Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Shantaram’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Thus far, the fascinating journey that we’ve been privy to in the Apple TV+ series, Shantaram, has been quite intimate and powerful in nature. Since we’ve been witness to every folly and poor choice that has led Lin to his new home and new life. But while that has indeed made for a stunning character study, one that has explored the power of change and our fears of it, there has been only one drawback to this journey. In that, it has yet to examine the fascinating world and time surrounding Lin. For India in 1982 is a place and a time that is foreign to so many of us. Since anyone that grew up during that era in America and the Western world… didn’t hear much about life in India. And anyone else, either wasn’t born during that time or was too young to even remotely be curious about it.

But actually exploring what life was like in that world and that time would make for moments as intriguing as Lin’s lamentations and expectations about his future and at long last… the show opted to take a moment to finally look at Bombay and life within the city in 1982. Which made ‘Dead Man Walking’, quite the fascinating tale. Since it explored a time when corruption ran rampant in this city and where people were extremely closed minded to those different than them and those who wished to not follow ancient traditions, as was the case with Prabhu and Parvati’s journey here. Since Parvati’s parents were adamant that their budding love go a supremely traditional route, giving us great insight into the values of that era and how change was on the horizon… since those lovebirds didn’t listen in the slightest. 

Speaking of severely outdated views as well… the notion of women being property in this era was also explored in detail since Lisa… could not escape the reality that Modena and Maurizio only saw her as such. Since Maurizio was quick to once again offer her up as a prize to line his pockets rather than provide her with agency and choice for her future. Granted, she found a way to gain some of that, but the fact remains that she was seen as a second-class citizen that had to compromise to find it. Something that stands in contrast to today… but not by much. Plus, we also came to really understand how conservative an era the 1980s were in general, as evidenced by the horrible journey that Didier went upon in this tale. For he fell in lust with a beautiful man at the bar and was caught in the middle of a tryst, which in turn brought forth the wrath of the police.

Who saw homosexuality as a crime, and punished Didier for being himself and of course, exposed how deep the corruption went. Since they threatened to bring more harm without payment in full of the fine, they so levied. Which in turn brought Lin into the fold with Vikram since he knew the ropes. Allowing for a good deed to come into play by getting Didier out and not a moment too soon. Because Kavita continued to inch closer and closer to the truth about Lin and his past… and it is only a matter of time before she exposes it, and Didier can get him the passport he needs. But what matters more here, is that this really was… a powerful look at Bombay in 1982 and we learned a great deal about how different that era was and how in some ways, we haven’t quite progressed as much as we would have liked. Since women are still fighting for agency and of course, there are those who see LGBTQIA+ individuals in a negative light. 

But that aside, you really cannot go wrong with a period piece digging into that period while also letting the other characters shine. Since they have, understandably, taken a back seat to Lin and his journey. But in the end, this was just a wonderful world-building tale. One that truly helped us to really see the complete Bombay in 1982 all while nudging the plot along and giving Lin new challenges to face. Since Kavita continues to slink toward the truth and because something foul is afoot in Sagar Wada. Since Parvati’s sudden illness and talk of others coming down with an ailment… speaks volumes to an outbreak of something nasty in Sagar Wada. Something that will force Lin to work hard since he is the only qualified medical professional that gives a damn about the people that live there. In the end however, this was just a great episode through and through. One that fleshed out this world wonderfully and set the stage for the next chapter in Lin’s journey in a smooth and dynamic manner. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘The Mosquito Coast’. To revisit the season finale, click here.
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We harbor some fascinating beliefs regarding people that are about to become or have recently become parents. For instance, we believe that if they were unfocused individuals in life or lost in some form or fashion… or wild in nature as well, prior to learning that parenthood is about to happen… that having a child will change them. As though seeing that tiny life in front of them and holding that wee one in their arms, will transform and make them a better person. One that is hellbent on being the best person they can be in every way imaginable. For that is a fundamental that keeps humanity going and striving toward a better tomorrow. Or rather… so we would like to think. For in reality… those beliefs aren’t one-hundred percent true.

