My favorite Top 20 TV Shows of 2023

Blog Post #213

 

striking actors from 'Supernatural"The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes made 2023 a particularly weird year in television. The strikes were important and needed to happen (and it was so amazing that the writers and actors actually won!), but they were hard on anyone even remotely connected to the TV and movie industry, as well as viewers. It made for a very strange Fall season, from which we’re still recovering. I’ve never seen a worse Fall season, and I’ve been watching them since the 1960’s. Back then, we used to get the TV Guide Fall Preview issue every year. I really enjoyed reading their descriptions of the new shows and looking at the new schedule.  Now I make my own schedule, but sadly, this year most of the new series were reality shows, game shows or foreign imports, and quite a bit of the schedule was filled with reruns.

Many series were suspended or canceled due to the strike (some of which had previously been announced as renewed). It was a difficult time to be a TV fan or journalist because we didn’t have as many shows to watch, or as many people to interview. We had to create content from very little news.

Still, there were many enjoyable series that aired before and after the strike. I can’t watch all TV shows that come out (I used to, but The alien from "Resident Alien" on Syfythere are just too many now). I prefer superhero, scifi and fantasy series. I also love some British shows, some regular dramas, some comedies, etc. I admit that sometimes I’ll watch a show just because I really like the actors in it. That doesn’t mean it’s my favorite, though, or even close (sorry, “Night Court” and “Gotham Knights”). Sometimes I’ll just watch a show for nostalgia’s sake (like “CSI“) or because it’s scifi, even though it’s ridiculous (like “La Brea.”).  Some of my absolute favorite current shows didn’t air this year at all, like “Resident Alien” on Syfy, “Acapulco” on AppleTV+ or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on HBO/Max. Some good shows that I want to watch premiered, but I just haven’t gotten around to watching them yet (“The Gilded Age” season 2). There are quite a few shows that haven’t been renewed yet (come on, Hulu/Disney, renew “The Orville” already!).

I’ve chosen shows here that I really enjoyed watching.  I don’t watch many non-fiction shows, so they’re not included. I also don’t like shows with unlikable or irredeemable characters, actors with no chemistry, depressing stories, overly complicated plots, storylines that go too slow, unfunny comedies, too much violence, or highly predictable plots. Also, all of the shows on this list have very uplifting or hopeful stories.  I just can’t watch shows like “Succession” (full of jerks) or “The Walking Dead” (too depressing and gross), even though they are very well-written and popular shows. Of course, these are all MY opinions, so yours may vary. What I consider “too violent” or “not funny” varies from show to show.

My Favorite 20 shows, roughly in order:

"Ghosts" airs on CBS1. “Ghosts” on CBS Married New Yorkers Samantha (Rose McIver) and Jay Arondekar (Utkarsh Ambudkar) believe that their dreams have come true when they inherit a beautiful country house from Sophie Woodstone, Sam’s great aunt, only to find that it is falling apart and inhabited by ghosts who died on the property and are now bound to the area, appearing as they did at the times of their deaths, until they can reach the afterlife. Jay cannot see or hear the ghosts, but Sam can after a near-death experience.

I don’t like most of today’s sitcoms, but this is one of the exceptions because it has a wonderful cast, smart scripts and lovable characters. It doesn’t make me laugh out loud very often, but it does make me giggle consistently. It definitely got better as the show progressed and made me more interested in the story and characters. They’re all fun, but my favorite is Sasappis (Román Zaragoza) because he;s usually smarter than the others, but then he can sometimes be dumb, too, which shows that he’s not quite as smart as he thinks he is. He has the funniest lines, in my opinion. The fact that it’s a fantasy show as well as a sitcom is undeniably another reason that I love it.  The original UK version (which they’ve been showing on The CW) is good, too, but it’s very different. The USA version returns Feb. 15, and I can hardly wait!

Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short star in "Only Murders in the Building" on HULU2. “Only Murders in the Building” on HULUThree strangers –  washed-up actor Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin),  hasbeen Broadway director Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and  directionless young woman Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) – share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living among them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it’s too late.

This is one of my favorite shows of all time, and I’m so glad that it’s popular as well (at least I assume it is, since they’re going into season 4). Everyone involved with this show deserves all the accolades they have received. Who would have thought that two aging stars that I loved so much in high school (Martin and Short) would have a big hit comedy series nearly 50 years later?  Its subject matter is timely, it’s funny, it has quirky characters, and it’s a good mystery. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this show.

However, I do feel bad for the Slate journalist that posted an article back in November about how Short was annoying (and then was blasted by the internet). First, it was his opinion, which he was entitled to. Comedy is subjective. Second, I agree that he definitely can be annoying, and many of his characters lean heavily into that. Traditionally, he’s one of those love-him-or-hate-him kind of comedians. On this show, though, he skirts along the edge of annoying, never quite going too far. He makes for perfect contrast to Martin, who is the perennial straight man. They’re a legendary comedy team.

Gomez, who is also a fantastic singer, fits in well with the other two with her deadpan lines and expressions. The casting director for this show must be phenomenal, or perhaps the two stars just get their friends to join the show.  You can’t argue with their roster of guest stars: Nathan Lane, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, Jane Lynch, Andrea Martin, Jesse Martin, and Matthew Broderick fill out an already impressive lineup. I’m really looking forward to season 4, even though it may or may not air this year. Check it out on HULU. Also, ABC is running the first season starting this week.

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez of “Only Murders in the Building” on HULU TCA 8/6/21

"Loki" season one and two can be season Disney+3. “Loki” on Disney+Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the God of Mischief, steps out of his brother Thor’s shadow to embark on an adventure that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” when he’ s seemingly plucked out of existence by the Time Variance Authority. Loki Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the TVA. Along with Mobius (Owen Wilson), Hunter B-15, and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous Multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes, and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose.

Season 1 was mind-blowing, and I just didn’t see how they could create more head-spinning story in season 2. However, they did make a season 2 in the case of Loki…and the show became even better. I was surprised because Marvel doesn’t seem to care whether their TV shows survive or not. I was very disappointed that WandaVision, Hawkeye and all of their other shows didn’t get a second season. Sure, it helps if you’ve seen the “Thor” and “Avengers” movies, but it’s not necessary. This is another show with an amazing cast, led by the talented bromance duo of Loki and Mobius. Season 2 seemed to have a definite ending, but comic book characters seldom end for good. We may see more of the series, or we may see Loki (or one of his variants) turn up in a future Marvel movie.

"The Flash" can be seen on The CW's site, Netflix and many other places online.4. “The Flash” on The CWBased on the Barry Allen incarnation of DC Comics character the Flash – a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to move at superhuman speeds. It is a spin-off of “Arrow”, existing in the same fictional universe known as the Arrowverse.

I was very sad when they announced that they were canceling “The Flash” after season 9, but they really pulled out all of the stops for the last season, writing-wise. I just wish they had written the show this well during its entire run; perhaps it would have gotten at least another season.  I loved the cast and the characters, but the writing was uneven throughout the series. The constant cast changes didn’t help, either (although it wasn’t as bad as sister show “Legends of Tomorrow.”).  Cisco and Joe in particular were missed by fans after their departures.  One thing I really loved about season 9, besides how they neatly wrapped up most of the storylines and propelled everything forward, was how they had frequent guest-stars from other Arrowverse shows, especially Oliver. I was elated to see Batgirl, Diggle, and Dreamer, as well as many past “Flash” villains and heroes. I really miss all of the CW superhero shows, but Flash was always my favorite.

The cast of "Quantum Leap" on NBC5. “Quantum Leap” on NBC This science fiction series is a revival of the original 1989–1993 show created by Donald P. Bellisario. It takes place in 2022: 27 years after Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and 22 years after the Season 5 finale where the show left off. 

I was a huge fan of the original series, so I was dubious about a reboot, but this series has won me over.  They’ve done a fresh take on the older series without sacrificing what made it so awesome. The lead actor, Raymond Lee, plays Dr. Ben Song, who leaps into various people in time to “put right what went wrong.” He is a fine actor who has unbelievable chemistry with everyone on the show. Yet, he is also laid back in a similar way to Scott Bakula. who played Sam Beckett in the original show. All of the characters fit together very well. I think what makes the show so special is that it features some of the same team that worked on the 1989 series, especially EP Deborah Pratt. They no doubt guide the talented younger writers and producers who bring new blood to this franchise. The shows this season have been particularly exciting as they keep introducing new elements to keep us off-balance. I can’t wait to see what happens next! Season 2 returns sometimes this year (hopefully in the late winter).

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" on Paramount+6. “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” on Paramount+Based on the years Captain Christopher Pike manned the helm of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the series features fan favorites Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Number One and Ethan Peck as Science Officer Spock. The series follows them in the years before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy. 

I’m a huge Trekkie from way back, so I’m going to love ANY Star Trek series or movies, to a certain extent (although I’m not a huge fan of the Chris Pine movies, especially the second one). I watch all of Paramount’s Trek series religiously. Unfortunately, they’ve started canceling them now, so I’m just trying to enjoy them while I can.  This one appears to be a hit (we can only guess, since streaming services don’t share their ratings). It resonates with older fans because it’s episodic (like the older Trek shows), but it’s not afraid to change facts and divert from “canon,” so it doesn’t entirely pander to us. Also, it’s exciting and explores ideas in a way not done by the older series.  Mostly, though, it’s just very fun, with a superb cast and stellar writing.  In this past season, we got to know all of the characters more, and they built a delightful romance between Spock and Nurse Chapel. This is a story about romantic yearning that we never knew we needed.

Since it takes place before the original “Star Trek,” with characters we saw in that show, any fans who are sticklers for canon probably don’t watch it anymore, but that’s their loss. I hope that it is successful and will run for many years to come. The show is expected to return for season 3 sometime later this year.

