Thursday, April 24, 2025

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

 

SkyMed | American Music Awards | Beckham & Friends Live | The Chi

May is in full bloom on Paramount+, bursting with fresh new series and new seasons of returning favorites. Don't miss David Beckham off the pitch and in the studio for Beckham & Friends Live, an altcast for CBS Sports' UEFA Champions League semifinals and final coverage streaming exclusively on Paramount+. May is also serving up new seasons of hit series including Criminal Minds: Evolution, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, SkyMed and the highly anticipated season 7 premiere of The Chi*. And music fans will rejoice when Jennifer Lopez hosts the world's largest fan-voted awards show, the American Music Awards** next month.

For a closer look at all the entertainment coming to Paramount+ in May, check out the latest edition of View from the Peak.


IN THE
SPOTLIGHT

David Beckham in Beckham & Friends Live 
David Beckham in Beckham & Friends Live 
 

Get ready to see David Beckham in action like never before! From the pitch to a live studio show, the Paramount+ exclusive Beckham & Friends Live will give audiences a chance to watch an altcast of CBS Sports' UEFA Champions League coverage alongside the former professional footballer as he steps into the role of broadcaster. David will bring a player's perspective and fun conversation along with some of his closest friends, with CBS Sports' Kate Scott serving as host of the three-part show. 

David will lead an all-star line-up for the two UEFA Champions League semifinal games on May 6 and May 7 from CBS Sports' London studio, and in Munich for the final on May 31. Guests joining the altcast for the first two shows during the semifinal matches will be announced in the coming weeks. "I'm really looking forward to being with a few mates, watching the game, and having a great conversation," David said.

In addition to Beckham & Friends Live, don't miss a minute of the UEFA Champions League as semifinals action featuring Arsenal vs. PSG (April 29 and May 7) and Barcelona vs. Inter Milan (April 30 and May 6) streams live on Paramount+. 
 

Check out a first look at the set here, and don't miss Beckham & Friends Live starting May 6! 




BEHIND
THE STREAMS

Shamon Brown Jr., Michael Epps, Ahmad Nicholas Ferguson and Zaria Primer in The Chi
Shamon Brown  Jr., Michael Epps, Ahmad Nicholas Ferguson and Zara Primer in The Chi 
 

The wait is almost over - the highly anticipated return of The Chi* is just around the corner, and we caught up with Shamon Brown Jr. to hear more about what's in store for Stanley "Papa" Jackson II in season seven and how his character has evolved throughout the course of the show. Papa has functioned as an ethical barometer for his South Side friends over the years but after suffering a devastating loss last season, his moral compass has skewed slightly. Keep reading for an exclusive look at Papa's journey in the upcoming season: 

  • Stanley "Papa" Jackson II has been a long-running character in The Chi. How do you feel the character has changed since season one? Likewise, how has he remained the same? 

    I feel like he's grown a lot emotionally and mentally, overall. He's not the same boy that was wearing green tights on stage with his friends and because of everything he's been through from season one to now, he's more mature and ready to take on what life throws at him. I think he's stayed the same morally, as far as keeping his head on straight and being the young renaissance man he's always been. He's staying loyal to his friends and people around him and continuing to have a good heart. 

  • Your character functions as a de facto moral compass for other characters in the series. He's wise, honest and compassionate. However, over time he starts to realize that the complexities of life aren't exactly black and white. How does the evolution of his convictions play out this season? 

    Without saying too much, I'd say you'll see him gain a sense of consciousness this season where he has to rely heavily on himself when he comes face-to-face with figuring out his new position under Pastor Ezekiel's guidance with no one directly telling him right from wrong. I know the fans might hate to see it but Papa really relies heavily on Paster Ezekiel and Charles this season, even at times when he's pushing boundaries with his Mom and barely having time to deal with his feelings. 

  • "Papa" experienced a profound loss in season six that caused his romantic relationship to dissolve. How did these events affect his judgement and behavior in season seven?  

    I'd say you see Papa stepping more into his young man era from being the man of the house and taking care of his mom, to focusing on what's right for him even if every decision isn't how he'd thought it would be. 

  • What else are you excited for fans to see this season? 

    Honestly, the whole season overall. From the new guest stars, to some old faces coming back and the action-packed, amazing storylines, I'm so proud of the work our cast and crew put into this season and can't wait for the fans to see it. 

