Around the Tubes: October 28, 2023

   

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 Culprits, Thriller 40, Claire Rosinkranz, Kid Cudi, Taylor Swift, and Fizz.

- “Culprits” kicks off where most crime stories end: after a high-stakes heist, when the crew of elite criminals have gone their separate ways and have tried to leave their old lives behind. Past and present collide when a ruthless assassin starts targeting them one by one. Why are they being stalked, who is behind the mayhem, and will they be able to find one another in time to protect themselves and the people they love?   Complete season 1 only on Hulu, Friday, December 8th.

- SHOWTIME announced that the new documentary feature THRILLER 40 will make its debut on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan on Saturday, December 2, and premiere that day at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. The feature will also make its international debut on December 2 on Paramount+ in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Latin America and South Korea and on MTV internationally, excluding China and Japan.   Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – the best-selling album of all time worldwide – Director Nelson George takes fans back in time to experience the making of the record-breaking album and the release of the accompanying short films that forever redefined the music video format. Featuring never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, THRILLER 40 chronicles the creation of a pre-internet global phenomenon unlike anything before it or since. “Thriller” launched Michael Jackson into mega-stardom and to this day continues to influence all aspects of culture and entertainment, including the worlds of music, dance and fashion. Music and entertainment luminaries including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Will.I.Am, Mark Ronson, Misty Copeland, Maxwell and John Landis are featured in the documentary.

- 19-year-old Southern California singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Claire Rosinkranz unveils the official music video for her latest single “Swinging At The Stars,” taken from her debut album Just Because, out now. The sunny and playful video stars Claire alongside actor Gavin Casalegno [Jeremiah in Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty], following the two best friends on a summertime adventure around Malibu.  Watch the music video HERE.  On the meaning behind the song, Claire says, “‘Swinging at the Stars’ is about wanting to experience the fullness of living, and about experiencing beautiful things with someone else. I love to feel everything. I’m obsessed with the abundance that comes with being alive. The fact that I’m capable of feeling all these things and all these emotions - and so if I can touch all the corners of that, that’s what this song feels like.”

- GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum sonic visionary, artist, producer, actor and director Kid Cudi releases “Ill What I Bleed”, the next single from his anxiously awaited ninth full-length studio album, INSANO. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE via Republic Records. It stands out as his first full-length offering since 2022 and one of the most anticipated records of this year.  Listen to “Ill What I Bleed” HERE.  Watch the video HERE.  He initially set the stage for INSANO with the fan favorite single “PORSCHE TOPLESS.” It has already reeled in nearly 10 million Spotify streams and counting in addition to earning critical acclaim. Right out of the gate, The FADER proclaimed, “Cudi celebrates the good times on his latest effort,” while Complex applauded its “bouncy production and a carefree hook.” HYPEBEAST fittingly christened it “a fun and upbeat summer anthem,” and Consequence of Sound dubbed it “a top-down, tunes-up party track.”

- Taylor Swift just captured #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Cruel Summer.” With this achievement, she has once again made history and become “The First Female Artist To Score Ten #1 Hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and Ten #1 Albums on the Billboard 200.” Since its release over a year ago, Midnights has not left the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Notably, the standout track “Anti-Hero” held the #1 spot for eight weeks and is the longest charting song of her career. The track has not left the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a full year. This week with “Cruel Summer,” Taylor claims her 30^th week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Cruel Summer” has historically completed “The Longest Run For a Female Soloist From a Hot 100 Debut to #1 (Non-Holiday),” climbing to the top after four years and two months. This marks the “Longest Climb for a Non-Holiday Female Track from Release Date” and the “Second Longest Climb for a Non-Holiday Track in the Soundscan Era from Release Date.”

-  fast rising musical collective FIZZ release their highly anticipated debut album The Secret To Life via Decca Records. FIZZ was born when longtime friends and musicians dodie, Orla Gartland, Greta Isaac and Martin Luke Brown came together to make music together as a band for the first time. Locking themselves away at Middle Farm Studios with sonic wizard Pete Miles, engineer Soren Bryce and drummer Mat Swales, they ripped up their personal musical rule books to embrace creative freedom, maximalist music making and most importantly, fun.  What emerged after a whirlwind two weeks together was their technicolour, psychedelic and wholly unpredictable debut album The Secret To Life: 12 tracks that exist somewhere in the space between reality and make believe, featuring the singles ‘High In Brighton’, ‘Hell of a Ride’, ‘Close One’ and ‘As Good As It Gets’. On their quest to discover The Secret To Life, the band traverse the bombastic, the silly and the heartfelt, rounding everything out with a five minute, five part, theatrical no holds barred curtain closer. 

