It’s hard to make anything spy related in this day and age as technology has just gotten out of control. The spy genre often rides right on the edge on what is truly possible and so the rapid advancement of technology has made it all the more difficult. It’s why I think James Bond tends to work better in the past than in the modern era. The Copenhagen Test has an interesting gimmick of nanites making it possible to see through the actual eyes of a person. It’s something that’s just believable enough while still being over the top and wacky. I was slightly more entertained by it than Alex Maidy, whose review you can check out HERE.

I spoke with Simu Liu, Melissa Barrera and the rest of the cast of The Copenhagen Test about their new spy show. There was a palpable excitement from everyone in regards to being involved in a spy series and all the twists and turns that entails. Also, Simu makes quite the case for Barrera being a great choice for the next Wonder Woman. I’d say anything is an improvement over Gal Gadot so I could see it. I also spoke with the creator and showrunner about some of the more technical logistics of building this world. You can check it all out in the video above!

The Copenhagen Test plot:

Follows Alexander Hale, an intelligence analyst whose brain is secretly hacked by unknown enemies. They can see and hear everything through him, turning his own senses into a surveillance tool. Forced to keep working while pretending nothing is wrong, Alexander races to uncover who breached his mind and why. As he digs deeper, he discovers a larger conspiracy involving advanced technology and hidden power struggles inside the intelligence world.

The Copenhagen Test is Now Streaming on Peacock.

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The notion that video game adaptations are instant crap is no longer a stereotype that holds. Over the last few years, streaming platforms with deep pockets have finally given creative teams the freedom to adapt video game franchises in a way that allows for great storytelling and exceptional acting. With Westworld co-creator Jonathan Nolan on board to helm episodes in its first season, Fallout became a critical and fan hit. Now, the series is back for an impressive second season that is even better than the first.

Season two of Fallout picks up after the showdown between Lucy Maclean (Ella Purnell) and her father, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan). Lucy, teaming up with The Ghoul (Walton Goggins), heads to Las Vegas to find her dad and bring him to justice. At the same time, Maximus (Aaron Moten) returns to the Brotherhood of Steel. Everyone eventually converges on the City of Sin, where Robert House (Justin Theroux) is the man in charge. The new season is as hilarious as it is dramatic, with tons of fan favorite characters and creatures making their debut, along with new additions like Kumail Nanjiani and Macaulay Culkin.

I talked with the cast and creator of Fallout about the new season. Series co-showrunner Geneva Robertson-Dworet discussed the freedom that came with knowing a third season was on the way and how they determined which elements of the games to incorporate into these episodes. Aaron Moten discussed Maximus’ emotional state this season, while Moises Arias spoke about Norm’s expanded role this season. Walton Goggins discussed playing The Ghoul and what makes his present-day character different from his past as Cooper Howard. Check out the full interview in the embed above (plus check out more from the premiere of Fallout HERE!)

Fallout Season 2 is now airing on Prime Video.

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One of the most beloved anime series of all time comes to an end this year, and scores of fans aren’t ready to say goodbye. I’m talking about My Hero Academia, the action-packed, character-driven thrill ride that’s been airing since 2016. Overrun with inspiring characters, memorable moments, and over-the-top drama, My Hero Academia is the type of anime that endures long after class is out of session. To celebrate the final season of My Hero Academia, we discussed the outrageous and emotional finale with tons of voice actors from the main cast, including Christopher Sabat (All Might / Toshinori Yagi), Clifford Chapin (Katsuki Bakugo / Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight), Justin Briner (Izuku Midoriya / Deku), and John Swasey (All For One).

During our time with the cast, we discussed how it feels to be at the end of such an iconic and momentous journey with My Hero Academia. We explore whether there were any emotional moments while acting out the final season in the recording booth, and discuss the most gratifying aspects of being part of something as culturally transcendent as My Hero Academia. After that, we ask select members of the cast if there are any specific lessons or morals they want fans to take away from the series.

Finally, we ask several members of the cast if they’d return for more My Hero Academia if the world needs their characters again. Thankfully, all are game to continue working on the series, giving us hope for the franchise’s bright future. Additionally, you can catch several of them reprising their roles in the new-ish series My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which is moving into its second season on Crunchyroll now.

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Thanks to Taylor Sheridan, the Western is alive and well on the small screen. As Yellowstone and its prequels have paved the way for a new generation of genre shows, writer and producer Kurt Sutter has conceived a series that plays in the same sandbox while also following in the footsteps of his own acclaimed series, Sons of Anarchy, as well as older shows like Deadwood and Hell on Wheels. The Abandons subverts the conventions of the Western genre while offering a fresh perspective based on the roles of the two lead characters.

In 1850s Washington, two families led by powerful matriarchs: one wealthy, one poor but deeply loyal, battle for supremacy on the lawless frontier. On one side is Fiona Nolan (Lena Headey), an Irish woman who takes in the abandoned and orphaned who have nowhere else to go. On the other hand is Constance Van Ness (Gillian Anderson), the widow of a powerful family who seeks to consolidate control over their corner of the country. When Fiona and Constance clash over control of lucrative land, the result is a deadly showdown that alters the landscape of their community and their clans.

I talked with the two leading actors of The Abandons about their new show. Lena Headey spoke about the fun of playing a Western role that is not defined by gender tropes, but also embodies the unconventional idea of family that Fiona Nolan has. Gillian Anderson talked about her past period-set performances and how different they are from playing Constance Van Ness. I also shared my lifelong adoration for Anderson, which got a funny response from Lena Headey. Check out the full interview in the embed above.

The Abandons is now streaming on Netflix.

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Before Father Time comes to reset the clock for another year, Starz and Steve DeKnight will unleash a return to form for Spartacus fans with Spartacus: House of Ashur. Launching events from a reconfigured timeline, House of Ashur retains all the blood, combat, sacrifice, and Shakespearean drama that made the original series a must-watch in the 2010s. To help celebrate the arrival of Spartacus: House of Ashur, we sat down with several of the show’s leading players, including Nick E. Taranby (Ashur), Tenika Davis (Achillia), Graham McTavish (Korris), Claudia Black (Cossutia), India Shaw-Smith (Viridia), and Jaime Slater (Cornelia), as well as Steven DeKnight, the show’s creator and executive producer.

While speaking with Nick and Steven, we touch on them reconnecting for House of Ashur after years of being apart. We also discuss the show’s overwhelming gore and estimate the amount of blood and guts used in the show. Nick also gives us a crash course on delivering the show’s intricate, Shakespearean dialogue. Finally, DeKnight reveals what it is about Rome, royalty, and gladiatorial combat that makes for such compelling storytelling.

We also spoke with Tenika Davis, who plays the world’s first gladiatrix, Achillia, in Spartacus: House of Ashur. While discussing her character, Tenika shares with us the thrill of playing a character with pre-existing strife, which fuels her powerful performance. We also delve into her chance to play a character who embodies all of the societal racism and misogyny that are rampant in the show, and how Achillia uses that negativity to exact revenge on those who cross her.

While speaking with Graham McTavish, we discuss Korris’ tender relationship with Opiter and what it is about their scenes that makes them so special. We also explore blending hyper-masculinity and charisma to create a memorable character that could easily become a curmudgeon, but does not.

