Around the Tubes: November 23, 2019

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Marvel’s Runaways, Servant, Kacey Musgraves, This Warm December, Vol. III, Chris Cornell, Simple Minds, bülow, Sheléa, Little Steven, Bootstraps, Desus and Mero, FLCL: Progressive, Yellowjackets, Big Deal, The Animal People, Back to Life, YOSHIKI -Life of a Japanese Rock Star-, and Lionel Richie.

- Alongside the trailer, Hulu announced that its fan-favorite series Marvel’s Runaways will return for its third and final season giving the fans what they’ve been waiting for. After evading corrupt parents, battling powerful aliens and coming face-to-face with the world’s most powerful sorceress, the conclusion to this epic saga will leave no stone unturned. Marvel's Runaways will return on Friday, December 13th with all 10 episodes.


- From Executive Producer and Director M. Night Shyamalan, comes a half-hour psychological thriller that follows a Philadelphia couple in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home. Beginning Thanksgiving Day (November 28), the first three episodes of Servant will be available to watch exclusively on Apple TV+ in over 100 countries and regions around the world. New episodes will continue to roll out weekly, every Friday.


- Kacey Musgraves: Glittery from The Tonight Show:


- Multi-platinum recording artist and environmentalist Jack Johnson’s holiday album, This Warm December, Vol. III is available today! This Warm December, Vol. III is the latest in a trilogy of coveted holiday albums and features both original and holiday-classic songs from Jack Johnson and friends, including G. Love, Bahamas, Mason Jennings, Zach Rogue (of Rogue Wave), Zach Gill, Paula Fuga and more. Watch the lyric video for Bahamas' "I'll Be Home For Christmas" HERE.

- Due to overwhelming demand for the 2018 pressing of the original box set collection, fans now have another chance to celebrate the recorded legacy of musical icon and singer/songwriter Chris Cornell, with a limited-edition color vinyl of the Chris Cornell Super Deluxe LP box set starting, November 22. The box set will be re-released by Cornell’s wife, Vicky Cornell on behalf of The Chris Cornell Estate through UMe, and available exclusively via the Chris Cornell official store. The 2018 Deluxe Edition 4CD, the GRAMMY® Nominated 2LP, 1 CD and Digital versions are also available.

- On November 22nd, UMe will release 40: THE BEST OF - 1979-2019, a new compilation album that covers all 40 years of legendary band Simple Minds recording career. It captures their early experimentation, cross over chart successes, right up to their new imperial phase represented by songs from 2015's Big Music and last year's Walk Between Worlds, which was their highest chart success in over 20 years, charting at number 4 in the UK. Formed in the seventies, and named after a lyric - "so simple minded" - from David Bowie's seminal 1975 single "The Jean Genie," Simple Minds have become one of the most successful bands ever to come from the UK, selling over 60 million records worldwide, having number one singles on both sides of the Atlantic, and number one albums the world over, including five UK number one albums: Sparkle In The Rain (1984), Once Upon A Time (1985) and Street Fighting Years as well as the concert recording Live In The City Of Light (1987), and the compilation Glittering Prize 81/92.

- Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist bülow unveils the official music video for “Boys Will Be Boys” from her latest body of work, an EP titled, The Contender via Wax Records /Republic Records/Universal Music Canada. Watch the official music video HERE. Listen to The Contender HERE.

- R&B/Pop/Soul songstress and pianist Sheléa, a protégé of music icon Quincy Jones, will release her new original holiday single “Don’t Wanna Wait “Til Christmas” on November 22, supported by performances on the nationally televised Hollywood Christmas Parade, taping December 1 on Hollywood Blvd. and airing December 13, and the New York Stock Exchange’s annual tree lighting event on December 5. Check it out here. Comments Jones: “I think she made it pretty clear; don’t make her wait ’til Christmas! It makes my soul smile to hear Sheléa use her undeniable chops to bring us some more music to enjoy this holiday season. Absolutely beautiful.”

