Tag Archives: Netflix

Netflix shares a ‘Daredevil’ tapestry as season 2 secures a launch date

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The Netflix/Marvel marriage has already proven fruitful with engrossingly dark and dramatic tales introducing Daredevil and Jessica Jones. The next superhero origin story coming to the streaming service is Luke Cage, but before we get there, the next chapter in the story of Matt Murdock aka The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen will be told.

Season 2 of Daredevil introduces new villain The Punisher (played by The Walking Dead‘s Jon Bernthal) and Elektra Natchios (Elodie Yung). Here’s the official logline:

Just when Matt thinks he is bringing order back to the city, new forces are rising in Hell’s Kitchen. Now the Man Without Fear must take on a new adversary in Frank Castle and face an old flame – Elektra Natchios. Bigger problems emerge when Frank Castle, a man looking for vengeance, is reborn as The Punisher, a man who takes justice into his own hands in Matt’s neighborhood. Meanwhile, Matt must balance his duty to his community as a lawyer and his dangerous life as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, facing a life-altering choice that forces him to truly understand what it means to be a hero.

The first teaser is embedded above, and while it doesn’t contain new footage, it artfully summarizes the major story beats that unfolded last year. Its direction borrows from a certain philosophical HBO series, does it not? Peek into the photo gallery for season 2 first looks at Murdock (Charlie Cox) suited up, his pals Karen and Foggy (Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson), The Punisher and Elektra. The character-filled season 2 poster is in there, too.

Daredevil returns Friday, March 18.

Continue reading Netflix shares a ‘Daredevil’ tapestry as season 2 secures a launch date →

10 premieres to look out for in January: ‘Sherlock,’ ‘New Girl,’ ‘American Crime,’ ‘Agent Carter,’ ‘The X-Files’ & more

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Ring in the New Year with an exciting slate of new and returning programs coming to TV in the month of January. Zach Galifianakis and Chelsea Handler are the stars of two fresh comedy series premiering this month, and you can look forward to the long anticipated returns of Sherlock, Agent Carter, and yes, The X-Files. Jump after the break for the full rundown.
Continue reading 10 premieres to look out for in January: ‘Sherlock,’ ‘New Girl,’ ‘American Crime,’ ‘Agent Carter,’ ‘The X-Files’ & more →

Netflix and Amazon original series rule in November: Marvel’s ‘Jessica Jones’ & more inside

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The month of November is dominated by highly anticipated new original series from Netflix, and one from Amazon (and no, it’s not Transparent). Skip after the break for the full rundown on what to watch this month, streaming service edition. Continue reading Netflix and Amazon original series rule in November: Marvel’s ‘Jessica Jones’ & more inside →

Netflix picks up cult British anthology series ‘Black Mirror’ for 12 new episodes

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Netflix knows how to pick ’em. Today the streaming service added Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror to its slate of original programming.

If you haven’t heard of the cult sci-fi series, it’s about time you did. Ever since the British anthology show made its way to Netflix, I’ve been spreading gospel about its unique nature and gripping storytelling. I previously described Black Mirror as The Twilight Zone for today’s tech-obsessed generation. Each standalone episode, to varying degrees, pulls back the curtain on what society might look like in our collective not-so-distant future. Episodes are intrinsically satirical, disturbing, unsettling, and most of all, wildly compelling. What’s out there now is a quick binge, too. Brooker produced two seasons (each comprising three episodes) and a special (featuring guest star Jon Hamm) for the UK’s Channel 4 network. All installments (minus the elusive special) are currently available to stream on Netflix, and I highly recommend you add them to your queue, stat.

Brooker has a keen sense of the world’s trepidations as our little “black mirrors” continue to consume our lives (read: smartphones, computers, televisions). Season 1’s “The Entire History of You” is widely considered the series best installment so far; in it, people are embedded with a device that allows you to record everything you do and see and hear. Obviously, this plays to people’s fears about Big Brother always watching, but it makes this fear even more intriguing by adding a personal twist. And then, of course, there’s “National Anthem” which focuses on a fictional Prime Minister who must have sex with a pig in order to save the kidnapped princess. Is a merely a coincidence that Brooker was able to predict something along these lines would actually take place in real life? I think not; he’s that good.

I’m happy to report that Brooker and his executive producing parter Annabel Jones are returning to helm the new episodes coming to Netflix soon. Brooker is already penning the 12 fresh installments, and production begins later this year in the UK. A release date has not been disclosed, but we can certainly cross our fingers for a 2016 launch.

“It’s all very exciting — a whole new bunch of Black Mirror episodes on the most fitting platform imaginable,” said Brooker in a press release. “Netflix connects us with a global audience so that we can create bigger, stranger, more international and diverse stories than before, whilst maintaining that ‘Black Mirror‘ feel. I just hope none of these new story ideas come true.”