When we talk with Claudia Black, India Shaw-Smith, and Jaime Slater, we discuss the thrill of playing someone from the elite, the best part about starring in a period piece, the show’s elaborate set design, and more.

Spartacus: House of Ashur premieres on December 5, 2025, with the first two episodes available to stream on Starz in the U.S. You can check out our review of the first five episodes here.

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The Wire was created by David Simon, a former Baltimore Sun journalist who covered the crime beat for years. After 13 years, disillusioned with journalism, Simon took a leave of absence to write a book, Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, which won an Edgar Award. This led to the HBO series Homicide, where Simon eventually became a writer and producer. The show was a hit, earning four Emmy wins. On this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten, we take a deep dive into the show and its legacy but for those of you who need a primer – here is some info:

Everything You Need to Know About The Wire:

After Homicide, Simon teamed with Ed Burns, a former homicide detective turned public school teacher, to write The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood, chronicling residents of Fayette and Monroe Streets in West Baltimore over a year. The book was adapted into an HBO miniseries, and the success of that project set the stage for The Wire.

Frustrated by the bureaucracy in Baltimore’s criminal justice system, Simon wanted to create a show that exposed the city’s social problems realistically. HBO became the natural home for the series after conflicts with NBC over tonal restrictions during Homicide. Simon chose Baltimore because of its long-standing drug problems and historically dysfunctional police department. As he told the mayor, “This is gonna be a pretty bleak show. If you’re sick of this, we’ll take our business elsewhere.” The mayor gave his approval.

Casting and Characters

One of The Wire’s most praised aspects is its casting. Rather than using big stars, Simon chose character actors, unknowns, and people who had lived the life portrayed. Here are just a few members of the sprawling cast:

• Dominic West was cast as Detective Jimmy McNulty after an awkward, improvised audition, which Simon felt captured McNulty’s dysfunction.
• Wendell Pierce, playing Detective Bunk Moreland, channeled real-life intensity that impressed Simon.
• Idris Elba, introduced to U.S. audiences by Emmy-winning casting director Alexa L. Fogel, played Avon Barksdale’s second-in-command, Stringer Bell.
• Michael B. Jordan was cast as 16-year-old drug dealer Wallace, delivering a performance that remains iconic.
• Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, a former prisoner, brought chilling authenticity to her role.
• Michael K. Williams (R.I.P) played Omar Little, a murderous thug who rips off drug dealers, but eventually reveals a surprisingly deep conscience and an empathetic streak.
• The late Lance Reddick as Cedric Daniels, a lieutenant in the Narcotics Division

Other Baltimore residents, including religious leaders, police officers, politicians, and ex-drug lords like “Little Melvin” Williams, appeared in recurring roles.

Simon’s focus on complex, morally grey characters allowed the environment to shape behavior naturally. He used a “show, don’t tell” approach, letting the story unfold through actions and dialogue.

Themes and Seasons

Each season of The Wire explored a different societal institution:

1. Season 1: The war on drugs
2. Season 2: The waterfront
3. Season 3: City government
4. Season 4: Public schools
5. Season 5: Print media

Key storylines included Police Major Bunny Colvin, who experimented with drug-free zones but became a political scapegoat, and Bubbles, a heroin addict whose journey toward redemption offered glimmers of hope.

Filming in Baltimore

Filming used real locations, sometimes negotiating with drug dealers. Background sounds were authentic, and many residents served as extras or supported the crew. While some neighborhoods embraced filming, political figures like Mayor Martin O’Malley and Councilwoman Catherine Pugh criticized the show for its unflattering portrayal of Baltimore.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Despite low ratings, The Wire earned critical acclaim for acting, writing, and directing. Many actors, including Idris Elba and Michael B. Jordan, went on to major careers. Simon described the show as a visual novel, tackling bleak social realities that most TV avoided.

Though HBO initially considered ending the show after Season 3, Simon negotiated two additional seasons, concluding the series in 2008. Today, The Wire is celebrated as one of the most realistic and complex TV dramas ever produced.

Why Watch The Wire

• Realistic depiction of crime, policing, politics, and education
• Complex, morally ambiguous characters
• Groundbreaking storytelling and ensemble casting
• Insight into systemic failures of modern cities

The Wire is available on HBO Max and remains essential viewing for anyone interested in socially conscious television.

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Only July 6, 2016, I posted my review of the first season of Stranger Things. Released with little fanfare as one of the first original programs on Netflix, my review was a glowing and positive one for the genre series, which combined the scares and chills of a Stephen King novel with the sense of Amblin nostalgia found in the films of Steven Spielberg. Little did I know that my review, the first one published anywhere (Google it), would be one of countless praising Stranger Things as it developed into an iconic and modern classic. Now, almost a decade later, the series created by Matt and Ross Duffer is coming to an end with Stranger Things 5.

The final season of Stranger Things, released after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes, follows the cliffhanger ending of the fourth season, where Vecna and the Upside Down break through into our world and directly into Hawkins, Indiana. The final season brings back the entire ensemble cast, led by Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, and Winona Ryder, along with new additions like Linda Hamilton, for an epic season divided into three parts, debuting this holiday season. Having seen the entirety of the first part, I can say the world is in for one heck of a ride.

I had the chance to chat with series creators Matt and Ross Duffer about the final season and shared the fun fact that my review was the first one published anywhere. The Duffers discussed the decision to split the final season into three parts and why it differed from the split for the fourth season. They also discussed landing Frank Darabont to direct two episodes, and which of them pursued the legendary director of The Shawshank Redemption to join the team. They also spoke about which Stephen King novels they compare this final season to and how much bigger it is than anything they have done before. Check out the full interview in the embed above.

Stranger Things 5 premieres Part One on November 25, Part Two on December 25, and the series finale on December 31 on Netflix.

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The first season of Landman was one of the best series from Taylor Sheridan since the first season of Yellowstone. Coming almost exactly a year after, the second season of the Billy Bob Thornton-led drama is back to continue the West Texas drama. Better than Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Lioness, Landman is the first non-Yellowstone series from Sheridan to feature the creator penning all of the episodes. With the new addition of Sam Elliott and expanded roles for Demi Moore and Andy Garcia, Landman is better than ever.

Season two finds Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) continuing to deal with the fallout of Monty Miller’s death and the elevation of his widow Cami (Demi Moore) to run M-Tex Oil. At the same time, Tommy must deal with his family drama involving his ex-wife, Angela (Ali Larter), and the drug lord, Gallino (Andy Garcia), while also introducing his father, played by Sam Elliott. The same business drama runs rampant this season, while also deepening the professional and romantic relationships introduced in the first season. In short, this is the same series you loved in Season One, but with even more to enjoy.

I talked with the cast of Landman about the new season. 1923 star Michelle Randolph compared the fun of playing Ainsley to her historical role in the Yellowstone prequel. Jacob Lofland discussed Cooper’s latest business ventures and how he and Michelle found the dynamic of playing siblings. Paulina Chavez discussed expanding Ariana’s role this season, while Kayla Wallace and Colm Feore discussed the most enjoyable aspects of this season for their characters. Mark Collie spoke about using his genuine friendship with Billy Bob Thornton in playing Sheriff Walt Joeberg. In contrast, Mustafa Speaks discussed how talented Taylor Sheridan is at writing characters like Boss Ramone. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

Landman premiered on November 16th with new episodes airing on Sundays on Paramount+

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Hey, Jon, how are you doing?

