Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 536 of ‘Love After Lockup’ contains spoilers. 
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Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 536 of Love After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip! 

EPISODE 536 – “Ready or Not” – Aired August 30th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
Shonta drops a bombshell on True. Kim’s dad confronts Joey. Julian hatches a plan to hide Christine. Bianca prepares for a life-changing decision. Zeruiah is shocked when Troy’s mom loses it at church.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past two years, we’ve learned a lot about Queen Regent Catherine de Medici via the STARZ series, The Serpent Queen. For instance, we learned she came from humble beginnings and defied incredible odds… to find herself standing amongst titans in the French Court. We also learned she was cunning and intelligent and knew how to read a room and a situation in order to benefit herself, and we also learned she used those skills to become the Queen Regent of France and maintain peace for some time despite having usurpers and irritations nipping at the heels of her power. So more or less, we have learned she was one of the most resourceful royals in history and was ahead of her time. Since modern politics are flush with people who harbor some elements of her journey.

But what we’ve been patiently waiting to see… is how she truly earned the moniker of ‘The Serpent Queen.’ For while she has been wily and ruthless in matters of state, we’ve not seen the brutal nature she is known for and we’ve never fully understood how she got to that point. But that all changed during last night’s episode of the show. For the season two finale finally showcased how Catherine earned that title and that made ‘All Saints Day’ quite the incredible tale. One that used deception to lull both the audience and the King’s Court into a sense of safety. For early on, it appeared as though… nothing of dark consequence was going to happen. After all, Rahima showcased the King’s order to hand Edith the Regency, to Edith, and she also let Edith know she would have safe passage to the city.
  
Back in the castle, life was going on as dysfunctional as ever, as well. Since the Guises were plotting to steal Margot’s virginity. All so the wedding would not take place, and power could be maintained because that was simply how they do, and that plan seemingly worked. Since Margot and the Duke gave into carnal pleasures and enjoyed them long enough to be caught by the King. Who was furious that such an act happened behind his back, when warnings and protections were issued by him, and he in turn ordered Margot to marry Henri and bring peace. For Charles was also grasping at straws in this tale to have some kind of legacy, and agency, with death on the horizon and well, Catherine’s lack of intervention on Margot’s actions made it seem as though the moniker related to serpentine actions over brutality. Since she did want this kind of chaos to take place.

All of which brought forth one epic and royal wedding. One that saw Margot suffer but obey and one that seemingly prepared France for an ascension and transfer of power. For Edith was ready to have her due, and Catherine was still willing to give it. Not to mention Catherine was kind to all, and full of forgiveness and well… that seemed to be the end of her Regency, and the end of the rule of her family for all time. But alas, that was the trick. That was the genesis point of the Serpent Queen. Wherein she used guile via grace to get everyone to trust her and get everyone to gather gently in the castle where she could control the narrative and control lives. For all this time, she had been deeply pondering and hatching an incredible and stunning plan to save her standing as the leader of France and to offer vengeance to those who dared to cross her and well, when the hour was right… the coiled Serpent Queen struck true… and shocked all of France.

​Because just like that, Edith’s throat was slit, by Catherine no less and all her enemies were dealt with. For she and Anjou staged an attack from the House of Guise, and that brought about murder and mayhem. Wherein Alessandro paid for his treachery, where the Bourbons were stabbed and slashed and even Montmorency paid the ultimate price for even attempting to challenge Catherine. And of course… the Guises were locked away for their crime and the bloodshed didn’t end there. For all of Edith’s followers were slaughtered, an order from the King no less. For when Charles learned that Catherine did this, she spoke to what lie ahead, specifically revolt, and no King wants that. Plus, even Rahima paid the price for betrayal, by being locked away for all time with a de Medici growing inside of her, and the Catholic League was disbanded through execution.

