Around the Tubes: October 17, 2020

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 Dexter, Stevie Wonder, Hanson, Benee, James Blake, Hope Tala, The Circus, Bad Hombres, Saturday Night Live, Shameless, VOTE or DIE!, 

- America’s favorite serial killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) will return to SHOWTIME in a new 10-episode limited series that will once again bring together series star Michael C. Hall and showrunner Clyde Phillips. The new limited series is set to begin production in early 2021, with a tentative premiere date in the fall of 2021. The announcement was made today by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.  “DEXTER is such a special series, both for its millions of fans and for SHOWTIME, as this breakthrough show helped put our network on the map many years ago,” said Levine. “We would only revisit this unique character if we could find a creative take that was truly worthy of the brilliant, original series.  Well, I am happy to report that Clyde Phillips and Michael C. Hall have found it, and we can’t wait to shoot it and show it to the world!”

- Stevie Wonder used the occasion of the 36^th birthday of his second oldest son, Mumtaz Morris, to announce something he has never done before. With a spirit of celebration, he released two songs at once. “Can’t Put It in The Hands of Fate” feat. Rapsody, Cordae, Chika, and Busta Rhymes and “Where Is Our Love Song” feat. Gary Clark Jr., are songs that provide instruction and inspiration for today’s global challenges.  Released on Wonder’s new label, So What The Fuss Music, marketed and distributed by Republic Records/Universal Music Group, both songs are written and produced by Stevie Wonder and are available now on all digital and streaming platforms.  Listen to “Can’t Put It In The Hands of Fate” feat. Rapsody, Cordae, Chika, and Busta Rhymes: HERE  Listen to “Where Is Our Love Song” feat. Gary Clark Jr.: HERE

- HANSON are inviting fans around the world to join them for the second chapter on November 5 -7, which will also coincide with the November 6 release of their new album Perennial - A Hanson Net Collection. The livestreaming concert series broadcasting live from the historic Cain’s Ballroom, a local music landmark in the band’s hometown of Tulsa, OK, features a new musical theme each month, and offers live streaming tickets along with very limited in-person tickets for members of the band’s Hanson.net fan club. November’s musical theme for the concerts will be inspired by the new album, Perennial, which highlights music recorded for the band’s Hanson.net community over the last 20 years, but never before shared with the public.  WATCH: STREAMING CONCERT SERIES | OFFICIAL TRAILER  BUY TICKETS

- New Zealand’s platinum sensation BENEE announces her highly-anticipated debut album, Hey u x, is set for release on November 13^th. The 13-track genre-bending album, which features collaborations from a slew of artists, including Lily Allen, Grimes, Flo Milli, Gus Dapperton, Mallrat, Kenny Beats, Bakar and Muroki, can be pre-ordered now HERE.  Hey u x includes BENEE’s Platinum-Certified smash hit “Supalonley” feat. Gus Dapperton, which has amassed over 2.1 billion global streams to date, as well as her recently released pop bops, “Night Garden” feat. Kenny Beats and Bakar and “Snail.” See the full album tracklist below. The album artwork was designed by Californian artist Terry Hoff.

- GRAMMY® Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer James Blake has officially released his new EP Before – Listen HERE. Blake joined Annie Mac on Radio 1 for “Hottest Record in the World” to premiere the title track, “Before.” The 4 track EP is an homage to his London club days, as Blake returns to his roots on these deep and immersive dancefloor tracks while showcasing the evolution of his music. Before is available everywhere now, via Republic Records.

- Hot on the heels of well received recent single, “All My Girls Like To Fight,” fast emerging, London-based newcomer Hope Tala today reveals new track “Crazy,” the second offering taken from her upcoming major label debut EP, Girl Eats Sun out October 30^TH. Showcasing Hope Tala’s beautiful vocals atop bossa nova-influenced beats, “Crazy” once again cements Hope Tala as an artist set to take the next months by storm.  LISTEN TO “CRAZY” HERE AND WATCH THE CAPTIVATING LIVE VIDEO HERE!

- THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE CRAZIEST POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ON EARTH continues its fifth season Sunday with a deep dive into the ongoing battle over voter access during an election that is already underway.  Hosts John Heilemann, Alex Wagner and Mark McKinnon, along with guest contributor Jennifer Palmieri, unpack a critical week in the closing days of the 2020 race, as  President Trump returns to the campaign trail, Judge Amy Coney Barrett begins Supreme Court confirmation hearings and a record number of Americans cast their ballots.  For a preview, go to: https://youtu.be/afT3SCp4b2U.

