Cobra Kai‘s Xolo Maridueña has joined the cast of Netflix’s One Piece. Maridueña has boarded the series’ third season and will play Portgas D. Ace.
The popular series based on Eiichiro Oda bestselling manga series premiered on August 31, 2023. Season two is scheduled to launch on March 10, 2026. Netflix hasn’t confirmed a target date for season three, which is expected to begin filming in Cape Town, South Africa, soon.
Eiichiro Oda is involved as an executive producer along with Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda. Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers.
Season two stars Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. Netflix recently announced Cole Escola (Search Party) will play fan-favorite character Bon Clay.
Netflix hasn’t released details on season three’s plot. Season two’s description reads:
“Netflix’s epic high-seas pirate adventure, One Piece, returns for season two—unleashing fiercer adversaries and the most perilous quests yet. Luffy and the Straw Hats set sail for the extraordinary Grand Line—a legendary stretch of sea where danger and wonder await at every turn. As they journey through this unpredictable realm in search of the world’s greatest treasure, they’ll encounter bizarre islands and a host of formidable new enemies.”
The first season of the Blue Bloods spinoff Boston Blue continues with an episode involving an armed fugitive. Season one episode four, “Rites of Passage,” will air on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10pm ET/PT.
Donnie Wahlberg stars as Danny Reagan, Sonequa Martin-Green plays Lena Silver, Marcus Scribner is Jonah Silver, Maggie Lawson is Sarah Silver, and Mika Amonson is Sean Reagan. Gloria Reuben stars as Mae Silver and Ernie Hudson plays Reverend Edwin Peters.
“Rites of Passage” Plot: As the Silver family observes Yahrzeit to honor patriarch Ben Silver on the one-year anniversary of his death, Lena and Danny investigate the murder of a beloved shop owner. Meanwhile, Sarah responds to a hostage crisis and Mae faces a difficult legal decision. Jackeline Tejada directs and Pam Veasey wrote the script.
Donnie Wahlberg reprises his role as NYPD detective Danny Reagan in a universe expansion of the long-running top drama Blue Bloods. In this new series, Reagan takes a position with the Boston Police Department and is paired with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.
The Silver family is comprised of Boston district attorney Mae Silver (Reuben), Boston PD detective Lena Silver, police superintendent Sarah Silver (Lawson), rookie cop Jonah Silver (Scribner) and renowned Baptist pastor Reverend Edwin Peters (Hudson). As Reagan settles into his new city, he also hopes to reconnect with his younger son, Sean (Amonsen), who is beginning his own career in Boston.
Executive producers include Donnie Wahlberg, Brandon Sonnier, Brandon Margolis, Jerry Bruckheimer, and KristieAnne Reed.
ABC’s celebrating the winter holidays with a new season of The Great Christmas Light Fight, CMA Country Christmas, and Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas. The network’s normal primetime shows, including Abbott Elementary and Shifting Gears, will feature holiday-themed episodes, along with a special holiday edition of What Would You Do?.
The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025, and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest air in December. The Sound of Music, Home Alone, and The Santa Clause return, and Prep & Landing has a new Christmas special.
ABC hits the hardwood on Christmas Day with five NBA games.
ABC’s Holiday Lineup
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
8:00-11:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “Mary Poppins”
Mary Poppins flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children. The spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a “Jolly Holiday” to reconnect the children with their parents.
SUNDAY, NOV. 30
8:01-8:30 p.m. — Disney’s “Prep & Landing”
A high-tech team of elves from an elite unit known as Prep and Landing ensures homes worldwide are prepared for Santa’s visit. An elf named Wayne and his idealistic partner, Lanny, encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits.
8:30-9:00 p.m. — Disney’s “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice”
The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue. With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid!
9:00-9:31 p.m. — Disney’s “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol”
Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne panic when their holiday missions go awry, leaving Wayne thinking he’s in BIG trouble with Santa and accidentally revealing other merry mishaps.
9:31-10:00 p.m. — “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”
It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.”
10:00-11:00 p.m. — “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
In the perennial favorite created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions, Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others.
MONDAY, DEC. 1
8:00-10:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular
The 10th annual seasonal celebration will feature new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California; and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.
