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

 

When it's time to come in from the sun, Paramount+ will be serving up brand-new series, seasons and movies to take your summer streaming watchlist to new heights. Don't miss the epic return of Dexter in the highly anticipated new series Dexter: Resurrection with Michael C. Hall reprising the iconic role, the season three premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, all the drama of CBS' Big Brother season 27, and 25 years of Dora with a new original feature-length movie Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado and DORA season three.  For a closer look at all the entertainment coming to Paramount+ in July, check out the latest edition of View from the Peak.

BEHIND THE STREAMS

James Remar and Michael C. Hall in Dexter: Resurrection    Everyone's favorite serial killer is back from the dead in the highly anticipated premiere of Dexter: Resurrection. Picking up after Michael C. Hall's titular character takes a bullet for his son Harrison (played by Jack Alcott) in Dexter: New Blood, the latest iteration of the serially thrilling story will include a few familiar faces - most notably David Zayas, who returns to play the beloved Angel Batista.  In Dexter: Resurrection, Zayas is stepping back into Detective Angel Batista's shoes as a series regular. "The integrity and heart in Batista has just gotten stronger, and life experience along with new revelations have made him that much more focused on the task at hand," said Zayas. "It felt amazing to go back to this character after so many years - especially with all the new information that he's learned. We have the best crew working on this show and working with everyone again reminded me why this show is so special."  A younger Batista was recently introduced in the 2024 prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, which shed more light on the beloved character, both for fans and for Zayas. "James Martinez did such a great job portraying a younger Angel Batista. It was great to watch his interpretation, and it actually helped me understand Batista that much more."  The fan-favorite detective has always been close to the truth about Dexter so will he finally confront what he might have missed in this revival? "I feel there is no other option but to confront the absolute truth of what he has missed after so many years," explains Zayas. "How he manifests that information is part of the exciting season that the viewers will share with Batista."  Catch David Zayas on the baseball field throwing the first pitch at the Subway Series game on July 5, then head over to Paramount+ to catch up on all your favorite episodes of Dexter* before the chilling story continues with Dexter: Resurrection* on July 11.

WATCH THE TRAILER

IN THE  SPOTLIGHT

Martin Quinn in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3    Get ready to explore new galaxies this summer when the U.S.S. Enterprise returns to Paramount+ with the season three premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. We reconnect with the crew while they're still under the command of Captain Pike as they face the conclusion of season two's harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test their grit and resolve. An exciting twist on the classic Star Trek, season three takes characters both new and beloved to new heights.  We had a chance to chat with series newcomer and Scottish actor Martin Quinn, who portrays the brilliant, quick thinking Lieutenant Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, to find out more about his thrilling adventures on and off screen since joining the series.  Following Scotty's epic debut in the season two finale, what has the experience been like to return as a series regular and bring such an iconic character back to the screen?  It's been great fun bringing Scotty back on screen - first of all, the writers have been so gracious allowing me to suggest my authentic Scottish phrasing. The casting department also really took the pressure off early on by encouraging me to bring myself to the role rather than emulate what came before. I have to say, being a series regular this time around has made me enjoy it even more. You feel part of the team - a cog in such a well-oiled machine (oh, that rhymes!). You develop a shorthand, not just with the cast or writers, but with our amazingly versatile crew. As a result, I've become so much more free and relaxed on set. I can confidently play around with the character and really sink my teeth in. I just hate days when I'm not filming and someone else is...I get the worst FOMO. It feels like I've been benched and I'm just waiting to get back on the pitch.  What can you share about Scotty's storyline this season that you're excited for fans to see?   Even though he wouldn't like to admit it, Scotty's confidence has taken a hit. He's new on this ship and eager to prove himself but being the newbie isn't easy - especially with your old teacher breathing down your neck. That would be daunting for anyone. And with everything he went through at the end of season two, I think he's got a long way to go before he becomes the miracle-worker we all know and love from The Original Series. What's nice is that, as I've been finding my feet as a member of this well-established cast, Scotty has also been finding his feet as part of his crew. So, we had a lot more in common than I initially thought. I mean, I'm an idiot compared to Scotty but there are some similarities beyond just our accent - and that's been nice. I hope the audience enjoys the journey as much as I did.  Get to the ship! The new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premieres July 17 with two episodes. New episodes will be available to stream every week, exclusively on Paramount+.

