Wednesday, August 21, 2024

View from the Peak - Everything coming to Paramount+ in September 2024

 

This month, we shared the exciting news that our direct-to-consumer segment, which includes Paramount+ and Pluto TV, was profitable this quarter, our first profitable quarter since Paramount+ launched. It’s been our pleasure to deliver world-class content to our growing audience around the globe, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum. In September, we’re rolling out new seasons of our hit series FrasierTulsa KingDORA and Colin from Accounts; taking to the field with CBS Sports to kick off the 2024 NFL season; and going deep with new original documentaries including the poignant We Will Dance Again and the high-octane Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of '80s Hair Metal.

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


BEHIND
THE STREAMS

Sylvester Stallone and Garrett Hedlund in Tulsa King

In the Paramount+ Original series Tulsa King, we were introduced to charismatic mafia capo Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) who took on the impossible task of creating a criminal empire in bucolic, out-of-the-way Tulsa, Oklahoma. As we return for season two, Manfredi will need to contend with ruthless mob bosses and even the FBI who all want a piece of him. He may want a peaceful life, but for executive producer and writer Terence Winter, Manfredi is an interesting study in contrasts.

“I don't think anyone is either all good or all bad, even hardened gangsters like Dwight,” Winter said. “By showing him in all his colors, he exhibits many moments of humor, kindness, fairness and even love, characteristics audiences recognize in themselves. This season we've got brawls, shootouts and other assorted mayhem. It's always fun to shoot big action scenes, especially when they involve Sylvester Stallone, the greatest action star in history.”

Stallone is back in business when season two of Tulsa King debuts September 15.

WATCH THE TRAILER



IN THE
SPOTLIGHT

Kelsey Grammer and Jack Cutmore-Scott in Frasier 

In the Paramount+ Original series Frasier, the titular TV psychiatrist uproots his life, moving from Seattle to Boston, to rekindle his relationship with his son, Freddy. Throughout season one, the effete academic Frasier and down-to-earth firefighter Freddy struggled to connect and build a new life together. Ahead of season two, we chat with Jack Cutmore-Scott, who plays Freddy, to see where things stand with father and son.

  • Freddy is such a contrast to his father, and the tension between them has created an interesting dynamic. Can you tell us more about how you developed the character?

    Freddy was originally developed by Joe Cristalli, Chris Harris and the Frasier team. It has been a lot of fun watching and helping them shape him. He’s definitely found his footing as someone who shares a lot of similarities with Frasier but also draws a lot from his grandfather, Martin. And while their dynamic is different from Frasier’s relationship with his dad, I really enjoy the moments when we get to echo their rapport.

  • Where do we find Freddy in season two? What are you most excited for audiences to see?

    My read on Freddy going into season two was grounded in the fact that he and his dad have found a little security in their relationship. Freddy knows Frasier isn’t going anywhere, he’s expressed his frustrations and resentments, and now we get to have fun watching these two bounce off each other while knowing it’s all rooted in a deep affection. I’m really excited for people to feel the same relaxation I felt playing opposite Kelsey this season. They still push each other’s buttons, absolutely, but we get to have a lot more fun while we do it.

  • There are a number of guest stars reentering the building and stepping back into their roles from the original series. Can you share a bit more on working with some of the original cast?

    It was, in a word, surreal. We all felt very spoiled to have such incredible guest stars and I felt extra lucky to spend a little time back in Seattle on a few familiar sets. Each and every one of the returning cast members were as charming as they were funny, but Harriet, who plays Frasier’s former agent Bebe Glazer, managed to bring the house down over a conference call during the table read. That’s a first for me.

  • Without any spoilers, what can fans look forward to in season two?

    Superb writing, innovative directing, visionary lighting and scenic design, and heretofore unparalleled comedic performances. More of the same, basically!

Reconnect with Frasier when season two premieres September 19.


