Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Down in the Valley’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that each corner of the United States of America is known for one thing and one thing alone. For instance, California is known for being the entertainment capital of the world, since that is where Hollywood resides. Whereas Washington D.C. is forever known as the seat of power for the free world since it is where our legislature resides. Not to mention, Colorado and Utah are known for the wonder of the Rocky Mountains and places like Kansas and Nebraska are known for their amber waved plains, that feed so many. Speaking of food, there’s also the seafood you can find in New England and well… people in America are okay with this since it simplifies the wonder of this grand and beautiful nation. 

But what’s interesting about America, is that it harbors an outlier in such matters. Because the South and the states that make it up, are known for a blend of so much. Since it is a region that features amazing food, and it happens to be the home of musical history… and it showcases the true power of the melting pot concept that America was founded upon. Since New Orleans harbors that flair of French amid a Cajun vibe. But above all, it is also a deeply religious portion of the nation. In fact, it is known as the Bible Belt to so many, since it harbors devout souls that hold their hearts up to the Lord every Sunday. But since this region is so diverse and so full of culture and life, most are likely unaware of the fact that its religious ties go far deeper than simply praising the Lord Jesus’ name. 

For in some parts of the South, such as New Orleans, there is voodoo in the mix. Brought to the shores thanks to the close ties between the Gulf of Mexico and Haiti, and in the heart of Memphis, there is also… a deep-rooted religion that so many know nothing of… Hoodoo. Which is not voodoo in the slightest, but something vastly different, and we know now how different it is, thanks to this week’s episode of Down in the Valley on STARZ. For Nicco Annan introduced us to this religion in ‘Hoodoo Women’ and well… what we learned was quite incredible to say the least. Such as the fact that Hoodoo is something that most folks don’t hear of, because it truly belongs to the African American community, and we don’t pay African Americans enough mind, and that it was brought to America because of the slave trade that brought forth war.

For Hoodoo is deeply rooted in African traditions with hints of Christianity. In fact, Nicco pointed out that so many Hoodoo practitioners are also practicing Christians. All because Hoodoo offers a little more than the Good Book can offer. Which was explored via two key introductions. One of which was Miss Lisa Jones. Who we learned owns a Hoodoo store that provides products and potions and oils designed to help folks in life. For that is the core of Hoodoo. In that it is designed for maximum and immediate impact in manifesting what people need in the moment. Sometimes through some powerhouse means that resemble Voodoo and that helped to bring forth negative stereotypes in popular media regarding Hoodoo. As evidenced by Nicco’s encounter with an anonymous practitioner that used a cow tongue to manifest silence from those who spit out venomous words to others. 
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But even then, that’s not harmful or evil. Just a very intense way to ask the universe to silence people that look down upon others and there are even rituals designed to help purge grief. And that chance for immediate impact… really does draw folks like Hayley Harris into its practices. Because she was our second introduction and she spoke to a life that she felt was directionless and in need of action, and thus, the discovery of Hoodoo… gave her just that. A move that truly hammered home how Hoodoo fulfills needs and wants and traditional religion, feeds one’s soul and provides one with guidance on how to be the best person they can be and yes… these two elements do indeed work together and well, this exploration brought forth, one powerful learning experience for the audience.

Because let’s be honest, the identity established in the South when it comes to religion, conjures up images of a tent revival or people praising Jesus emphatically with dance and song in their Sunday best. But clearly, religion goes so much deeper in the valley. It’s about guiding one’s life from beginning to end in every positive way imaginable and that’s just fascinating. For we don’t see that elsewhere in America and perhaps there’s nowhere else in the world where multiple religious beliefs exist in harmony. But those who hold to Hoodoo have a better understanding regarding harmony than the rest of us, and how religion can be so much more than devout expectations and on occasion, the anthesis of what it stands for, and that’s now in mind for the rest of us… thanks to this amazing documentary and its grand look at life as it stands in the valley. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite fascinating what leaders expect from those they stand before. Because some leaders, want those they are in charge of, to feel as though they’re equals and have a say and a voice. While others, expect everyone to fall in line and rule through fear and there are some… who try and blend both elements into their tenure at the top. Wherein they provide that firm, guiding hand in the hopes that people will learn from those fierce lessons and exhibit respect accordingly. All of which are unique styles that have varying results, depending upon the situation and the position in question. But truly, there is no harder moment for a leader to learn that they have failed in accomplishing what they want, than when those they lead pay them no mind. 