WATCH THE TRAILER

DID YOU KNOW?

Sabrina Ionescu - New York Liberty    CBS' Sports coverage of the WNBA continues with a pair of games on Paramount+ next month when the defending champion, New York Liberty, host the Seattle Storm on July 6, and Golden State Valkyries face 2023 champion the Las Vegas Aces on July 12. In other women's sports action, the first Women's Rugby match ever on Paramount+ will see the USA Eagles vs. Fiji on July 19. The friendly tune-up match comes a month ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 beginning in August, which will stream in its entirety on Paramount+.  Millennials, don't panic, but Clueless is turning 30 years old this July. Ugh, as if! Along with the timeless Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd-led film, Paramount+ will also stream a handful of 90s and early 2000s cult classics, including Mean Girls (2004), She's All That, She's the Man, Boys and Girls, Election, Save the Last Dance and more for subscribers looking for more blasts from the past.  There's no shortage of your favorite, bingeable reality series next month on Paramount+. Big Brother season 27 kicks off with two 90-minute premiere episodes on July 10 and 13, and Paramount+ subscribers and Pluto TV viewers can continue to catch all the action on the Big Brother Live Feeds. Along with our curated collection, Your Great Reality Escape, we'll also have new seasons of The Challenge: All Stars (season 5), RuPaul's Drag Race (season 17) and RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked (season 16) joining the Paramount+ library in July.  Sneak Peak: What better way to geek out over your favorite movies and shows than with a dedicated space where Paramount's fandoms can dive into exclusive content and connect even deeper with iconic stories, characters and worlds? Keep your eyes on social - more details are dropping soon. Get ready to nerd out!

STREAMING SOON

Acston Luca Porto, Jacob Rodriguez, Samantha Lorraine and Mariana Garzon Toro in Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado   July is officially the Great Dora Fiesta! Nickelodeon's globally beloved Dora franchise is expanding with a raft of new content next month leading with the original feature-length live-action movie, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, debuting July 2 on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon in the U.S., and shortly after around the world. In this brand-new family movie, the world's greatest explorer and her friends will trek through the perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.   The live-action movie kicks off "The Great Dora Fiesta," an anniversary initiative featuring an array of brand-new multi-platform content and experiences, marking 25 historic years of the franchise. In celebration, season three of the hit CG-animated preschool original DORA will premiere July 2, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. A new hour-long special Dora & Diego: Rainforest Rescues will also premiere July 2 on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.  The extensive ExploraDora Collection on Paramount+ includes DORA (seasons 1 and 2), the original Dora the Explorer series, exclusive specials and even more franchise content, available to stream now.

ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES, PREMIERES & EVENTS 7/1 Monster Summer* When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, a group of friends team up with a retired police detective (played by Mel Gibson) to embark on an adventure to save their island.  7/2 Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado premiere In this new live-action movie, the world's greatest explorer and her friends will trek through perilous dangers of the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.  7/2 DORA season 3 premiere  It's Dora, the world's most famous exploradora! Join her and all her friends on brand new, magical adventures in the rainforest!  7/11 Dexter: Resurrection* series premiere The highly-anticipated original drama series is a continuation of Dexter: New Blood, taking place weeks after Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) takes a bullet to the chest from his own son, as he awakens from a coma to find Harrison (Jack Alcott) gone without a trace. Realizing the weight of what he put his son through, Dexter sets out for New York City, determined to find him and make things right. But closure won't come easy. 7/17 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 premiere  The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is still under the command of Captain Pike as they face the conclusion of season two's harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test their grit and resolve.  LIBRARY SHOWS July 2 Dora & Diego: Rainforest Rescues special July 8 White Famous (season 1)  July 10 Big Brother (season 27)  July 16 The Challenge: All Stars (season 5)  Max and the Midknights (season 1)  July 23 RuPaul's Drag Race (season 17)  RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked (season 16)  July 30 CMT Live - Nate Smith at Busch Country: One Night Only  LIBRARY MOVIES Crank up the chaos and the comedy with outrageous, big summer laughs with hit movie franchises joining Paramount+ in July! Subscribers can check out the Jackass film collection including Jackass: The Movie, Jackass Number Two, Jackass 2.5, Jackass 3, Jackass 3.5, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa and Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa .5 Unrated. Other classic comedies include Airplane!, Airplane II: The Sequel, Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop II, Beverly Hills Cop III and more. July 1 A Soldier's Story A Walk Among the Tombstones A Walk on the Moon Airplane II: The Sequel Airplane! An Officer and a Gentleman Beverly Hills Cop Beverly Hills Cop II Beverly Hills Cop III Boys And Girls Breakfast at Tiffany's Chicago City of God City of Men Congo Cracks* Crisis* Defiance Don Jon Downhill Racer Election Failure to Launch Full Metal Jacket G.I. Blues G.I. Jane Gasoline Alley Girl, Interrupted Glory Go Hamburger Hill Hit & Run Jackass 2.5 Jackass 3 Jackass 3.5 Jackass Number 2 Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa .5 Unrated Jackass: The Movie Jarhead John Grisham's The Rainmaker Limitless* Looper Lords of Dogtown Machete Kills* Major League Mud Pet Sematary (2019) Rules of Engagement  Saving Private Ryan Seabiscuit Set It Off: Director's Cut  Side Effects* Sleepless* South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut Stardust Staten Island Summer Stop-Loss The Aviator The Book of Henry The Fighter The Gunman* The Killer Inside Me* The Lincoln Lawyer The Patriot  The Presidio The Quiet American The Survivalist*  The To Do List  The Virgin Suicides Titanic Training Day World Trade Center  Zero Dark Thirty July 10 The Great Debaters* July 13 Alone in Berlin* SPORTS 7/5-7/6: PGA Tour - John Deere Classic (Third and Final Round Coverage)* 7/5: SBD World's Strongest Man* 7/5: WNBA - Seattle Storm @ New York Liberty* 7/8: US Open Cup - Minnesota United FC vs. Chicago Fire FC 7/8: US Open Cup - San Jose Earthquakes vs. Austin FC 7/9: US Open Cup - Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls 7/9: US Open Cup - Nashville SC vs. D.C. United 7/12: WNBA - Golden State Valkyries @ Las Vegas Aces* 7/12: Men's Rugby - USA Eagles vs. Spain 7/12: SPFL Premier Sports Cup - Heart of Midlothian vs. Dunfermline Athletic 7/12-7/13: PGA Tour - Genesis Scottish Open (Third and Final Round Coverage)* 7/13: BIG3 Basketball* 7/16: SPFL Premier Sports Cup - Kilmarnock vs. Livingston 7/19: SPFL Premier Sports Cup - Stirling Albion vs. Heart of Midlothian 7/19: Women's Rugby - USA Eagles vs. England 7/19: Men's Rugby - USA Eagles vs. England 7/19: USL - Rhode Island vs. Hartford* 7/20: AVP Beach Volleyball* 7/20: SailGP - Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix* 7/20: BIG3 Basketball* 7/22: SPFL Premier Sports Cup - Motherwell vs. Greenock Morton 7/26: BIG3 Basketball* 7/26-7/27: PGA Tour - 3M Open (Third and Final Round Coverage)* 7/27: Formula E - London E-Prix* 7/27: Professional Bull Riders* 7/27: SPFL Premier Sports Cup - St Mirren vs. Ayr United Throughout July: Men's Rugby - World Rugby U20 Championships *Title is available to Paramount+ Premium subscribers. **All Paramount+ Premium 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.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: June 22, 2025

 

The Walking Dead: Dead City:  Wait, the old lady is not dead?  Is this a twin situation?  If not, who was the burned body?  I always found it weird she died considering they build up her connection with Hershal.  I guess we will finally get to see why they have such a bond.