View From the Peak - Everything Coming to Paramount+ in November 2023

 

This November Paramount+ is serving up a feast of entertainment for every member of the household for which to be thankful. We have a double serving of series that feature quirky couples in newly premiering Colin From Accounts and The Curse. History buffs will love the chance to dig into the rich story of the Wild West’s first Black U.S. deputy marshal in Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Sports fans will enjoy an incredible spread of pro and college football games over the holiday week, and fast food is on the menu with the premiere of the nostalgic Paramount+ original film Good Burger 2. For a closer look at all the entertainment coming to Paramount+ in November, check out the latest edition of View From the Peak. IN THE SPOTLIGHT David Oyelowo and Lauren Banks in Lawmen: Bass Reeves   In November, Lawmen: Bass Reeves joins the elite collection of Paramount+ Original Series set in the Wild West. Created for television by executive producer, writer and showrunner Chad Feehan and executive produced by Taylor Sheridan and series lead David Oyelowo, the show tells the gripping story of U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves (Oyelowo), famed for apprehending more than 3,000 outlaws during his time. We sat down with Feehan to get his insights into the creation of the series. Not enough Americans know about Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. deputy marshal west of the Mississippi; what attracted you to telling this story? I was attracted by the triumph of his spirit. Bass Reeves was a real-life superhero, who overcame unimaginable circumstances and dedicated his life to justice and equality in a lawless region of American history. I’m honored and humbled to be a part of the team that celebrates Bass’ legacy. Expanding on that, can you talk about how important it was to authentically depict the diversity of Texas during this time period? Our series begins with enslavement and carries through Reconstruction to the first cruel whispers of Jim Crow. During this time, Texas, the Indian Territory and Arkansas were home to multiple cultures, races and creeds. Not only was it important to depict that as authentically as possible, but more so, we wanted to explore the universality of the human condition and the emotionality that connects all of us. What was it like to collaborate with David Oyelowo as you developed the series and the title character? In my opinion, television writing is a team sport. Not only does that include a wide array of voices in the writers’ room, but it also extends to historians, researchers and various experts. Our series was incredibly fortunate to rely on the likes of David as well as Sidney Thompson, Mo Brings Plenty and many others, who shepherded us into recreating an authentic picture of the American West. Without giving any spoilers, what are you most excited for audiences to see? I’m excited for our audiences to see a portrayal of Bass Reeves – the lawman, the husband and the father – as well as experience a story that’s thrilling, heroic and emotionally complex. No one is above the law when Lawmen: Bass Reeves premieres on November 5. WATCH THE TRAILER BEHIND THE STREAMS Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall in Colin From Accounts Next month, Colin From Accounts makes its streaming debut in the U.S. on Paramount+. The series follows the unconventional meet cute between Ashley (Harriet Dyer) and Gordon (Patrick Brammall), which involves an unexpected flash, a car accident and an adorable dog in need of assistance. While many rom coms tend toward the fanciful, executive producer Trent O’Donnell wanted to keep the show grounded and authentic. “It's messy and weird in a good, specific way," said O’Donnell. “I think the real strength of the show is in the real-life moments. There are so many funny, beautifully observed stories that often feel too inappropriate for a romantic comedy. They tend to play the best.” While working with the show’s human leads was a dream, their canine co-stars were another story. “There were two dogs that played Colin: Zak and Buster,” said O’Donnell. “I was a big Zak guy. Buster and I definitely clashed more.” Boy meets girl...and dog when Colin From Accounts premieres on November 9. WATCH THE TRAILER MOUNTAIN OF MOVIES Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell at New York Comic Con Welcome back to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger! After 25 years, best pals Dexter and Ed, played by comedy legends Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, have reunited and are ready to take your order in Good Burger 2. Fans of the 1997 cult-classic comedy will be thrilled to see the return of the iconic Burgermobile, a highly modified 1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible that sports a custom burger hood, hot-dog headrests, pickle hubcaps and French-fry windshield wipers. The new Burgermobile, which clocks in at more than 5,000 pounds (or 1,500 Good Burgers), recently made its first-ever appearance at New York Comic Con. Two versions of the car were made, but one comically was destroyed during filming. Dex and Ed will deliver laughs for the whole family when Good Burger 2 premieres on November 22. WATCH THE TEASER HIGH SCORE NFL players Joe Burrow, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes Heat up those leftovers; get cozy on the couch; and settle in for an unmatched lineup of live sports on Paramount+ this Thanksgiving holiday.    The action begins on Thanksgiving Day with the NFL on CBS when the Washington Commanders take on the Dallas Cowboys. The fun will continue Sunday, November 26, with an NFL on CBS doubleheader that will feature live, local-market games.  College football fans also will be treated to a hefty helping of games during Thanksgiving weekend with a doubleheader on Black Friday. A Big Ten on CBS matchup, featuring Iowa vs. Nebraska, will kick off the day, followed by an SEC on CBS contest between Missouri and Arkansas. The SEC on CBS game of the week on Saturday, November 25, will cap the college football action. Soccer fans also will get a treat in the days after Thanksgiving when Paramount+ brings CBS Sports’ UEFA Champions League studio show stateside with Destination Miami. Fans can watch UEFA Champions League Today live from Miami on November 28-29 with all 16 matches streaming live on Paramount+.  