HIGH
SCORE

NFL on CBS

NFL players Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa and Travis Kelce 

This September, Paramount+ kicks off the football season with the NFL on CBS streaming live on the service. This comes on the heels of Paramount+’s record-breaking year in sports, including the most-streamed Super Bowl in history.

Across the 18-week regular season, subscribers can stream NFL on CBS live local market games, along with marquee matchups and a Thanksgiving game, not to mention a full postseason slate that includes two Wild Card playoff games, a Divisional playoff game and the AFC Championship game.

To celebrate the new season, Paramount+ is offering football fans a score of a deal: a 12-month subscription for only $2.50 per month. The NFL on CBS streaming live on Paramount+ was highlighted by a recent ad campaign featuring CBS Sports' NFL Today analyst JJ Watt and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

It’s game on when the NFL on CBS season begins September 8.

WATCH THE NFL ON CBS AD SPOT

MOUNTAIN
OF MOVIES

Julia Garner and Dianne Wiest in Apartment 7A

Next month Apartment 7A takes horror fans back to the twisted, Satanic world of cult classic Rosemary’s Baby. The film reintroduces Terry Gionoffrio, an aspiring dancer living with a mysterious couple with a dark secret to hide.

“I suppose what attracted me most to Terry’s story was I found it really relatable,” said director and co-writer Natalie Erika James. “She’s someone with so much drive and ambition. Terry is a really unexplored piece of Rosemary’s Baby, so it was really exciting to be able to expand upon that.”

The project has attracted a stellar cast—from Julia Garner who plays Gionoffrio to Dianne Wiest as her benefactor Minnie Castavet—who bring new life to characters from the iconic film. “Julia Garner has an incredible spark,” James said. “She portrays Terry with such purpose and is so compelling onscreen. I love Dianne’s Minnie too. She balances that sweetness with a real kind of dark, cutting nature.”

Stream the classic Rosemary’s Baby today on Paramount+ and step into Apartment 7A when it premieres September 27.


TECH TALK

Tech Talk

At Paramount+, we’re always refining and evolving our platform to deliver a best-in-class viewing experience for our subscribers. Here are just a few of the updates we’ve recently made to enhance discoverability and engagement.

  • Marquee Peek Ahead - We’ve introduced mini posters to the home marquee of our latest content to encourage subscribers to explore the latest titles on the service. This new feature showcases the diversity of our offering and helps drive engagement, resulting in a boost to the number of titles visitors add to “My List.”

  • Carousel of Collections - This highly stylized carousel brings together the many content collections—from Black Voices to critically acclaimed films—on the service. The feature makes the interface more dynamic for subscribers, encouraging exploration, and by showcasing the diversity of our content in one place, we’re making it easier for everyone across the household to discover new shows and movies they will love.
     
  • Recommendation Engine We continue to refine our recommendation engine to expand visibility of and engagement with our valuable library titles. These changes are driving movies into carousels like Hot Right Now and even our Top 10 Now carousels which highlight the most engaged content in Paramount+.

DID
YOU KNOW?

  • To honor the history, culture and contribution of Hispanic communities, Paramount+ is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with One Mountain Una Familia collection. The collection features a curated selection of series and movies spotlighting Hispanic talent and stories including DORALionessStar Trek: Strange New WorldsNCIS and more.
     
  • Next month marks one year since the now infamous attack on the Nova Music Festival. What was supposed to be a celebration of life, love and music became one of the most harrowing days in Israel’s history, resulting in a catastrophic situation for both Israelis and Palestinians. We Will Dance Again reconstructs the day’s events, weaving together a moving portrait of the survivors and those lost on that fateful day while showcasing the incredible sacrifice and bravery they displayed.
EXPLORE THE ONE MOUNTAIN UNA FAMILIA COLLECTION



STREAMING
SOON

Kathy Bates in Matlock

September kicks off a season of falling leaves, fresh school supplies and, of course, an incredible new slate on CBS. Paramount+ subscribers can stream hotly anticipated sneak peeks of news series like Matlock and The Summit and new seasons of Survivor48 HoursLet’s Make a Deal and more. In Matlock, Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates stars as an often underestimated attorney at a prestigious law firm where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and ensure that justice always prevails.

ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES & PREMIERES

9/1 Parallel streaming premiere* 
In this film, a grief-stricken mother takes refuge at a lake house and mysteriously navigates between parallel spaces, encountering an aberration of herself from another universe.

9/13 DORA season two premiere
It's Dora, the world's most famous exploradora! Join her and all her friends as they embark upon new, magical adventures in the rainforest.

9/15 Tulsa King season two premiere
Now that NYC mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi has set up shop in Tulsa, Okla., he and his crew must continue to build and defend their growing empire. It turns out they’re not the only ones who want to stake their claim.

9/17 Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of '80s Hair Metal
This three-part series showcases the notoriously wild ‘80s hard-rock phenomenon and features interviews with those who lived the scene. The docu-series delivers a fresh and shockingly candid behind-the-scenes look at one of music’s most iconic eras.

9/19 Frasier season two premiere
As Frasier Crane enters the next chapter of his life, he returns to Boston, Mass. with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill.

9/26 Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale premiere
In this romantic comedy drama, a woman whose dream is to “become Cinderella” meets a "prince on a white horse" who does not believe in love. Both support and torment each other due to the reality that is difficult to escape.

9/26 Colin from Accounts season two premiere
In this modern-day love story, two singles are brought together by a car accident and an injured dog.

9/27 Apartment 7A premiere
When a struggling young dancer suffers a devastating injury, she finds herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected older couple promises her a shot at fame.

Late September: We Will Dance Again premiere
In this documentary, Yariv Moser provides an eye-opening view of the October 7th Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel. The film features personal accounts and insights into exactly what happened on that harrowing day.

LIBRARY SHOWS

September 3

After Midnight (Season 2)**
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Season 10)**


September 4

Rubble & Crew (Season 1)

September 9


The Drew Barrymore Show (Season 5)**
The Talk (Season 16)**


September 16

The Big (Seasons 1-4)

September 18

Jordan Klepper Fingers the Globe: Hungary for Democracy
Jordan Klepper Fingers the Midterms: America Unfollows Democracy
Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Into the MAGAverse
Survivor (Season 47)**


