Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 714 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wildly popular STARZ series, Outlander, we pondered for a bit upon what lie ahead for the various characters of this story. After all, Roger found some family closure and realized his son wasn’t hiding in the past. Not to mention, Brianna was ready to fight for her family’s safety and that’s dangerous for Rob, and of course… peace and resolution had come to Jamie and Claire. So… what lie ahead with a couple of episodes left in this epic seventh season? Well, as it turns out, the next episode in this magnificent saga informed us of that, in as epic a manner as possible.

For ‘Ye Dinna Get Used to It’ let us know that Brianna… is ready to reunite her family for safety’s sake, no matter the cost. Because shortly after she dropped off the kids in this tale, she returned home to realize… that others were inside of it. Which prompted her to pretend to flee. All so she could properly scout the situation and ponder upon how best to straight up murder the two men inside of her home. But alas, the return of her kids, and the arrival of Rob, prompted her to get off a few rounds and escape with her family her friends. Who revealed that Rob was poking about their property as well, which helped Brianna think upon heading into the past… where Rob could not find them or reach them. 

Plus, this is a story that set the stage for an epic finale. One that would see Jamie lead men on the battlefield in combat and where… lives would be put at stake in unique ways. But it sure did not seem as though that was going to be the case early on. Mainly because, Jamie and Claire’s journey started out by hosting a grandiose dinner for General Washington. Wherein dreams of America were expressed and battle plans were drawn up, and while that was happening, William returned to his unit and found himself in charge of keeping Jane safe. Who took the time to kill a rotten British officer whose sexual quirks were about as gross as it gets, which left him wondering how best to handle this mess.

But the return of Lord John Grey set next steps in motion. In part, because he was still badly wounded from Jamie’s all-out assault upon his face. Prompting Claire to repair the damage and to let him sit and rest for a bit, as a prisoner of the USA of course. But while in captivity, old haunts arrived and revealed a horrible secret. In that the very spy that Claire was speaking with, was part of a grand plot to discredit John Grey and others, for political gain and unrest and sadly, William was part of this plan. In fact, the mission he failed to complete earlier this season was part of that plan. For originally, he was supposed to be captured at his final destination and used as leverage and sadly, that plan was being resurrected.
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For back at the camp, William was dressed down and tasked with an ‘important’ mission. One where he was to once again deliver a super important message to people unknown and of course… the expectation behind the scenes, was that he would finish his mission and enter into peril and well, this news put Jamie and Claire at a crossroads. For Jamie’s battalion was to be ready for war and to march soon to it, so, he simply could not stand and fight for his son and part of him was prepared to abandon him. But thankfully, John offered a solution. One where he would be pardoned and released. and he would serve Jamie’s army well. For he would go to William’s location and rescue him from trouble. Preventing anyone from dealing with such trouble and well… the plan was approved and set in motion and John will have to act fast.

Because in the closing moments of this story, William arrived at his destination and was shown such courtesy and kindness. For he was given hot coffee and an invitation to dinner… to start the kidnapping process. But while we wait to see how the plan goes down; we can celebrate one lovely tale. For this one truly did move us into those new chapters fast and let us know that all the plot threads introduced this season are coming to a head. So, we will undoubtedly see more combat with Jamie in the lead, to bring his journey as a solider to completion, and to steady Claire. And we will see John Grey and William’s stories take a similar route and a family may be reunited and that’s just great, and it does make us ready for next week’s episode. To see what surprises await as these storylines barrel toward conclusion. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Silo’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It truly is quite incredible what the second season of the hit Apple TV+ series, Silo, is accomplishing with one of its key storylines. For the entire rebellion plotline, is going places such plotlines rarely go. For it is exploring the motives behind rebellion and control and why stalemates tend to persist for far too long in these situations, and truly… that’s just fascinating. Since it is giving us incredible insight regarding our own world, at a time when we badly need it, and well… that wonderful aspect of the series is top of mind today, because that exploration continued once again during this week’s episode. Well, after ‘The Dive’ offered up some surprises.