TUESDAY, DEC. 2
8:00-9:01 p.m. — “Dancing with the Holidays”
The ballroom comes alive with holiday magic as “Dancing with the Stars” celebrates the season with festive-themed routines, dazzling musical performances, and special holiday greetings.
9:01-10:02 p.m. — “CMA Country Christmas”
Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 16th annual “CMA Country Christmas” will feature one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars. Hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, the holiday special will include performances by Daigle, Davis, Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans.
10:02-11:00 p.m. — “What Would You Do?: Holiday Edition”
Santa isn’t the only one watching this season! “What Would You Do?” returns with a special holiday episode. John Quinones and Sara Haines see who’s naughty, who’s nice — and who’s caught in between. The hidden cameras are rolling, and the scenarios include a woman shamed for being single during the holidays, a child facing recital stage fright, an unhoused veteran falling victim to thieves, and a little person being asked intrusive questions. Celebrate the holiday spirit with this special episode of “What Would You Do?”
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
8:00-9:00 p.m. — Celebrity Family Feud: “The Housemaid vs The Housewives All-Stars Holiday Special”
Hosted by Steve Harvey, Paul Feig, Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Sarah Cooper from “The Housemaid” movie face off against Cynthia Bailey, Dorinda Medley, Eva Marcille, Melissa Gorga and Alexia Nepola from “The Real Housewives.”
9:00-10:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “The Holiday Express” (Season Premiere)
On the Season 13 premiere, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the Palusso, Greason and Jimenez families compete for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted “Light Fight” trophy as Carter Oosterhouse judges these over-the-top displays.
10:00-11:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “Santa’s Making His List”
In an all-new episode of “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” judge Taniya Nayak continues the holiday festivities as the Irvin, Lunar and Kopatz families battle for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted “Light Fight” trophy.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
7:00-8:01 p.m. — America’s Funniest Home Videos: “Holiday Hoots, Santa Shenanigans, and Festive Funnies”
This week, it’s a dose of holiday hilarity as kids react to unwanted gifts, pets create Christmas tree chaos, and families fumble through festive fun. Plus, nine of the season’s top winners face off for the $100,000 prize.
9:00-11:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “The Santa Clause”
On Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When Scott takes the reins of the magical sleigh, he finds he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself.
TUESDAY, DEC. 9
8:00-10:00 p.m. — “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas”
Kevin Costner hosts the special exploring the extraordinary journey of Mary and Joseph as they navigate the hardships, trials and triumphs surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth, offering an inspiring way to experience the true meaning of Christmas.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
8:00-8:30 p.m. — Shifting Gears: “Nutcracker” (Midseason Finale)
This holiday season, the Parkers discover that romance isn’t always a smooth ride as Matt and Eve are on thin ice. Gabe enlists Riley to help Amelie impress his mom, and Carter seeks help with his “promposal.” Pamela Adlon guest stars.
8:30-9:02 p.m. — Abbott Elementary: “Birthday” (Midseason Finale)
Jacob takes the lead on organizing Abbott’s annual winter show, and Janine celebrates her 30th birthday.
9:02-10:02 p.m. — Shark Tank: “1708”
’Tis the season for holiday cheer, but will the Sharks be in the giving spirit? Entrepreneurs present seasonal offerings in hopes of fa-la-la-landing an investment deal with the Sharks.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
8:00-9:00 p.m. — “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune”
“Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, will celebrate the holiday season in style with BIG celebrity names and lots of holiday cheer! Plus, a $50,000 giveaway for a viewer at home.
9:00-10:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “Christmas Vacation”
Judged by Taniya Nayak, the tree-mendous Christmas decor competition heats up as the Hak, Paul and Riera families put their creative skills to the test to win the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy.
10:00-11:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “Holiday Igloomination”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The Martin, Horn and Vistalli families go head-to-head for the most spectacular holiday displays in hopes of earning the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy as Carter Oosterhouse judges.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
8:00-10:00 p.m. — “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025”
The season’s iconic holiday music event with the year’s top artist performances and star-studded appearances returning to ring in holiday cheer.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18
9:00-10:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “You Decked My Battleship”
In this festive heavyweight special episode, Carter Oosterhouse judges displays created by Nauticus’ Winterfest, Imaginarium and River of Lights, all vying for the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy.
