Reports indicate that, unfortunately for consumers, Netflix’s long-anticipated password-sharing crackdown is working. According to data from research company Antenna, which we saw via Variety, sign-ups for new Netflix accounts are at a four-year high. And this comes directly as a consequence of the company’s efforts to curb password sharing. The increase in subscriptions has an even higher spike than the subscription increase Netflix saw during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We guess many people sharing accounts still want to access Netflix.

According to Antenna, since Netflix began its US password-sharing crackdown in earnest on May 23, subscriptions have skyrocketed. Netflix’s average daily sign-ups increased 102% (over the last 60-day days) from May 25 to May 28. And average daily sign-ups hit 73,000. That is indeed astronomical. Antenna reveals that Netflix hasn’t seen numbers this high since January 2019.

Of course, cancellations also increased as a result of Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown. However, the rate of cancellations was less than the rate of new subscriptions, leaving Netflix the winner. Although, there is a natural cap to this increase as well. At some point, all the Netflix sign-ups that will happen as a result of the password-sharing crackdown will happen. And then growth may cease. However, Netflix previously estimated that 30 million households in the US and Canada share passwords. Perhaps some households even share with multiple people. So, there are many new subscriptions to come.

In the event you are sharing passwords, Netflix will let you know you had better pay up or expect not to be able to use the account any longer. Subscribers who have been sharing Netflix accounts can either transfer their accounts to a whole new Netflix subscription or add an extra member for $7.99/month. We’re just crossing our fingers that other streamers aren’t inspired by Netflix to have their own password-sharing crackdowns.

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It’s happening… Everything old is new again. Predictions of streaming platforms bundling their services, as cable first did, bubbled up in the landscape for a long time. And although we have seen certain kinds of streaming bundles emerge, primarily between streamers owned by the same companies, we haven’t yet seen that kind of prophesied bundling… At least, until now. Verizon has introduced a streaming bundle between rival streamers Netflix and Paramount+. Of course, this offer is exclusive to customers of Version Wireless in the US. This bundle will allow users to purchase Netflix Premium and Paramount+ With Showtime at a lower price than subscribing individually to both streamers.

According to Variety, those Verizon customers who subscribe to the bundle will pay $25.99/month for Netflix Premium and Paramount+ With Showtime. On its own, Netflix Premium is $19.99/month, an incredibly expensive option. Meanwhile, Paramount+ With Showtime costs $11.99/month. All told, the new Netflix and Paramount+ bundle will save subscribers $5.99/month, which works out to be nearly 20% savings. When we look on the scale of years, that’s a lot of money saved.

The Paramount+ and Netflix combo is good deal, but it definitely flips a page in the streaming landscape. We wonder how many bundles we’ll soon see forming and whether their existence will ultimately help or hurt the consumer. After all, cable bundles seemed to become hugely unpopular after a time. And, essentially, we’re seeing that happen again here with streamer bundles. Still, it must be said that the amount of streamers and subscriptions one needs to keep up with all the media releasing is immense. Perhaps bundles done right could offer a relief from that. If you’re a Verizon customer who watches both Netflix and Paramount+, you’ll welcome this option and its lower price point.

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Another day means more streaming news. We learned in early May that Disney+, which will combine with Hulu into a single app, would be removing certain streaming content from its platform. Disney’s Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy announced this on an earnings call saying that the company is revising its costs and strategy. Removing streaming content is a move we recently saw Max (formerly HBO Max) make as a cost-cutting measure.

 “We are in the process of reviewing the content on our DTC [direct-to-consumer] services to align with the strategic changes in our approach to content curation,” said McCarthy. “As a result, we will be removing certain content from our streaming platforms, and currently expect to take an impairment charge of approximately $1.5 to $1.8 billion. The charge, which will not be recorded in our segment results will primarily be recognized in the third quarter as we complete our review and remove the content.”

McCarthy also said the streaming service will produce lower volumes of content in the future.

As for what Disney is removing from Disney+ and Hulu, reference the list below.

9/11: One Day in America
America the Beautiful
Among the Stars
Artemis Fowl
Be Our Chef
Best in Dough
Best in Snow
Better Nate Than Ever
Big Shot
Bin Laden’s Hard Drive
Black Beauty
Buried Secrets of WWII
Cheaper by the Dozen remake
Clouds
Croc That Ate Jaws
Darby and the Dead
Diary of a Future President
Disney Fairy Tale Weddings
Dollface
Drug Lords: The Next Generation
Earth to Ned
Encore!
Everything’s Trash
Extreme Rescues
Flora & Ulysses
Foodtastic
Harmonious Live!
Hollywood Stargirl
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer
Just Beyond
Keep This Between Us
Life Below Zero: Next Generation
Little Demon
Locked Up Abroad
Love in the Time of Corona
Maggie
Magic Camp
Marvel’s Project Hero
More Than Robots
Most Wanted Sharks
National Geographic Investigates: LSD and Psychedelics
North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator
Own the Room
Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays
Pick the Litter
Pistol
Rogue Trip
Rosaline
Shop Class
Stargirl
Stuntman
The Armstrong Tapes
The Big Fib
The Come Up
The Deep End
The Hot Zone
The Making Of Willow
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
The Mysterious Benedict Society
The One and Only Ivan
The Premise
The Princess
The Quest
The Real Right Stuff
The Right Stuff
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Timmy Failure
To Catch A Smuggler Rome
Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller
Turner & Hooch
Ultimate Survival WWII
Weird But True!
Willow
Wolfgang
Y: The Last Man

This content is set to leave Disney+ and Hulu on May 26.

Originally published on May 11, 2023.

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In a move likely very frustrating for subscribers, Netflix is cracking down on password sharing, specifically sharing passwords with those not living under one roof. This isn’t the streaming company’s first attempt to curb password sharing on the Netflix platform. But this time, it sounds like the streaming platform means business. In Q1 of 2022, Netflix lost 200,000 subscribers. It was the first subscriber loss for the streaming platform in a decade.

If there was ever any doubt that Netflix would follow through with its plans to cut down on inter-household password sharing, that is over. But how will Netflix stop password sharing? This time, the streaming platform is getting money involved. Netflix isn’t going to boot the infringing profiles off the main account right away if it catches someone password sharing. Instead, it’ll just make the account holder pay up. As of May 23, Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown has officially arrived in the US. Here are the latest updates in Netflix’s attempts to stop users from sharing their passwords and accounts.

Jump to: Netflix’s Paid Password Sharing Crackdown Has Arrived in the US // Netflix’s New Account Sharing Rules // Netflix Profile Transfers // Device Log Out // Netflix Password Sharing Is Widespread // Consumer Reaction

Netflix’s Paid Password Sharing Crackdown Has Arrived in the US

Netflix recently expanded more serious efforts at ending password sharing to Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. And now, the password-sharing crackdown has arrived in the United States. In a blog post shared on May 23, Netflix noted:

Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in the United States. 

A Netflix account is for use by one household. Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are — at home, on the go, on holiday — and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices.

Among other things, Netflix plans to begin blocking devices that it feels are using a Netflix account but not paying for it. The blog post further notes, “If you want to share Netflix with someone outside your household, you can use these features.

Transfer a profile. Anyone on your account can transfer a profile to a new membership they pay for.

Buy an extra member. You can share your Netflix account with somone who doesn’t live with you for $7.99/month more.

Another blog post from Netflix Canada notes more about you can “share Netflix” without breaking its rules under its paid password-sharing plan:

Set primary location: We’ll help members set this up, ensuring that anyone who lives in their household can use their Netflix account. 

Manage account access and devices: Members can now easily manage who has access to their account from our new Manage Access and Devices page. 

Transfer profile: People using an account can now easily transfer a profile to a new account, which they pay for — keeping their personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games and more. 

Watch while you travel: Members can still easily watch Netflix on their personal devices or log into a new TV, like at a hotel or holiday rental. 

Buy an extra member: Members on our Standard or Premium plan in many countries (including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain) can add an extra member sub account for up to two people they don’t live with — each with a profile, personalized recommendations, login and password — for an extra CAD$7.99 a month per person in Canada, NZD$7.99 in New Zealand, Euro 3.99 in Portugal, and Euro 5.99 in Spain. 

All of these aspects of password sharing have been a part of Netflix’s tests up till now. But, of course, the price point continues to evolve. Below we detail more about each one of them.

Netflix’s New Rules and Restrictions for Password and Account Sharing

Netflix recently revealed a new Help Center page that’s all about “Sharing Your Netflix Account.” On this page, Netflix makes it clear that password sharing and Netflix accounts are “for people who live together in a single household.” The exact definition of a Netflix Household is “people who live in the same location with the account owner.” According to Netflix, “people who are not in your household will need to sign up for their own account to watch Netflix.”

Based on the other information on the Help Center page, it also feels like a Netflix Household is defined by the use of one WiFi connection. Netflix notes it determines devices in a household “us[ing] information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity from devices signed into the Netflix account.”

Extra Members

Netflix now notes, “People who are not in your household will need to sign up for their own account to watch; or in many countries you can buy an extra member slot to add an extra member to your account.” The platform adds, “An extra member will have their own profile, account, and password, but their membership will be paid for by the person who invited them to join.”

Extra members differ from regular account holders in these ways:

Extra members can watch Netflix on any device, but only on 1 device at a time.

Extra members can also download titles, but only on 1 phone or tablet at a time.

Extra members can only have 1 profile and cannot create additional profiles.

This profile can be a new profile or an eligible profile transferred from the account owner who invited the extra member.

This profile can have different maturity ratings, but cannot be a Kids profile.

Extra members must activate their account in the same country associated with the account owner’s.

Example: If the account owner signed up in Costa Rica, the extra member must create and activate the extra member account in Costa Rica.

Verified Netflix Devices

The new page about account and password sharing also introduces the idea of Netflix “verified devices.” Netflix notes that if a device not associated with your household tries to sign into your account, then it may need to be verified. Verification involves the main account user approving a device account use within the space of fifteen minutes. And Netflix may ask for new device verification periodically, ostensibly to prevent verification of devices out of the household.

If you are the primary account holder, or if you are using the primary internet connection in the primary account user’s household, you shouldn’t need to worry about verifying your device, according to Netflix. Regardless of your location, if you are the primary holder of your account, you should be able to use it anywhere. Of course, how Netflix can know who exactly is holding the device or belongs to a device household at any time seems murky.

Interestingly, this new page doesn’t reference the kind of paid account sharing that has seemed top of mind for Netflix.

Netflix Profile Transfers

To ready users for the upcoming crackdown, Netflix has added the option of an easy profile transfer. Very simply, this lets each profile on an account easily become its own account. As Netflix shares in a release:

We’re launching Profile Transfer, a feature that lets people using your account transfer a profile — keeping the personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games, and other settings — when they start their own membership.  

Netflix also notes, “To transfer a profile, go to the “Transfer Profile” option when you hover over your profile icon in the dropdown menu on the homepage — then simply follow the instruction.” Ostensibly, this feature is nicely asking for those sharing accounts to create their own with ease… Before there are repercussions. This feature is now widely available.

Netflix Lets You Log Out of Individual Devices

In addition to Profile Transfers, Netflix has rolled out a new feature that lets users log out of individual devices. This feature, called “Managing Access and Devices” is “a new feature in Account Settings that allows you to view all the recent devices that have streamed from your account and to log out of specific devices with just one click.”

Ostensibly, it’s there in case you forget to log out of a device that you were just using in passing. However, this new update also serves as a further measure by Netflix to cut down on password sharing.

Netflix is not messing around when it comes to password and account sharing.

100 Million Households Are Netflix Password Sharing

This is quite a move from a company that reportedly spent $400 million for the Knives Out sequels. And is dropping something like 86 original movies this year. But according to a company blog post, Netflix claims the password sharing is preventing them from investing in top-tier content.

Chengyi Long, director of product innovation at Netflix, said, “We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans. While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households—impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”

Furthermore, the Netflix shareholder letter, indicated more than 100 million households are sharing passwords. More specifically, 30 million households in the US and Canada share passwords. This is a problem for the streaming platform. And subscribers down, this might just be what they need to boost the numbers.

How Will Consumers Respond to These Netflix Attempts to Stop Password Sharing?

So this is all to say password sharing on Netflix is responsible for The Baby-Sitters Club‘s premature demise. We can’t imagine that’s specifically true. The announcement comes at a pretty overwhelming moment for streaming platforms in general. Pretty much every major studio with a distribution wing has one. Disney—which just snatched its Defenders Saga back from Netflix has three. That company has made serious moves with Disney+ over the next several months. Disney+ has added parental controls and ad-supported pricing in a relatively short space of time. And then there’s Paramount with its two wings. And haven’t even mentioned Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and so, so many more.

It’s reaching a point where subscribers are already shelling out a lot monthly to keep up. Password sharing, and trading off, has historically made things a little bit easier. Netflix notes it knows this move might not be initially popular. The company shares, “From our experience in Latin America, we expect some cancel reaction in each market when we roll out paid sharing, which impacts near-term member growth. But as borrower households begin to activate their own standalone accounts and extra member accounts are added, we expect to see improved overall revenue, which is our goal with all plan and pricing changes”

Who knows, maybe password-sharing crackdowns on Netflix and other streamers will finally force subscribers to think about how much they actually need a particular platform. Or maybe it will do exactly what the company hopes.

Originally published on March 16, 2022.

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It’s here. The big change we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. Last year, Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would merge HBO Max and Discovery+ content to create a new streaming product. And that streaming platform has finally launched on May 23 under the name Max. For many, this decision seems like a strange one. But despite what the masses think, they have no choice but to crown a new streamer. R.I.P. HBO Max, long live Max.

But what is Max? How is Max a different platform than HBO Max? And, most importantly, what will you have to pay for it? Well, those are all great questions. And Warner Bros. Discovery has some answers.

What Is Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, How Do You Get It, and What Content Will It Have?

In the simplest terms, Max is a service that combines the offerings of HBO Max and Discovery+. However, while Max will replace HBO Max, it won’t replace Discovery+. Users can continue to subscribe to Discovery+ on a standalone basis, but HBO Max will transform into Max on May 23. This was likely done in an effort to allow users of Discovery+ to continue to subscribe at a lower cost.

According to Max’s website, all HBO Max users will get Max on May 23. And if you sign up for HBO Max now, Warner Bros. Discovery will “transfer your account information to Max when it arrives.” On certain devices, you will also need to download a new “Max” version of the app. On other devices, the Max app will appear automatically.

Max shares:

Amazon, Cox, Roku, VIZIO TV, Xfinity: Find the Max app and open it.

Android, Apple, DIRECTV, LG TV, PlayStation, Samsung TV, Xbox: Open HBO Max and choose Download.

Additionally, the platform notes:

Your HBO Max profiles, watch history, and your settings (including parental controls) are available in Max.

There are two things that don’t transfer to Max:

HBO Max downloads: You’ll need to download your shows and movies again with Max.

Custom profile pictures: If you had a custom profile picture in HBO Max, you’ll see a generic profile icon in Max (Max doesn’t support custom profile photos). If you’d like to choose a different profile avatar, go to Add and manage Max profiles.

As far as content goes, Max will contain HBO Max’s entire library plus “Discovery favorites,” defined as “the best real-life shows from your favorite TV brands: HGTV, the Food Network, TLC, ID, Magnolia, Discovery, and more.”

The Cost of a Max Subscription

Happily, or however you choose to feel about it, this move to Max will not include a price increase for most HBO Max users. HBO Max raised its price in January to $15.99/month for ad-free viewing, and that remains the Max pricing as well. Max with ads will cost $9.99/month. Meanwhile, “Ultimate Ad-Free” Max will cost $19.99/month. The difference between Max Ad-Free and Ultimate Ad-Free is down to quality, device usage and downloads. Ad-Free Max allows you to “stream in Full HD on 2 devices at once, up to 30 offline downloads.” Ultimate Ad-Free Max meanwhile allows you to “Stream in 4K UHD on 4 devices at once, up to 100 offline downloads.”

Max Promises Max with Ads will Really Be “Max Ad-Lite”

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav recently noted that Max will have one of the “lightest ad loads in streaming.” In fact, he referred to Max with Ads as Max Ad-Lite, an interesting branding choice. Zaslav noted, “Max Ad-Lite subscribers get all the same content as ad-free subscribers. See only three or four minutes of ads per hour and pay just $9.99 a month.” Is that a good deal? It’s hard to say at this point.

The Verge reveals that viewers will see 15-second pre-roll ads that play before your content, 30-60 second mid-roll ads that arrive in the middle of viewing, and additional static ads that pop up when a program has paused. Additionally, there could be instances where brands pay more to offer fewer ads to viewers.

When Will Max Replace HBO Max?

As mentioned, HBO Max evolved into Max on May 23.

Why Did HBO Max Lose the HBO to Become Max?

Give that HBO Max has some pretty significant brand awareness, the rebrand seems strange for fans of the platform. It seems like the Warner Bros. Discovery’s perspective, however, is that if the HBO stayed, users wouldn’t understand that the platform now also contained a different kind of content. In an effort to appeal to as many subscribers as possible, HBO was removed from the title of the streamer. Of course, to many HBO symbolizes a kind of prestige and quality. So we will have to wait and see how users respond to the rebrand, and, ultimately, whether it was a good idea.

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We continue unbidden into the age of digital streaming dominance in the entertainment industry. CEOs and studio heads, therefore, feel the need to clamp down even more on their beloved bottom lines. To that end, many of the majors have focused on combining their various streaming services into one. Take WBD, for example, which recently (and without anyone else wanting it) merged their HBO Max and Discovery+ services into Max. Not to be outdone (never to be outdone), Disney CEO Bob Iger announced something new during its investors call on Wednesday. Hulu—which Disney acquired in the Fox deal—will find its content combining with Disney+.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Iger says the new app will roll out by the end of the year. He hastened to add, however, that the services will still be separate. Essentially, it seems, it’ll be like how Showtime content is now on the Paramount+ app but you still need to pay for Showtime to see it. Tiers and whatnot. Iger said on the earnings call:

While we continue to offer Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ as standalone options, this is a logical progression of our DTC offerings that will provide greater opportunities for advertisers, while giving bundle subscribers access to more robust and streamlined content, resulting in greater audience engagement and ultimately leading to a more unified streaming experience.

Iger later said, ““The advertising potential of this combined platform is incredibly exciting.”

We should note, in countries, such as the United Kingdom, where Hulu never existed, the content of both platforms was always on Disney+.

At a time when the future of art as entertainment, and the viability of working in the entertainment industry, remains uncertain, one of the few things we can count on is enormous companies looking to make it easier for them to make billions of dollars. Consolidating Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ under one app won’t change too much for you, the consumer. But potentially making everything like old terrestrial cable packages might.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.

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There’s a lot happening on our screens these days. And let’s be honest; not all sound mixing leaves us feeling like we can actually hear what’s happening on our favorite shows and movies. Sometimes, important moments feel lost in the shuffle. We end up with our ears glued to our speakers. Or we have to replay a scene over and over again to make out its meaning. Of course, there are subtitles, and we appreciate those, but that option doesn’t always work for everyone. But now, Prime Video has introduced a new accessibility feature called Dialogue Boost to help make sure we don’t miss a sentence of what we stream. Here’s how this new feature helps you hear whatever you’re watching.

A release shares:

Dialogue Boost lets you increase the volume of dialogue relative to background music and effects, creating a more comfortable and accessible viewing experience that cannot be found on any other global streaming service.

Amazon notes, “While Dialogue Boost was built with the needs of customers who are hard of hearing in mind, anyone can use the feature to suit their personal listening preferences.” And that is much appreciated. With Dialogue Boost, viewers can select their preferred dialogue volume.

How Does Dialogue Boost Let You Hear Speech Audio Better?

Here’s how it works:

Dialogue Boost analyzes the original audio in a movie or series and intelligently identifies points where dialogue may be hard to hear above background music and effects. Then, speech patterns are isolated and audio is enhanced to make the dialogue clearer. This AI-based approach delivers a targeted enhancement to portions of spoken dialogue, instead of a general amplification at the center channel in a home theater system. As a result, Dialogue Boost can be enjoyed anywhere the Prime Video experience is available.

To turn on this feature, simply go to your audio and subtitles drop-down menu on Prime Video and select the level of boost you’d like. And hopefully now you can better (or actually) hear what’s happening on whatever you’re watching.

Happy listening!

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Ads are the newest trend in streaming services. We now have Netflix’s ad-supported tier, Disney+’s ad-supported tier, Max Ad-Free, and coming soon, AMC+ with ads will arrive on our screens. As with other streamers’ ad-tiers, this AMC+ option will serve as a lower-cost offering designed to bolster subscriptions. Here’s what we know about the plans for this new ad-supported offering.

Per Deadline, the ad tier will come at a lower cost than the standard AMC+ service. Although, for now, the exact cost of AMC+ with ads remains unknown. We also don’t yet know exactly when the new ad tier will release. However, Variety shares that AMC Networks “expects to launch an ad-supported tier of its AMC+ streaming service later in 2023.” It seems like we can expect it sometime soon.

Kim Kelleher, the company’s chief commercial officer, shares more about how AMC+ intends to incorporate ads into its platform. She notes:

We will place ads in ways that are not disruptive, that are really thoughtful. Some movies will have no ads. Some movies may have a mid-roll, or some will have a pre-roll. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and we get to be very careful in how we place commercials in viewers’ streaming choices. AMC+ subscribers will get access to all content, no matter their choice. It will be the same product on both tiers. We are not going to take series and movies people expect to watch and say that you only get them if you pay more. We want this to be a great viewer experience.

Well, it sounds like a promising start for AMC+ with ads. We suppose we will have to wait for more specifics to see how audiences embrace this latest ad-supported offering. At one time, the beauty of streaming was that there were minimal ads at play. However, with so many streaming options, the lowest cost services could win the day.

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In the age of streaming, Netflix has largely remained steadfast in two things: no ads and full season drops. But the time has come for Netflix to make some serious changes. In a Q1 shareholder letter, the streaming platform acknowledged it lost subscribers for the first time in a decade. It lost 200,000 in Q1 and is on track to lose up to two million by the end of Q2. But in the company’s Q1 2022 Earnings Interview, which is on YouTube, executives announced the subscription shake-up. Netflix is officially adding an ad-supported tier and it has now arrived. And most shocking of all, it seems like the addition of the ad tier has had a positive impact on Netflix’s subscriptions. In fact, Netflix’s ad-tier has finally made some gains.

Jump to: Timeline // Features // Cost // Subscription Plans // Password Sharing

Netflix’s Ad-Supported Plan Gets Early Arrival

This is a stark change of pace, considering co-founder and co-CEO Reed Hastings—a long holdout on ad-support plans—indicated the new subscription would arrive in a year or two. During Netflix’s Earnings Interview in April 2022, Hastings admitted the company needed to embrace ads in one way or another in order to make money.

Hastings said:

One way to increase the price spread is advertising on low-end plans and to have lower prices with advertising. Those who have followed Netflix know that I’ve been against the complexity of advertising and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription. But as much as I’m a fan of that, I’m a bigger fan of consumer choice. Allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price and are advertising-tolerant get what they want makes a lot of sense. So, that’s something we’re looking at now, we’re trying to figure out over the next year or two. Think of us as quite open to offering even lower prices with advertising as a consumer choice.

And now, the ad-supported tier, called Netflix Basic, has rolled out, as of November 3, 2022. Netflix’s new ad tier debuted in eight countries. According to The Hollywood Reporter, in the first quarter since the addition of the ad-tier, Netflix saw its subscribers increase by 7.66 million users. And most recently, it was reported by Bloomberg that Netflix’s ad-tier had reached one million subscribers. And these subscribers are not users who have downgraded their accounts, but lapsed or new Netflix users. In addition, according to Gizmodo, Netflix’s ad-tier sign-ups rose from 9% to 19% in January. This means it has more subscribers than Netflix’s Basic option.

It looks like the ad-tier, and Netflix’s other cost-impact solutions, such as exploratory paid account sharing, are here to stay.

What Does Netflix’s Ad-Tier Include?

In an October press conference, Netflix confirmed a small number of shows and movies aren’t available on Basic with Ads. Netflix is working on addressing that. As far as other limitations for Basic subscribers: the maximum video quality will be 720p / HD, and subscribers will not be able to download content.

According to reports from Deadline and Variety, some notable TV shows and movies are not available on Netflix’s ad tier. Among other pieces of content, House of Cards, Arrested Development, Peaky Blinders, New Girl, Gray’s Anatomy, The Crown, Cobra Kai, How to Get Away with Murder, The Magicians, 28 Days, and Skyfall cannot be watched on Netflix Basic with Ads.

What Does Netflix’s Ad-Tier Cost?

The same press conference shared the cost of the ad-supported tier: for the US, it’s $6.99/month. Anyone signing up for Basic with Ads will have to consume four to five ads per hour. They’ll last anywhere from 15-30 seconds. This is not terribly different than a service like Hulu. However, Netflix hinted the price may go up after launch.

Netflix’s Current Subscription Plans

Currently, Netflix’s subscription model offers three different rates: basic, standard, and premium. Here’s how the tiers break down:

Basic

Currently, the cheapest model, the basic subscription, costs $9.99 per month. Subscribers can only watch content on one device—TV, computer, phone, or tablet—at a time. Netflix calls its video quality “good” with 480p resolution.

Standard

The middle price point, standard costs $15.49 per month. As the middle child the video quality is better than in the basic plan, with 1080p resolution. (But it pales in comparison to the premium plan.) Plus, subscribers can watch content on two devices—TV, computer, phone, or tablet—at a time.

Premium

Currently, Netflix’s top subscription package, this tier costs $19.99 per month. And with a 4K and HDR resolution, it features the best video quality the streaming platform offers. And with its heftier price, more people can watch at once. