Around the Tubes: November 8, 2025

  

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Jack Johnson, Kool & the Gang, Dropkick Murphys, Benee, Wicked, Becca Hannah, and New Radicals.

- Multi-platinum recording artist Jack Johnson announces SURFILMUSIC Tour, a 43-date North American tour that will take Johnson and his band coast-to-coast next year. The tour marks Johnson’s long-awaited return to the road since 2022 and will celebrate a new era of music, film, and environmental connection rooted in his chart-topping catalogue, spanning over twenty years.  In support of the tour, Johnson has released a new single, “Hold On To The Light,” featuring Hermanos Gutiérrez, out today on all streaming platforms. The song offers an early glimpse into the forthcoming SURFILMUSIC soundtrack, scored by Jack Johnson and Hermanos Gutiérrez for a new film featuring Johnson set to debut next year. 

- The Bronx Zoo announced that Grammy Award-winning R&B, soul, and funk band Kool & the Gang, known for beloved songs like “Celebration”, “Jungle Boogie”, and “Ladies’ Night”, will take the stage on the zoo’s Wondrous World of Wildlife float in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®.  In a nod to the Bronx Zoo’s celebratory Holiday Lights festival – which kicks off November 21, 2025 – Kool & the Gang will delight lifetime listeners and new audiences alike with their timeless hit, “Celebration”, which has been a longstanding international staple since its single debut. The all-ages appeal of the song echoes the breadth of the Bronx Zoo’s audience and the welcoming draw of its world-class exhibits.

- Dropkick Murphys have just released a video for their new single “A Hero Among Many,” one of the 5 bonus tracks included on the band’s expanded digital version of their For The People album (Dummy Luck Music label / [Play It Again Sam]), now available to stream via all platforms HERE.  “A Hero Among Many” pays tribute to 9/11 hero Welles Crowther (“The Man In The Red Bandana”), an equities trader, volunteer firefighter and Boston College alumnus who lost his life while saving others during the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York City, where he worked. Months after the tragedy, many survivors realized the person who saved them, “the man in the red bandana,” was Crowther. Dropkick Murphys’ powerful and inspirational video, directed by Dark Details, recounts Welles’ courageous actions that fateful day, and shows examples of many people who have been inspired by his actions and the unique ways in which they have honored him.

- Delivering a dynamic body of work, multi-platinum alt-pop visionary BENEE takes flight with the release of her anxiously-awaited sophomore album, Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles, out now via Republic Records—listen HERE.  Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles features the New Zealand-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter’s expansive and entrancing style, blending unshakable pop hooks into a lively sonic patchwork of alternative, electronic, and indie. Among many highlights, she instantly captivates on her new single “Princess,” which features multi-platinum British singer, songwriter, and producer PinkPantheress. The song revolves around BENEE’s palpable creative chemistry with PinkPantheress, as their voices entwine from verse-to-verse, giving way to a chantable chorus, “Treat me like the princess that I am.” Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles is yet another boundary-pushing body of work from BENEE.

- Following NBC’s spectacular television event, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, which aired on November 6, the Wicked: One Wonderful Night (Live) – The Soundtrack is now available on all digital streaming platforms via Republic Records and Verve Records. Recorded live at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the album captures breathtaking performances from Wicked stars and Academy Award^® nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, alongside Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode and more. The live recording - backed by a 37-piece orchestra led by the executive music producer of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Tony award and two-time Grammy award winner Stephen Oremus - offers listeners a front-row seat to the event’s reimagined arrangements, sweeping emotion, and unforgettable moments from the world of Oz.  Fans can also preorder the official soundtrack to Wicked: For Good, arriving November 21 to coincide with the film’s theatrical release. Featuring two brand-new original songs by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz - “No Place Like Home” performed by Cynthia Erivo and “The Girl in the Bubble” performed by Ariana Grande - the album also includes the never-before-released “The Wicked Witch of the East.”