“Charlie has created a one-of-a-kind series with an uncanny voice and prescient, darkly comedic vision. We’re tremendously proud to bring Black Mirror to our members as a Netflix original series,” added Cindy Holland, Netflix Vice President, original content.

Check out a mini-teaser after the break.

[Via Netflix] Continue reading Netflix picks up cult British anthology series ‘Black Mirror’ for 12 new episodes →

Netflix renews ‘Sense8’ for a second season

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Calling all sensates! Netflix has renewed its sci-fi-tastic series Sense8. The highly innovative and admittedly addicting and adrenaline-pumping show about eight people inextricably linked by a special mental bond is coming back for a second season.

With Sense8, The Wachowskis brought to TV the awesome sci-fi and physical combat elements they are best known for (see: The Matrix Trilogy, Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending). As fun as those genre elements can be, the filmmakers go above and beyond the expected in Sense8, which really plays out like 12 mini-movies. Each installment–and the series in general–manages to transcend its sci-fi mythology and focus on the even more intriguing and captivating thing going on all along; using a sci-fi lens, Sense8 prioritizes human connection and celebrates the human condition. The first season spans the globe, connecting and exploring the lives of complex characters you quickly come to care about. The season closes like the chapter of a book ends: wholly satisfying with sequel potential bursting at the seams. The initial run of episodes spends lots of time world-building and shaping the sensates. A second season is bound to dive deeper into the mostly unexplored mythos (Hello, Mr. Whispers) and bring together our favorite sensate cluster with a renewed sense of vigor and understanding.

A lacking pilot and pacing issues aside, I highly recommend you binge Sense8 if you haven’t already. It starts slow, but when it gets going (around episodes 3 and 4) there’s no stopping this freight train of pure, unadulterated fun.

To officially commemorate the renewal, Netflix posted this minute-long clip featuring the main cast spreading the good news.

‘Wet Hot American Summer’ featurette takes you back to the summer of ’81

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We’re only four days away from the launch of the Wet Hot American Summer revival on Netflix! To celebrate this momentous occasion, travel back in time to 1981 in this nearly three-and-a-half minute Wet Hot featurette. In it you’ll go behind-the-scenes and witness the sheer excitement taking place during the first day of shooting when the entire cast from the 2001 cult comedy reunited for the 8-episode streaming series. Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks and all the rest return to play younger versions of themselves since the new Wet Hot takes place during the first day of camp at Camp Firewood (the movie took place on the last day of camp). You’ll hear from the returning cast, as well as some of the newbies including John Slattery (Mad Men), Chris Pine (Star Trek), Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death), Jordan Peele (Key and Peele), and Lake Bell (Childrens Hospital).

“Working on this just feels like when we shot Wet Hot—it’s really cold, we’re moving really fast and, you know, everybody’s having sex with each other,” says Poehler.

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp is out this Friday, July 31. Watch the official trailer here.

TV reminder: 5 series to look out for in July

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Summer is here and the hits keep on comin’. Masters and Virginia unveil their sex study to the public; Denis Leary reenters the spotlight as a former rock’n’roll legend looking for a way back in; the Bowmans are ready for a second round of give-and-take; everyone’s favorite anthropomorphic horse is back for more introspection; and the misfits of Camp Firewood go back in time to experience another wet, hot, american summer.

Jump after the break to explore the series you can’t miss this month. Continue reading TV reminder: 5 series to look out for in July →

TV reminder: 8 premieres to look out for in June

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We’ve officially entered the month that welcomes back summer. Typically, a TV draught takes place after the big finales in May and avid viewers are forced to twiddle their thumbs until the new season kicks into high gear in September. That has all changed. We’re living in the Golden Age of TV, after all, and the sheer amount of creative content isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The summer months are packed with great programs you simply cannot miss; the broadcast and premium cable networks, as well as streaming giant Netflix, have a number of exciting new series debuting this very month. To see what June has to offer, jump after the break. Continue reading TV reminder: 8 premieres to look out for in June →

Big Four Networks decide fate of your favorite series in latest renewal/cancellation news (Updates inside)

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Article originally published on 5/7/15. Continually updated after the break.

It is May, and the Upfronts are right around the corner. Before the networks make official their upcoming slate of fall shows, they must decide the fate of current series.

ABC made waves Thursday evening, announcing a whopping 16 renewals and 3 cancellations. Without further ado, the following series will be making their way back to the Alphabet network next season.

Shonda Rhimes’ “TGIT” lineup remains in tact, as Grey’s Anatomy (season 12), Scandal (s5), and How to Get Away with Murder (s2) will all return for more intense drama. Veteran Castle (s8) and ABC staples Once Upon A Time (s5) and Nashville (s4) are also coming back–no surprise there. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (s3) is here to stay as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to unfold on TV; also, the TV gods thankfully heard our collective cries to keep Marvel’s Agent Carter on the air which will return for a second season! The low-rated, critically acclaimed American Crime is also getting a sophomore run, as is the surprisingly fun murder mystery series Secrets and Lies.