Giving rise… to the birth of the Serpent Queen. A ruthless queen that let no one stand in her way and that made… for one stunning and shocking season finale. One that in some ways, speaks to the old idiom of be careful what you wish for. Because we did wish for this moment and wow… did it turn out to be far darker than expected. But that is what Catherine was known for and now we know how she got there and hopefully we get a third season of the show to showcase what an unleashed Serpent Queen did upon the throne, and to see how those that did survive, since apparently the Bourbons cannot die, challenge her and her newfound super power. But while we wait, we can applaud truly the best episode of the series to date. For not only did it offer up an epic bloodbath born from vengeance and fury, but this episode was filled with incredible performances across the board, with Samantha Morton putting in some of her finest work here. For there are moments where Catherine’s fury is simply chilling, but Samantha is one of the best in the business. 
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In the end however, this was simply a sublime and powerful story, one that truly stands as a flawless end to a two-year journey. One that spoke to how struggle, strife and a fight to be more… while noble… can indeed bring about real darkness and real sorrow. When of course, the person fighting for that agency is tested in all the wrong ways and seen as a nuisance over a guiding hand. Making this also, a tragedy and a cautionary tale. Of the trappings of ambition and greed, and a fine reminder of what happens… when we take broken people with the best of intentions in their heart… and tear them down, deny them agency and marginalize them… and push them beyond their breaking point. 

September really does feature quite the shift for everyone. After all, outdoor activities slow down because kids are back at school, and we start to shift our thinking toward indoor events and busting out the winter gear because that chill has arrived in the air, all of which serves as the anthesis of how the summer went and that is why… television networks work so hard to have a bevy of programming ready for us to enjoy. So that we are indeed fueled mentally as we shift our focus away from summer and STARZ… has plenty on the fall horizon for us to help with that. 
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For they’re using the fall season to properly bid farewell to Power Book II: Ghost, and they’re using this chill in the air to debut a powerhouse limited series that features stories that need to be told. Alongside the usual amazing movies, they add to their lineup and well, since you are indeed starting to think about those indoor activities, here is the September 2024 programming lineup from STARZ. So, you can keep your schedule loaded with plenty of incredible entertainment as the seasons begin to change.

'STARZ announces its programming highlights for the month of September, featuring the series premiere of “Three Women,” a limited series based on the New York Times bestselling book that explores female desire through the compellingly raw and honest stories of three women on a crash course to radically change their lives. Also premiering is Part Two of the final season of “Power Book II: Ghost.” On the film front, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Imaginary, Arthur The King, Knock At The Cabin, The Strangers: Chapter 1, Training Day, Ant-Man and several other notable titles join the STARZ app this month.'

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Me’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

If there is one particular moment that fans of the phenomenal Apple TV+ series, Me, have been waiting for… it would have to be the moment that Ben realizes his potential as an outright hero. And fans have been waiting for that moment, simply because… Ben has instead gone on a vastly different journey. One that has taught him a great deal about growth, family life and the changes our lives go through in our teenage years and those are not bad stories to explore. Since they take us back to days gone by where we learned those lessons, or they inform a viewer of big moments to come. 

But as we inch toward the end of season one of this brilliant show, it is clear that creator/writer Barry Levy and his team are ready to move the story into superhero territory that means the next episode served as the right time for Ben to begin his hero’s journey, the right way of course. Because a hero has to earn their standing and for a teenager in this scenario, the best way to make that happen… is to humble them and help them understand that they must use their powers for more than a teenager would use them for. A feat that ‘Turning Point’ accomplished, by having Ben make one hell of a mistake.

Because when we caught up with him in this tale, he was… living the good life. For he was using his powers for parlor tricks and righting teenage wrongs. Since he would often impersonate people vocally and enjoy the attention that brought him. Plus, he even decided the time was nigh to do right by Max by handling some bullies she was dealing with at school. But that’s when Ben began to learn a valuable lesson about the nature of his powers and what they should be intended for. Because while he was disguised as Max, he was tasked with joining her mom on a search for dresses for the upcoming school dance and that… led to all kinds of embarrassing disaster.

For Ben was in a pickle and basically said all the wrong things and did all the wrong things. For Julia was deeply offended and deeply wounded, by ‘Max’ and what she had to say, and his actions in trying to right simple wrongs, led to all kinds of trouble for Max at school. Since it cost her a date to the dance and she of course… felt abandoned and alone when mom didn’t show. But once she figured out where here stepbrother was, she went to him and confronted him and spoke aloud to the mistakes he was making and the pain he was causing, and she was right. Because Ben was simply selfish when it came to his powers, and worried more about being everyone else and solving their problems, rather than focus on doing the right thing and doing right by himself.