 

Nine Perfect Strangers:  Wait, why did Imogen and Tina wake up together?  I missed them going to sleep in the middle of the floor together.

 

Resident Alien:  Oh, hey Bird Lady is back.  So, did she murder Praying Mantis or just injure him?  If it was the former, that was an abrupt end when the police just started a manhunt on him.  Speaking of abrupt ends, is this the last time we see Sarah Conners?

Around the Tubes June 21, 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 Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, Chad Powers, Lorde, LL Cool L, Glass Animals, LL Cool J, Benee, Jeremy Zucker, and Belles.

- It’s been almost 30 years since we last saw Happy Gilmore, the long-driving hero who won the Tour Championship in 1996. Now we finally get to catch up with him in a new sequel that comes to Netflix July 25.  That’s right, Adam Sandler is returning to the golf green as Happy Gilmore, and he’s bringing along a few familiar and fresh faces. Joining the film alongside Sandler are original Happy Gilmore stars Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald and brand-new co-star Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (aka Bad Bunny), daughters Sadie and Sunny Sandler, and Blake Clark. Also seen in the trailer are Jackie Sandler, Eric André, Margaret Qualley, Martin Herlihy, Tim Herlihy, Nelly Korda, Nancy Lopez, Verne Lundquist, Jack Giarraputo, Kevin Nealon, Benny Safdie, John Farley, Kym Whitley, Lavell Crawford, Ken Jennings, Cam'ron, Eminem, Post Malone, Marcello Hernandez, Dan Patrick, Oliver Hudson, Reggie Bush, Becky Lynch, Nikki Garcia, and Jack Nicklaus.

- A new teaser for Hulu's “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” debuted during game five of the NBA Finals.  The limited series starring Grace Van Patten as Amanda Knox premieres August 20th with two episodes. New episodes will stream weekly on Wednesdays.

- It's game time.  A new teaser for Hulu's Chad Powers debuted during game four of the NBA Finals.  Hulu's new comedy series starring Glen Powell will premiere September 30th with two episodes. New episodes stream weekly on Tuesdays.

- A week ahead of the release of her fourth studio album Virgin, Lorde today shares the latest track “Hammer”. Listen to the track HERE.  Co-produced by Lorde and Jim-E Stack, “Hammer” opens the album and sets the tone for a record that is both sonically expansive and lyrically sharp. It follows the release of “Man of the Year”, which debuted in the Top 10 globally and continues to climb international charts.  The official video for “Hammer” is out now. Directed by Renell Medrano and shot on location in London, it marks their first collaboration.

- In February, Def Jam Recordings/UMe released a "never-made" music video for LL COOL J’s iconic hit “Rock the Bells”.  The music video was selected for the Tribeca Film Festival as part of the Shorts category.  “Rock the Bells” is now Tribeca Film Festival’s FIRST-EVER Music Video Jury Competition winnerWATCH ON LL COOL J’S OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE

- Grammy and BRIT-nominated, diamond-selling British band Glass Animals unleashes the mind-melting new visualizer for “Take A Slice”, directing fans to a chaotic new fan experience site: https://ifuwatchthisustink.net The launch follows weeks of viral momentum for the track on TikTok, now officially the band’s second biggest song after global smash “Heat Waves”. With over 2 million daily views across TikTok (spanning official and UGC sounds), “Take A Slice” is having a major moment. A new trend — “watching your enemy’s downfall” — is driving explosive growth, including a Minecraft video that’s now hit 17.2 million views in just a few days. The visualizer is everything we’ve come to expect from Glass Animals — weird, glitchy, addictive — and totally unpredictable. Every time you watch the visualizer, fans get something different. Built as a reactive website by Dave Bayley and Drew MacFarlane, the experience pulls from the depths of internet chaos to match the unhinged energy fans are throwing back at the track.  Watch “Take A Slice” Visualizer HERE