The Phelps family of "Shining Vale" on Starz7. “Shining Vale” on StarzA dysfunctional family moves from the city to a small town after Patricia “Pat” Phelps (Courtney Cox), a former “wild child” who became famous through writing a raunchy female empowerment novel, is caught cheating on her husband, Terry (Greg Kinnear). In an attempt to rebuild their family, they move into a house where terrible atrocities have taken place. Nobody seems to suspect anything odd except for Pat, who is convinced she is either depressed or possessed. But soon, the demons haunting the family’s new home (featuring the ever-luminescent Mira Sorvino) begin to appear much more real.

The only problem with this show is that it airs on Starz, which doesn’t have nearly as many subscribers as other pay networks (and thus won’t get as many viewers for their shows). That’s a shame because they have some good shows. This one is a first-rate horror/comedy. It would be outstanding as a horror show alone, but with this cast and the excellent script, it’s a hilarious parody as well.  The show has many fun allusions to horror movies and television shows. Season 1 was based largely on “The Shining,” while Season 2 is based more on “Rosemary’s Baby.” Unfortunately, Starz canceled the show, so I hope they can find a home for season 3!

Shining Vale” on Starz  2/7/22: Mira Sorvino, Judith Light, Merrin Dungey, Dylan Gage and Gus Birney, and Jeff Astroff

Interview with EP Jeff Astrof of “Shining Vale” on Starz 10/10/23

"Secret Invasion" on Disney+ stars Samuel L. Jackson8. “Secret Invasion” on Disney+Nick Fury learns of a secret invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls; Fury joins his allies, and together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.

I enjoyed this show, but the beginning had really slow pacing, so I think that may have turned some fans off. Still, it was worth watching Samuel L. Jackson reprise his role of Nick Fury. I didn’t think it was possible, but he actually improved the role. This show was not just a comic book story about the Skrulls taking over the Earth. Much like the variant’s journey and redemption in “Loki,” it was about a beaten, weary hero who had to prove who he is to himself and the rest of the world. It was also largely a spy story with a tiny bit of action and almost no superheroes, so that may be why it wasn’t as beloved as “Loki” or “WandaVision.”

Jackson would have been good enough to carry any show, but they had many other great actors in the cast, especially Ben Mendelsohn, Olivia Colman, Don Cheadle, Emilia Clarke and Martin Freeman. I grew up reading comics, so I remember the Skrulls very well. It was exciting to see a show about them. I would love it if they made a Skulls TV series (even an animated one).  Unfortunately, there’s no news so far about any future seasons of the show, which had some pretty bad reviews. We can only hope that they decide to bring it back. I’m sure that, either way, we’ll see Jackson’s Nick Fury in some future Marvel film.

"Found" airs Tuesdays on NBC9. “Found” on NBCIn a riveting new drama, brilliant recovery specialist Gabi Mosely (Shanola Hampton) and her team are dedicated to finding America’s missing and forgotten people. They’ll stop at nothing to solve these cases because for them, it’s personal – every member of the team has firsthand experience with a mysterious disappearance. But Gabi has a chilling secret of her own that could unravel everything… she’s got her childhood kidnapper locked up in the basement, helping her crack every case.

When I first watched this show, I wrote it off as a standard broadcast network drama. It is reminiscent of “Without a Trace” (2002) or the less successful series, “Ransom (2017),” both of which I enjoyed.  However, broadcast networks are now having to compete with the hundreds of shows on streaming networks, so their shows are becoming more more complex. Sometimes it works, and sometimes the shows are overly complicated or boring because “complex” isn’t always handled so well. This one works. In fact, it was the surprise hit of the Fall season.

In each episode, Gabi and her crew of four have to find a missing person. It helps that one of them comes from a rich family that underwrites the business.  They also work with a police officer, Mark Trent (Brett Dalton). He and Gabi have an on-again, off-again romance.  The big secret that we learn at the end of the first episode is that Gabi has her former abductor (who goes by the name “Sir”) locked in the basement.  This is the weird twist we didn’t see coming, and it’s the sort of thing makes you want to keep watching. Over the course of the season, we learn about the characters’ backstories, especially those of Gabi and Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). They have amazing chemistry, and their interactions are fascinating to watch. Gabi wrestles with her conscience about whether Sir has turned her into the same kind of monster that he is. It’s worth watching on Peacock or On Demand and returns January 9 for the rest of its first season. It’s already been renewed for season 2, which will probably debut in the Fall.

The cast of "Upload" on Prime Video10. “Upload” on Prime VideoScience fiction comedy-drama television series created by Greg Daniels, set in 2033, where humans can “upload” themselves into a virtual afterlife of their choosing. When computer programmer Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell) dies prematurely, he is uploaded to the very expensive Lakeview, but then finds himself under the thumb of his possessive, still-living girlfriend Ingrid (Allegra Edwards). As Nathan adjusts to the pros and cons of digital heaven, he bonds with Nora (Andy Allo), his living customer service rep. Nora struggles with the pressures of her job, her dying father who does not want to be uploaded, and her growing feelings for Nathan while slowly coming to believe that Nathan was murdered.

Season 3 just finished in November, and it looks like there will be a season 4. I sure hope so because they left on a weird cliffhanger. In case you don’t know, this is a scifi show, but it’s also social satire and has a lot of comedy. Somehow it all works. Throughout the series, we see a warped version of the future that is somehow both shocking and completely believable because the writers take what is going on now with people, technology, politicians, corporations, etc., and project them into a corrupt future. This is not a depressing series, though. The show is very witty and engrossing. You want to root for Nathan and his family against the evil corporations. William B. Davis, who was so memorable as the Cigarette Smoking Man in “The X Files,” is brilliant here as David Choak, the embodiment of everything bad in the world.  You don’t want to miss this series because it’s not only highly entertaining, but also thought-provoking.

"Ahsoka" poster11. “Ahsoka” on Disney+Former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

I love the Star Wars franchise almost as much as I do Star Trek, so I enjoy most of the newer movies and series.  “Andor” (2022) was arguably the best of all of the Star Wars TV series, but this one is also of high quality. “Ahsoka” is a character we saw briefly in “The Mandalorian” in 2020 and in “The Book of Boba Fett” last year, but she had an even larger role in many Star Wars animated series broadcast since 2008.  She’s played in this series by fan favorite Rosario Dawson.  Dawson has appeared in many scifi roles for animated series and movies (including voicing Wonder Woman), and as Claire Temple in all of the Marvel Netflix series, as well as many other dramas and comedies. She lends a gravitas and character to the role of seasoned Jedi warrior Ahsoka Tano.

This series is a spinoff from “The Mandalorian,” but many of the characters come from earlier animated Star Wars series. Although there are only eight episodes, it feels like more because there are so many characters and so much action. The story starts slowly but soon speeds up. Ahsoka suspects that evil Empire General Thrawn is returning to fight against the New Republic. Her former apprentice, Sabine Wren, aids her in tracking down leads to find Thrawn, and to fight against the remnants of the Empire.  If you’re a Star Wars fan, you will definitely enjoy it. If you’re not, you should give it a try. If you’ve never seen any Star Wars cartoons before, you shouldn’t be lost (I wasn’t). It’s a worthwhile addition to the Jediverse.

"Star Trek: Lower Decks" on Paramount+12. “Star Trek: Lower Decks” on Paramount+This series focuses on the support crew serving on one of Starfleet’s least important ships, the USS Cerritos, in 2380. Ensigns Mariner, (Tawny Newsome) Boimler (Jack Quaid), Rutherford  (Eugene Cordero) and Tendi  (NoĂ«l Wells) must keep up with their duties and their social lives, often while the ship is being rocked by a multitude of sci-fi anomalies. The ship’s bridge crew includes Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis), Commander Jack Ransom (Jerry O’Connell), Lieutenant Shaxs (Fred Tatasciore) and Doctor T’Ana (Gillian Vigman). This is the second animated spin-off in the franchise after 1973-74’s “Star Trek: The Animated Series,” but has a decidedly more adult tone and humor.

I didn’t like this show at first (it took me a while to get used to their style of humor), but it’s really improved over the years. It’s very funny, and they’ve found their niche in the Star Trek universe. This past season was even better than the past three, as they had a season-long story arc about a mysterious ship that was eliminating ships from various races. The villain behind that was a fun surprise for long-time fans. As a bonus, they did an episode of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” which featured the “Lower Decks” characters – the actors who voice the characters in the animated series crossed over to the live action series. It was a real hoot!  The episode was directed by Star Trek veteran Jonathan Frakes (Riker on TNG), and he did a super job with it.

"Star Trek: Picard" season three on Paramount+13. “Star Trek: Picard” on Paramount+Set at the end of the 24th century, 18 years after the events of `Star Trek: Nemesis’, with Sir Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role, `Star Trek: Picard’ revolves around retired admiral Jean-Luc Picard. He is still deeply affected by the loss of Lieutenant Commander Data, portrayed by Brent Spiner, and the destruction of Romulus, and steps into the next chapter of his life.

I read online that many fans complained about the first two seasons of this show, but I loved all three seasons. The third season pandered heavily to the fans, and that’s why, I think, a lot of them loved that season the best. I mean, how could you not love seeing most of the original TNG cast reunited on the bridge of their old Enterprise D? I enjoyed all of the action of season 1, the Romulans, the new crew (especially Agnes and Captain Rios), and the return of Trek characters Riker, Troi and Seven of Nine!  Season 2 had time travel, Guinan, the Borg Queen and Q, as well as Picard exploring his childhood.  Then, in season 3 we saw Crusher, Riker, Troi, Worf, Data and Geordi, among many others, as well as Picard and Crusher’s son, Jack, and a tremendous new villain Vadic (Amanda Plummer). It was the perfect ending for the entire series.  I did miss Agnes and Captain Rios, though, in the third season. Anyway, the joy of all of the new Star Trek series is that no matter what kind of Trek fan you are, you should love at least one of them. Each one is a little different.  “Picard” has probably ended at three seasons, but it hasn’t been officially canceled yet, so I’m holding out hope for more.

Max and Oskar of "Vienna Blood" on PBS14. “Vienna Blood” on PBS1900s Vienna is a hotbed of philosophy, science and art. Dr. Max Liebermann’s extraordinary skills of perception and Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt’s determination lead them to some of the city’s most mysterious and deadly cases.