September 20

Secret Celebrity Renovation**

September 21

48 Hours (Season 37)**


September 22

60 Minutes (Season 57)** 
Matlock (Sneak Peek)**


September 23

Let's Make A Deal (Season 16)**

The Price Is Right (Season 53)**

September 26


The Bold and the Beautiful (Season 38)**

September 27

The Greatest @Home Videos**

September 29

The Summit (Sneak Peek)**


LIBRARY MOVIES

September 1

6 Days
54*
A Knight's Tale
A Very Brady Sequel*
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
All the Right Moves
Amores Perros
Angel Heart
Annabelle: Creation
Annihilation
Approaching the Unknown
Asylum
Babel
Beastly
Beatriz at Dinner
Below
Beneath
Big
Blue Crush
Body Cam
Bound
Bringing Out the Dead*
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Carriers
Case 39
Cesar Chavez
Changing Lanes
Cheech & Chong's Still Smokin'
Cloverfield
Clue
Coneheads*
Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind
Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles
Curandero
Cursed
Death on the Nile
Death Wish
Deep Impact
Deepstar Six
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
Doctor Sleep
Domestic Disturbance
Don't Worry Darling
Doubt
Down to You*
Dragonslayer
Dreamgirls
Eagle Eye
Ella Enchanted
Eye for an Eye
First Blood
Foxcatcher
From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money
From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter
Get Over It*
Get Rich or Die Tryin'
Ghost Team One
Ghost Town
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later
Halloween VI: The Curse of Michael Myers
Halloween VIII: Resurrection
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
Harold and Maude*
Heatwave
Hecho En Mexico
Hostage
In a Relationship
In Too Deep
It Follows
Jeanne du Barry
Jerry Maguire
Jojo Rabbit
Jungleland
Just Like Heaven
King Kong (1976)
Kingpin
Labor Day*
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider*
Last Shoot Out*
Like Water for Chocolate
Little Black Book
Love and Monsters
Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat*
Mimic
Mimic 2
Mimic 3: Sentinel
Mommie Dearest
Mother!
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
My Baby's Daddy
My Bloody Valentine
Nacho Libre
Night Falls on Manhattan
Nine Lives*
No Country for Old Men
Notting Hill
Overlord
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Phantoms
Piñero
Playing with Fire
Pretty in Pink
Primal Fear*
Prophecy
Rambo III
Rambo: First Blood Part II
Regarding Henry*
Reindeer Games
Sabrina (1954)
Scary Movie
Scary Movie 2
School Ties*
Seabiscuit*
Singularity
Spell
Spontaneous
Still Waiting*
Suspect Zero
Switchback
Tales from the Darkside: The Movie
Teaching Mrs. Tingle
That Thing You Do!
The Brothers Grimm
The Conversation*
The Crossing Guard
The Crow: City of Angels
The Crying Game*
The Curse of La Llorona
The Devil Inside
The Equalizer
The Ghost and the Darkness
The Gift
The Grifters
The Haunting
The Honeymooners
The Hunted*
The Internship
The Last Exorcism Part II
The Long Kiss Goodnight
The Longest Yard (2005)
The Loved Ones
The Mexican
The Moon & Back
The Parallax View
The Peacemaker*
The Perfect Score*
The Prophecy 3: The Ascent
The Prophecy II
The Prophecy: Forsaken
The Prophecy: Uprising
The Reckoning
The Relic
The Ruins
The Tenant
The Three Amigos (2003)
The Two Jakes*
The Uninvited
The Virgin Suicides
The Woman in Black
Things We Lost in the Fire
True Grit (1969)
Truth
Twisted
Unfaithful
Urban Cowboy
Waiting…*
Witchboard II: The Devil’s Doorway


September 15

Premonition

September 18

Office Race
The Preppie Connection


September 25

Born to Be Blue
Deadlock


SPORTS

9/1: Serie A – Juventus vs. Roma
9/1: PBR – Professional Bull Riders Camping World Team Series Springfield*
9/1: American Cornhole League*
9/1: NWSL – North Carolina Courage vs. Kansas City Current*
9/1: NWSL – Angel City FC vs. Chicago Red Stars*
9/4: Concacaf W Champions Cup – Portland Thorns FC vs. Club América Femenil
9/7: NWSL – Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC*
9/7: Big Ten on CBS – Iowa State @ Iowa*
9/7: EFL – Wrexham vs. Shrewsbury Town
9/8: NFL ON CBS Week 1 (check local listings)
9/8: PBR – Professional Bull Riders Camping World Team Series Kansas City*
9/14: EFL – Leeds United vs. Burnley
9/14: CIBC Atlanta Slam Semifinals*
9/14: Big Ten on CBS – Notre Dame @ Purdue*
9/15: NFL ON CBS Week 2 Doubleheader (check local listings)
9/16: EFL – Birmingham City vs. Wrexham
9/19: Concacaf W Champions Cup – NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Monterrey
9/21: We Need to Talk*
9/21: Big Ten on CBS – USC @ Michigan*
9/22: NFL ON CBS Week 3 (check local listings)
9/22: PBR – Professional Bull Riders Camping World Team Series Greensboro*
9/28: EFL – Leeds United vs. Coventry City
9/28: EFL – Leyton Orient vs. Wrexham
9/28: NWSL – Kansas City Current vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC*
9/28: Big Ten on CBS*
9/29: NFL ON CBS Week 4 Doubleheader (check local listings)
Throughout September: NWSL X LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup
Throughout September: Argentina Liga Profesional de Fútbol competition
Throughout September: Scottish Professional Football League competition
Throughout September: English Football League competition
Throughout September: Concacaf Men’s Nations League competition
Throughout September: Concacaf W Champions Cup competition
Throughout September: Serie A 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, August 18, 2024

57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 18, 2024

 

Snowpiercer:  This season is really missing Wilford.  The new baddies are kind of boring.

