Full Disclosure Notice: Warner Bros. Discovery sent me
this Blu-Ray for free so I could review it. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.
It seemed like streaming might kill of physical media, the
studios had slowed or completely stopped the production of DVD’s for the
television shows in hopes that you would sign up for their streaming services.But it seems like as streaming has yet to
turn profitable, those studios are missing that revenue stream from physical
media.That return to physical media is
creating some strange bedfellows.Wednesday is a Netflix original
produced by Amazon MGM Studios, and is being distributed by Warner Bros.
Discovery.
Wednesday also seems like something that could have only happened
during the streaming era.Watching the
show, you can just feel the Netflix executives looking at the streaming numbers
for CW shows like Riverdale and trying to figure out how they can get their own
Riverdale.It turns out the Addams Family IP was available and they got the Smallville
creators to do the show.But of course,
being streaming, they had to have a much higher budget and bigger names so they
got budding star Jenna Ortega to play the titular character and Tim Burton to
direct the first four episodes (the duo is re-teaming this summer for the Beatlejuice
reboot which could explain why it has been a year and a half since the series
premiere and the second season has yet to start filming).Then frequent Burton collaborator Danny Elfman
was brought in to do the score which includes a cello version of Paint it, Black
which just adds to the prestige of the show.
There is also an impressive adult cast.Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, and Fred Armisen
pop up as Morticia, Gomez, and Uncle Fester respectively.Though, these are mostly just cameos because
the show is about Wednesday being sent off to the Nevermore Academy, a private
school for monstrous outcasts that her parents went to.Thing is the only member of the family to
stick around, and then steals most scenes it is in.The staff there includes Brianne of Tarth herself;
Gwendoline Christie playing the principal and former Morticia roommate at the academy.The nineties version of Wednesday Addams,
Christina Ricci plays the schools den mother… and its horticulture teacher… and
its librarian. She is also the school’s first “normie” teacher (which is not
suspicious at all).The rest of the high
school aged cast look, and act, like they were plucked from central CW casting.Though Emma Myers as Wednesday’s extremely
peppy werewolf roommate is a standout. It is the perfect mix of annoyingly perky and likeable.
Considering every other iteration of The Addams Family was about them interacting with normal people, it is weird that Wednesday sees the family’s only daughter going to a school
filled with vampire, werewolves and sirens.Though, even in a school full of outcast weirdos, Wednesday manages
to be the biggest outcast.Still, the
CW-ification of the character is strong besides the high school setting.Despite being an outcast in a school full of
outcasts, Wednesday yet somehow finds herself in the middle of a bizarre love
triangle with a classmate and a townie.And of course there is now a murder mystery
that has to be solved because there always has to be a mystery now.But hey, all the
money Netflix pumped into the show does enhance the show over your run of the
mill CW crap.Burton’s direction does
give it a very stylish look.
The Blu-Ray includes all 8-episodes on two disks and… that
is about it.If physical media is going
to make a comeback, studios need to add a little something to entice fans to
buy it.Look at the music industry which
is almost all streaming now.But a lot
of the physical albums released now are deluxe editions with disks of B-sides, outtakes,
and / or even full concerts.If we are
going to bring back Blu-Rays, bring back the extras.Where are the deleted scenes, outtakes, audio
commentaries, featurettes, or even special packaging?If you want someone to buy a physical copy of
your show or movie, give the people something to display.But if you were interested in Wednesday, but not enough to sign up
for Netflix, now is your chance to watch the show, which logged 6 billion
minutes of viewing in its first five days and remains Netflix’s most popular
English TV series of all time with 252.1 million views, at about the price of a
month or two of the service.
Wednesday Season One is now available to purchase online and in-store from major retailers on Blu-Ray and
DVD.
The Walking Dead: The
Ones Who Lived:“We have to go back!”Oh Rick, it is not like Philadelphia is an island
in the Pacific.But of course they are going back, there is
still two episodes left.
Shōgun:I was not expecting Chekov’s earthquake to happenso soon.But that dinner scene was one of the funniest things this show has done
so far.
Survivor:Last week was anti-climactic because of a
medical elimination and this week was anti-climactic because they did not even
try to hid how obvious the voting was going to be.But yet another reason why these long
episodes are an epic fail, they could have cut out a lot of that begging if
there was a half hour less of screen time.
Halo:Wait, there are zombies now?Can’t we deal with the lizard people
first?So Halsey is infected.I have never played the game so I am not sure
if there is a cure or not.
Resident Alien: Between the lady cop almost killing her grandma,
Sarah Conner trying to cheer up the alien with an ostrich, and the funny carrier
pigeon bit, this was the best episode in a long while.Making it even better, there were no annoying
kids this week.
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 Chucky, Pearl Jam. Gary Clark Jr., Nikka Costa, The Veronicas, Back To Black, Ariana Grande, Ginger Winn, and Dinosaur.