Over on the comedy side, veteran Modern Family (s7) remains the network’s crown jewel, and other Wednesday night sitcoms The Middle (s7) and The Goldbergs (s3), and black-ish (s2) will follow suit with new seasons next fall. Freshman series Fresh off the Boat and musical Galavant have also been greenlit to return. Though it hasn’t been made official quite yet, Tim Allen sitcom Last Man Standing is expected to make a fifth season. Update (5/10): LMS will return.

Last, the net’s alternative programs that have been renewed include American’s Funniest Home Videos (s26), The Bachelor (s20), Dancing with the Stars (s21), Shark Tank (s7), Beyond the Tank (s2), and newsmagazine 20/20.

Those series not returning include dramas Resurrection and Forever and Friday night sitcom Cristela. While the latter two failed to find broad audiences, the former simply couldn’t manage to sustain its dragged out premise involving dead people coming back to life (good luck, The Returned!). Fans will surely hold onto Resurrection‘s quietly superb 8-episode first season, and thankfully, the season 2 finale happened to bring much closure to the story.

As I teased before, this is just the beginning, people. Hold onto your hats because the Upfronts are coming next week!

Jump after the break for other renewal/cancellation news from the big networks. Continue reading Big Four Networks decide fate of your favorite series in latest renewal/cancellation news (Updates inside) →

‘Orange is the New Black’ returns this summer–are you ready for more crazy (Eyes)?

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Missing the ladies of Litchfield? Well, I’m happy to report that Netflix is raring to bring them all back to your screen of choice this summer when Orange is the New Black returns for its third season. Though the two-minute trailer embedded above and the following synopsis down below provide little in terms of upcoming plot lines, the outrageously addicting drama and humor you’ve come to know and love from OITNB remains.

With a crisis of faith and their beliefs and loyalties being tested, each character must decide what and who to believe in.

Mark your calendars for the next Great Binge; Piper, Red, Crazy Eyes, and the rest of the orange jumpsuit crew return June 12.

TV reminder: 10 premieres to look out for in April

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Spring is here! Though we may be nearing the month where most of your favorite TV series wrap up for summer (I’m looking at you, May!), that doesn’t mean this is the end. In fact, there are a whopping 10 series premiering this month, four of which are brand new and demand your attention. Jump after the break for what you need to know. Continue reading TV reminder: 10 premieres to look out for in April →

Networks renew seven series for the new year including ‘House of Cards’ & ‘New Girl’ [Update: ‘Last Man on Earth’ is coming back]

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Quick update on series renewals. The following shows will return for a new season!

Netflix has renewed House of Cards and freshman Bloodline for fourth and second seasons, respectively. Showtime’s House of Lies and Shameless are coming back for fifth and sixth seasons. The Cold War will continue on FX’s The Americans in a fourth season. And Fox sitcom New Girl isn’t going anywhere anytime soon with a fifth season pickup.

Showtime exec Gary Levine on the House of Lies pickup: “When you have a gifted acting ensemble led by Don Cheadle and smart, acerbic writing led by showrunner Matthew Carnahan, you expect something special, and House of Lies delivers for us each season.”

FX exec Nick Grad on The Americans: “Remarkably, this season of The Americans has achieved even greater acclaim than that of its first two seasons. The series has cemented it status with critics as television’s best current drama and arguably the best show on TV, and we couldn’t agree more… We look forward to the final four episodes of season three, and beyond, in Philip and Elizabeth Jennings’ riveting journey.”

Fox exec David Madden on New Girl: “Four seasons in, New Girl continues to be one of the smartest and most relatable comedies on television. The writing is razor-sharp, the ensemble is consistently hilarious, and we couldn’t be more proud of… the entire New Girl team. We absolutely love this show and we’re so excited to bring it back for Season Five.”

In related New Girl news, Jon Cho (Selfie, Sleepy Hollow) will guest star in season 5, as will Anna George (Royal Pains) who is confirmed to play CeCe’s mother. Damon Wayans, Jr., sadly, is departing as a series regular at the end of the current season.

Update (4/8): Phil Miller, The Last Man on Earth, will return in a second season! Though it’s still in its infancy, the high concept comedy has already proven to be all kinds of fun and funny. Series creator Will Forte shines as star alongside an ever-growing cast that also includes the perfectly cast Kristen Schaal, infectious nice-guy Mel Rodriguez, and the stunningly beautiful January Jones. The adventures in Tucson will continue, and I couldn’t be happier.

“We knew we had something special with The Last Man on Earth,” says Fox’s David Madden. “It’s one of those rare shows that continues to add depth and dimension to its unique premise, week after week. We are so thrilled that this incredibly bold, original and inventive series has been embraced by both fans and critics, and we cannot wait to see where the creative genius and inspired vision of Will, Phil [Lord] and Chris [Miller] take us in Season Two.”