Category Archives: News

Apple Watch preorders going live: here’s what you need to know

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The Apple Watch is coming. Are you ready?

Today, one day before pre-orders go live on Friday, April 10, Apple outed a press release detailing how the big launch is going to work. If you want a Watch anytime soon, be ready to preorder online tonight at midnight–specifically, Friday morning at 12:01am PDT. All three styles including the Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition are bound to sell out faster than you can say Steve Jobs, so you’ll want your finger on the checkout button precisely at that time. After securing a preorder, customers can expect product delivery beginning Friday, April 24.

Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores, also mentions in the press release that the company “will be taking orders for Apple Watch exclusively online during the initial launch period.” I added the emphasis there because it’s important to note. At least at launch, you will not be able to walk into a store to buy the Watch; Apple is making it available for purchase solely at its online store for now.

However, that does not mean Apple Stores and select boutiques around the world won’t be showing off the newly minted timepieces. Visit a brick-and-mortar Apple Store “for a personalized session with a Specialist to try on, fit and size their band, and explore the amazing features of Apple Watch.” Though you won’t be walking out of the store with it, such a session will surely help you decide on which style and size are best, and then you make an informed buy online. Happy shopping, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Need something to do while you’re waiting for pre-ordering to go live tonight? Hop after the break to watch four recently uploaded official Guided Tours to learn your way around the Watch and its snazzy UI. A general overview, as well as focused looks at Messages, watch faces, and Digital Touch, will get you acclimated with Apple’s “most personal device.”

Is that not enough? There’s more. It’s not Watch-related, but it’s still something you should know. HBO NOW, the premium cable network’s standalone streaming service, has gone live across Apple devices including Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Get the app and get started with a free 30-day trial. Ready to dive in? Sign up for the $14.99 monthly subscription and you’re good to go. HBO releases its new streaming service just in time for the season premieres of Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley, and Veep.

[Via Apple] Continue reading Apple Watch preorders going live: here’s what you need to know →

‘True Detective’ season 2 gets teaser, description & premiere date [Update: New posters & trailer]

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Can creator Nic Pizzolatto top the dramatic darkness and cinematic captivation that was True Detective season 1? The jury is still out on that, but today we proceed one step closer to finding out if such a feat is possible.

HBO released the first teaser trailer for True Detective season 2, which features a brand new cast and story set in an entirely different location, Los Angeles. Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kitsch are the leads and you explore their character descriptions in the just-released synopsis below. Jump into the gallery to view character portraits.

A bizarre murder brings together three law-enforcement officers and a career criminal, each of whom must navigate a web of conspiracy and betrayal in the scorched landscapes of California. Colin Farrell is Ray Velcoro, a compromised detective in the all-industrial City of Vinci, LA County. Vince Vaughn plays Frank Semyon, a criminal and entrepreneur in danger of losing his life’s work, while his wife and closest ally (Kelly Reilly), struggles with his choices and her own. Rachel McAdams is Ani Bezzerides, a Ventura County Sheriff’s detective often at odds with the system she serves, while Taylor Kitsch plays Paul Woodrugh, a war veteran and motorcycle cop for the California Highway Patrol who discovers a crime scene which triggers an investigation involving three law enforcement groups, multiple criminal collusions, and billions of dollars.

The 60-second teaser works even without any dialogue; empowering it are moody shots of the all-star cast in top form, as well as an original tune performed by Lera Lynn, co-written by Roseanne Cash, and produced by T. Bone Burnett (he’s the music man behind the powerful score that backed season 1). So far, so great.

True Detective premieres Sunday, June 21 on HBO.

Update: Eye the official key art below, and jump after the break to watch a new trailer–this time with dialogue!

Continue reading ‘True Detective’ season 2 gets teaser, description & premiere date [Update: New posters & trailer] →

‘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.”

‘Happy Endings’ comeback dreams crushed, for now

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The cake is a lie. We should have known.

Remember when the Internet got all excited about a potential Happy Endings comeback? Well, it was one big April Fools prank. Series creator David Caspe confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the countdown clock teasing “a new day” was actually set up by a former Happy Endings writer or assistant without his knowledge as a simple gag. A gag that would take the ‘Net by storm and excite fans of the short-lived cult NBC sitcom. Caspe elaborated to EW:

“It took on a life of its own to the point that actually there was some interest in finding a place to do a few more episodes or an hourlong special. So then I couldn’t comment because I wasn’t allowed to say anything yet. But as we hit April 1, nothing has really panned out, and I don’t want to keep people hanging on, so I have to say something. Happy Endings remains cancelled for now. Hopefully one day we’ll be able to do an hourlong or a couple stand-alone episodes, and I’ve talked to the cast about even just doing a five-minute cold open. I want to apologize to anyone who is annoyed. It was just a writers’ room bit that kind of got away from them. I realized that this could piss off a lot of fans, and our hardcore fans and critics are all we’ve ever had…. But I also have to say that it was really awesome to see how much love there was for the show. We didn’t really think anyone was watching anymore. It was great to see that someone was.”