I love this fun little detective show from the UK. Matthew Beard is perfect as a young Freudian psychiatrist in 1908 Vienna, Max Liebermann.  His teachings and methods are doubted by other doctors, but he’s convinced Police Detective Oskar Rheinhardt that he knows what he’s talking about, so Max assists him in solving murders. Max is handsome and endearing, but he’s also single-minded when it comes to work, and clueless about almost everything else. He has trouble with relationships with women and his family, for instance. In that regard, Rheinhardt serves as a fine contrast. It’s a good buddy cop procedural, set in an unusual place and time. It also addresses issues such as antisemitism, police corruption, feminism, and more. There’s a lot more action than you might expect, too. This compelling series returns for season four, probably late this year.

The Kent family on "Superman and Lois" on The CW15. “Superman and Lois” on The CWAfter years of facing supervillains, monsters and alien invaders, the world’s most famous superhero, The Man of Steel aka Clark Kent, and famed journalist Lois Lane come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever — dealing with being working parents in today’s society. Complicating the already daunting job of raising two boys, Clark and Lois worry about whether their sons, Jonathan and Jordan, could inherit their father’s Kryptonian superpowers as they grow older. Returning to Smallville to handle some Kent family business, Clark and Lois are reacquainted with Lana Lang and her Fire Chief husband, Kyle Cushing. The adults aren’t the only ones rediscovering old friendships in Smallville as the Kent sons are reacquainted with Lana and Kyle’s rebellious daughter, Sarah. Of course, there’s never a dull moment in the life of a superhero, especially with Lois’ father, Gen. Samuel Lane looking for Superman to vanquish a villain or save the day at a moment’s notice.

Superman has always been my favorite superhero. I grew up reading his comics, and I’ve loved most Superman series, such as ‘Smallville” and “Lois and Clark“.  Some of the characters from this series got their start on “Supergirl,” which I also enjoyed. They’ve done a very good job with this show by making it completely separate and different from the rest of the Arrowverse.

I enjoyed season 1, but I thought season 2 was too dark, slow, and depressing. They got back on track in season 3. The show returns for a fourth season sometime later this year, but that will be the last. It got top ratings on The CW, but that network has been taken over, and they’re rebranding, which means they’ve canceled a lot of shows. Still, that’s a good run for most shows on network television today, but it’s sad because not only is it a good show, but most of the other superhero series on The CW were all renewed for far more seasons–Smallville: 10; Flash: 9; Arrow: 8; Legends of Tomorrow: 7; and Supergirl: 6. I think that if “Superman and Lois” had premiered five years earlier, it would have enjoyed a much longer run.  It has a fabulous cast, good writing, and a lot of action. It’s not only a superhero show, but a family drama. This last season, they had an honest and moving story about Lois having breast cancer. The show has carved out its own distinct place in Superman TV history. I hope the last season will be as strong as the last season of “Flash.”

Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of "Dark Winds" on AMC/AMC+16. “Dark Winds” on AMC/AMC+Based on the Leaphorn & Chee book series by Tony Hillerman, the year is 1971 on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Tribal Police is besieged by a series of seemingly unrelated crimes. The closer he digs to the truth, the more he exposes the wounds of his past. He is joined on this journey by his new deputy, Jim Chee. Chee, too, has old scores to settle from his youth on the reservation. Together, the two men battle the forces of evil, each other and their own personal demons on the path to salvation. Starring: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, Rainn Wilson, Elva Guerra, Jeremiah Bitsui, Eugene Brave Rock, Noah Emmerich. Directed by: Chris Eyre, Sanford Bookstaver

This is a relatively new drama series, but it’s been sensational in both of its seasons. It reminds me a little bit of “Fargo,” but it’s not quite as offbeat or dark as that show can be. It’s simply one of the best shows on TV right now. Each season is only six episodes long, but they pack a lot into each episode: drama, action, and even a little comedy and romance.  Season 3 returns sometime in 2025, so that’s a long time to wait, but this show is worth it. If you don’t have AMC or AMC+, you can watch it on Prime Video. The free Roku Channel has the first two episodes available for free.

Jessica Matten and Kiowa Gordon of “Dark Winds” on AMC/AMC+ 7/10/23

FIRE COUNTRY stars Max Thieriot (SEAL TEAM) as Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence by joining an unconventional prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region. It’s a high-risk, high-reward assignment, and the heat is turned up when Bode is assigned to the program in his rural hometown, where he was once a golden all-American son until his troubles began. Inspired by series star Max Thieriot’s experiences growing up in Northern California fire country. FIRE COUNTRY airs this fall on Fridays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. CBS ©2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.17. “Fire Country” on CBSBode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption, joins an unconventional prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires. It’s a high-risk, high-reward assignment, and the heat is turned up when Bode is assigned to the program in his rural hometown, where he was once a golden all-American son until his troubles began. Five years ago, Bode burned down everything in his life, leaving town with a big secret. Now he’s back, with the rap sheet of a criminal and the audacity to believe in a chance for redemption.

Who would have thought that CBS, which has a long history of being the old people’s network, with its many uninteresting procedurals and sitcoms, could have such an original and authentic show? I guess that sometimes it takes one actor to shake things up. Star Max Thieriot (Bode) created this show, based on the area where he was raised (Northern California) and the firefighters he knew growing up. This show has exciting characters, some of my favorite actors, and thrilling stories. It’s one part action show and one part soapy drama (but in a good way).  It’s reinvigorated Friday nights and returns 2/16 for season 2.

The Doctor, Donna, The new Doctor and Ruby in "Doctor Who" on Disney+18. “Doctor Who” on Disney+ – A British science fiction series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of an extraterrestrial being called the Doctor, part of a humanoid species called Time Lords. The Doctor travels in the universe and in time using a time travelling spaceship called the TARDIS, which externally appears as a British police box. While traveling, the Doctor works to save lives and liberate oppressed peoples by combating foes. The Doctor often travels with companions. Beginning with William Hartnell, fourteen actors have headlined the series as the Doctor; as of 2023, Ncuti Gatwa leads the series as the Fifteenth Doctor. The transition from one actor to another is written into the plot of the series with the concept of regeneration into a new incarnation, a plot device in which, when a Time Lord is fatally injured, their cells regenerate and they are reincarnated. Each actor’s portrayal is distinct, but all represent stages in the life of the same character and, together, they form a single lifetime with a single narrative.

I didn’t watch the original “Doctor Who” series growing up (it didn’t air in San Diego), but I’ve really enjoyed the newer version that started in 2005.  At its base, it’s a fantasy show for kids, but its themes and drama are often very adult-oriented. This can make the scripts uneven at times. I just like to sit back and enjoy it, whether it makes sense or not.

The show moved this year from BBC America to Disney+, and new episodes premiered this past November as a part of the show’s 60th anniversary. These episodes served to bridge the long gap between the end of season 13 (with Jodie Whittaker as the thirteenth Doctor) in December, 2021, and the new season 14 with the fifteenth doctor this spring.  David Tennant came back to play the 14th Doctor in between the two, in these special episodes.  It reintroduced the terrific writing of Russell T. Davies and set up the story for the new Doctor’s introduction, as well as giving long-time fans of the 10th Doctor (also Tennant) and his companion, Donna, a better ending. More importantly, those of us who are huge Tennant fans didn’t have to watch him die once again! Along with all that, there was also Neal Patrick Harris as an amusing, yet scary villain, the return of Donna’s whole family, including a new trans daughter, and a heartfelt, entertaining Christmas special with the new Doctor that introduced his new companion. I’m really looking forward to the next season, which will start in May.

"Sweet Tooth" on Netflix19. “Sweet Tooth” on NetflixA fantasy drama television series developed by Jim Mickle, based on the comic book series created by Jeff Lemire and published by DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint. Nonso Anozie, Christian Convery, Adeel Akhtar, Stefania LaVie Owen, and Dania Ramirez star while James Brolin provides the narration. Sweet Tooth is set in a world in which a virus has killed a majority of the world’s human population, coinciding with the emergence of hybrid babies that are born with animal characteristics. Convery plays Gus, a naĂŻve 10-year-old part-deer boy, who sets out to find his mother after the death of his father.

Here’s another post-apocalyptic show that is not depressing; it has a lot of hope. The story, characters and pacing are lovely. I was so happy when they renewed it for a second season because it didn’t seem like the kind of show that everyone would love as much as I do. I’m ecstatic that it’s got one more season left. That seems just about right (also, the boy who plays Gus will probably age too much for them to continue on with his story. This show just hits all the right notes. Season 3 premieres later this year.

Some of the cast of "Gen V" on Prime Video20. “Gen V” on Prime VideoFrom the world of The Boys comes Gen V, a thrilling new series set at America’s only college for superheroes. These gifted students put their moral boundaries to the test, competing for the university’s top ranking, and a chance to join The Seven, Vought International’s elite superhero team. When the school’s dark secrets come to light, they must decide what kind of heroes they want to become.

This is one of the exceptions I mentioned above. Both “The Boys” and “Gen V” are very, very violent, and gross, and not terribly uplifting. I don’t mind it because they’re such fun. The show’s creator (who also did “Supernatural,” which is very tame in comparison) revels gleefully in turning all the superhero tropes and horror movie clichĂ©s on their heads. Each season or show is more over-the-top than the previous one, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  These shows just crack me up, and I love the actors in them.

"Titans" on MAXHonorable Mention (it was very hard for me to put the shows above in order and whittle my list down to 20, and I’m sure I’ve forgotten some others that I’ll think of later):

“Titans” on MAX
“Justified: City Primeval” on FX
“Primo” on Freevee
“Bosch: Legacy” on Freevee
“Fantasy Island” on FOX
“Secrets of Sulphur Springs” on Disney
“The Ark” on Syfy
“The Watchful Eye” on Freeform
“The Irrational” on NBC"The Watchful Eye" cast on Freeform
“SurrealEstate” on Syfy
“Miss Scarlet and the Duke” on PBS
“Grantchester” on PBS
“Sanditon” on PBS
“Harlan Coben’s Shelter” on Prime
“Doom Patrol” on MAX

Which shows did you like best in 2023? What are you watching now? Let us know in the comments!