Because before those examinations got underway, we finally got a good glimpse inside The Vault. For Lukas was taken within its walls, and informed that he would be living inside of it, so he could crack the code of Salvador Quinn and that also allowed for us to see… what secrets the Vault holds. Which as it turns out, is the compendium of human history and knowledge. With some gaps of course, since Bernard stated that he did not know why humanity went into the Silos, just that they stepped into them about 342 years ago. Which means this saga takes place somewhere in the mid-24th Century, which was equally fascinating to learn. But that was about as far as we got in such matters, because mechanical had a message to send in this tale. 

For they launched a missile of sorts into the upper levels using gunpowder and raw ingenuity, and inside that missile was a note that questioned the truth and once that was in the hands of many, they cut the power for a little bit. To remind folks of mechanical’s role in the Silo, and to add gravitas to their note, and well, that move started the exploration in question. Because following that move, the stalemate hardened and mechanical fought to find unity. To the point where they had to lecture one of their own for poisoning the food. All of which related to the fact that everyone in the down deep felt a lack of respect and a sense that they were always pawns for the up top. Which spoke to how sometimes, people fight back and do bold things to be seen and heard, and feel as though they matter, and that’s important to think upon when struggles like this arrive.

Because that is likely the answer as to how one could end a conflict such as the one that Silo 18 is currently dealing with. But that would require leaders that care about people and care about actual unity. Instead of believing in power and control, and a ‘bigger picture’ and that sadly, is why the stalemate persists here. Because Bernard showed in detail how his study of human history, and his belief in the Pact has him holding to negative concepts that simply don’t work. Since his attempts to maintain control are only pushing people away and they’re even creating bigger tumors in the up top since Sims continued to rebel here. Making it clear that these kinds of stalemates take place because one side is screaming to be heard while the other merely listens to its own drum. Which reflects our world right now to a tee and thankfully, this plot offered no answers on the matter beyond the simplest one possible.
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In that, communication, compromise and understanding would solve their issues and our own, but in the thick of it, we don’t see that. We just find fear and loathing and we likely will need something bigger to believe in to move in that direction. Which for Silo 18 would likely be Juliette, but she may never leave 17. Because despite having it out with Solo in this story, and expressing her concerns, she came to realize it was either fix the pump or never go home, and she did, only to discover that new troubles awaited her in this Silo. Because upon finishing her repairs, she was unable to get pulled back to the surface, which pushed her to get up there, post haste, and when she did, she found worrisome sights. Such as the axe that cut her lines and blood. Leaving one to wonder if Solo snapped and hurt himself or if perhaps… there are others in this Silo that Juliette and potentially Solo were not aware of.

But while we wait to see what became of Solo, and if Juliette will ever make it home, we can celebrate another brilliant tale from this series. One that genuinely peeled back so many fascinating details about the conflicts we go through and what prolongs them and drives them. Which was just incredible to watch since so many stories that feature a situation like this focus on the escalation and the tension that is built to really wow the audience. But this show, sees the opportunity at hand to educate us on how worthless these kinds of conflicts can be, so that maybe we can inspire change at a time when we have never been more divided, and it deserves a round of applause for that. Because that’s the stuff we need right now, and it is compelling us to continue the journey to see if this group can overcome and work toward something bigger. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 714 of Outlander. Which is available to stream on the STARZ app now, and airs on the network later today!
 
EPISODE 714: Ye Dinna Get Used to It
Airdate: December 27 on STARZ 

The truth about Lord John Grey’s mysterious disappearance is revealed. Brianna faces off with the foes threatening her family.

There was a time where television comedies, barely reflected the real world. Simply because the constant belief was that comedies and sitcoms should be a true escape for the audience. Wherein they can just laugh and forget about their troubles, and for decades on end, that edict was held to tightly. In fact, if any real-world issues were to be injected into the mix, they would come forth by way of a ‘very special’ episode. So as to not ruin the mystique of the comedic elements these shows worked so hard to create. But somewhere along the line, that all changed, and someone asked… what would these shows look like with a touch of reality in their bones?
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As it turns out, asking that question created incredible benefits for comedies. For now, they were more accessible with reality flowing through the story, and it allowed for the audience to have a sense of catharsis over concerning issues because they were being explored through a comedic lens, helping viewers to process such matters and now… reality is everywhere in comedy. Since there are shows out there grounded in real journeys and they tackle real topics, and it does leave all of us to wonder if by chance this, is the format’s final form or if new elements await, and we might have an answer. For recently, at Dances With Films, a pilot screened that truly offers up a bold new structure for television comedies in Running Erins.