- Kicking into high gear, Pearl Jam unveil a hard-charging brand new record entitled “Running” available today via Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records. Listen HERE. It heralds the arrival of the band’s anxiously awaited twelfth studio album, Dark Matter, on April 19, 2024. Pre-order HERE.The band will also continue their support of independent retailers by offering various, limited edition galactic color variants of Dark Matter exclusively at select indie retail stores with 8 different colorways in the US and 2 additional for international. More info HERE.
- The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC, returns for a very special performance with Gary Clark Jr., celebrating the Austin-based guitar hero’s new album, JPEG RAW (Warner Records), out Friday, March 22, 2024. The Soho Sessions will air in a special free broadcast on premier streaming platform Veeps at 5 p.m. ET. During the broadcast, viewers will have an opportunity to make donations toMusic Will, the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system. Gary Clark Jr.’s upcoming album JPEG RAW – the fourth studio release from the four-time Grammy winner – is a powerful and expansive artistic statement that marks a grand step in his musical evolution. While retaining the deep and true resonance of his blues foundations and guitar virtuosity with subtlety yet conviction, he reaches well beyond this time.
- Tthe LA-based soul and funk singer Nikka Costa releases her second single “Keep It High” after returning from a six-year hiatus with “Dirty Disco” + music video last month. These two records set the tone for her disco and soul fused, progressive album Dirty Discocoming out on June 7th, which is 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 in her Dirty Disco immersive world.
- Iconic hitmaking sisters The Veronicas return with Gothic Summer, their first international album release in 10 years. After a much needed disconnect, Lisa and Jessica Origliasso soon found themselves in the throes of an unexpected 6th album. Gothic Summer was born. Listen HERE. “Gothic Summer is about alternative realities, its more subconsciously motivated and metaphorical than our previous records,” said the duo on their latest release. “It’s a dark comedy, a lot like life – we laugh, so we don’t cry.”
- Sam Taylor-Johnson’s film BACK TO BLACK, based on the life of Amy Winehouse, will be released in theatres across the US on May 17th. The soundtrack, “Back To Black: Songs from the Original Motion Picture” will be available in the US on April 12th via UMR / Island Records / Republic Records. The standard twelve song set features three original recordings from Amy’s highly influential debut, “Frank”, three songs from Amy’s multi award-winning masterpiece “Back To Black” and includes a new track, ‘Song for Amy’, sung by Nick Cave. The film's score was composed and recorded by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. Pre-Order ‘Back to Black: Songs from the Original Motion Picture': https://shop.republicrecords.com/collections/amy-winehouse
- GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist, and international superstar, Ariana Grande debuts at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”, marking Grande’s ninth #1 on the chart and making her the first artist with multiple #1 hits in 2024 following “yes, and?”. Grande’s critically acclaimed new album eternal sunshine debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, her sixth #1 album. The simultaneous #1 debuts on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts, mark the first of Ariana’s career and first among all artists in 2024.
- South Carolina-born, South Africa-based singer-songwriter GingerWinn shares dreamy, swirling track and video "Super8" out now. To celebrate the release, the artist will host two single release parties–one in Woodstock, NY at Early Terrible and one in Florence, Italy at La Menagere on March 23. Free tickets with RSVP are available, with complimentary food and drinks, for Woodstock, NY here and Florence, Italy here. Inspired by the complexities of being a young woman and the hard fought realities of making one’s own ever-winding dreams come true, Winn's ethereal yet booming vocals invite listeners into the hazy dream-like reality of her anxious yet ambitious mind on "Super 8." It unfolds with an acoustic guitar and is carried by Winn's delicate vocals mixed with swelling horns as the artist chronicles the intricacies of falling in love with recollections that feel familiar yet distant–as if to watch flashbacks play back on Super 8 film. The track is a tribute to the fleeting dreams of one's twenties, as Winn shares, "This song is about dreaming of love, falling into it, and celebrating it, a story of the little moments we all share. Where your imagination shows you what it’s like to fall in love with a stranger, walk down a road in Italy you’ve never been, or finally making it to New York City—These dreams feel so out of reach for so many of us, but at the same time, they are what drives all of us."
- Dinosaur follows Nina (Ashley Storrie), an autistic woman in her 30s, who adores her life living with her sister and best friend Evie. However, when Evie rushes into an engagement after only six weeks and makes Nina her maid of honour, Nina is floored. Forced to reconcile with her sister’s impulsive decision, Nina grapples with what this new challenge means. All episodes exclusively premiere Friday, April 5
The Walking Dead: The
Ones Who Lived:I appreciate Rick said
what needed to be said, that is really an unfortunate haircut.But I feel like I missed a lot of backstory
between Rick and Jadis.
Shōgun:So who did Blackthorn hook up with?I thought is Mariko at first but it was just
too dark to tell.And is this going to
be the very first Chekov’s earthquake?
Survivor:Medical eliminations are always the worst episode.It is just an anticlimactic ending.I wish they would still go to Tribal.Poor Venus, her only ally is gone and his
Idol goes with him.Of course it will
not matter if her Tribe never goes to Tribal as it seems like a possibility.If there is no swap, that one tribe way show
up with just one member left.