- Multi-Platinum alt-pop visionary BENEE returns with an electrifying and anthemic new single entitled “Off The Rails”—listen HERE. Co-written with notable female songwriting and producing duo Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd [Addison Rae’s Addison] and produced by Kloser and Anderfjärd alongside BENEE’s frequent collaborator Josh Fountain, she describes “Off The Rails” as “an aggressive, angry, chaotic product of my navigating the current state of the world and channeling my existential dread. It’s feminine rage—sick of being pushed around and embracing the chaos.” The genre-bending song is released alongside an equally exhilarating official music video directed by British music video direction team Bedroom—watch HERE.  BENEE shares, “Luka and Elvira are two incredible producers in the music industry right now. First we made ‘Green Honda,’ and then ‘Off The Rails.’ I felt this energy was really needed and perfectly places a certain tone in my storyline. It honestly was one of the few studio sessions I’ve ever done with only women, which brings such a different creative energy. I felt so comfortable really saying anything. In a typically male-dominated industry, I had a different connection with them. We had a lot of fun making this song and I love it, I hope listeners do too!”

- Returning to his New Jersey roots, Multi-Platinum singer, songwriter, and producer Jeremy Zucker is back today with a brand new single entitled “hometown” out now via Mercury Records—listen HERE. It heralds the arrival of his anxiously awaited third full-length album, Garden State, on August 22nd—pre-order/pre-save HERE and watch the album trailer HERE.  On “hometown,” the stripped-down production spotlights Jeremy’s inimitable vocal delivery and introspectively nostalgic lyrics, as he sings, “Oh wow, look at you now. A little too good for your old hometown. He’s got it all figured out. How does it feel looking down?” The song unfolds as a relatable acoustic anthem about growing up, leaving your hometown, and seeing it through a new perspective. The music video, which was directed and edited by Jeremy himself, was shot in his hometown of Franklin Lakes, NJ.

- Country artist Belles debuts her brand-new music video for her single, “Broken In Boots.” The heartbreak anthem is out now on all streaming platforms – listen now and watch the haunting new video here.  The music video for “Broken In Boots” brings the emotional core of the single to life, following Belles in the aftermath of a breakup. Co-written and produced by Johnny Gates, the visual narrative captures her isolation while weaving in poignant flashbacks of a once-vibrant relationship. Set against the backdrop of Nashville’s iconic Broadway, the video echoes the song’s themes of heartbreak and nostalgia. Directed by Sydney Tooley, with Corbin Schmidt as the director of photography, the video offers a raw, cinematic feel, mirroring the vulnerability heard in the track. “Broken In Boots” was recorded at Sound Emporium.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: June 15, 2025

  

The Walking Dead: Dead City:  Um, where did that bear come from, and how was it able to break down a steal door?

 

The Librarians: The Next Chapter:  So last week’s episode finally showed up on Kanopy as well as this week’s.  Hopefully they actually show up weekly instead of randomly.

 

Nine Perfect Strangers:  Sometime I wonder if you need to be microdosing on whatever the characters are taking to enjoy and understand this show.

 

Resident Alien: So the Grey’s can suck your essence so another alien cannot shapeshift?  I guess it is best not to question the science on a show about aliens.

Around the Tubes: June 14, 2025

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Elton John. Kool & The Gang, Marcus King Band, Bob Marley, The Kinks, Lyn Lapid, and Madison Bailey.