 

Orphan Black: Echoes:  So is no one actually going to check the dental records on the dead body.  And isn’t just the lower jaw remaining highly suspicious? 

 

The Ark:  Kind of a filler episode since Eva’s brother gets introduced and dies in the same episode.  But we did learn Eva was once part of the Eastern Alliance.  Though those bad guys are not very fleshed out, just a couple fleeting mentions.


Saturday, August 17, 2024

Around the Tubes: August 17, 2024


I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Only Murders in the BuildingLa MáquinaPearl Jam, Sister Hazel, Live, Nikka Costa, Vlad Holiday, and Greg Kihn.


Check out the trailer for the fourth season of original comedy series "Only Murders in the Building." The Emmy®- winning series returns August 27th on Hulu, with new episodes streaming Tuesdays.  In season four of “Only Murders in the Building,” Charles, Oliver & Mabel wrestle with the shocking events at the end of season three surrounding Charles’ stunt double & friend Sazz Pataki. Questioning whether Sazz or Charles was the intended victim, our trio’s investigation leads them all the way to Los Angeles where a Hollywood studio is readying a film about the Only Murders podcast. As our amateur sleuths race back to New York, they embark on an even more epic journey — traversing their building’s courtyard to delve into the twisted lives of the Arconia’s West Tower residents.



- Hulu debuted eight first-look images from its first ever Spanish language Original series "La Máquina," starring Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna and Eiza González.  The series premieres with all six episodes on October 9, 2024After a devastating loss, Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna (Gael García Bernal) is at a low point in his boxing career. Lucky for him, his manager and best friend Andy Lujan (Diego Luna) is determined to get him back on top. But when a nefarious organization rears its head, the stakes of this rematch become life or death. While struggling to mount a comeback, Esteban must also juggle his own personal demons and protect his family, including his ex-wife Irasema (Eiza González), a journalist who finds herself on a collision course with the dark side of the boxing world.



- Pearl Jam has released a new live music video for their current single “Wreckage”, filmed at their May 16th Las Vegas show. The single, along with the first release and title track “Dark Matter” went #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, marking the first time Pearl Jam has accomplished consecutive #1’s on the chart. Dominating the radio charts, both singles were also Top 5 records at Alt Radio and Wreckage was a #1 at AAA Radio.  Pearl Jam's "Wreckage" video features some of the band's unique tour visuals that were created by famed creative and fellow Seattle native, Rob Sheridan. The visual concept was a first for the band who generally toured with a more general, stripped back production. Sheridan, who’s previously worked with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails as well as notable director David Fincher, told the Seattle Times “Pearl Jam isn’t a bright, cold LED screen; it’s a warm, incandescent light. We talked about, ‘What if we did this with a really analog feel?’ What if we used a projection screen, and some ways to help bring the visuals into the space with the band but not be fighting for attention with what is one of the greatest live bands, in terms of musical performances, of our generation.”  Watch the live music video for "Wreckage" HERE.


Platinum-selling band Sister Hazel is excited to debut their latest single, "All Goes By So Fast." This heartfelt song, co-written by lead singer Ken Block and his daughter Alaina Block, is sure to resonate deeply with fans. Recently premiered on Americana Highways, the single captures the essence of fleeting moments.  Produced and mixed by Ben Jackson at East End Studio in Nashville, TN, the song is being distributed by Rock Ridge Music, a Nashville-based label. "All Goes By So Fast" is now accessible on all major digital and streaming platforms. Click HERE to listen and experience it yourself.