- LA via Boston soulful/R&B singer-songwriter Becca Hannah shares raw, lush track "Empathy" out now, alongside the visual from the studio, as she finds her own strength turning her focus towards empowerment and self-love. On January 23, the artist will share her soft, glossy debut album Tonight In My Dreams, available for pre-save now.  On the swirling, vulnerable track, "Empathy", Hannah shares, "I’ve had this habit of internalizing other people’s opinions, values, and experiences so deeply that I’ve lost a sense of where I’ve stood as an individual. I’ve given people and their judgements the benefit of the doubt in ways that have led me down a dangerous path of self-doubt and further insecurity."

- This past Wednesday, November 4, NYC-based band Geese made an appearance on BBC Radio 1 and performed a cover of the New Radicals' 1998 hit "You Get What You Give." Gregg Alexander, frontman of New Radicals, said of the performance:  "Geese must truly be the coolest new band since The White Stripes, because my phone ain’t blown up like this since New Radicals announced reforming for just one day for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration in defiance of the raid on the Capitol.  So I was confused at first by the dozens of texts I awoke to in Nashville Wednesday. Pals forwarding me headlines that there’s “Geese performing live” on BBC ONE who are taking “You Get What You Give” to artistic new heights?!  So I rushed on-line to discover Geese’s music, and by the end of the first chorus of their instant classic “Taxes,” I realized they’re not just the coolest band in decades…they’re one of the best. What a lyric, “Doctor, heal yourself!…I will break my own heart?!”  And after Tuesday night’s Billionaire kleptocracy rebuking Democratic U.S. election sweep, to awaken to dozens of sweetly absurdist texts about Geese performing live on the BBC…clearly there’s a change for good in the air that makes ya kinda gotta scream 'Down with Trumpism, greed and hate! Up with Geese and love!'"

57 Channels and Only This Is On: November 2, 2025

 

It: Welcome to Derry:  The problem with prequels is we known the Air Force is ultimately going to fail because Pennywise still shows up in the eighties.  So, any of the adult storyline seems worthless.  Then the kids storyline just seems to be a rehash of the movies.

 

Only Murders in the Building:  This was my favorite finale since the second season.  The chained-up scene was so funny (oh, he chose stripper) I will forgive that they conventionally forgot Detective Williams also knew about that room and that they did not bother to loop Williams in on the plan when they knew crooked cops were involved.

 

While I got the mayor right as the murderer, I was very wrong thinking they only brought back Teddy Dimas for the last couple episodes to kill him for the next season mystery.  Instead, we get the shocking reveal that the girl with the curl is actually Cinda Canning… or is it just someone who looks like Cinda Canning?  Could she have been looking into a family member from the across the pond and that is who it was? 

 

I just hope that the news they are filming in London next season turns out like season four where they just filmed one episode in Los Angeles before heading back to the cozy confines of the Arconia.  We do have a bunch of new neighbors to meet.  Maybe we will finally get my fantasy casting of Anna Kendrick. it will also be interesting if they manage to kill Paul Rudd for the fourth straight season.

 

Chad Powers:  I did not realize that the season was only six episodes until I got the push notification saying all episodes are now available.  I guess I just assumed that the season would last the entire football season like every other sports show ever.  But at least the coach’s daughter finally figured out that Chad is actually Russ.  Which means she knows Russ forked her step mom in his cyber truck.  Oof.  Should make for an interesting second season… if there is one.

 

The Lowdown:  Um, how exactly is Lee going to get out of this?  Is all his black and Indian friends going to show up and have a stand off where no bullets are fired?

 

Survivor:  Well, editors made this elimination extremely obvious considering how much they focused on Sage’s irrational hatred of Shannon.  Geeze, no wonder why she had no friends in school.  But once we saw the new tribe breakdown, I knew they would be the team that went to Tribal and it certainly was not going to be Steven going home. But it was ironic that everyone on Uli thought Jawan would be the one to turn, but he was extremely loyal until his name was thrown out there.  Now the former Uli members when from a dominate force that could have easily picked off former Hina, but now it looks like turning on Jawan will be their downfall.

