Stolen art plays a key role in NBC’s Blindspot season five episode six. Episode six, “Fire & Brimstone,” will air on June 18, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT.
The cast is led by Jaimie Alexander as Jane Doe. Sullivan Stapleton is Kurt Weller, Rob Brown is Edgar Reade, Audrey Esparza is Tasha Zapata, Ashley Johnson is Patterson, Ennis Esmer is Rich Dotcom, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays Madeline Burke.
“Fire & Brimstone” Plot: When Ice Cream, the Icelandic fixer, returns to collect his debt, the team is forced into a life and death race around the world to solve a series of puzzles and recover the infamous stolen Gardner paintings.
The Blindspot Plot:
A beautiful woman is found naked in Times Square, her memory erased, her body covered in a series of coded tattoos. But as “Jane Doe” and the FBI team who discovered her work to decipher, investigate and solve the complex treasure map of her body, an ever-widening web of conspiracy and corruption is revealed, as is the truth behind Jane Doe’s real identity and the identity of the people who sent her to the FBI in the first place. But what does this nefarious group really want? And can Jane and her teammates stop them in time?
Sullivan Stapleton as Kurt Weller and Jaimie Alexander as Jane Doe in ‘Blindspot’ season 5 episode 6 (Photo by: Warner Brothers/NBC)Aaron Abrams as Matthew Weitz and Ami Sheth as Afreen in season 5 episode 6 (Photo by: Scott McDermott/Warner Brothers/NBC)Ashley Johnson as Patterson and Audrey Esparza as Tasha Zapata in season 5 episode 6 (Photo by: Scott McDermott/Warner Brothers/NBC)Ennis Esmer as Rich Dotcom, Audrey Esparza as Tasha Zapata, Ashley Johnson as Patterson, and David Clayton Rodgers as Ice Cream (Photo by: Scott McDermott/Warner Brothers/NBC)Sullivan Stapleton as Kurt Weller in season 5 episode 6 (Photo by: Warner Brothers/NBC)
A huge secret is set to be revealed on NBC’s Council of Dads season one episode eight. Episode eight, “Dear Dad,” will air on June 18, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.
“Dear Dad” guest stars include Kevin Daniels, David Walton and Sharon Leal.
The season one cast includes Sarah Wayne Callies as Robin Perry, Clive Standen as Anthony Lavelle, J. August Richards as Oliver Post, and Michael O’Neill as Larry Mills. Michele Weaver is Luly Perry, Steven Silver is Evan Norris, Emjay Anthony is Theo Perry, Thalia Tran is Charlotte Perry, and Blue Chapman is JJ Perry.
“Dear Dad” Plot: Robin and the Council agree to tell Luly a shocking truth and she takes matters into her own hands. Oliver and Peter finally decide to adopt but learn some sobering news about the birth mother. Sam does his best to support Robin and she finds herself falling for him despite the chaos in her life.
The Season 1 Plot, Curtesy of NBC:
Family takes on a different meaning in this transformative and inspirational new drama when Scott Perry, a loving father of five, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. He calls on a few of his most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case he ever can’t be there to do it himself.
There’s Anthony, Scott’s oldest and most loyal friend; Larry, his tough-love AA sponsee; and Oliver, his dedicated doctor and wife’s dearest friend. Together, they discover that there’s more to being a father than anyone could do alone – and more to being a family than they ever thought possible.