Which opened Ben’s eyes to the reality that he wasn’t doing anything worthwhile at the moment with his powers and he was hiding behind them instead of embracing them and embracing himself and his true potential. That… finally prompted him to quit goofing around and reach out to Carter to learn, to find his path and that brought forth the beginning of the hero’s journey and not a moment too soon. After all, Yates was making moves and causing harm and this little cadre of heroes that exist need new blood and new direction and Ben might be the young man to give them that and give them the fighting chance they badly need.
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All of which gave rise, to one amazing episode. One that provided us with a far more realistic genesis for a hero. For this didn’t involve great loss, directly, nor was there some epic moment where sacrifice was needed. Just an understanding that we must be better, we must find our potential and understand who we are, and those are some incredible lessons to find here. The kind that everyone needs to hear. But lessons aside, this was also a great superhero story. One that really did set the stage for an incredible journey for Ben, one that will hopefully prepare him properly for the pending battle that awaits between good and evil. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Kold x Windy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the more fascinating aspects of the hit ALLBLK series, Kold x Windy, is the sheer fact that Malika has some sense of awareness of her situation and her life struggles. Which is of course presented to us via her inner monologue, one that reflects themes in the episodes and harbors overall musings, and what makes this so fascinating… is that such awareness is rare in storytelling, and well… in life, really. Since so many people don’t think upon the lesson of the moment and don’t think upon their situation. Which is something that gives rise to hope that perhaps Malika can rise above what is quickly becoming an untenable situation.

For this week’s episode of the show, spoke to how so much is at risk for her, and ‘The Painful Truth’ also showcased how hard it is for us to face the facts and musings that Malika is pondering upon. Because we don’t want to face what the title says, and it accomplished such feats and built upon that inner monologue by basically bringing Malika to her lowest point. Because she was struggling with the rift now forming in the band. Since Renee was adamant, she did nothing involving Marlon, and she was a mess enough that suddenly… the music wasn’t important to Renee, and neither was her friendship with Malika and that helped to start that downward slide.

One that informed Malika that sometimes friendships end, and that was hard to process. As was the reality that she might never have closure regarding her beloved Marlon. Because with there being no concrete answers in front of her, she drifted often emotionally and craved answers. to the point where her writing was falling to pieces, despite quality coaching and quality training from the label to keep her focused. For she was believed in, and she was still expected to deliver. But this was that rock bottom moment, one where the pain of her grief nearly consumed her and oddly, had it not been for her father… who knows what darkness and sorrow she would have indulged in. But she had a support network here, and she had people willing to tell her the painful truth about life, her situation… everything, and the question that remains now… is will she listen and learn?

For to do so, will change everything, and move her toward the happy ending she’s craved since the show began. But time will tell, and time will also tell for Renee. Who continued to bury herself in joy and pleasures to keep her own problems at bay. Setting the stage for a crash for her too, but she will likely stave it off for as long as possible since she is fighting it tooth and nail. But while that made for a powerful and moving episode, one where Sh’Kia Augustin (Malika) and Nijah Brenea (Renee) absolutely shined as actors, there were some genuine bright spots and other surprises to be found here. Since Shelly might be making a comeback thanks to some bold moves from her former crew, the kind that could free her from a fate she is miserable living within, and there is hope on the horizon.

After all, Gege started her treatments, and while that was tough and difficult to experience, love was in the air, and she was supported and even proposed to. Giving rise to a better tomorrow, and the possibility that everyone in this story… can find peace and change. Because if Gege can choose life, so can everyone else and well, all of this made for just an incredible episode. One that really showcased the weight of grief, of trauma, of how we crumble when we hurt, especially when the structure of our world is challenged by our demons and the truths we want to hide from and well, all this does is leave us eager to see what lies ahead. For this series is really moving into incredible territory now, the kind that will continue to move us and teach us and hopefully offer peace to this duo. Until next time.

Truly, one of the most unique shows to hit the airwaves in 2023 was The Devil’s Hour on Prime Video. Simply because this series subverted expectations and took us on an incredible and philosophical ride. One that explored the choices we make, their impact upon us while playing with the possibility of what our world could be if by chance… we could correct our more unsavory choices. Giving rise to a fascinating series, one that left resolution on the table regarding Gideon’s moves.
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The kind that did indeed leave us curious as to what would come of the revelations and decisions, he made in the season finale and well, we are inching closer and closer to learning what those will be. For October 18 will see season two of this dynamic series arrive on Prime Video and to properly celebrate this wonderful news, not only did Prime Video released a bevy of details on season two, and season three, but they also offered up some first look photos for season two. Which we will share with you now as we begin the countdown to year two of this fascinating saga.