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"Bosch: Legacy" on Prime Video

Primetime TV Review: Raid the Cage

TV Review!

“Raid the Cage” Review on by Eva 10/16/2023

Raid the Cage is based on an Israeli game show that aired for four years on Israeli television. Damon Wagons, Jr. and Jeannie Mai host the show.

The show consists of two teams of two who answer trivia questions to get time inside a cage full of wonderful prizes. The contestants play four rounds of trivia. After each round, their teammate gets time inside the cage to grab whatever they can, but if time runs out, and they get stuck inside the cage, they lose all the prizes they have grabbed for that round. The team that grabs the most prizes after four rounds wins the game and goes to the bonus round where they must grab at least $50,000 in prizes so they can beat the cage.

I really enjoyed watching this show and was rooting for the contestants to win the game. The show gives really good prizes like really expensive vacations, Prada handbags and diamond rings. The show is really fun to watch.

Raid the Cage airs Fridays 9 pm Eastern/8 pm Central time and it is posted on Paramount+ on Saturday.

I give this show 5 out of 5 stars

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Primetime TV Review: Frasier

TV Review!

“Frasier” Review on by Eva 10/13/2023

Fraiser was always one of my favorite television characters since he first appeared on Cheers. I still watch reruns of the original show and, even though I know what is going to happen, it will always make me laugh. I was happy to know that Paramount+ was bringing back the show. This time Frasier returns to Boston to guest lecture at Harvard and to visit his son Freddie (Jack Cutmore-Scott) because he didn’t go to his grandpa Martin’s funeral. Freddie dropped out of Harvard because he wanted to become a fireman. Fraiser decides to move back to Boston to get to know Freddie better and he buys the building where Freddie lives and tells his son that if he lives with him he doesn’t have to pay rent.

The show is very funny and made me laugh right away. My favorite of the new characters on this show is Fraser’s best friend and fellow professor Alan Cornwall (Nicholas Lyndhurst) who is very funny and the chemistry between him and Fraser is wonderful. The entire cast is very funny and the show is well written.

If you enjoyed the original Frasier you will enjoy this show. Paramount+ posted the first two episodes of the show on October 12, 2023 and new episodes will be posted on Thursdays.

I give this show 5 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: Swing Into Romance

TV Review!

“Swing Into Romance” Review on by Eva 10/9/2023

This movie is the last in the Great American Autumn series of Saturday night movies from the Great American Family Channel.

In this movie Danica McKellar plays Christine Sims, a former competitive Ballroom dancer who returns home to visit her parents and discovers that her parents may have to close their general store because they owe money on their bank loan. Christine decides to enter a ballroom dance competition because, if she wins first place, the money could help pay her parents debt to the bank for a year. Christine needs to find a partner because she broke up with her fiancĂ©e and former dance partner Alex (Dancing with the Stars pro Gleb Savchenko). Christine meets Mathew (David Haydn-Jones) and they become friends so, he offers to be Christine’s dance partner.

I really enjoyed this movie since I have watched Dancing with the Stars for a long time. Gleb did a wonderful job in his acting debut. If you like Dancing with the Stars, you will enjoy the dance sequences in this movie. Danica McKellar has wonderful chemistry with both her leading men and the movie is fun to watch.

If you missed the movie, check your DVR guide for the next airing or stream the movie on pureflix.com.

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Primetime TV Review: A Harvest Homecoming

TV Review!

“A Harvest Homecoming” Review on by Eva 10/9/2023

A Harvest Homecoming is part of Great American Autumn movies series, from Great American Family Channel, which airs a fall-themed movie every Saturday night.

The movie centers around Drew Clark (Trevor Donavan) a substitute teacher who comes home to his hometown of Chestnut Hollow, Texas to substitute teach for a few weeks. Drew meets Aiden Ross (Luxton Hand) and his mother Lainie Ross (Jessica Lowndes) who help Drew realize how much he has missed his family. Drew’s parents have an apple orchard and cider mill which Lainie helps Drew’s parents to manage.

This movie was very sweet and funny. I enjoyed it very much. The second story in the movie involved Drew’s Grandpa Joe (Roger Dunn) trying to impress Miss Francine (Eve Crawford). I have to say that this was my favorite story in the movie.

Trevor Donovan and Jessica Lowndes have great chemistry together as a couple and you root for them to get together. Trevor Donovan even sings a song he wrote called Fields of Gold for the movie.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. If you missed the movie, check your DVR guide because Great American Family channel airs their movies several times. You can also stream this movie on pureflix.com.

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Primetime TV Review: Mystery Island

TV Review!

“Mystery Island” Review on by Eva 10/9/2023

I enjoy watching mystery movies on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I wanted to watch Mystery Island because the scenery on the commercial looked beautiful. I later found out that the movie was filmed in Panama City, Panama.

The movie centers around Dr. Emily Priestly (Emily Henstridge) a phycology consultant for Scotland Yard. Emily decides to take a vacation when a serial killer threatens her. So, she takes a vacation with her best friend Baroness Jane Walcott (Kezia Burrows) to Mystery Island. Jane is an investor in the island which hosts murder mystery weekends. The people who come for the weekend solve a staged mystery using actors. A famous mystery writer, John Murtaugh (Robert Getman), came up with the idea for mystery Island. The mystery becomes real when the author and creator of Mystery Island is found dead. Detective Jason Trent (Charlie Weber) asks Emily to help him figure out the identity of the killer. I have said too much about the story, so I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to ruin the movie for you.

I enjoyed this movie except I felt the ending of the movie was rushed. I like it better when the resolution of the mystery is explained more slowly. I have a feeling this movie is the first in a series of movies, so I hope they will fix this problem. The chemistry between Jason and Emily isn’t bad but I hope it will get better if they make more movies. I also wish they would go to different islands to solve mysteries sometimes, not just stay on mystery island.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. If you missed the movie, check your DVR guide for the next air date because Hallmark movies and mysteries likes to air their movies several times.

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Primetime TV Review: Love Can Surprise You

TV Review!

“Love Can Surprise You” Review on by Eva 9/20/2023

Carina (Camilla Belle) is a romance columnist who works for Sparklife. Carina thinks she is headed for marriage with her boyfriend Tom (Karn Kalra) until he suddenly breaks up with her. Camila’s boss pairs her with a new writer named Liam (David Lafontaine). Her boss thinks the romance section of the website needs a male perspective.

Carina and Liam don’t get along at first, because he is more spontaneous in his writing while she has a more serious and organized approach to her writing. Carina and Liam become friends when they work on an article about the ten best activities to do on a date. Carina tells Liam she wants to get back together with her boyfriend and Liam comes up with a plan to help Carina. Liam’s plan works and Carina’s boyfriend asks Carina for another chance and he arrives at her parents vow renewal ceremony. Carina discovers that just because her and her boyfriend seem like a good couple, it doesn’t mean they should be together.

This movie is worth watching, even though in my opinion, it would have been fun to explore Carina’s Brazilian heritage a bit more since it was mentioned that her mother was from Brazil. I also would have liked to see a bit more of the vow renewal ceremony. I really enjoyed Camila Bell in this movie.

This movie was previously released as “10 Truths About Love” in 2022. The movie is available under this title in Tubi.

If you missed the movie look on your DVR guide for the next airing because Great American Family channel airs movies several times.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: Come Fly with Me

TV Review!

“Come Fly with Me” Review on by Eva 9/20/2023

This movie is about a single mom, Emma (Heather Hemmens), who moves to Las Vegas to train with the Air Force Thunderbirds. Emma meets a widower named Paul (Niall Matter) who is also a single father. Emma and Paul meet when their daughters Lucy (Pietra Castro) and Alice (Georgia Aken). The girls notice the chemistry between Paul and Emma and, since the girls want to become sisters, they make a plan to get their parents together.

This movie was filmed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense which provided beautiful footage of airplanes in flight. This movie has three important messages about love, friendship, and organ donation. I would have liked it if they would have concentrated a little bit more on the organ donation part of the story, but I enjoyed that this movie was a little different than the Hallmark movie formula. It is definitely worth watching and if you miss the movie, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries will repeat it several times; just check your DVR guide or the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries website.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: Learning to Love

TV Review!

Picture #1 Here

“Learning to Love” Review on by Eva 9/4/2023

Learning to Love is the first movie in the Great American Autumn movies from Great American Family network. Ever week a new movie will be shown every Saturday until the middle of October.

The movie is about Harry Carlton (Philip Boyd) who is dealing with the death of his wife and having to raise his two daughters while working as an architect. Harry has hired several tutors for his daughters, but the tutors have never gotten along well with them. Harry meets Stephanie Miller (Ina Barron) who accidentally arrives at his office thinking she is there for an interview with an advertising agency but after talking to Harry for a few minutes she finds out the advertising agency is on another floor. The interview with the advertising agency doesn’t work out because Stephanie arrives late and without a resume because she left the resume in Harry’s office. Harry offers Stephanie the job as a tutor because Stephanie was a teacher before she worked in advertising.

I really enjoyed watching this movie, it was funny and sweet and Philip Boyd and Ina Barron had wonderful chemistry together and you are really hoping that they become a couple and get their happy ending. Harry’s daughters Rosa (Caroline Skye) and Bella (Zoe Willis). do a wonderful job and are really believable as sisters who love their dad and want the best for him.

I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars. If you miss the movie or forget to set your DVR, the movie will rerun on Great American Family or it will stream on pureflix.com.

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Review of “The Flash: The Ninth and Final Season” [Blu-ray]

DVD Review!

THE FLASH: THE NINTH AND FINAL SEASON Blu-Ray DVD cover

The Flash: The Ninth and Final Season” Review by Suzanne 8/22/23

This is one of my favorite TV series, and I’m still in mourning that it ended. However, this season was so great that it almost makes up for it. I just wish the whole series had been as good as this season. The writing was excellent this whole season, and they really pandered to long time fans (in a good way) by bringing back so many favorite characters like Hartley and Wally (but not Ralph, unfortunately) as well as other Arrowverse characters (especially Oliver). It would have been really nice to see Kara again, though.

