Around the Tubes: June 5, 2021

              

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 Sublime, Olivia Rodrigo, The Beach Boys, Nelly Furtado, Joy Oladokun, bülow, 3 Doors Down, Quincy Jones, Paris Jackson, Glass Animals, The L Word: Generation Q, River City Drumbeat, Baker's Dozen, and City on a Hill.

 

- Southern California’s reggae-punk pioneers Sublime are celebrating the 25^th anniversary of their iconic self-titled album that spawned timeless hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way.” Fans can expect numerous special releases, events and new merch to celebrate the 25^th anniversary, including a virtual plaque ceremony to commemorate over 18 million in album consumption in the U.S. according to MRC, limited-edition AleSmith Sublime Mexican Lager cans, a graphic novel by Z2 Comics called SUBLIME: $5 At the Door, new music videos for “Garden Grove” and “Pawn Shop” and much more.

- Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, today released multi-platinum, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s short film as part of her LIFT series, shot on film. The visual, available to watch HERE, follows Rodrigo’s songwriting process, what creating music has taught her, and her incredible career development over the years. Vevo recently announced Olivia as their first LIFT artist of 2021 and unveiled live performances of her songs “deja vu” and “favorite crime,” both also shot on film, off her debut album, SOUR - out now on Geffen Records.

- In honor of 50 years of The Beach Boys’ timeless and often underappreciated albums, Capitol/UMe will release an expansive 5CD and digital box set titled Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971 on July 30 that chronicles and explores in depth this metamorphic and highly influential 1969-1971 period of the band’s legendary career. Assembled by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind 2013’s GRAMMY® Award-winning SMiLE Sessions, the expansive collection features newly remastered versions of Sunflower and Surf’s Up and boasts 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the album sessions.  Pre-order Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971.  Stream/embed “Big Sur”

- When Grammy® winning singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado released Loose, her third studio album, the nightlife anthem for summer 2006 quickly proved to be the third track, “Promiscuous” feat. Timbaland. The breezy, worldly pop that initially defined Furtado expanded to include an empowering self-assuredness across so many genres that she reinvented what it means to be a pop star. Today, IGA/UMe marks the 15^th anniversary of a career milestone with Loose (Expanded Edition), a digital reissue with an additional 12 rare remixes and bonus tracks, many previously unavailable on streaming services.  Available now, HERE, Loose (Expanded Edition) further illuminates the attitude, vibe and creativity that captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Among the rarities and bonus material on Loose are a version of “Do It” feat. Missy Elliott, Spanish versions of “All Good Things (Come To An End),” “In God’s Hands” and “Te Busque” feat. Juanes, plus several remixed tracks.

- Emerging singer, songwriter, and musician Joy Oladokun’s highly anticipated major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, is out today via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. Stream/purchase HERE.  With in defense of my own happiness, Oladokun is forging her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument.  Already receiving widespread acclaim, the new record builds on a breakout year for Oladokun and features 14 tracks including “breathe again” and “sunday,” as well as special collaborations with Maren Morris (“Bigger Man”), Jensen McRae (“wish you the best”) and Penny & Sparrow (“heaven from here”). 

- Today, alternative pop singer and songwriter bülow unveils a new single entitled “Revolver.” Listen to “Revolver” HERE via Republic Records and Universal Music Canada.  Regarding the track, she shared, “I want people to feel empowered listening to it. You are as powerful as you want to be. I don’t wake up every day feeling my most confident self. No one does. I struggle with finding my footing and falling into a state of confidence every day where what people say or do doesn’t affect me. It’s something I work on every day, but I know that when I am that and I believe it, I’m not afraid of fucking up/falling on my face. That’s how I want to live. And that’s what I want people to feel when listening to ‘Revolver’.

- 3 Doors Down will be celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of their debut album "The Better Life" this summer by hitting major markets in amphitheaters across the US for The Better Life 20^th Anniversary Tour. "Kryptonite," which launched their career, has become a juggernaut hit across the globe that generations now sing. 2020 marked the 20^th Anniversary of their debut, and for the first time ever, the band will play The Better Life in its entirety, front to back, along with the rest of their hits on The Better Life 20^th Anniversary Tour. Produced by Live Nation, tickets for the tour will be available HERE. 

