Around the Tubes: February 22, 2025

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Paradise, Abbott Elementary, Am I Being Unreasonable?, Miranda Lambert, Kiss, and Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special.

- Hulu Original drama series “Paradise,” which hails from 20th Television, has been renewed for a second season.  Following the season one finale on Hulu on March 4th, “Paradise” will air a full first season run on ABC beginning Monday, April 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

- Get your favorite back-to-school outfit ready as school is back in session with the highly anticipated release of Abbott Elementary: The Complete Third Season on DVD on April 1, from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. Follow the lives of the staff we have grown to know and love working at Willard R. Abbott Elementary School, and go down memory lane with all 14 hilarious, wholesome and "educational" episodes from the third season. Pre-order your copy beginning February 18.  Quinta Brunson, Emmy® Award winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, created the series and stars as Janine Teagues. Brunson, alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions, Randall Einhorn and Brian Rubenstein serve as executive producers. In addition to Brunson, the cast includes Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, and Emmy® Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.

- The BAFTA Award-winning off-kilter comedy thriller returns.  Created by and starring Daisy May Cooper and Selin Hizli, the complete second season of Hulu Original series “Am I Being Unreasonable?” will premiere on March 12, 2025.  Season 2 will begin where season 1 left off, mid panic attack. Has Nic got away with murder? Quite possibly. Has she raised her son Ollie to follow in her murky footsteps? Kicked out of the family home for brotherly love – loving the wrong brother – Nic is reduced to sharing a caravan with not so trustworthy best friend Jen. Husband Dan has taken up roller-blading to channel his mid-life crisis. Shunned at the school gates and cast as the witch at the school re-enactment Nic is experiencing hallucinations. Or is the someone playing tricks on her?

- Dubbed by NPR as “the backbone of contemporary Country music,” Miranda Lambert expands her celebrated Postcards from Texas musical chapter with an official music video for upcoming single “Run,” impacting at Country radio this coming Monday, Feb. 24. Embracing the sense of freedom and the three-time GRAMMY Award-winner’s fiercely independent spirit on display in the song’s lyrics, the video directed by Kate Rentz is out now. Watch HERE.

- The #1 most Gold-awarded U.S. artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame© Inductees KISS, proudly present “Strutter” on a limited-edition, playable gold records in honor of 50 years of the single available now. KISS partners with Precious Sound to produce two versions—the ultra-rare Pure Gold Edition and the Gold-Plated Edition. Order, HERE.

- "Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special" will premiere on Friday, May 16 on Hulu, and is the seventh Original special in Hulu's new stand-up comedy slate, Hularious.  Matteo Lane's comedy is like catching up with your old friend at brunch. In his latest special, he shares a glimpse into his travels, unique family background and friendships.

View From the Peak - Everything Coming to Paramount+ in March 2025

 