The only drawback to the DVD is that there aren’t enough features. There is just the gag reel, some deleted scenes, and an entertaining featurette, “The Flash: The Saga of the Scarlett Speedster,” which is about the legacy of “The Flash” from comic books and TV series (it oddly never mentions the movies). I guess we’ll have to buy the complete series set to get more.

“The Flash” Season 9 delivers an exhilarating and satisfying conclusion to the beloved series, taking fans on an emotional rollercoaster through time, alternate realities, and the very essence of heroism. With a gripping narrative, impressive character development, and the return of familiar faces, this season proves to be a worthy and thrilling final chapter.

The ninth season kicks off with a bang, as Barry Allen faces off against a trio of formidable adversaries: Red Death, Bloodwork, and Cobalt Blue. The stakes are higher than ever as Barry navigates through time loops, alternate timelines, and his own past mistakes. The writers skillfully weave together complex storylines that keep viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ fates.

One of the standout aspects of this season is the exploration of destiny and choice. Barry’s struggle with fate versus free will is beautifully portrayed as he grapples with the idea that some events are predetermined while others are shaped by his decisions. This theme resonates not only with Barry’s journey but also with the overall conclusion of the Arrowverse, creating a profound sense of closure for fans who have followed these characters for years.

The return of familiar faces, including Jay Garrick and Eddie Thawne, adds a nostalgic layer to the season, tying up loose ends and providing heartfelt moments of reflection. The interactions between characters, especially the poignant moments between Barry and Eddie, tug at the heartstrings and remind us of the deep connections that have been built over the course of the series.

The action sequences are as electrifying as ever, showcasing Barry’s super-speed in creative and visually stunning ways. The battles against the season’s antagonists are epic and well-choreographed, creating moments of suspense and awe. The use of the Negative Speed Force as a central plot element adds a unique and intriguing dimension to the superhero dynamics.

The character growth throughout the season is commendable, particularly for supporting characters like Chester and Allegra, who step into their own as heroes. The relationships between characters are given the spotlight, leading to heartwarming resolutions and growth that feel earned and authentic.

The narrative structure, divided into “Graphic Novel” storyline arcs, keeps the pacing engaging and the momentum flowing. Each arc contributes to the overarching plot while also delving into character-driven moments, ensuring a well-rounded viewing experience.

In its final episodes, the season delivers a powerful message about legacy and the impact of a hero’s choices. The decision to introduce new speedsters in the closing moments of the series not only encapsulates the essence of “The Flash” but also leaves the door open for future stories and possibilities.

Overall, “The Flash” Season 9 is a captivating and emotional journey that celebrates the show’s legacy while delivering a fitting and memorable conclusion. With its intricate storytelling, exceptional character development, and pulse-pounding action, this season is a must-watch for fans of the series and the Arrowverse as a whole.

Buy this DVD

MORE INFORMATION: Promo

cast pic from "The Flash Season 9" promo on The CWTHE FINAL RUN!

THE FLASH: THE NINTH AND FINAL SEASON

COMING TO BLU-RAYTM DISC AND DVD AUGUST 29, 2023

BURBANK, CA (June 1, 2023) – The fast-paced DC Super Hero drama ends its nine-season run as The Flash: The Ninth and Final Season arrives on Blu-rayTM Disc and DVD on August 29, 2023. The action continues through all 13 episodes of the final season along with brand-new bonus content. The season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

Also available on August 29, is The Flash: The Complete Series on Blu-ray Disc and DVD, which includes 184 episodes from the exhilarating DC series along with hours of bonus content from all nine seasons in one complete set.

After defeating the Reverse Flash once and for all, the ninth season of The Flash picks up one week after their epic battle, and Barry Allen aka The Flash and Iris West-Allen are reconnecting and growing closer than ever. When a deadly group of Rogues descend on Central City, led by a powerful and unknown new threat, The Flash and his team including Meta-Empath Cecile Horton, the light-powered meta, Allegra Garcia, brilliant tech-nerd Chester P. Runk and reformed cryogenics thief Mark Blaine, must once again defy the odds to save the day. But as The Rogues are defeated, a deadly new adversary rises to challenge Barry Allen’s heroic legacy. In their greatest battle yet, Barry and Team Flash will be pushed to their limits, to save Central City one last time.

The Flash stars Grant Gustin (Arrow, Glee), Candice Patton (The Game), Danielle Panabaker (Sky High, Friday the 13th), Danielle Nicolet (Central Intelligence), Kayla Compton (Making Moves), Brandon McKnight (The Shape of Water) and Jon Cor (Shadowhunters). Based on the characters from DC, The Flash is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Riverdale), Eric Wallace (Teen Wolf, Z Nation, Eureka), Sarah Schechter (Batwoman, Riverdale, Black Lightning, Supergirl), Jonathan Butler, and Sam Chalsen (Sleepy Hollow).

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

  • The Flash: The Saga of the Scarlett Speedster (featurette)
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel

The Flash: The Complete Ninth Season and The Flash: The Complete Series will be available to purchase August 29, 2023 on Blu-ray Disc and DVD both online and in-store at major retailers. The series is also available now to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more.

Pricing and series information:

The Flash: The Ninth and Final Season

Includes 13 one-hour episodes:

  1. Wednesday Ever After
  2. Hear No Evil
  3. Rogues of War
  4. The Mask of the Red Death, Part 1
  5. The Mask of the Red Death, Part 2
  6. The Good, the Bad and the Lucky
  7. Wildest Dreams
  8. Partners in Time
  9. It’s My Party and I’ll Die if I Want To
  10. A New World, Part 1
  11. A New World, Part 2
  12. A New World, Part 3
  13. A New World, Part 4

PRODUCT                                                      SRP

Blu-ray Disc                                                    $29.98 SRP US ($39.99 in Canada)

DVD                                                                $24.98 SRP US ($29.98 in Canada)

Blu-ray Audio: English DTS 5.1

Blu-ray Subtitles: English SDH

DVD Audio: English (5.1) DD

DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish​

Blu-ray and DVD Presented in 16×9 widescreen format

Run Time: Approx. 13 hours

About Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions through physical Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD retail sales and digital transactions on major streaming, video-on-demand cable, satellite, digital, and mobile channels.  WBDHE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming.

About DC

DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comic subscription service. Learn more at DC.com.

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Photo from The CW site for "The Flash"

Primetime TV Review: Battle of the Decades

TV Review!

“Battle of the Decades” Review on by Eva 8/17/2023

This show is a nostalgic look at different decades of cooking starting with the year 2002.

Two chefs from different generations team up to cook. In the first round, the teams have to cook a classic dish using gadgets and ingredients from the year assigned to them. The second round sees the chefs putting their spin on a dish that is viral on the internet. One team is eliminated in each round. The remaining team of two is split up and the two chefs who were once a team put their modern spin on a classic dish. The show has three judges from different generations. The winning chef wins $10,000. The show is hosted by amiable former “All My Children” star and Hallmark movie vet Jonathan Bennett.

The show is fun to watch because the show includes classic commercials, as well as trivia questions from the year which the episode is focused on.

The show airs on the Food Network on Mondays and can be streamed on Max. I give the show 5 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: Superfan

TV Review!

“Superfan” Review on by Eva 8/14/2023

Superfan is hosted by Nate Burleson (CBS Morning) and Keltie Knight (E! News correspondent).

The first episode featured Superfans of rapper and actor LL Cool J. The contestants play several different trivia games that test how much they know about LL Cool J and, after each round, one contestant is eliminated. The final round has two contestants, and the winner of the show is chosen by the home audience via Twitter voting. The winner of the show gets a day with LL Cool J in which they get backstage passes to his concert, exclusive concert merchandise, and access to one of his recording sessions. The show will feature different stars over seven of the remainder of its eight-episode first season.

In my opinion the show has a lot of problems, the major one is its too boring and slow. The show would be much better if they would just play trivia games to eliminate contestants and get rid of the Twitter vote at the end, there is no need for it.

The other problem is they have two hosts. This game show doesn’t need two hosts. If you have insomnia this show will put you to sleep. The only thing that I like about this show is that the star that is featured in the episode sings a song.

I give this show a 2 out of 5 you can watch the show on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.

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Primetime TV Review: Worst Cooks in America: Love at First Bite

TV Review!

“Worst Cooks in America:  Love at First Bite” Review on by Eva 8/8/2023

Season 26 of Worst Cooks in America has Chef Ann Burrell and Chef Jeff Mauro teaching a group of sixteen boot camp recruits how to cook. The twist this season is that all the recruits are single and want to learn how to cook so they can find a significant other.

I enjoy watching the show because I like watching the contestants become better cooks each week. I do, however, recommend that the first two weeks you eat before you watch the show because after you watch the food they make, you may not want to eat for a few hours.

This year the Blue Team and the Red Team, known as the Rocking Red Stars, are divided into pairs and the winning pair that cooks a restaurant quality meal will win $ 25,000.

I like this show because it is fun to watch and you get attached to the contestants and want them to learn how to cook. The show lasts 8 episodes and can be streamed on Max.

I give this show 5 out of 5 stars.

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Star Trek Articles and Interviews

All of our Star Trek Articles, Reviews and Interviews!