If anything, that is top of mind today, because Catherine de Medici is about to experience that cold reality. For the next episode of The Serpent Queen on STARZ showcased what her words meant to those she left behind for business, and well, they meant nothing really and that’s a shame. Because while in Italy, Catherine accomplished wonders. For she proved herself to be what we knew her to be, an astute leader that understood the room and knew how to negotiate. Since she secured that loan no problem and she even handled the surprise reveal of a half-brother with majesty and grace. Because leadership was something that was in her veins and for that brief moment, it was clear she hoped this would translate back home… but it most certainly did not.

For back home… no one gave her standing or the crown any mind, as evidenced by the actions of her family and her confidants. For the Bourbons were eager to head to England and handle trade negotiations on their own, without bothering to go over the terms of the deal. Simply because they wanted that fat cash and felt the King should make such decisions. Because they only respected their own power and their own agency over, so naturally the Bourbons got what they wanted and the troubles in France only grew from there. Since the religious war that Catherine hoped to quell, began to take root since Edith was revealed to be alive and she was of course, preaching down upon the crown and that led… to all kinds of disaster. Such as attacks on the church.

More trouble however, came forth via Anjour. Who felt marginalized at this point in this life and wanted to be seen and heard and be part of court and his egotistical needs brought about fury when the people began to rise up against the crown. Despite bold efforts to hold the Guise family accountable, also against the Queen’s wishes. But since no one in court saw the bigger picture that Catherine did, and only cared about selfish needs and their own agenda and power… this is the end result. Failed leadership and lasting consequences upon so many. Especially after the fact that Anjour crossed lines he was told not to, and caused harm to the people and Hercule, who took a rock to the face when Anjour’s murderous actions were decried.
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All of which speaks to hard lessons ahead for Catherine, and that’s not the end of her troubles for that matter as well. Because in merry land of England, Queen Elizabeth I received wind of troubles in France and of unrest amongst court… and took action here. By agreeing to the Bourbons terms, helping to set in motion the power of greed to sow discontent in France. For this episode established Elizabeth to be as brilliant as Catherine, one who sees that bigger picture. But she is also clearly an opportunist. One ready to expand influence over an old enemy that has caused more harm than good. Setting the stage for quite the destabilizing push if Catherine is caught by surprise.

Quite frankly, that may happen. Simply because its chaos in France now. All because Catherine was unable to help her family understand their place and the real meaning of the crown and failed in helping the court see the bigger picture for a prosperous France. Which are failures that will be hard to bear and in hindsight will undoubtedly teach her a lesson… about how best to really teach others. But alas, she was known as the Serpent Queen, not the Scholarly Queen, and all of this likely means… the fangs will soon come to bear and woe to those who didn’t listen to Catherine de Medici’s warning rattle and instead chose their own path toward fortune and glory over the greater good. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 402 of Snowpiercer, which will air on exclusively on AMC on Sunday, July 28 at 9pm ET/PT and will be available to stream on AMC+ the same day.
 
Episode 402 – “The Sting of Survival” – Premieres Sunday, July 28 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC; available to stream on AMC+
Milius and his Animal Squad storm the train. Melanie realizes something is wrong and shuts the vault doors to the engine. But when Ben’s life is threatened, Melanie surrenders the engine

More often than not, stories about chasing one’s dream or stories that harbor a rise to the top, involve the United States of America and the pursuit of the American Dream and it makes sense as to why. After all, America is the land of promise and has helped so many find their dreams and find prosperity, and the USA is of course, a nation of immigrants. So, it makes sense that America would be the setting in a story for people to dream big and achieve. But what we often forget, is that not every dream starts with America in mind. For not everyone can make that voyage and not everyone is immediately thinking about leaving family behind to become a business owner in the good ol’ US of A.
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No, some folks, have dreams in their own hometown and have specifics they want to accomplish there, and we simply don’t hear about those enough. Well, that is until Apple TV+ brought out a brand-new show a few years back. For Acapulco made its debut in 2021 and it truly offers up a different kind of story about dreams. For it is a tale told through the younger eyes of a successful man named Maximo, who had quite the dream in the ‘Pilot’. For this young man wanted nothing more as a boy than to work at Las Colinas. A popular resort in his hometown of Acapulco, Mexico, one that brought riches and joy to the town legend, Don Pablo, and well… one proud day, Maximo got his wish and found his way into the world of Las Colinas and well, his time in the resort with his buddy Memo, is where we will spend most of our time in this journey, and this simple plot accomplishes so much from a storytelling standpoint.