Next month marks four years of Paramount+ and we are proud to continue to be a premiere destination for live sports, breaking news and popular series and movies. Home to the world's most beloved brands, record-breaking originals and a vast library of thousands of iconic titles, it's no surprise that Paramount+ has remained one of the fastest growing streaming services since it launched in 2021.   In celebration of Women's History Month, our refreshed Women Who Move Mountains collection shines a light on the real and fictional women who inspire us. And speaking of strong leading ladies, don't miss the premiere of the highly anticipated original series Happy Face, inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore (played by Annaleigh Ashford) who discovered that her once beloved father (Dennis Quaid) was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. Sports fans will also be on the edge of their seats all month long streaming the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship games that air on CBS, the start of the National Women's Soccer League season and the UEFA Champions League round of 16 matches that determine this year's quarterfinalists. Whether you're looking for your next true-crime obsession, powerful female-led stories, or action on the court - you can find it all streaming on Paramount+.  For a closer look at all the entertainment coming in March, check out the latest edition of View from the Peak.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford in Happy Face   Paramount+ explores the rippling effects of crime and trauma with a new original series inspired by the true story of Melissa G. Moore, who at 15 years old discovered that her father was the serial killer known as Happy Face.  The upcoming original Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Reed and her incarcerated father Keith Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way back into his daughter's life, and Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. The new series features a star-studded cast, including Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford and Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid.  We connected with executive producer and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio on her approach to bringing the Happy Face killer to the screen and working alongside Moore, who also executive produced the series, to shine a new light on her story.  Can you tell us about your experience working with Melissa G. Moore, who is an executive producer on this series and at the center of this story as the daughter of the Happy Face Killer?  Working with Melissa was a dream. She was generous with her time, open with her stories, and even shared her father's letters with me. But most importantly, she put her complete trust in me. She said that she'd told her story in her own words many times, through the podcast, her memoir, and various interviews over the years. She gave me complete freedom to tell this story in a new way. How much of the podcast informed the creative process? Were there specific portions of the story that were easier or more difficult to adapt?  The podcast tells the story of Melissa's emotional journey. It's her coming to terms with who her father is and facing his victims for the first time. Her unique emotional journey is what made me want to tell this story, but the challenge was how to create an exciting plot that could serve as an engine to drive and underpin that emotional story without cheapening it in any way. That's how we came up with the idea of a ninth murder.  Happy Face retells the stories of real-life crimes. How do you balance keeping the story engaging while dealing with such sensitive topics?  From the very beginning it was really important to me that the show not depict any on-screen violence. I wanted this show to be about the emotional fallout of violent crime, the rippling effects of this type of trauma. We definitely hint at the violence, and we discuss it, but we don't dramatize or glorify it. I always did my best to stay rooted in Melissa's emotional story and let her character lead the way. Twists and turns and cliffhangers are great - and our show definitely has them! - but what keeps you coming back week after week are compelling characters.  Despite not being part of or having knowledge of the crimes her father committed at the time, the guilt and responsibility still weigh heavily on Melissa (played by Annaleigh Ashford), which is partially why she feels reeled back in to find more information about the new victim. What do you think that says about the human experience of examining the relationships or lack thereof we have with our parents and their actions? I was drawn to Melissa's story in the first place because I related to it. For most of my childhood, my father was incarcerated for drugs, and while the crimes our fathers committed were very different, the questions were the same: was my childhood what I thought it was? Did I really know my dad the way I thought I did? Am I destined to be like him or can I pave my own way? The question of nature vs. nurture will always fascinate me, and I think no matter your upbringing, most people can relate to seeing your parents' flaws and loving them anyway. This show just explores those themes on steroids, haha.  Is there anything specific you'd like viewers to take away from this story and its various themes?  We all love crime shows, but I hope viewers appreciate that we are trying to explore the crime drama through a different lens. And I guess if there's a takeaway, it might be that sometimes you have to lean deeper into the darkness of your life to step into your true light.  Don’t miss the two-episode premiere of Happy Face on Paramount+ March 20.

WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER

MOUNTAIN OF MOVIES

Gotta go fast! Following its triumphant theatrical run, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 made a mad dash to Paramount+ this month and is already a hit on the streaming service, while also boosting viewership of the franchise's previous two films by a combined 185 percent. The film, which premiered in theaters in December, picks up shortly after the Paramount+ original six-episode event series Knuckles. Following the red echidna's eponymous journey of self-discovery, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles reunite to face a new, formidable foe, Shadow, a mysterious hedgehog with powers unlike anything they've ever seen. Together, team Sonic must secure an unexpected alliance if they hope to stop Shadow and save the planet they now call home.  Directed by Jeff Fowler, who has directed all three films in the series, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is composed of an all-star live-action cast including Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell and Krysten Ritter. Returning voice cast members include Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Colleen O'Shaugnessey as Tails, Idris Elba as Knuckles,  as well as franchise newcomer Keanu Reeves as Shadow.  In addition to the three theatrical films, nostalgic hedgehog heads can check out the various retro animated series about the speedster available on the service, including Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Underground. Don't walk, RUN to the movies tab and stream Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on Paramount+.