‘Prime Video have unveiled the first look at season two of mind-bending thriller, The Devil’s Hour, which will launch exclusively on Prime Video globally on 18th October. The series stars Jessica Raine (Patrick Melrose, Informer),  Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who, The Thick of It), Nikesh Patel (Starstruck), Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso)and Meera Syal (Yesterday, Goodness Gracious Me). Saffron Hocking (Top Boy) also joins the cast for season two. 
 
The Devil’s Hour season two sees Lucy (Jessica Raine) and Gideon (Peter Capaldi) forming an uneasy alliance in order to prevent a recurring tragedy and hunt down an elusive monster. Lucy’s double life sees her torn between family and duty as she finds herself in the crosshairs of her past-life husband, DI Ravi Dhillon (Nikesh Patel). Assisting Dhillon in his investigation is DS Sam Boyd (Saffron Hocking) who was mentored by DI Lucy Chambers in a previous life. 
 
Meanwhile, Isaac (Benjamin Chivers) is discovering new emotions every day and struggling to keep his balance in a reality that rejects his existence. Fresh mysteries unfold as our stories converge on one explosive moment that will change the fate of our characters for the rest of their ever-recurring lives.
 
The Emmy-nominated thriller will continue the gripping exploits of the lead trio, with returning cast includingBenjamin Chivers (Napoleon), Alex Ferns (Chernobyl), Barbara Marten (Sanctuary), along with Thomas Dominique (Blood Drive), and Rhiannon Harper-Rafferty (Last Night). 
 
The five-part second season is produced by award-winning Hartswood Films (Dracula, Sherlock). All five episodes are written and created by Tom Moran and The executive producers are Sue Vertue, Tom Moranand Steven Moffat.The series is produced by Lawrence Till (Douglas is Cancelled). The series directed by Johnny Allan and Shaun James Grant and will launch exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.
 
Filming for the third season recently wrapped at Shepperton Studios, Hampshire, Surrey and Dartmoor.’

There was a time in the television landscape where endings hurt us and hurt us deeply. Because some shows obviously had a great deal of life left in them and they truly ended earlier than they should have, for reasons that aren’t always clear. But it happened often none the less and we did our best to cope and remember fondly, the series that brought us great joy. But this era of peak television has changed the game when it comes to that. Since the need for more programming and the need to know how a story could have continued, has allowed for wonders to take place.
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Such as follow-ups to some of our absolute favorite shows. Wherein we are proven right about there being more to tell in that universe and where we get to see what became of certain characters and how they’re doing after all this time, and that’s why so many of us, are excited for the Wizards of Waverly Place sequel. Since we all know this story had more life left within it, and well… now is the time to truly get excited for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, simply because Disney just dropped some glorious news regarding it.

In that, the premiere date for the series will be October 29, 2024, on the Disney Channel, with a super-sized two-episode series premiere. Which of course will be available on Disney+ the next day, and that’s just wonderful news. Since it means, we don’t have to wait all that much longer for the next chapter in a franchise we deeply love, and to properly celebrate this news. Here are more details on this upcoming release, courtesy of Disney.

• “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” a continuation of the Emmy® Award-winning “Wizards of Waverly Place,” premieres with two episodes Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel. The first eight episodes will be available on Disney+ and Disney Channel On Demand the next day, Wednesday, Oct. 30.

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• It was also announced that Raven-Symoné (“Raven’s Home”) and Danielle Fishel (“Girl Meets World”) will direct episodes in season one. 

• Series Synopsis: “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World. 

• Cast: The series stars David Henrie (as Justin Russo), Janice LeAnn Brown (as Billie), Alkaio Thiele (as Roman Russo), Max Matenko (as Milo Russo), Taylor Cora (as Winter) and Mimi Gianopulos (as Giada Russo). Selena Gomez (as Alex Russo) will guest star in the first episode.

• Credits: Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas serve as writers and executive producers, along with executive producers Gary Marsh, Jonas Agin, Gomez and Henrie. Andy Fickman directed and executive-produced the pilot and will direct multiple episodes. “Wizards of Waverly Place” was created by Todd Greenwald.

• Following the Disney Channel premiere, two new episodes — including a Halloween-themed episode — will premiere Wednesday, Oct. 30, on Disney Channel. Beginning Nov. 8, episode premieres move to Fridays at 8:00 p.m. EDT, with two episodes weekly.