- SHOWTIME has released a first look at its upcoming documentary BAD HOMBRES, premiering on Friday, October 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Filmed over the course of the 2019 Mexican Baseball League season, BAD HOMBRES chronicles the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos, the world’s only binational professional baseball team, revealing what life is like in two border cities besieged by divisive rhetoric and policies, all in the shadow of America’s pastime.  The never-before-seen clip illustrates an unexpected concern that members of the Tecolotes staff and roster must address following a controversial statement from the United States government threatening the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border just days before the season begins, potentially restricting travel between the team’s two home ballparks. Scheduled to host home openers in both Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, the Tecolotes’ plans are put at risk. To watch and/or share the first look, visit: https://s.sho.com/3dqNCUZ.

- On October 11, 1975, Saturday Night Live, a topical comedy sketch show, made its debut on NBC. Created by Canadian-born comedy writer Lorne Michaels, it would go on to become a renowned launch pad for generational talent and unforgettable characters and become the longest-running, highest-rated show on late-night television. The first five years of Saturday Night Live featured some of the most beloved cast members of all time, including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman and they set the stage for some of the most hilarious live television comedy American audiences had ever seen.  Now the best of the original cast is available unlike ever before. To commemorate this landmark show, the TV DVD specialists at Time Life have brought together the very best episodes from the first five seasons with SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: THE EARLY YEARS, a hilarity-packed 12-disc collector's DVD set featuring the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" iconic characters, legendary guest hosts like George Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin and Richard Pryor, exclusive bonus features and more! They're still not ready for prime time, but now you can watch them any time!  Available now exclusively at TimeLife.com/SaturdayNightLive

- SHOWTIME has announced the 11^th and final season of its hit comedy series SHAMELESS will premiere Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. SHAMELESS, which originally premiered in the winter of 2011, ranks as the network’s No. 1 comedy and its longest-running series, and has the youngest-skewing audience of any SHOWTIME series. Season 10 of SHAMELESS aired its finale on January 26 and averaged 5.7 million weekly viewers across platforms.  The final season of SHAMELESS finds the Gallagher family and the South Side at a crossroads, with changes caused by the COVID pandemic, gentrification and aging to reconcile. As Frank (William H. Macy) confronts his own mortality and family ties in his alcoholic and drug induced twilight years, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) struggles with the prospect of becoming the family’s new patriarch. Newlyweds Ian (Cameron Monaghan) and Mickey (Noel Fisher) are figuring out the rules and responsibilities of being in a committed relationship while Deb (Emma Kenney) embraces her individuality and single motherhood. Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) finds an unlikely new career in law enforcement and Kevin (Steve Howey) and V (Shanola Hampton) struggle to decide whether a hard life on the South Side is worth fighting for.

- SHOWTIME has made a straight-to-series order for 10 episodes of the new half-hour comedy FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS, created and written by Kevin Iso and Dan Perlman, who will both star. The series is a co-production by SHOWTIME and Avalon (Breeders, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver), which will act as lead studio in adapting Iso and Perlman’s digital series of the same name. The announcement was made today by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.  FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS is a raw comedy of city life following Dan and Kevin, who play characters struggling to thrive in their new surroundings in the brash environment of Flatbush, Brooklyn. Bold, smart and grounded in authenticity, the show explores two longtime friends seeking to climb out of their heads and connect with others. For their work writing, directing and starring in the shorts that form the foundation of the series, Iso and Perlman won Best North American Short Film at the London Film Festival, with the first installment becoming Oscar^® qualified following a Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Short at the Florida Film Festival.

- SHOWTIME is picking up a third season of its comedy series BLACK MONDAY, starring Emmy^® nominee and Golden Globe^® winner Don Cheadle, who also executive produces. The comedy about a motley crew of underdogs causing the worst stock market crash in the history of Wall Street also stars two-time Tony Award nominee and Grammy^® winner Andrew Rannells (Girls) and Regina Hall (Little, Girls Trip), who serve as producers, and Paul Scheer (Veep). BLACK MONDAY is created by showrunners and executive producers David Caspe (Happy Endings) and Jordan Cahan (My Best Friend’s Girl). Emmy nominees Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Good Boys, The Boys) executive produce. BLACK MONDAY, a co-production between SHOWTIME and Sony Pictures Television, will resume production on 10 episodes next year for a 2021 debut on the network.