- In 1981, Quincy Jones released The Dude, a monumental pop-soul album created with a stellar cast of vocalists, studio musicians, and songwriters. Today, IGA (A&M) / Urban Legends is pleased to announce the 40th anniversary reissue of The Dude; available for pre-order now and available June 11, 2021. Featuring bold yellow vinyl with red/orange splatter, the limited edition 40th anniversary reissue also boasts a lithograph of the iconic album art, a gatefold jacket with foil finish, and newly remastered audio. A standard edition single LP is also available, featuring a tip-on gatefold jacket and newly remastered audio.  The Dude was a commercial success, spending 81 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaking at number three. It spawned three top 40 singles, including "One Hundred Ways" with James Ingram, which went on to become Jones' single biggest hit as a solo artist. The Latin-inspired dance number "Ai No Corrida" and tender ballad "Just Once" also charted in the U.S., while the horn-driven "Razzamatazz" achieved Jones' highest U.K. chart rank as a solo artist. Quincy Jones was awarded Producer of the Year at the 1981 Grammys. The Dude was nominated for five Grammys, ultimately winning three: Best Instrumental Arrangement, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Instrumental Arrangement (Accompanying Vocalists). 

- Paris Jackson surprises fans with the release of a new song “adagio” featuring Manchester Orchestra. Listen to “adagio”—HERE.  The track unfolds as a simmering psychedelic slow burn. Embers of distortion glow underneath Paris’s hypnotic delivery as she locks into an unbreakable groove with Manchester Orchestra. Clocking in at just shy of seven minutes, the track culminates on a moment of empowering and entrancing catharsis. Once again, she illuminates the scope of her sweeping and soaring vision. The accompanying music video brings this emotional push-and-pull to life in vivid fashion as well.

- As parts of the US welcome the first heat wave of the summer, Glass Animals continue to make waves across the globe, having recently performed at the Billboard Music Awards (watch here), released the formidable ‘Space Ghost Coast To Coast’ featuring Bree Runway, collaborated with cult Peanut Butter brand Jackpot to raise money for Music Venues Trust, announced their upcoming Good Morning America Summer Concert Series performance on July 20^th, hit #15 at Top 40 radio and today, the critically acclaimed British band drop the remix of ‘Tokyo Drifting’ with Oliver Malcolm.

-In celebration of its highly anticipated season two premiere, THE L WORD: GENERATION Q will return with its first new episode on Friday, August 6, available on streaming and on-demand for all SHOWTIME subscribers, before making its on-air debut on Sunday, August 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Each new episode of the second season will be available on Fridays to stream via on-demand. The first five episodes of season two will air Sunday nights, with the final five episodes of the season airing Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT up until its October 11 season finale.

- This summer River City Drumbeat will be available from PBS and its local stations beginning June 18, 2021.  Check your local PBS station for scheduling and broadcast dates/times.  The film will also be available on PBS platforms for streaming, including the PBS app, PBS.org, and PBS Distribution digital streaming services and providers. The critically-acclaimed River City Drumbeat is a powerful, immersive story of music, love, and legacies, as told by the members of a Black youth drum corps in Louisville, Kentucky. When the founder Edward “Nardie” White steps down, a young alum, Albert Shumake, whose life was saved by the drumline rises to mentor the next generation. Meanwhile, student drummers Imani, Jailen, and Emily navigate adolescence and life changes.

- Do they have what it takes? We are excited to announce that "Baker's Dozen," the newest baking competition that pits passionate amateur bakers against seasoned professionals, will join Hulu’s unscripted slate! Hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley and former White House Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, contestants will go head-to-head in an effort to take home the golden rolling pin and cash prize.  Passionate amateur bakers will go head-to-head with seasoned professionals in each episode of “Baker’s Dozen”.  Join hosts Tamera Mowry-Housley (FOX’s “The Masked Singer,” Hallmark’s “Home & Family” and Hallmark’s “Christmas Comes Twice”) and Bill Yosses (Author and former White House Pastry Chef) for this fast-paced competition series that will determine the best baker of all! Which of the 13 bakers has what it takes to create the next viral baking sensation, win the golden rolling pin and take home the cash prize?

- SHOWTIME has picked up a third season of its acclaimed Boston crime drama CITY ON A HILL. Starring Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon and Screen Actors Guild^® award winner Aldis Hodge, season three will be eight one-hour episodes and is set to resume production in New York later this year to premiere in 2022. CITY ON A HILL is executive produced by multiple Emmy winner Tom Fontana (Homicide: Life on the Street), who also serves as showrunner. The announcement was made today by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 30, 2021

 

 Fear the Walking Dead:  I have no recollection of the guy from the stadium.  I barely remember the stadium other than it was overrun by zombies and Alicia’s mom scarified herself to save everyone. Not that it matters now because they are all dead.  But at least we finally found out what that key was to, just a nuclear warhead. 