10:00-11:00 p.m. — The Great Christmas Light Fight: “It’s Gonna Be Elftastic” (Season Finale)
In the final showdown of the season, the Loder, Perez and Plourde families share their versions of winter wonderlands with judge Taniya Nayak in hopes of winning the $50,000 grand prize and “Light Fight” trophy.
SUNDAY, DEC. 21
7:00-11:00 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “The Sound of Music”
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star in the Oscar®-winning film, celebrating its 60th anniversary and featuring songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein: “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “The Sound of Music.”
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24
8:00-10:30 p.m. — The Wonderful World of Disney Presents “Home Alone”
Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister gets busy decorating the house. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly — he has to defend his home from two bumbling burglars.
THURSDAY, DEC. 25
10:00 a.m. EST / 9:00 a.m. CST / 5:00 a.m. MST / 5:00 a.m. PST — 40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
Disney’s Emmy® Award-winning annual celebration returns Christmas morning with magical star-studded performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.
12:00 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
The action tips off from Madison Square Garden where the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell return to New York to face the Knicks and Jalen Brunson.
2:30 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama visit the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
5:00 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
The Dallas Mavericks and Cooper Flagg visit the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.
7:30 p.m. EST — “Inside the NBA”
8:00 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers.
The game’s biggest names take center court in Los Angeles when the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, host the Houston Rockets and newly acquired star Kevin Durant.
10:30 p.m. EST — NBA Christmas Special Presented by State Farm: Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets.
Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards, fresh off their Western Conference Finals appearance, visit the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025”
ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is the preeminent destination for viewers to ring in the new year. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest live from Times Square, the show celebrates the year’s very best in music, featuring a night of superstar performances. Wrapping up the holiday season, the nation’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration gives viewers a glimpse of the festivities from around the globe. More information about co-hosts, performance lineup and additional locations will be announced soon.
THURSDAY, JAN. 1
8:00-11:00 p.m. — “2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony”
Recorded live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony features rare once-in-a-lifetime performances and moments celebrating the legacy and influence of this year’s Inductees: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes in the Performer category, along with Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for Musical Influence, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye for Musical Excellence, and Lenny Waronker for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
That was fast and not in the least bit unexpected. Season two of Nobody Wants This premiered on October 23, 2025 and today Netflix confirmed a third season is on the way.
“I couldn’t be more excited to head into a third season of this show. It is a privilege to be able to write about my favorite couple on a scale like this,” commented series creator and executive producer Erin Foster. “As long as it doesn’t take too much time away from me watching reality TV at night, I’ll do it for as long as they want me to!”
Season two hit the top spot on the streamer’s Global English TV Top 10 list two weeks running. Since its release in October, Netflix reports that it has garnered 18 million views.
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody star as Joanne the podcaster and Noah the hot rabbi. Justine Lupe plays Morgan, Timothy Simons is Sasha, and Jackie Tohn plays Esther.
“We are so grateful to Netflix and 20th for giving us another season of Nobody Wants This. This job is criminally fun,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan. “Working with the uniquely gifted Erin Foster, this unbelievable cast of talented, hilarious pros, amazing writers, and incredible crew has been a truly great experience.”
The third season of the critically acclaimed series will film in Los Angeles and is targeting a 2026 premiere. Additional executive producers include Steven Levitan, Kristen Bell, Sara Foster, Danielle Stokdyk, Jeff Morton, Nora Silver, and Oly Obst.
“First comes love, then comes life. The last time we saw agnostic podcast host Joanne (Bell) and unconventional (hot) rabbi Noah (Brody), their unmatched chemistry surprised everyone in their lives, including her sister Morgan (Lupe), his brother Sasha (Simons) and sister-in-law Esther (Tohn), and even themselvesm,” reads Netflix’s season two synopsis. “Their spark proved stronger than all of the obstacles trying to keep them apart. Now they’re back, and fully committed to merging their lives—and loved ones—together. But their differences still exist and can’t be ignored. The challenge now is not just falling in love against all odds, but staying together in spite of them.”