 

Season 3 Key Art art of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: PICARD. Photo Cr: Joe Pugliese/Paramount+. © 2022 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

INTERVIEWS

Rekha Sharma (Commander Landry, “Star Trek: Discovery” and Avi Samara, “Star Trek: Continues.”) 2/2/24

Todd Stashwick (Captain Shaw, “Star Trek: Picard”) 4/12/23

Linda Park (ex-Hoshi, “Star Trek: Enterprise) 2/2/23

Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy, Star Trek movies) 6/1/22

Brannon Braga (writer/producer of many Star Trek shows) 5/16/22

Tim Russ (Tuvok, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 6/30/20

David Gerrold (writer, “Trouble with Tribbles” and more) 6/21/20

Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar/Sela, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) 7/11/19

CBS/Paramount Vs. Star Trek Fans 3/7/18

Former “Enterprise” Executive Producer Manny Coto 4/24/14

Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 1/10/14

J.J. Abrams (director of the last two Star Trek movies) 11/7/13

Zachary Quinto (Spock, the last two Star Trek movies) 11/15/12

LeVar Burton (Jordi LaForge, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)  6/28/12

Leonard Nimoy (Spock, original “Star Trek”)  5/10/12

Robert Picardo (Doctor, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 9/21/11

Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 8/25/11

Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 7/28/11

Scott Bakula (Captain Archer, “Star Trek: Enterprise”)  11/2/10

Leonard Nimoy (Spock, original “Star Trek”) 10/9/09

David A. Goodman of “Family Guy” 3/24/09 – all about the Next Generation cast appearance; Goodman was also involved with “Enterprise”.

 

REVIEWS

Review of Picard

Review of Star Trek: Discovery

Review of Star Trek: Voyager – The Complete Series

Review of Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]

Review of Star Trek: The Animated Series [Blu-ray]

Review of Star Trek: Enterprise Season One

Review of “Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Sixth Season” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Chain of Command” Blu-ray

Review of Star Trek: The Original Series – Origins

Review of “Star Trek: Insurrection” Special Collector’s Edition

Review of Star Trek: Enterprise – Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray]

Review of Star Trek: The Original Series – The Complete Series

"Star Trek" cast

 

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More Interviews and Reviews

Review of “James Cagney Was My Babysitter”

TV Book Review!

"James Cagney Was My Babysitter" by Ryan Cassidy book cover

Review of “James Cagney Was My Babysitter” by Suzanne 3/3/23

This is a cute children’s book that any child should love, but especially those who enjoy stories about fairies, elves, animals, etc. or those who are in need of a little encouragement.

Ryan, Shaun and David Cassidy - photo from a fan pageThe book, co-written by Ryan Cassidy (son of Shirley Jones, brother of David, Shaun and Patrick Cassidy), is about how he visited the late and legendary actor James Cagney as a boy when his father left him there one afternoon. Cagney and his wife baby-sat Ryan when his dad, actor/singer Jack Cassidy, was called away. Although he was nervous about being there with the big movie star, he soon found that Cagney was a wonderful man with a lot of imagination and love for animals.  This book was written about that visit.

The forward was written by his mom, Shirley Jones. When I was a child, I loved watching her act and sing in movies, like “The Music Man,” “Oklahoma,” and “Carousel.” I was also  a great fan of her and David in the TV show “The Partridge Family.” Later, she played John Black’s grandmother on “Days of Our Lives.” I’ve seen Ryan’s other brothers in many shows as well. Shaun Cassidy (most famous for starring in “The Hardy Boys” when I was in high school) played Dusty on “General Hospital” in 1987 (I’ve been watching that show since 1984). I was a huge David Cassidy fan and had his photo on my wall. I saw him perform twice in Las Vegas, too. I’ve seen Patrick Cassidy in many TV shows over the years. The whole family did a fun show called “Ruby and the Rockets” in 2009. Of course, I also saw many of James Cagney’s movies on late night TV when I was growing up. He was pretty amazing.

I’m glad to read this book and help introduce it to others. If you have children, nephews, grandchildren, etc. this would make a wonderful gift for them.

MORE INFORMATION:

The Cassidy Family - from Patrick Cassidy's Instagram

Born into a powerhouse Hollywood family, RYAN CASSIDY, the youngest son of SHIRLEY JONES and JACK CASSIDY, was surrounded by the glitz and glam of Tinseltown from a young age. From his time on The Partridge Family set, to spending time with famous friends of his parents, he was used to being around actors. But having legendary Hollywood actor JAMES CAGNEY babysit him is a memory that still sticks with him even today. James Cagney accepts the 2nd AFI Life Achievement Award (1974). From YouTube
“My husband Jack and I remained friends with [James] and his dear wife, Billie, all through the years,” Shirley Jones says. “We once invited them to our house for drinks and dinner, and that evening Jimmy rolled back the rug in our den and performed all the dance numbers from Yankee Doodle Dandy! He was such a spirit.”
Encouraged by the impact the story of his afternoon with Cagney had on his own daughter, Ryan shares it in his sweet children’s book James Cagney Was My Babysitter [GoodKnight Books, March 14, 2023]. With a Foreword and Afterword by SHIRLEY JONES, and co-written with noted Partridge Family biographer JOHNNY RAY MILLER, it’s the tender tale of how in one afternoon away from the pressures of a perfectionist father, a shy 7-year-old falls under the spell of a wonderful babysitter who made him feel special. Hours later, he leaves an enthusiastic young man who’s infused with self-confidence and ready for life’s next adventure.
Perfect for both children who need a bit of encouragement as well as grandparents hoping to tap into the nostalgia of a bygone era, the book appeals to audiences of all ages with its whimsical illustrations and powerful messages: using your imagination throughout your life, cultivating meaningful friendships even as a child, and connecting and engaging with the world around you in an impactful way.
About the Authors Ryan Cassidy and Johnny Ray Miller

 

Buy the book here!

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The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

Young James Cagney (photo from TCM)

Best Back-to-School Streaming Devices and TVs

TV Article!

Netflix logo on TV

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Best back-to-school streaming devices and TVs by Jodi W. 1/10/23

The time to go back to school is fast-approaching. If you are one of the millions of students who do not know what to do in their free time, you may have been thinking about purchasing a streaming device. Small and portable, they can be attached to any TV and can help you produce HD or even 4K streaming services to your TV.

What Are Streaming Services?

These devices connect to streaming services. These services deliver video content on demand. Similar to YouTube, they provide a limited amount of content you can stream on-demand. As the content can be educational, it can help you study and do so in a fun way. All the content there is original or made by other companies, but private content is never allowed.

This is the biggest difference between any streaming website and a streaming service. Another big difference is that the content can be streamed to various devices, not just laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The TV or the streaming device should have an appropriate app installed, but most devices today support most of these apps and streaming services as it is.

Which Streaming Services Are the Best for Students?

Among these services are Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. These services are best suited for students and all others who are more curious in nature than others. This is thanks to the rich content of documentaries and other educational content. Netflix is definitely the number one since they offer the most content that is original and made by them.

Streaming services for students should always be educational and have the value that a book could offer. Although there is no exam that focuses on streaming services, these can significantly help by offering additional information and a chance to revise. They can also offer great ideas for research papers. Once the idea is there, you can check out writing service reviews and find the writing service that works for you. This way, professionals will help make your idea come to fruition.

Top Back-to-School Streaming Devices

Although Netflix is the golden standard for streaming services, others should also be considered. Still, most devices support the biggest streaming services, although not all of them may work in all countries. For this reason, you should always consider which device to buy, especially if you move a lot or go back home to another country for holidays. The devices we present here are devices that are designed for the US market. As such, they provide a certain level of quality that is expected from devices like this and are likely to provide many hours of content streaming.

Amazon Fire Stick Lite

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

The super-simple-to-use Fire TV Stick Lite offers everything that a student needs. It comes with a remote controller that also has built-in voice control. It offers most features compared to its price. It is inexpensive and can be delivered to your dorm room in less than 2 days.

Insignia Amazon Fire TV Edition

The Insignia Edition is one of the TVs out there with built-in support for streaming services. Amazon has its own – Prime Video. The entire TV is optimized for this type of service and will likely provide you with a lot of entertainment during those long winter nights. The screen is only 32 inches, so it should fit in most college-form rooms.

Roku Express

Roku Express HD

Roku Express HD features a streamlined design and a very fast response time. The stick is the cheapest on our list and offers streaming from many services. This cheaper Roku Express 4K Plus version is still a great option for HD streaming.

Roku Streambar

Streambar by Roku is two devices in one: a streaming service device and a soundbar. The combo is great for all who like to make parties and invite many friends over for a movie night. The bar can also double as an out-source when gaming for example. It augments the sound from the TV and provides a more enjoyable experience.

Final Considerations

Streaming services and devices are many on the market. Here, we explored different options and saw what could suit you. All the devices on the list are available in the US (most of them on Amazon) and are easy to use. As they are small and light, they will take up barely any space on the desktop.

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Dark photo of Netflix playing on a TV

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Primetime TV Review: Lopez VS. Lopez

TV Review!

“Lopez VS. Lopez” Review on by Eva 11/6/2022

George Lopez returns to television with a show loosely based on his real life. George plays a man who lost his construction business and his house because of the pandemic. George moves in with his daughter Mayan (played by his real-life daughter Mayan Lopez). The relationship between George and his daughter is strained and Mayan goes to therapy to deal with the issues she has because her parents got divorced, and the fact that her father was not around much growing up. George is hoping to build a relationship with his daughter by remodeling her kitchen. George makes a tik tok video to tell Mayan he is broke and homeless so Mayan and her husband let George move into their house to live with them. Mayan and George must adjust to living with each other and while this show sounds like a drama it is a comedy.

The show is funny with most of the laughs coming from Mayan Lopez who is very funny. The show highlights how different generations can learn from each other it also has some touching moments. The show begins what NBC calls its Friday night comedy hour which is followed by Young Rock. If you want to laugh you will enjoy this show it is worth watching although I am not sure how well it will do on Friday nights.

The rest of the cast other than George and Mayan needs time to find their rhythm.

I give this show a 4 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: Alaska Daily

TV Review!

“Alaska Daily” Review on by Eva 10/9/2022

I wasn’t going to watch this show until I saw some television interviews with the star of the show Hilary Swank (Eileen Fitzgerald) where she spoke about the show so I decided to watch it.

I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed the show, it is well written and had my attention from the first minute I pushed play on my DVR recording of the show. I always pick out some new shows tie watch every television season but it takes me a few episodes to like new shows and sometimes, after a few episodes, I stop watching the show because I don’t enjoy it anymore. It is very rare that a show grabs me from the first minute.

