It is definitely safe to say that when we settle in to enjoy a nature documentary or a show about nature in general, we expect certain elements to be put on display. For instance, we expect there to be education involved since that is a core tenet of the genre. Plus, we expect there to be epic visuals and powerful moments, and of course… amazing narration from a familiar voice that will walk us through our journey. Because that’s just what stories about nature have come to provide and that’s just that, really. Which is why today’s announcement from Peacock is of note. Simply because Peacock let it be known that this summer, that the network wants to try something new with a nature show/documentary. In fact, it basically wants to see… if one can make a show about mother nature, that flips that script and instead is hilarious and loads of fun and well… a show in that vein is on its way.
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Because July 11 will see the release of The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge. The first, nature themed reality competition show where big ol’ Alaskan Brown Bears will duke it out to see who eats the most before retiring for the winter. Which happens in nature every single year, yes, but this go round… it’s a tad bit spicier. Since this will be souped up to make it feel akin to the gameshows we watch at home, complete with the most epic host ever. Since Rhys Darby will be narrating and commentating on what plays out. Which is freakin’ awesome and has garnered this writer’s attention and since you’re curious as well, here are all the details on this creative new show and a trailer to boot, as we count down the days to this lovely new twist on a tried-and-true genre.

-Premiering July 11 on Peacock, The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge is a playful competition spin on the bears of Alaska’s Katmai National Park as they gear up for winter hibernation. Audiences will get a glimpse into the bears using brains and brawn to consume three million calories and gain up to 200 pounds in over 150 days.
 
-Rhys Darby (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Our Flag Means Death, Trolls, Flight of the Conchords) will narrate and provide color commentary. 

The Hungry Games: Alaska’s Big Bear Challenge puts a playful competition spin on the bears of Alaska’s Katmai National Park as they bulk up for winter hibernation. Over 150 days, the bears battle the elements – and each other – using brains and brawn to consume three million calories and gain up to 200 pounds in Nature’s real-life survival show. Unbeknownst to the bears, their progress is being tracked and ranked for a television audience with narration that combines fascinating facts about bear behavior with clever color commentary. 

ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY:
Premiere: Tuesday, July 11, 2024 
Narrator: Rhys Darby  
Executive Producers: Alison Barrat, James Manfull, Ari Mark, Phil Lott, David Brown  
Production: Produced for Peacock and Love Nature by Ample Entertainment
Format: Competition Series, 3 x 60 mins 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Every parent out there makes a vow when their child is born, or when a child enters their family through adoption. In that, they will tell no lies. They will be honest and up front with their kids because that’s how one should communicate. So that their kids learn to be honest as well and never once feel as though they’re not seeing the bigger picture. Which is a noble vow for certain, one that speaks to the beautiful moral core of the parent in question, and it is a vow… that every single parent will eventually break. Sometimes out of anger and frustration and the wrong reasons… and sometimes… for noble ones. To protect their little one from a pain that they cannot comprehend until they are the right age.

If anything, that unfortunate lesson about parenting is top of mind today, simply because Nikki had to learn it in the next episode of Trying. But before we dive into how that came to be in ‘White Lies’, we do need to take a moment and reflect upon the wondrous dad moment that Jason took part in in this tale, since it livened up a serious story and reminded us of what parents can do when they apply themselves in a positive manner. Because Princess let all her schoolwork go the wayside in the midst of the search for Kat, so to support her, Jason called in all of the family. To work on her assignments and help her in school. Which went… okay until Karen stepped in… then it went great. But it was just lovely to see a dad step in and support over punish and belittle and it really did break up… a pivotal and powerful story.

Because in the land of Spain, Nikki made her way to the address that Kat left with the florist and at first, that appeared to be a dead end. Because that address was nothing more than a restaurant, so there was no way that someone was living there. But it turned out that Kat worked there and with Kat in Nikki’s sights, she went for it and told all kinds of lies to get into Kat’s good graces. All because… she wanted the answers everyone sought back home, and for a time, this plan worked. But alas, a quick discovery in Nikki’s bag, specifically the picture of Kat she was carrying to identify her, made the entire interaction less pleasant and allowed for truth to come forth from Nikki about her intentions, and she was able to learn a great deal about Kat by dropping the façade and telling the truth.