Blue Chapman as JJ Perry, Sarah Wayne Callies as Robin Perry, and Thalia Tran as Charlotte Perry in ‘Council of Dads’ episode 8 (Photo by: Seth F. Johnson/NBC)Clive Standen as Anthony Lavelle and Michael O’Neill as Larry Mills in season 1 episode 8 (Photo by: Seth F. Johnson/NBC)Michele Weaver as Luly Perry and Sarah Wayne Callies as Robin Perry in episode 8 (Photo by: Seth F. Johnson/NBC)Michael O’Neill as Larry Mills, Michele Weaver as Luly Perry, and J. August Richards as Dr. Oliver Post in the “Dear Dad” episode (Photo by: Seth F. Johnson/NBC)Clive Standen as Anthony Lavelle in season 1 episode 8 (Photo by: Seth F. Johnson/NBC)
Matt James to star in ‘The Bachelor’ season 25 (Photo: ABC/Craig Sjodin)
It took 24 seasons for ABC to finally cast its first Black lead on The Bachelor. Matt James was originally cast as part of the 2020 season of The Bachelorette, but that was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After an extensive fan campaign requesting more diversity, ABC selected James for a larger role – that of season 25 of The Bachelor‘s bachelor.
“Matt has been on our radar since February, when producers first approached him to join Bachelor Nation, as part of Clare’s season,” explained Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “When filming couldn’t move forward as planned, we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor. We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we’re seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in, and we are proudly in service to our audience.”
The reality dating series has been slammed for its lack of diversity, and Burke promises Matt James’ casting is just the first step. “This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel so privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him,” said Burke.
Matt James broke the news on the June 12, 2020 edition of Good Morning America. Season 25 is expected to premiere in 2021.
Chris Harrison will return as host and Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton, Nicole Woods, Bennett Graebner, Peter Gust, Tim Warner, Louis Caric, and Peter Geist serve as executive producers.
Details on Matt James, Courtesy of ABC:
“While much of Bachelor Nation has fallen in love with him already, many will meet the 28-year-old real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organization founder on his journey to find love for the first time. The North Carolina native went to Wake Forest University, where he majored in economics and played wide receiver for the football team. He went on to play professional football, before moving to New York City, where he now resides. His love of food and passion for giving back led to his creation of an organization that is designed to find creative ways to engage kids from underserved communities in New York City, encouraging physical and mental wellness, while also giving them opportunities for new experiences throughout the city.”
The CW’s just released photos from The 100 season seven episode five, “Welcome to Bardo.” Episode five, directed by Ian Samoil from a script by Drew Lindo, will air on June 17, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.
Season seven stars Eliza Taylor as Clarke, Bob Morley as Bellamy, Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia, Lindsey Morgan as Raven, and Richard Harmon as Murphy. Tasya Teles is Echo, Shannon Kook plays Jordan, JR Bourne is Russell Lightbourne VII, Shelby Flannery is Hope Diyoza, and Chuku Modu plays Dr. Gabriel Santiago.
“Welcome to Bardo” Plot: MAKE BELIEVE – Octavia (Avgeropoulos) gets to know a whole new world. Meanwhile, Murphy (Harmon) and Emori (guest star Luisa d’Oliveira) play make believe.
A Look Back at Season 6, Courtesy of The CW:
For five seasons our heroes did whatever it took to survive on Earth…and nothing worked. Earth was unsurvivable, lost to them forever. What was not lost: hope. After 125 years in cryosleep, traveling through the stars, our heroes woke up to a new home, a final gift from dearly-departed friends. A place where they can try again. They’re given one simple task: do better. Be the good guys.
With this credo in mind Clarke and Bellamy lead a group down to this mysterious world, hoping to start anew, to finally find peace. But old habits die hard and when they stumble across an idyllic society, it quickly becomes clear that not everything on Sanctum is as perfect as it seems. Despite their determination to do better, threats both seen and unseen will once again force our heroes to fight for their lives and the future of humanity.
Jason Diaz as Levitt and Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia in ‘The 100’ season 7 episode 5 (Photo: Colin Bentley / 2020 The CW Network, LLC)Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia and Jason Diaz as Levitt in season 7 episode 5 (Photo: Jeff Weddell / 2020 The CW Network, LLC)Jason Diaz as Levitt in season 7 episode 5 (Photo: Jeff Weddell / 2020 The CW Network, LLC)Neal McDonough as Anders, Jason Diaz as Levitt and Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia in season 7 episode 5 (Photo: Colin Bentley / 2020 The CW Network, LLC)Jason Diaz as Levitt in season 7 episode 5 (Photo: Colin Bentley / 2020 The CW Network, LLC)
Anna Kendrick stars in ‘Love Life’ (Photo Credit: Sarah Shatz)
Love Life has the honor of being the first original series given a renewal order by HBO Max. The comedy series starring Anna Kendrick earned the renewal after becoming one the streaming service’s highest rated new shows.