 

Mare of Easttown:  So we have a murder confession (albeit, kind of coerced) and seemingly who the father is (though I think it is the other brother, not the one that confess) but that begs the question, what was in the journal that the friend saved and why did the boyfriend threaten to kill her if he was not the one to kill Erin?

 

Debris:  Oh well, it was canceled.  Was never that compelling to begin with.  Now I do not have to wrap my head around the pod or why the dad turned heel for no apparent reason.

 

Cruel Summer:  The show has a lot of trigger warning, but I really needed one for all the pronged fed printers.  Those scenes gave me bad PTSD from the time in college where mine stopped working properly the night before I had a paper due and had to force feed the paper sometime past midnight to get it printed.  But we learned who left the “Liar” letter.  Gotta be nice to be buy a new printer when the old one jams rich.  But the brother had no problem printing out reams of pages while in the shower (who had a shower in their dorm room?) though does that change much?  It does not seem like that would be admissible in court.

 

The Handmaid’s Tale:  The American dude is acting weird; it was almost as if he wants Serena to work with Fred.  Could he be double agent?  I just feel like they are going to somehow get set free sometime before the end of the season.  I wonder if June will end up using her to get her other daughter back.  Now that she is free, there really is not that left for the show to do but that.

 

The Bold Type:  Well that ended badly.  It was almost like the writers took a hard left after the criticism of Kat sleeping with the Republican.  I wonder if that is the last we see of her.

 

The Challenge: All-Stars:  Well that was pretty anti-climactic when the two points leaders jumped out to a big lead in the last leg of the finale.  But I have big beef with the official fantacy league. I had the second and both third place finishers on my team and yet the only points I got were from Mark who did not even place.  I was doing pretty well until the finale.

 

The Blacklist:  So Lizzie had yet another chance to kill Red and failed.  Meh.  And now she has to work with him to bring down Townsend.  I am ready for this season to end.  I kind of which Lizzie could easily go back to being an agent after this.

Around the Tubes: May 29, 2021

             

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 Panic, Olivia Rodrigo, Lord Huron, Nelly Furtado, Emily Kinney, Joy Oladokun, Glass Animals, The Making of a Woman, Super Pumped, and Hulu's summer schedule.

- Experience the world of Panic online on behalf of the series premiere on Amazon Prime Video May 28th!  A thrilling VIRTUAL manhunt for you and up to five friends or family. Popular varsity athlete Noah Kaplan has gone missing from the town of Carp, Texas. You must crack codes and hack websites to figure out where he's gone, why he's vanished and why the cops are interested in strange graffiti that's started to appear all over town. Is Noah in danger? Or is the worst yet to come? Work together to follow Noah's online footsteps before the trail goes cold. Every second counts. Let the game begin. Let the panic set in.  Experience for free. Limited availability.

- Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, today released multi-platinum, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s second performance in her LIFT series, “favorite crime,” shot on film. "favorite crime" will act as the track's sole visual following the release of Olivia’s highly-anticipated debut album, SOUR - out now on Geffen Records. Vevo also recently announced Olivia as their first LIFT artist of 2021 and unveiled a live performance of her RIAA Gold certified single, “deja vu,” also shot on film. 

- Upon release of Lord Huron’s anxiously awaited fourth full-length album, LONG LOST, the band delivered unforgettable performances across the television circuit.  In celebration of the release, the band performed “I Lied” with Allison Ponthier on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – watch HERE. The following morning, Lord Huron took the stage at CBS This Morning: Saturday with performances of “Not Dead Yet”, “I Lied”, & “Mine Forever.”  Lord Huron will be heading out on a Fall 2021 headline tour in support of Long Lost. Tickets are on sale now HERE. Get Long Lost HERE.

- Grammy® winning singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado signaled a new era in pop music by fusing her multicultural musical heritage and unabashedly honest lyrical style with trip-hop for a bold approach that resonates to this day. Today, “All Good Things (Come To An End),” the fifth single from her third studio album, Loose, which is certified gold or platinum in 26 countries, transitions from an introspectively lush dreamscape to a dance-friendly fusion that retains the feel of its timeless sentiment with a new remix from gold- and platinum-awarding winning German production duo Quarterhead (Ofenbach, Robin Schulz, Sabrina Carpenter, Dan+Shay). Written by Nelly Furtado, Chris Martin, Danja and Timbaland, the song remains a fan favorite with more than 250 million streams globally across digital service providers, according to Universal Music Artists app. Stream / purchase “All Good Things (Come To An End) (Nelly Furtado x Quarterhead)” HERE