 

The Challenge: Vets and New Threats:  So, why does the winning team not get to vote?  Winning Immunity on Survivor does not void your vote.  I guess it made a little sense earlier in the game when the winning team got to either save someone or put a team up for the vote. Not being able to vote is a bit of a disadvantage.  But kudos to Theo for being the only one to figure that out.

Around the Tubes: November 1, 2025

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Only Murders in the Building, Joy to the World, A Thousand Blows, Ariana Grande, Tears For Fears, Wings, Mya, Ghostface Killah, Phantogram, Kaitlin Butts, Gina Alice, and King of the Hill.

- Hulu Original comedy series “Only Murders in the Building,” which hails from 20th Television, has been renewed for a sixth season consisting of 10 episodes.  The series will film overseas for the first time, with the beloved crime-solving trio leaving New York City to investigate London’s newest mystery.

- Hulu has debuted the trailer and key art for holiday film “Joy to the World,” starring Chad Michael Murray, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Ayesha Curry and more.  “Joy to the World” premieres November 1 on Disney+ and Hulu.  Lifestyle guru Joy Edwards (Emmanuelle Chriqui) - whose cookbooks feature her perfect home life and family - is horrified when a TV network decides to film Christmas dinner at her fabled, but fabricated, country home. Now, she must recruit her best friend Max (Chad Michael Murray) to pose as her fake husband for the cameras – but they both discover something real along the way.

- Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty and Stephen Graham reunite as “A Thousand Blows” gloves up for its highly anticipated second season. Check out the new teaser trailer below!

- Vevo, the world's leading music video network, in collaboration with Republic Records, announce the re-release of Ariana Grande’s ‘Positions (Vevo Official Live Performances)’, in celebration of her album Positions fifth anniversary. Tracks include the audio from Ariana Grande’s 2021 Vevo Official Live Performances of “pov,” “positions,” “safety net (feat. Ty Dolla $ign),” “my hair,” “34+35” and “off the table (feat. The Weeknd).” Vevo’s Official Live Performances are the result of close creative collaboration with artists and their teams, resulting in a series of very special exclusive performances.  Vevo has a long history with Ariana Grande highlights including her 2013 and 2016 “Vevo Presents” performances of “Dangerous Woman,” “Be Alright,” “Leave Me Lonely,” “Everyday,” “Side To Side,” “Greedy” and “Into You.” Ariana was one of Vevo’s Top 10 Worldwide Most Watched Artists of 2020 and shattered the Vevo 24 Hour View Count Record in 2018 with her video for “thank u, next” with 50 million views. 

- Tears For Fears' multi-platinum-selling second album, Songs From The Big Chair, will be reissued in multiple formats on November 14, marking its 40th anniversary and celebrating its enduring impact. Originally released on February 25, 1985, Songs From The Big Chair became a global sensation, topping the US charts and spawning five hit singles: “Mothers Talk,” “Shout,” “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Head Over Heels,” and “I Believe.” The album captured a perfect intersection of pop accessibility, sharp lyricism, guitar power, and new-wave innovation.  To mark its Ruby Anniversary, UMe will unveil a range of special editions, including a limited edition 2LP Transparent Red vinyl featuring the original unused artwork and tracks previously unavailable on vinyl, a 3CD deluxe set, a limited edition 1LP Coke Bottle Clear vinyl, and a limited 1LP picture disc.  RELEASED ON UMe NOVEMBER 14th AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW HERE.

- WINGS is the ultimate anthology of the band that defined the sound of the 1970s. Personally overseen by Paul McCartney, WINGS is available in an impressive array of beautifully designed formats -- all including the timeless international hits “Band on the Run, “Live and Let Die,” “Jet” and “Let 'Em In” -- songs that still feature in Paul McCartney’s live shows to this day.  WINGS arrives in a remarkable variety of formats, including the stunning 3LP Limited Edition Color Vinyl collection, a lovingly curated time capsule of imagery and music for the mega Wings fan, through to the 1CD and 1LP versions for those embarking on their first flights with Wings and/or just beginning a deeper dive into this stage of Paul’s unparalleled career.  See a complete list of formats and/or preorder WINGS HERE.

- Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, dancer, producer, philanthropist, actress, and pop culture icon Mya is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of her era-defining second studio album, the Platinum RIAA-certified Fear of Flying, home to such chart-topping singles as “The Best of Me,” “Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do),’” and “Free.”  Available today via Interscope Records/UMe, the Fear of Flying 25^th Anniversary reissue features a 2 LP set pressed on standard black vinyl for the first time since its original release on April 25, 2000. The album is also available in immersive Dolby Atmos^® sound on supported streaming services for the first time. The updated R&B/pop collection features an exclusive insert signed by Mya, a vintage T-shirt, and two bonus tracks, “No Tears On My Pillow” and “For The First Time.” This exclusive bundle is available through Complex for a limited two-week window ending on November 14, 2025.   Listen to Fear of Flying HERE.

- Just in time for Halloween, Ghostface Killah of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan drops his latest track, "Ancient Dirt (L’Etrusco Uccide Ancora)," available today on all major streaming platforms. The single marks his role as narrator in Nightmare in Rome — a first-of-its-kind multimedia project uniting hip-hop, electronic experimentation, and Italian soundtrack heritage.  A collaboration with acclaimed Italian producer Lorenzo Senni (Warp Records) and historic soundtrack label CAM Sugar, Nightmare in Rome envisions a futuristic city split by the “Green Line” — where the wealthy New Urbe rises over the sprawling slums of Zuburrah. In this dystopian world, music becomes rebellion: an underground band performs from ancient catacombs to keep hope alive as society fractures around them.

- New York-born, Los Angeles-based duo Phantogram release the deluxe edition of Memory Of A Day, featuring a new version of “Move In Silence” with Big Boi. The expanded album also includes two new tracks - “Earthshaker” and “In My Head,” the latter a collaboration with Whethan (known for work with Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and more). The album release marked the start of Phantogram’s partnership with Neon Gold Records, the acclaimed indie label celebrated for its roster of boundary-pushing alt-pop artists including Charli XCX, HAIM, Tove Lo, MARINA, and Christine and the Queens.

- Gaining traction as one of country music’s fastest-rising artists, acclaimed Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and performer Kaitlin Butts will unveil her new Yeehaw Sessions EP on November 14, 2025. It notably marks the celebrated rising star's debut under her recently minted deal with Republic Records. Pre-order/Pre-save Yeehaw Sessions EP HERE.  "From releasing my album over a year ago as an independent artist, to having a viral song, to now signing a record deal with such a prestigious label like Republic Records, the journey has felt nothing short of surreal,” shares Butts. "I’m so inspired by the Republic team and how their vision aligns with the dreams that I’ve always had for myself.”  Kicking off this next chapter in earnest, she just shared a powerfully moving cover of the Jimmy Eat World classic “The Middle” giving fans the first taste of the forthcoming  EP. Listen to “The Middle” HERE.

- Emerging as a different kind of pop phenomenon, international star, accomplished pianist, and dynamic vocalist Gina Alice uncovers a clever, cheeky, and catchy new single and music video entitled “Cosplay” out now via Republic Records. It’s perfect for your Halloween playlist.  Listen to “Cosplay” HERE. Watch the music video HERE.   Gina’s luminous piano shines throughout the duration of the track, bringing a gust of vibrancy to the production. The song unpacks the dynamics of a complicated relationship as she teases during the tongue-in-cheek chorus, “Lemme cosplay as anybody you want me to.” Evoking this core theme, the intimate visual threads together a series of striking and stunning vignettes. Captured with a tight close-up, she sings to her reflection in a handheld mirror. Meanwhile, a wide angle shot focuses on the songstress as she sits behind the piano in a yellow couture gown.