- Approaching this year’s General Election on November 3^rd, REVOLT has relaunched Sean “Diddy” Combs’ widely popular VOTE or DIE! initiative, to rally the next generation of leaders to exercise their right to vote in this critical election.  As we face a pivotal turning point in our nation’s history, being politically active means more than selecting a President; it symbolizes your right to take action now. REVOLT recognizes “Vote or Die” is relevant now, more than ever.  To jumpstart the campaign, REVOLT hosted a State of Emergency: Election Day and Black America town hall, presented by Cash App and moderated by American television host, Eboni K. Williams, to alert citizens about the current happenings in Black America as we prepare to engage in the general election. Guests included Kerry Washington, Cordae, Tamika Mallory, Vic Mensa, Dr. Cornell West, Jeff Johnson, Kimberly Jones, Mysonne, Tezlyn Figaro and more. In addition to the town hall, REVOLT Black News (RBN) provided a recap of the Presidential and Vice Presidential debate and has conducted interviews with politicians, political commentators and notable voices in the Black community.

- VP Pence held a rally in Columbus, Ohio.  A group of Our Revolution protestors led by Chuckie Denison a former Lordstown worker who recently retired from GM were kicked out as they were attempting to call out Pence and his lies about the administration saving manufacturing jobs.  The Trump-Pence ticket has always had a problem with the truth, and their comments on the Ohio economy are no exception. In factcheck after factcheck they have repeatedly lied about auto manufacturing in Ohio and more plants have closed than jobs created. Chuckie has extensively called out Trump and his lies on the economy in Ohio: “In 2016, Trump won big in the Mahoning Valley, the traditionally blue stronghold in northeast Ohio where I live, helping Trump carry the state after it twice voted for Obama. Blue-collar voters believed Trump when he said he would be the “greatest jobs president that God ever created.” Four years later, it’s obvious we were duped. Under Trump, we’ve lost 5 million of the 11.6 million net jobs created under Obama.That’s the worst jobs record of any modern president.”

- A group of American ethnic leaders from central and eastern Europe (CEE), together with former US ambassadors to NATO and 14 CEE nations, General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and Ambassador Mark Brzezinski (retired) today announced a campaign warning voters in battleground states of the danger that reelection of President Donald Trump poses to freedom in so many countries of their heritage.  As part of the launch, they have released a joint statement and video aimed at highlighting President Trump’s ongoing threats to NATO and former Vice President Joe Biden’s commitment to championing the military alliance as a bulwark for the people of central and eastern Europe against Russian authoritarianism and aggression. The campaign is targeted to ethnic and social media of Americans whose families hale from central and eastern Europe.  “The ethnic community leaders and former diplomats who come together today know central and eastern Europe. They know America. And they know Vladimir Putin,” said General Clark. “That’s why I join them to warn voters, particularly in battleground states, that, because he threatens NATO, Donald Trump is dangerous to their families’ homelands and to our country. Vice President Joe Biden, on the other hand, is a proven champion of NATO and of democracy in Europe and around the world.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: October 10, 2020

 

Lovecraft Country:  This seemed like the episode that drove the most plot and featured the theme of the week (eww, creepy kids) the least.  Those creepy kids did not even show up until twenty minutes in.  I thought the genre this week was just a straight ahead drama until then.
 
The Walking Dead:  I swear they just added a couple new characters in her after a long break and hoped no one would notice.  I am not even talking about Maggie or the dude from Fear the Walking Dead (on a side note, why put them in the beginning, kind of ruined the reveals later in the episode).  Like the chick who was holding hands with the fat dude.  Was she there the whole time.  And where did they get the music?  How could they possibly have any energy left?  I guessing no one has figured out how to store energy from the solar panels.  Then the Whisperers just had tire spike at the ready even though no one drives cars anymore?  And I just missed how they went from leading the zombies, get caught by the Whispers, hunkered down in the rain, and then Carol leading the horde off a cliff.  Which we knew she was not going to go over herself because they just announced the spin-off.

You can download The Walking Dead on iTunes.
 
The Walking Dead: Worlds Beyond:  I thought this was supposed to be about kids who knew nothing but the zombie apocalypse but they still have memories of when it started.  Meh.  And are those kids really going to go from Oregon to New York?  Just going over the Rockies seem too much.  And is the evil chick part of the group that took Rick and if so, when is that movie happening?
 
Fargo:  So Crazy Nurse is just pleasuring dudes in parking lots now?  But hey, Timothy olyphant is back to playing a law man. A law man named Deafy who is not deaf.  After meeting Doctor Senator last week, I wonder what unfortunately named character we meet next week.
You can download Fargo on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: October 9, 2020

 

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 Greta Van Fleet, Benee, Evie Irie, Gotts Street Park, Bob Marley, Driving While Black, The Circus, Shut Up and Dribble, and Americanan Selfie.