- Jullian Records and actress/singer-songwriter Emily Kinney (The Walking Dead, Showtime’s Masters of Sex, ABC’s Ten Days In The Valley) are pleased to present the brand new music video for “When the Midnight Fireworks Start,” a track lifted from Kinney’s recently released full-length album, The Supporting Character. Directed by Davy Greenberg, shot by Sam Price (@esbyprice) and premiering today with BUST Magazine, “When the Midnight Fireworks Start” is a moon ceremony, a sort of letting go of the past and focusing on where Kinney sees her music going in the future. Filmed during the last full moon, the clip also serves as a little prayer to the universe to help Kinney find the best path for her and the music. Watch the music video via BUST HERE and on YouTube HERE.

- Emerging singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun will release her highly anticipated major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, next Friday, June 4 via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. With in defense of my own happiness, Oladokun forges her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument—and has since gone on to become “a fierce voice demanding equality” (NPR Music). 

- Glass Animals delivered their first-ever U.S. awards show performance, as they took the outdoor stage at Billboard Music Awards in Los Angeles to perform their global smash hit “Heat Waves” live—watch HERE! The band has been delivering some of the most colorful and creative live performances throughout quarantine, and last night’s did not disappoint. Featuring a pastel art sculpture by French artist Cyril Lancelin titled “pyramid pillows,” the band gave a signature, high-energy performance to a live audience of vaccinated fans. Not only was this Glass Animals’ first-ever U.S. awards show, but it was also their first live U.S. performance since their last show pre-Covid lockdown in March 2020 at Los Angeles’ iconic Troubadour.

- AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects Black culture and urban lifestyle, announced that the three-part limited series The Making of a Woman will premiere Saturday, June 5 at 8 p.m. ET, as part of AspireTV’s celebration of Black Music Month. The Making of a Woman chronicles the journey of Syleena Johnson as she creates and completes her 11th studio album, “Woman.” An empowering story of hope, drive and determination, centered around music that highlights the challenges all women face in their quest for growth, happiness and success.  “We are thrilled to kick off Black Music Month with the premiere of the limited series The Making of a Woman,” said Tina Rodriguez, Senior Director of Programming & Acquisitions, AspireTV. “Grammy-nominated R&B singer Syleena Johnson’s powerful voice and lyrics resonate with so many of our own experiences, and we look forward to sharing more of her story with the AspireTV viewers.”

- SHOWTIME has given a series order to SUPER PUMPED, an anthology series with the first season based on Mike Isaac’s bestselling book Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber. Emmy winner Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Trial of the Chicago 7) has signed on to star in the first installment as Travis Kalanick, Uber’s hard-charging CEO who was ultimately ousted in a boardroom coup. Brian Koppelman and David Levien (BILLIONS, Rounders) and Beth Schacter (Soundtrack) will executive produce, write and serve as showrunners on the series. Paul Schiff, Stephen Schiff and Allyce Ozarski will also executive produce and Isaac will co-executive produce the project. The anthology series will be produced by SHOWTIME and is part of Koppelman and Levien's overall deal with the network.

- SHOWTIME has announced that Emmy winner Kyle Chandler (Bloodline, Friday Night Lights) will join SUPER PUMPED, a new anthology series with the first season based on Mike Isaac’s bestselling book Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber. Chandler will star as Bill Gurley, the plainspoken, brilliant Texan venture capitalist who bets his sterling reputation on Uber’s success – and then has to live with the consequences.

- HULU ORIGINALS SUMMER 2021 SLATE:

FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES

PLAN B

Premiere Date: May 28, 2021

Genre: Comedy Film

Synopsis: After a regrettable first sexual encounter, a strait-laced high school student (Kuhoo Verma) and her slacker best friend (Victoria Moroles) have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in America's heartland.

CHANGING THE GAME

Premiere Date: June 1, 2021

Genre: Documentary Feature

Synopsis: Emmy® award-winning filmmaker Michael Barnett’s urgent and subsuming sports documentary illuminates what many have called the civil rights issue of our time: transgender inclusion in sports. “Changing The Game” takes us into the lives of three high school athletes—all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. Their stories span across the U.S. — from Sarah, a skier and teen policymaker in New Hampshire, to Andraya, a track star in Connecticut openly competing on the girls track team. The film centers on Mack Beggs, who made headlines when he became the Texas State Champion in girls wrestling – as a boy.