DID YOU KNOW? Emma Stone in The Curse Next month will see the premiere of The Curse*, a genre-bending series that explores how an alleged curse disturbs the relationship of a newly married couple as they try to conceive a child while co-starring in their new home-improvement show. The series stars Oscar® winner Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie.    After a long day of binging an epic Thanksgiving feast, it’s wonderful to relax with the whole family and binge great movies together until the food coma subsides. The Paramount+ movie library is filled with options for your family to enjoy including family favorites like The Loud House Thanksgiving Special for the little ones and beloved films for older family members including Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Gladiator, Catch Me If You Can, Dreamgirls, Runaway Bride, The Big Short, The Godfather trilogy*, The Lincoln Lawyer, Chicago and many more. STREAMING SOON ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES, PREMIERES & EVENTS 11/1: Ink Master (Season 15) premiere 11/5: Lawmen: Bass Reeves premiere 11/7: De La Calle premiere 11/7: FBI True (Season 4) premiere 11/9: Colin From Accounts premiere 11/10: The Curse* premiere 11/14: JFK: What the Doctors Saw premiere 11/22: Good Burger 2 premiere LIBRARY SHOWS November 1 Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (Season 2) RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-Slay Spectacular November 3 Let's Make a Deal Primetime** November 6 The Eternal Memory November 12 Assassin Club November 14 NCIS: Sydney (Season 1)** PAW Patrol (Season 8) Pay Or Die November 15 Basketball Wives (Season 10) The Loud House Thanksgiving Special The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist (Season 1) November 16 Ghosts UK (Season 1)** November 21 A Song Film by Kishi Bashi : Omoiyari Alive in Bronze Birthing a Nation: The Resistance of Mary Gaffney Last Song from Kabul: The Day The Music Stopped Tattoo on My Brain The ABCs of Book Banning by Grace Lin November 22 Drag Race Mexico (Season 1) The Last Cowboy (Season 3) November 28 The Billion Dollar Goal (Season 1) LIBRARY MOVIES November 1 A Boy Named Charlie Brown A Very Brady Sequel Above the Rim Aeon Flux* Alfie (2004) Along Came a Spider American Gun Ashby Bad Santa Bad Santa 2 Black Hawk Down Bloodsport* Blue Hawaii Blue Velvet* Boomerang* Bounce Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason Bridget Jones's Baby Cadillac Man* Catch Me If You Can Chicago Christmas Eve City of God Cold Mountain Cool World* Detective Story Dreamgirls Easy Come, Easy Go Enemy at the Gates Everyone Says I Love You* Ferris Bueller's Day Off Footloose (2011) Forces of Nature Four Brothers Fun in Acapulco Funny Face G.I. Blues Girls! Girls! Girls! Gladiator Grumpy Old Men Happy Christmas Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back Keeping Up with the Steins King Creole Kinky Boots (2005) Kiss the Girls Like a Boss (2020) Long Shot Love, Rosie Menace II Society* Mistletoe Ranch* Moonlight and Valentino My Fair Lady Mystic Pizza* No Strings Attached Paradise, Hawaiian Style Peanuts: Bon Voyage Charlie Brown (And Don't Come Back!!) Rabbit-Proof Fence Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown Rat Race Remember Pearl Harbor Reservoir Dogs* Roman Holiday Rosie the Riveter Roustabout Rules of Engagement Runaway Bride Sabrina (1954) Sahara Sands of Iwo Jima Santa Stole Our Dog! Saving Christmas* Saving Private Ryan Scooby-Doo (2002) Scream 4 Scrooge (1970) Shutter Island Small Time Crooks* Snake Eyes Snoopy, Come Home Staying Alive Stop-Loss Sunset Boulevard Superstar The Actors The Babysitter The Bad News Bears* (1976) The Big Short The Boy in the Striped Pajamas The Collective* The Color Purple The Counselor* The Crying Game* The English Patient The Godfather (Remastered)* The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (Remastered)* The Godfather Part II (Remastered)* The Heartbreak Kid The Kite Runner* The Lincoln Lawyer The Out-of-Towners (1999) The Out-of-Towners (1970) The Perks Of Being A Wallflower* The Romantics The Stepford Wives (2004) The Switch The Terminal The Town The Traveler The Truman Show The Uninvited The War of the Worlds (1953) The Wiz* The Woman in Red* The Wood Uncommon Valor Unfaithful* Up In The Air Virtuosity Wall Street* What Men Want What Women Want When Harry Met Sally* Wolves of War* November 9 Lucky Number Slevin Miracles Across 125th Street November 14 The Accused November 15 Dead Shot* The Crusades* November 23 Southpaw* November 27 The Lesson* November 28 Earth Mama* SPORTS 11/4: Big Ten on CBS – Ohio State @ Rutgers* 11/4: SEC on CBS – Missouri @ Georgia* 11/4: SEC on CBS – LSU @ Alabama*  11/5: NFL ON CBS Week 9 (check local listings) 11/5: Rockwool Italy Sail Grand Prix* 11/5: Barclays Women’s Super League – Arsenal vs. Manchester City 11/7-10/8: UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 11/7: UEFA Champions League – AC Milan vs. PSG 11/8: UEFA Champions League – Arsenal vs. Sevilla 11/9: UEFA Europa League – Matchday 4 11/9: UEFA Europa Conference League – Matchday 4 11/11: SEC on CBS* 11/11: 2023 NWSL Championship Game* 11/12: NFL ON CBS Week 10 (check local listings)  11/12: Courage in Sports: Grid Iron Greatness*  11/12: Serie A – Lazio vs. Roma 11/16 & 11/20: Concacaf Nations League – Costa Rica vs. Panama 11/17 & 11/21: Concacaf Nations League – Honduras vs. Mexico 11/17 & 11/21: Concacaf Nations League – Jamaica vs. Canada 11/18: WCRA Rodeo Carolina* 11/18: SEC on CBS 11/19: NFL ON CBS Week 11 Doubleheader (check local listings) 11/19: Barclays Women’s Super League – Manchester United vs. Manchester City 11/23: NFL ON CBS Thanksgiving Day – Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys 11/24: Big Ten on CBS – Iowa @ Nebraska* 11/24: SEC on CBS – Missouri @ Arkansas*  11/25: SEC on CBS* 11/26: NFL ON CBS Week 12 Doubleheader (check local listings)  11/26: Serie A – Juventus vs. Inter  11/28-11/29: UEFA Champions League – Destination Miami (Matchday 5) 11/28: UEFA Champions League – PSG vs. Newcastle United 11/29: UEFA Champions League – Real Madrid vs. Napoli  Throughout November: Italian Serie A competition Throughout November: Concacaf Nations League qualifiers Throughout November: Concacaf W Gold Cup qualifiers Throughout November: Argentina Liga Profesional de Fútbol competition Throughout November: Campeonato Brasileirão Série A competition Throughout November: Scottish Professional Football League competition Throughout November: Combate Global competition Throughout November: AFC Champions League competition Throughout November: Barclays Women’s Super League 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.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: October 22, 2023