Halo:Wait, Paranasosky has been the big bad this
whole time?I was under the impression that
the new British guy was moving the chess pieces around.I really missed she was the one running
everything.
Resident Alien: That may have been the grossest hour n cable
television ever.I really did not need
to see two aliens go at it.
Ghosts:So they are just going to ignore Flower for a
while?
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 Ariana Grande, The Black Crowes, Milan Ring, and Marcus King.
- GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and international superstar, Ariana Grande releases a new version of her critically acclaimed album, eternal sunshine (slightly deluxe), out now. Listen to eternal sunshine (slightly deluxe) HERE via Republic Records. The new eternal sunshine (slightly deluxe) features four additional songs including brand new releases, “supernatural (feat. troye sivan)”, “imperfect for you (acoustic)”, “true story (acapella)”, and previously released “yes, and? (feat. mariah carey)”. Ariana recently appeared on Saturday Night Live as musical guest, performing “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” and “imperfect for you”
- Legendary rock band The Black Crowes released their hugely anticipated 10th studio album, Happiness Bastards, via the band’s own Silver Arrow Records. Serving as a salute to their past and a celebration of the present and future, the new album, which is their first original release in 15 years, includes 10 new tracks, with a very special feature from GRAMMY-winning country superstar Lainey Wilson on “Wilted Rose.” LISTEN TO HAPPINESS BASTARDS HERE. Produced by GRAMMY Award-Winning producer Jay Joyce, the project emphasizes The Black Crowes’ influence as one of the most vital rock bands of this generation. Following decades marked by sex, drugs, fights, breakups, and divorce, Happiness Bastards finds the brothers leaving their bullshit behind and leaning into their creative common ground to deliver their most compelling work to date.
- Celebrated Eora/Sydney R&B musician, producer and engineer Milan Ring fully embraces her new era with the announcement of her love-struck second studio album, Mangos. Out May 10 via Astral People Recordings, the record is preceded by today’s release of latest single, "Photograph". In a brief moment of bliss towards the backend of the record, the trip-inspired ‘Photograph’ focuses on savouring the moment and losing hours simply by being with someone you like. Milan infuses the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz within the lyrics – a powerful code of conduct on how to experience the most in life. “In a world that is finger snap instant, it’s nice to have a medium that forces one to wait. I’m not sure how the light will hit the film. All I know is that for a second, I tried to remember,” she adds. Watch the "Photograph" visualizer HERE
- Last night GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Marcus King exclusively debuted his new song “Delilah” on NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. A remarkable track from his forthcoming Rick Rubin-produced album Mood Swings, released on April 5 via American/Republic Records. Watch the video HERE. Discussing the forthcoming song, which will only be available via The Tonight Show until album release, King stated, “it’s a coming-of-age tale about learning how to love and how to allow yourself to stay still long enough to be loved.” On performing on piano and letting his vocals be the focus rather than guitar, he quipped, “There was no hiding behind the guitar at all.” Pre-order Mood SwingsHERE.
The Regime:This show seems to be at a 6 when it should
be turned up to 11.All this show accomplished
in its first episode was it just really made me miss The Great.That is how you
do an eccentric dictator and the exhausted person trying to control them.
The Walking Dead: The
Ones Who Lived:Is it really that hard
to leave this place?Rick’s helicopter went
down, everyone else died, and yet even in this situation Rick cannot escape and
has to go back to Philly?Just go back
to the caravan and blend in.It does not
seem like it would be this hard.Maybe
this should have been a movie.Rick
would have been able to escape after ninety minutes but now they have to keep him
there for six episodes before he escapes.
Shōgun:Oh wow, that dude on the dock went out like a
G.But can’t that guy swim?Seems like he could have caught up to boat if
they just wait.
Death and Other
Details: Just how many twists can
you force into one mystery?Victor Sams
being the dead mom was just stupid.I
know I am the first person to say if we do not see a body, they probably are
not dead, but we literally saw that bench blow up.To explain that away as just the daughter’s faulty
memory was just stupid.But I guess it
is fitting to get a stupid ending to a stupid show.Good riddance.
Survivor:I complain a lot about how bad the casting has
gotten and the casting director should be fired, but who is putting these
people into Tribes?It seems like every
season in the New Era, the same Tribe goes to Tribal almost every single week.Maybe try making more even Tribes.But of course one of only two interesting contestants
went home.
Halo:Oh yeah, I forgot that one chick
existed.Where exactly has she been this
whole time?Why bring her back now?
Resident Alien: So the alien hunter is still alive.I vaguely remember him dying in a prison escape
for his kid, but not the specifics.Wasn’t
he shot?But I guess on an alien show,
gunshot wounds are not as fatal as they are in real life.
Ghosts:Wait, so did Flower not get sucked off (and
if not, who did) or did the séance work, and she reappeared in a well for no apparent
reason?