- Greta Van Fleet releases its first new song in more than a year, “My Way, Soon” (Lava/Republic Records.)  The song is a liberating and jubilant track that celebrates and reflects the band’s personal transformation over the past three years.  Also released is the track’s companion music video, which was shot, edited, and directed by the band.  Go HERE to check out “My Way, Soon."

- New Zealand’s platinum sensation BENEE unveils the official video for her latest single “Snail” today—watch it HERE!  For the visual, BENEE and director Anita Fontaine deliver a lush and larger-than-life fantasy befitting of the track. In the colorful clip, BENEE wakes up to feed her giant snail roommates and slides around their slime trails before heading to work in her secret elf lab. Soon, she’s cycling out of her home—a concrete replica of her own head—out into a storm. After being struck by lightning, our heroine turns into an elf and cruises through a mushroom wonderland under the glow of an aurora borealis-style blanket of colors across the sky. Reflective of her personality, it pops off as her biggest and boldest video to date.

- Following her highly anticipated project, The Optimist EP, Sydney-born singer/songwriter Evie Irie releases the official music video “Carry Your Heart” today.  Watch the “Carry Your Heart” official music video   HERE  Listen to The Optimist EP HERE  The “Carry Your Heart” official music video transcends viewer to passenger of Evie’s cross-continental adventures and infectious energy. Billboard sums up “Carry Your Heart” best, “Within the same minute on the gentle pop track, the singer-songwriter’s voice can sound like it’s about to shatter into pieces, and then summons a towering confidence.”

- Today Leeds based four piece Gotts Street Park have shared new track "Everything" (via Blue Flowers) that features soulful vocalist Rosie Lowe. Listen and watch it's beautiful accompanying video HERE.  Recorded during lockdown, "Everything" showcases the distinctively rich, sultry vocals of Rosie Lowe, on an atmospheric and canyon-deep groove. "Everything" is taken from Gotts Street Park’s upcoming second EP, Volume Two, which is due for release on November 27, 2020. Volume Two features an impressive array of material and stellar collaborations including Pip Millett, Flikka, Zilo and Grand Pax. The video features two dancers twisting and folding into each other, as they navigate the magnitude of new love.

- UMe and Tuff Gong announce three new and exclusive limited-edition collector series coming later this year.  On December 11, twelve limited-edition Bob Marley vinyl LP's, each numbered and pressed exclusively at the legendary Tuff Gong International headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, will be available, featuring nine original studio albums and two original live albums, plus the world's best-selling reggae album, Legend, all including a highly-desirable Tuff Gong stamp. Additionally, Catch A Fire, originally recorded by The Wailers in Jamaica and eventually released with overdubs and a mix overseen by Island founder Chris Blackwell at the label's London headquarters, will be available in its original Jamaica-recorded version, with two extra tracks from the sessions and some tracks with longer fades. Produced entirely by Bob Marley & the Wailers and mixed by longtime Marley associate Errol Brown, this Jamaican version will be on vinyl for the first time.  The limited-edition albums were pressed at Tuff Gong's newly refurbished vinyl pressing plant, which re-opened in summer 2020 and will have an annual capacity of 250,000 units. Each album was mastered by Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters in Los Angeles.  To view the full list of the limited-edition Jamaican LPs, click HERE.  To listen or purchase, click HERE.

- DRIVING WHILE BLACK: RACE, SPACE AND MOBILITY IN AMERICA – a ground-breaking, two-hour documentary film by acclaimed historian Dr. Gretchen Sorin and Emmy–winning director Ric Burns – will air on PBS this Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 9:00 p.m. ET (check local listings). Watch the trailer now here.  Chronicling the riveting history and personal experiences – at once liberating and challenging, harrowing and inspiring, deeply revealing and profoundly transforming  –  of African Americans on the road from the advent of the automobile through the seismic changes of the 1960s and beyond – DRIVING WHILE BLACK explores the deep background of a recent phrase rooted in realities that have been an indelible part of the African American experience for hundreds of years – told in large part through the stories of the men, women and children who lived through it.

- THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE CRAZIEST POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ON EARTH continues its fifth season this Sunday as President Trump's recovery from Covid-19 sidelines him during a key stretch of the 2020 race. Hosts John Heilemann, Alex Wagner and Mark McKinnon, along with guest contributor Jennifer Palmieri, unpack another unprecedented week of news, including the vice presidential debate, unanswered questions about the President's condition and an ongoing health crisis at the White House. For a preview, go to: https://youtu.be/sl4fb2AdQbA.