Jon Hamm: Hey Alex, how are you?

I’m great. I am a massive fan of yours. Very excited to talk to you today. Thank you so much for taking the time. I was actually watching the first couple of episodes of the new season of Landman, and it’s incredible how your absence from the character is such a specter on the show, given how fantastic Monty was in that first season. And here you’re coming in this series. You came in after it had already been established, had already been a couple of seasons, and then Paul came into the mix. Does coming into a show that’s already started and joining an ensemble, does that affect how you play a character, how you join the cast?

Jon Hamm: I don’t think it affects it so much, so it adds a little bit of pressure, especially if the show that you’re coming on to is a big hit. You know, nobody wants to be the Ted McGinley who comes in and kind of steals the show like Married…with Children, then takes a nose dive. Famous, no shade on Ted. I’m sure he’s a wonderful guy, but that was sort of what had happened over the many shows in the ’70s and ’80s. So, you want to come up and join the show, and you want to be value-added. We were fortunate to have that with guys like Jared Harris on Mad Men. You know, you want people to come in and be a character that people really like. So I think the fact that I’m getting asked back, but also that the audience seems to have really responded to my character in The Morning Show, and we’ve had a great time doing it, you know? I think those are, those are the hallmarks so I don’t really do anything different or try to adapt, really, to the show. I feel that if they hired me, they want me to do what I do and do it at a high level, making the show better. That’s what I try to do.

There has been a recent trend among some of your characters being incredibly wealthy, and we’ve seen a lot of shows lately that follow this pattern, where the characters are incredibly rich. We love watching them behave badly or fail. Does that alter how you play the character at all? Because I know that with Your Friends & Neighbors, it took a twist on that performance, where it showed the other side of that dynamic, but this character in The Morning Show is at a different echelon of wealth. Does that alter anything for you?

Jon Hamm: Well, like I said, it doesn’t really alter anything. You play the character and the part you’re given. I always think that every actor should never try to be their character and judge the character they play. I certainly never did that with Don Draper, who was, in many ways, the king of questionable moral decisions, and Paul Marks is no exception to that, nor is Coop. You know, Coop is a person who often finds himself in situations that are sometimes not of his own making, and sometimes are. And I think it’s very self-reflective. You know, we have a running voiceover about how conflicted his feelings are about all of this, especially the lavishness of the life he leads and the ridiculous extremes he has to go through to maintain it. I think that’s what the show really is about. So you know, with someone like Monty, that his unfortunate arc was that, you know, he lost his life pursuing the high stakes and the high stress of wildcatting and gas and oil exploration. You know, there’s the wonderful scene in the first season where Jerry Jones reminds him that, you know, all of this stuff can come and go in a minute, but family will stay with you forever, and they’re the ones you’re going to be there on your deathbed. And of course, that’s what ends up happening. So, you know, it’s a it’s that’s what drama is, and you can’t come at it with any kind of judgment, or else the audience will pick up on it and it won’t read, it won’t read true.

With The Morning Show, I think, compared to, well, many of the projects you’ve been involved with, this is one of the most stacked casts of any of the projects you’ve been a part of. You’ve had so many phenomenal actors you’ve worked with, dramatically, comedically. Is there anyone in The Morning Show that you haven’t shared the screen with whom you really want to or are looking forward to?

Jon Hamm: Marion Cotillard. Our characters never really crossed paths, and I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time. I wish I had gotten to work with Holland Taylor’s character. I love her work. I think she’s phenomenal. I know her a little bit personally. She and Sarah are good friends of mine, so yeah, when it was a cast this deep, you look at Boyd Holbrook and William Jackson Harper, I’m actually working with Will on my new product, American Hostage, here in Winnipeg, but when you have a bench this deep, yeah, there are quite a few people that you really wish you got a chance to be. Still, you can’t feed that many mouths. You know, I can only imagine it’s much harder for the writers to actually try to get everybody good stuff to do.

Is there anybody that you’ve worked with that you have been starstruck to work with, either on this series or any of your recent projects?

Jon Hamm: I would say the only person that I was honestly flabbergasted to work with, well, there were probably two. One was Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, and the other was Jeff Bridges in Bad Times at the El Royale. Those guys were both pretty, pretty big up in my superstar echelon, and getting to work with him was a real treat in every way. And I’m really glad I had both of those experiences.

There have been so many movies and television series that you’ve done, and everybody keeps talking about the golden age of television, or that we’re in this, this great moment with shows, and Mad Men was one of the ones that helped kick that off. Do you still feel that the bar for television is as high as it has ever been? Or are you seeing a shift back towards more big-screen fare for you?

Jon Hamm: For me, I, I go where the interesting work is, you know, and sometimes that’s on in features, and sometimes that’s on television, and sometimes that’s an animation, and sometimes that’s a podcast that I’ll produce and turn into a limited series. So, you know, there are a lot of ways to get things in front of people these days, and I think that really helps everybody. You know, rising tide kind of lifts all boats in that, in that world, and we’re living in pretty, pretty excellent, a pretty fantastic time for people who like, who like, for what used to be called TV.

I think every performance that you give, there’s a elements of it that strike me differently each time. We see something like Fargo, which was a character that was just very dark compared to a lot of things you don’t like. Maybe one of the darker roles that you’ve done, and with Your Friends & Neighbors, there are so many layers to cope with, and it’s just such a beautiful series to watch. And I love watching all those things. Is there a character that you’ve portrayed that you just felt physically drained after playing that role like it was just it took so much out of you to play the character.

Jon Hamm: Fargo was a lot of that. A big part of it was being on location by myself, up in Calgary for a long time, away from my then fiance, now wife and family and and Calgary in the winter is punishing on a good day, which is why I’m wondering why I’m here in Winnipeg in the winter shooting another project, but that’s a story for another day. But it’s, it’s difficult. You know, being on location is difficult. Being away from your family is difficult. It’s lonely. It’s it’s, it’s it’s hard. And if you’re playing a character that doesn’t necessarily represent joyful energy, then that makes it exponentially more difficult. So that was, that was a really, that was a really tricky one to play, but I thought it came out great. And, and, and that’s the wonder of acting, you know, is that you can have a really challenging time making something it can, and you can end up making something really great. So that’s what I’d also like to do. So I still love going to work. That’s really what it’s all about for me.

One last question for you is that, despite being in so many really great dramatic roles and hilarious roles, people are still shocked when you do something as funny as it is. And I think that there are times when you’ve been more humorous than dramatic, and then vice versa. Is there any interest in joining a series that is 100% comedy-focused? Is that something that intrigues you?

Jon Hamm: Sure, if it was the right, you know, group of people and the right kind of thing, I’ve recently done a movie that should probably come out at Sundance, that I think is a pretty, pretty hardcore comedy, but I had that experience working on 30 Rock. I had that experience working on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. You know, I’ve definitely had those experiences. Those are very fun, and it’s enjoyable to do goofy, silly things for a living for a while. 30 Rock remains. To this day, one of my favorite experiences I ever had. It’s because I got to come back and keep doing it and get more and more silly and ridiculous, to the point where by the end of it, I had two hooks for hand. So it’s, it’s a, it’s a, it’s a goof to be able to do that. It’s fully part of the arsenal and definitely a series of colors in our crayon box that we get to use for our art. So if the right opportunity presents itself, you know, I would, I would love to

The Morning Show is now airing its fourth season on Apple TV.