Return to the Windy City on May 16 when The Chi season seven premieres on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. 

WATCH THE TRAILER



DID YOU
KNOW?

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Watch Us Rise collection
  • In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Paramount+ is celebrating and lifting up the community's creators and talent with a refresh of the Watch Us Rise collection. The collection features hit series such as Yellowjackets* (season 1 available now on the Paramount+ Essential plan), Ghosts, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Big Brother and movies like Star Trek: Section 31, Oscar winner Parasite, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Gandhi, Minari, Life of Pi and more. The collection will also feature a new Made in Korea carousel, which highlights Korean-language films like Past Lives* and Oldboy alongside Paramount+ original series including Bargain and Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale. 

  • Good vibes, great women and even better movies; don't miss the great line-up of films in the Paramount+ Mother's Day carousel available next month. Featured favorites include Love, Rosie, The Stepford Wives, Yours, Mine & Ours, Indecent Proposal, The Prince and Me, Fatal Attraction, Failure to Launch and more perfect picks for a movie night with Mom. 

  • Every Mission, Every Movie. Experience the Mission: Impossible film collection on Paramount+ ahead of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning premiering in theaters May 23.  

  • Don't miss the season finales of hit CBS series next month, including The Equalizer (May 4), Watson (part 1 - May 4, part 2 - May 11), Ghosts (May 8), Elsbeth (May 8), Tracker (May 11), The Amazing Race season 37 (May 15), Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (May 15), Survivor season 48 (May 21) and more. 

★  BACK TO TOP  ★


STREAMING
SOON

A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, RJ Hatanaka, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness and Joe Mantegna in Criminal Minds: Evolution, season 18
A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, RJ Hatanaka, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness and Joe Mantegna in Criminal Minds: Evolution, season 18. 
 

The FBI's elite team of criminal profilers are back next month when the hit Paramount+ original crime series Criminal Minds: Evolution returns for season 18 on May 8. The new season picks up six months after prisoners attack the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit, leading his restless followers on the dark web to begin wreaking havoc all over the country. The 10-episode season will drop weekly on Thursdays. Watch the trailer here.

Ahead of the new season, fuel your crime-procedural obsession by checking our all the gripping crime mystery series streaming on Paramount+. Subscribers can access an unmatched library of binge-worthy hit series including NCISNCIS OriginsNCIS: SydneyFBIElsbeth and investigative crime team classics like Hawaii Five-OBlue Bloods, and so much more. 

Don't miss out on all the thrilling dramas and chilling mysteries streaming on Paramount+. 


ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES, PREMIERES & EVENTS

5/1 The Comeback Trail*
A film producer who owes money to a mobster tries to "accidentally" kill his aging movie star for an insurance scam so he can pay off his debit, but be begins to realize that the movie they're shooting is a masterpiece in the making. 

5/6 Beckham & Friends Live premiere 
David Beckham will lead an altcast for CBS Sports' UEFA Champions League coverage that will stream exclusively on Paramount+ and feature an all-star line-up for the semifinals on May 6 and May 7 and for the final in Munich on May 31.

5/8 Criminal Minds: Evolution season 18 premiere 
The FBI's elite team of criminal profilers faces their greatest threat yet: an UnSuB who built a network of serial killers during the pandemic.

5/9 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 10 premiere
Who will save the world? Drag Queens! RuPaul brings together her most powerful All Stars to slay it forward in the name of charity. In this new season, there will be 18 All Stars, the largest in the franchise's herstory, returning to compete in the ultimate competition for the crown. 

5/9 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked new episodes
A backstage pass to all the drama as the queens anxiously await their fate each week. 

5/12 Hard Truths*
Ongoing exploration of the contemporary world with a tragicomic study of human strengths and weaknesses. 

5/15 SkyMed season 3 premiere
The hit one-hour medical drama follows the triumphs and tribulations of young medics and pilots who fly air ambulances across the remote skies of Northern Canada. Weaving together intense journeys with jaw-dropping medical rescues 20,000 feet in the air in the most remote conditions, the new season throws the diverse group of medical responders into all-new challenges on the job and in their personal lives. 

5/16 The Chi* season 7 premiere
A timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. 