Netflix hasn’t released a synopsis for season three.
Since its first movie in 1987, the Predator franchise has built up a surprisingly deep mythology. Through two Alien vs. Predator movies, it’s even managed to tie itself into the deeper Alien folklore. And while we did get a couple of fun “drop a Predator into different situations” movies in Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, the story is back to world-building with Predator: Badlands.
Predator: Badlands is about a Yautja warrior, known more commonly as a Predator, named Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi from The Panthers) who is considered the weak link in his clan and is set to be culled. With the help and sacrifice of his brother, he escapes and decides that the best way to prove his worth is to capture his first trophy, a beast on a planet called Genna that even his father is afraid of – the Kalisk.
Once on Genna, Dek finds that just about everything on the planet wants to (and is able to) kill him. He finds an unlikely ally in a decimated Weyland-Yutani Corporation synthetic named Thia (A Complete Unknown’sElle Fanning) who has her own reasons for going after the Kalisk. So, off they go. But soon into their hunt, they find that they themselves are being hunted as well.
With Predator: Badlands being his third Predator movie, director Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane) has a pretty good handle on the universe. And, for the most part, this movie is a solid example of a Predator movie. Or, at least, the first half of it is. The first half has Dek hunting, fighting, and killing his way through Genna as he stalks his ultimate prey.
At some point, it shifts from being about Dek and his journey to being about the Weyland-Yutani company and their never-ending quest for developing the Ultimate Weapon. This is where it turns into being an Alien crossover. And that’s also where Predator: Badlands goes from awesome to ridiculous. Predator movies are all, for the most part, big-budget B-movies, but in this case, it really goes off the rails with the campiness in the third act.
That doesn’t mean Predator: Badlands isn’t fun to watch. The corniness does have its appeal, but there’s a definite tone shift when things start focusing on the “real enemy” of Weyland-Yutani. It stops being a serious action movie and starts being an over-the-top cartoon.
And with that cartoonish tone comes some eye-gouging visual effects. The spectacle is impressive, almost to the point of being distracting. Both the indigenous life on Genna and the Weyland-Yutani invaders are lethal, so there are plenty of opportunities for the movie to show off killer creatures and massive explosions. And the movie takes those opportunities, even when it completely blinds the audience from seeing what’s actually happening onscreen.
Which can be unfortunate, because as with all Predator movies, there’s some terrific fight choreography and stunt work in Predator: Badlands. Even doused in CG effects, the combat scenes are meticulously crafted and, quite frankly, fun to watch. Even when they get corny, as they do later in the movie when Thia’s detached legs fight independently of her torso. Silly, yes. But still pretty awesome.
By now, fans expect the Predator and Alien worlds to be ensnared, so the presence of Weyland-Yutani should not surprise anyone. Predator: Badlands just continues the same old AvP story that sets the Yautja Predators as the heroes. And all this mythology and world-building is great. Let’s just hope they don’t stop making “drop a Predator into different situations” movies. Because sometimes, simple is better. Especially when it comes to creature features.
GRADE: C
Rating: PG-13 for strong sci-fi violence
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Studio: 20th Century Studios
Skye’s in serious trouble on CBS’s Sheriff Country season one, episode four. Directed by Ed Ornelas, episode four – “Out of Office” – will air on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT.
Morena Baccarin leads the cast as Mickey Fox, Matt Lauria plays Nathan Boone, W. Earl Brown is Wes Fox, Michele Weaver plays Cassidy Campbell, and Christopher Gorham stars as Travis Fraley. Executive producers include Fire Country star Max Thieriot, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Matt Lopez, Jerry Bruckheimer, and KristieAnne Reed.
“Out of Office” Plot: When Skye becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, Mickey is forced to step down amid the investigation and launch her own off-the-books search for the truth. As tensions rise and family loyalties are tested, Mickey risks everything to try and clear her daughter’s name.