Which the show’s pilot, entitled, ‘Run, Erin, Run’ showcases by offering up a unique story we’ve not seen before in the comedy world. One that introduces us to Erin, a now single mother that is in the midst of transition in this life. After all, she recently went through a divorce, and she lost her small business, and she is simply trying to reclaim agency. Which she has been able to do in part, by being the Alpha Mom at her son’s school. Since everyone turns to her for plans, advice, and anything their children need. But despite being at the early stages of a new chapter in life that should be drama free, a counter Alpha Mom arrives at the school and challenges Erin’s rule. Which forces her to learn that new chapters don’t just get handed to us, we have to fight for them.

Which is at first glance, a plot that appears to be grounded in heavy drama. For those are all elements would you see in a prime-time drama, and they would be played for tears, and jeers for Cameron’s Mom, the other Alpha in question. But instead, it’s all about the laughs here. So that we are reminded of how ridiculous life can be when it just throws punch after punch our way, and so we can see that madness through the comical lens… we all use to cope. Which makes for a supremely realistic comedy, one that is super relatable through Erin’s plight. Because Erin is all of us, and she stumbles and falls often, but keeps on plugging and truly, this comedy feels so vastly different than anything else that’s been done on television before.

Because of its sense of realism. For this show really does blur the line between comedy and reality often, making it a quirky slice of life story, and that’s amazing to say the least. Because it speaks to this type of show’s potential, and how easily it can grab hold of an audience. Because you’re outright captivated here by moments that actually happen, and that prompts the viewer to root for Erin and it leaves them eager to see if she can do it. If she can rise above the tough moments and claim agency and build her new chapter, and well, this all comes courtesy of a refreshing script from writer Erin Fogel, and her performance as well, since she plays Erin, and hopefully… this one gets picked up soon. So that we can see this journey head toward completion and to enjoy the beginning of the next generation of comedies, where life is featured often and where we can laugh about it far more often than we normally do.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the 2024 ‘Doctor Who’ Holiday Special.
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There are few things that we cherish more during the holiday season, than handing over the perfect gift to someone we love. Because there is something supremely special about seeing the look on their face as they tear away the wrapping paper to behold a gift that was chosen just for them. That reflects their likes, their wants, their joy, and that is why we spend so much time during the season, searching for that gift. So that we can bring happiness and love, which we deeply believe to be the sole reason for the season. But truly… while the perfect gift is important and something we should hold to, sometimes our quest for it has us lose sight of something equally as important.

In that, we sometimes forget that giving gifts to others and feeding off of their joy, can be detrimental when the gift giver is in fact, hurting. For the joy of others doesn’t fill a hole when someone has lost someone during the holidays or is in need of something more to soothe an ailing soul, and well… it is high time we point that out and think about it more often. So that we all come to understand that the season is more than just gift giving. It’s also about making sure that people feel loved, seen, and whole, and that sometimes… what they really need to have a wonderful holiday season is a chance to heal and love themselves and find what gives them new meaning or perhaps a chance at closure.

If anything, these more unique aspects of the season are top of mind today, simply because they were put on display during this year’s holiday special of Doctor Who on Disney+. Which ‘Joy to the World’ accomplished by having the Doctor arrive at a very unique place… the Time Hotel. A massive and classy hotel that harbored the ability to send anyone to any time period they want, through the locked door in hotel rooms we pay no mind to, and well… the Doctor couldn’t help but notice that something suspicious was happening in this hotel. Something that prompted one of those lessons to come forth for the Doctor. For while he was tailing the hotel’s manager, who stepped through into a tiny hotel in London in 2024, he encountered a woman named Joy, who became attached to the lethal briefcase that the manager had attached to him, and in the midst of trying to uncover that briefcase’s secrets, Joy was whisked away by a future version of the Doctor, which stranded Doctor Prime in London for a full year. 