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 A Gentleman in Moscow, Bon Jovi, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Dropkick Murphys, Jimmy Buffett, Billy Idol, Marcus King, The Black Crowes, Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City, The Department, and Grey’s Anatomy.
- SHOWTIME today released the official trailer for the new eight-episode seriesA GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW. The series will premiere Friday, March 29 on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan before its on-air debut on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME on Sunday, March 31 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series will premiere on Paramount+ in Canada, the UK and Australia on March 29 and on Paramount+ in Latin America, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea on May 17. An adaptation of Amor Towles’ internationally best-selling novel,A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOWfollows Count Alexander Rostov, played by Emmy®Award-winning actor Ewan McGregor (Star Warsfranchise,Halston,Trainspotting), who, in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, finds that his gilded past has placed him on the wrong side of history. Spared immediate execution, he is banished by a Soviet tribunal to an attic room in the opulent Hotel Metropol and threatened with death if he ever sets foot outside again. As the years pass and some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history unfold outside the hotel’s doors, Rostov’s reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery. As he builds a new life within the walls of the hotel, he discovers the true value of friendship, family and love.
- Hulu has debuted the trailer and for upcoming original documentary series "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story." The 4-episode docuseriespremieres all episodes April 26, 2024 on Hulu.
- GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and international superstar,Ariana Grandereleases the official music video for“we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”, directed by Christian Breslauer, from her seventh full length album,eternal sunshine, out now. Watch the “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” official music video HERE. Listen to eternal sunshineHERE via Republic Records.
- Tickets for the North American leg of Olivia Rodrigo’s arena tour are completely sold-out, but a captivating new immersive, one-of-a kind experience will be available for all fans in cities along the tour route. The GUTS World Tour Bus Experience will provide attendees aGUTS-inspired world with exclusive benefits for American Express Card Members, and limited-edition offerings from Starbucks and Sony’s LinkBuds S. Admission is free. The colorful bus will make its first stop at The Music Yard in Charlotte, NC this Friday, March 8 – before Rodrigo’s show at Spectrum Center. Additional stops will include tour venues and local points of interest. Visit www.oliviarodrigo.com/tour or follow @liviesHQ for more information on the bus. The GUTS World Tour Bus Experience offers an interactive fan experience designed to evoke an iconic 1990s mainstay – a teenage girl’s bedroom. Mixing creatively curated décor and interactive, shareable encounters, the bus interior includes memorabilia, a closet full of authentic SOUR tour outfits worn by Rodrigo, a mirrored acrylic vanity and more. Visitors will have the chance to enter giveaways and purchase exclusive merch. There will be photo moments including opps with a crescent moon (similar to the one seen in the live set), and star-filled toilet. There will also be craft tables where fans can add unique and personalized elements to their merch.
-Dropkick Murphysare inviting fans worldwide to virtually join them in their hometown of Boston to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together through the Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day Livestream From MGM Music Hall at Fenwayin Boston on Sunday, March 17. Premier streaming platform Veepswill air the sold-out performance LIVE at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT. Tickets are on sale for $24.99 at https://veeps.events/dropkick-murphys. All ticket purchasers have access to unlimited repeat viewings of the Dropkick Murphys performance stream during the 7-day replay period, and VeepsAll Access subscribers can access the show for free as part of their subscription and can rewatch as many times as they want for a full year.
- Celebrating the city that deeply influenced his music and joyful outlook on life, the release of the music video for "University of Bourbon Street" displays Jimmy Buffett's love affair with New Orleans. This standout track from his final album, Equal Strain On All Parts, features the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band and encapsulates the spirit of the city that left an indelible impact on Buffett. "University of Bourbon Street” (Mailboat Records, distributed by Sun Records) is an autobiographical anthem where Buffett reminisces about his transformative years in New Orleans. The song and video together capture the essence of the city's lively streets, its rich musical heritage, and the joyous, unbridled festivities that can only be found in the heart of NOLA. Buffett's lyrics narrate his journey from Mississippi to New Orleans, where he was educated not in classrooms but through the city's vibrant street life, its music, and its culture. Watch the “University of Bourbon Street” video here.
- Rock legendBilly Idolis set to celebrate the40th anniversaryof his landmark albumRebel Yell with adeluxeexpanded edition dueApril 26 viaCapitol/UMe. Available for pre-order onFriday, March 8, the reissue includes a selection of previously unreleased songs and demos, thePoolside remixof Idol’s smash hit “Eyes Without A Face” and the never-before-heard Billy Idol/Steve Stevens original “Best Way Out of Here” from the original sessions. Idol’s never-before-released cover of theRose Roycesingle “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” from the album’s original recording sessions will be available to download/stream on March 8 as well; pre-order the album and stream the new single on March 8HERE. Originally released in November 1983,Rebel Yell is the twice-platinum follow-up to Idol’s self-titled debut. The album features the iconic singles “Eyes Without a Face,” Flesh for Fantasy,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Catch My Fall.” The reissue is available in 2xLP, 2xCD, and digital formats. See below for complete track listings.
