Around the Tubes: November 19, 2022

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting.  This post includes blurbs on Elton John, It's A Wonderful Binge, Your Honor, Letterkenny, Noah Kahan, John Legend, Mckenna Grace, Louis Armstrong, POV Shorts, Boys in Blue, The Territory, Arkells, and Nickelback.

- Disney+ announced that GRAMMY^®-winning artists Dua Lipa, Kiki Dee and Brandi Carlile will join musical icon Elton John on stage during his final North American performance at Dodger Stadium, paying tribute to him and his legendary career. “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium'' will exclusively be livestreamed on Sunday, November 20, at 11 PM ET / 8 PM PT on Disney+. The concert will begin with “Countdown to Elton Live,” featuring famous friends from around the globe wishing him well, interviews with Elton John and David Furnish and more excitement from Dodger Stadium!  Disney+ also revealed the trailer to commemorate the upcoming historic three-hour livestream, from Disney Branded Television and produced by Fulwell 73 Productions and Rocket Entertainment. “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” will showcase Elton John as audiences have never seen him before, honoring the icon and the seminal moment in 1975 that cemented his global success. 

 

- Ho Ho Ho! Check out the trailer and key art for the upcoming Hulu Original film "It's A Wonderful Binge." The original comedy film comes from American High and will premiere on Hulu on Friday, December 9. 

- SHOWTIME has released the teaser and key art for the second season of YOUR HONOR, starring and executive produced by Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad). The 10-episode season will debut on demand and on streaming Friday, January 13, 2023 and on-air on Sunday, January 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The first season of YOUR HONOR ranks as the top debut season ever on SHOWTIME.   

- Gather your good buddies, LETTERKENNY returns for THAT'S A TEXAS-SIZED 10-4!  Watch the Date Announcement Video Here.  The residents of Letterkenny belong to one of three groups: the Hicks, the Skids, and the Hockey Players, who are constantly feuding over seemingly trivial matters that often end with someone getting their ass kicked. In Season 11, the small town contends with the best chip flavors, lost dogs, an influencer invasion, Skid business, a mystery at the Church Bake Sale, unwanted guests at beer league, and the Degens stirring up trouble. And that’s just for starters.

- In the vivid and thought-provoking new three-part television series, SEARCHING: OUR QUEST FOR MEANING IN THE AGE OF SCIENCE Alan Lightman asks deep and timeless questions: Where do we humans fit in the grand scheme of things? Why do we yearn for permanence in an impermanent universe? Are we just atoms and molecules, or something more? How does consciousness arise from the material neurons in our brains? What aspects of our humanity will be preserved as we evolve beyond biology, from Homo Sapiens to Homo Techno, part human and part machine? What are the smallest things in nature, and the largest and farthest?  To explore these questions, MIT physicist and best-selling author, Lightman (Einstein’s Dreams, The Diagnosis), engages in lively, revealing and sometimes even humorous dialog with Nobel Prize-winning scientists, philosophers, ethicists and faith leaders.  SEARCHING: OUR QUEST FOR MEANING IN THE AGE OF SCIENCE will debut with three one-hour episodes on public television stations starting on January 7, 2023 and streaming on demand on PBS.org for 60 days.

- Vermont singer and songwriter Noah Kahan performed a woodsy, acoustic version of his single “Northern Attitude” from his critically acclaimed new album Stick Season on The Kelly Clarkson Show—watch HERE. The stripped-back performance was shot in his hometown of Strafford, Vermont.  Next week, Noah will make the late night television performance debut of his breakout hit “Stick Season” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!—be sure to tune in on November 22^nd. The song recently hit #1 on the AAA Radio Chart, Noah’s first #1 at the format.

- Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend unveiled three new remixes of his hit song “Nervous,” today via Republic Records. Behind the new renditions are producer, composer, and performer King Britt Sexytech, whose remix credits include Solange, Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa among others; producer, artist, and songwriter Prince Fox, who has collaborated with artists such as Hailee Steinfeld, Tinashe, Cheat Codes, and Timbaland; and producer Xan Griffin, who has previously remixed for artists including Seven Lions and Minnesota.  Listen to each artist’s unique take on “Nervous” HERE.  The original version of “Nervous” is featured on Legend’s eighth studio album, LEGEND available now everywhere via Republic Records. The track recently blew up on TikTok after Legend initiated an open verse challenge inviting fans to add their own verse to the song via the popular “duets” feature. To date, the video has generated over 60M views on the platform. “Nervous” has also amassed nearly 17M global streams since its release.