- SHOWTIME Sports has announced a short feature series from the makers of SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE, the 2018 Showtime Sports Documentary Films series from executive producers LeBron James and Maverick Carter of The SpringHill Company and Emmy Award^® winning director Gotham Chopra of Religion of Sports. The new, six-part series features bonus footage and never-before-seen elements from the original series, which spotlights the changing role of basketball and its athletes in advancing social justice and civil rights. Each five-to-seven-minute short, voiced by journalist Jemele Hill, will be released on the SHOWTIME Basketball YouTube Channel and air interstitially on SHOWTIME over the next two weeks.

-  Showtime Documentary Films announced today it will premiere acclaimed filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi’s new film AMERICAN SELFIE: ONE NATION SHOOTS ITSELF on Friday, October 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. A visceral cross-country journey during one of the most tumultuous years in history and chilling in its foreshadowing, the feature documentary fearlessly enters the heart of a nation and reflects back urgent, and at times, uncomfortable, truths. SHOWTIME has also released the trailer and poster art for the film, which is executive produced by Sheila Nevins for MTV Documentary Films. The announcement was made by Vinnie Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Nonfiction Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.   To watch and share the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/kzthKcXwH-0.

57 Channels and Only This is On: September 4, 2020

 
 
Lovecraft Country:  Was that supposed to be a Quantum Leap homage because that was the vibe I got.  Otherwise, it was the least interesting episode which just left me hoping someone would finally get around to a Quantum Leap reboot.
 
Fargo:  I left the first episode thinking that Chris Rock, the morticians, and the crazy nurse were in cahoots to kill the head of the Italian mob.  But in the second it looked like the crazy nurse was… just crazy.  Plus Chris probably would want him around since he agreed to give him the slaughterhouse that the brother does not seem interested in letting go now.  Plus that is the Fargo way, a comical series of errors are set off by an unforeseen act.  Though I am still predicting that Chris is the father of the little girl.
You can download Fargo on iTunes.
 
Raised by Wolves:  Um, so creepy android lady gave birth to a flying snake baby through her mouth (I guess that answer the question did they give android genitalia, granted, Father looking like a Ken Doll in his skin tight suit kind of already answered that).  Um, okay.  Interesting way to end the season.
 

Around the Tubes: October 3, 2020

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 The Good Lord Bird, Bad Hair, Belushi, Huluween, Kingdom of Silence, Amy Winehouse, James Bond, The Midnight Special, Iron Maiden, Billie Holiday, Elvis Costello, Driving While Black, Bad Hombres, Steven Universe, Wizard World Virtual Experiences, and Billions.
- SHOWTIME will release the premiere episode of its new limited series THE GOOD LORD BIRD for free online sampling, on streaming platforms and on demand beginning at midnight on Sunday, October 4. Starring and executive produced by Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, who plays the controversial abolitionist John Brown, the seven-episode series is from Blumhouse Television and based on the National Book Award-winning novel The Good Lord Bird by bestselling author James McBride. The premiere episode will be available on YouTube and SHO.com. THE GOOD LORD BIRD will officially premiere on SHOWTIME on Sunday, October 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.  The episode will also be available across multiple television and streaming providers’ devices, websites, applications and authenticated online services and their free on demand channels. In addition, the season premiere will be available for free on the SHOWTIME stand-alone service at www.showtime.com.

- It's time to celebrate National Hair Day with the official trailer for Hulu’s upcoming film BAD HAIR. The film will premiere on October 23rd, only on Hulu.  In this horror satire set in 1989, BAD HAIR follows an ambitious young woman (Elle Lorraine) who gets a weave in order to succeed in the image-obsessed world of music television. However, her flourishing career comes at a great cost when she realizes that her new hair may have a mind of its own. 

 

- SHOWTIME has released the trailer and poster art for the upcoming documentary BELUSHI. The feature-length film examines the too-short life of the once-in-a-generation talent John Belushi, who captured the hearts and funny bones of devoted audiences. Directed by R.J. Cutler (the upcoming Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, The September Issue, The War Room) and produced by John Battsek (One Day In September, The Tillman Story), the documentary will screen at Cannes Classics 2020, the Chicago Film Festival and AFI Fest ahead of its premiere on Sunday, November 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. 