In that, bad person was the only phrase to associate with Kat. For Nikki came to learn she was only concerned with herself and nothing more, and there was nothing in this life that would ever convince her to be a better person and to perhaps pay her daughter mind. In fact, the rotten in her core was so bad, she just left. Which in turn left Nikki facing down the lesson. Because she had a choice in hand, either tell Princess the truth about her mother, or lie. Lie and protect Princess so that she could just move forward. And so… Nikki chose the latter, after she told Jason the truth and confirmed with him, the pain the truth would cause. So, as far as Princess was aware, Kat was never there and there were no clues left to find her, seemingly closing the book on the search for a deadbeat mom.

Which made for a powerful ending to this tale. One that really did offer up amazing life lessons for parents. Because while some may lament what Nikki did, she did the right thing. Because for parents, it isn’t always possible to tell the truth, and a lie must be put in place to protect a young mind and undeveloped emotions… that just won’t understand. The trick… is whether or not the truth comes out, and if it does, there’s real complications in figuring out the right time to do so. But this episode deserves a round of applause for taking the time to showcase, this tough moment and this tough decision. One that let parents know they’re not alone in breaking a powerful vow that can never be kept. Until next time.

If there is one particular perspective, we all share in when it comes to history, it would have to be… what’s done is done, and it makes sense as to why we all hold to that. For we cannot go back and change the past, we can only learn from it and move forward and yet… despite knowing this… we often ponder upon what would happen if the past was different. Sometimes we think big and wonder what might have been if history’s worst monsters never rose to power and the good ones didn’t die along the way. Or we simply think upon our own lives and our own mistakes and wonder what could have been if we asked that person out or said the right thing in that one particular moment that haunts us. 
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But even then, those are exercises in futility. Because once again, we cannot change the past and we cannot go back and fix those mistakes. Which is why we often turn to stories to satiate our minds when we wonder ‘what if?’ in that manner and well, that itch and what scratches it is top of mind today, simply because there is a new series out on Prime Video tomorrow… that showcases what could have been for a tragic historic figure if she perhaps survived longer in life in My Lady Jane. Which is a story based off of the novel by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand and Jodi Meadows, and revolves around Lady Jane Grey, who back in the day of the Tudors, found herself caught up in quite the wild ride. Since she was granted the chance to be queen and well, didn’t last long on the throne before an ugly fate befell her. 

However, this series immediately wipes that away and plunges us into a world, where Lady Jane gets to fight another day. Where her brother is still King long after Henry VIII passed into the great beyond and well, that alone… is worth the price of admission. Because it gives us a far more jovial and warmer world over the one that Jane inhabited in reality, and of course, by giving her a new lease on life, the story can create a character that is dynamic and fascinating and able to live a life that is equally in that vein. Which gives rise to a unique story that keeps your interest from beginning to end, thanks to this alternate history that harbors so many other surprises. Some of which, are fantastical in nature and we won’t spoil here so you can enjoy them. But those elements work and add to the mystery and wonder of a world where anything can clearly happen.

Which in turn also allows for this story to just have some outright fun as well, because why not? If you’re going to play with history and bring forth some epic ideas, you may as well let loose and that too gives rise to some quality comedy. Nothing that is ever over the top mind you, but there are definitive moments that leave you in stitches and/or just plaster a smile on your face. Which speaks volumes to the great writing present here, from Gemma Burgess and her amazing team of writers, and of course, it also doesn’t hurt that there is some great acting to be found here as well. Since this cast just lets loose and has fun and revels in the wonder of being part of an offshoot history, with Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel leading the charge with their electric performance as Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley, respectively.

Plus, being able to change up history, allows for fine commentary to come into place on our modern world as well. Since there are echoes of our world present here regarding class warfare and equal rights, which adds depth to this story and makes it a must-watch. In large part because of how original and how much fun it is. But this is also worth your while, because this really is a refreshing series that is whip-smart, funny and just an outright delight through and through, and the best news of all, is you don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy it. For tomorrow will see all eight episodes of My Lady Jane drop on Prime Video and we cannot wait for you to enjoy the wonder of the show, and the interviews with the cast and crew that will we drop tomorrow and Friday to celebrate the arrival of this original and magnificent new series!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Premiere of ‘Babylon Berlin’.