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I genuinely can’t think of a bigger departure from a big television show than Henry Cavill leaving The Witcher. To most, he was the highlight of the show and the one pushing to stay true to the source material. Now that he’s gone, and replaced by Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, there’s been one question: can the show survive? Seeing as how they already filmed the fifth and final season as well, I’d say yes, but the quality is going to be rough along the way. I really hated this new season but you can check out Alex Maidy’s much more positive review HERE.

I chatted with Liam Hemsworth, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra, Joey Batey, Laurence Fishburne and showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich about the fourth season of their Netflix show. We obviously get into what it was like to have Liam replace Cavill, and the approach they took with it. Everyone was very respectful and clearly a bit uncomfortable at the idea of approaching it in an overly honest way, which I’m sure we won’t get until well after the show has ended. Sign me up for when that drama unfolds. As is, these were fun chats about what fans can expect this season. Check it out in the embedded video above.

The Witcher Season 4:

After the Continent-altering events of Season Three, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge, and their goals sharpen, they stumble on unexpected allies eager to join their journeys. And if they can accept these found families, they just might have a chance at reuniting for good…

The Witcher: Season 4 Streams on Netflix On October 30th, 2025.

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When House of David premiered on Prime earlier this year, I’m not sure many of us were expecting a second season within the year. But that’s exactly what they were able to accomplish, with the second season wrapping up this November. I had no idea there was so much to David’s life, as I mostly knew him from the David and Goliath story, so it’s interesting to see everything he managed to do AFTER felling the giant.

I chatted with David himself, Michael Iskander as well as Oded Fehr (who plays Abner) about the show. One very noticeable element of this second season is the increase in action. I discuss that with both of the actors and why it was necessary for the story. And since it’s Oded, I had to ask him about The Mummy, which will always be a seminal part of my life. They both seem to really love this project (as well as filming in Greece) so check out the interview in the embedded video above!

House of David: Season 2 plot:

In Season 2 of “House of David,” Israel nears collapse as Saul’s reign falters. David rises from shepherd to warrior, caught between loyalty and destiny, while the Age of Iron transforms warfare. As families fracture, forbidden loves spark, and alliances shift, faith and power collide in a struggle that will decide Israel’s future.

House of David is Currently Streaming on Wonder Project on Prime Video.

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Apple TV+ has undoubtedly proven that budget can make a big difference. With each new series that debuts on the streaming platform, the stakes are higher and more tangible thanks to exceptional production values. When Jon Bokenkamp was deciding on his latest project after wrapping the NBC series The Blacklist, his idea for a wilderness-heavy action series could not have been realized as well as it is for a network. Filmed on location rather than on sets, The Last Frontier is an espionage thriller wrapped in an action extravaganza with Extraction director Sam Hargrave delivering some high-octane sequences.

The Last Frontier follows Frank Remnick, the lone U.S. Marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska. Remnick’s jurisdiction is turned upside down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. Tasked with protecting the town he’s vowed to keep safe, he begins to suspect the crash wasn’t an accident, but the first step of a well-crafted plan with far-reaching and devastating implications.

I talked with the cast and creator of The Last Frontier about their new series. First up, I spoke with star Jason Clarke, who discussed how much fun the series is, as well as shared fond memories of Chicago. Dominic Cooper talked about working with action director Sam Hargrave, while Haley Bennett reflected on this being her first television series.

Soon, additional interviews will be posted here, including series creator Jon Bokenkamp, who discussed whether the idea for the series originated from the Alaska setting or the complex characters. Simone Kessell compared the work on this project to her earliest credits on Hercules and Xena. Check out all the interviews in the embed above.

The Last Frontier is now streaming on Apple TV+. New episodes air Fridays. Read our review!

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Good news, everyone! Futurama is back, and it’s as pointed, timely, and relevant as ever! To help celebrate the show’s return, we spoke with voice cast members Billy West, Lauren Tom, and Phil Lamarr about the staying power of Matt Groening’s satirical take on the world of tomorrow.

During our discussion, Billy, Lauren, and Phil wax rhapsodic about the secret ingredient to keeping Futurama fresh, funny, and friendly for new audiences. What about Futurama keeps us laughing 13 seasons into its lifecycle? The trio has the answer! We also discuss the show’s absurdist approach to tackling contemporary issues and discover their favorite episodes of the season.

What about those long gaps between seasons? How does everyone remain on top of their game? We find out, plus we suss out which delicious snacks should survive generations into the future!

Futurama premiered in 1999, bringing satiric comedy center stage for a hilarious look at the world of tomorrow. It follows Phillip J. Fry (Billy West), a New York City pizza delivery boy, who accidentally freezes himself in 1999 and gets defrosted in the year 3000. In this astonishing New New York, he befriends hard-drinking robot Bender (John DiMaggio) and falls in love with cyclops Leela (Katey Sagal). The trio finds work at the Planet Express Delivery Company, founded by Fry’s doddering descendant, Professor Hubert Farnsworth. Together with accountant Hermes Conrad, assistant Amy Wong, and alien lobster Dr. John Zoidberg, they embark on thrilling adventures that take them to every corner of the universe.

Check out our full review of Futurama Season 13 here. We point out that the show still has a lot to say and teach us, and has surpassed The Simpsons concerning character development and stories you can learn from. Futurama Season 13 lampoons everything from society’s obsession with big personal tech to mob mentality, fake news, the heat death of the planet, and more!

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For multiple seasons, The Boys has been an eerie parallel to the real world, blending pitch black humor with a satirical twist that perfectly captures today’s tumultuous political climate. The first season of Gen V was a solid glimpse into the college world of The Boys universe and the training of the next generation of superheroes. Rather than being a soap opera with enhanced abilities, the series explored its own conspiracies while connecting to the flagship series. For season two, Gen V gets even better than the first time (read our review HERE).

The plot of Gen V’s second season follows as America adjusts to Homelander’s iron fist. Back at Godolkin University, the mysterious new Dean preaches a curriculum that promises to make students more powerful than ever. Cate and Sam are celebrated heroes, while Marie, Jordan, and Emma reluctantly return to college, burdened by months of trauma and loss. But parties and classes are hard to care about with war brewing between Humans and Supes, both on and off campus. The gang learns of a secret program that goes back to the founding of Godolkin University that may have larger implications than they realize. And, somehow, Marie is a part of it.

I talked with the season two cast about the return of Gen V after the tragic passing of co-star Chance Perdomo shortly after the second season was greenlit. The cast discussed missing their friend and how this season honors his legacy. Star Jaz Sinclair discussed how Marie Moreau evolves this season as she learns more about her role in the world of superheroes, while London Thor and Derek Luh talked about which scenes each of them saw the other play and wished they could have done themselves. Asa Germann spoke about what is different this season for Sam Riordan, while Maddie Phillips explores what Cate had to undergo this season after the violence of the first season. Lizze Broadway talked about why Emma is such a fun character and her favorite scene in which she got small. Sean Patrick Thomas talked about Polarity, dealing with the death of his son, Andre. At the same time, new cast member Hamish Linklater spoke about being the university’s new dean and whether Cipher is based on any real-life figures. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

Gen V season two is now streaming on Prime Video.