Perhaps the rather cruel joke was worth going through after all! Now that Caspe and co. sense the strength and furor of the series’ fanbase, maybe they can use this to pull the Happy team back for an actual reunion at some point.

“The cast wants to do it and the writers want to do it,” Caspe said. “It wouldn’t shock me if we did something. Never say never because something may pan out in the future.”

“Happy…April Fools’ Day! Sorry! All for fun. Caspe & Co had nothing to do with it. Thanks for being so hyper-passionate about the show.” That’s the tweet that was fired out on the first of the month from the Happy Endings writers Twitter account that started it all. Here’s to hoping our collective hyper-passion will indeed bring back our beloved comedy soon.

[Via EW]

Sony teases Batman-themed limited-edition PS4 ahead of ‘Arkham Knight’ release

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Sony’s got a new PS4 SKU in the works. No, it’s not quite as fancy (or incredibly rare) as the previously released 20th Anniversary console, but it’s something! Especially if you’re a fan of the Caped Crusader. To celebrate the upcoming summer release of the third and final entry in the Batman: Arkham video game trilogy, Sony is producing limited edition hardware featuring custom artwork. For $449.99, you can get the steel grey PS4 with a custom Batman: Arkham Knight faceplate, a matching steel grey DualShock 4 wireless controller, and of course a copy of Arkham Knight. Sony will also be selling an Arkham Knight bundle that includes the title and a standard jet black console and matching controller for $399.99. Both bundles will launch alongside the game on June 23. Preorder today.

[Via PS Blog]

Ryan Reynolds suits up for ‘Deadpool’ stand-alone spinoff

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After appearing in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds is set to reprise his superhero alter ego Deadpool in his own stand-alone spinoff film. In case you don’t know, Deadpool is perhaps Marvel’s most out-there superhero. Deadpool aka Wade Wilson aka “The Merc with a Mouth” is famous for his tendency to break the fourth wall. In his comic roots and even in video games, the character knows he’s a part of the medium he’s in. So for example, in the upcoming Deadpool movie, Reynolds’ character will be aware that he is in a movie. Freaky, huh? This opens the flood gates for all kinds of off-kilter hilarity.

The official synopsis goes like this: “Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.”

Deadpool is being directed by visual effects artist Tim Miller and Reynolds is joined by Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, and Gina Carano. It’s due out February 12, 2016. See Reynolds in the suit above; his tweet with the image reads, “With great power, comes great irresponsibility.” It parodies Burt Reynolds’ 1972 nude Cosmo centerfold (which Ryan Reynolds tweeted out for unsuspecting fans).

Update (4/1): Just in time for April Fool’s Day, a cheeky video featuring a faux-interview between Extra’s Mario Lopez and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has arrived and it confirms the movie’s R-rating (thank god). And yes, that is Reynolds in the suit. Watch it after the break. Continue reading Ryan Reynolds suits up for ‘Deadpool’ stand-alone spinoff →

Believe it: ‘The X-Files’ is returning as a six-episode event series

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Following the revivals of Arrested Development and 24, 20th Century Fox Television is bringing back yet another cult TV series. Sci-fi supernatural staple The X-Files is returning as a six-episode event series to FOX. Original series creator Chris Carter is helming it, and stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are reprising their iconic roles as FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

The X-Files ran on FOX for nine seasons; 202 episodes aired between September 1993 and May 2002. Later in 2008, the franchise was adapted for the big screen in The X-Files: I Want to Believe. The series was a success as it dominated pop culture at the time and went on to earn sixteen Emmy awards, five Golden Globes, and a Peabody. Plus, we cannot forget its lasting mark on the sci-fi genre; series like Lost and Fringe likely wouldn’t have existed as they did (if at all) were it not for The X-Files and its lasting legacy for producing riveting stories entwined in mystery, intrigue, and the unknown.

Besides knowing that Carter is steering new paranormal stories for Duchovny and Anderson to investigate, the lid is remaining tight here. So, here are some choice quotes from the press release.

“I think of it as a 13-year commercial break,” said Carter. “The good news is the world has only gotten that much stranger, a perfect time to tell these six stories.”

“We had the privilege of working with Chris on all nine seasons of The X-Files – one of the most rewarding creative experiences of our careers – and we couldn’t be more excited to explore that incredible world with him again,” said Fox network heads Gary Newman and Dana Walden. “The X-Files was not only a seminal show for both the studio and the network, it was a worldwide phenomenon that shaped pop culture – yet remained a true gem for the legions of fans who embraced it from the beginning. Few shows on television have drawn such dedicated fans as The X-Files, and we’re ecstatic to give them the next thrilling chapter of Mulder and Scully they’ve been waiting for.”