One belief that we all hold to in this life, is that evil… is something that strikes out of nowhere in this world. That one day we wake up, and it’s there, staring us in the face and demanding its twisted agenda be carried out by the world. But that is… simply not the case. Evil does not rise overnight; it takes time for it to find root and it takes time for it to come to power. In fact, the conditions have to be just right for evil to begin to move forward, but we simply don’t take the time to examine or think about that. But we should… because that might help us recognize it and stop it before it can take hold.

Of course, one easy way to do that, is to look back at history, since we will find parallels there, and that is why the new season of Babylon Berlin on MHz Choice is of note. Because it has from day one, pondered on the keystone moments that allowed for the Nazi regime to rise to power in Germany to teach us some fine lessons, and well, as we inch closer to the rule of their evil in the series, the brain trust behind this story, decided it was high time to really dive deep into a crucial moment of formation for these monsters. For the season four premiere of the show plunged us into December 31, 1930, a year into the Great Depression… wherein struggles were becoming apparent across the board. 

Not to mention, there was a real divide growing in Germany between the have and have nots. For while people searched for help in the streets on New Year’s Eve, the rich were enjoying lavish parties and pondering upon the future, such as going to the Moon through new rocket programs. Offering up a sobering parallel of our world before showcasing… why that matters. Because as both sides were living their lives in vastly different ways, monsters were lurking in the streets. Since the SA, the preamble to the Nazis were spending this New Year’s Eve sowing discontent and violence in the streets. In the name of standing for the public and spreading awareness of whom was behind the collapse of the economy and strife and shockingly, Gereon Rath was with them. A move that left us wondering if Volker had succumbed to the horrors of their thinking.

Which was only reinforced by the fact that he was on the streets in that awful uniform, firing off that gross chant as storefronts burned and anger was fueled. And shock aside, this did help us to learn that part of the game was appearing to be a champion of the people, who would act when no one else would, since that endeared the regime to those who felt they had no voice and that made for a powerful lesson for certain. One that really did inform us that evil knows how to win over trust and use that trust to build into the nightmare it wishes to become. Which was a sobering sequence for certain. One that only offered catharsis by informing us that Rath was doing this as part of a police probe into the SA and their actions, and sadly Rath has a long road ahead in shaking of the stink of this.
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Since Charlotte did learn about him being in that uniform, and he of course, had to keep his investigation a secret and speaking of Charlotte… she too had quite the surprise in the new year. In that, her sister, Toni, was involved in a nasty robbery. One that ended in death and eventually saw Toni be brought before the police, in front of Charlotte for that matter, courtesy of crooked cops who were involved in said death. And of course, Charlotte went the extra mile to keep her sister out of jail and keep her future bright, but at an incredible cost. Simply because, she altered evidence to make that happen, and it was noticed. Which led to Charlotte’s stunning dismissal. For it was deemed she could not be trusted as an investigator and indeed, too many ethical lines were crossed. Putting her future in a difficult place amid such tough times. 
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All of which brought forth, a shocking season four premiere. One that informed us that this will indeed be the show’s boldest and best season to date. Since the characters will indeed be put to the test. For now, Charlotte must navigate unemployment at the worst possible time, and Gereon is in a dangerous, dangerous place. One where he must be mindful and where he must figure out how to bring about trust that is quickly being lost. Plus, we are truly coming to understand how evil rises in our world, and that will be something to watch as well. For while we can combat it in our world through lessons here, these poor folks are on a collision course with the greatest evil the world has ever known, and it will be fascinating and horrifying to see how our heroes deal with the dawning reality that darkness surrounds them. Until next time.

To learn more about Season 4 of ‘Babylon Berlin’ visit our interview with the actor who plays Gereon Rath, Volker Bruch.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Acolyte’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the epic Disney+ series, The Acolyte, has raised a great many questions for the fans that are eagerly tuning in. For we are curious to know what deeper purpose the twins exist for and what their connections to the Force/The Thread can accomplish, and of course, we are also quite curious to know… what exactly evil’s plan is here, since there has to be more to the Master/Stranger’s plan of sowing discontent. But above all, the most burning question on our mind right now… is the identity of the Stranger. For there is a chance they could be a Darth from Star Wars lore or perhaps someone new, and well… it just so happens… that particular question was answered during last night’s tale.