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As someone who doesn’t watch a lot of YA television, I was certainly trepidatious about diving into The Runarounds. The older I get, the less I can stomach these teen dramas. But fortunately, The Runarounds has the advantage of being about rock music, and not only that: it’s quite good music. From Jet to Franz Ferdinand, there are plenty of covers to satiate this millennial’s very millennial taste in music. And yet the original music is also really good. So i got to thinking: how on earth did they pull this off?

I spoke with the band themselves, as well as the girls around their orbit, about how this band came together. I was shocked to learn that they actually were put together, Frankenstein-style, during the audition process, with some members playing completely different instruments than where they would end up. They’re all extremely talented, and it was interesting to hear how they took to the songwriting process. Showrunner Jonas Pate told me how difficult it was to form the band, and how it was mostly the acting that scared him the most, since most hadn’t done any in their life, and were mostly just musicians. I’d say it worked out wonderfully for them, and I’m really rooting for this show as it’s exactly the kind of coming-of-age story that I always love.

The Runarounds plot:

The Runarounds follows a group of recent high school graduates from Wilmington, North Carolina, who come together the summer after graduation to form a rock band, united by their shared love of music and near-impossible dream of stardom. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, they throw themselves into the pursuit of their big break—falling in love, getting into trouble, and building the kind of bonds that feel like family along the way. With original music, romantic entanglements, and the raw highs and lows of coming-of-age, The Runarounds captures the rush of risking everything at the edge of adulthood to chase your dreams.

THE RUNAROUNDS IS STREAMING ON PRIME ON SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2025.

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Whether you are a fan of the original Ricky Gervais-led The Office or the American remake led by Steve Carell, John Krasinski, and Rainn Wilson, you know that the series represents a turning point in sitcom history. Leading to series like What We Do In The Shadows, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family, The Office revolutionized the faux documentary style that had been popular for years. Over a decade since going off the air, the creator of The Office is back with a successor series called The Paper.

The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch in the Emmy Award-winning series The Office finds a new subject when they discover a historic Midwestern newspaper and its publisher trying to revive it. The Paper follows Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) as he tries to revive the Toledo Truth-Teller with the help of a group of volunteer reporters through a unique town. Following the world of journalism and silly office politics, The Paper is just similar enough to The Office while forging its own path.

I chatted with the cast of The Paper about their new series and what separates it from its predecessor. Domhnall Gleeson talked about the challenge of playing a comedic role and whether he drew inspiration from Amy Poehler or Steve Carell in playing the boss. Chelsea Frei discussed picking up John Krasinski’s iconic looks towards the camera and whether she is prepared to become a meme. Melvin Gregg and Ramona Young talked about the dynamic shared between their characters and which castmates they look forward to more screen time with in the future. Comedians Gbemisola Ikumelo and Alex Edelman spoke about transitioning from stand-up to working on a sitcom as writers and actors. At the same time, The Office cast member Oscar Nunez shared what sets The Paper apart from his tenure on the Scranton-set series. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

The Paper drops all episodes of its first season on September 4th on Peacock.

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I was fortunate enough to speak with Emilia Harcourt herself, Jennifer Holland, and go over all the stuff that happened in Episode 3 of Peacemaker, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve.” So if you haven’t seen the episode, make sure to check that out, then come back here for some juicy tidbits about the behind the scenes. And you can be sure I had to slip in a little Man of Tomorrow talk in there as well. But watch out, because we’re getting into Peacemaker spoilers!

This episode revealed that Emilia Harcourt had actually had a romantic entanglement with Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flagg Jr. I asked Jennifer if she knew about the revelation before getting the episode script, and her answer was pretty surprising:

“Yes, I did. I actually knew since season 1,” Holland said. “James and I had discussed this, he knew this about Harcourt in Season 1, and that was everything that was behind how much she hated this guy and that she just had disdain dripping from her. It was really because she really, really had a reason to hate him. It wasn’t just because he was an asshole.” It certainly colors her interactions with Chris (John Cena) a bit differently in the first season.

Harcourt is definitely a badass in our universe, but the other universe that we’ve seen in the show has a softer side to people, including Harcourt. And with how much of a hardass she’s been this season, getting in fights with randos at bars, I asked what it was like to get to play a softer side to Emilia. “I loved it. I thought it was so interesting. I really wanted her to seem like the same. Genetically the same person, but you know, with a different upbringing, with a different set of circumstances. With different type of trauma. I mean, look, trauma to any person who goes through it is trauma, regardless of what someone might categorize as bad. Really worse trauma or whatever. But I think that Harcourt’s [from our dimension] been through some really rough stuff in her upbringing, and that’s what’s behind sort of who she has become as an adult. And Harcourt from the other dimension has not had that. You know, you can see she wears her heart on her sleeve. She talks too much. She tells you when she’s unhappy or she’s sad or whatever. She’s better at communicating her feelings. She’s just very thirsty.“

Harcourt isn’t the only alternate version in the episode, because we also get a look at a much less confident version of Kinnaman’s Rick Flag Jr. She gets into how much fun it was to see Joel play someone so against type:

“I was so excited to see Joel take this sort of version of his character on because Joel’s never played a character like this before. I don’t think ever in his career has he ever had the opportunity to play this sort of weak, not confident, comedic character that he plays, and he’s got, like, physical comedy that he’s doing, and he just kills it. Man, he’s so good. I love him. There’s this line when he sits down, he runs over the trash can and he sits down at the desk and he’s talking to the guy that was sitting at the desk. And he says something like ‘I told you not to put the trash cans around the corner. Like, that’s a big problem. And a big problem.’ And it was totally just, Joel just improv’d that. It was so funny.“

Holland has also been participating in the Peacemaker podcast with Gunn and her co-star Steve Agee. It’s a great source for behind-the-scenes info and is damn near as funny as the show itself. And with Gunn’s crazy busy schedule, I asked her how the podcast came about: “You know, James just loves the show. James is a huge fan of the show. And so he, you know, he was just like, what if you, Steve and I–you know we lived at the time in Los Angeles and we could just easily get together and it wasn’t going to cost very much money for them to put this this thing together. And we just thought it would be fun to get to talk about sort of the behind-the-scenes of filming and little tidbits that people don’t get to hear about. We thought there’s a strong fan base for these characters and for this show. And we think that there are some people out there who like it as much as we do. So let’s just go, you know, talk about this thing. And it was really just James just wanted to. He loves the show.“

And while I knew I wouldn’t be able to get any information about the recently announced Man of Tomorrow, I did ask how exciting it’s been to see James’ vision for the DCU have such success after so much uncertainty. “It’s been just such a relief. I think that if people could see…be up like a fly on the wall, they would just see a guy who, he’s a fan. He’s a fan at heart. Like, that’s what he is. And he wants to do justice to all the fans out there, and he knows he can’t make everybody happy. But he wants to do his damnedest to. To do justice to these characters and these stories that he’s lived with since he was a kid. You know, he’s been reading comics since he was a kid and he talks all the time about the first time he he got comic books and how excited he was, and so it’s just an enormous relief to see that he can breathe a little bit and he’s able to to to see this plan that he has for the DC universe through because people are. People like it.“

New episodes of Peacemaker premiere on HBO Max every Thursday at 9 pm EST.