For starters, it gives us a refreshing look at how dreams are universal. Because they don’t have to involve America and making the voyage there. Sometimes… they are right in our backyard and sometimes, they aren’t grandiose and that’s not a bad thing or something to look down upon. For dreams are dreams and they call to us in their own way. The important thing is we understand what it will take to achieve them and the sacrifices that are necessary in having them. Because they will exist, and they will give us pause and all of that is set up wonderfully in this story. But while it is amazing to begin a journey about dreams that takes place elsewhere in the world and doesn’t involve a teary montage featuring the Statue of Liberty, there’s more wonder to be found here.

After all, this is a story that takes place in Mexico, which means we the audience are immersed in Mexican/Latino culture and spend time with Mexican/Latino people and that’s magnificent. For Mexican/Latino culture is woefully underrepresented in television and film, as are Mexican/Latino people, and both are often treated with disrespect and stereotype when featured in popular media. But here, the culture of Acapulco and its wonderful people are properly showcased, and this episode even features little vignettes regarding traditions in the home, and some of the conflicts present generationally in the 1980s. Not to mention, there’s Spanish to be heard everywhere and clearly, there will be opportunities for the show to explore the great clash between American culture and Latin American culture and former’s influences in Mexico, alongside explorations on appropriation.  

But what matters most, is that Latino people are the focus of this story, and that’s what we need more of, and all of this brings together, a delightful and wonderful premiere. One that immediately grabs hold of you because it features such a unique story. One that is refreshing, trailblazing, nostalgic and downright funny. Because at its core, this series is also a comedy and the wondrous cast and their performances here, enhance the laughter and well, in the end, this writer is straight up hooked on this journey and ready to follow, Maximo, as he chases his dream and immerses himself in the challenges and the pratfalls that accompany that grand pursuit. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 105 of Down in the Valley, which is available to stream on the STARZ app now and will air on STARZ later tonight!  
 
DOWN IN THE VALLEY EPISODE 105: Hoodoo Women
Airdate: July 26 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ
“Hoodoo Woman” takes the audience on a journey to explore a spiritual tradition that belongs to the deep South known as Hoodoo. Nicco meets Hoodoo women who carry African & Southern tradition into the present day, where devotees of the infamous Beale Street “Red Light” district use Hoodoo for their desires of healing, protection, and their lives.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 203 of The Serpent Queen, which is available to stream on the STARZ app now and will air on STARZ later tonight!  
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THE SERPENT QUEEN EPISODE 203: Death of a Prince
Airdate: July 26 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ

News of Edith’s miracle spreads throughout Europe, inspiring many to call her a Prophet. When France’s fragile political climate reaches Queen Elizabeth, the Bourbon’s trade proposal leverages an opportunity for England to exploit France. Catherine must return urgently to France when Anjou’s temper causes Hercule to be dangerously injured.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Me’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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For the most part, superhero origin stories, steer clear of using superpowers as allegories for the human condition. Instead, their journey in print or on screen, involves discovering the best parts of who we are. How we can be heroes in our own way and harbor our own superpowers, so that we walk out of the theater or put that comic down feeling inspired. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means… since it does do just that while giving us a thrilling story. But it does leave one to wonder, if superhero stories could go deeper and do more with the powers that come into play. Which is a question, that the Apple TV+ series, Me, is answering in the affirmative.

For its next episode showcased how superhero origin stories and the powers obtained by once and future heroes, can serve as learning tools and speak to the human condition. A feat that ‘Line in the Sand’ accomplished by immediately following up on Ben’s surprise transformation in the premiere. Because he was rightfully confused and unsettled over the fact that he could change form like that and just immerse himself in the face of another person. Which prompted he and Abby to try and figure out how it worked, why it happened and if by chance it could happen again. An exploration that went pretty much nowhere early on, that is until… he and Abby discovered a trigger.

In that, if there was a strong surge of emotions, the kind that in this instance related to injustice, he could transform and once he cooled down, Ben’s face would return once again. But that moment, combined with the frustration of not being to control it willingly, and dealing with more emotions over his family’s new standing… spoke volumes to how superhero powers here… served as exploration of what it means to grow up at Ben’s age. Of how there are emotions and changes that we barely understand at that age surging through us and confusing us and we are, like Ben, unable to control them or understand them. A move that relates to the coming of age feel of this story and it makes Ben’s journey relatable to all and speaks to the wonder of the writing here.

Because that is… the perfect way to use superhero powers to teach and explore the human condition and well, at this point… you’re likely wondering how any of that is superhero related. Because at no point did Ben look to the sky and fly like Superman, he just… battled his feels. Well, that was handled in a unique manner. In that, we know now in the future that Ben has teamed up with Carter and is learning how to master his power for reasons that involve high stakes. The kind that includes villains and abilities that can save the world. Since we also learned that Detective Kennedy has been harboring secrets about Carter and what she is capable of. 

