his pet monkey. The series follows the survivors in this new world as they struggle with their efforts to restore what was lost and the opportunity to build something better.
The ensemble cast features Diane Lane as “Congresswoman Jennifer Brown,” Ashley Romans as “Agent 355,” Ben Schnetzer as “Yorick Brown,” Olivia Thirlby as “Hero Brown,” Amber Tamblyn as “Kimberly Cunningham,” Marin Ireland as “Nora Brady,” Diana Bang as “Dr. Allison Mann,” Elliot Fletcher as “Sam Jordan” and Juliana Canfield as “Beth Deville.” All episodes of the season will be directed by women and the production has a significant number of female department heads, including both DPs, the production designer, costume designer, casting director, editors, stunt coordinator and more.
Untitled B.J. Novak Anthology
B.J. Novak’s untitled series is a daring and ambitious new half-hour anthology series about people figuring out timeless moral questions in unprecedented times. Choosing art instead of argument to engage with the most relevant issues of our times, it’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Hosted by Novak, alongside an exceptional roster of next-generation talent as his guest collaborators, each standalone episode explores the biggest questions of our modern era. Gun control, identity, social justice, sex, capitalism, revenge, love, fame, social media – no topic is off limits. Combining a searching philosophical spirit with provocative concepts, and marrying bold comedic ideas with even bolder dramatic performances, it creates a new tone for a new time. The series takes the topics we text about privately and brings them into the open, delivering three-dimensional, character-driven stories with humor and heart.
Season two of HBO Max’s Full Bloom is set to premiere on Thursday, June 10, 2021 with 10 incredibly creative florists competing for the $100,000 grand prize. The new trailer reveals some of the arrangements in competition in the new season which features Simon Lycett, Elizabeth Cronin, and Maurice Harris as hosts and judges.
“Full Bloom has brought floristry to life by introducing us to incredibly talented artists and showing us the amazing steps that go into creating each masterpiece,” stated Jennifer O’Connell, Executive Vice President, Non-Fiction and Live-Action Family Programming, HBO Max. “HBO Max is as thrilled to give a platform to these rising florists as we are to watch their stunning creations flourish.”
The floral competition series was created and produced by Eureka Productions. Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening, and Faye Stapleton executive produce and Joseph Guidry returns as director.
“It’s been an amazing experience to be working again with the innovative team at HBO Max,” said Paul Franklin, Co-CEO of Eureka Productions. “We are so proud at Eureka of Full Bloom season 2 – it is jam-packed with talented florists, incredible judges and more flowers and heart than ever before.”
Full Bloom Details, Courtesy of HBO Max:
Inviting us into a vibrant and wondrous world, Full Bloom finds ten talented and innovative up-and-coming florists bringing their spectacular creative visions to a grueling but gorgeous competition series. In each episode, the budding botanical artists are put to the test in both individual and team challenges that determine whose stems get cut – and who remains in the running for the career-changing $100,000 grand prize to kickstart their business.
Floral masterminds Simon Lycett, Elizabeth Cronin and Maurice Harris host and judge, bringing their invaluable experience, discerning eyes, and hot takes to the flower shop to determine who will be the Full Bloom champion.
Netflix just released a batch of photos from the upcoming fifth and final season of the critically acclaimed action drama, Money Heist, created by Álex Pina. Season five will arrive in two volumes, with the first half of the final season premiering on September 3, 2021.
Volume two will premiere on December 3rd.
The cast of Money Heist season five includes Álvaro Morte as the Professor, Úrsula Corberó as Tokyo, Miguel Herrán as Rio, and Itziar Ituño as Lisbon. Hovik Keuchkerian plays Bogota, Pedro Alonso is Berlin, Jaime Lorente is Denver, Najwa Nimri is Alicia Sierra, Belén Cuesta is Manila, and Rodrigo De la Serna stars as Palermo.
The Final Season Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:
The gang has been shut in the Bank of Spain for over 100 hours. They have managed to rescue Lisbon, but their darkest moment is upon them after losing one of their own. The Professor has been captured by Sierra and, for the first time, doesn’t have an escape plan. Just when it seems like nothing else could go wrong, an enemy comes on the scene that is much more powerful than any they’ve faced: the army.
The end of the greatest heist in history is approaching, and what began as a robbery will turn into a war.