For while some parents do indeed shape up and buckle down to properly raise their baby and be a role model for them… they are still human and still make mistakes and still have flaws and some parents are downright awful to their children and create more harm than they should and some… operate in a grey area. Where they do questionable things but try and do the right thing… with mixed results and this reality about parents and parenting are top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display in the season two premiere of The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+. For when we catch up with the Fox family in ‘The Damage Done’ a short while after the events of the season one finale, they were heading south on their boat and unfortunately for Margot and Allie, their children had a lot of questions about their past and why their family was on the run and shockingly, Allie thought perhaps the time had arrived for them to learn why everyone was on a boat and hiding from their former lives.

Which as it turned out… related to some selfish and poor choices on Allie’s part. Because back in the day, when life was something far different for this family and Dina and Charlie were young and impressionable… Allie and Margot were in the midst of separation and at one another’s throats about their future as a couple and the company that Margot was keeping. For Allie’s desire for control and his ego couldn’t handle such matters and eventually… that prompted him to use his new invention, a bit of software that could peer into any record of any person on the planet, to explore whom he thought to be his usurper as a husband and lover. Which in turn got him into a lot of hot water with the NSA and that of course… was why the family was on the run. An admission that the kids… didn’t fully buy. Because it didn’t seem as though one selfish choice of that low caliber would offend the government that badly, much less warrant risking life and limb to travel to new countries.

Concerns that were of course… justified. Since we also came to learn that Allie didn’t tell them the complete story. In that, doing that research revealed that this man wasn’t the ‘usurper’, he was an activist that reignited Margot’s desire to teach the world proper lessons on taking care of the planet that takes care of us. To the point where she and her friend were prepared to send an explosive message to a company that didn’t hold to that ideal and sadly… that plan went sideways. For there was an innocent involved in the explosion, one that Margot tried to save. But their passing and Allie’s misstep, was enough to put the heat on the both of them and keeping that part of the truth from the kids brought forth quite the internal conflict for Margot. Because that has been eating at her for some time because of the good within her and the motherly instinct she wants to indulge, but at the same time... she knows such a bombshell could cause more harm than good. 

But what matters more… is that this journey hammered home the central theme nicely. Because Allie obviously didn’t let go of his ego and need for control when becoming a dad, and Margot didn’t find new and less dangerous ways to make the world a better place for her kids. They just… stayed in that grey, where they were eager to do what must be done to satisfy their needs, regardless of the cost… while trying to do their best to be good parents that inspire. The only questions that now remain are… what will become of that delicate balance if and when the kids finally learn the truth? And what will Margot do with this eating at her soul? Time will tell of course, but this is a fascinating way to set up the second season of this brilliant show. Since it implies new challenges and a potential reckoning for a family… that continues to struggle to find their way forward in life in a positive and peaceful manner. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Tourney time arrives in the latest chapter of Game Changers and the Ducks’ find their resilience tested early and often. Facing a talent gap when stacked up against the other teams from camp, the Ducks must find a way to bond and fly together to prove to Coach Cole - and to themselves - that Alex didn’t make a mistake in drafting them. The team faces some ups and downs as they try to prove their worth, and we’re left with a bombshell cliffhanger that promises a flock of fun on the way. 
 
The Ducks are full of doubt coming into the round-robin tournament thanks to their struggles during camp and to intimidation from the scouting reports on the other teams. Before even setting foot on the ice, they question whether they belong as individuals and as a team. Sadly, these doubts get the best of them in the first game, as they give up early goals and are obliterated. Game two doesn’t see a better result, with the Ducks getting blanked 9-0. 
 
Trying to dig out of the 0-2 hole, Coach Alex gathers the team around the campfire to regroup. They bond by each sharing a struggle they’re experiencing. This works for most of the team - all except for Jace, who refuses to participate. Alex breaks and pushes back, telling him to leave the team if he doesn’t want to be there. Even still, the other Ducks grow closer and game three feels like it might be a huge turning point for the squad. Coach Alex and Coach Cole go head-to-head, finally putting their competing philosophies on the ice. 
 