Morena Baccarin stars as straight-shooting sheriff Mickey Fox, the stepsister of Cal Fire’s division chief Sharon Leone (Diane Farr of Fire Country). She investigates criminal activity while she patrols the streets of small-town Edgewater, contending with her ex-con father, Wes (W. Earl Brown), who is an off-the-grid marijuana grower, and a mysterious incident involving her wayward daughter.
Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf and Jamie Thomas King as Tom Price in ‘Brilliant Minds’ season 2 episode 7 (Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC)
A historian hears music playing during a lecture and asks his students to turn off their phones as NBC’s Brilliant Minds season two, episode seven opens. The twist? He’s the only one who hears the music.
(The following is a recap of season two episode seven and there are spoilers.)
Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto) is busy checking on patients when Dr. Josh Nichols (Teddy Sears) catches up with him, and the two engage in some flirty banter. Nurse Nico Silva (Al Calderon) quickly picks up on the attraction and asks Oliver about it after Josh leaves. Nico teases that he’s never going to let it go, and Oliver confesses he stood up Josh on his award night. Nico’s totally into this relationship and walks away, tossing over his shoulder, “It’s Gay’s Anatomy up in here, and I am fully invested.”
Dr. Carol Pierce (Tamberla Perry) and Dr. Ericka Kinney (Ashleigh LaThrop) talk to Sam about how he’s doing, and he admits every day he has to worry about where he’s sleeping next. He gets by hustling chess and seeking shelter in theaters when the weather’s bad. Carol explains being unhoused can “lock the brain in a trauma response state.” Sam says he makes people uncomfortable. They always mistakenly assume he’s on drugs.
Sam describes his condition as feeling as if there are demons in his head. Carol suggests they try medication again; they can experiment until they find the right dosage. Ericka insists they need to do more and tells Oliver that Sam’s been hospitalized 25 times in the last four years. He’s never had a workup to find what’s really wrong with him. Multiple doctors have diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, but no one has done more than surface-level examinations.
Oliver agrees with Carol that it’s probably a psych issue. Ericka uses Oliver’s words as part of her argument, insisting that every patient matters. Sam needs someone to dive into his case. Carol and Oliver agree to admit Sam, thanks to Ericka’s persistence.
EMT Katie Rodriguez (Mishel Prada) wants to kick her relationship with Dr. Dana Dang (Aury Krebs) up a level and invites her to a kickball game and drinks with her friends. It’s time for Dana to see who Katie hangs around with.
The historian from the opening scene visits Oliver and explains he keeps hearing the same song repeatedly. And it turns out he’s “the one” in the episode’s title. He’s Tom Price (Jamie Thomas King), the young man who lived with Oliver’s family when they were younger and who spent one glorious summer hanging out together. He needs help and knows Oliver is the best neurologist around.
Oliver brings in the team and leads the examination to figure out where the sound is the loudest in Tom’s head. He needs more to run more tests, and Tom explains the song is accompanied by pressure in his head. If he holds his nose and blows, he can relieve it a little. Dana asks about the song and Tom says it’s the song from his and Oliver’s summer together.
Of course, Oliver heads straight to Carol’s office, and she’s certain this means Tom’s back to rekindle the flames. She jokes that she thought Tom was made up, and Oliver insists he was never his boyfriend. They only shared one kiss. Carol really wants Oliver to date again and insists he’s relationship material, even if he doesn’t think so.
When she brings up Josh, Oliver’s instantly interested. He thinks he always messes things up. Anyway, Tom heard their song before he came in and it’s possible he has a tumor.
Tamberla Perry as Dr. Carol Pierce and Ashleigh LaThrop as Dr. Ericka Kinney in ‘Brilliant Minds’ season 2 episode 7 (Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC)
Ericka tells Dr. Van Markus (Alex MacNicoll) and Dana that she’s having a rough time getting Sam to stay still for tests because when she starts, the voices in his head begin yelling. Dana talks about the voices in her head that are telling her Katie’s friends are going to laugh at her, and that gives Ericka an idea. She needs to know what Sam’s voices are saying.
Van steps up and agrees to go with Dana to the kickball game.
Ericka and Sam are playing a game of chess when Sam begins hearing voices. He describes it as hearing 10 different radio stations and it’s difficult to understand what they’re saying—except for one that he’s named Lawrence. Lawrence always insults him, telling him he’s weak and expendable, among other things. Ericka speaks directly to Lawrence and tells him he’s wrong. She thinks Sam’s brave to get help. Sam’s ready to try the test again.