- Elton John - Live from the Rainbow Theatre with Ray Cooper will be released on July 25 via UMe. One of Elton’s most celebrated performances, the live album was initially released on a limited vinyl run for this year's Record Store Day. Now receiving a wider release, it will be available both digitally and on CD for the first time, alongside a vinyl repress. The CD and digital editions include a brand-new bonus track, "Goodbye," plus the original twelve-song tracklist, personally curated by Elton, and additional liner notes.  In May 1977, Elton John took the stage at London’s iconic Rainbow Theatre with percussion legend Ray Cooper for a six-show residency. These performances were the first of 233 Elton-and-Ray only shows that would follow, and featured the live debut of deep cuts; “Roy Rogers”, “Cage The Songbird”, “Idol”, and “I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)”. Out on Vinyl, CD & Digitally on July 25^th via UMe, Pre-Order HERE

- This year, Kool & The Gang Co-Founder and namesake Robert Earl “Kool” Bell will celebrate his 75^th birthday on October 8, 2025. Turning up the temperature and tempo in honor of #Kool75, rising Australian DJ and producer Young Franco has delivered a dancefloor-ready Remix of the Kool & The Gang classic “Get Down On It” out now!  Listen HERE. Young Franco brings 21^st century house music energy to the track, underscoring the instantly recognizable hook with a fast-paced beat and glossy synths. His Remix of “Get Down On It” pops off as a summer-ready dance track tailormade for clubs, pool parties, festivals, and beyond.

- The Marcus King Band unveils a further taste of new music with “Carolina Honey” out now via American Records/Republic Records. Listen/share the song HERE.  “Carolina Honey” follows “Honky Tonk Hell.” Listen/share the song HERE. Watch/share the lyric video HERE.  “‘Carolina Honey’ is all about how I met my wife and what a significant impact that chance meeting had on my life that one night after a show in Raleigh, NC,” says King. “I woke up still hurting from the night before - still feeling I didn’t have much to live for. I’d given up on any thought that I could ever be ‘happy.’ All that changed when Little Bird walked into my life. After my set, Briley came backstage to say hello - she started playing Linda Ronstadt and singing and for the first time I saw something or someone in front me that gave me ‘hope.’ Someone I wanted to be my BEST self for - Someone I wanted to grow old with, someone that made me want to grow old ‘at all.’ ‘Carolina Honey’ takes the listener through my mentality that day, my change of heart that night and my burning desire for her to feel the same way too.”

- The Marley family, UMe, and Island Records are continuing to honor Bob Marley's legacy with a year-long celebration commemorating his 80th birthday milestone, his importance in the uprising of global music, and the fight for social justice and equality.  In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Uprising, an exclusive merch capsule is being released, which includes unique items and a special, limited-edition “liquid sunshine”-filled vinyl reissue of the album that is housed in a special die-cut sleeve. Uprising was the final album released during Bob Marley’s lifetime and features fan favorites “Could You Be Loved,” “Redemption Song,” and “Forever Loving Jah.” Preorder the “liquid-sunshine" LP and check out the exclusive merch options, HERE.

- One of the greatest songs ever written, "Sunny Afternoon," was number 1 on July 7th, 1966, when England won the World Cup. The Kinks today release a live version recorded at their 1993 Royal Albert Hall show, taken from the last chapter of their Journey Trilogy’s celebrating the bands 60th anniversary   The Journey – Part 3. Listen to "Sunny Afternoon (Live From The Royal Albert Hall, 1993)" HERE.   “As far as performances go, it was a high point achievement of the Kinks,” Dave Davies said of the Royal Albert Hall show.

- As she continues the North American leg of her BUZZKILL World Tour, Gold-Certified singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lyn Lapid surprises fans today with a cover of Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind”— listen HERE!