“It’s so rewarding to see Love Life embraced as an immediate hit. We are proud to pick up a second season of our first Max scripted original comedy,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer at HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV. “We salute Anna, our creative team and partners at Lionsgate, and are delighted audiences have gravitated to Love Life in such a significant way. As a day one original, it is gratifying to see the strong response.”
Sam Boyd (In a Relationship) created the series and serves as showrunner with Bridget Bedard (Transparent). Boyd, Bedard, Anna Kendrick, Paul Feig, and Dan Magnante executive produce.
“Love Life’s first season is ultimately a tale of personal resilience, human connection and how those we love shape our lives,” stated Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max. “It’s clear to me why audiences are responding with such enormous enthusiasm, and it’s with great pleasure that my creative team and I look forward to continuing our relationship with this talented group of executive producers and Lionsgate to make television that resonates.”
The final four episodes of the romantic comedy anthology are now available to stream on HBO Max.
“It’s been a labor of love working with everyone on Love Life and all who helped shaped Darby and brought her story to life. I am excited to be able to collaborate again with the team on a new character and their journey,” said Kendrick.
Co-showrunners Sam Boyd and Bridget Bedard added, “We couldn’t be more excited to make another season of Love Life with the amazing people at HBO Max and Lionsgate Television, and to have the opportunity to explore a whole new protagonist. If only as a way to continue processing our own romantic damage.
The Plot, Courtesy of HBO Max:
Love Life is about the journey from first love to last love, and how the people we’re with along the way make us into who we are when we finally end up with someone forever. The series follows a different protagonist’s quest for love each season, with each half-hour episode telling the story of one of their relationships.
Season two will remain set in New York City but will focus on a new character’s journey – one which explores what happens when you’ve lived your whole life knowing who your soulmate is, only to find out years into a marriage that it’s not the right fit at all. The new season will also cleverly key off characters in season one, and “Darby” (Kendrick) will appear occasionally.
Keke Palmer has committed to star in and executive produce the drama Alice, inspired by true events. Alice will be helmed by first-time feature film director Krystin Ver Linden and is expected to begin shooting later this summer in Georgia.
According to Steel Spring Pictures, Alice is the story of “a woman of servitude in 1800s Georgia, who escapes the 55-acre confines of her captor to discover the shocking reality that exists beyond the tree line… it’s 1973.”
“So many films that depict this time in our history are rooted in victimization of the black female lead. This story is the opposite and that’s what attracted me to Krystin’s perspective,” said Keke Palmer. “It tackles the harsh realities of slavery and white supremacy while also offering inspiration and vindication through the story of Alice’s journey. I don’t want anyone to leave the theater feeling debilitated; I want them to feel empowered.”
Peter Lawson is producing, with Jose Agustin Valdes and Luisa Fernanda Espinosa executive producing.
Discussing Keke Palmer’s attachment to the project, Steel Springs Pictures’ Peter Lawson said, “Keke is a prodigious talent and the perfect choice to step into the title role of Alice. This is such an important and emotional project, and when we saw Keke’s passion and vision for this woman and her story, we knew she was the one. With Krystin at the helm, we look forward to seeing her transform into this phenomenal character and bring her riveting story to life.”
Palmer’s credits include Hustlers, Grease Live!, Star, Scream Queens, and Berlin Station. She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting GMA3: Strahan, Sara, and Keke.
“Black Power is giving power to people who have not had power to determine their destiny. Huey Newton’s resounding quote has been affixed on my corkboard for as long as I can remember picking up a pen to write. Those words echo every creative endeavor that I’ve undergone, so when I read about the true story of a woman who escaped the confines of a self-proclaimed plantation, becomes radicalized and seeks out her oppressor… It spoke to me on a very deep, undeniable level. Keke is a force to be reckoned with. Her talent, truth, strength and depth are beyond words and measure… A virtuoso of Keke’s caliber is a genuine dream to work with,” stated writer/director Krystin Ver Linden.
The R-rated horror thriller Ghosts of War just released a new trailer and poster. Written and directed by Eric Bress (The Butterfly Effect), Ghosts of War stars Brenton Thwaites, Alan Ritchson, Skylar Astin (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy), Kyle Gallner (Outsiders), Billy Zane (Guilt), and Shaun Toub (Snowpiercer). Thwaites and Ritchson recently co-starred in the comic book-inspired series Titans for DC Universe.
Vertical Entertainment’s set a June 18, 2020 release on Directv followed by an expanded theatrical, On Demand, and digital release on July 17th.
Writer/director Bess’ behind the scenes team includes director of photography Lorenzo Senatore, production designer Antonello Rubino, editor Peter Amundson, and costume designer Irina Kotcheva. D. Todd Shepherd, Shelley Madison, and Joe Simpson served as producers on the supernatural psychological thriller.
The Plot:
“Five battle-hardened American soldiers are assigned to hold a French Chateau near the end of World War II. Formerly occupied by the Nazi high command, this unexpected respite quickly descends into madness when they encounter a supernatural enemy far more terrifying than anything seen on the battlefield.”
Poster for Vertical Entertainment’s ‘Ghosts of War’
The CW’s popular drama Bulletproof continues season two with episode two airing on June 17, 2020. Episode two was directed by Diarmud Goggins and written by Nick Love.
New episodes air on Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT after final season episodes of The 100.
The season two cast is led by Noel Clarke as Bishop and Ashley Walters as Pike. The cast also includes Lee Ross as Richard Cockridge, Jason Maza as Officer Chris Munroe, Lindsey Coulson as Sarah Tanner, David Elliot as Tim’ Jonsey’ Jones, Olivia Chenery as Scarlett ‘Scooch’ Hailton, and Luci Shorthouse as Paige Pennington.
“Episode 2” Plot: NO GOING BACK – Bishop (Clarke) and Pike (Walters) are welcomed deeper into the Markides family, with and Bishop growing closer to Alex (Stavros Zalmas) and his daughter, Anna (Gala Gordon). New recruits to the Unit, Scooch (Chenery) and Paige (Shorthouse), investigate the grisly death of a young girl, meanwhile, Tanner (Coulson) starts to sweat over a questionable decision to fix a problem in her personal life.
Series Description, Courtesy of The CW:
Bulletproof is an action-packed, cop drama that unites big, emotional stories with blood-pumping stunt sequences, as it follows two undercover cops who are best friends and bonded by the same moral code, despite their very different backgrounds.
Adrenalin-fueled and packed with compelling characters, Bulletproof follows partners Bishop (Clarke) and Pike (Walters) as they chase down hardened criminals in London’s East End. The series is both high-octane action and thrilling cases. On the surface, Bishop and Pike have a lot in common, they are cool, smart, unapologetically street-wise and tough; they share a deep, fraternal relationship and are always there for each other. Their personal motivations and emotional lives outside the police force differ, Pike is an aspirational family man, the son of a decorated police officer, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, but not in his shadow. Bishop on the other hand, who never knew his father, grew up in foster care and on the streets.
Full of grit and sometimes gloss, Bulletproof is stylish and funny with riveting criminal cases in each episode, which feed into a bigger, season-long mystery. At its heart though, it is a series about the meaning of family, as well as the fascinating relationship between best friends.
HBO’s released the first full trailer for the documentary series I’ll Be Gone in the Dark based on the bestselling book by Michelle McNamara. The six-part docuseries premieres on June 28, 2020, with new episodes airing on Sundays at 10pm ET/PT.
in addition to releasing the two-minute trailer, HBO unveiled episode descriptions and airdates.
Two-time Oscar nominee Liz Garbus (What Happened, Miss Simone?, The Farm: Angola, USA), Elizabeth Wolff, Myles Kane, and Josh Koury directed the series. Wolff and Kate Barry produced, with Garbus, Dan Cogan, Michelle McNamara (posthumously), Patton Oswalt, Lisa Heller, Nancy Abraham, and Dave Rath executive producing.
Michelle McNamara, author of ‘I’ll Be Gone in the Dark’ (Photograph by Robyn Van Swank/HBO)
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark Episode Guide:
Episode 1: “Murder Habit” – Debut date: SUNDAY, JUNE 28 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Writer Michelle McNamara, author of True Crime Diary, her blog about unsolved crimes, finds a new obsession in the “East Area Rapist” (EAR), who terrorized California in the 1970s and ’80s, responsible for 50 home-invasion rapes and 12 murders. The EAR, whose true identity is still unknown, would also come to be known as the “Original Night Stalker” and, as Michelle dubs him, the “Golden State Killer.”
Delving into the world of online chat rooms and crime blogs, she becomes immersed in the graphic details of the Golden State Killer case, connecting with like-minded sleuths, trading facts, photos and leads. After pitching a story to Los Angeles Magazine, she hits the ground running, interviewing several EAR survivors and retired detectives who worked the case. Today, Michelle’s husband, actor Patton Oswalt, friends, and fellow citizen detectives reflect on her intoxicating talent – which McNamara calls an “addiction” – for piecing together clues and bringing unsolved true crime stories to life.
Episode 2: “Reign of Terror” – Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 5 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Michelle McNamara reflects on the 1984 murder of her childhood neighbor Kathy Lombardo, which she credits with planting the seed for her lifelong fascination with unsolved crimes. Local detectives who worked the East Area Rapist (EAR) case in the ’70s – and citizen detectives who picked up where they left off – discuss a proliferation of serial rape cases in Northern California at the time, discussing an era when victims were often too ashamed to speak out and sexual crime was minimized in the press and the courtroom.
Following a rush of media coverage in 1977, EAR’s boldness escalates, as he shifts his focus from single women and teenagers, to include couples as well. Today, several survivors describe these attacks and their aftermath in chilling detail.
Episode 3: “Rat in a Maze” – Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 12 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
In 1979, law enforcement is thrilled when the East Area Rapist (EAR) attacks abruptly stop in Northern California, but in reality, EAR has moved south to commit a number of gruesome murders in the Santa Barbara area, known as the “Original Night Stalker” series. The hunt for the perpetrator stalls due to lack of cooperation between jurisdictions and concerns of tarnishing the area’s pristine image, leaving the community unaware of the predator in their midst.
David Witthuhn, the husband of murder victim Manuela Witthuhn, is questioned as the sole person of interest, but his name isn’t cleared until 20 years later, when DNA evidence links his wife’s murder not only to others in the Santa Barbara area, but also to EAR assaults in Sacramento. Michelle’s article chronicling her investigation of the case, “In the Footsteps of a Killer,” causes a splash when it’s published 2013. After signing a major book deal, she works around the clock to find the killer and struggles with another aspect of the book – writing about herself.
Episode 4: “The Motherlode” – Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 19 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Michelle and her editors agree to push her book deadline after being granted access to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s East Area Rapist / Original Night Stalker (EAR/ONS) room. Poring over 37 boxes of files now occupying her daughter’s playroom, Michelle and her researcher Paul Haynes explore the case of the “Visalia Ransacker,” the perpetrator of a string of burglaries in the early ’70s bearing striking similarities to EAR.