For ‘Night’ finally pulled that toothy mask off of this villain, that is… after a fair chunk of the episode was spent giving the fans something they love and adore… lightsaber battles. Because we simply love watching a red saber make contact with the many colors of sabers we’ve come to admire and have potentially built on our own for display in our homes, and the show not only delivered on that… but it went above and beyond. Since we saw the Stranger take on multiple Jedi at once and defeat so many in Sol’s away team, and he even managed to wound Yord before finally giving us a battle right up there with some of the best fights we’ve ever seen. Since Sol was the only Jedi who could handle the Stranger with any measure of skill, and that brought forth a fight that took our breath away and eventually ended in sorrow.

Not because Sol became one with the Force, but because others fell along the way. Because eventually, Jecki and Yord joined the fight, and showcased some of their own skills in keeping the Stranger at bay. But alas, they could not withstand the raw fury within this dark monster’s heart and died shockingly before our eyes. But not before knocking off the mask of the mystery man to reveal that all-along, the Stranger was no stranger to the audience. For this Dark Lord of the Sith (as he identified himself) was in fact, Qimir. Who has indeed been playing along to size up the competition and toy with them, and with the reveal in hand, he also made it clear that for the moment, he wants that apprentice badly and he will do anything to have the rule of two in place.

All of which made for a stunning reveal, one that seemed for a moment, would end with Mae in deep trouble with her Sith Master. Since Qimir was ready to harm her for her attempts at betrayal, after knocking Sol out of the fight. But this story took another fascinating turn in regard to what we would normally expect from a story in this franchise. Because instead of those two flying off to a fate unknown for Mae, a knockout blow to the villain involving those moth-like beings, allowed for sisters to catch up, and discover… they’re still on opposite spectrums of the Force. Since Osha was ready to arrest her sister for her crimes, and Mae was not ready to go quietly into the night. Which prompted her to blast Osha with the Force and render her unconscious as well, so she could swipe her identity and leave with Sol when the dust settled. 

Which of course, leaves us worried for Sol, and for Osha. Since Darth Qimir escaped the clutches of nature and returned to claim whom he thought was his apprentice. But not all hope is lost, since Bazil knows that the ‘Osha’ aboard the Jedi ship is not who she claims to be, and the real Osha will fight back. But that aside, this really was quite the epic tale. One that offered up some stunning and breathtaking, and downright exhausting action. Because those saber battles simply didn’t end, and were amazing through and through, and of course, this tale put us through the wringer emotionally as well. Since Jecki was indeed a fan favorite character and Yord was someone, we hoped to see grow. But alas, the Dark Side of the Force has once more claimed innocent Jedi, and it will be fascinating to see where the story goes from here, after this ambitious, devastating and game-changing tale. Until next time.

It really is safe to say, that there is a huge buzz surrounding the upcoming STARZ docu-series, Down in the Valley, and it makes sense as to why. After all, this is a series that, from the trailer, feels authentic and honest and devoid of some of the trappings that these types of shows fall into. Such as bias or agenda. This just looks like a raw examination of what life in the deep south is actually like, and that alone is a fascinating prospect, one that is further enhanced by the host of the show. 
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Because Nicco Annan is just a breath of fresh air on P-Valley, and is as talented and thoughtful as they come, and being part of this project and helping bring to bring it to life… only adds to the authenticity we are hoping for and well, the buzz is so big surrounding this show that STARZ knows the time is right… to just give a sample of the show. Which is why STARZ is going to offer up a special preview of this show this weekend, and since you’re reading because you’re curious and eager to see it, here are all the details on this special preview, courtesy of STARZ.
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'STARZ has announced a special “Early Preview” of the new docu-series, “Down in the Valley,” a unique six-half-hour episode series that will offer viewers a captivating journey through the multifaceted Deep South that is as poignant as it is joyful and magical. The series is hosted by the dynamic and iconic Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”), and it is set to premiere episode 101, Diamonds of Memphis,” a week early on Friday, June 28, at midnight ET on the STARZ app. On linear, “Diamonds of Memphis” will air on STARZ as previously scheduled, followed immediately by episode 102, “Saints & Sinners” on July 5 beginning at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 10:00 PM ET in Canada.
 
Annan, best known as “Uncle Clifford” on STARZ’s critically acclaimed drama series “P-Valley,” will be immersed in the people, sensuality, music, culture, and stories of the South. From strip clubs to sex workshops, rap performances, and ancient hoodoo rituals, Annan, as well as the audience, will experience it all. The series confronts uncomfortable truths, challenges societal norms, and advocates for a more inclusive and enlightened future.
 