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The 2022 Prime Video series The Terminal List became a massive hit for the streaming platform. Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by veteran Jack Carr and created by David DiGilio, The Terminal List followed Navy SEAL James Reece as he sought revenge for the death of his wife and daughter. Uncovering a massive conspiracy, the series was quickly renewed for a second season, and a prequel series, Dark Wolf, focused on Reece’s friend Ben Edwards, who died at the end of the first season. Dark Wolf takes the story back and gives us an origin for Edwards and how his journey led to the events of The Terminal List.

Set years before The Terminal List, Dark Wolf follows Chief Special Warfare Operator Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) and his colleague Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper) as they leave active service and join a special CIA squad led by Jed Haverford (Robert Wisdom). Teamed with Mossad operator Tal Varon (Shiraz Tzarfati), Iraqi Special Operations Forces officer Mohammed Farooq (Dar Salim), and CIA contractor Jules Ladry (Luke Hemsworth), Edwards and Hastings embark on a new type of mission that harnesses their skills unlike ever before.

I got to talk with the cast and creators of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf about the new series. Luke Hemsworth spoke about the fun in playing a smartass character, while Tom Hopper reflected on donning a tuxedo and if it felt like being James Bond. Taylor Kitsch and Chris Pratt discussed flipping between primary and supporting characters in Dark Wolf compared to their roles in The Terminal List. Check out the full interviews in the embed above and more are coming later this week!

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf premieres on August 27th on Prime Video.

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Alex Maidy: Hey, James, I gotta ask you: did you feel the burden of history on your shoulders in delivering the first comic book orgy scene, and was it as challenging as doing special effects shots on Superman?

The answer to the second question is, fuck no. The answer to the first question is, I didn’t know it was the first orgy scene until now. So, you know, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Rainn Wilson interviewed me for Interview magazine the other day, and he asked, “How in the world did HBO let you do this orgy scene?” And I’m like, I don’t know, HBO always has nudity. What’s the big deal? So I didn’t think it was a big deal. It wasn’t challenging, because, you know, people poopoo intimacy coordinators. Still, I find them to be the most wonderful addition to this industry in the past 20 years by far, and having an outstanding intimacy coordinator on set who was able to deal with people respectfully and allow us to shoot it in the most balls-out, no pun intended, way was helpful. And it made it an interesting couple of days on set. But those performers were all awesome, and I really appreciate their willingness to do that. And I think it works well for Christopher Smith’s journey. So it is. It all comes from an emotional place.

Peacemaker‘s second season takes a distinct approach to tackling the concept of alternate dimensions and timelines while incorporating the HBO Max series into the new DCU. I loved the season even more than the first, and you can check out my full review here. Peacemaker certainly sets up an interesting new bar for the DCU, and I am excited to see what comes next. Check out the rest of the interviews I did with the cast:

New episodes of the second season of Peacemaker debut on Thursdays on HBO Max. Read my review!

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The true crime spectacle surrounding the trial, incarceration, and exoneration of Amanda Knox has been tabloid news since 2007. When the crime occurred in Italy, Amanda Knox was only a naive American college student accused of murdering her roommate. In the three decades since, Knox has seen the inside of prison and freedom, but never had her name fully cleared in association with the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. Despite countless books, documentaries, and news coverage, the whole story of Knox’s ordeal has never been seen on screen until now.

Created by KJ Steinberg and produced by Amanda Knox as well as Monica Lewinsky, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is an eight-episode drama airing on Hulu that tells the full story of what happened in Italy in 2007 from the perspective of those involved. With new insights into her own experience, Amanda Knox’s tale now gets a wider lens to allow audiences a deeper dive to understand better how she was falsely accused and what followed through as recently as the last couple of years.

I spoke with the cast and crew of The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox to understand this new take on the infamous true crime story. Producer Warren Littlefield talked about why he felt this was the right take on the story. In contrast, creator KJ Steinberg talked about her desire to inject a wider perspective into the overall story and the quirkiness of who Amanda really is. John Hoogenakker talked about playing Amanda’s father and how he prepared to play the role of a parent stuck in such a traumatic situation. Giuseppe De Domenico spoke about the emotional toll of playing Knox’s boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. At the same time, Grace Van Patten discussed how she connected with the real Amanda Knox to inform her performance. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is now streaming on Hulu. Check out our review!

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The first season of Peacemaker was a fun and unexpected addition to the DCEU right as the cinematic universe ended. Fast-forward a couple of years, and Peacemaker creator James Gunn is now co-leading DC Studios and has released the first chapters in the series, Creature Commandos and Superman. In comes the second season of Peacemaker, which is somehow in the DCU as well as the DCEU. Either way, it is a fantastic new season of mature madness!

The second season of Peacemaker follows Christopher Smith (John Cena) as he struggles to find his place in the world as a hero, with all the baggage left over from his actions that have led to this point. When he discovers a way into another dimension where Peacemaker is living a far better life, he takes a trip only to create massive ripples that affect his friends and foes. With Rick Flag Sr (Frank Grillo) after him, Peacemaker must decide whether to live in our world or head to another one.

I spoke with James Gunn and the cast of Peacemaker about the new season. Gunn talked about delivering a mature sex scene in the first episode that may be a new benchmark in the superhero genre. Sol Rodriguez talked about playing Sasha Bordeux and how she studied the comics for her role. Steve Agee spoke about the challenge of keeping a straight face opposite Tim Meadows. David Denman talked about his reunion working with James Gunn and the differences between this role and Brightburn. Frank Grillo spoke about the new aspects this series added to Rick Flag Sr, while Jennifer Holland spoke about her intense fight scenes and making them believable. Danielle Brooks and Freddie Stroma talked about playing Peacemaker’s friends and what they liked about their roles this season. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

Peacemaker season two premieres on August 21st on HBO Max.

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The road to bringing the story of the history of the unification of the Kingdom of Hawaii has had a long journey. Both Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa have been associated with adapting the sprawling history of the Polynesian tribes before they were colonized. Chief of War takes a deep dive into the final years of the disparate islands ruled by warring factions and how they came together under the leadership of a single ruler to become a unified nation. It is a fascinating tale delivered using authentic language, weapons, and costumes that follow in the historical record of the Hawaiian people.

Chief of War follows Ka’iana (Jason Momoa), an exiled chief who lives abroad with European sailors to garner weapons to return to his homeland to defend his people from the rampage of Kahekili (Temuera Morrison), a tribal chief who seeks to control all of the Hawaiian islands. Aligning with Kamehameha (Kaina Makua), Ka’iana befriends the new king’s wife, Ka’ahumanu (Luciane Buchanan), and tries to convince the young ruler to join the fight against Kahekili to save their tribes. What follows is an epic, nine-episode masterpiece that chronicles how Hawaii became a single nation (read our rave review HERE).