- Emmy nominated singer, songwriter and actress Mckenna Grace released today her single, Self Dysmorphia via Photo Finish Records available to stream now on all DSPs [Here]  Self Dysmorphia is the latest single release from the sixteen-year-old acclaimed singer and actress off of her highly anticipated upcoming 2023 EP. Grace's powerful fan base continues to grow as evidenced by her recent TikTok postings which exceeded over 38M views.

-  Louis Armstrong’s poignant reciting of Samuel Clement Moore’s beloved, timeless poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “The Night Before Christmas,” has been vividly brought to life with a beautiful animated video to usher in the holiday season. Produced and directed by Tom Readdy and Lucy Dawkins at the award-winning creative house Yes Please Productions, the video was animated in a vintage storybook style by animators Sam Shaw, Jac Clinch and Chris Bowles. Watch “A Visit From St. Nicholas” here: https://louisarmstrong.lnk.to/VisitFromStNicholasMV

-  POV Shorts, the award-winning non-fiction shorts film series curated by POV, celebrates its fifth year anniversary with 11 new bold and dynamic documentaries. The landmark season highlights art as activism, freedom of expression, Americans with disabilities, intergenerational stories, and connectedness, by independent storytellers. Nearly two-thirds of the season’s films are directed by filmmakers of color and over 80% are by women.  Packaged into six unique 30-minute episodes, POV Shorts, fifth anniversary season begins Monday, November 7, 2022 on PBS and streaming on POV.org and the PBS Video app. In addition to standard closed captioning for the film, POV, in partnership with audio description service DiCapta, provides real time audio interpretations for audiences with sensory disabilities. POV, America’s longest running documentary series, is currently celebrating its 35th anniversary season.

- SHOWTIME Sports Documentary Films announced BOYS IN BLUE, a searing four-part docuseries from Emmy-winning filmmaker Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights, Lone Survivor) that spotlights North Community High School and its football team in North Minneapolis during the 2021 season as the players come of age in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd. The series will premiere on Friday, January 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and episodes will air each Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. All four episodes will also release on demand and on streaming platforms for SHOWTIME subscribers on January 6.  To watch and share the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/wyJygZIofc8.

- National Geographic Documentary Films announced the official National Geographic linear and Disney+ dates for THE TERRITORY, the award-winning feature documentary debut from director Alex Pritz. The critically acclaimed film will premiere on National Geographic Channel Thursday, Dec. 1, at 10 p.m. EST/PST and will then be available to stream the next day, Friday, Dec. 2, on Disney+.  THE TERRITORY provides an immersive look at the tireless fight of the Amazon’s Indigenous Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau people against the encroaching deforestation brought by farmers and illegal settlers. With awe-inspiring cinematography showcasing the titular landscape and richly textured sound design, the film takes audiences deep into the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau community and provides unprecedented access to the farmers and settlers illegally burning and clearing the protected Indigenous land.

- Arkells release new single, “Floating Like”, as a surprise addition to their just-released album, Blink Twice.  “‘Floating Like’ is about trying to free yourself of the allure and pull of material things and finding happiness in the simple wonders of life,” says frontman Max Kerman. It was written around a sample we cut up from The Impressions and their song ‘Seven Years.’ We added as many Motown soul tricks to the production with the goal of finding the joy and lightness of those classic tunes. It’s a special song for us, so we wanted to give it its own release and runway. Blink Twice is now complete.”

- Diamond certified multi-platinum selling rock band Nickelback kicks off album release week with “High Time,” the third single from their highly anticipated new album Get Rollin’, set for release Friday, November 18^th via BMG. Listen to “High Time” HERE. Watch the lyric video HERE.   Further previewing the band’s first album in five years, “High Time” takes listeners on a hazy cross-country road trip that reminds us that it’s always 4:20 somewhere. The new track strays from the album’s preceding singles, the edgy “San Quentin” and nostalgic “Those Days” with a funky groove and country rock twang that drives the message of a much-needed, carefree trip with good friends and some good grass. Frontman Chad Kroeger sings about “strumming’, thumpin’ on the dashboard”, which listeners are sure to do as their friends sing along in the backseat of a long drive while they get rolling - literally. The new single will have your spirits high (pun intended) with its infectious singalong chorus and Kroeger’s signature gravelly harmonies. 