- All hail the king of country soul - today, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Marcus King released “Hero,” the third single from his forthcoming Rick Rubin-produced albumMood Swings, released on April 5 via American/Republic Records. King also announced he will return to the Tonight Show on Monday March 11 2024 for a highly anticipated performance. Pre-order Mood SwingsHERE. On “Hero,” co-written with Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), King’s arresting vocal shares the tale of relationship struggles, crediting exes, divine intervention and Auerbach for inspiration for the timeless track.
- Legendary rock bandThe Black Crowes release the music video for “Wanting and Waiting,” directed by Christopher Acosta, for the lead single from their wildly anticipated new albumHappiness Bastards, dropping March 15th via the band’s own Silver Arrow Records. Marking their first music video in 16 years since 2008’s “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” the Crowes are back with a vengeance. The album’s artwork and lyrics lay the backdrop for Chris Robinson’s signature flare as he claps and confidently struts around his brother and bandmates. Amidst fiery imagery that complements the red-hot energy emanating from Robinson, dressed in a matching red suit, he passionately cries out “blood on fire!” The Black Crowes, as explosive as ever, are reveling in the anticipation of releasing their celebratory album - and they are clearly enjoying the ride. Since its release in January, “Wanting and Waiting” has dominated the airwaves at top 10 in four radio formats, including AAA, Americana, Active Rock, and Canadian Active Rock. Watch the new music videoHERE. Pre-Order Happiness BastardsHERE.
- AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects Black life, style and culture, has entered into a production partnership with EMMY nominated producer, Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media, to develop and produce new original programming as the network continues to expand the aspireTV Studios slate this year. The first series to be greenlit under this agreement is Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City. Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City is a travel series that follows the Harlem Globetrotters as they span the globe on their 2024 world tour. The show combines adventure and cultural immersion; utilizing a documentary style that transports viewers to the soul of the city and the heart of the people wherever the team travels. The Globetrotters share untapped secrets of culture, cuisine and adventure from the most renowned cities around the globe. The Harlem Globetrotters have been touring the world for almost 100 years, visiting over 120 countries which has given them unfiltered access, connections and exploration of Brown and Black culture throughout the world. Going into production this Spring, locations to be featured on the series include, but not limited to: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Egypt, and Thailand. AspireTV has ordered eight 30-minute episodes.
- Paramount+ announced today that Joe Wright, the director behind the Golden Globe and multi-BAFTA winning films Pride and Prejudice, The Darkest HourandAtonement, will direct and executive produce the new drama series fromShowtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios,THE DEPARTMENT. An espionage political thriller series based on the critically acclaimed hit French dramaLe Bureau des Legendes, THE DEPARTMENT will debut on Paramount+ for subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan later this year. Tony Award-winning writer Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari,Edge of Tomorrow) will executive produce and write all ten episodes. George Clooney and Grant Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures along with David C. Glasser and 101 Studios. “Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on intricate details to craft immersive and visually striking stories,” said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “And, Jez and John-Henry are masterful writers whose witty and emotionally charged language dives deep into their characters’ moral complexities, while simultaneously creating a propulsive narrative. Bringing these powerhouse creatives together alongside George Clooney and Grant Heslov is sure to giveThe Bureauthe reinvention it deserves."
- Ahead of the milestone 20th season premiere on ABC, all 420 episodes of the beloved medical drama are now available on Hulu. “'Grey’s Anatomy' is one of our top performing next-day titles, and we are very excited to now be the only streaming destination to offer every 'Grey’s' episode ever, both past and current,” said Hulu General Manager Lauren Tempest. “In addition to bringing lifelong fans back to Grey Sloan, we hope that new audiences will discover and fall in love with the characters and stories that have captivated us for so many years.”
The Walking Dead: The
Ones Who Lived:If I am not mistaken
the writer of the comic said his biggest regret was cutting of Rick’s hand and
they is why they did not do it on the show.Yet, the very first thing Rick does on the spin-off was cut off his hand.It is really stupid to keep Rick around so
long.A one handed guy who keeps trying
to escape is just too much trouble.
Shōgun:Okay, that was pretty cool despite all the reading.At least Hulu offers an English dub.
Death and Other
Details: We are back to the back
up?That seems so long ago.Last week’s episode with all the bad acting
really disrupted the flow of the show.
Halo:Why did the one chick rip off her wig for no apparent
reason?I forget anything else that happened
this week.I just want to know what was
up with that wig.Did it have some
significant meaning on the other planet, now it is worthless?How will her son recognize her?What a weird scene.
Ghosts:Okay the boyfriend faking he saw ghost was
pretty funny, one of the funnier plots on the show.I kind of wish he got the power when he fell
down the stairs.How long until Sam
meets another Ghost seer?