THE NEW YORK TIMES PRESENTS: WHO GETS TO BE AN INFLUENCER?

Premiere Date: June 4, 2021

Genre: Documentary Feature

Synopsis: “Who Gets To Be an Influencer?,” from The New York Times and producer/director Lora Moftah, chronicles the rise of Collab Crib, one of the first mainstream Black creator mansion, exclusively documenting their whirlwind drive to achieve social media stardom in 90 days. The intimate, character-based film captures the influencers wrestling with a nagging, and profound, challenge: how can they succeed in a nascent industry that seems tilted to their disadvantage? For a growing number of Gen Z’ers, the quest to become a social-media influencer isn’t just a passing fad: this is their preferred path to making it big. And for Black creators, the stakes and hurdles are even higher in a social-media ecosystem that has been dominated by white influencers.

FALSE POSITIVE

Premiere Date: June 25, 2021 

Genre: Horror/Thriller Film

Synopsis: After months of trying and failing to get pregnant, Lucy (Ilana Glazer) and Adrian (Justin Theroux) finally find their dream fertility doctor in the illustrious Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan).  But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notice something sinister through Hindle's gleaming charm, and she sets out to uncover the unsettling truth about him, and her own “birth story.”  As if getting pregnant weren't complicated enough...

SUMMER OF SOUL (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) 

Premiere Date: July 2, 2021

Genre: Documentary Feature

Synopsis: In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Marcus Garvey Park. The footage was never seen and largely forgotten–until now. “Summer of Soul” shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach and more. Summer of Soul premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. Together with Disney’s new BIPOC creator initiative Onyx Collective, Searchlight Pictures will release it theatrically and it will also stream on Hulu.

MCCARTNEY 3,2,1

Premiere Date: July 16, 2021 

Genre: Docuseries 

Episodes: 6

Synopsis: Paul McCartney sits down for a rare in-depth one-on-one with legendary producer Rick Rubin to discuss his groundbreaking work with The Beatles, the emblematic 70s arena rock of Wings and his 50 years and counting as a solo artist. In this six-episode series that explores music and creativity in a unique and revelatory manner, join Paul and Rick for an intimate conversation about the songwriting, influences, and personal relationships that informed the iconic songs that have served as the soundtracks of our lives.

HOMEROOM 

Premiere Date: August 12, 2021 (New Announcement)

Genre: Documentary Feature 

Synopsis: A Sundance Official Selection, “Homeroom” follows Oakland High School’s class of 2020 as they confront an unprecedented year. Anxiety over test scores and college applications gives way to uncertainty springing from a rapidly developing pandemic. Efforts to eliminate the school district’s police force unfold against the backdrop of growing nationwide demands for systemic change. 

SERIES

LOVE, VICTOR

Premiere Date: June 11, 2021

Genre: Young Adult Series

Season: 2

Episodes: 10 (Binge)

Synopsis: The popular teen dramedy returns as season two finds a newly out-of-the-closet Victor entering his junior year at Creekwood High. But being out brings with it new challenges as Victor faces a family struggling with his revelation, a heartbroken ex-girlfriend in Mia, and the difficulties of being an openly gay star athlete -- all while navigating the excitement of his relationship with Benji.

THE HANDMAID’S TALE

Season Finale: June 16, 2021

Genre: Drama Series

Season: 4

Episodes: 10 (Weekly)

Synopsis: In the fourth season of “The Handmaid's Tale,” June (Elisabeth Moss) strikes back against Gilead as a fierce rebel leader, but the risks she takes bring unexpected and dangerous new challenges. Her quest for justice and revenge threatens to consume her and destroy her most cherished relationships. 

THIS WAY UP

Premiere Date: Summer 2021 (TBC)

Genre: Comedy Series

Season: 2 

Episodes: 6 (Binge)

Synopsis: Season two of the BAFTA award-winning series is set after the events of the season one finale, with things in flux for Aine (Aisling Bea, “Living With Yourself;” “Quiz”) and her sister, Shona (Sharon Horgan, “Catastrophe;” “Military Wives”). Aine’s starting to leave her time in rehab behind and live less cautiously, which may not be entirely wise. Will she and Richard (Tobias Menzies, “The Crown;” “Game of Thrones”) make a go of it? Or continue to exist in the odd tension of the employer and employee? How will Shona and Charlotte (Indira Varma, “Game of Thrones;” “Luther”) manage running a new business together and having feelings for each other? Will Shona be able to go through with marrying Vish (Aasif Mandvi, “Evil;” “The Brink”)? Planning a wedding? Can she tell him what happened? Is there anything more to tell?