Dana hooks Tom up for tests and confesses “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters is stuck in her head. Tom loves that movie, and Dana whispers to Oliver that she likes him. Since they need to wait for the song to start, Dana asks for the scoop on Oliver from their summer together. Tom describes him as smart, intense, and handsome—although Oliver didn’t know it. Suddenly, he hears the song and reacts out of pain. All the monitors go crazy, and Oliver realizes the song is a seizure and it’s frying his brain.
Tom’s shocked he’s having seizures; he’s totally unaware of the seriousness of his condition. Oliver calms him down by explaining they’ve caught it in time to put him on meds that will help. Oliver swears they’ll get it under control, and Tom replies, “I knew I needed you.”
Nico turns into a barely moving roadblock in the hallway, loving the fact another of Oliver’s juicy ex-boyfriends is in the hospital. Nico suggests Oliver should let Josh know that a hot British ex came to him for help. Oliver claims he’d never do that.
Oliver presents the case to Josh and confirms it’s a “once in a lifetime case” of musical epilepsy. Josh wants to meet him, and Oliver blurts out that the patient is his ex.
Ericka, Dana, and Van set up a movie theater, complete with snacks, in the rec room to keep Sam relaxed during the spinal tap. Sam smiles and enjoys the special treatment while Ericka runs the tests.
Tom’s shirtless when Josh and Oliver enter the room, and Oliver stumbles over introducing Josh. Tom admits they had one kiss ages ago that left quite an impression. A seizure breaks up the awkward silence, and it’s much more aggressive than the others.
His ear began bleeding during the lengthy seizure and Oliver no longer thinks the seizures are controllable by meds. Josh believes Tom has drug-resistant epilepsy and needs surgery or the next seizure may be his last. They’ll run a test to see how much of his language and memory are stored and how closely they’re tied to the source of the seizures.
Tom’s kids rush in along with a man who Oliver whispers to Josh must be a good friend. The man introduces himself as Tom’s husband and Josh barely stifles a chuckle.
Elsewhere, Van and Dana show up for the kickball game and Dana’s shocked that Katie not only doesn’t pick her first but also gets slapped in the butt by the woman she does select. Minutes later, Van confesses he thinks Katie dated the entire infield.
Dana’s up and she kicks the ball directly at the pitcher who slapped Katie’s butt, knocking her down. She celebrates her homerun as the pitcher bleeds on the mound.
Ericka gets the results of the test and is disappointed nothing showed up. Carol points out that she did accomplish getting Sam a true diagnosis of schizophrenia. Ericka doesn’t see it that way; Sam’s just going back on the streets. Carol suggests that healing takes time and Sam is going to have to put in the work.
Ericka asks for Van’s ex’s help and Michelle comes through with a room for Sam.
Dana and Katie discuss the game and the butt-slapping back at the hospital. Dana thinks her friends are easier to be around than Katie’s, and Katie reveals that she doesn’t trust Ericka. She thinks there’s something off about her. (A brief scene shows Ericka’s still taking pills.)
Josh and Oliver confirm Tom’s language and memories are stored in both temporal lobes. Josh believes surgery is the best option since the epilepsy is aggressive. However, when Oliver lists the possible side effects—including the loss of memories and inability to make new ones—Tom breaks down crying. He doesn’t want to forget the people he loves.
Carol and Ericka inform Sam of the diagnosis and he’s not surprised. However, he is surprised that Carol wants to continue seeing him three times a week and start him on meds again. Plus, therapy can help them discover non-medical ways to deal with the voices. Sam agrees and Ericka breaks the news that she’s found him a place to stay in a temporary housing facility. Unfortunately, it’s a bus ride away but Ericka would like him to use her credit card to pay for the ride. She believes in him and knows he’ll be back for his therapy with Carol.
Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf and Jamie Thomas King as Tom Price in ‘Brilliant Minds’ season 2 episode 7 (Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC)
Tom decides to reject the surgery, admitting to Oliver that he doesn’t want to stop hearing the song. He confesses he’s been transported back to their time together through the song and doesn’t want to lose that. Oliver asks him to go for a ride. They wind up at a beach where they went all those years ago, and Oliver does his best to convince Tom he needs the surgery for the sake of his husband and two children. Tom can’t go back into his past, to simpler times, and should fight to stay with the people who are now important to him.
That night, Dana confronts Ericka about missing pills. Ericka confesses the wellness retreat didn’t work; she illegally bought 200 mg of benzos and is a mess. Ericka cries as she says, “I let Celia die. I got out first and I watched her die.” She thinks she should have died and now she can’t move on from that. She sobs, admitting she can’t handle this on her own.
Dana pulls Ericka in for a hug, trying to comfort her.
Oliver sits at Tom’s bedside and tells him the surgery was a success. Tom acts like he doesn’t remember Oliver but then smiles and calls him Oliver Wolf. “There’s no way I could ever forget you,” says Tom. He doesn’t hear the song anymore and admits he loves his life and family. But old friends are nice, too, which might be why this happened.
Tom picked up on the connection between Oliver and Josh and is happy he made Josh jealous. He always knew Oliver would do extraordinary things.
Sam misses his appointment with Carol.
Oliver thanks Josh for helping Tom and confesses he’s been thinking about the future. He wants to try again, but Josh doesn’t feel the same. He’s reconnected with someone he used to date and is now seeing him. Josh didn’t know how to break the news and describes this new relationship as “easy.” Oliver can’t relate; that’s just not him. But he wants Josh to be happy.
Episode seven ends with Oliver and Ericka watching an old movie and Ericka revealing a huge secret. She was adopted and her birth mother had schizophrenia. No one could help her.
Halloween decorations are still up, but apparently it’s not too early to promote Christmas projects. Disney+ just dropped the official trailer for A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, which finds the singing siblings on a quest to make it home by Christmas. Only wolves, lost passports, and a lack of transportation stand in their way.
The holiday film heads to Disney+ and Hulu on November 14, 2025, with the soundtrack set for a same-day release. Tracks include “Like It’s Christmas,” “Best Night,” “Home Alone,” “Feel Something,” “Remember When,” “Better Off Alone,” “Time,” “Sucker,” and “Like It’s Christmas.” And the new single “Coming Home This Christmas” (featuring Kenny G) is featured in the trailer.
In addition to Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie features Chloe Bennet, Billie Lourd, Laverne Cox, KJ Apa, Andrew Barth Feldman, Andrea Martin, Kenny G, and Justin Tranter. Randall Park and Jesse Tyler Ferguson also pop in, along with cameos from the Jonas family.
“In A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas face a series of escalating obstacles as they struggle to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families,” reads Disney+’s synopsis.
Jessica Yu directs and Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger wrote the screenplay. Producers include the Jonas brothers, Aptaker, Berger, Adam Fishbach, Spencer Berman, and Scott Morgan.
Poster for ‘A Very Jonas Christmas Movie’ (Photo Credit: Disney)
Cole Escola joins ‘One Piece’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Cole Escola (Search Party) has signed on to season three of Netflix’s One Piece, on board to play the fan-favorite character Bon Clay. The series premiered in August 2023 and season two has set a March 10, 2026 release. Production on the third season is expected to get underway in Cape Town, South Africa soon.
Netflix’s announcement offers this description of the character: “A master of performance and precision, Bon Clay is as dangerous as they are dazzling—a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art.”
The series is based on Japan’s most popular manga series, created by Eiichiro Oda, and stars Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, and Emily Rudd as Nami. Jacob Romero plays Usopp and Taz Skylar stars as Sanji.
Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes are the season three writers and co-showrunners. Tracz and Stokes also executive produce along withEiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda. One Piece is produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) and Netflix.
Netflix hasn’t released a synopsis for season three. Season two’s description reads: “Netflix’s epic high-seas pirate adventure, One Piece, returns for season two—unleashing fiercer adversaries and the most perilous quests yet. Luffy and the Straw Hats set sail for the extraordinary Grand Line—a legendary stretch of sea where danger and wonder await at every turn. As they journey through this unpredictable realm in search of the world’s greatest treasure, they’ll encounter bizarre islands and a host of formidable new enemies.”