The Ducks come out motivated: their passes are crisp, they play to each other’s strengths, and they hold their own against Dominate, heading into the third period tied 2-2. It feels like an upset is on the horizon. However, in the hallway between periods, superstar A.J. Lawrence reveals to Nick that he and Dominate had been playing with their off-hands and going easy on the Ducks. This pushes the team back into their doubts and their slump, with them ultimately blowing the game in the third. With an 0-3 record to begin the tournament, the Ducks need to miraculously win out to have a shot at the elimination stage.  
 
The miracle starts to take shape, though. Sofi leads the team with a motivational speech, saying that she wants to see their names up on the championship banner. Jace comes back and joins the team, motivated after hearing what his dad did to them. Last but not least, the episode ends with Coach Alex calling in the big guns. With a number she got from Gordon Bombay, she calls in a favor to… THE ANAHEIM DUCKS! The next episode promises a big reveal; maybe some NHL Duck stars (Troy Terry or Trevor Zegras, perhaps?) have what it takes to rally the Ducklings on a winning streak. 
 
This week laid the foundation for a classic, District-5 style comeback story, building up the underdog mythos of the team with some sentimental moments. Another highlight of the episode is the return of Rich Eisen, remarking “My agent swore to me that it would not be weird to come back and call the action of a summer camp tournament.” As he did in his first appearance, Eisen brings nonstop humor, as well as a pro sports pedigree that seems to up the stakes of the on-ice action. He definitely plays up the silliness of the series, though, noting that Evan is benched for the first game “because he skipped practice for his best friend’s birthday party,” in the same manner an announcer might rattle off roster updates in a big game. 
 
Game Changers feels like it’s in a great place heading into the home stretch. Characters are stepping up into new and important roles, the on-ice action is coming to a head, and some fun NHL cameos are all but guaranteed. It certainly feels like Coach Cole and Dominate haven’t seen the last of our Mighty Ducks. 

​Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek and synopsis from Episode Three of Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars.  Which you can see on The CW tomorrow, 11/5/22!
 
‘This Saturday, November 5, on the third episode of Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars, actor Frankie Muniz (Malcolm In the Middle) and US Olympic athlete Lolo Jones go head to head as they perform one of Criss Angel's great demonstrations -- Metamorphosis -- in front of a live Vegas audience and judging panel to win the coveted golden wand. Criss has performed the fastest version of the illusion to date (since the days of Houdini). Can Frankie and Lolo take on the challenge, or will they break under pressure?’

​Please enjoy this exclusive clip from Slumberkins, which makes its debut on Apple TV+, tomorrow (11/4/2022).

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Suspect’. This article also contains discussions regarding sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals.

There are a great many things we fear in life. Some of our fears are simple in nature, such as that of the dark. While others are woefully complex and emotional in nature, such as a fear of death or failure. But of the many fears we harbor as a species, one that we all share in… is a fear of losing control. Specifically… of the mind. Simply because the mind is a sacred space for us. One that houses all of our memories and every important lesson we’ve ever taken part in, and of course… we control it. We control our mood, our decisions and everything in between and the thought of losing that to say… illness… is downright terrifying.

Because who do we become when we cannot control the most important part of who we are? Not to mention, who will we become when that which defines us is wiped away in a slow and silent manner? Well, those are questions we hope to never have to answer in life, but some folks do sadly and the threat of that haunts us enough that stories are eager to explore such matters. Such as the brand-new series, The Suspect on Sundance Now. For this series, ponders heavily on the terror that would come forth over the reality of losing one’s mental faculties to a severe illness… with a twist of course. Which are feats that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a doctor at quite the unique crossroads in his life.

For Joe O’Loughlin, a brilliant psychologist who has stepped into the limelight by saving a life in an epic and viral fashion, recently came to learn… that he has early onset Parkinson’s disease. A reality that has rocked him to his core since he will now deal with the slow decline of his body and his mind and that truly has put him in a difficult place. Where the next steps in his journey are as unclear as it gets and to make matters worse… he is suddenly worried he might be a monster because of the changes that have come into his life. For the murder of a woman that once admired him and accused him of sexual assault before disappearing from his life, has him wondering if this diagnosis has unlocked something dark within him. Since there are too many coincidences involving him in this matter.