NINE PERFECT STRANGERS

Premiere Date: August 18, 2021

Genre: Limited Series

Episodes: 8 (First three episodes drop on August 18, then weekly release)

Synopsis: Based on The New York Times bestselling book by author Liane Moriarty, “Nine Perfect Strangers” takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation as nine stressed city dwellers try to get on a path to a better way of living. Watching over them during this 10-day retreat is the resort's director, Masha, a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. However, these nine “perfect” strangers have no idea what is about to hit them. 

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

Premiere Date: August 31, 2021

Genre: Comedy Series

Season: 1

Episodes: 10 (First two episodes drop on August 31, then weekly release)

Synopsis: From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman comes a comedic murder-mystery series for the ages. “Only Murders In The Building” follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it’s too late.

THE D’AMELIO SHOW

Premiere Date: Late Summer 2021 (TBC)

Genre: Unscripted Series

Season: 1

Episodes: 8

Synopsis: From relative obscurity and a seemingly normal life, to overnight success and thrust into the Hollywood limelight overnight, the D’Amelios are faced with new challenges and opportunities they could not have imagined. Charli, who at 16 became one of the biggest celebrities with over 150 million followers combined and #1 on the TikTok platform in less than a year, has the world at her fingertips and is working to balance fame and family life with dancing, running a budding empire, making new friends in LA and battling the naysayers online. Her sister Dixie, is now 19 and experiencing her own overnight rise to fame with over 78 million followers combined, one of the fastest growing YouTube channels and ranked within the Top 10 Most Followed Creators on TikTok. Dixie is now pursuing a music career in LA. For mom Heidi and dad Marc, raising teenagers is hard enough before adding in a cross-country move, supporting their daughters’ dreams and doing the best they can to stay close as a family and protect their girls from the dark side of fame, while also trying to adjust to life in Hollywood.

KIDS PROGRAMING

TROLLS: TROLLSTOPIA

Premiere Date: June 10, 2021

Genre: Animated Series

Season: 3

Episodes: 7 (Binge)

Synopsis: The Trolls are back with nonstop fun and new friends joining the hair-raising adventures! As the Troll tribes strengthen their friendships through games like wormhole scavenger hunts and massive piñata battles, they also learn about each others’ culinary traditions in an epic Trolls-style potluck.

THE MIGHTY ONES

Premiere Date: July 1, 2021

Genre: Animated Series

Season: 2

Episodes: 10 (Binge)

Synopsis: The misadventures of “The Mighty Ones” continue as they explore their backyard wonderland and learn more about the strange creatures they share it with. A flood forces the Mighty Ones to live as pirates searching for dry land, Rocksy dabbles in a home makeover, and Very Berry makes a new feathery “friend” who may or may not see her as food. These mighty little beings are relatively fearless, a little misguided and always have each others’ backs come snow, wind or any atmospheric phenomenon that threatens the yard they call home.

The 25 Contestants I Most Want to See on the Next Season of The Challenge: All-Stars

 

The Challenge: All-Stars has been the most nostalgia fun I have had in a long time and easily the best season since Johnny Bananas started popping up every season. The cast is a great mix of people you knew would show up (Mark, Katie), people who dominated early seasons but forgot about (Jissela, Teck) and people you completely forgot about but were glad to reminded of them (Kendal, Yes).  Word is, over 100 former cast mates have contacted Mark Long (which by my best guesstimate has to be around a third of all Real World or Road Rules members), who has been trying to get a Senior Tour off the ground for those that cannot commit to seasons that take multiple months to film.  In honor of the season finale today (though supposedly there is a reunion episode next week), here are some people I hope pop up for season two or beyond (and please let there be a season two and an inevitable Old School / New School season, teams can even fight over who gets CT and stuck with Anessa).

1.   Anyone From the First Real World Season

Original Season: New York

Challenge Seasons:  Eric (3), Norm (2) Becky (1), Heather B. (1)

Seasons Won: Eric (2)

Last Seen:  The Real World Homecoming: New York

While not as entertaining as old school Challenge, it was nice to see the original seven strangers get back together in the loft, unfortunately it got a little too unreal for Becky.  But one thing missing from the first season of The Senior Tour was anyone from the original feeder show.  It Is surprising that Julie never did one of these, hopefully she is game because from the Real World Reunion, she still got it.  Plus Eric got the short stiff due to COVID so it would nice to see him actually interact with his peers.