- Turning the page on another bold creative chapter, critically acclaimed actress and buzzing singer-songwriter Madison Bailey shares an emotionally charged new single entitled “Raincheck” featuring KAIRO out now via Republic Records. It marks her first release of 2025 and heralds more music to come. Listen HERE.  On the track, an airy loop gives way to a breezy head-nodding beat accented by soft synths and delicate strains of guitar. Madison wrestles with her insecurities out loud. She admits, “To be honest I’ve been off the rails awhile, getting hard to fake a smile,” going on to ask, “So, can I get a raincheck?” Nigerian-born global pop duo  KAIRO responds on a bouncy verse evocative of the same introspective and irresistible spirit. Together, their energies and vocals entwine in perfect harmony.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: June 8, 2025

 

Mobland:  Wait, did we know that Kevin’s kid was actually his brother?  And since he called his wife his father’s sloppy seconds, does that mean it was an arranged marriage just to keep up appearances?  It does seem that way considering they never had a kid of their own.  I was a little surprised Maeve knew considering how she tried to kill Conrad’s other illegitimate and now so okay with it she wants Eddie to kill Harry.  I am sure there is some racism baked in there.

 

I was also a little lost on the lawyer. I had absolutely no recollection of her at all when she sat down with Harry.  It probably did not help she looked too much like Harry’s wife.

 

But after everything that went down, Maeve is a psychopath who wants Harry dead, his wife is so angry with how their live turned out that she stabbed him, why is Harry so intent on staying?  What did the Harrigan’s do for him that he is this loyal despite have a golden parachute to get him out of there?  Is it going to turn out he is also an illegitimate child of Conrad?  That may be the closest to a rational explanation I can think of.  Except for the whole Harry’s daughter hooking up with Conrad’s kid thing.

 

The Walking Dead: Dead City:  So, everyone is dead now?  Weird they killed off the old lady, it felt like her and Hershel had some weird connection, now we will not see how that pans out.

 

The Librarians: The Next Chapter:  I am not sure how exactly I am supposed to watch this show.  Only the first episode is currently On Demand.  I saw that Kanopy says there are putting new episodes there weekly, except there has been no new episodes this week.  So what day of the week should we expect new episodes and how long from the premiere will they be up?  I hope they do not expect me to watch live when episodes air like a caveman.

 

Nine Perfect Strangers:  I completely forgot to write about the show, but here we are halfway through the season and really nothing is happening except a new drug trip every episode.  At least they decided to get weirder this season.  Enough with the micro-dosing they did in the first season, they are going on full trips this time around.

 

Leverage: Redemption:  The whole black and white thing was confusing.  I never quite figured out what it meant.  I originally thought it was showing that happened a while ago, but it seemed to go back and forth between color during the same timeline. And did they not make a big deal about Harry shaving in the first episode and now the beard was back without any mention.

Around the Tubes: June 6, 2025

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Wicked: For Good, Call Her Alex, Clueless, Dropkick Murphys, Young the Giant, and Cynthia Erivo.

- And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend …  Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.   Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award^® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.

- What does it take to become the most influential female podcaster of a generation? Following Alex Cooper as she prepares for her first tour, this compelling two-part documentary series traces Cooper's evolution—from a self-conscious kid growing up in Pennsylvania to the voice behind “Call Her Daddy,” a podcast that redefined the conversation for women everywhere. Directed by Ry Russo-Young ("Nuclear Family"), the series offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the life-defining events that shaped Cooper’s journey as she grew from a 24-year-old woman with a sex and dating podcast to the CEO of a media empire in just six years. More than just a success story, it's a portrait of a woman who is creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered.  “Call Her Alex” is directed by Ry Russo-Young (Peabody Award-nominated “Nuclear Family”).

- “As if!!!!” UMe marks the 30th anniversary of Paramount Pictures’ 1995 comedy classic Clueless, by releasing the movie’s soundtrack on both standard weight vinyl and a limited-edition standard weight pink colored vinyl – available now HERE.  Loosely based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, Clueless was hilariously updated to Beverly Hills High School in the 1990s by writer/director Amy Heckerling.  The iconic film stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, Stacey Dash as her best friend Dionne, Brittany Murphy as Tai, the ugly duckling transformed into a beautiful swan, and Paul Rudd as Cher’s disapproving ex-stepbrother. 