AMC Networks is celebrating the winter holidays with their annual “Best Christmas Ever” lineup, kicking off on November 29, 2025. The holiday-themed programming event includes classics like White Christmas and Rankin/Bass’s stop-motion collection. Elf with Will Ferrell, Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase, and Scrooged with Bill Murray return for the holidays, along with the new film A Heart For Christmas starring Nikiva Dionne.
2025’s “Best Christmas Ever,” which features 600 hours of holiday programming, also includes John Candy, Bill Murray, and ’80s marathons. And The Wizard of Oz, which isn’t a Christmas film, will screen on December 6, hot on the heels of Wicked: For Good opening in theaters.
AMC’s “Best Christmas Ever” highlights:
• Murray Christmas Marathon: Scrooged, Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II, and Caddyshack on November 29 at 12pm.
• Christmas with the Kranks: Back-to-back airings of this holiday favorite on November 30 beginning at 5pm.
• Christmas All The Way Marathon: The Polar Express, Elf, and The Wizard of Oz on December 6 at 5pm.
• Holiday Hijinks Marathon on December 7 beginning at 4pm featuring National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, The Great Outdoors, and Trading Places.
• Christmas Candy Marathon on December 9 beginning at 4pm celebrating some of John Candy’s greatest films, including The Great Outdoors, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
• December the TwELFth on December 12 beginning at 6pm back-to-back 8-hour marathon of modern-day classic Elf.
• Merry ‘80s Marathon goes back in time on December 13 beginning at 11:00am and featuring National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, Ghostbusters, and Ghostbusters II.
• Best Elf Marathon on December 14 beginning at 4:30pm features Elf, Fred Claus, and The Polar Express.
• That’s Not Santa! Marathon on December 19 beginning at 6:30pm and featuring Elf, Trading Places, and Fred Claus.
• Naughty or Nice Weekend on December 20 beginning at 9:45am through December 21 features films on Santa’s lists including Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, The Polar Express, Four Christmases, and more.
• Best Christmas Marathon from December 24 through December 25 with holiday favorites including Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, Four Christmases, The Polar Express, Fred Claus, The Wizard of Oz and more.
• Holiday Hangover recovery begins on December 26 at 12p including Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Four Christmases, and Scrooged.
AMC Networks’ Best Christmas Ever poster
For those who like their holidays on the creepy side, Shudder will offer the following new holiday specials and episodes:
The Haunted Season – The Occupant of the Room: Debuts December 1 on Shudder and AMC+
From renowned author and filmmaker Kier-La Janisse, The Haunted Season is a series of chilling horror tales following the classic tradition of telling ghost stories for Christmas. The festive new film in the horror anthology series, The Occupant of the Room is based on the classic chiller of the same name by Algernon Blackwood about a schoolteacher whose late-night arrival at a hotel in the Alps without a reservation leaves him with no option but to accept the room of a missing hotel guest—leading to a sleepless night full of strange and uncanny occurrences.
The Last Drive-In: Joe Bob’s Cold Cruel Christmas: Debuts LIVE on Friday, December 12 on Shudder TV and AMC+ TV
Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl are once again possessed by the Christmas spirit, hosting a double feature of snowy slashers for Joe Bob’s Cold Cruel Christmas – an unholy night full of frozen fear, cold-blooded kills, and the return of their annual charity drive.
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Holiday of Horrors: Debuts December 16 on Shudder and AMC+
From The Boulet Brothers (The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula) and David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad, Late Night with the Devil) comes The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors, a chilling holiday-themed horror special produced by Boulet Brothers’ Productions and Good Fiend Productions. The film features four original shorts, each written and directed by a different genre powerhouse: The Boulet Brothers, Dastmalchian, Akeela Cooper (Malignant, M3GAN), and Kate Siegel (The Haunting of Hill House). Starring Bonnie Aarons (The Nun), Steve Agee (Peacemaker), and Tracie Thoms (Death Proof), the anthology blends atmospheric horror, practical gore, and haunting holiday imagery into a new seasonal classic.