Which is… the perfect way to explore those fears. Since the show does a wonderful job of focusing on Joe’s worries and panic regarding the changes coming forth in his career and his life and of course… the terror that stems from the possibility that he might be a murderer because of the slipping nature of his conscious mind. Which leads to some powerful moments, the kind where you feel for Joe and really feel the terror in his soul. Emotions that are replaced with skepticism and concern because the coincidences regarding Joe and this murder, are too great to ignore, giving rise to a quality murder mystery, one that we must know the answer to. 

Because that’s what a good mystery compels us to do, to quest for knowledge and in this instance, the truth will either break our hearts or fill us with joy. For if Joe did do all these terrible things, then indeed he is our worst fears come to life and we will revel in the horror of what we are capable of when the moral hold on the mind that we cherish is released. But if he is vindicated, then a seemingly decent man will be able to live the last good days of his life in comfort and calm, and well, that is the perfect way to set the stage for a binge watch, since all five episodes of this series are now available on Sundance Now and we will break down every last one of them, to savor the uniqueness of this series and the grand mystery that awaits us. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Andor’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing what the Disney+ series, Andor, is accomplishing from a storytelling perspective. For this is a series that is plunging us into the depths of the ‘Galaxy, Far, Far Away’ in a manner we’ve never experienced before. Since we are truly coming to see what life under the rule of Emperor Palpatine was like and how the oppression of the Galactic Empire made it easy for some people to risk it all in the name of freedom by joining the Rebel Alliance. But while the show has given us taste after taste regarding that evil, it has yet to truly unleash the horrors of the Galactic Empire and it makes sense as to why.
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After all, this is a franchise that has yet to dive into sheer darkness because of its family themed roots and accessibility to audiences and going all out might be alienating in nature. But as it turns out, there are ways to express that evil without making audiences uncomfortable to the point where they feel a need to tune out, as evidenced by this week’s tale. Since ‘Nobody’s Listening!’ took the time to really put the evil of the Empire on display in a tasteful manner, one that allowed for the show to maintain its mature and bleak vibe and it accomplished this feat… by taking the Empire’s actions to the limit. For instance, this is a story that saw Dedra Meero… walk us through Imperial interrogation techniques.

For she came face to face with Bix in this tale and since Bix wasn’t talking, she pulled out the big guns and let her torture master harm her deeply with the sounds of death. Since the Empire recorded the pained final screams of a species they conquered, and those screams were so unsettling that they drove people mad. Which made for a harrowing sequence, wherein we were forced to watch Bix listen to that madness through headphones, which is the perfect way to get across that cruelty without breaking that wholesome fourth wall and kudos to the show for finding a way to really sell the evil without crossing a line and that wasn’t the only sequence that hammered home that cruelty. 

After all, life in the belly of the prison facility on Narkina 5 was no walk in the park either. Because they were working everyone hard, to the point where Ulaf was struggling with his health and just getting through the day, leaving everyone worried as to whether he would make it to his release date in a few weeks. Not to mention, strange things were happening on various other levels, to the point where rumors were spreading that entire floors were being wiped out. All of which pushed Cassian to try and figure out what an escape might look like from this place, and he even tried to enlist Kino’s help to no avail. But Ulaf’s passing after collapsing from a stroke, and the truth about what happened on that other level, in that… it was wiped out when the prisoners learned that no leaves the facility since a ‘free man’ was just transferred to their level… may have changed a great deal for those two men.

Because that made it clear, that the Empire truly doesn’t care about anyone or anything. Just its goals and it will stop at nothing to achieve them and if a few ‘bad apples’ die along the way, oh well. At least in their eyes. Which of course, truly hammered home in the darkest way imaginable for this universe… how cruel the Empire actually is and how far its depravity goes. But thankfully, the closing moments of this tale, wherein Kino finally bothered to help Cassian in his potential escape endeavors, speaks to the reality that this kind of grip cannot and will not last and that people are ready to see it end, and it will be quite interesting to see if this is indeed the keystone moment in Cassian’s growth into a hero. Since he too has come to understand what the Empire is and what it will do if left unopposed. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this Sneak Peek from Episode Six of Shantaram, which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow (11/4/22).