I talked with the creators and stars of Chief of War about the new series. Te Ao o Hinepehinga talked about playing Ka’iana’s wife, Kupuohi, and what it was like being a part of a love triangle. Luciane Buchanan spoke about the unique place female characters held in this story and how she related to such a strong and empowered historical figure. Kaina Makua talked about the honor of portraying King Kamehameha and how he aligned with the message that the famed Hawaiian leader shared with his people. Moses Goods talked about playing Moku and how vital it was to deliver this series with historical accuracy. Co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett spoke about writing the series alongside his friend, Jason Momoa. At the same time, Momoa talked about the challenges of being a star, writer, producer, and director on this passion project. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

Chief of War is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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When the TV series based on the popular video game franchise Twisted Metal made its premiere on the Peacock streaming service back in July of 2023, it quickly became one of Peacock’s top five original series, racking up 400 million viewing minutes in its first weekend and earning the honor of being the streamer’s “most-binged” premiere. Season 2 of the show premiered on July 31st – and to mark the occasion, JoBlo’s own Jay Saint G, one of our many gaming nerds, had the chance to sit down for interviews with the show’s stars, including Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Samoa Joe, and Mike Mitchell. To find out what they had to say about their characters and the new season, check out the video embedded above!

Three episodes of Twisted Metal season 2 dropped on July 31st and will be followed by new episodes every Thursday through August 28th.

Based on an original take by Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, this adaptation of the Twisted Metal franchise centers on a motor-mouthed outsider who is offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With the help of a trigger-happy car thief, he’ll face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road, including a deranged clown who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck.

Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Brave New World) stars in the series as John Doe, “a smart-ass milkman who talks as fast as he drives. With no memory of his past, John gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make his wish of finding community come true, but only if he can survive an onslaught of savage vehicular combat.” Neve Campbell (Scream) plays a character named Raven, Thomas Haden Church (Wings) is Agent Stone, “a cold and unyielding post-apocalyptic highway patrolman who rules the roads with a silver tongue and a twisted iron fist, prosecuting even the smallest crimes with the harshest of judgements. Agent Stone will stop at nothing to bring law and order back to the Divided States of America, and will kill anyone in his path who defies his power”; and Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) is Quiet, “a ferocious, badass car thief who acts purely on instinct – you couldn’t stop her any more than a manhole could stop a volcano. Coming from a community that oppressed her into silence, Quiet’s wish is to find her place in this dark, chaotic world. But when she becomes clouded by her need for revenge, Quiet forms an unlikely, antagonistic bond with John Doe”.

Also in the cast are Mike Mitchell (The Tomorrow War) and Tahj Vaughans (P-Valley) as buddies Stu and Mike, “the Rosencrantz & Guildenstern of this world, and together often find themselves to be more followers than fighters”; Lou Beatty Jr. (A Million Little Things) as Tommy, “a grizzled and weathered cartographer who knows the dangers of the Wild Midwest”; and Richard Cabral (Mayans M.C.) as Quiet’s overprotective brother Loud. AEW wrestler Joe Seanoa, a.k.a Samoa Joe, plays iconic video game character Sweet Tooth, with Will Arnett (Arrested Development) providing the character’s voice.

another new addition to the cast for Twisted Metal season 2 is Anthony Carrigan of the HBO series Barry, who will be playing the video game character Calypso. Calypso is “the mysterious, charismatic host and creator of a dangerous demolition derby tournament, who invites all assassins, vigilantes, mercenaries and joyriders to participate. To the winner, he offers the prize of making their greatest wish come true, but with Calypso there’s always a twist.“

Michael Jonathan Smith (who was a writer on Cobra Kai) is the Twisted Metal showrunner. Mackie, Smith, Arnett, Reese, and Wernick executive produce the Twisted Metal series alongside director Kitao Sakurai and Marc Forman of Electric Avenue, Jason Spire of Inspire Entertainment, Peter Principato of Artists First, Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions, and Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios. The series is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television, Playstation Productions, and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Here’s the info on season 2: Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface. And a note from Smith: The stakes couldn’t be higher as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) risk their lives to compete in a dangerous demolition derby tournament. The prize? A single wish, their greatest hearts desire, granted. The only problem is sixteen other drivers have wishes of their own. Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz lead a stellar cast, including Will Arnett & Joe Seanoa (aka Samoa Joe) as fan favorite Sweet Tooth, and Anthony Carrigan as the iconic tournament host Calypso, in a fast-paced, hysterical, thrilling season with unforgettable characters. It’s too bad not all of them will survive.

Are you a fan of Twisted Metal? Watch our season 2 interviews, then let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been the series that fans of the original William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy classic have been waiting to see for years. While Gene Roddenberry’s franchise has been popular in multiple additions, including The Next Generation and Discovery, Strange New Worlds is the first since the classic Trek that approaches the franchise with the same energy and blend of humor with drama that we saw back in the 1960s. The third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (read our review HERE) debuted last week and is already bringing fans back to the fun of being aboard the starship Enterprise.

In the first episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, we get the cliffhanger continuation from the second season finale. Showing the Enterprise crew facing off with the Gorn, Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and his loyal crew help save the galaxy again. In the second episode, Spock (Ethan Peck) gets involved with an inter-dimensional being who may be very familiar to franchise fans. With eight more great episodes this season, fans are in store for a lot of fun.

I talked about the new season with two stars of Star Trek: Discovery. Rebecca Romijn, who plays Una Chin-Riley, the first officer of the Enterprise, spoke about the fun this season and how important it was for her to embody the legacy of Majel Barrett’s original appearance as Number One in the first Star Trek pilot. Christina Chong talked about what we learned about La’An’s past this season and what it was like getting involved in a romantic relationship. Check out the full interview in the embed above.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premieres new episodes on Thursdays on Paramount+.

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Stephen King releases so many books that it can sometimes be tough to keep up if you’re not an avid reader. I tend to wait until I see the stories via Movies or Television, and then dive into them further with the book itself. I know, I’m weird, but it’s worked for me so far. The Institute always seemed like an intriguing prospect because it essentially sounded like King’s take on superhero children. Sure, there isn’t any shape-shifting or flying, but telekinesis and telepathy are intriguing powers, and I love that they essentially extend from the shining ability that we’ve seen in both The Shining and Doctor Sleep. In some alternate reality, young Danny Torrance could have ended up in a place like the Institute. And like any good Stephen King story, it’s not exactly what it appears on the surface. You can check out our TV critic, Alex Maidy’s review of the series HERE.

As a big Weeds fan, I had a blast talking to Mary Louise Parker about her role as villainous Ms. Sigsby, the head of the Institute. We get into how she was able to find some humanity in such a dark character. We also got into how she’s always manages to have such banger theme songs for the TV shows she’s involved in. For those unaware, The Institute features a killer cover of Tears for Fears “Shout”, performed by The Lumineeers. Then Ben Barnes and up-and-comer Joe Freeman talk about their time on the series. Freeman gets into the pressure of leading his own series, and Barnes discusses the annoyance of finding out that Stephen King made up the profession of a “Night Knocker.” It’s a really fun interview that you can check out in the embedded video above!

The Institute plot:

The story of teen genius Luke Ellis who is kidnapped and awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won’t last, as his story and Luke’s are destined to collide.

The Institute premieres on July 13th on MGM+.

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I still contend that Season 4 of Dexter is one of the greatest season’s in all of television. His dynamic with John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer is fascinating, and it ends in one of the greatest gut punches in television history. But I, like many people, fell off of Dexter over the years (and was absolutely shocked to hear about all the hurricane stuff in its final season). But I’m happy to say that the newest sequel series, Dexter: Resurrection, genuinely feels like a continuation of the series, particularly those first four seasons. You can read our TV Critic, Alex Maidy’s review HERE.