- As Little Steven looks back on his early solo career with the upcoming boxed set, RockNRoll Rebel – The Early Work, the creatively restless Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is simultaneously looking forward with a slew of new releases including a theatrical, Gene Kelly-inspired video for his song “Love Again” from his latest album, Summer Of Sorcery, and an exuberant live performance video of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tucson Train.” Leading up to the December 6 release of the boxed set, Little Steven aka Steven Van Zandt has been steadily releasing digital deluxe editions of the albums included over the last few weeks and has just made available his 1989 album, Revolution, which includes two rare mixes of the title track.

- Los Angeles based artist Bootstraps has released the stunning video for his song “Whenever You’re Around,” directed by and starring Parenthood's Sam Jaeger. Joining Sam in the cast is his former co-star Erika Christensen, Alexandra Daddario and Marco James. This song came to Jordan Beckett, the mastermind behind Bootstraps, very quickly after being out all night with an old friend. It's about those people in your life that you may not see for years but when you are together it is like no time has gone by at all. For Jaeger the concept came from conversations with Beckett on how relationships can evolve over time, but the strongest ones have that initial spark underneath. Listening to “Whenever You’re Around“ for the first time reminded Jaeger of the days before he and his wife were dating. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why he felt the way he did or what it meant, he just knew that life was better when she was in the room. That understanding got them, as a couple, through all the highs and lows, so this video is meant to be a celebration of that feeling. Bootstraps music is also very introspective and cinematic so the video was made to reflect that.


- Showtime has picked up a second season of Desus and Mero, the network’s first-ever late-night talk show. Desus and Mero will return for season two on Monday, February 3 and will air all-new episodes every Monday and Thursday at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Desus and Mero features the duo chatting with guests at the intersection of pop culture, sports, music, politics and more, as well as giving their take on the day’s hot topics in their signature style in front of a small live studio audience from New York City. The season one finale will air tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The announcement was made today by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.


- Showtime has announced that Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Juliette Lewis (Camping) and Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Christina Ricci (Z: The Beginning of Everything) have joined the hour-long drama pilot Yellowjackets as series regulars, along with Ella Purnell (Sweetbitter), Sammi Hanratty (SHAMELESS), Sophie Thatcher (Prospect), Sophie Nélisse (The Book Thief), Steven Krueger (The Originals) and Amy Okuda (Atypical). They join previously announced cast Melanie Lynskey (Castle Rock), Tawny Cypress (Unforgettable) and Jasmin Savoy Brown (The Leftovers). Produced for Showtime by Entertainment One (eOne), Yellowjackets was created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson (Narcos), who are executive producing and serving as showrunners. Karyn Kusama (Destroyer) will executive produce and direct the pilot. Drew Comins of Creative Engine also serves as executive producer. Lewis and Thatcher star as adult and teen versions of Natalie. Despite her natural talent, Natalie's punk rock spirit and habit of finding trouble make her the unlikeliest member of the team. As an adult, Natalie struggles to quiet the demons that still haunt her from her time in the wilderness. Lewis is best known for her Oscar and Golden Globe nominated performance in Cape Fear, and starring roles in Husbands and Wives, Kalifornia, Romeo Is Bleeding, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Natural Born Killers, From Dusk Till Dawn, Conviction and Whip It. Her television credits include I Know This Much is True, Camping, The Conners and Secrets and Lies. Thatcher’s film credits include Prospect and The Tomorrow Man.

- The wait is over! Adult Swim’s popular anime series FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative, both release for the first time ever as a Blu-ray combo pack from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on February 4th. Based on the original anime series written by Yōji Enokido and from director Kazuya Tsurumaki, the collection propels Haruko and her yellow Vespa back into action with 12 episodes from FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative. The Blu-ray Combo Pack is priced to own at $44.98 SRP ($52.99 in Canada). FLCL: Alternative will also be available on DVD on February 4th for the low price of $19.99 SRP ($24.99 in Canada).