Overwhelmed by the amount of material and the graphic nature of the crimes she is investigating, Michelle struggles to balance the demands of her self-described addiction to her work with her family life. Painful personal memories, combined with her pressure to solve the case and finish the book leads to a string of sleepless nights and harrowing nightmares, as she becomes increasingly reliant upon prescription drugs to manage her mounting anxieties.
Episode 5: “Monsters Recede but Never Vanish” – Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 26 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
As Michelle’s loved ones cope with her sudden death, her work to unmask the Golden State Killer lives on. Inspired by McNamara’s interest in genealogy and online DNA testing services, Paul Holes, Chief of Forensics in Contra Costa County, reconstructs the killer’s family tree with the help of genetic genealogist Barbara-Rae Venter. After inheriting Michelle’s 37 boxes of case files, researcher Paul Haynes and true crime writer Billy Jensen work alongside Michelle’s husband, Patton Oswalt, to finish her book, which becomes an instant bestseller.
Meanwhile, the release of Michelle’s autopsy report rocks her inner circle. Michelle’s writing – in which she wrestles with depression and her own mother’s sudden death – sheds light on her pain but leaves many questions unanswered.
Episode 6: “Walk into the Light” (Series finale) – Debut date: SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
As 72-year-old former police officer Joe DeAngelo’s arrest unfolds in real time, chilling facts materialize that illuminate Michelle’s prescience in her book’s epilogue, “Letter to an Old Man.” Researcher Paul Haynes and true crime writer Billy Jensen try to learn everything they can about DeAngelo. Exclusive interviews with DeAngelo’s relatives reveal early family trauma, and his double life as a suburban dad and serial predator. His ex-fiancé also details the behavior and warning signs that lead her to end their engagement.
Having finally faced their attacker in court, several survivors meet for the first time and gain strength in their shared desire to confront their pain, move forward, and advocate for all sexual assault survivors. When Patton Oswalt, Jensen, and Haynes connect with survivors and McNamara’s fellow citizen detective Melanie Barbeau, Michelle’s absence is deeply felt.
HBO Max has released two minutes of pure Doom Patrol gold with the unveiling of the season two trailer. New season two episodes will premiere simultaneously on DC Universe and HBO Max beginning Thursday, June 25, 2020.
The first three episodes will be available on June 25th, with subsequent episodes released one at a time over the following six weeks.
The cast of season two includes Brendan Fraser as Cliff Steele/Robotman, Matt Bomer as Larry Trainer/Negative Man, and April Bowlby as Rita Farr/Elasti-Woman. Diane Guerrero plays Jane/Crazy Jane, Joivan Wade is Victor Stone/Cyborg, Timothy Dalton is Niles Caulder/The Chief, and Abigail Shapiro plays Dorothy Spinner.
The Season 2 Plot:
DC’s strangest group of heroes are back again to save the world. That is, if they can find a way to grow up…both figuratively and literally. Following the defeat of Mr. Nobody, the members of the Doom Patrol now find themselves mini-sized and stranded on Cliff’s toy race car track. Here they begin to deal with their feelings of betrayal by Niles Caulder aka The Chief while confronting their own personal baggage.
And as each member faces the challenge of growing beyond their own past traumatic experiences, they must come together to embrace and protect the newest member of the family: Dorothy Spinner, Niles’ daughter, whose powers remain a mysterious but real threat to bringing on the end of the world.
Doom Patrol is a re-imagining of one of DC’s most beloved group of outcast Super Heroes: Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Girl and Crazy Jane, led by modern-day mad scientist Dr. Niles Caulder (The Chief). The Doom Patrol’s members each suffered horrible accidents that gave them superhuman abilities — but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatized and downtrodden, the team found purpose through The Chief, who brought them together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence — and to protect Earth from what they find.
Part support group, part Super Hero team, the Doom Patrol is a band of super-powered freaks who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them. Picking up after the events of Titans, Doom Patrol will find these reluctant heroes in a place they never expected to be, called to action by none other than Cyborg, who comes to them with a mission hard to refuse, but with a warning that is hard to ignore: their lives will never, ever be the same.