STREAM SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

HIGH SCORE

Mohamed Salah - CBS Sports   CBS Sports' soccer season is kicking into high gear for UEFA Champions League Round of 16 action March 4-5 and March 11-12, with every match streaming live exclusively on Paramount+. Liverpool and Barcelona will look to continue their top performances and secure a spot in the Quarterfinals in what has been a record year for UEFA Champions League viewership on Paramount+.  The NWSL season kicks off in March and Paramount+ will be at the center of the action when Chicago Stars FC host the Houston Dash on March 23. CBS Sports' NWSL coverage this year will feature 50 regular season matches streaming live on Paramount+ and an additional three playoff matches, including the NWSL Championship.

DID YOU KNOW?

For Women's History Month, explore female-led films and series across a variety of genres in the Women Who Move Mountains collection. New additions to the curated collection include popular titles like A League Of Their Own, Practical Magic, Blue Crush, The Women, Julie & Julia, Failure to Launch, Sugar & Spice; action-packed thrillers like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Lara Croft: The Cradle of Life, Room, Annihilation, Ex Machina; and powerful performances in historical dramas including Marie Antoinette, The Other Boleyn Girl and many more. The collection is available for both Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Paramount+ Essential subscribers.  Don't miss the ultimate fan experience with the return of Paramount+'s The Lodge! The hit cross-country tour is back for the third year, kicking off in Palisades Lake Tahoe, California from February 28 to March 2; followed by SXSW in Austin, Texas from March 7-10; then onto Steamboat, Colorado March 21-25. The beloved 'Lodge' experience will feature even more immersive activations inspired by hit series and iconic franchises, including Yellowjackets, 1923, SpongeBob SquarePants, Survivor, a CBS Sports Bar and more.  Ahead of the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, catch award-winning and critically acclaimed films joining Paramount+ next month, including Babylon, Foxcatcher, Inglourious Basterds*, Frozen River, Good Will Hunting, Million Dollar Baby, Mulholland Drive, Pulp Fiction, Serpico, The Hurt Locker, The Ides of March, There Will Be Blood, Up in the Air and many more. Explore the Critically Acclaimed collection on Paramount+.