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 Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, and Nikka Costa
- Hulu has released the official trailer and key art for the highly anticipated documentary "Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told." The film will premiere Thursday, March 21, only on Hulu. From Executive Producers Luke Campbell, Jermaine Dupri and 21 Savage, and masterfully crafted by Mass Appeal & Swirl Films, Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told is a celebratory exploration of the boisterous times of Freaknik, the iconic Atlanta street party that drew hundreds of thousands of people in the 80s and 90s, helping put Atlanta on the map culturally. What began as a Black college cookout, soon became known for lurid tales of highway hookups and legendary late-night parties that ultimately led to the festival’s downfall. At its height, Freaknik was a traffic stopping, city-shuttering, juggernaut that has since become a cult classic. Rooted deep in its history of Civil Rights, thriving Black leadership, and focus on the uplifting of Black culture and education, Atlanta became the only place a festival like this could grow and thrive. Though it ceased over two decades ago, the infamous legacy still resonates through nostalgia and a new generation’s longing for a care-free platform that celebrates and promotes Black excellence, joy and fortitude.
- The LA-based soul and funk singer Nikka Costa returns with her first new music “Dirty Disco” in six years and announces her upcoming album Dirty Disco to be released this June 7th. Known for her powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and diverse musical influences, Nikka Costa returns from a musical career break with future-forward disco-inspired sounds. The lyric “Everyone is welcome, everyone’s an Avatar” denotes a place where anyone can go to be themselves and let their freak flag fly!’ and sets the tone for her disco and soul fused, progressive album, which is 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 in her “Dirty Disco” immersive world.
Next month marks three years of Paramount+ and we are proud to continue to be a premiere streaming destination for news, sports and a Mountain of Entertainment.
In March, viewers will be transported through time to the opulence of the 1920s in the page-to-screen adaption of A Gentleman in Moscow starring Ewan McGregor. Hearts will soar when Little Wing, a family film about a young girl and a very special bird, takes flight. And sports fans will cheer as they stream both the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship games on CBS and UEFA Champions League matches that determine this year’s quarterfinalists.
For a closer look at all the entertainment coming to Paramount+ in March, check out the latest edition of View from the Peak.
This month, sports fans live streamed all the action of Super Bowl LVIII on Paramount+, delivering the most-streamed Super Bowl in history with an increase of +52% in Average Minute Audience over the previous year.
Streaming engagement was at an all-time high when viewers tuned in for the game, Usher's halftime show and Reba McEntire’s national anthem. Paramount+ scored the most minutes consumed for a Super Bowl stream with 2.64 billion minutes, making it the first Super Bowl stream to generate more than 2 billion minutes of consumption.
Fan excitement was over-the-top, and Super Bowl LVIII is the #1 most social telecast in history with a total of 62.8 million interactions, up 27% year-over-year.
Live sports such as the NFL ON CBS is one of the top sign-up drivers for the service. Once viewers tune in to watch a live event, they tend to stay to enjoy our variety of content that extends across genres. In fact, almost 90% of the viewing hours during these subscribers' lifetimes come from non-sports content. In particular, following the Super Bowl, Halo, which returned to the service for its second season just days before, saw strong engagement.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor and Alexa Goodall in A Gentleman in Moscow.
Next month, A Gentleman in Moscow, the highly anticipated adaptation of The New York Times best-selling novel by Amor Towles, debuts for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers. Set in post-revolutionary Russia, the limited series stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, an aristocrat sentenced to a lifetime of house arrest at The Hotel Metropol.
Rostov’s imprisonment meant that the hotel itself needed special attention throughout the series, so the production team built its version of the iconic building from scratch. “The Metropol Hotel is our world and it’s integral to the story,” said showrunner Ben Vanstone. “We stayed within the bounds of the hotel so it had to have the color, life and dynamism to keep our interest.”
As the world moves on, Rostov’s opulent domain remains unchanged. “It’s kind of a gilded cage that he’s in,” Vanstone said. “We wanted to have a sense that, while it may look beautiful with fantastic lights, decorations, plants and flowers, ultimately it’s still a prison.”
Lock yourself away when A Gentleman in Moscow premieres on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME on March 29.
The upcoming Paramount+ Original movie Little Wing introduces viewers to Kaitlyn (Brooklynn Prince), a teen looking to help her mother (Kelly Reilly) save their home. We recently sat down with Prince to learn about how she prepared for the role and her introduction to the unusual world of pigeon racing, which is central to the story.
Tell us a little bit about your process for finding this character.
The first thing I did was make a Kaitlyn playlist. I downloaded music I thought the character would like, which included artists like Green Day, Evanescence, No Doubt, Kathleen Hanna, The Ramones and many more. I also worked very closely with my mom, who also is my acting coach, on the approach we wanted to take with her. We felt that Kaitlyn needed a perfect blend of sass and vulnerability; she has so many layers that needed to be seen to make her feel like a real teen.
Before working on this film had you ever heard about pigeon racing?