- Dropkick Murphys’ new album For The People shows courage and confidence, speaking up against the injustices happening in the United States, doing so with the strength and power that harkens back to Dropkick Murphys’ earliest punk rock roots. For The People is more than a title. It’s a heartfelt stance, a declaration of who this band is—and who they’ve always been.  For The People will be released digitally on July 4 via the band’s Dummy Luck Music / Play It Again Sam, with the LP and CD release featuring 5 bonus tracks out October 10. The poignant album cover was created by renowned social/political artist Shepard Fairey's design firm Studio Number One, and the album was produced and mixed by longtime Dropkick Murphys collaborator Ted Hutt.

- Critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young the Giant announces the In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour. An intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces and venues around the country, the band will be supported by Cassandra Coleman (debut album produced by Jack Antonoff out June 6 via Warner) throughout. The tour will begin at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, HI on August 15, featuring support from Cold War Kids, with a grand finale at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 7 where Young the Giant will be joined by Saint Motel.  Young the Giant shared that, “’In The Open’ has been our superpower as a band since we started playing music together. There’s something so thrilling about reimagining our music in a way that’s more improvised, less controlled, and in a place you wouldn’t expect. We’re hoping to bring this feeling to you in our new tour Young the Giant: In The Open. While we can’t play a full set for you under a bridge or on a cliffside, we hope these beautiful intimate venues will give you the same feeling.”  Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 am local time. Venue/local presales begin the following day, June 4 at 10 am local, followed by Spotify’s presale on June 5 at 10 am local. All presales end on Thursday, June 5 at 10 pm local and general on sale begins Friday, June 6 at 10 am local at youngthegiant.com. 

- After building widespread anticipation for its arrival throughout culture, GRAMMY®, Tony®, and EMMY® Award winner and three-time Academy® Award nominee Cynthia Erivo proudly presents her anxiously awaited new album, I Forgive You, out now via Verve Records/Republic Records.  Listen HERE.  She set the stage for the release with “Worst Of Me.” This standout has already amassed amazing critical acclaim. Forbes raved, “Erivo’s soaring vocals are right at home in the emotionally charged R&B ballad as she addresses a past lover who left her in pain,” and Billboard applauded how, “The artist brings out some of her deepest vulnerabilities, belting out her deepest pains in a powerful synth pop anthem.” Essence described it as a “beautiful ballad.”

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 1, 2025

 

MobLand:  Um, did Harry know the dinner was a set up.  He seemed way too calm.  Or is he looking for a way out of that crazy family and is ready to go work for the lady he did a favor to?  That seems like a much better business opportunity.

 

The Walking Dead: Dead City:  So, Hershel is in cahoots with the old lady?  What is going on there?  And just how did Negan figure out the walker was really a human?

 

The Last of Us:  I doubt that is what happens but I would be perfectly okay if Abby kills Ellie.  Such an annoying and stupid character.  But is next season really going to be season two but from Abby’s perspective?  On one hand, Kaitlyn Dever is a much actor.  But on the other, why not just do a ten-episode season that covers both perspective?  Now the creator says he will need four seasons to complete the story.  Ugg, did he not see the ratings nosedive this season?  Better wrap it up buddy.

 

The Librarians: The Next Chapter:  It took me a moment to realize when I remember the scientist from.  She was the evil dude’s daughter on The Head.  But this is the same entreatingly silly conceit of the original.  I wonder just how many original cast members we will see.

 

The Handmaid’s Tale: I know there is a spin-off they have to adhere to, but a little silly that the series ends with June still not being able to free her other daughter.  Something she has been actively doing since the second season.  I also was kind of lost with what was going on with Alexis Bledel.  But we got an uneven finale to a show that has been extremely uneven since the second season.

 

Leverage: Redemption:  Okay, that was one of the most elaborate cons they have come up with, and it was highly entertaining.

 

Hacks:  Last week felt like more of a season finale while this felt more like a season premiere.  I have a feeling next season will be flipped with Deborah supporting Ava on her comedy career.