5/23 Couples Therapy* season 4 new episodes
The TCA Award-winning documentary series is returning for the second installment of season four, with nine new episodes and all new couples. The series follows world-renowned psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik as she deftly guides couples through real-life therapy sessions. Each episode brings viewers into the intimate sessions to witness the conflicts - and extraordinary breakthroughs - typically hidden behind closed doors.

5/26 American Music Awards** hosted by Jennifer Lopez
Celebrating the year's most iconic music, the American Music Awards is the world's largest fan-voted awards show honoring today's most influential artists and their passionate fanbases. Beginning this year, the AMAs will take place annually on Memorial Day, paying special tribute to our U.S. troops and veterans through authentic performances and unforgettable moments. 


LIBRARY SHOWS

May 7 

PAW Patrol: Aqua Pups special 
Everybody Still Hates Chris (season 1) 

May 14

Air Disasters (season 21) 
First Wives Club (season 1 and 2) 
The Family Business (seasons 1-3) 
Tyler Perry's Sistas (season 4) 
Tyler Perry's The Oval (season 4) 

May 21

Dora the Explorer: Mermaid Adventures! special 
American Gangster: Trap Queens (season 1 and 2) 
Tyler Perry's Zatima (season 1 and 2) 

May 28

Rock Paper Scissors (season 1) 


LIBRARY MOVIES

Whether it's classic pranks or wild road trips, these spring comedies joining the Paramount+ library in May will have you laughing all the way into summer including Just Friends, Son of Rambow, Scary Movie 2, Scary Movie 3, Last Vegas, Book Club*, Clueless, A Very Brady Sequel, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, Kingpin, Norbit, Trading Places and more.

May 1

A Very Brady Sequel
Addams Family Values (1993) 
Aeon Flux
Atlantic City
Awake*
Black Rain
Book Club*
Bound
Bride & Prejudice
Bruce Lee, The Legend
Charlotte's Web (2006) 
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) 
Clueless
Crocodile Dundee
Crocodile Dundee II
Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Cursed
Days of Thunder
Dreamland*
Drillbit Taylor 
Duplex
Erin Brockovich
Extraordinary Measures*
Finding Neverland
Flight Of The Intruder
Frank Miller's Sin Ciity
Freedom Writers 
G.I. Jane*
Gandhi
Green Book* 
Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
Hostage
Hotel for Dogs
I.Q.
In Her Skin* 
In The Bedroom
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Just Friends
Just Like Heaven 
Kate & Leopold 
Kingpin
Last Vegas
Life of Pi
Memoirs of a Geisha 
Mercy*
Minari
Monster Trucks 
Nebraska 
Norbit 
Oldboy
Once Upon a Time in America
Once Upon a Time in The West
Parasite
Patriots Day*
Paycheck
Pride
Private Parts 
Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown
Rango
Rio Grande
Romeo Must Die
Sahara 
Scary Movie 2 
Scary Movie 3 
Some Kind of Wonderful
Son of Rambow
Southside of You 
Spell 
Stardust
Terminator: Dark Fate
Texas Rangers 
The Addams Family (2019)
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
The Brady Bunch Movie
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Edge of Seventeen*
The Four Feathers
The Ghost and the Darkness
The Last Airbender (2010) 
The Last Castle
The Mist*
The Prince and Me
The Queen
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
The Two Jakes 
The Weather Man 
Things We Lost In The Fire
Top Five
Trading Places 
We Were Soldiers 
Yours, Mine & Ours 