- Showtime has announced a pilot order for the half-hour comedy series Big Deal, starring and executive produced by Emmy nominee Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live). Bayer co-created the project with Emmy nominee Jeremy Beiler (Saturday Night Live), who will also executive produce. Emmy winner Jessi Klein (Inside Amy Schumer, BLACK MONDAY, Big Mouth) will serve as showrunner and executive produce along with Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, Wet Hot American Summer), who will direct. Annapurna’s Megan Ellison and Sue Naegle will also executive produce. The announcement was made today by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. Produced by Showtime, Big Deal is a grounded comedy in which Bayer plays a character, inspired by her own past, who overcame childhood leukemia to achieve her lifelong dream of landing a job as a QVC host.

- The chilling documentary feature The Animal People, from directors Casey Suchan (“Rock The Bells”) and Denis Henry Hennelly (“Goodbye World,” “Bold Native”) follows the harrowing journey of six young American animal rights activists prosecuted as terrorists by the United States Government for their involvement in a protest campaign. The film had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival last month and will make its Los Angeles bow at the Santa Monica International Film Festival on November 30. “The Animal People” has been acquired by independent film distributor Virgil Films & Entertainment (Oscar®-nominated “Restrepo,” “Forks Over Knives,”) and will be released across all digital platforms around the globe beginning December 10, 2019.

- Showtime has announced a second season of the six-part comedy series Back to Life, which will be a co-production with BBC Three. From Fleabag producers Harry and Jack Williams of Two Brothers Pictures, Back to Life is created and written by Daisy Haggard and Laura Solon, with Haggard starring. Debuting to rave reviews, BACK TO LIFE will wrap up its first season on Sunday, November 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT with two back-to-back episodes. The entire season is available now for on-demand streaming or download on the SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME ANYTIME® apps, as well as for viewing via SHOWTIME On Demand.

- YOSHIKI -Life of a Japanese Rock Star-, a new documentary series, is slated to premiere on YouTube Originals—the global, streaming platform from YouTube where you can discover original series and movies from today's hottest talent—in March, 2020. YOSHIKI was hand-picked by YouTube Originals as part of a select group of internationally-renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, BTS, Robert Downey Jr., Will Smith, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Mark Ronson, Dwayne Johnson, and Taylor Swift. The six-episode series marks the first documentary program from a Japanese artist to be featured on YouTube Originals.

- Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB), a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, and Warner Music Group (WMG) are introducing an elevated way to experience WMG songs and albums with Dolby Atmos Music. Dolby Atmos is redefining how music is experienced by giving artists a platform that allows listeners to experience a deeper connection with their favorite artists and songs.

- This holiday season, international superstar Lionel Richie is introducing his premiere fragrance collection, “HELLO by Lionel Richie,” on Amazon. Driven to launch a fragrance by his passion for creativity and his desire to further connect with fans, the his and her scents are distinct and a perfect pair. Inspired by Richie’s passion for music and his international travel, the women’s fragrance, “HELLO by Lionel Richie Eau de Parfum,” and the men’s fragrance, “HELLO by Lionel Richie Eau de Toilette," each have three layers of intricate scents that deliver elegant, rich and modern aromas. The “HELLO by Lionel Richie,” is now available at Amazon.com.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: November 17, 2019

Supergirl: No Dreamer, no Alex’s girlfriend, very little Brainiac 5… and we may have had the best episode since Saturn Girl went back to the future. Sure, Andréa’s mask was a little too generic, I thought that was Dreamer for a split second.
You can download Supergirl on iTunes.

Watchmen: So crazy rick Asian build her clock in Oklahoma away from the coasts where there is more likely nuclear attacks occur and earthquakes… but isn’t Tulsa right smack dab in the middle of Tornado Alley? Of course we already know what she says is not necessary the whole reason behind what she does as seen by her introduction. But she shoots to the top of the list of who imprison Ozymandias in what they certainly implied was on the moon this week.

The Walking Dead: So what is Negan’s game? He is telling the Whispers he wants to be with them but I feel he is just saying that. I do not really seeing him put Rick’s kid in danger no matter how much barbed wire he wraps around his bat.