- Hulu has renewed the adult animated series “King of the Hill” for seasons 16 and 17 with a 20-episode order.  “King of the Hill” was initially revived in January 2023 with a 20-episode order.  Season 14 streamed its 10-episode season on Monday, August 4 following its world premiere at San Diego Comic-Con which included an activation recreating the show’s famous Arlen, Texas. 

Transmissions from Pluto: Coming to Pluto November 2025

 

Welcome to another edition of Transmissions from Pluto, your guide to all things streaming free on Pluto TV.  This November, Pluto TV is setting the table for another month of free entertainment. No fees, no reservations, just free TV, the way it should be. Whether you’re gathering with friends and family, flying solo, or sneaking away for a quiet slice of screen time, we’ve got something to make your November binge-worthy.  Our menu is filled with cozy classics and seasonal surprises across every category and channel. We’re also bringing back our Seasons Greetings category just in time for the holidays, packed with feel-good favorites, festive marathons, and plenty of cozy comfort to keep spirits bright. From holiday cooking on The Martha Stewart Channel to merry movie moments on Pluto TV Christmas, there’s something for every mood (and every couch). New this month, explore stunning destinations with Places & Spaces, and dive into blockbuster universes on Pluto TV Franchise Favorites, where fan-favorite films and iconic sequels stream back-to-back. And our secret ingredient? It’s a little shaken, not stirred. Pluto TV 007 and Pluto TV 007 en español return for action-packed marathons featuring iconic missions and timeless Bond classics. The legacy never looked this good (or free!).   So grab yourself a plate, and let us do the entertaining.  SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED, AND STREAMING 24/7 Pluto TV’s 24/7 Bond channels, Pluto TV 007 and Pluto TV 007 en español, have returned, streaming nonstop James Bond action from Skyfall and Casino Royale to classics like Thunderball and GoldenEye. Whether you’re into suave espionage or explosive stunts, the channel is loaded with iconic titles spanning decades of Bond history. Full list of Bond films below: No Time to Die  Skyfall Quantum of Solace Casino Royale (2006) Die Another Day Tomorrow Never Dies GoldenEye Licence to Kill The Living Daylights A View to a Kill Octopussy For Your Eyes Only Moonraker The Spy Who Loved Me The Man With the Golden Gun Live and Let Die Diamonds Are Forever On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Thunderball SEASON'S GREETINGS It’s the best time of the year, and Pluto TV’s Season’s Greetings category returns November 1st to bring holiday cheer to your home and on your screens. This pop-up category is filled with the following channels dedicated to bringing comfort and cheer, including:  Pluto TV Christmas BET Holiday Movies Cine navideño Crackling Fireplace Festive Fireplace Hallmark Movies & More Holiday Favorites Hallmark en español Holiday Movie Favorites by Lifetime Home for the Holidays  The Martha Stewart Channel Places & Spaces Stingray Holidayscapes Vevo Holiday WB TV Sweet Escapes And more joy can be found across Pluto TV! Cozy up with feel-good throwbacks like Moesha and Girlfriends, or keep the family laughs going with The King of Queens. Speaking of family feuds, Family Feud is here to keep things competitive (and less awkward than arguing over dinner). Need to work off the pie? Dash through the aisles with Supermarket Sweep no coupons required.  A FEAST OF ENTERTAINMENT: YOUR THANKSGIVING WATCH MENU ON PLUTO TV This Thanksgiving, Pluto TV is serving up more than just turkey. From live parades and festive favorites to movie marathons featuring Hollywood’s biggest stars, we’ve got something to keep everyone entertained all weekend long Thanksgiving Day It’s a great day for a parade! Start your morning with the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the U.S., streaming on 11/27 at 9am ET on ABC News Live or can catch the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 2025, streaming at 7am ET (8am CT) on the Pluto TV Christmas channel. Keep the celebration going all day long with themed marathons and movie favorites. Here’s what we’re watching:  