It was something I never even knew existed. I thought it was fascinating how you can release all these pigeons that eventually find their way home. It shows you how intelligent they are and how home really has an effect on all of us.
Did you have any favorite pigeons you worked with on the set?
OMG! YES! I really connected with a few of the pigeons, but Apollo (who played the Granger) really stole my heart. Honestly, he’s the true MVP of the whole movie; sorry Brian [Cox]! Our bird handlers, Lauren and Roland, were so amazing and patient with me since I was nervous with the birds, at first, but I’ve grown to really love pigeons!
This film has such a phenomenal cast. What was it like working with everyone, especially legends like Brian Cox and Kelly Reilly?
Legends is right! Working with such great actors sometimes is super scary, so I just always felt the need to rise to every occasion to make them proud of me. Kelly was so much fun; she brought girl power to the set every day. There was a lot of testosterone on set, so it was nice to have her there. Brian and I got to spend a lot of time together, and I enjoyed every second. He told me so many amazing stories about his life and the theater and gave me a lot of advice. I feel so blessed by this cast.
Is there anything else you want to share about Little Wing?
Little Wing is a story for everybody. Everyone in the family is able to connect to a character. I hope it allows families to talk about mental health so that we, as human beings, can understand each other. Being a teen is hard, and everything feels big when you’re my age. I also think the movie is a great reminder to adults of what it feels like to be young and experience huge emotions.
Race to Paramount+ when Little Wing premieres on March 13.
Milan Škriniar and Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain
Football season has ended, but fútbol fans are more than ready to stream CBS Sports’ coverage of UEFA Champions League round of 16 matches. These games determine which teams will head to the quarterfinals for soccer's most prestigious annual trophy.
Paramount+ is the only place to watch every English-language UEFA Champions League match live in the U.S., and this year is already our most-streamed season ever. Notable matches to watch out for include Bayern Munich vs. Lazio on March 5, Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig on March 6 and Barcelona vs. Napoli on March 12.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, our Women Who Move Mountains collection shines a light on the real and fictional ladies who inspire us. New additions to the curated collection include June, a documentary that showcases the many talents of country-music legend June Carter Cash; Elsbeth, the brand-new The Good Wife spinoff, which sees the return of Carrie Preston as fan-favorite lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni; Special Ops: Lioness, which features powerful performances by Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira and Nicole Kidman, and many more shows and films that tell women's stories.
The fictional town of Hiddenville is poised for some big adventures when The Thundermans Return premieres on the service. In the film, super-powered teens Phoebe and Max are sent back to their hometown to lie low, but a nefarious supervillain has other plans. While fans wait for the new movie, they can relive the Thundermans’ earlier adventures with all four seasons of the hit Nickelodeon series, available to stream now.
Paramount+’s The Lodge is back with a new cross-country tour, including a pop-up at SXSW in Austin from March 8-11. Featuring new interactive experiences, The Lodge brings iconic Paramount+ franchises and beloved characters to fans and new audiences. Find more information about the tour schedule here.
Kevin James, Leah Remini and Jerry Stiller in The King of Queens
Next month, fans can expect lots of laughs when all nine seasons of the beloved CBS sitcom The King of Queens debuts on Paramount+. The series centers on Doug (Kevin James) and Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini), a middle-class couple living in Queens, NY who must contend with both modern life and Carrie’s cantankerous father Arthur (Jerry Stiller).
Speaking of classic comedies, some of our favorite laugh riots are joining the service in March including Airplane!, Airplane II: The Sequel, Coming to America, Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, Wayne’s World, Not Another Teen Movie, Raising Arizona and more
ORIGINALS, EXCLUSIVES, PREMIERES & EVENTS
3/1: War Pony premiere* Bound by their shared search for belonging, two young Oglala Lakota men growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation grapple with a world built against them as they navigate their unique paths to manhood.
3/6: Raging Grace premiere* Winner of the Grand Jury Award at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival, this film follows the struggles of an undocumented Filipina immigrant who takes a job caring for an extremely wealthy but terminally ill old man.
3/7: The Thundermans Return premiere The epic adventures of a superhero family, introduced in the hit Nickelodeon series, continue in a brand new movie. When one save goes wrong, the Thundermans are sent back to Hiddenville.
3/12: Never Seen Again, season five premiere In this gripping true-crime series, family members recount the last time they saw their loved ones before they vanished into thin air.
3/13: Little Wing premiere Inspired by The New Yorker article by Susan Orlean, Little Wing follows Kaitlyn, a teen who is reeling from her parents’ divorce and the pending loss of her home. When stealing a valuable bird, Kaitlyn forms a bond with the owner that leads her to a new outlook on life.
3/29: A Gentleman in Moscow premiere* An adaptation of Amor Towles’ internationally best-selling novel, A Gentleman in Moscow follows Count Alexander Rostov who, in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, is sentenced to house arrest in the opulent Hotel Metropol.