For he would not be able to return to the Time Hotel until 2025, and while there, he just lived and worked in the hotel, and hung out with its manager, a woman named Anita. In fact, they became fast friends and well… the simple nature of that friendship and time to reflect, really helped the Doctor to understand some of his toxic behaviors and how the pain in his past created them. All so he could heal and think about how to culture relationships going forward. Because clearly, the current path he was on kept him lonesome and in pain, and if he could be his authentic self as he was here, perhaps he could finally stick with a companion for longer periods of time. In fact, he worked so hard at this, he even avoided contacting Ruby, despite her cameo. Which did indeed bring about a powerful lesson about how some need the holiday season to heal and reflect and find strength for tomorrow from it, and it was Joy, that explored the other lesson.
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Because eventually she and the Doctor reunited at the Time Hotel, as the time loop, we saw early on predicted. And their time together, revealed that Villengard, the nasty weapons manufacturer from last season’s episode, ‘Boom’, set this briefcase up to create a star seed. Which would create an actual star in an effort to create an endless energy source, and it was set up to explode at a time in human history, that would wipe out all of humanity. But in between those stakes, were moving moments with Joy, where we learned she lost so much in the past few years and was broken and desperate to find some measure of closure. Which for her, involving doing something worthwhile. For the death of her mother, and other mistakes in life, made her feel as though she had accomplished nothing. So, to save, all of humanity, and to be reunited with her mother, she became the star seed. Giving herself the gift of closure and purpose.

All of which made for a supremely different kind of Doctor Who holiday special. Since they usually aren’t this cerebral and this moving. They either feature a grand holiday adventure that sets up the new season or just offer up a wild story that we outright enjoy. So, it was refreshing to see Joy ponder upon what she needed and see the Doctor think about his journey and his own behaviors. Which of course, related to that central theme of looking at the holidays in a different light and how others are searching for more than the perfect gift, but the perfect way to heal, the perfect way to feel whole and that makes for a special story. One that not only reminds us that this new era of the show is going to be far more introspective, but a holiday special that is more than the sum of comfort and joy, since it speaks to how we truly find the latter. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, the second season of the hit Apple TV+ series, Shrinking, has been a special year of storytelling. For year two of Jimmy’s journey has provided us with invaluable advice and resources regarding how we heal from trauma, loss, and life’s struggles in general, and while it by no means is designed to replace professional help… these moments do help us to stick with what a doctor recommends and it teaches us the little things we don’t think about when it comes to healing. Making it something of an aid, and perhaps a guide as to what to expect and look forward to when we start our healing journey, and it continued to offer that in its season two finale.

In fact, ‘The Last Thanksgiving’ took the time to offer up some very important perspective regarding some of the final steps we take part in when we are on our healing journey. Specifically, what gets us over the hump and what we must learn to finally close the books on the pain we are eager to leave behind. Such as how, the people we surround ourselves with is important. Because sometimes we need a nudge to heal, to change, and having great people around us, helps us do that. Because they remind us that we are better than we think, and that we can accomplish wonders and that can get us to new places, as evidenced by so many journeys here. Since a nudge helped Gaby start to own up to her mistakes and her bad habits to stop them, and it helped Liz admit to what she needed to heal. 

Not to mention, it helped both Paul and Jimmy, handle their own messes respectively. Since Julie pushed Paul to finally be open and authentic about his illness by having him attend Gaby’s Thanksgiving celebration. Wherein the honesty his friends exhibited prompted him to do the same, in a manner that left his writer with tears streaming down his face… because Harrison Ford reminded us why he is indeed one of the most iconic actors to ever grace this Earth. But that aside, someone nudged him in the right direction and helped him to heal and be deeper entrenched in a community that would lift him up as needed and that was huge. Oddly enough, it was Paul that did the same for Jimmy, since Paul let Jimmy know that he had to talk to Alice, he had to make everything right and do it authentically, and that led to a beautiful moment between father and daughter, where forgiveness came into play.

Which helped Jimmy to heal greatly since that’s been hanging over his head for some time now and that talk allowed for another piece of the healing puzzle to come together. For something that Alice and Jimmy discovered together, along with how this episode ended, made clear to the viewer and those working to heal… that there is an important lesson we must learn to complete the healing cycle. In that, we are not… the sum of a moment or a mistake. We like to think we are, and yes, we do make massive, life changing mistakes from time to time that penalize us. But they don’t define us. For whom we are is a tapestry mired with little flecks of imperfection and that tapestry matters more, and when we finally understand that and embrace it… can we move on from our failures and even our pain. Because only then can we truly look at our journey… and how far we’ve come or how far we need to go.