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 509 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly difficult lesson that we come to learn in life in adulthood… is the sheer fact that people are sometimes the greatest roadblocks to our dreams and our goals. And what makes this lesson so difficult to learn and deal with, is the sheer fact that we have to deal with people in just about everything we do. After all, to get our dream job, someone has to sign off on it. To start our own business someone has to approve the loan, and someone has to supply materials and sometimes… they won’t sign off on that job or that loan, and the supplier in question can be difficult to deal with or outright incompetent, putting our future at jeopardy.
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Which makes it seem as though, the lesson is to never try and never bother and just take the opportunities as they come and that’s simply not the case either. Instead, the true lessons inherent, are that we have to find the right people to help us in this life, ones that align with our dream and support us along the way and really research who we need to talk to achieve our goals. To make sure they align with us as well, and above all else, rely upon the person we look at in the mirror every morning, to truly make things happen. Because in the end, we are the ones in charge of our destiny and while people may get in the way as we make our own bold push, being in control as best we can, ensures we can pivot and react accordingly.

If anything, those particular lessons are top of mind today, simply because Serena and June were forced to learn them during this week’s episode of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. For ‘Allegiance’ is a story that saw people… interfere with their plans and goals. Serena for instance, just wanted to be near her son and live in peace, but Mrs. Wheeler wasn’t having that. She had more rules and control she wanted to exert over Serena, in order to take her child from her and leave her out in the cold. In fact, Serena was so despised by everyone in that household that even being docile as June suggested, did her no good, so she took matters into her own hands. Wherein she used the opening of the fertility center and a chance to feed Noah to escape into the world and into someone’s car and away from that nightmare. Giving her some control over her plans and goals, and life, at last.  

As for June… well she suffered the harshest version of this lesson. For she truly believed that the American plan to assault the old Air Force Academy to rescue Hannah, since that was where she was being kept, was going to be a rousing success. Only to watch her goal of being reunited with her family… quite literally go up in flames. Simply because Gilead knew the American military’s playbook inside and out and were fully prepared for something so textbook. So, defenses were moved, and bloodshed came into play, forcing failure and the struggles of relying on people and the unknown didn’t end there. Since Commander Lawrence tried to use this opportunity to once more recruit her to join Hannah in New Bethlehem, provided she renounce America.
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Making it clear to June that Lawrence wasn’t reliable either, since he was so hellbent on fixing his mistakes, and expressing his disdain for America that such matters would supersede the right thing. The kind of acts that would ironically… make Gilead appear to be a worthy nation. Which of course, left June beside herself and ready to fight… to a certain extent. For she is so broken and so without hope that truly accepting what must be done isn’t quite top of mind for her yet. But the foundation was built here. Since Tuello did mention, that the acts she’s performed would give her great power in this life, simply because she was the only individual that actually put some bruises on this seemingly invincible titan and perhaps the closing moments of this tale, where the hate for America boiled over… might be enough to push her over the edge since it put her and a child at risk.

Which granted, isn’t the standard storytelling way to teach such lessons, since we don’t know if June heard the universe’s teachings, but that’s fine. Because this is the realistic way to teach someone the lessons inherent. Simply because everything we do requires stages and baby steps, but one way or another… these failures, that sorrowful moment with Nick, all of it… gave her some understanding she’s on her own and can accomplish wonders when she chooses to, and hopefully she chooses just that. For America doesn’t have the might it once did, Lawrence is only focused on his goals and Nick’s course has changed and the only way a difference can be made, is through her… and it will be fascinating to see if June finally commits to being a leader and a voice, when season five comes to a close next week. Until then.  

For the most part in the television world, season renewals happen during the middle of a season, or after said season comes to a close. Simply because the network wants to really look at data and fan response before saying yes to more episodes, so they know they are making the right investment. But there was mention that this isn’t always the case. After all, sometimes just renewing a hit series is a no-brainer for a network and they waste little time in giving it the greenlight shortly after a new season has aired. But every once in a while… something quite unique happens with renewals… something that clues us into the fact that the network is about to air something quite special. 
 
