Written by John Edward Betancourt There was a time, where television networks really didn’t speak upon social issues. Simply because T.V. really was a bastion for entertainment and nothing more, and if by chance something special needed to be examined since the world was abuzz about it, it would be relegated to ‘A Very Special Episode’. Wherein the topic could be addressed, and people could discuss it at home and the network could move on and get back to entertaining, and even that… took some doing. Since prime time T.V. of that era, was filmed so far ahead that reactionary storytelling wasn’t easy. So, it had to be something that was on everyone’s minds for months on end, so it felt timely when it hit the airwaves. But as audiences have grown savvier and demand more from networks, that has changed, and so many now address important issues on a regular basis to really keep the conversation going or to get it started. Not to mention, taking the time to examine timely issues has helped programming gurus at networks to carefully curate lineups that can do more for audiences. Such as help them learn about topics and experiences in the world they aren’t familiar with or to celebrate aspects of our world that haven’t been celebrated before. Which is why the June 2023 programming lineup for Showtime® is of note. Because it accomplishes all of things, in part by celebrating Pride Month, through programming that explores the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, while also raising awareness and offering learning regarding Juneteenth, all while entertaining us as well. Meaning that Showtime’s June programming lineup has something for everyone, but more importantly… it gives us more than just fluff. It gives us plenty to think about and plenty to learn and without further ado, here is that lineup for you to peruse, courtesy of Showtime. ‘This June SHOWTIME prepares a diverse lineup of series, documentaries and theatrical films starting with the premiere of S.O.G. THE BOOK OF WARD on Friday, June 2. Chronicling the rise of the guarded boxing champion, Andre Ward, from a turbulent childhood to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the documentary reveals untold aspects of Ward’s story in a deeply personal account of the pressures of world championship expectations. The Friday after on June 9, limited series GHOSTS OF BEIRUT concludes its four-episode run. The espionage-infused show details the emergence of Imad Mughniyeh (also known as “The Ghost”) from Shiite slums to, at the time, the world’s most dangerous terrorist. Based on extensive research and recently unsealed intel, the last episode of GHOSTS OF BEIRUT reaches a climax that shows the fate of Mughniyeh. Ahead of Juneteenth, SHOWTIME will present Loudmouth, a documentary about the life and work of civil rights veteran, Reverend Al Sharpton, which premiered on BET earlier this year. Produced by John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. and directed by Josh Alexander, the film also features commentary from President Barack Obama, James Brown, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Senator Chuck Schumer. In addition to the above, SHOWTIME hosts the streaming premiere of A24’s The Inspection. Coinciding with PRIDE Month, the film follows a young, gay black man who is rejected by his mother and joins the marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside. Lauded for its powerful performance by Jeremey Pope and Gabrielle Union, The Inspection premieres on SHOWTIME June 1. SHOWTIME subscribers who wish for more PRIDE-filled content can also access the now year-round available Queer to Stay collection, which features iconic LGBTQ+ films including Ema, Fire Island and Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls. Subscribers can also celebrate Juneteenth by checking out the Black Stories Matter collection featuring films like Coach Carter, Harlem Nights and Girlhood.’ SERIES, SPECIALS AND DOCUMENTARIES S.O.G.: THE BOOK OF WARD Documentary Premiere: Friday, June 2 S.O.G.: THE BOOK OF WARD chronicles the improbable rise of one of boxing’s most guarded champions, Andre Ward. The undefeated, five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist reveals his untold story in a deeply personal account of his journey from a turbulent childhood in Oakland, Calif. through the pressures of world championship expectations and ultimately to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. LOUDMOUTH SHOWTIME Network Premiere: Friday, June 16 Directed by Josh Alexander, Loudmouth is definitive look at the life and battles of the pastoral prodigy turned elder media statesman, the Reverend Al Sharpton. Featuring commentary from President Barack Obama, James Brown, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Senator Chuck Schumer, the documentary paints an intimate portrait of a tireless warrior who has never ducked a fight in his mission to transform the status quo. GHOSTS OF BEIRUT Limited Series Finale: Friday, June 9 GHOSTS OF BEIRUT reveals the origins of 21-year-old Imad Mughniyeh (also known as “The Ghost”) who emerged from obscurity and was responsible for more American deaths than any other individual prior to 9/11. Told from the American, Israeli and Lebanese perspectives, the series traces Mughniyeh’s origins from the Shiite slums of South Beirut to his masterminding of the concept of suicide bombers, a deadly tactic that led to his swift rise as the world’s most dangerous terrorist. Based on extensive research of still-classified events, the drama spans decades and weaves in first-hand, real-life interviews with prominent officials from the CIA and Mossad, connecting the turmoil of 1980s Beirut with the spy games of the modern Middle East. NEW MOVIESAvailable June 1 54 1917 A Might Heart An Unfinished Life Bounce City of God Close Days of Heaven Dazed and Confused Double Jeopardy Drunk Wedding Emma Face/Off Fire Island Frida Friday the 13th Friday the 13th Part II Friday the 13th Part III Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan Full Metal Jacket Going Ape! Guinevere In Too Deep Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday Jason X Leaving Las Vegas Let It Ride Major League Misery Muriel’s Wedding My Girl Nana’s Boys Punch Road to Perdition Rounders Saturday Night Fever Serpico Set It Off Shutter Island Stonewall Street Smart Super 8 The Big Lebowski The Civil Dead The Good Boss The Inspection The King of Comedy The Longest Yard The Lovely Bones The Man in the Iron Mask The Peacemaker The Stepford Wives The Two Jakes The Warriors Up in the Air View from the Top Waling Tall Witness Young Adult Available June 2 S.O.G.: The Book of Ward The Odd Couple Available June 6 You’re Killing Me Available June 15 Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders Available June 16 Loudmouth Available June 25 The Forger STREAMING COLLECTIONSQueer to Stay: 54, Beyond the Opposite of Sex, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Close, Club Cumming Presents a Queer Comedy Extravaganza!, Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt), Ema, Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls, Everything Everywhere All At Once, F^¢K '€M R!GHT B@¢K, Fire Island, Gods and Monsters, Juniper, Matt Rogers: Have You Heard of Christmas?, Moon Manor, My Tender Matador, Nana’s Boys, Pimp, Pride, Punch, Signature Move, Summer of 85, The Carnivores. The Dilemma of Desire, The Inspection, The Novice, The Retreat, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Through the Glass Darkly, The Watermelon Woman, XY Chelsea
Black Stories Matter: 16 Shots, Attica, Basketball County: In The Water, Blue Collar, Breaking, Burn Motherf*cker, Burn!, Coach Carter, F^¢K '€M R!GHT B@¢K, Girlhood, Harlem Nights, Hitsville: The Making Of Motown, Hoops U, Kevin Garnett: Anything Is Possible, Kobe Bryant’s Muse, Loudmouth, Mary lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band, Muhammad Ali, The Greatest. Of All Time., One & Done/Ben Simmons, Paid In Full, Pariah: The Lives And Deaths Of Sonny Liston, Passion Play: Russell Westbrook, Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliche, Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story, Running For His Life: The Lawrence Phillips Story, S.O.G.: The Book Of Ward, This Ain’t Normal, The Evers, The Inspection, The Last Tree, The One & Only Dick Gregory, The Resurgence: Demarcus Cousins, The Watermelon Woman, Whitney: “Can I Be Me”, You’re Watching Video Music Box
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