Which brought about some powerful moments in this tale, and real healing and real support and once again, a season finale of this show wrapped up a chapter for these characters. For now, they are done grieving and are close to being done with healing and that means these fine folks can enter a new chapter when season three arrives. As to what that will be, time will tell. But for now, we can applaud this brave and honest finale, one that truly showcased how important the village around us and objectivity are in healing. And this show deserves a round of applause for putting this on display and for all the other lessons it put forth in a season of storytelling that will forever be remembered as a definitive look, at the healing process and all the ups and downs that accompany it. Until next year.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular question that every single fan of a particular television show harbors, when a grand mystery is set before them, is how long will this mystery take to solve? Which is never asked in a negative manner, it’s just designed to help a fan temper their expectations. Because if it’s going to take the rest of the season, one will prepare one’s mind to not get impatient for the answers and oddly enough, most shows telegraph that time frame to help the fans out. But now and again, you run into a show that offers nothing regarding when the mystery will be solved. They just keep one on their toes and leave one’s mind askew… or they straight up waste no time at all and get right to it.

The latter of which, is precisely the route that Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on Disney+, went with its grand mystery. Which of course, relates to why it is such a huge deal that At Attin is shrouded in secrecy, and well, this week’s episode finally informed us of that, in the most unique way possible. Through the underbelly… of a health spa. A feat that ‘You Have a Lot to Learn About Pirates’ accomplished by offering up a tense interrogation of SM-33. Wherein he was quick to apologize for his actions and he even offered some fresh answers to further atone. Such as revealing that the ship was named the Onyx Cinder, and was captained by the infamous Tak Rennod, and to properly complete his apology, SM-33 offered to take the crew to the Rennod’s hidden lair to pull the coordinates to At Attin. 

For the former captain kept everything he deemed important, there, and that led, to some welcome lighthearted moments. For when they arrived at their destination, they discovered that a health spa had sprouted atop what was once the spooky and infamous Skull Mountain. Wherein the staff repurposed everything to cater to the galaxy’s most bloated rich guests, and that prompted Jod to get creative and resort to bribery to get them into the heart of the facility to find Rennod’s lair, with unsettling results. Mainly because, an old acquaintance that he nearly killed, called in the Pirates to claim the bounty upon his head, and to get revenge. Not to mention, despite paying off everyone at the hotel with a fancy bribe, they still came after Jod and the kids, which made it seem as though, there would be no secrets revealed, there would just be more running and screaming from the bad guys.

But a surprise discovery in the depths of the spa, led them into Rennod’s lair where all the answers came to bear. Such as the fact that At Attin, was hidden from the galaxy, simply because… it was the last Old Republic Mint. Wherein anyone who had control of it, could print endless credits and live their wildest dreams and sadly… that prompted Jod to turn upon the kids and seize control of the ship. Because he wanted that money, and he wanted that chance at peace and financial security. Which led to some scary moments for the kids and another surprise. In that, this double-crossing pirate did not forget how to handle a lightsaber from ages ago, giving rise to real trouble for our intrepid Skeleton Crew, who are now on the run from a friend turned foe.

In fact, that was quite the twist. Since Jod offered kindness and Jedi advice in this tale. But alas, he is indeed a true pirate, and potentially a fallen Jedi, and that will lead to some tense storytelling down the line. But at last, we finally know why At Attin is such a big deal, and it may soon be revealed to the galaxy, regardless. Because the crew’s parents are ready to breach protocol to find their children. But what matters most, is that we were treated to one amazing episode. Because this one was a lot of fun, and it had a real Goonies vibe to it, and yes… this one definitely leaves us ready for next week’s episode. So, we can see if Jod can find kindness after all, so these children can return home safely after enjoying the adventure of a lifetime… or if they will have to dig deep and escape a former-Jedi possessed by the dark side of greed. Until next time.