2.   Rachel Campos / Sean Duffy

Original Season: San Francisco and Boston respectively

Challenge Seasons: 1/2

Seasons Won: 1/2

Last Seen:  The View (2014) / Congress (2019)

This duo met on the very first season of The Challenge, before it was even call The Challenge and later got married.  Sean, famous at that point for being a log-rolling champion went on to be the first elected reality star in Washington.  He has since retired so it is not like he has anything better to do than relieve the glory day; well, unless he got a job as a lobbyist like most former Congressmen.

 

3. Neil Forrester

Original Season: London

Challenge Seasons: 1

Seasons Won:  0

Last Seen: Real World/Road Rules Challenge (1999)

One of the few foreigners ever cast (though would fit right in the modern era).  Provably most known for having the tip of his tongue bitten off while trying to kiss a heckler on stage.

4.  Anyone From the Original Road Rules Season (Aside from Mark)

Original Season:  The First Adventure

Challenge Seasons:  1 (Los)

Seasons Won:  1 (Los)

Last Seen: Challenge 2000 (2000)

Mark has been such a mainstay on the show it is somewhat surprising that he has appeared on the show more times that his four cast mates combined; it is just Los who appeared on one season.  Kit went on to ESPN and is now with Access Hollywood.  Can Mark persuade any of the OG OG’s to join him for the Senior Tour abbreviated schedule?  Hopefully.

 

5.   5.  Dan Renzi

Original Season:  Miami

Challenge Seasons: 3

Seasons Won: 1

Last Seen:  Inferno II (2005)

One of the great reaction generators in reality TV history (maybe second only behind Eliza of Survivor)

6.  Tim Beggy

Original Season: USA – The Second Adventure

Challenge Seasons: 4

Seasons Won: 1

Last Seen:  Inferno 3 (2007)

I believe Timmy was the first to ever retire on the show but there are plenty of people on this season of The Senior Tour who “retired.”  Timmy was always good for a cheesy dad joke back then; imagine how cheesy those joke will be now that he is old enough to be a dad.

7.  Genesis Moss

Original Season: Boston

Challenge Seasons: 2

Seasons Won:  0

Last Seen:  Battle of the Sexes (2005)

My first favorite lesbian.  Boston is also one of the rare seasons where each housemate went on to do at least one season of The Challenge.

8.  Tara McDaniel

Original Season: Northern Trail

Challenge Seasons:  1

Seasons Won; 0

Last Seen:  Battle of the Seasons (2002)

One of the surprises of first season was long forgotten one timer Kendal ended up being one of the stars of this season, maybe another of the Miz’s fling can have that sort of resurgence.

9.  Stephen Williams

Original Season:  Seattle

Challenge Seasons:  1

Seasons Won; 0

Last Seen:  Battle of the Seasons (2002)

Boning and then confessing your love to a producer would have been the most controversial moment of most seasons, but that moment just happened on the same season as Stephen running down Irene’s cab and slapping her as she left the show.  Stephen did this because Irene called him a homosexual.  A decade later, Stephen announced he was engaged to a dude.

10.  Susie Meister

Original Season:  Down Under

Challenge Seasons:  5

Seasons Won:  3

Last Seen:  Spring Break Challenge (2010)

This one is a big question mark since Susie has since written some dispersing remarks about the show and MTV and Viacom at large really have not cleaned up their act (the latest seasons of Are You the One for misconduct) but hopefully the more mature vibe of The Senior Tour can convince one of the most visible member of the first decade to return.

11.  Veronica Portillo

Original Season:  Semester at Sea

Challenge Seasons:  12

Seasons Won:  3

Last Seen:  Final Reckoning (2018)

One of the most surprising omissions of the first season with the third most seasons under her belt of the female.  She even showed up for three seasons in the past five years.  It has to be only a matter of time before we see her.

12.  Julie Stoffer

Original Season:  New Orleans

Challenge Seasons; 5

Seasons Won:  1

Last Seen:  The Gauntlet 2 (2006)

Long before The Book of Mormon or one became a presidential nominee, Julie was America’s favorite Mormon.  And this was even after she almost murdered Veronica by messing with her harness while going between two buildings.

13.  David Broom

Original Season:  New Orleans

Challenge Seasons: 2

Seasons Won: 0

Last Seen:  The Gauntlet (2004)

New Orleans another rare season where everyone did at least one season of The Challenge and really most would be worthy of returning.  They should just bring David back to record the Theme Song.