It is definitely safe to say that the Acorn TV series, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, has taken the cozy mystery world by storm… and rightfully so. After all, it features a story that often feels incredibly realistic and is supremely accessible. Thanks to the wondrous setting, the equally as wondrous setup and of course… characters that we know and love and feel akin to people in our lives. All of which has made us simply crave this show and demand as much of it as we can get, and thankfully, Acorn TV is aware of how much we love this show.
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For recently, the network announced that Jean and Dom, and the good people of Saint Victoire will be back for a fourth season. Giving rise to new stories and new moments of meaning that we will cherish for certain, and as an added bonus… Acorn TV only made this news sweeter. In that, the series is indeed back in production so we can enjoy our new annual holiday episode on time, and well to properly celebrate this news, here are all the details on this announcement, and a photo from the set of season four as we patiently await a return to Saint Victoire.

‘AMC Networks’ Acorn TV and Channel 5 today announce the recommission of The Madame Blanc Mysteries, the much-loved crime drama created by and starring Sally Lindsay. Currently in production, Clapperboard (Love Rat, The Good Ship Murder, The Teacher) and Saffron Cherry Productions (The World According to Grandpa) co-produce with Acorn Media Enterprises on board as international distributor, holding exclusive rights worldwide except for the UK and Northern Ireland.
 
The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season 4 (7 x 60’) returns to the wonderful world of Sainte Victoire, packed with unusual antiques and objéts d’art, murder, mystery, sunshine and laughter for 7-episodes, including a Christmas special. Creator Sally Lindsay (Cold Call, Love Rat) returns as Jean White, who is navigating a fledgling romance with her sidekick Dom Hayes, played by Steve Edge (Starlings, Murder They Hope, Maxine). Co-writer Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant, Shameless) stars as mechanic Gloria Beaushaw, Robin Askwith (Strike, Benidorm) and Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, Still Open All Hours, The Green Green Grass) reprise their roles as eccentric married couple Jeremy and Judith Lloyd James and Alex Gaumond (Derry Girls, My Dinner With Hervé, Death In Paradise) is back as Chief of Police André Caron. Tony Robinson and Paul Chuckle (Elliott) complete the cast as Dom’s Uncle Patrick, a petty thief turned pub landlord, and Trevor, Gloria’s dad. Viewers can also expect additional surprise guest appearances which will be revealed in due course!
 
The fourth season is directed by Dermot Boyd, produced by Jake Rollins, while Mike Benson and Andy Morgan serve as Executive Producers for Clapperboard alongside Sally Lindsay and Caroline Roberts-Cherry for Saffron Cherry. The series was commissioned for Channel 5 by Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor.
 
Sally Lindsay commented: “I think if you had told me five years ago when I came up with the idea of Madame Blanc that in the not-too-distant future our show would be not only a hit in the United Kingdom but America, Australia, and Canada (to name but a few), I would have been astounded. But, amazingly, it is! And our team could not be more thrilled to bring you a brand-new season of sunshine, laughs and antiques. All the gang are back with some more fantastic surprise guests visiting St. Victoire and we can’t wait for you all to enjoy soon.”
 
Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises adds: “This series continues to delight from start to finish, and we’re elated by the Acorn TV audiences’ warm and highly committed embrace of Jean White and her community of clever, self-made investigators. We are all in for a treat as we return to the stunning Sainte Victoire for a slew of intriguing new cases in need of solving.”
 
Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor for Channel 5 said: “The Madame Blanc Mysteries has won over the hearts of our audience, and we can’t wait to say ‘Bonjour’ to our Sainte Victoire favourites once again. The crime rates may be sky-high in this village, but we’re in great hands with the brilliant Jean White, and trusty sidekicks, to crack every case.”   
 
Andy Morgan, Executive Producer, Clapperboard added: "The return of ‘Madame Blanc’ for season four proves just how hugely popular a show it is. The new series will deliver even more gripping mysteries and unexpected twists from our amazing cast, alongside a host of fantastic guest stars. The show is as much fun to make as it is to watch, so we’re delighted to welcome viewers back to the charming world of Sainte Victoire.”
 
The Christmas special is set to air on Acorn TV and Channel 5 in 2024, with the rest of the series continuing in 2025. 
 
About Acorn TV 
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thriller Bloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), Signora Volpe (Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 24 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.
 
“glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Netflix for the Anglophile” – NPR
 
Acorn TV is available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Facebook: OfficialAcornTV – Twitter: @AcornTV – Instagram: @Acorn_tv
 
About Channel 5
** These figures are based off 28 day viewing figures. 
Channel 5 is a multi-award-winning public service broadcaster and the UK’s third largest commercial TV station. Launched in March 1997, Channel 5 has been part of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) since its acquisition in September 2014. Its portfolio includes digital channels 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT, 5ACTION.
 
Channel 5 and on-demand platform My5 offer a diverse range of critically acclaimed, original programmes featuring well-known faces and fresh new talent – from issue-led documentaries, popular factual series and accessible history shows to premium drama and agenda-setting news & current affairs. Channel 5 is the only PSB to air children’s content daily through its much-loved programming strand Milkshake!, home to some of the world’s favourite pre-school characters. The free to air channel’s distinctive British programming aims to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the UK.
 
This year Channel 5 has continued to attract industry acclaim for documentary White Nanny Black Child, winning both a BAFTA Television Award (Specialist Factual) and an RTS Award, whilst Endurance Race to the Pole received a BAFTA nomination in the Factual Entertainment category. In 2023, Who Killed Billie Jo? won best documentary series at the inaugural True Crime Awards and home-grown drama All Creatures Great and Small took home the Stress Buster Award at the Radio Times’ Screen Test Awards.
 
About Clapperboard Studios
Clapperboard Studios is a drama production company established in 2020 by executive producer and managing director Mike Benson.
 
Since launch, Clapperboard has delivered 17 series and 80 hours of television, including critically acclaimed ratings winners The Teacher, The Holiday, The Good Ship Murder and Maxine for Channel 5 and The Ex Wife, The Castaways and The Serial Killer's Wife for Paramount+. It was shortlisted for Best Production Company in the Edinburgh TV Awards 2022 and Best Independent Production Company at the Broadcast Awards 2024. The studio also co-produces hit comedy drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries, created and co-written by Sally Lindsay.
 
Clapperboard along with its partner companies, Chalkboard and Storyboard Studios, are part of iZen, the producer-led content group comprising a network of independent production companies in Spain, the Middle East and the UK.
 
About Saffron Cherry Productions
Saffron Cherry Productions is an award-winning company based in Manchester. It makes Kids, Factual and Drama focussing on female skewing pieces and diverse storytelling. In Kids, Saffron Cherry produces The World According to Grandpa starring Don Warrington for Milkshake! which recently won the Broadcast Award for best pre-school show and the VLV Award for Excellence in Broadcasting for best children’s programme. Other shows include The Wonton Warrior for CBBC which received four international nominations.  Sally Lindsay became Saffron Cherry Productions Creative Director after presenting the award-wining documentary Emmeline Pankhurst; The Making of a Militant with SCP. The Madame Blanc Mysteries is created, co-written and stars Saffron Cherry’s creative director Sally Lindsay. National Treasure Don Warrington (Death in Paradise, Rising Damp) has recently joined the company as Executive Producer. Saffron Cherry is headed up by Caroline Roberts-Cherry, a Grierson award winning director and BAFTA winning producer.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Thus far, our journey with Wayne Brady and his family via the Freeform series, Wayne Brady: The Family Remix, has been quite emotional and thoughtful in nature. Since we have spent weeks learning about how hard it is to face truths about oneself and how hard it is to speak those truths and be comfortable with the reaction they can engender. Along with some lessons regarding the importance of dealing with our pain and our past. Giving rise to an unconventional show about a celebrity. Since these stories tend to offer something vastly different.

For they usually tend to focus on the everyday lives of a celebrity, and some of the work they do, and while that has been present here, it’s never been the focus. But that is a staple of this type of show, and that is likely why Wayne and the production team, delivered on such matters in the next episode. Because ‘Feeling Myself’ focused heavily on Maile Brady, and the creation of her music video and well… that allowed for some serious day in the life moments to come forth. The kind that helped us to learn that Wayne, is oddly seen as a bit of an irritation when creativity comes forth in the home.