57 Channels and Only This Is On: October 13, 2022

 

The White Lotus:  The youngest of the all guys family seemed to be trying a little too hard and I have a feeling he may be just as bad as his father and grandfather.  But I am really beginning to think bring back Tonya was a bad idea.  She is the person I want to spend the least amount of time with.

 

The Walking Dead:  Oh no, they put Negan in front of a firing squad.  Of course that would have been more effective had they not just aired a commercial saying his spin off was coming next year.  Oh hey, and that one guy we have not seen for a few seasons is back.  I thought he might have been dead but apparently he was a Oceanside this whole time, a place the writers seemed to have forgotten about until this week.

 

Let the Right One In:  Oh, there have been two timelines this whole time.  Seems kind of an unnecessary plot twist that did not have much of an effect on the plot.  But is the daughter just pure evil now and that three month jump was to yadda-yadda a slow heal turn?  I also have to wonder why a father of a vampire daughter for ten years now does not have a refrigeration system in place for situations like this.  The guy died in a restaurant, just hide it is the freezer for a while.  But now that the drug dealers think the guy was killed by users and the warehouse has been cleaned out, I wonder what that means for the two storylines intertwining again.  Will dad continue to find the source of the drugs?  How long before he actually finds the top of the supply chain?  End of the season?  How long do they think this show can even go?  That girl is not going to look like a seventh grader for very long.

 

Quantum Leap: So Al’s daughter was able to hijack Ben’s leap last week but could not find him again?  Why not try and follow him to his next leap?

 

Andor: I mentioned how these three episode arcs would make for a better movie than episodic television, I ended up being unable to watch the last three episodes until this week and I got to say I was right.  I liked this third arc much better watching them in quick succession than I did those first two arcs having to wait for them weekly.  Though I have to nitpick that none of the inmates were smart enough to grab the guard’s boots.  Sure, they short circuited that floor, but what about the other floors?  And what happens to the boss who cannot swim?  Does he find a floatation devise?  Does Andor steal a ship and go back for him?  Is he just going to be recaptured by the guards when everyone else leaves?

 

The Handmaid’s Tale:  I am pretty surprised that June et al did not end up in New Bethlehem.  Why bring that up as an option.  And then, why did Moira and Martha did not go with June?  And why did they think a train would be much better than flying?  If they would search for him at the airport, of course they would also be at the train station.  Why not just drive to Alaska?  The southern border is extremely porous.  But of course Serena was on the train, which was the easiest prediction to make.  Now the big question is how will those two mothers bring down Giliad from so far away?  I still think they will make their way to New Bethlehem eventually.

 

Survivor:  It is always a good episode when the people on the bottom of an alliance realize they are on the bottom and flip.  Though, I do not remember a time when the people realize they are on the bottom, make plans to flip, but do not.  If not now, when?  And why did Cassidy still vote for Ryan?  Was she out of the loop, or was this on the very off chance Janine had something?  Or just simply out of spit?

 

The Challenge: Ride or Dies:  Oh Michele, how did you ever win Survivor making decisions like that?  Oh course you throw in the duo that sent you in.  Now you just pissed off a new team and I doubt Nany and Johnny will reciprocate any time soon.  And you threw in a rookie team that would have had your back and now they are gone and that is less numbers for you.  I have a feeling with Kim gone, Michele will be sent in every time until she loses.  Had that been Nan vs. Laurel, that would have been a win-win whoever got sent home.

 

Stargirl:  Okay, the Ultra-Humanite sounds awesome.  I hope we get flashbacks to the time he put his brain inside that actress.  Though there goes my perdition that Dragon King was the killer.  Granted, it turned out someone came back from the dead, just not Dragon King.  But how did icicle get revived?  Did someone collect all the ice cubes, lent them melt, they freeze the water?  Seems far-fetched, but in the comics, pretty much anything can happen.  Maybe the most obvious answer was the Pink Pen granted a not specific enough wish.

 

Titans:  For a second there, I thought the elf was the evil chick who stole Raven’s power.  But have to wonder how the prison was able to contain Jinx if she could so easily transport herself just by taking off her shoe.

 

Pennyworth:  So Batman’s aunt is joining another cult?  And the doctor at the start of the season is just dead now?   But R.I.P. Captain Blighty.  It will be hard to think of a more mailed-in performance in recent memory.