All of which continues to set the stage for an epic season of storytelling. One where a hero will rise of course, and likely accomplish wonders against nefarious forces we have yet to understand. While at the same time, using the mastery of his powers to come of age and understand the man he wants to be. To help so many understand their own journey into adulthood and help them navigate the troubled waters that is part of growing up. Which makes this series continue to be brilliant and engaging and downright fascinating. Since it is a refreshing take on the superhero genre, and it will be interesting to see what other unique explorations take place as Ben comes to learn more about his powers… and himself. Until next time.

​It is definitely safe to say that the Peanuts gang is going through quite the renaissance right now. For just like that, they are in the spotlight again and people are buzzing about the new stories that Apple TV+ is helping to bring to life for Charlie, Lucy, and Snoopy. And a big reason this franchise is hot again, is because it is growing and evolving and tackling issues and concepts that are relatable and need to be discussed in our homes. But of course, the franchise is able to accomplish this and never lose sight of what makes it great, which is its fun factor and there are Peanuts shows that accomplish that as well, such as Camp Snoopy.
 
Since it brings forth wonderful stories for us and our families to get lost in. Sure, there’s some messaging to be found, but it’s mostly about telling stories and spending time with the Peanuts gang and season one did such an amazing job of dropping us into that world, that today’s announcement should come as no surprise. For earlier Apple TV+ let it be known that Camp Snoopy will be returning for a second season, wherein we all enjoy more delightful adventures with everyone’s favorite beagle and his friends and well, to properly celebrate the news, here are all the details on this announcement, courtesy of Apple TV+.
 
‘Today, Apple TV+ announced a season two for acclaimed kids and family series “Camp Snoopy,” based on the classic Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz and directed by Rob Boutilier (“The Snoopy Show,” “Snoopy in Space”). The complete  first season of “Camp Snoopy” is now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
 
After discovering their troop is in danger of disbanding, Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts set off to immerse themselves in nature and the Great Outdoors, with the Beagle Scout Manual as their guide. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown and friends enjoy their summer at Camp Spring Lake, crossing paths with Snoopy as they experience hiking, swimming, sitting around campfires and everything summer camp and the outdoors have to offer. 
 
Produced for Apple TV+ by Peanuts and WildBrain, “Camp Snoopy" is based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz and is directed by Rob Boutilier (“The Snoopy Show,” “Snoopy in Space”). Executive producers are Craig Schulz, Paige Braddock, Boutilier, Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Logan McPherson.
 
“Camp Snoopy” joined an exciting slate of new offerings for kids and families on Apple TV+ this summer featuring the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books; animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi; highly anticipated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!”; “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy; and, the first-ever television adaptation of the cult classic film, “Time Bandits,” starring Lisa Kudrow.
 
Award-winning all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ include 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”; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; 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 and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” 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 of a user’s 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 499 wins and 2,262 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
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 monthwith 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.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Those About to Die’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

When we last settled in, to discuss the fascinating Peacock series, Those About to Die, we talked at length about how the show was unconventional in nature. For it clearly wanted to peer beyond the gladiator arena and the races that took place inside Circus Maximus, to offer up a vastly different kind of story. One that was going to explore the political theater of Rome near its end, and how everyday folks lived and what they sought after and well, that’s top of mind today because the show really did dive deep into such matters in its second episode. In fact, ‘Trust None’ was one of the most unique Roman stories to hit the airwaves in decades.

Simply because, it focused heavily on what so many wanted to share in, in this era. For the rich lived so well, and so joyously that everyone wanted a piece of that, including dear Tenax. For he truly wanted to be part of the world of the elite and that prompted him… to scheme his way into the new faction with Scorpus and make that money. A plan that mostly worked. Since he was able to secure the funds he needed, get the horses needed and even impress Domitian enough to get him involved in creating the faction. Provided of course, Tenax offered a cut to fatten his wallet. All because Tenax knew that this would give him financial freedom and something else that was highly sought after in this world, standing and power.

Because so many wanted to be revered and feel important and feel as though they had control, and that was evidenced by the problems that Tenax ran into along the way. For his prize horses were poisoned by forces unknown, whom he eventually figured out. But that move spoke to a power play, to bringing failure forth for someone that wanted to stand tall in Rome and that really did sum up what that society was like at that point in time, and how the individual mattered more than anything else and that made for a fascinating journey with Tenax. One that was of course, enhanced by a few other plot threads that explored the nature of Rome and its outright decline.