May 14

Assassin Club 


SPORTS
5/1: UEFA Europa League Semifinal – Athletic Club vs. Manchester United
5/1: UEFA Europa League Semifinal – Tottenham vs. Bodø/Glimt
5/1: UEFA Conference League Semifinal – DjurgĂ¥rden vs. Chelsea
5/1: UEFA Conference League Semifinal – Real Betis vs. Fiorentina
5/3: Serie A – Inter vs. Hellas Verona
5/3: AFC Champions League Elite Final
5/3: All Dirt Roads Lead to the Word of Outlaws World Finals*
5/3-5/4: PGA Tour – The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (Third and Final Round Coverage)*
5/4: Formula E – Monaco E-Prix*
5/4: NWSL – NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Chicago Stars*
5/6-5/7: U.S. Open Cup Round of 32
5/6-5/7: Beckham and Friends Live (UEFA Champions League)
5/6: UEFA Champions League Semifinal – Inter Milan vs. Barcelona
5/7: UEFA Champions League Semifinal – PSG vs. Arsenal
5/8: UEFA Europa League Semifinal Leg 2
5/8: UEFA Conference League Semifinal Leg 2
5/8-5/9: EFL Championship Playoff Semifinal Leg 1
5/9: NWSL – Angel City FC vs. Utah Royals
5/10: EFL League One Playoff Semifinal Leg 1
5/10-5/11: PGA Tour – Truist Championship (Third and Final Round Coverage)*
5/11: LPGA – Mizuho Americas Open (Final Round Coverage)*
5/11: EFL League Two Playoff Semifinal Leg 1
5/12-5/13: EFL Championship Playoff Semifinal Leg 2
5/14-5/15: EFL League One Playoff Semifinal Leg 2
5/16-5/17: EFL League Two Playoff Semifinal Leg 2
5/17-5/18: PGA Tour – PGA Championship (Third and Final Round Coverage)*
5/18: Professional Bull Riders – PBR World Finals*
5/20-5/21: U.S. Open Cup Round of 16
5/21: UEFA Europa League Final
5/21: Concacaf W Champions Cup Semifinal – Tigres UANL vs. Portland Thorns
5/21: Concacaf W Champions Cup Semifinal – Club AmĂ©rica vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC
5/24: EFL Championship Playoffs Final
5/24: Concacaf W Champions Cup Final & Third-Place Match
5/24: WNBA – New York Liberty @ Indiana Fever*
5/24-5/25: PGA Tour – Charles Schwab Challenge (Third and Final Round Coverage)*
5/25: EFL League One Playoffs Final
5/25: Serie A Final Day of Season
5/25: Professional Bull Riders – Rodeo Corpus Christi*
5/25: LPGA – Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba (Final Round Coverage)*
5/26: EFL League Two Playoff Final
5/28: UEFA Conference League Final
5/31: UEFA Champions League Final
5/31: Beckham and Friends Live (UEFA Champions League Final)
Throughout May: Scottish Professional Football League competition
Throughout May: English Football League competition
Throughout May: Serie A competition
Throughout May: NWSL 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.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

57 Channels and Only This Is On: April 20, 2025


The Last of Us:  First episode was fine, but really felt like a video game with weekly “missions.”  I am not sure if we will say in Colorado for very long, but the additions of Kaitlyn Devers and Isabela Merced is a big upgrade.  Though Ellie got really annoying.  And Moira Rose showing up as a therapist was weird.  So Joel killed her husband in between seasons?  I wonder if we will get a flashback of that.

 

The Last Anniversary:   Well this is going to be awkward; Sophie just hooked up with Grace’s first and previously hooked up with her husband.  Which begs the question, when will Grace learn about the latter hookup?

 

Daredevil: Born Again: So who is this army that Daredevil is going to recruit?  The other Defenders seems obvious, but will there be anyone else?  Spider-Man is an NYC vigilante.  Ms. Marvel is right across the river and was previously mentioned on the show.  Could they hard launch the Young Avengers on the show?  That could be interesting.  Swordsman and Punisher are currently locked up… oh wait; the end-credit scene featured one of the dumbest characters in recent memory.  So I guess they will able available. 

 

The Handmaid’s Tale:  This mostly felt like set up for the next episode.  Instead of fighting who would go, they could have the invasion of Jessabelle this week.

 

The Challenge All Stars: Rivals:  That was a stupid ending.  So if they both said “Steal,” they would have still split the money.  That was not well thought out.  Oh well, at least the best team won.

 

Survivor:  So Eva will have a secret advantage in addition to her Idol.  Weird she has to wait an entire day to collect her rewards.  What if the person got voted out found it?  But I guess that is why the put the advantage in the bowl nearest the person who won immunity.

 

The Stolen Girl:  Interesting start of the show.  My favorite part was the detective’s dramatic readings of the sexts with the wife just had to sit there and listen uncomfortably.  If she is the kidnapper, salute to the crazy lady who was so pissed at being ghosted she spent a year planning how to do it.

 

Leverage: Redemption:  Freevee was one of the dumbest names ever, but getting rid of it, but still having free stuff on Prime is extremely confusing.  I thought they were moving this show to Prime?  But I guess it moved to Prime, but is still free.  Sigh, when are we going to elect a living a breathing government who breaks up these media companies?  As for the actual show, interesting that Noah Wiley got demoted to “special guest star.”  I guess his commitment to The Pitt will keep him from being in every episode.  Surprising they did not replace him like they did Harrison with his sister.  So who is going to be the brains of this operation?