- Huluween is back and spookier than ever. Horror fans can celebrate the third year of Hulu’s annual Halloween event with a full slate of nail-biting new Hulu Originals, a devilish drive-in movie theater event and an online Halloween immersive experience for fans to enjoy from home.  As the ultimate destination for Halloween lovers to “Scream it Out,” the Huluween content hub now has more titles than ever before. Highlighting the most spooktacular content on the service, the hub includes hand-picked collections of the best Halloween content including three feature collections: “Screamy as Hell,” for the most haunted fans, “Spooky not Scary,” for the viewers who are ready to have a fright, but still sleep at night and “Humorous Horror,” featuring light-hearted Halloween fun.  More than six billion minutes of Huluween programming were watched last year,* underscoring Hulu viewers’ love for fright-filled content -- and as no surprise, October ranks as the #1 month for engagement around the horror genre on Hulu. To give fans more of the thrills and chills they love, Hulu will showcase brand-new horrifying Hulu Originals and 30 bone-chilling Bite Size Halloween short films. The series of short genre films - from horror comedy to psychological thrillers - provides a platform for emerging filmmakers at 20th Digital Studio. Hulu will also feature a myriad of library content highlighting all of the Halloween episodes and films on the service. 

- SHOWTIME has released the new documentary KINGDOM OF SILENCE for free online sampling, on streaming platforms and on demand, two years to the date of the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The film is directed by Oscar^® nominated and Emmy winning filmmaker Rick Rowley (16 SHOTS, Dirty Wars). Oscar and Emmy award winning director Alex Gibney (ENEMIES: THE PRESIDENT, JUSTICE & THE FBI) executive produces in collaboration with Emmy and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright (The Looming Tower). KINGDOM OF SILENCE is available for free now on YouTube and SHO.com and will officially premiere on air tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  The film is also available across multiple television and streaming providers’ devices, websites, applications and authenticated online services and their free on demand channels.

- A 7” singles box set comprising all of Amy Winehouse’s memorable singles from the Frank, Back To Black and Lioness: Hidden Treasures albums will be released on November 20. Featured tracks include “Stronger Than Me,” “Rehab” and “Love Is A Losing Game,” all of which won the Ivor Novello Award for Amy in 2004, 2007 and 2008. The set also includes the Grammy® Award-winning “Body and Soul,” a duet with the legendary Tony Bennett. The singles will be housed in individual picture sleeves and pressed on black vinyl. The deluxe box also features a 20-page lyrics booklet and a set of art cards. Preorder 12x7: The Singles Collection here: https://amywinehouse.lnk.to/12x7PR.

- On November 20, UMe will release an updated version of The Best Of Bond…James Bond, a digital, 2CD and 3LP black vinyl compilation featuring celebrated theme songs from the longest-running film franchise. In addition, a limited-edition gold vinyl will be available exclusively via uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl. The new collection will include “No Time To Die” by Billie Eilish from No Time To Die, the 25th film in the series*. Also now included will be Adele’s “Skyfall” from Skyfall, the highest-grossing Bond film to date, and Sam Smith’s Spectre theme, “Writing’s On the Wall,” – Oscar® winners for Best Song in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Preorder The Best Of Bond…James Bond here: https://lnk.to/TheBestOfBondPR

- Like never before THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL brings home audiences and music lovers everywhere an unforgettable collection of legendary soul artists performing their hits in the prime of their careers -- uncut performances, just straight-from-the-heart soul singing with live musicians in front of a live audience. Now available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon for the first time on October 13, 2020.  In the period between American Bandstand and MTV, there were sev­eral shows that tried to bring new music to television, but it wasn't until The Midnight Special, premiered on August 19, 1972, that live music found a home on the air. Burt Sugarman, producer of Grammy Awards telecasts, was frustrated by television's lack of programming after The Tonight Show ended -- the screen reverting to test patterns at 1:00 a.m.. Recognizing this valuable airtime could cater to a brand-new audience that craved its latest musical heroes, he created The Midnight Special, which ran every Friday night on NBC from 1972 to 1981.

- BMG are pleased to announce the release of IRON MAIDEN’s new double live album on November 20th worldwide. Containing over 100 minutes of classic Maiden music and available in multiple formats, including a limited edition Mexican Flag, triple colored (180g) vinyl and a limited edition deluxe 2 CD book format, Nights Of The Dead, Legacy Of The Beast: Live in Mexico City was recorded during the band’s three sold out arena shows there in September 2019 and is a celebration of their Legacy Of The Beast World Tour which began in 2018 and will finish next Summer in Europe.   For more information go to www.ironmaiden.com   

- Verve/UMe will release the official companion soundtrack for the anticipated documentary, Billie, about legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday on November 13. Billie: The Original Soundtrack, which will be available on CD, LP and digitally for streaming and download, collects some of Holiday’s most popular songs featured throughout the transfixing film including “God Bless The Child,” “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “I Loves You, Porgy” and “Strange Fruit,” along with instrumental cues. Pre-order is available now and “I Only Have Eyes For You” is available to stream or as an instant download with digital pre-order.  Pre-order Billie: The Original Soundtrack and stream “I Only Have Eyes For You” here: https://UMe.lnk.to/BillieOriginalSoundtrack

- Personally curated by Elvis Costello, The Complete Armed Forces is the definitive statement of the legendary songwriter and musician’s revered and essential 1979 album, featuring the classic hits “Accidents Will Happen,” “Green Shirt,” “Oliver’s Army” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Leaving no musical stone unturned, no lyric notebook unrifled through and no detail left out, this new super deluxe edition vinyl box set is a thorough excavation of Costello’s vault from this metamorphic period of his early beginnings, painting as complete a picture as possible of the events that led to the making of the album, its creation, and the wild success that followed for him, and his band The Attractions, and ignited his career. Armed Forces is explored across nine pieces of vinyl (3 12-inch LPs, 3 10-inch LPs and 3 7-inch singles), including a new 2020 remaster of the album, B-sides, alternate versions and outtakes, demos, and a slew of live recordings – including 23 unreleased live tracks taken from three especially riotous concerts.  Releasing November 6 via UMe, The Complete Armed Forces will be exclusively available via Elvis Costello's official online store and UMG’s online stores uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl, in two vinyl versions – 180-gram black vinyl and limited edition 180-gram multi-color opaque vinyl. It will also be available digitally for streaming and download. The collection is proceeded today with the release of a three-track digital EP featuring unreleased live performances of “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?,” “Goon Squad” and “Pump It Up,” taken from the new live LPs, Christmas In The Dominion - Live 24th December ’78, Riot At The Regent – Live In Sydney ’78 and Europe ’79 – Live At Pinkpop.  Pre-order The Complete Armed Forces and stream the new live EP here: https://elviscostello.lnk.to/ArmedForces

- PBS recently announced DRIVING WHILE BLACK: RACE, SPACE AND MOBILITY IN AMERICA – a ground-breaking, two-hour documentary film by acclaimed historian Dr. Gretchen Sorin and Emmy–winning director Ric Burns – will air on PBS on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 9:00 p.m. ET (check local listings). Watch the trailer now here.

- Showtime Sports Documentary Films today announced BAD HOMBRES, a new film chronicling the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos, the world’s only binational professional baseball team. Amid the United States government’s proposal for a border wall, and with U.S.-Mexico relations at a staggeringly low point, the team’s cross-border heritage provides a powerful symbol of unity, joining countries, cities and families. BAD HOMBRES premieres on SHOWTIME on Friday, October 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will also be available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.  BAD HOMBRES follows the Tecolotes as their season unfolds, revealing what life is genuinely like in two border cities besieged by divisive rhetoric and policies, all in the shadow of America’s pastime. Filmed over the course of the 2019 Mexican Baseball League season, BAD HOMBRES examines the crossroads of perspectives as human trafficking, drug cartels, environmentalists and asylum seekers intersect with the Tecolotes’ pennant race.

- Grab your popcorn and get ready to sing your hearts out as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings Cartoon Network’s award-winning series into your homes with the release of Steven Universe: The Complete Collection on DVD December 8, 2020. This ultimate 15-Disc Collector’s Edition Storybook features custom-made pieces of art on every page by Chromosphere. Inside, it is filled with every episode of Steven Universe, Steven Universe Future, as well as the smash hit TV movie, Steven Universe The Movie. Enhance the magic with hours of all-new bonus content including: Animatics, Minisodes, Commentary, Steven Universe The Movie: Sing-A-Long, and more. Steven Universe: The Complete Collection carries a suggested retail price of $89.99 for the DVD ($119.99 in Canada) and is rated TV-PG. Steven Universe: The Complete Collection is also available to currently download on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD) brings more “Wizard World Virtual Experiences” featuring stars of iconic franchises across its digital video platforms in the coming weeks. On Saturday at 4 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT, visit Gotham City with “From Batman to Joker” featuring franchise standouts Brett Cullen, Robert Wuhl and Michael Uslan. Then on Sunday, “Ary and the Secret of Seasons” voice actors Chris Zambelis, Kira Buckland and Casey Mongillo, join lead writer Genese Davis for a discussion on the new video game at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. On Thursday, Oct. 8, stars of scary films Diane Salinger, Ann Robinson, James Murtaugh and Jimmy Workman meet up for “Oh The Horror!” at 7 p.m ET / 4 p.m. PT, followed that evening at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT by the live trivia contest for nerd-culture know-it-alls, “Last Fan Standing,” hosted by the inimitable Bruce Campbell. "Shadowhunters" headliners Maxim Roy, Anna Hopkins and Jon Cor reunite on Friday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.  During each celebrity session, the celebrities will participate in a FREE live moderated video Q&A, followed by one-on-one video chats, recorded videos and autographs. Sessions are accessible to virtual attendees on their computer and mobile devices via http://www.wizardworldvirtual.com.