Since we saw Cala fight tooth and nail to try and buy her daughters, to no avail, because she didn’t have that standing to have servants, despite having the money to do so, and also… it was just plain messed up that she had to buy the freedom of her daughters to begin with. Plus, we saw through Kwame how tough it was for so many to fight as gladiators. For he wasn’t taken seriously as a gladiator, since he didn’t meet the physical mold of one and had to battle his way into the role. Not to mention, this story did make sure to showcase how trouble was brewing at the top level in Rome, since Emperor Vespasian made his decision about who would take over the throne down the line, and he chose Titus. A move that infuriated his brother because once again… standing and power. 

All of which made, for another entertaining and wild hour of television. One that didn’t offer massive commentary about our world, nor did it speak deeply to the human condition. It was just an hour of entertainment, of a slice of life of Rome and all of its wonder and trappings and there’s nothing wrong with that. Because it was damn entertaining from beginning to end and really did showcase the fragility of Rome at this time and of course, set the stage for some big moments. For now, there’s a family feud brewing to be Emperor of Rome and Tenax is working behind the scenes to garner revenge and change that standing, and it will be fascinating to see how all of that plays out as this grand and sweeping story continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’.
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There was a time in Hollywood, where honesty… was detrimental to the career of a star. Because they all had personas that they showed the public, and the expectation was… that was all the fans of a star should ever see. For they invested in that person to escape, to enjoy their movies and nothing more and that… was a problematic edict. Because it put so much unnecessary pressure on the star and forced them to live life in secrecy and well… that was a silly edict that is slowly starting to die. Because stars are people, too. Who have wants and needs and thoughts and emotions like anyone else, and who they play on television and film are fictional characters that aren’t tied to the person they are, and should be able to live life openly, and as they see fit.

But how exactly is that strange edict dying? In part, through social media of course, since stars are slowly showing more of who they are as a person on there, but even then… there is work to be done. Because most only go so far and that expectation does still remain and well, that’s why a new show on Freeform is of note. Because Wayne Brady: The Family Remix is a series that is transformative and revolutionary in nature when it comes to this long-standing edict in the industry. Because Wayne Brady, a star we know and love, and know little of beyond the roles he’s played, takes the center stage with his family in ‘All Eyez On Me’ to do what few stars have ever done… and outright bear his soul to the world and showcase who he is. 

Which brings forth, a stunning series premiere to say the least. One where Wayne holds nothing back. Because in this premiere, he lets it be known that he has romantic wants and needs, that he wants a partner, someone he can grow old with, and that he has no expectations for that regarding gender. For Wayne comes out in this premiere as pansexual. Which is a big deal and quite brave to say the least, as is the other truth that Wayne brings forth in this story. In that, he has a child, one that he has kept from the limelight because they weren’t conceived and raised in the traditional manner we expect from Hollywood stars, with the big wedding and tabloid or gossip website announcements and well… once the shock of having a celebrity open up in such a frank and powerful manner wears off, are we treated to a show that is unlike any other in this vein.

Because in addition to baring his soul and showcasing all of his family in every way imaginable, Wayne also takes us inside the very struggles that accompany that edict. Since he does worry about perception regarding his sexual identity, and having a son out of wedlock when his image is ‘wholesome’. Which are real and raw thoughts, the kind that speak to the state of the world and how celebrities are still perceived and how hard it is for them to live their lives with the scrutiny that still hangs over them, despite the change at play. Not to mention, this series also showcases what his blended family life is like, and how the family responds to Wayne’s admissions, alongside vignettes that explore the daily struggles of being a dad and someone that takes part in a family life that is also not traditional.

All of which brings forth, a brilliant series to say the least. One that is raw, and visceral and has a focus. Because Wayne genuinely wants to showcase that he is more than a host we love and adore, more than memes from his iconic Chapelle’s Show stint and his other amazing roles. He’s a person, with a talent that allows for him to do incredible things. But he’s also a father, a dreamer, and a person that struggles with what we all do, and he wants us to see all that, and see his truth and think differently about celebrity. Which is a great reason to keep tuning in, as is Wayne’s family. Since Mandie, Maile and Jason are fascinating people as well who have plenty to say and plenty to offer and well, in the end… it will indeed be amazing to follow along and live life with the Brady family and learn about what makes them tick, as season one of this show continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about the show, please check out interview with cast members: Wayne Brady, Maile Brady, Mandie Taketa, and Jason Fordham.