Shameless: Oh my, are they really going to kill off Lip’s baby mama? Granted he will not be the only single parent in the household.

Mr. Robot: I feel like I missed something. So we first see the FBI agent pointing her gun at Darla. Last week I thought they ended with her seeing the two in the car, when did she get to the apartment? Or was I not paying attention last week because I was bored that there was no dialogue?
You can download Mr. Robot: on iTunes.

His Dark Materials: Wait, this whole story is taking in an alternative universe from our own and there is a portal to get here? Okay, after being bored the first week, that was kind of interesting.

Castle Rock: So the cult of the centuries old invasion of the body snatchers people do not bother to secure their snatchee’s? And they do not have to kill the people first? The first dude was definitely dead. Although now I am wondering how he was resurrected. Was just falling into the crypt enough to resurrect whatever snatched his body but everyone else has to go through that casket process? And just why are they waiting to kidnap Annie to be the vessel for their leader? And is because she killed that dude with an ice cream scooper the reason she is the best candidate?

But the bigger new in Castle Rock was the arrival of Annie’s step-mom, who promptly gets shot. But hey, we do know she can survive trauma to the gut because that was about where Annie stabbed her. Or maybe she will body snatched and survive that way. But who was Jot saying mom too? She does not want to call Annie her sister which makes me think she would not be ready to call the new lady mom. And what was the plan after she sedated her real mother? Just go back on the run with Annie? With the cops involved (and four episodes left) they clearly are not going anywhere soon now.
You can watch Castle Rock on Hulu.

Survivor: Island of Idols: I had a lot to say on Twitter while this was happening and I really do not want to relive these two hour so just head there to get my thoughts if you do not already follow me.
You can download Survivor: Island of the Idols on iTunes.

The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2: I really wanted T.J., famously hates quitters to lay into the Brits for just blatantly throwing a challenge. Really, they should institute a rule that if you are caught throwing a challenge you are automatically thrown into elimination, even switch the gender week if you have to. The show has just let these people ruin this season by pulling this crap. Sure it looks like they are finally doing something about it next week (though if they eliminate the two black players due to a swimming challenge that will be a bad look), hopefully it is not too late to save this season. Although this season is starting to look much better now airing after Survivor.
You can download The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2 on iTunes.

Almost Family: Brittney Snow being ashamed by doing just completely moronic this really is the best part of this show.
You can download Almost Family on iTunes.

The Good Place: Wait, the Blogger got 44% better over the year? How? I know we only saw about two and a half hours of the experiment but he ended by spreading gossip and fleeing when someone fell into a hole. Maybe since he started at so a low floor it was hard to get worse. But how does that explain Brett who got progressively worse until the final second when he started to apologize to get him to negative one percent. Although if the goal of this experiment was to get better, The Bad Place should have gotten great people who had very little room for improvement. Although now that the judge is going for a full reboot, should be interesting what comes next. I am going to go out on a limb and predict Team Cockroach finds a way to save humanity.
You can download The Good Place on iTunes.

Titans: Um, just how did Batman managed to get the female Titans to the same place at the same time? And why not try to get New Robin, Hawk, or Beast Boy there? Was it just so they could make the mansplaining joke? And why not just break out him out yourself or just have Bruce Wayne buy Old Robin’s release? Or was Bruce really there, he was still acting weird like in Old Robin’s fever dreams. Scarecrow toxin?

Then New Robin just randomly quoting maybe the fifth best West Side Story song was weird. Maybe more weird than him forking Deathstroke’s daughter. And with Rose telling her father she is out, did they just confirm we are in the middle of Judas Contact?

The Blacklist: Playing babies in anti-abortion crusaders… that is just a bit extreme. Of course the evangelical kept it and the politician did not. Although if the rapist was the biological father, where did the eggs come from? The crazy doctor? And just how can the baby survive in a man?
You can download The Blacklist on iTunes.