Down in the Valley” is produced by Zero Point Zero for STARZ. In addition to the NAACP Best Actor Award, Nicco Annan was awarded The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television’s Actor Award and nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Executive Producers include Pulitzer Prize winner and “P-Valley” creator Katori Hall (“The Hot Wing King,” Oliver Award-winning “The Mountaintop” and Broadway’s “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”). Emmy and Peabody award-winning executive producer Shoshana Guy served as showrunner and executive producer. Emmy and Peabody award-winners Lydia Tenaglia and Chris Collins serve as executive producers along with Emmy award winner Jared Andrukanis as co-executive producer on behalf of Zero Point Zero.”
 
Follow “Down in the Valley” on Social:
Twitter: @PValleySTARZ
Instagram: @PValleySTARZ
Facebook: @PValleySTARZ
Join the conversation with #DownInTheValley and #STARZ
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about, and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.’

We live in a fascinating time when it comes to fame and fortune. Because thanks to the advent of social media, people no longer have to take the traditional route of moving to Los Angeles and getting an agent before committing to the grind to find fame and fortune. They can have a viral moment and suddenly be in the spotlight and capitalize on that and build an empire. Or they just start a YouTube or TikTok channel and showcase their talents to the world and grow an audience that way and live their dreams of being in the spotlight. Which really has inspired so many to go for it and shoot their shot and it is something we now celebrate since it is getting some talented folks in front of the world, quickly.
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But alas, while there is a lot of joy to be found in just going for it and living the American Dream in this manner, there is a dark side that accompanies this unique path to fame. Because sometimes, people grow their audience overnight and are in the spotlight just like that, and having a massive audience ready for content can be overwhelming. Not to mention, there is no guidance or mentorship for this kind of rise to fame and that can lead to confusion and trouble for folks that aren’t emotionally or mentally ready for the burdens that do come with fame, and that can pull them out of the spotlight as quickly as it put them beneath it, and it can also… lead to outright disaster.

Because too much fame, too quickly and without guidance, can do some psychological damage and push people into strange headspaces as they struggle to reconcile fantasy versus reality and it just so happens… that how that takes place and how badly it can rip a person and their mind to pieces, is top of mind today, courtesy of a powerful new documentary on Peacock, entitled TikTok Star Murders. For this documentary tells the tragic tale of Ali and Ana Abulaban. Who had it all a few years ago, since this couple seemingly were the toast of TikTok with Ali leading the charge as the man of many impressions and his wife was along for the ride and in the spotlight. Until suddenly… things fell to pieces and strains were revealed and Ali… made the worst choice imaginable and shot and killed his wife and a good friend of hers.

Which at first just seems like a grand tragedy, but that is where this documentary showcases the dangers of unexpected and rushed fame. For we learn in detail, how Ali and Ana met and how they fell in love and how their lives changed for the worse with Ali’s decision to get on the web and make his own platform and find that fast fame. Simply because this documentary makes it clear, that fame transformed his psyche and warped it, because he really had not a clue how to embrace it, process it and live with it. In fact, in many ways, the lines between TikTok and everyday life became blurred for Ali. As though he never knew when he was putting on a show or dealing with matters that actually required his full attention, away from his phone, and that… combined with some other unresolved psychological issues was enough to generate that break. One that would indeed stun the world.

All of which brings forth, a powerful and unsettling documentary. One that truly does explore in stunning detail, the downward spiral of a man that wanted nothing more than to be an entertainer and ended up becoming a criminal because he truly lost the plot and lost touch with reality. Making this a cautionary tale that is devastating to watch but should be seen and should be shared. So that others that hope to be in Ali’s shoes, can learn how to stay grounded and how to focus on what’s real and what’s not. But it should also be seen… to keep the memory of the innocent alive, so their lives and the light they brought to the world will never be overshadowed… by one man’s downward spiral and struggle with fame and fortune.

Watch ‘TikTok Star Murders’ on Peacock.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Race to Survive: New Zealand’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It wasn’t that long ago that the hit USA Network series, Race to Survive: New Zealand, made it clear that there was going to be one important secret to making it to the end of this race. In that, just finishing first won’t be enough… one needs to really live up to the title and survive. Which means the champion of this competition will have to have enough to eat, to replenish and renew and find the energy to make those finish lines. And for proof, just look at how some of the teams have struggled badly and barely made it to the finish line without food in their bellies and well, that lesson is top of mind today… because it was reinforced in a fascinating manner last night.