Production on the X-Files event series is set to begin this summer. Stick it here for more as it leaks out.

Bye bye bubble: FOX renews ‘Sleepy Hollow’ for a third season

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We’ve known since January that Sleepy Hollow‘s fate was very much up in the air due to a significant drop in ratings and a lackluster creative direction. Despite all that, Sleepyheads, I’ve got some good news for you. FOX’s supernatural drama will return for an 18-episode third season.

When SH comes back, it will be steered by a new showrunner. Mark Goffman, who led the brilliantly fun first season and the decidedly meandering second season, is out and Clifton Campbell (creator of The Glades and co-EP of White Collar) is in.

“I had the pleasure of working with Clifton on both The Glades and White Collar,” said Fox TV Studios president David Madden in a statement. “He is an excellent producer, and we can’t wait to see what this team has in store for Season 3.”

Previously, network head Dana Walden said, “We’re excited about some creative changes on the show and bringing it back to something that feels a little more episodic in nature, that has closure and doesn’t feel quite so serialized.” Fox anticipates “return[ing] the fun to it” that was abundant in season one.

In an interview with TVLine, actor John Noble (who portrayed the villainous Henry Parish) provided proof that things behind the scenes at Sleepy Hollow over the course of its second season were shaky at best. “They didn’t have a clue what to do, and so that meant it was a pretty unsatisfactory year for me,” he said. Noble went on to say that he and co-star Tom Mison “were hoping to have more scenes together, because that’s when it was really interesting, when Tom and I had the shots to bounce off each other. He loved it, and I did, too. And that just didn’t happen.” He concluded, “Obviously, a lot of thought has gone into what to do with Sleepy Hollow. And if this network is investing in another 18 episodes, then they must have had very strong reassurances that there is a major reboot. I’ll be fascinated to see what the reboot is.”

The third season ended (spoiler alert) with Noble’s Henry Parish and Ichabod Crane’s wife Katrina perishing at the hands of Ichabbie (that’s a combination of Ichabod Crane and Abbie Mills’ names, for all you non-shippers out there). With Parish’s wacky “evil of the week” tricks gone and the sadly underutilized likes of witch Katrina put to rest, a third season should deliver a reboot of sorts as Ichabbie continues to defend Sleepy Hollow from the forces of evil. As an outspoken fan of Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie’s undeniable chemistry, I’m excited that more SH adventures are on the way with a new showrunner at the helm and a clean creative canvas.

[Via TVLine]

Jessica Lange confirms ‘American Horror Story’ exit, ‘AHS: Hotel’ cast additions announced

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Jessica Lange has left the building. After servicing Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology series American Horror Story for four memorable seasons, the Emmy award-winning actress is ready to call it quits. She made it official earlier this month in Los Angeles at PaleyFest.

“Yes, I’m done,” said Lange. “We’ve had a great run here. I have absolutely loved doing these four characters that I’ve had the opportunity to play. In all the madness, I’ve loved the writers, my actors, Ryan and the whole, I mean, insanity of it, shooting here, shooting in New Orleans, the stories, everything.”

Lange, who played Constance Langdon in Murder House, Sister Jude Martin in Asylum, Fiona Goode in Coven, and Elsa Mars in Freak Show will be greatly missed by AHS fans everywhere. In a sense she was the show up to this point, portraying distinctly powerful and emotional characters in each iteration.

Though nobody can fill those shoes, the show must go on. Murphy previously enlisted Lady Gaga to star in the upcoming American Horror Story: Hotel, and since that exciting announcement even more cast additions have been made. Matt Bomer, Wes Bentley, Chloë Sevigny, and Cheyenne Jackson are checking into season 5 as well. The former three are no strangers to AHS; Bomer appeared in last season’s Freak Show as Michael Chiklis’ boy toy Andy, Bentley also popped up under the tent as the hypnotizing Edward Mordrake, and Sevigny was nymphomaniac Shelley in season 2’s Asylum. Jackson has worked with Murphy before on Glee as Vocal Adrenaline coach Dustin Goolsby.

Tight-lipped as ever, Murphy and cast did not spill Hotel details at PaleyFest. The prolific showrunner did, however, briefly touched upon a season 5 clue hidden inside Freak Show. This image of a top hat on a coffee cup “was not only an homage to the 1935 film Top Hat, but also a wink that season 5 would be set in a hotel like that film,” reports Deadline. Guess I’ll be watching that movie before Halloween rolls around.

American Horror Story: Hotel premieres this October on FX.

[Via Deadline; EW]