  

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon:  Much like Dead City, I was not aware this was an ongoing series, though will there be much Daryl in the Book of Carol?  I just hope the zombies killed the kid.

 

Billions:  So Prince just let Taylor walk?  Seems uncharacteristic of him.  And how was Bobby let back in the US?  Wasn’t he wanted by the federal government?  But Prince has his vice president and crushed the Bobby/Chuck alliance.  Congratulation, it was a good run for the show.  Good night.  Oh, wait; there is still one more episode left?  Oh, Prince is going down.

 

Survivor:  Really, another quitter?  Someone needs to fire the casting division (get a new casting director for The Challenge why you are at it CBS).  The problem is just way too many super-fans.  The show used to look like a cross-section of American and now it looks more like a D&D convention.  What happen to all the athletes?  Beauty Queens?  Anyone over 40?  Now it is just nerds who cannot even climb a ladder or dive under a log without breaking their skull.  Probst should be embarrassed by this season.

 

Doom Patrol:  Happy Immortus Day!  You knew a musical episode of this show would not disappoint.

 

Loki:  Ultron was evil and all, but at least he did not want a physical form to fork a dude.  I am not sure if that is more or less creepy than Loki wanting to hook up with the female variant of himself.

 

The Challenge: USA:  Well, at least Chris was able to win a show without some stupid loop hole, so congrats I guess.  Dude is still boring and probably should not been cast.  Now I just need to decide, what was a funnier way for Fessy to bomb out of a final: not being able to eat gross things after blaming his partner’s bad ankle or going the wrong way because even the chicks were able to hit an axe on a target?