 

Grosse Point Garden Society:  Weird pacing on this show.  They showed the fight between Joel and Doug a couple weeks ago and just left that cliffhanger hang for a while.  I never thought for a second that Doug was the dead body but it seems like we can cross him off the list.  Now the question is, just what did his father see?


Saturday, April 19, 2025

Around the Tubes: April 19, 2025

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Sublime, The Weeknd, Mötley CrĂ¼e, Def Leppard, Elliott Smith, Leah Nawy, Atsuko Okatsuka: Father, and Wink Martindale.


Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has unveiled the complete schedule for this year’s edition of the internationally acclaimed camping festival, taking place June 12-15, 2025 on the Bonnaroo Farm, located just 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, TN. Full details can be found now at www.bonnaroo.com.  Bonnaroo 2025 will boast a spectacular assortment of can’t-miss highlights over four unforgettable nights, with bonus fun starting Wednesday in the campgrounds. Spanning multiple main stage performances on Thursday, June 12 (including a headline set by Luke Combs, Bonnaroo’s first ever country headliner), three completely unique sets across various stages from the one and only King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, an array of appearances by John Summit (including a Friday, June 13 performance on the main WHAT Stage), and of course, Bonnaroo’s world famous SuperJam, this year hosted and curated by Remi Wolf and set for the THIS Tent on Saturday, June 14 at 8:45 pm, along with many more unforgettable performances.


An all-star compilation titled Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime will be co-released on Sublime’s new label Sublime Recordings in collaboration with Jakob Nowell’s SVNBVRNT Records on May 9. The 2025 release of Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime marks the 20th anniversary of the original 2005 tribute album Look At All The Love We Found (Cornerstone R.A.S.), now reworked and remastered, featuring over 30 artists reimagining classic Sublime tracks including Zac Brown Band (“Wrong Way”), Pennywise (“Same In The End”), Jack Johnson (“Badfish”) and Slightly Stoopid with Stick Figure (Slow Ride), in addition to 8 previously unreleased tracks. The first single from the tribute album is Jakob Nowell’s cover of his father’s classic song ‘Garden Grove’ recorded by his solo endeavor Jakobs Castle. Fans can stream ‘Garden Grove” here https://jc.ffm.to/gardengrove and pre-order Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime https://sublime.ffm.to/atributetosublime. A portion of the tribute album proceeds will be donated to Agape Families, an Oregon-based non-profit that aims to provide hope and stability to families impacted by incarceration.  


The Weeknd drops his latest video “Drive” directed by revered filmmaker Trey Edward Shultz off his latest album Hurry Up Tomorrow ahead of the upcoming film of the same name coming May 16.  With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd presents the culmination of his trilogy of studio albums, following Dawn FM (2022) and After Hours (2020). This album represents the creative apex of the project, serving as the third and final chapter crafted with existential and self-referential themes as seen with the latest visionary teasers that have set fans ablaze with anticipation for this concluding installment.


 Mötley CrĂ¼e, Def Leppard, and Festication are thrilled to announce Rock The Tides, a brand-new destination festival coming to the stunning beaches  of Riviera Maya, Mexico in November 2025. Hosted at luxurious, all-inclusive 5-star beachfront resorts, this three-day celebration of rock music’s finest offers an epic escape in paradise.  Headlined by two of the most iconic bands in rock history—Def Leppard and Mötley CrĂ¼e —Rock The Tides also features a powerhouse lineup of legendary and fan-favorite acts including Bret Michaels, Extreme, The Struts, Buckcherry, Dorothy, Living Colour, Moon Walker, and Velvet Daydream. Each artist brings their own fire to the beach for a weekend of non-stop rock under the sun—from Bret Michaels' party-starting good-time rock anthems to Extreme's virtuosic funk-metal, The Struts' British swagger, Buckcherry's high-octane sleaze-rock, and Dorothy's powerhouse blues-infused vocals. Adding to the mix,  Living Colour brings their genre-defying fusion of funk, metal, and social consciousness to the stage. Known for explosive performances and hits like “Cult of Personality,” the Grammy-winning band continues to inspire with their sharp musicianship and bold message. Moon Walker delivers gritty, futuristic rock, and Velvet Daydream adds dreamy psych textures to the mix.  https://rockthetides.com/