If there is one particular phrase that’s been spoken often regarding television as of late, it would be that representation matters, and it makes sense as to why we keep hearing that. Simply because television is in the midst of a revolutionary new age for the format, one where new shows continue to crop up on every network and streamer out there and that affords an amazing opportunity. Wherein, people from all walks of life can be properly represented and be seen and heard on the television screen, and slowly but surely… we are starting to see that happen on the small screen, and it’s glorious. Because it is long overdue and important and that’s why the recent announcement from Hulu and Onyx Collective is of note.
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For they recently announced their winter programming lineup, which will indeed aid in representation. Since February 13, will see the debut of SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), a fascinating documentary that explores the career of Sly Stone. Not to mention on March 6, Deli Boys, will debut. A new comedy about a pair of brothers who make some wild discoveries when they inherit their late father’s business. All of which offers up original programming that represents African and Pakistani Americans and well, to properly celebrate this news, here are some first look photos from both projects, some rapid-fire details, and a teaser from Sly Lives! for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of Hulu and Onyx Collective.

‘Onyx Collective announces the winter 2025 programming slate for the highly anticipated documentary film “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” and the half-hour comedy series “Deli Boys” from 20th Television.
 

• Original Documentary “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” premieres Thursday, Feb. 13, on Hulu.  
  • From the creatives behind Onyx Collective’s Academy®, BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award-winning documentary “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, producer Joseph Patel and editor Josh Pearson.
  • The film features notable guests such as Andre 3000, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Nile Rogers, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, George Clinton, Ruth Copeland and Clive Davis. 
  • Additional guests include those closest to Sly, including his band members Jerry Martini, Greg Errico, Larry Graham and Cynthia Robinson and family Sylvette Phunne Robinson, Novena Carmel and Sylvester Stewart Jr., who offer the best insights into Sly’s life by sharing anecdotes from their time together.
  • “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” examines the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone. The film captures the band’s rise, reign and subsequent fadeout while shedding light on the unseen burden that comes with success for Black artists in America.  
  • The film hails from MRC, Network Entertainment Inc., Two One Five Entertainment Inc., RadicalMedia, Stardust Films LLC and ID8 Multimedia, Inc., in association with Sony Music Entertainment.
  • The film is produced by Joseph Patel and Derik Murray (Network Entertainment Inc.) and directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Two One Five Entertainment Inc.).
  • Executive producers are Amit Dey, Brian Gersh (Network Entertainment Inc.), Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Two One Five Entertainment Inc.), Shawn Gee (Two One Five Entertainment Inc.), Zarah Zohlman (Two One Five Entertainment Inc.), Common (Stardust Films LLC), Derek Dudley (ID8 Multimedia, Inc.), Shelby Stone (ID8 Multimedia, Inc.), Ron Weisner, Paul Gertz (Network Entertainment Inc.), Kent Wingerak (Network Entertainment Inc.), Ali Pejman (Network Entertainment Inc.),  Jon Kamen (RadicalMedia) and Dave Sirulnick (RadicalMedia). 
  • As previously announced, “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” has been officially selected to debut its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

• Original Scripted Comedy “Deli Boys” premieres Thursday, March 6, on Hulu. 
  • When their convenience store-magnate father suddenly dies, a pair of pampered Pakistani American brothers lose everything and are forced to reckon with their Baba’s secret life of crime as they attempt to take up his mantle in the underworld.
  • The series stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller and Brian George.
  • The half-hour, 10-episode series was created by Abdullah Saeed and developed by Jenni Konner and Nora Silver under Jenni Konner Productions. Michelle Nader, who also serves as showrunner, is an executive producer alongside Saeed, Konner and Silver. Nisha Ganatra is executive producer and director on the pilot, with Vali Chandrasekaran also serving as executive producer on the pilot.

 
ABOUT ONYX COLLECTIVE
Onyx Collective is a premium content brand under Disney Entertainment Television, with programming exclusively available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. Onyx Collective curates globally entertaining stories by creators of color and underrepresented voices, all with a culturally specific point of view, including Oscar®-winning documentary film “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” Emmy® Award-nominated and Peabody Award-winning documentary “Aftershock,” Emmy Award-winning docuseries “The 1619 Project,” “Reasonable Doubt,” “Black Twitter: A People’s History,” “How to Die Alone,” “Queenie,” and the upcoming series “Deli Boys” and documentary “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).”
 
The brand’s roster of prolific creators also includes Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media (“Black Panther,” “Judas and the Black Messiah”); Manolo Caro (“The House of Flowers”) and Woo Films; Destin Daniel Cretton (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”) and his production company, Hisako; Jason Kim (“Barry,” “KPOP”); Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Joseph Patel (“Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”); Prentice Penny’s Penny for Your Thoughts; Natasha Rothwell (“Insecure,” “SNL”); Yara Shahidi with her production company, 7th Sun Productions; and Erika Green Swafford and her production company, Chocolate Girl Wonder.
 
Follow @OnyxCollective on X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.’

It is definitely safe to say that Apple TV+ is a streamer that tends to buck trends. For instance, it takes chances on stories that others will not. Not to mention, they encourage and champion bold storytelling that takes us incredible places emotionally, where others play it safe. But at the moment, where they are truly surprising everyone when it comes to staying away from norms… is through renewals for their shows. For in an era where cancellations seem to be the norm, Apple continues to green light new seasons for their shows. Granted, yes, there have bene some cancellations on this streamer as well, but the renewals outweigh the cancellations.
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If anything, Apple’s track record with renewing shows is top of mind today, because recently they took the time to offer up a greenlight to another show that took their network by storm. For the other day, Apple let it be known that Bad Monkey will return for a second season. Which is magnificent news. Simply because we wanted more of Andrew Yancy and we wanted to see where his journey would take him next, and now, we shall, and to properly celebrate this magnificent news, here are all the details on season two of the show, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Vince Vaughn to return in his broadly celebrated performance as Andrew Yancy in fan-favorite comedy from award-winning executive producer Bill Lawrence Based on Carl Hiaasen’s New York Times bestselling novel and enduring cult favorite, the first season of “Bad Monkey” is now streaming globally on Apple TV+

Following its critically acclaimed and Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh first season, Apple’s hit comedy series “Bad Monkey,” from award-winning executive producer Bill Lawrence, and starring and executive produced by actor, producer and screenwriter Vince Vaughn, has been renewed for a second season.

“I hope that people know that Carl Hiaasen is an idol of mine and an inspiration for me as a writer,” said showrunner and executive producer Bill Lawrence. “To get to go on telling his story with Vince Vaughn and this great cast, at least the characters who are still alive, is very exciting. I’m very thankful to our partners at Apple TV+ and Warner Bros, as well as the entire team that helps bring this show to life.”

“Since ‘Bad Monkey’ first made its debut on Apple TV+, this highly entertaining series became an instant fan favorite,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+. “Led by the incomparable Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, alongside a brilliant ensemble cast, we can’t wait for everyone to experience more hilarious, sun-soaked, beachy misadventures from the mind of Bill Lawrence as the temperature rises even further in the next chapter of this engrossing murder-mystery.”

Since its global debut on Apple TV+, “Bad Monkey” has been hailed as “the surprise hit TV show of 2024” and “a must-watch for anyone looking for their next binge-worthy show.” Vaughn’s portrayal of lead character Andrew Yancy has been celebrated as “an incredibly winning performance” in “a vehicle tailor-made” for the actor. Developed by Lawrence and adapted from Hiaasen’s New York Times bestselling cult favorite novel of the same name, fans have declared that the series “finally captures the bestselling author’s unique comic vision,” and the series has received praise for its “stellar cast,” “amazing soundtrack” and “laugh-out-loud moments."

“Bad Monkey” tells the story of Andrew Yancy (Vaughn), who has been bounced from the Miami Police Department and is now a health inspector in the Keys. But after stumbling upon a case that begins with a human arm fished up by tourists, he realizes that if he can prove murder, he’ll be back in. He just needs to get past a trove of Floridian oddballs and one bad monkey.

The season one ensemble cast also includes L. Scott Caldwell (“The Fugitive”), Rob Delaney (“Catastrophe”), Meredith Hagner (“Search Party”), Natalie Martinez (“Ordinary Joe,” “Reminiscence”), Alex Moffat (“Saturday Night Live,” “Holidate”), Michelle Monaghan (“Gone Baby Gone”), Ronald Peet (“First Reformed”) and Jodie Turner-Smith (“Queen & Slim”), with special guest stars John Ortiz (“American Fiction”), Zach Braff (“Scrubs”), Ashley Nicole Black (“Ted Lasso”), Scott Glenn (“The Leftovers”) and Charlotte Lawrence in her television debut.

Hailing from Warner Bros. Television, “Bad Monkey” is developed by executive producer and showrunner Lawrence through his Doozer Productions. Jeff Ingold, Matt Tarses (“Scrubs”), Marcos Siega, Vaughn and Liza Katzer are also executive producers.

The complete first season of “Bad Monkey” is now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

This marks the most recent collaboration between Lawrence and Warner Bros. Television for Apple TV+, following the Emmy-nominated global hit series “Shrinking” and global phenomenon “Ted Lasso.”
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 been honored with 535 wins and 2,450 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and 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 month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*

For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.

*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 713 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Sometimes, there is a worry that crosses the minds of fans when it comes to the shows they love. In that, they find themselves concerned that an ambitious season of storytelling, is going to let them down. Because now and again, some shows introduce a ton of storylines and plot threads within a season, and sometimes… those storylines don’t get resolved or get resolved in a rushed manner, and a loyal fan wants that to not be the case. They want everything to be handled in a proper manner, wherein resolution takes place and there’s care in said resolution. Because fans just want to go on a complete journey, and there is nothing wrong with that in the slightest.

But what’s fascinating about this, is that there are but a handful of shows that never generate this concern. For they always offer up great and complete stories that wrap up every thread with a neat little bow and Outlander on STARZ is one of them. For great care goes into this show and those behind the scenes know what the fans want and need, and never was the care more evident than during this week’s episode. Because let’s be honest… we’ve spent a lot of time in the Revolutionary War era, with Claire and Jamie, and rightfully so. Because they’ve had some major stuff to deal with, and that has put Roger and Brianna on the backburner, until this week’s episode came along.

But make no mistake about it, ‘Hello, Goodbye’ still had some storytelling matters to handle at the dawn of the United States. After all, Young Ian was getting married to Rachel, and we were able to settle in and enjoy the nuptials of these young lovers. In fact, we got our first taste of a Quaker Wedding. Wherein silence and reflection came into play. But once that was done, the young couple went off and learned what it meant to be husband and wife, and Jaime and Claire buried the last of their concerns about what happened with John so Jamie could prepare to march to war. And on the good news front, John seemed to be safe after all, after meeting the right kind of British soldiers.

However, there was mention that this episode took the time to look at other stories, and in between the lovey-dovey moments, were some harrowing journeys. For instance, Roger… went through it emotionally in this tale. Because his search for Jemmy resulted in quite the surprise. In that, he was able to discover traveling stones in the hillside, and near those stones… were his father. Which allowed for Roger to spend time with his dad and teach him about history and in his own special way… tell him he loved him. Not to mention, Roger even tried to repair his own timeline by sending his dad back through the traveling gateway. With mixed results. Just because his memories did not change, and well… that emotional encounter, and the lack of progress in finding his boy, helped Roger finally realize… that Jemmy wasn’t in the past after all.
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Which is a great thing, because he would have searched until the end of his days to find his son, a reality that Brianna spoke to in this tale during her incredible journey. Because she wanted her son back, and since Rob wasn’t saying a word regarding the whereabouts of her son, she was forced to leave Rob to his own devices in her home while she went to find Jemmy. But thankfully, the connection shared in this family, and the fact that Jemmy listened closely to his mother’s story about how she escaped the dam, helped him to come home. For Rob did indeed stash him there. But while Jemmy was home at last and safe, Rob managed to escape, leaving Brianna worried about what lie ahead with this ruthless nut out in the world.

All of which made for a satisfying episode. One that featured far less commentary and depth on life than we are used to… but that’s fine. Because we needed to see Roger find some peace regarding his father and he needed a moment to think about the nature of his long and winding quest. Plus, we had to know what was going to come forth out of Brianna’s conundrum, and it was lovely to see her kick ass and take names in this story and be reminded how well she can handle herself. But of course, we needed to see the Revolutionary War story move forward as well. Since that cannot be ignored and all are deeply involved, and well, we got what we needed and now we can see what lie ahead from a series that always delivers when it comes to the storylines it introduces. Until next time.