- If there was ever any doubt regarding the “Fierce Urgency of Now,” last night’s poor representation of civility, solution-oriented dialogue, intentional rudeness, and the endorsement of white supremacy confirms that the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. must aggressively intensify voter mobilization and a protection plan. When a sitting President of the United States of America openly encourages a white supremacist organization to “Stand Back and Stand By” we must intensify our efforts.  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has historically fought against racism, voter suppression, legalized segregation, and racial violence. We are continually fighting against these injustices and their various forms today.  The immediate first step to fight racial hatred and injustice as we approach Election Day is to participate actively in the electoral process. Our Fraternity is currently engaging in voter mobilization and voter protection efforts. The resurgence of white supremacy and divisive politics must end. Our future depends on it. The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are utilizing our vast collective power to ensure candidates from the federal level to the local level are addressing issues related to education, the economy, healthcare, international diplomacy, social equity, police reform, and economic development.

- SHOWTIME has picked up a sixth season of its acclaimed drama series BILLIONS. Starring Oscar^® nominee and Emmy^® and Golden Globe^® winner Paul Giamatti and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Damian Lewis, season five of BILLIONS will return with five new episodes in 2021, with season six to follow. Golden Globe nominee Corey Stoll (House of Cards), who joined to guest star as Mike Prince in season five, has signed on to return as a series regular for season six.

Previewing The Good Lord Bird

The first things that greets viewers at the start of each episode of The Good Lord Bird is a title card informing you that, “All of this is true, most of it happened.”  This reminded me of The Great that claimed its show was “Based on historical fact (sort of)”.   Both shows features main characters wearing dresses that play opposite of crazy people except the protagonist of The Good Lord Bird is a work of fiction.  Oh, and a dude.

 

Henry, who is forced to wear a dress for most of the series because when he is rescued as a slave, his rescuer thought someone called him Henrietta?  So when that person that rescuers you from slavery gives you a dress to wear, I guess it would be rude to refuse it.  And when they start calling you onion because you ate one, I guess you just go as “Onion” now.  Now his savior was not just any person but John Brown who you may or may not remember from the paragraph in your high school history book when they call him the most famous abolitionist who went around the South freeing slaves and murdering slave owners.

 

After being rescued, Onion goes on a Forrest Gumpian travel across pre-Civil War America, not only does he spend much of his time in John Brown’s gang but also has run ins with Fredrick Douglass (Hamilton’s Daveed Diggs) and Harriet Tubman.  Even though Ethan Hawke (Tesla) plays John Brown (and at times comes across like Will Forte playing Zeb Miller) this is Onion’s story and considering how Hawke’s performance is turned up to eleven most of the time he is on screen, it may be for the best.

 

Also appearing in The Good Lord Bird are Wyatt Russell (Everybody Wants Some!!) as a real life Confederate Soldier who plays a big part in the John Brown lore.  Ellar Coltrane, who spend twelve years playing Hawke’s son while filming Boyhood, also play’s John Brown’s son here.  Later in the series, one of John Brown’s daughters shows up and is also played by someone who Hawke is very familiar with.

 

Book adaptations have flourished in the time of Peak television, getting to fill out the stories over the course of four to ten episodes which movies have to cram into two(ish) hours.  The Good Lord Bird may be one of the few book adaptations that would have been better off as a movie.  The joke of Onion in a dress gets old quick.  It seems more people notice John Brown in a time before photographs than people realize Onion is not a girl.  Ethan Hawke firing on all cylinders in every scene also gets a little grating to the point you may be glad when he disappears for almost full episodes.  Still, the John Brown story is one that deserves more than a paragraph and The Good Lord Bird does a decent job expanding on his legacy to this nation.

 

The Good Lord Bird airs Sundays at 9:00 on Showtime.