For ‘Death Snails’ once again focused heavily on Survival Camp, and the inner workings of that… to see how well the teams had learned that all-important lesson. That is… after we found out who was going home in this particular tale. Because with the show barreling toward the back half of the season, more teams have to head home and with Coree and Jeff already stepping away, the time seemed right for a double elimination and well, it was in essence down to two teams in this story: Kennedy and Nik, and Rhandi and Ashley. Who were both just chugging along despite being exhausted, and in the case of Rhandi and Ashley… battling an injury. Because Ashley’s ankle just wasn’t getting better. But she battled and believe it or not… they finished.

But alas, there were no medallions left for them to claim, but this duo was pretty thrilled to have battled through injuries and the odds to make their way to the end, and with their journey at an end, the show turned its attention to the lesson at hand. Wherein we could see who took it to heart and who did not. Thankfully everyone at Survival Camp understood the message and understood the need for food. The trick was learning how best to fish, and hunt and do what must be done to eat and that led to some outright ingenuity on the matter. Wherein we saw so many begin to figure out how to live off of the land and enjoy some warm meals, which was a godsend for Bronsen and Ryan, who were struggling without the ration kit but enjoyed a little food courtesy of another barter executed by Creighton.

But where the story hammered home how important it is to eat and how game changing that might be, was through Spencer and Corry. Because despite winning their third straight race and getting a calorie rich charcuterie board as their reward for coming in at first place again, they struggled to find food. For their attempts at fishing ended in failure sadly; despite coming very close to having a couple of big fish in their hands and bellies and well, they expressed grave concern over this. Because while they ate and were able to use their rations accordingly… both men outright stated, they didn’t recover properly during their downtime at Survival Camp because they didn’t get enough food. Which speaks to how important it is to have that food and those precious calories, and well… that could be quite the game changer for the next leg of the competition.

Because with less energy, and bodies that aren’t fully ready to compete, there’s a chance that Corry and Spencer may fall behind in dominating the competition. Giving a window of opportunity to the other competitors in this race. All of whom have proven themselves to be resilient and fierce, especially when one considers how neck and neck the final stretch of Race Three turned out to be. All of which made for a fascinating episode, one that really hammered home the importance of surviving off of the land and how that is not an easy task. Because while other teams ate, they certainly had to work for their meal or do deals to enjoy one, and of course… knowing that the dynamic may have shifted, leaves us eager for more. To see if Corry and Spencer can rally and find a way to recoup that much needed strength to win, and to see, how this next race and its brutal implications, will play out. Until next time.

Sometimes we simply don’t know what the legacy of a television show is, until it is either revisited in some fashion or followed up upon via a sequel or revival or reboot. For that is when so many come forth and speak about the emotions and wonder that said show put forth in their lives and that is something we are experiencing now via Apple TV+. Because the instant that the network announced that they were offering up a new chapter in the Yo Gabba Gabba! saga entitled, Yo Gabba Gabbaland!, people immediately made it known how much that show meant to them and how happy they were it was about to continue on.
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But yet, that was a mere sampling of the respect and appreciation to come for this franchise, as evidenced by today’s announcement. For earlier, Apple let it be known that an incredible lineup of musical guest stars will be appearing in the show. Such as the iconic Flea, Diplo and Big Daddy Kane. Which speaks volumes to how important this show is to them and how much they want to be part of this new chapter in the saga and well, they aren’t the only ones dropping by the show. So, without further ado, here is the upcoming musical guest star list, and an official teaser, for Yo Gabba Gabbaland! Courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Today, Apple TV+ unveiled the impressive roster of musical guests for “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” the all new 10-episode series inspired by celebrated Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!” Premiering globally on Friday, August 9, “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” invites audiences to explore a magical world of endless possibilities and promise with friends both familiar and new, in a reimagining that brings to life an expansive Yo Gabba GabbaLand!
 
Alongside host Kammy Kam, played by rising star Kamryn Smith, and the beloved original characters Brobee (Amos Watene), Foofa (Emma Penrose), Muno (Adam Deibert), Toodee (Erin Pearce) and Plex (Christian Jacobs), a dazzling new lineup of “Super Music Friends” and special guests will be joining the magical world of “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” this season. 
 