Planes, Trains & Automobiles (x3!): We will be streaming THE Thanksgiving movie three times in a row for the fourth consecutive year on Pluto TV Comedy. Hanks-Giving: The Tradition continues! Celebrate the one and only Tom Hanks with fan favorites like A League of Their Own, Catch Me if You Can, and Philadelphia. There’s no better way to say “thanks” than with a bit of Hanks on Pluto TV Icons. BET Black Throwbacks channel: Family friendship and plenty of laughs, catch marathons of Girlfriends, Half & Half, Moesha, and The Parkers. The Twilight Zone channel: And if you want to step out of this dimension, enjoy a marathon of Twilight Zone episodes featuring family-centered episodes. Yellowstone: End the day with a trip to the Dutton Ranch on Pluto’s More TV Drama channel, where the family drama might be juicier than your Thanksgiving turkey.  Post-Holiday Marathons The feast may be over, but the binge-watching is just getting started. Keep the long weekend rolling with star-packed marathons and feel-good favorites across Pluto TV. 11/28 - Pluto TV Icons: Al Pacino: Revisit cinematic legends with The Godfather trilogy (featuring Diane Keaton’s scene-stealing moments), Donnie Brasco, and more. 11/28 - Jack Black Friday: Laugh through your leftovers with School of Rock, Envy, Tropic Thunder, The D Train, and Nacho Libre on Pluto TV Staff Picks. All Weekend Starting 11/29 - Harrison Ford on Pluto TV Icons: Adventure calls with Indiana Jones 1–4, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Witness, What Lies Beneath, Force 10 from Navarone, and Crossing Over. 11/30 - World Pet Day: Celebrate your furry (and feathered) friends with feel-good favorites on The Pet Collective, Garfield and Friends, and Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. 11/28 - Pluto TV Spotlight: Sit Around and Watch Best Pictures: Revisit Oscar-winning epics, including The English Patient, Braveheart, Titanic, Gladiator, Platoon, and No Country for Old Men. PREPPING FOR LAUNCH New channels and movies are gearing up to land on Pluto TV this November. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming your way. NEW CHANNELS Pluto TV 007 The action, cars, and shaken (not stirred) martinis of the world’s greatest super spy are now on Pluto TV 007. Watch Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pluto TV 007 en español La acción, los autos, los martinis y el traje impecable del espía más famoso del mundo están ahora en Pluto TV 007 en español. Mira a Connery, Moore, Lazenby, Dalton, Brosnan, y Craig las 24 horas del día, 7 días a la semana. Places & Spaces There’s no place like home, and no channel embraces the interiors, exteriors and everything in between quite like this. We’re the heart of home. Pluto TV Franchise Favorites Why watch one awesome Hollywood blockbuster when you could watch three (or more)? Pluto TV Franchise Favorites brings you top-tier movie series playing back-to-back any time of day, but only for a limited time. NEW MOVIES 21 Jump Street (2012) A League of Their Own (1992) A Thin Line Between Love and Hate Amistad The Art of War The Aviator Big Daddy Boogie Nights Booty Call Catch Me If You Can (2002) Changing Lanes Chef Clue The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Daddy’s Home Daddy’s Home 2 Desperado (1995) Dinner for Schmucks District 9 Drive (2011) Evil Dead (2013) Failure to Launch Fences The Fifth Element The Firm First Blood Flight Gangs of New York (2003) Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Gladiator Glory The Gentlemen The Great Raid The Green Hornet Grumpier Old Men Grumpy Old Men Hamburger Hill Home for the Holidays Hook The Ides of March Inferno (2016) Jack Reacher Joe Dirt (2001) John Grisham’s The Rainmaker (1997) Juice Last Holiday (2006) Life (2017) Little Nicky Machine Gun Preacher Magnolia The Manchurian Candidate The Mask of Zorro The Monuments Men Mrs. Doubtfire Once Upon a Time in Mexico Patriot Games Philadelphia Rambo III Rambo: First Blood Part II Rent (2005) Rough Night Rules of Engagement Rush Hour 1-3 Shaft Snatch (2000) Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Taxi Driver Tears of the Sun Titanic Virtuosity What Women Want What’s Eating Gilbert Grape Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Witness World War Z Young Guns Young Guns II