STREAMING SOON

Ringo Starr and Billy Strings, CBS presents Ringo & Friends at the Ryman special   At Paramount+, we 'won't back down' from bringing epic music programming to fans that give an inside-look at culture-defining artists and electrifying performances like never before.  On March 11, cult classic '80s film, Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party from legendary director Cameron Crowe will make its return as a newly remastered version nearly 40 years after its MTV debut. The film features unprecedented access and a musically rich ride with America's greatest rock & roll band, and a rare, shining glimpse into Tom Petty's lasting creative genius. Check out the trailer.  Over on CBS, Ringo & Friends at the Ryman** airs March 10 featuring Ringo Starr and some of country music's biggest names. The two-hour taped special includes performances and duets of songs spanning Starr's legendary career, including Beatles classics and songs from his new country album "Look Up." Guest stars include music icons Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, Emmylou Harris, Sarah Jarosz, Jamey Johnson, Brenda Lee, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, The War And Treaty and Jack White.  Together, they reimagine some of music's most iconic songs, such as "Act Naturally," "Yellow Submarine" and more, with proceeds from the one-time, all-star performance of "With a Little Help from My Friends" going to support the American Red Cross and those impacted by the California wildfires.  Don't miss this stellar music line-up next month, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES, PREMIERES & EVENTS 3/1 Strange Darling* Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer's vicious murder spree. 3/3 Rumours* The leaders of seven wealthy democracies get lost in the woods while drafting a statement on a global crisis, facing danger as they attempt to find their way out.  3/4 Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas premiere The shocking three-part docuseries follows the criminal investigation of a former cast member on the reality TV series Gigolos, who was arrested for murdering a young female client.  3/10 Ringo & Friends at the Ryman** special  This two-hour special celebrates the music and legacy of Ringo Starr through the lens of country music. Taped at the historic Ryman Auditorium - the "Mother Church of Country Music" - this once-in-a-lifetime event features exclusive performances.  3/11 Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party Extended premiere  The highly anticipated film, restored from its original 16mm source, is an era-defining look at rock & roll that captures Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers as they finish, promote and tour the groundbreaking "Long After Dark" album.   3/20 Happy Face series premiere  The series follows Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Dennis Quaid). After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter's life. LIBRARY SHOWS March 5 The Amazing Race (season 37 premiere)** The Fairly OddParents: Abra-Catastrophe Special  The Surreal Life (season 2)  March 12 Air Disasters (season 20) The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish (season 1)   March 19 Teen Mom: The Next Chapter (season 2)  March 26 Basketball Wives (season 11)  LIBRARY MOVIES In March, Paramount+ transports subscribers to new worlds. Be sure to check out new sci-fi and fantasy hits like Dune (1984), Edge of Tomorrow, Ex Machina, Pan's Labryinth, Practical Magic, The Abandon*, The House with a Clock in Its Walls* and more. March 1 A League of Their Own Annihilation  Becoming Jane Blue Crush Boys on the Side  Cloud Atlas Continue  Crawl Dune (1984) Edge of Tomorrow  Elizabethtown Ex Machina  Face/Off Failure to Launch Foxcatcher Foxfire Frozen River Good Will Hunting Harlem Nights Inglorious Basterds* Julie & Julia Jungleland Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life  Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Love, Rosie  Marie Antoinette Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life*  Million Dollar Baby Motherhood* Mulholland Drive Only the Brave Pan's Labryrinth Practical Magic Pulp Fiction Rat Race Room Run All Night Searching For Bobby Fischer Serpico  Shutter Island  Sicario: Day of the Soldado  Sleepy Hollow Snake Eyes Son of a Gun Staying Alive Sugar & Spice  The Abandon The Fifth Estate*  The Glorias The Heartbreak Kid (2007) The Hurt Locker The Ides of March The Kite Runner The Lodge* The Machinist The Manchurian Candidate The Other Boleyn Girl The Queens of Comedy The Sum of All Fears The Terminal The Virgin Suicides The Warriors The Way Of The Dragon The Weekend The Women There Will Be Blood Trail of Justice Up In The Air Wayne's World Wayne's World 2  Witness March 3 The House with a Clock in Its Walls*  March 8 Babylon India Sweets and Spices* March 16 Bridge of Spies* March 18 The Last Manhunt* March 21 The Hunting Party* March 23 The Free World*  March 26 Mass* March 31 American Psycho* American Psycho II: All American Girl*  SPORTS 3/1: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Connecticut @ Providence*; Seton Hall @ St. John's*; Cincinnati @ Houston* 3/2: Sail Grand Prix - Australia*  3/2: NCAA Men's Basketball – Wisconsin @ Michigan State*; Illinois @ Michigan*  3/3-3/5: AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 Leg 1 3/4-3/5: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1  3/6: UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg 1  3/6: UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Leg 1  3/8: NCAA Men's Basketball – Iowa State @ Kansas State*; Ohio State @ Indiana* 3/9: NCAA Men's Basketball – Michigan @ Michigan State*  3/9: NCAA Men's Basketball – Missouri Valley Conference Championship* 3/10-3/12: AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 Leg 2  3/11-3/12: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Leg 2  3/13: UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg 2  3/13: UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Leg 2  3/15: NCAA Men's Basketball – Big Ten Conference Men's Tournament Semifinals* 3/15: NCAA Men's Basketball –  Mountain West Conference Men's Championship*  3/16: NCAA Men's Basketball – Atlantic 10 Conference Men's Championship* 3/16: NCAA Men's Basketball – Big Ten Conference Men's Championship* 3/16: NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Selection Show*  3/20: Concacaf Nations League Semifinals – USA vs. Panama; Mexico vs. Canada  3/23: Concacaf Nations League Final & Third-Place Match 3/23: NWSL – Chicago Stars FC vs. Houston Dash 3/29: NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship* 3/30: Professional Bull Riders Monster Energy Team Challenge* Throughout March: NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship* Throughout March: Scottish Professional Football League competition  Throughout March: English Football League competition  Throughout March: Serie A competition  Throughout March: AFC Champions League Elite competition  * Title is available to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers. **All Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers can live stream CBS titles via the live feed on Paramount+. Those titles will be available on-demand to all subscribers the day after they air live. Dates for library titles are subject to change. Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to CBS titles to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on-demand. Essential tier subscribers have access to these titles on-demand the day after they air.