Viewers can expect vibrant musical performances and original music from Grammy Award-winning artists including Anderson .Paak, Portugal. The Man and Thundercat, along with Betty Who, The Linda Lindas, Miyavi, Cory Wong & Antwaun Stanley, Kurt Vile, The Drums and The Interrupters. These critically acclaimed artists will perform songs that tie back to the themes of each episode, including creativity, growth, friendship and more. Filled with optimism and fun, the performances teach kids and families life lessons through song and dance that allow them to learn, laugh and grow together.
 
Visiting guests across the season also include Reggie Watts (“Tuca & Bertie,” “The Late Late Show With James Corden”), Emmy Award winner Sam Richardson (”The Afterparty”), Gillian Jacobs (“Community”), Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts”), SAG Award winner Lauren Lapkus (“Orange Is the New Black”), SAG Award nominee Chelsea Peretti (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Grammy Award winners Diplo, Flea and Big Daddy Kane, alongside Academy Award winner Paul Williams and many more.
 
Created by Emmy Award-nominated Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz (co-creators of “Yo Gabba Gabba!”), “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” is produced in partnership and collaboration with WildBrain and Yo Gabba Gabba, LLC, co-owners of the brand. Jacobs and Schultz also serve as executive producers on the series for Yo Gabba Gabba, LLC, alongside Josh Scherba and Stephanie Betts for WildBrain.
 
The award-winning slate of original series and films for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes the celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; star-studded animated adventure film “Luck” from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation; and, BAFTA Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers.”
 
Apple TV+’s all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+, include the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 496 wins and 2,165 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture-winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com , for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’

It has been some time since fans of the hit MHz Choice series, Babylon Berlin, have enjoyed new episodes of the show and understandably so. After all, season three arrived in the midst of a topsy and turvy time in our world, wherein everyone’s lives were turned upside down by the arrival of a virus and financial strife and political madness. All of which are moments and memories that shockingly resemble aspects of the show. But that… is something we’ve come to expect from it, that whipsmart parallel commentary to a period in time not that far from our own and thankfully, now that productions are getting back on schedule, our long and painful wait for more of the show and its musings… is about to end.
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For tomorrow brings forth the fourth season of this beloved and anticipated show, and well… it is safe to say there is quite the buzz surrounding this new season. After all, when we last left Inspector Gereon Rath and Charlotte Ritter, they were on the brink of a blooming romance set against the backdrop of some very real and familiar worries. For the American Stock Market crashed in season three, and of course, the Nazi threat was beginning to loom and well… we’ve been dying to know what comes next and that is why we here at NTG thought it best to review season four in advance, in a spoiler-free manner of course. Because there are some moments that cannot be revealed early, but what we can tell you in advance… is that this is the best season of the show to date.

In large part because of its new setting. For we are now in the midst of the Great Depression when we catch up with Charlotte and Gereon in season four and that means, more amazing historical lessons and parallel commentary. For we do indeed see some of the aftermath of the Stock Market crash here and the harm it causes and how that absolutely laid down the foundation for the little mustache man and his loyal army of brownshirt cosplayers, to turn into a nightmare that would plague the world for far longer than they should have. Which has definite echoes of some of the unrest we are seeing now. But of course, what makes this season of storytelling so great, goes beyond the incredible history lesson that it sends our way.

Because this is also a season of storytelling that offers some ambitious choices regarding the life and times of our favorite inspectors. Since Gereon is tasked with quite the case to work upon in this scary new era. One that will put his life at risk like never before and test his friendships and his boundaries in bold new ways as well. Not to mention, Charlotte also goes through some big life changes in this new season of storytelling, courtesy of some bold decisions regarding some surprises from the past. All of which will challenge what they want to build and well, that also makes for some powerful storytelling and some powerful moments.

All of which really does bring forth the most engaging and most incredible season we’ve ever enjoyed from this franchise, and the best news of all, is that you merely have to wait for a few hours to see exactly what we mean. For season four of Babylon Berlin arrives tomorrow on MHz Choice with a two-episode premiere, and dual episodes will drop on Tuesday going forward, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you see this incredible new season of storytelling, nor can we wait to break down the episodes with you and share our interview with Volker Bruch, who plays Rath on the show… as we return to this fascinating era in time, one on the brink of disaster.