3/30: Beyond The Aggressives: 25 Years Later premiere* In 2005, the groundbreaking film The Aggressives showcased the remarkable stories of queer BIPOC individuals Chin, Octavio, Trevon, and Kisha. Now, nearly 20 years later, the same four protagonists reunite to reflect on their past and envision new futures.
LIBRARY SHOWS
March 6
Air Warriors (Season 11)
March 7
CBS News Specials: State of the Union Address
March 8
Blaze and the Monster Machines: Blaze of Glory Blaze and the Monster Machines: Race to the Top of the World!
March 13
America's Hidden Stories (Season 3) Black Ink Crew Los Angeles (Season 2) Black Ink Crew New York (Season 10) Peppa Pig (Season 9) The Amazing Race (Season 36)**
March 20
The Last Cowboy (Season 4)
March 25
The King of Queens (Seasons 1-9)
March 27
Behind the Music (Season 2) LL Cool J Presents: The Rock the Bells Festival - Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop Ten Steps to Disaster (Season 2)
MOVIES
March 1
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Airplane II: The Sequel Airplane! All About the Benjamins An Elephant's Journey* Angela's Ashes At Any Price Awakenings* Black Sheep (1996) Blood Out* Burnt* Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Coming to America Deception (2008) Disturbia Drugstore Cowboy* Enough Said Flatliners (1990) Flyboys* Footloose (1984) Frank Miller's Sin City* Freelancers* Guns Akimbo* Happy-Go-Lucky* In Bloom* In Too Deep (1999) Inside Llewyn Davis Jagged Edge Lizzie* Miller's Crossing Noah (2004) Not Another Teen Movie Once Upon a Time in America Raising Arizona Requiem for a Dream* Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse Seabiscuit Sleepy Hollow St. Elmo's Fire* The Abyss (1989) The Big Short The Brady Bunch Movie The Dictator The Drop The Gift* The Girl Next Door The Good Girl The Outsiders (1983) The Vatican Tapes* The Warriors (1979) Tommy Boy Wayne's World William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet
March 2
The Accused
March 2
This Is Where I Leave You
March 3
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
March 8
Home Again (2017)*
March 10
What Happens Later*
March 11
Sleeping with Other People*
March 19
Carol (2015)*
March 31
Set Up*
SPORTS
3/1: Serie A – Lazio vs. AC Milan 3/2-3/3: Concacaf W Gold Cup Quarterfinals 3/2: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Arkansas @ Kentucky* 3/2: NCAA Men’s Basketball – USC @ Washington* 3/3: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Seton Hall @ UConn* 3/3: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Indiana @ Maryland* 3/3: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Michigan @ Ohio State* 3/3: Serie A – Napoli vs. Juventus 3/3: Barclays Women’s Super League – Arsenal vs. Tottenham 3/4-3/6: AFC Champions League Quarterfinals Leg 1 3/5: UEFA Champions League – Bayern Munich vs. Lazio 3/5: UEFA Champions League – Real Sociedad vs. PSG 3/6: UEFA Champions League – Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig 3/6: UEFA Champions League – Manchester City vs. Copenhagen 3/6: Concacaf W Gold Cup Semifinals 3/7: UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg 1 3/7: UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 Leg 1 3/9: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Memphis @ FAU* 3/9: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Texas A&M @ Ole Miss* 3/9: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Kentucky @ Tennessee* 3/10: NCAA Women’s Basketball – Big Ten Conference Women’s Championship* 3/10: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Championship* 3/10: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Michigan State @ Indiana* 3/10: Concacaf W Gold Cup Final 3/11-3/13: AFC Champions League Quarterfinals Leg 1 3/12: UEFA Champions League – Barcelona vs. Napoli 3/12: UEFA Champions League – Arsenal vs. Porto 3/13: UEFA Champions League – Borussia Dortmund vs. PSV 3/13: UEFA Champions League – Atlético Madrid vs. Inter Milan 3/14: UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg 2 3/14: UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 Leg 2 3/15: UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals Draw 3/16: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Big Ten Men’s Semifinals* 3/16: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Mountain West Men’s Championship* 3/17: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Atlantic 10 Men’s Championship* 3/17: NCAA Men’s Basketball – Big Ten Men’s Championship* 3/17: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Selection Show* 3/21: Concacaf Nations League – USA vs. Jamaica 3/21: Concacaf Nations League – Panama vs. Mexico 3/24: Concacaf Nations League Final & Third-Place Match 3/30: Formula E – 2024 Tokyo E-Prix* 3/30: Sail GP – Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix* 3/30: NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship* 3/31: PBR – Professional Bull Riders Nampa* Throughout March: NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship* Throughout March: Italian Serie A competition Throughout March: Concacaf W Gold Cup competition Throughout March: Concacaf Nations League competition Throughout March: Scottish Professional Football League competition Throughout March: UEFA Europa League competition Throughout March: UEFA Europa Conference League competition Throughout March: Barclays Women’s Super League competition Throughout March: Argentina Liga Profesional de Fútbol 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.