14.  Theo Von

Original Season: Maximum Velocity Tour

Challenge Seasons: 4

Seasons Won: 2

Last Seen:  Last Comic Standing (2006)

Theo went on to a comedy career and has not looked back.  Maybe the shorter season could entice him back.

15.  Coral Smith

Original Season: Back to New York

Challenge Seasons:  6

Seasons Won:  1

Last Seen:  The Gauntlet (2004)

Along with Veronica, the most shocking omission of The Senior Tour.  So many great Coral moments.

16.  Rachel Robinson

Original Season: Campus Crawl

Challenge Seasons:  7

Challenge Wins:  2

Last Seen:  Battle of the Exes (2012)

Another early mainstay who was conspicuously absent from the Senior Tour.  Though there were two of her cast mates (Darrell and Kendal) and three from the Real World Season that year (Arissa, Alton, Trishelle).  Pretty strong year for MTV that year.

17.  Tina Barta

Original Season: South Pacific

Challenge Season:  5

Seasons Won: 0

Last Seen:  Cutthroat (2010)

Reportedly Tina came down with the COVID which is why she was not on the Senior Tour.  She was last seen as a ringer for an elimination that is best known for CT wearing Johnny as a backpack.  The last time she was an official cast member was 2006’s The Duel.

18.  Cara Zavaleta

Original Season:  South Pacific

Challenge Seasons:  3

Seasons Won:  1

Last Seen:  Inferno III (2007)

After Road Rules, Cara went on to be a Miss November 2004 and still came back for three seasons of The Challenge.

19.  Adam King

Original Season:  Paris

Challenge Seasons:  6

Seasons Won:  0

Last Seen:  Rivals (2011)

Most memorable by getting punched by CT while wearing a onesie.  But that relationship came full circle in his last season where he teamed up with CT.

20.  Casey Cooper

Original Season:  Fresh Meat

Challenge Seasons: 4

Seasons Won:  0

Last Seen:  The Ruins (2009)

Only three seasons, but Casey was pretty memorable for being one of the least athletic contestants ever but still managed to get third place in her first season and was eliminated right before the final on her last.  Sadly she was reportedly an alternative for this season but was sent home.  Hopefully that puts her first in line for the second one.

21.  Jenn Grijalva

Original Season: Denver

Challenge Seasons:  6

Seasons Won:  0

Last Seen:  Rivals (2011)

Honestly, I most want to see her return just because Bill Simmons and David Jacoby (who coined calling The Challenge the fifth major American sport) are obsessed she spelled her name with two “N’s.”

22.  Brooke LaBarbera

Original Season:  2

Seasons Won: 0

Last Seen:  The Duel II (2008)

One of my favorite Real Worlder of all time who unfortunately did not have the greatest runs of The Challenge (out on episode three both times).  I would just like an update.

23.  Tori Hall

Original Season: Viewers Revenge

Challenge Seasons:  3

Seasons Won:  2

Last Seen:  Cutthroat (2010)

Most famous for marrying Brad, baring two of his before divorcing him.  Brad returned to the Challenge and hooking up with one of the trashier contestants for all the world to see.  Weirdly Tori kept on showing up on spoiler cast list for a couple seasons straight and now I kind of want to see her again.

24.  Nany González

Original Season:  Las Vegas (2011)

Challenge Seasons:  10

Seasons Won:  0

Last Seen:  Double Agents (2021)

My favorite Challengers of all time.  Maybe my favorite reality star ever.  But she just made it to the finals for the second time in ten tries and the person she started her Real World career with, LeRoy just “retired.”  It has been a decade Nany, it is time to go to the Senior Tour.   There she would have been the same age as Jemmye who I believe was the youngest this season.

25.  Frank Sweeney

Original Season:  San Diego (2011)

Challenge Seasons:  3

Seasons Won:  1

Last Seen:  Free Agents (2014)

Frank had a memorable confrontation with Nany in their first season which made it seem that the series would have two very strong contestants for the second decade.  Unfortunately Frank disappeared after three seasons.  But I will always remember the time he started streaming how he would not made to look crazy on television while looking crazy on television.  Maybe that is why he went M.I.A.

 

Honorable mentions to David (Los Angeles) and Puck (San Francisco), Camilla (Spring Break Challenge), I am not sure they would bring back people who got banned, but maybe they will now that they are older and wiser.   Also The Miz (Back to New York), Jacinda (London), David Giuntoli (South Pacific), Jamie Chung (San Diego) who are probably all to busy even to take a couple weeks off for the show.  One more honorable mention to Tonya who will likely never go on the show again for… various reasons.