Swank plays Eileen Fitzgerald, a New York reporter who is working on a big story trying to expose a possible presidential appointee before the president gives the man a big job in the State Department. Eileen’s source for the story is discredited by what she believes are highly placed government officials who don’t want the story to come out. Eileen doesn’t want to rewrite the story like her boss wants her to do. So, she quits her job and decides to write a book exposing the truth about the presidential appointee. Eileen is then contacted by a former boss, Stanley Kornik (Jeff Perry) who wants her to come work for The Daily Alaskan and help him investigate a story about some missing indigenous women who after some time were found dead. Eileen takes the job and with the help of the young reporters at the paper begins to investigate the story.

I really enjoyed this show because I enjoy mysteries, and I want to find out who killed these women. I also enjoyed the mentor relationship that the character of Eileen has with the young newspaper reporters although she doesn’t want to be a mentor, but that is the role she takes on because the young reporters look up r her and appreciate her experience.

I think this show is worth watching and if you missed the first episode you can watch it on Hulu or ABC I give this show 5 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: So Help Me Todd

TV Review!

“So Help Me Todd” Review on by Eva 10/2/2022

I decided to watch this show because I saw commercials for it. I thought it was a comedy, but CBS calls it a drama. I think the show is an even mix of both comedy and drama. The show is about Todd Wright (Skylar Astin) who lost his detective license when his partner and detective agency framed him forgery and illegal wiretapping.

Joan Wright (Marsha Gay Harden) has been trying to help Todd get back on his feet, but she thinks that he should quit being a private detective. Todd’s mother, Margaret, needs Todd’s help investigating a case for her law firm, and is impressed at how good Todd at his job so, she gets him his detective license back, so he can be the investigator for her law firm while her investigator is on maternity leave.

I enjoyed watching the innovative way Todd solves cases, and the complicated relationships between him and his mother. If you like lawyer shows with some comedy you will enjoy this show.

The show airs on Thursday nights after Ghosts and if you missed the pilot you can watch it on the show’s official website or on Paramount Plus. I give this show 5 out of 5 stars.

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Primetime TV Review: The Rookie: Feds

TV Review!

“The Rookie: Feds” Review on by Eva 9/28/2022

The Rookie: Feds is a spinoff of The Rookie and follows the career change of former guidance counselor turned FBi agent Simone Clark (Niece Nash-Betts). Simone is the oldest rookie in the FBI and now must prove herself to everyone on the special FBI task force where she is assigned to work. Simone doesn’t always follow the rules relying more on her life experience and her instincts in order to solve cases. Special Agent Carter Hope (James Lesure) a by the book agent who is in charge of training Simone which is hard for him because Simone doesn’t often listen to what he tells her to do.

The first episode started a little slow since they had to introduce the characters in the cast so it didn’t draw me into the episode right away but it got better towards the middle of the episode. The show also has a great sense of humor which fans of The Rookie will enjoy because the show doesn’t take itself as seriously as other police dramas which makes it fun to watch. I hope that in future episodes the show won’t start off as slowly and I will get to know the characters and enjoy watching them. I think it will also be fun to watch the cross overs with The Rookie and to see those characters helping out the Fed team.

I give this show a 4 out of5 stars. If you missed the first episode, you can stream it on Hulu or on the ABC app. I think fans of The Rookie will enjoy this show but I am not sure if it can attract viewers that don’t watch The Rookie.

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The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

Primetime TV Review: Celebrity Jeopardy

TV Review!

“Celebrity Jeopardy” Review on by Eva 9/28/2022

I was interested in watching this, show because I wanted to see if celebrities are smart or if they, are good entertainers There are 27 celebrities in this tournament and the ultimate winner gets $ 1 million for their charity .

In my opinion the questions are a bit easier than the daytime Jeopardy game, but it is a tournament for charity, so I am not bothered by the easier questions. One interesting change for this version of jeopardy is that they have a triple jeopardy round since then show is an hour long rather than the thirty-minute version in the daytime show. The winner of the game goes on to the semifinal game while the non-winners get $30, 000 for their charity.

If you like Jeopardy, you will enjoy this show and if you aren’t a Jeopardy watcher you might like this tournament because it is a bit less serious than the daytime show. Mayim Bialik hosts the tournament that airs on ABC on Sunday nights and streams the next day on Hulu or the ABC app.

I give this show 5 out of 5stars because I like it better than the daytime show.

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Primetime TV Review: Monarch

TV Review!

 

“Monarch” Review on by Eva 9/13/2022

I decided to watch Monarch after I saw some video clips of the show which made me think that it was going to be a nighttime soap opera. While I really enjoy daytime soaps, I also enjoy nighttime soaps if they are good and Monarch is very good.

The show centers around the first family of country music the Roman family, which seems like a family who is living the American dream, but behind closed doors everyone in the family is hiding secrets.

The Matriarch of the family is Dottie Roman (Susan Sarandon) who is facing a battle with cancer and how she handles that battle with cancer will leave a lasting impact on her family especially her daughter Nicolette “Nicky” Roman. Dottie’s husband Albie Roman (Trace Atkins) loves his wife, children, and singing but he hates the business side of the music industry. Albie and Dottie will do whatever they have to do to protect their family image as the first family of country music.

The show premiered its first episode on Sunday, September 11, 2022, but will debut in its regular time slot on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 9 PM Eastern time 8 PM Central time on Fox.

If you missed the first episode it is worth going to ABC.com or Hulu to watch it. This show is full of twists and turns that keep viewers guessing what will happen next and gives you the classic soap staple the cliff hanger. The first episode is full of classic country song covers, but the show also plans to have original country songs in it.

I give this show 5 out of 5 stars and I will be watching it every week.

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Review of “The Gilded Age: The Complete First Season”

DVD Review!

The Gilded Age: The Complete First Season DVD covver

“The Gilded Age: The Complete First Season” Review by Suzanne 7/22/22

I enjoyed this show a lot. I missed it when it came out, so I’m very glad to have watched the DVD. I never saw “Downton Abbey,” which was created by the same person (Julian Fellowes), so I can’t compare them. I think this is really good. Most period costume dramas are basically soap operas. They show you characters against a pretty backdrop from history. This one has better production values than most PBS series, which is probably why it’s on HBO. The acting and story are very good, and the sets and costumes are fabulous.

The story really draws you in. In 1882, a young woman named Marian (Louisa Jacobs) finds out that her late father left her no money or possessions to speak of, so she travels from her home in Philadelphia to live with two aunts that she’s never met. One of them, Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski, who never disappoints) is a snobby widow. She represents the “old money” of wealthy New Yorkers and resents the people with “new money” who are trying to push their way into society. At that time, there was a list of the top 400 most respectable people in NYC, which represented the “old money” people. They didn’t invite others to their parties and such. Because of railroads and other businesses, there were many “new money” people in NYC that wanted to be involved in society, so the others felt threatened. Agnes represents those people, along with the famous Mrs. Astor (based on the real person) and many others.  Agnes’ sister, Ada (the luminous Cynthia Nixon) is much kinder than Agnes.

Marian is robbed at the train station, so a young black woman, Peggy (DenĂ©e Benton) lends her money for a ticket. Marian in turn helps her out in NYC by getting her aunts to let her stay for the night (she is headed home to Brooklyn but the ferry is washed out). This was before they had subways- they only traveled by horse-drawn carriages, trains and ferries. Anyway, through Marian’s eyes, we meet all of the people in the series, including the people who live across the street, The Russells. They are very rich “new money” people who have built a big palace and hope to get involved with society. Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) is a very pushy, determined woman, and her husband, George (Morgan Spector) is used to getting his way in business.

There are two main plots of the season. One is about Marian become romantically involved in a lawyer, Tom (Thomas Cocquerel), that she knew in Philadelphia (who moves to NYC) as she struggles to find her place in NYC and tries to make her own way without angering her stern Aunt Agnes too much. The other is about the Russells trying to win over society.  Then there are many smaller plots with Peggy and her parents and Agnes’ son, Oscar (Blake Ritson), who is secretly gay but trying to find a wife so that he can avoid scandal. Like “Downton Abbey” and its predecessor, “Upstairs Downstairs,” both families have many servants, whom we also learn about.

Some of the best parts of the show are how they show us some of the new technology of the time, such as “magic lanterns,” trains and electricity. Also, thy have a lot of great historical background and characters, and they use that to show us the plight of women and black people at the time (but without being preachy).

At first, I worried that the story would be predictable, as it seemed to be headed that way. However, I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t.  At least, it wasn’t to me. You may have a different opinion.  I’m looking forward to season 2!  The DVD is well worth getting because it has many extras to watch that you can’t find anywhere else. I know because I looked on YouTube to find them, and they’re not available.  The best of them are on Disk 3.  Do yourself a favor and buy the set, and also give it out to others during the holidays!

Buy this DVD

MORE INFORMATION:

scene from "The GIlded Age"

Created by Emmy® and Academy Award® Winner, Julian Fellowes, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Takes You Back In Time

THE GILDED AGE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Get a Glimpse of Historical High Society When The

 DVD Arrives on July 26, 2022

BURBANK, CA (May 24, 2022) Get ready to embark on a compelling journey through life in New York in the late 1800s, as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings The Gilded Age: The Complete First Season to DVD on July 26, 2022. Indulge in all 9 episodes from the first season of the historical drama that won fans over with its charming cast and compelling storylines with over two hours of bonus content including an all-new featurette. The Gilded Age: The Complete First Season is available to own on DVD for $24.98 SRP ($29.99 in Canada) and will also be available to own on Digital via purchase from all major digital retailers. The series is now available exclusively for streaming on HBO Max.

From Emmy® and Academy Award® Winning Writer Julian Fellowes (“Downton Abbey”, Best Original Screenplay Gosford Park), and recently renewed for a second season by HBO, The Gilded Age the Complete First Season takes place during a period of immense economic change, of huge fortunes made and lost, and the rise of disparity between old money and new.  A wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family, Marian, embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy neighboring clan of her aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell and his ambitious wife, Bertha, meeting new people like aspiring writer Peggy Scott, along the way. In this exciting new world that is on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?