Twenty-five years ago today, the late musical mastermind Elliott Smith released Figure 8, his immaculate, ornate, Technicolor second album for DreamWorks Records. In honor of the album’s 25th anniversary, its enduring appeal and continued influence, Interscope/UMe will release Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition), the previously digital-only edition that expands the classic album with all the B-sides, solo acoustic and alternate version tracks that were released on the various singles, promos, and international editions of the beloved 2000 record, on vinyl for the first time. The Deluxe Edition was released as a digital exclusive in 2019 to commemorate what would have been Smith’s 50th birthday.  The first-ever vinyl pressing of Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition) features the album presented on 45 rpm tri-color opaque white, black and red “Figure 8 Mural Vinyl” as a nod to the famous Los Angeles mural that a black and white Smith stands in front of on the iconic album cover. The original 16 tracks are spread across two LPs while a third LP boasts seven bonus tracks, six of which have never been on vinyl. The audio has been mastered for vinyl by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering with lacquers cut by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound. This special 25th anniversary Deluxe Edition will be housed in a tri-fold sleeve and this exclusive vinyl colorway is limited to 3,000 globally. Figure 8 (Deluxe Edition) is available to purchase exclusively via Interscope.com. The record will ship on or around June 6.  For more information or to pre-order, visit: https://elliottsmith.lnk.to/Figure8LP


NYC-based indie pop artist, producer & multi-instrumentalist Leah Nawy learns to trust herself on the slow-burning track "Mixing Patterns," out today. On the uplifting new tune, Nawy begins to shed layers of self-doubt and fear, intentionally moving towards a more realized version of herself. Tomorrow night, the musician will perform live at The Cutting Room in NYC.  Co-produced by Nawy and James Sleeman, the swirling, radiant “Mixing Patterns,” is about personal awakening—and discovering one's own strength. Led by the artist's emotive, captivating vocals and magnetic melodies, it explores themes of rebirth, taking control, and seeing things clearly for the first time. There’s a sense of stillness in the song, but also movement—like shifting perspectives, peeling back layers, and stepping into something new. Sonically, this shift is reflected as it builds momentum throughout, with a climactic, high energy bridge and a sharp turn into a lo-fi feel good groove on the outro–growth, release and a fresh start.


- "Atsuko Okatsuka: Father" will premiere on Friday, June 13 on Hulu, and is the eighth Original special in Hulu's new stand-up comedy slate, Hularious.  Fans call her 'Mother,' but Atsuko is 'Father'—thriving professionally yet clueless about basics. A 7-year laundry hiatus and learning that marriage licenses precede weddings are just some hilariously relatable discoveries she shares in her special.


Game Show Network will honor the late Wink Martindale with a four-hour marathon of "Tic-Tac-Dough" this Sunday, April 20th from 2pm-6pm. 


Sunday, April 13, 2025

56 Channels and Only This Is On: April 13, 2025

 

The White Lotus:  I subscribed to the monkey shootout theory mostly because the first two deaths were a bit silly and monkeys being involved was the only way there could be a silly death with that many gunshots.  It never really donned on me that we would get a Shakespearean ending on this show.  Sigh, of all the people they could have killed off, why Chelsea?  Chelsea on a friends’ trip could have made an interesting future season.  I am still holding out hope we get Portia back.

 

But it became clear that eight minutes was too long.  Just too many people on a holding pattern for most of the season.  Boyd Crowder was going to Bangkok, but took too many episodes actually get there.  Tim spent the middle episode just drugged up.  Belinda spent the first couple episodes waiting for her son to show up.  Piper goes to the monastery in the first episode and does not go back until much later.  Wild that Piper losing her virginity to Belinda’s son was cut from the finale.  That might have been the only interesting thing she did all season.

 

But as long as they keep putting attractive people in exotic locations I will still watch.  How about Anna Kendrick for season four?

 

The Last Anniversary:   That was a wild dinner party.  Though are they really going to do yet another incest storyline on television?  I just got done watching The White Lotus.

 

The Righteous Gemstones:  So all of Lori’s former paramours are dead or missing?  I wonder if she is some sort of femme fatale or if this is like the Peacock show Laid where her lady area is cursed?  The latter would be much more interesting.