Simply because he injects himself into the process, and that was why Maile wanted him to back off a bit when she re-recorded her song. To create freely without dad’s input. To which he promised he would, and she believed he would not. Which brought forth a bet that she won, and of course… the day of the shoot… there was some family friction. Because Wayne really wanted to dive in and make sure that the video was top notch. Which definitely delayed the shoot a bit and brought about some sass… but no malice. For everyone understood that Wayne wanted to help and use his knowledge as one of the world’s biggest stars to make her video as epic as can be and well… once the frustrations wore off, Maile was able to finish quite the journey.  

Because she was the one who chose her dance troupe, and that was an empowering and fun moment for her. Especially since the turnout for potential dancers was amazing. Plus, she finally got to put together a music video, and really craft something that was her own creation. Also, it turned out amazing since we got a sneak peek at the end of the episode, and it was quite amazing to see Maile enjoy the creative process and learn how much creativity flows in the family beyond Wayne. Since we hadn’t a clue that Mandie was a music video director, and an incredible one at that, nor did we know that Jason was a whiz behind the camera.

All of which brought forth a delightful episode. One that truly did have that old school celebrity show feel and delivered on The Family portion of the title. Which was nice, because it let us get to know Maile better, and hear more from Mandie as well, and we even got a behind the scenes look at how a music video comes to life. As it turns out, it is in fact a lot of work, the kind that paid off in spades for Maile and well, now that we’ve reached the end of the shoot, it would seem we are back to the core journey for Wayne next week. Since the People Magazine interview, awaits. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

If there is one fundamental question that the hit SYFY series, The Ark, has posed often, it would have to be… can humanity get beyond its conflicts? Because deep down we all know that constant battles over, religion, politics, ideology, causes more harm than good. So, we all wonder what it will take to get past that, and whether or not we can do it, because we hold onto all that so dearly. Even though we know that getting past them would likely mean we could come together as a species at last and accomplish wonders and truly understand our potential. But alas, it truly seems as though we cannot get there and cannot find the path… so how then… do we find a way forward?

Well, that’s also something the show is taking the time to explore when the moment is appropriate, as it was last night. For ‘It Can’t Be True’ pondered upon such matters courtesy of some new crises aboard Ark 1. One which involved, Lane’s clone. Who was arrested and locked up for the death of the Gen 3 Clones. Since he was an engineer and likely knew how to detonate the remote switch that was found, and that investigation into his potential involvement, brought about a lot of distraction. The kind where Lane learned that his clone might not be a killer because he came from hell on Earth, since that genetic line was expected to offer organs to the rich and of course… other distractions from the arrival of the clones led to some suspicious moves.
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All of which served as the perfect cover for someone… to take some unsettling action aboard the ship. Because just like that, Kelly was activated out of the blue and broke out of her cell and nearly ended Eva’s life. And while the crew tried to figure out how and why this happened, Eva once again was in grave trouble. For she was poisoned and was soon recovering in medical and that led to quite the reveal. In that, it became clear to Kimi that her partner in hunting down Eastern Federation spies, Lati, had gone rogue since there was suspicion that Eva was EF. That brought forth a harrowing showdown on the ship where Lati tried to run and tried to use Kelly as a weapon once again before Captain Garnet was able to get her to stand down so Lati could be arrested. 

Which brought forth another prisoner aboard the ship and some fascinating fallout. Since Eva admitted to being EF and was locked away in her quarters. But more importantly, this storyline did indeed showcase that central theme. Because even in the face of extinction, old ideas and battles were still hanging in the air, but the actions taken here… spoke to how we combat that and find unity. For Captain Garnet’s decision to ignore such matters and see everyone as people and not compartmentalize them and stuff them into stereotypes… allowed for morals and what matters to come into play and for Garnet’s efforts, Kelly and Trust get second chances and peace is once again aboard the ship for the time being.

Because that’s what progress looks like, and that is how we start to fight such matters. By looking at people as people, and forgetting causes, ideologies and the like to focus upon what makes us special and what truly matters. Specifically, the beauty and kindness we exude, and what we are capable of when we work together. Which made for another brilliant tale from this series, one that also offered up a big moment for the fans. Since this is the episode where Angus and Alicia FINALLY became a thing, and hey, there might be more love aboard this space boat… since Lane and Garnet came to discover they might want more out of life, with one another. Plus, it also presented a powerful moment for Dr. Kabir, who worked through some deep traumas in this tale by finally opening up about her past. All of which leaves us eager to continue the journey with this fine crew. To see how they use what’s right to solve complex problems we are only now tackling in our world. Until next time.