I was fortunate enough to speak to Michael C. Hall about the newest season and it was an absolute joy. Now, episode 1 is already out, so we definitely get into some light spoilers, but nothing too severe (especially if you’ve been paying attention to casting announcements). Hall gets into why so many actors love playing serial killers and what an honor it was to have so many elite thespians join the production. We also get into what a joy it was to bring back so many familiar faces. This talk was an absolute blast, as you can tell Hall’s dedication to both the character and the fans that helped to make the show what it was. As someone who only saw the first four episodes, I genuinely cannot wait to see where this season goes. Check out the embedded interview above for more insight into the season.

Dexter: Resurrection plot:

Takes place weeks after Dexter Morgan takes a bullet to the chest from his own son, as he awakens from a coma to find Harrison gone without a trace. Realizing the weight of what he put his son through, Dexter sets out for New York City, determined to find him and make things right. But closure won’t come easy. When Miami Metro’s Angel Batista arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast. As father and son navigate their own darkness in the city that never sleeps, they soon find themselves deeper than they ever imagined – and that the only way out is together.

Dexter: Resurrection will premiere with two episodes on July 11th on Paramount+ with Showtime.

The post We Spoke To Michael C. Hall About All Things Dexter: Resurrection appeared first on JoBlo.

Mockingly referred to as “your dad’s favorite show”, Bosch was a long-running hit for Prime Video followed by the sequel series Bosch: Legacy, which ran for three seasons. Bosch: Legacy recently ended its run and included Maggie Q in the finale as the title character in her own series, Ballard. Based on the novels by Michael Connelly, Ballard brings a new perspective to the shared universe inhabited by Harry Bosch but with a new point of view

Ballard follows Detective Renée Ballard (Q) as she leads the LAPD’s new and underfunded cold case division, tackling the city’s most challenging long-forgotten crimes with empathy and relentless determination. As she peels back layers of crimes spanning decades, including a serial killer’s string of murders and a murdered John Doe, she soon uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within the LAPD. With the help of her volunteer team and retired detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), Detective Ballard navigates personal trauma, professional challenges, and life-threatening dangers to expose the truth. 

I chatted with three of Ballard‘s stars about the procedural. John Carroll Lynch talked about his character and how unique he is compared to other law enforcement roles he has played in the past. Courtney Taylor talked about joining the world of Bosch and what it was like working alongside Maggie Q. Maggie Q spoke about what playing Ballard is like compared to her prior roles and how she feels about carrying on the legacy of the Bosch universe in her series. Check out the full interview in the embed above.

Ballard premieres on July 7th on Prime Video.

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Warning: the following interviews contain minor spoilers for the first episodes of Smoke. If you have not seen the first two episodes, please proceed with caution.

Dennis Lehane and Taron Egerton delivered an award-winning and critically acclaimed true crime series for Apple TV+ called Black Bird a couple of years ago, and the duo have reteamed for this new series. Smoke is an original creation inspired by a true crime podcast, but tells a disturbing tale about law enforcement teaming with an arson investigator to catch a pair of arsonists in the Pacific Northwest. A chilling and engaging series, Smoke will keep audiences glued for nine consecutive episodes.

When he is partnered with Detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett), Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton), a former firefighter who works as an arson investigator, with two serial arsonists on the loose with very distinct methodologies, the two investigators bring their background experience with fire to try to stop the criminals from claiming more lives. As they look into the suspects, the tension rises as more fires are found around the city, along with escalating tensions in their personal lives.

I spoke with the cast and creator of Smoke about their new series and what fans can expect. Author and showrunner Dennis Lehane discussed the difference between fictionalizing this series and making it an accurate crime adaptation. Anna Chlumsky talked about coming into the series at the halfway mark and how she aligned with the ensemble. At the same time, John Leguizamo addressed playing a different version of the same story he had starred in two decades prior. Co-star Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine discussed playing the pathology of Freddy Fasano, an arson suspect, and the physical transformation he went through for the part. Jurnee Smollett talked about her layered approach to playing Michelle Calderone and the character’s physical effort. Taron Egerton talked about the nuance in the accent he brought to Dave and what it was like to reunite with Dennis Lehane. Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

Smoke premieres on June 27th on Apple TV+.

The post Interviews: Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett and more discuss the Apple TV+ series Smoke appeared first on JoBlo.

Today, we see the release of Squid Game Season 3 (check out Alex Maidy’s review HERE). As a massive fan of Battle Royale, I’ve always taken to Squid Game and found S3 to be a fitting conclusion. The concept is riveting, and it’s able to dissect the human condition in such an interesting way. Plus, it gave us Gi-Hun, who is one of the best fictional characters of the modern era. While it seems unlikely that this will be the actual finale (with David Fincher making an American version and there already being rumblings of spinoffs) this was a great sunset to the story of these characters.

I was fortunate enough to sit down with the cast of Season 3 in the most unique interview I’ve ever been a part of. First, there was Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, and Lee Byung-hun as they discuss some of the easiest/most difficult moments of the show. Next, Jo Yuri and Yim Se-Wan get into who may have had the most difficult time at the games EVER as a player. Finally, Park Sung-hoon and Kang Ae-sim discuss which Children’s game they think they’d have the greatest chance at completing. These were some great talks, and this may just be the nicest cast I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking to. A true honor.

Check out the Interview above! And don’t forget to check out the new season streaming on Netflix now!

Squid Game 3 plot: A failed rebellion, the death of a friend, and a secret betrayal. Picking up in the aftermath of Season 2’s bloody cliffhanger, the third and final season of Netflix’s most popular series finds Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, at his lowest point yet. But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust
into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve. With each round, their choices lead to increasingly grave consequences. Meanwhile, In-ho resumes his role as Front Man to welcome the mysterious VIPs, and his brother Jun-ho continues his search for the elusive island, unaware there’s a traitor in their
midst. Will Gi-hun make the right decisions, or will Front Man finally break his spirit?

The post Squid Game 3 Interviews: Getting Into The Finale Of This Epic Series appeared first on JoBlo.

Before the streaming era, if you wanted a popcorn movie, you saw it on the big screen. With television series getting budgets rivaling some theatrical films, you do not need to leave your couch to check out gunfights, car chases, and explosions galore. Premiering on Prime Video, the new series Countdown brings the formula of police procedurals mixed with action to your screens with a massive three-episode premiere. Think of The A-Team meets 24, and you have a good idea of what is in store.

Countdown follows a task force of experts from various agencies, including the Los Angeles Police and the DEA. Under the leadership of Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane), the task force must take down a threat of a hidden conspiracy that could spell disaster for Los Angeles and the entire country. The team includes LAPD officers Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) and Lucas Finau (Uli Latukefu), DEA agent Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), as well as experts Keyonte Bell (Elliot Knight) and Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane). Over thirteen chapters, Countdown unfolds a non-stop roller coaster that will keep you glued week after week.

I chatted with the cast of Countdown about their news series. Eric Dane spoke about playing the task force leader and the fun of getting into the field. Jensen Ackles compared the experience with this series to his work on The Boys and Supernatural. Violett Beane and Jessica Camacho talked about the fun they had on set and being a part of a cast where everyone could be the lead. Plus, more coming from the creator and more in a few days! Check out the full interviews in the embed above.

Countdown premieres with three episodes on June 25th on Prime Video. Check out our review HERE!

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