On this week’s episode of SPIN’s podcast, Lipps Service host Scott Lipps welcomes Ed Kowalczyk, singer, songwriter, and frontman of the multi-platinum iconic rock band +LIVE+ for a nostalgic conversation about his early entry into the rock & roll world, the purpose behind his music, memorable encounters, & more. The episode will go live on all streaming services August 18th and on YouTube August 19th.  From its inception in York, Pennsylvania in 1984, Kowalczyk explains how +LIVE+ has evolved and mastered its sound to sell over 22 million albums worldwide, earning two #1 albums and numerous legendary hits such as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You”, and “Lakini’s Juice.” In the interview, he recalls wanting to create music that digs deep and makes you think, stating, “You can have lyrics that poke at the truth and poke at reality and really try to bring people into this other place.”


The LA-based soul and funk singer Nikka Costa releases her highly anticipated album Dirty Disco. The album was recorded with and produced by Justin Stanley (Prince, Jamie Lidell, Beck, etc.). Along with the talents of versatile musicians such as Brandon Coleman (Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Donald Glover, Flying Lotus), Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Kaveh Rastegar (John Legend, Beck), Nikka Costa brings you into her Dirty Disco world. The album will be available on vinyl and CD here.  Tickets to her live tour are on sale here. East coast dates will be announced next week.


Romania-born, Nashville-based musical shapeshifter Vlad Holiday is joined by Kacey Musgraves on “I Don’t Wanna Party Anymore.” Mischievous and sultry, the track has all the jazzy, lo-fi hallmarks of a Bond song. Running Musgraves’ voice through tape delay, Holiday’s signature knack for gear experimentation gives the duet a style we’ve never heard either artist in before — Stream.   The two artists met a few years back through mutual friends. Continually finding themselves singing together over an acoustic guitar as the sun came up after a long party, the collaboration felt natural, especially given the lyrics of “I Don’t Wanna Party Anymore.” 


It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Greg Kihn, an iconic figure in the realm of rock music. Greg lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease on 8/13/24 at the age of 75. Known for his magnetic stage presence and unique storytelling that captivated audiences around the globe. He was not merely a musician but a cultural phenomenon whose influence will resonate for generations to come.  Born on 07/10/49 in the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland. Greg discovered a passion for music early in life. He burst onto the scene with the release of Greg Kihn, which quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. With a unique songwriting style that blended folk, classic rock, blues and pop, his sound helped define a rich musical legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area scene. Greg rose to worldwide fame in the 1980s and left an indelible mark for generations to come.


Sunday, August 11, 2024

57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 11, 2024

 

House of the Dragon:  My sister changed her phone plan which means no more HBO for Life for her, which means no more free Max for me.  And of course she had to make the change just in time for me to miss the season finale.  Sigh.  Adding insult to injury, it seems like I am not eligible for the Hulu/Disney/Max bundle since I get Disney for free and/or I am on the Hulu yearly plan.    

 

Snowpiercer:  That seemed like an unnecessary obstacle to keep Layton from going after his kid.  Of course he was going to go.  But I an still wondering what is special about that kid.

 

Orphan Black: Echoes:  I completely missed there was an older version of Jessica Jones in the current timeline.  But I guess that shows just how little I am paying attention to the show.  I am just counting down until the season ends.

 

The Ark: Okay, so the alternative reality part of the episode was fun.  But did Cat get swapped back?  And did they just lose some red shirt in exchange for the husband?  And just what happened to the daughter?  I am surprised we did not see her.

 

2024 Olympic Games:  There are plenty of dumb events at the Olympics, but competitive breakdancing just may be the dumbest.  The song selection was pretty weak.  Most of the songs I made it through before turning this off sounded just like generic computer generated beats.