The Gilded Age boasts a star-studded cast with HBO’s Cynthia Nixon (“Sex and the City”), Carrie Coon (“The Leftovers”), Morgan Spector (“Boardwalk Empire”), and Jeanne Tripplehorn (“Big Love). Other notable cast members include Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia!), DenĂ©e Benton (“unREAL”), Louisa Jacobson (“Gone  Hollywood”), Taissa Farmiga (“American Horror Story”), Blake Ritson (The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard), Simon Jones (“Downton Abbey”), and Harry Richardson (“Poldark”).

The Gilded Age is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television. Julian Fellowes (“Downton Abbey”) is the creator, writer & executive producer. Other executive producers include Gareth Neame (“Downton Abbey”), David Crockett (Captive State), Michael Engler (“Downton Abbey”) and Salli Richardson-Whitfield (“Teachers”) – both for directing and executive producing. Co-executive producers are Sonja Warfield (“Will and Grace”), who also writes, and Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, who serves as historical consultant.

DVD FEATURES

  • All That Glitters: Creating The Gilded Age (Exclusive for DVD)
  • Old Money vs New: The Heart of the Matter
  • Who’s Who Featurettes
  • Invitation To Set
  • Carrie Coon BTS
  • Writing Peggy
  • Inside the Episodes

9 EPISODES

  1. Never The New
  2. Money Isn’t Everything
  3. Face The Music
  4. A Long Ladder
  5. Charity Has Two Functions
  6. Heads Have Rolled For Less
  7. Irresistible Change
  8. Tucked Up in Newport
  9. Let The Tournament Begin

DIGITAL

The Gilded Age is currently available to own on Digital. Digital purchase allows consumers to instantly stream and download to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and others.

BASICS

Release Date: July 26, 2022

Presented in 16×9 widescreen format

Running Time: Feature: Approx. 540 mins

Enhanced Content: Approx. 135 mins

DVD Price: $24.98 SRP ($29.99 in Canada)

3 Discs (3 DVD-9s)

Audio: English (5.1)

Subtitles: ESDH

About Warner Bros. Home Entertaiment

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s physical and digital distribution businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, WB Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.

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The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

The Gilded Age Season 1, Episode 10 CR: Alison Cohen Rosa

Review of “Skymed”

TV Review!

"SkyMed" Key Art

“Skymed” on Paramount+ Review by Suzanne 7/20/22

This show reminds me a little bit of “Chicago Med” or “Chicago Fire,” with a bit of “ER” thrown in. What makes it unusual is that it takes place in northern Canada, in the wilderness. It’s a Canadian show, but we’re seeing it down here on streaming. Most of the actors are newbies, and Canadian, but you’ll probably recognize veteran actor Aaron Ashmore, who plays Weezer, the senior person on the team.

Every ensemble show like this starts from a new person’s point of view, so we, the audience, can learn who is who and what is what. In this show, it’s nurse Hayley, played by Natasha Calis. She has left the big city to get away to the wilderness, but we don’t know why. She’s not the only one, either.

There’s quite a bit of action and adventure in the show to keep your attention. It remains to be seen whether it ever rises above the level of your average broadcast network TV show.

MORE INFORMATION:

Interview with Natasha Calis, Morgan Holmstrom, Kheon Clarke and Thomas Elms of “SkyMed” on Paramount+  7/6/22

Trailer

MEDICAL DRAMA “SKYMED” LAUNCHES SUNDAY, JULY 10, EXCLUSIVELY ON PARAMOUNT+ IN THE U.S.

All Nine Episodes of “SkyMed” Will Debut at Launch

The Series Is Produced by Piazza Entertainment

in Association with CBC and CBS Studios

June 16, 2022 – Paramount+ today announced all nine episodes of the new medical drama series SKYMED will be available to stream exclusively on the service in the U.S., beginning Sunday, July 10.

SKYMED follows the triumphs, heartbreaks and tribulations of budding nurses and pilots flying air ambulances in remote Northern Canada. Weaving together intense character journeys with high-stakes medical rescues, a diverse cast of young medical responders must rely on each other for survival at 20,000 feet in the air.

The series stars Natasha Calis (“Nurses”) as Hayley, Ace “Aason” Nadjiwon (“Batwoman”) as Bodie, Morgan Holmstrom (“Siberia”) as Crystal, Praneet Akilla (NANCY DREW) as Chopper, Thomas Elms (“The Order”) as Nowak, Mercedes Morris (“Between”) as Lexi, Kheon Clarke (RIVERDALE) as Tristan, and Braeden Clarke (“Outlander”) as Jeremy.

SKYMED is produced by Piazza Entertainment in association withCBC and CBS Studios. The series is created by Julie Puckrin, who also serves as executive producer along with Vanessa Piazza, Ron Murphy and Gillian Hormel. The series will be distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world’s biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Streaming Network for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming, with more than 60 series currently in production for broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, which includes genre-defining franchises such as “NCIS,” “CSI” and the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the U.S. with series in the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

About Piazza Entertainment

Piazza Entertainment Ltd, was founded in 2016 by Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza (“Lost Girl,” “Dark Matter,” “Nurses,” “XIII,” “The Other Half”). Piazza Entertainment is a film and television production company established to create premium television programming for the domestic and international markets. Piazza previously was partnered under a multi-year first look deal with international distributor and studio Entertainment One. That first look arrangement concluded at the end of 2019. In 2020, Edith Myers (former CEO of Pinewood Studios, former COO of the Scott Group of Companies) joined as CFO. Currently Piazza Entertainment has several projects in development.

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"Leave It All on The Ice" Episode #109 - Aaron Ashmore as Wheezer, Natasha Calls as Hayley, and Praneet Akilla as Chopper

Review of “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin”

TV Review!

"Flowers in the Attic: The Origin" key art

“Flowers in the Attic: The Origin” on Lifetime Review by Suzanne 7/20/22

“Flowers in the Attic: The Origin” This is the prequel miniseries to the classic movie “Flowers in the Attic,” which I’ve never seen. It apparently involved a stern religious grandmother who locks her grandchildren in the attic. There is incest and rape in that drama. This shows how the grandma got to that point. Both are based on novels. “Flowers in the Attic” came out in 1979 from the pen of V.C. Andrews. She wrote many sequels, but only the first book was filmed (twice). This new miniseries is based on “Garden of Shadows” by Andrew Neiderman, who is now taking over V.C. Andrews’ characters.

I’ve only seen the first part so far, but I enjoyed it. I’m not a big fan of prequels because we know how the characters are going to end up (and it’s usually not good). There are many great actors in this. Most of them, such as Kelsey Grammar and Harry Hamlin, play small parts and aren’t on screen very long. Kate Mulgrew (“Star Trek: Prodigy”) and Paul Wesley (“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”) also play small roles. I wasn’t familiar with any of the main stars of the miniseries, but Max Irons, who plays the husband, is the son of Jeremy Irons. He does a good job.

The main star of the show is Jemima Rooper, who plays Olivia (the aforementioned Grandma). She is excellent as the woman who starts out as the bookish maiden but becomes first a victim of horrible circumstances and then gets steely and strong (but ultimately, not very nice, I’m afraid).

You should check it out whether or not you like the “Flowers in the Attic” books or movies as it’s compelling drama (if a bit lurid at times).

Interview with Jemima Rooper, Max Irons, T’Shan Williams, Alana Boden and Paul Sciarrotta of “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin” on Lifetime 6/22/22

MORE INFORMATION:

Flowers in the Attic: The Origin tells the story of the headstrong and determined Olivia Winfield (Rooper) who is working alongside her beloved father (Hamlin) when she finds herself unexpectedly wooed by one of the nation’s most eligible bachelors, Malcom Foxworth (Irons). After a whirlwind romance, Olivia finds herself as the mistress of the imposing Foxworth Hall, where she soon discovers that the fairytale life she expected has quickly become a nightmare.  Under Malcolm’s debonair exterior lies a dark heart, and a twisted evil lurks inside Foxworth Hall that will threaten Olivia’s happiness and that of her children. Her attempts to keep them all safe ultimately push Olivia to become to most terrifying version of herself, leading to her inevitable—and notorious—decision to lock her grandchildren in the attic…

Dodd stars as Olivia’s daughter, Corinne; while Williams takes on the role Foxworth Hall’s longtime staff member and Olivia’s observant housekeeper, Nella. Mulgrew plays Mrs. Steiner, Malcom’s loyal house manager and head of the Foxworth Hall staff. Grammer portrays Malcom’s illustrious father Garland Foxworth, who is married to new wife Alicia, played by Boden. Wesley stars as John Amos, Olivia’s cousin whose revelations change her life forever and Callum Kerr stars as Christopher, a close relative of the Foxworth family whose life will be eternally intertwined with Corrine’s from the moment they set eyes on each other.

Additional talent starring in the four-part miniseries event includes Luke Fetherston, Buck Braithwaite, Jordan Peters, Evelyn Miller, Rawdat Quadri, Emmanuel Ogunjinmi, David Witts, Carla Woodcock and Peter Bramhill.

Flowers in the Attic: The Origin is an A+E Studios production in association with Sutton St. Productions and CBS Studios. Paul Sciarrotta serves as executive producer. Jennie Snyder Urman and Joanna Klein serve as executive producers for Sutton St. Productions and CBS Studios. Zoë Rocha serves as executive producer for RubyRock Pictures, Gary Pearl executive produces for Aquarius Content and Dan Angel executive produces. Declan O’Dwyer also executive produces and directed part one and part two of the miniseries. Robin Sheppard serves as director for parts three and four. Scripts are from executive producer Paul Sciarrotta, as well as Amy Rardin and Conner Good. Flowers in the Attic: The Origin is based on the prequel novel, Garden of Shadows by Andrew Neiderman. The miniseries was made with support of the Romanian Government.

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The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

Irons and Rooper in "Flowers in the Attic: The Origin" on Lifetime