Specifically, the pre series premiere renewal. Where the network simply asks for more before a single episode has aired and before any major fan feedback has arrived and when this happens, it is inherently obvious that the network is blown away and knows the fans will crave that show through and through and well, this is of note today… because it happened earlier today. For earlier, STARZ let it be known, well ahead of its November 6 premiere, that its upcoming series Dangerous Liaisons will be receiving a second season and well… that definitely leaves all of us eager for that premiere. So, we can see what wonders have been created for us. But before we partake on Sunday night, here are all the details on this momentous announcement, courtesy of STARZ.
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‘Ahead of its November 6 series premiere, STARZ has greenlit a second season of “Dangerous Liaisons.” Season two of the seductive drama series, featuring the iconic literary lovers the Marquise de Merteuil (played by Alice Englert) and the Vicomte de Valmont (played by Nicholas Denton), is expected to begin production at the top of 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic.
 
“‘Dangerous Liaisons’ is addictive, provocative and beautifully rendered,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming at STARZ. “This prelude to the famed 18th century novel illuminates pre-revolution Paris at its most decadent. We are confident that by the end of season one viewers will be craving more scheming and seduction.” 
 
“We’re greatly appreciative to STARZ and Lionsgate for their ongoing support of the show. We’re very excited to share Harriet Warner’s brilliant vision for season two, which will see our world expand and the relationships between our characters deepen in thrilling, dangerous new ways,” said executive producer Colin Callender.
 
STARZ previously announced that season one of “Dangerous Liaisons” is set to premiere Sunday, November 6 at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming, and on-demand platforms and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform across Europe, Latin America and Japan. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. 
 
“Dangerous Liaisons” is a bold prelude of Laclos’ classic 18th century novel focusing on the origin story of how his iconic characters, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, met as passionate young lovers in Paris on the eve of the revolution. This modern take on a classic story takes audiences through wonder and terror, beauty and degradation, seduction and deception in pre-revolutionary Paris. Driven to right the wrongs of their past, the young couple’s survival depends on their skills of seduction and manipulation of not only the French nobility but of each other. Alice Englert and Nicholas Denton portray the notorious lovers: Camille who is taken in by the current Marquise de Merteuil (played by Lesley Manville) navigates her own path in a world of men, using the power of secrets to take back control, and Valmont who will stop at nothing to regain his title that was recently taken from him. Their on-again off-again love story is the heart of the series. It’s not love… it’s war.
 
The series is produced for STARZ by Playground and Flame Ventures in association with Lionsgate Television. It was created and written by Harriet Warner, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. In addition to Warner, Colin Callender (Playground), Tony Krantz (Flame Ventures), Scott Huff, and Christopher Hampton will continue to serve as executive producers on season two. Liz Gill has been added as Producer and Olly Blackburn will return to direct in season two. In addition to Englert, Denton, and Manville, the series stars Kosar Ali as Victoire, Carice van Houten as Jacqueline de Montrachet, Hilton Pelser as Gabriel Carrè, Fisayo Akinade as Chevalier de Saint-Jacques, Michael McElhatton as Jean de Merteuil, Nathanael Saleh as Azolan, Colette Dalal Tchantcho as Ondine de Valmont, Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Majordome, Tom Wlaschiha as Henri de Montrachet, and Paloma Faith as Florence de Regnier.
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global 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. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. 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. 
 
About Playground
Playground is a New York and London-based television, film and theatre production company founded in 2012 by Emmy award- winning producer Colin Callender. Playground has produced over 100 hours of primetime television drama garnering 16 Emmy nominations, 26 BAFTA nominations, and 12 Golden Globe nominations, including winning a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries. Recent productions include the Golden Globe and BAFTA winning Wolf Hall for BBC and Masterpiece on PBS, The White Princess for Starz, Howards End for BBC and Starz,King Lear with Anthony Hopkins for BBC and Amazon, The Spanish Princess for Starz, three seasons of the critically acclaimed All Creatures Great and Small for Channel 5 and Masterpiece on PBS, The Undeclared War with Simon Pegg and Mark Rylance for Channel 4 and Peacock and Dangerous Liaisons for Starz and Lionsgate.
 
About Lionsgate 
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world.  The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’