 

The Hunting Party:  Does no one where protective vests?  If I had to carry gun, I am going to go with the assumption I have one because someone might be shooting at me.  And if someone might be shooting at me, I am wearing a vest. 

 

Daredevil: Born Again:  Um, why did they free Bullseye's hands?  They had him cuffed all season?  Why take them off just to treat him?  They could easily apply stitches with his hand restrained.

 

The Handmaid’s Tale:  Why even have Offred and Serena end the season on the same train if they are going to be separated before the end of the premiere?  But this may be the weirdest love triangle on television (well, unless the Ratcliff boys and Greg/Gary’s girlfriend count).  Offred has two baby daddies and seems to still love both of them.  Is she really going to end the series in New Bethlehem with Nick?  Then does Luke end up with Moira?  And will they end up in New Bethlehem too?  Then would they get split custody of Hannah?

 

The Challenge All Stars: Rivals:  Sigh, this show really does not need a two episode finale.

 

Survivor:  Finally we got rid of Sai.  Even better she will not be on the jury.   Then her friendemy went next I am sure to the delight of Mary.  But what becomes of Mary now?  We have this weird strong person alliance with one member with one foot out the door.  But if Kyle does not flip soon, it may be too late. But I fear the longer Eva has that Idol, the heavier that albatross becomes on her neck.  I feel like players with known Idols do not last very long.

 

Hacks:  This show is much better when Deborah and Eva are at odds.

 

Grosse Point Garden Society:  So why did it take so long for the new daddy to lose his job?  They seemed to drag that out a bit much.


Saturday, April 12, 2025

Around the Tubes: April 12, 2025

  

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on The White Lotus, Nick Drake, Cynthia Erivo, Your Friends & Neighbors, Mariah Carey, and Ariana Grande.


Fans can now relive the mystery and drama when Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment brings the third season of HBO’s Emmy®-winning original series The White Lotus to DVD on September 9, 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Thailand, Season 3 delivers the perfect blend of intrigue and dark comedy that fans have come to love. Prepare for a new chapter of suspense, unexpected twists, and captivating performances—because at The White Lotus, the vacation never goes as planned. Don’t miss out on all 8 episodes of The White Lotus: The Complete Third Season, packed with bonus content. Pre-order your copy today!  The White Lotus: The Complete Third Season is now available to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and more. For fans who want to experience the entire journey from the beginningThe White Lotus Seasons 1-3 Bundle is also now available to purchase Digitally from AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and more.


The Making Of Five Leaves Left, a project nine years in gestation, will be released July 25 via Island/UMe. This Nick Drake Estate authorized edition comprises more than 30 previously unheard outtakes from the sessions which gradually became Nick Drake’s debut album, Five Leaves Left, and will be available as 4CD and 4LP boxed sets. The reason for the lack of any previous typical anniversary-related ‘deluxe’ set, was the Estate’s wish that the listener concentrate on the beauty within the original released studio recordings. However, following the discovery of remarkable tapes from two new outside sources, plus a comprehensive reordering of the Universal tape library, Nick's sister Gabrielle felt that now was the time to reveal the origin story of the album.  Pre-order The Making Of Five Leaves Left and stream early version of “‘Cello Song” entitled “Strange Face” (1st Sound Techniques Session, March / 1968)https://nickdrake.lnk.to/TMOFLLListen


GRAMMY®, Tony®, and EMMY® Award winner and three-time Academy® Award nominee Cynthia Erivo has just shared her new single “Worst Of Me” out now via Verve Records/Republic Records. Listen HERE.  Additionally, she has unlocked the pre-order for her anxiously awaited new full-length solo album, I Forgive You, arriving June 6. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE.  “Worst Of Me” unfolds as an emotionally charged anthem anchored by her eloquent songcraft and powerhouse delivery. On the track, claps separate swooning ethereal vocal harmonies, giving way to a climactic crescendo as she makes a statement, “You could cut me deeper than the ocean, but I refuse to drown. I’m coming up. I wanna breathe again. I gave you my all, but you took the worst of me. Strings accent its ebb and flow, while a wailing guitar solo cries out.


 Platoon is proud to announce the release of “The Joneses,” the title theme for the new Apple TV+ series “Your Friends & Neighbors”, starring Jon Hamm, Amanda Peet, and Olivia Munn. The song features vocals from Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen) and was written by series composer Dominic Lewis and Leithauser. “The Joneses” aptly sets the tone for the show, about a financial titan (Hamm) who suddenly finds himself divorced and jobless, and resorts to robbing his wealthy neighbors to stay afloat. “You can’t keep up with The Joneses” warns Leithauser in the song's lyrics, and indeed we soon find out that the secrets and affairs hidden behind the wealthy facades might be more dangerous than our protagonists had ever imagined. “Your Friends & Neighbors” premieres today, Friday, April 11th, on Apple TV+.  Listen to “The Joneses” ft. Hamilton Leithauser / YouTube


 Globally adored singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou makes her first ever self-produced release with the tender “You and I.” Few others can pen a love song in the same delicate, looping handwriting as Lou. In a direct, yet dreamlike way, she asks for a lover to shed the past and see the possibility of a future with one another — Stream.  “‘You and I’ speaks of longing and surrendering in love, it’s a confession and a prayer, a declaration that this is where we are and want to be and let’s stop holding back and dive deeper into everything together,” she shares. “It asks the other to let go of what has happened before and to be here now and dream up the future together. It’s about telling one another what our needs are so we can be there for each other in a deeper, more fundamental way.”


Award-winning international superstar, songwriter, singer, New York Times best-selling author, current Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame nominee and the best-selling female artist of all time, Mariah Carey, is continuing the 20th anniversary celebration of her iconic, multi-platinum 10th album, The Emancipation of Mimi, home to era-defining pop/R&B singles “It’s Like That,” “We Belong Together,” “Shake It Off,” “Say Somethin’,” “Fly Like A Bird,” and “Get Your Number,” with a 20th anniversary suite of definitive, expanded deluxe releases of her modern classic.  Ahead of the release, fans can watch the visualizer for longtime fan KAYTRANADA’s simmering and sultry spin on “Don’t Forget About Us,” available to stream everywhere now: https://mariahcarey.lnk.to/DontForgetAboutUsRemixPR.  An extended Digital Deluxe Edition of The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) will also be available on May 30 with an exclusive selection of songs from the box set plus additional tracks exclusive to digital. The full tracklisting will be revealed at a later date.  Pre-order The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) here: MariahCarey.lnk.to/Mimi20PR


 GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist, and international superstar, Ariana Grande reclaims the top spot at #1 on the Billboard 200 with eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead via Republic Records. In addition, the critically acclaimed deluxe album captures #1 Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales, and Vinyl Albums.  Listen to eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead HERE.  Watch brighter days ahead short film, written and directed by Christian Breslauer and Ariana Grande, HERE


Sunday, April 06, 2025

57 Channels and Only This Is On: April 6, 2025

 

The White Lotus:  Gary seemed very guilty for the longest time, but could he really be telling the truth.  Does he really just want to chill in Thailand where he can watch brothers fork his girlfriend?   Oh yeah, there is just one and we have a murder to solve.  There were quite a lot of monkeys in the promo who certainly plays into the theory that monkeys will be involved.

 

Grosse Point Garden Society:  The show moved to Friday, but I feel like I missed an episode.  Alice got her job back?  Huh?  Was that the favor she asked the head of the garden society.  But after teasing Gary dying, we saw him in the future timeline.  So what exactly Catherine mean that he would not have worry about him?

 

Daredevil: Born Again:  I know it is silly to nit-pick a show about a blind man who can beat everyone one up, but c’mon, Daredevil can feel a picture and know it was his girlfriend… really?


The Last Anniversary:  So this is a story about a woman that dies and gives her house to not anyone in her family but to a chick who left her grandson at the altar… I mean at an airport right before the wedding.  Kind of sounds like an idea for a wacky sitcom.  A idea so weird for a drama I am interested where this goes even if all the shows based on Lane Moriarty seem to go nowhere.

 

The Challenge All Stars: Rivals:  That had to be one of the weirdest eliminations ever.  But I am pro weirdness on the show.

 

Survivor:  Wait, are the less annoying players actually going to team up to vote out the annoying players?  It seemed like a long time ago they realized if you just sit next to the next annoying people, they can easily win.  Yet, somehow Sai seems to skirt by every episode, so I am still a little worried she will somehow make it to the end somehow.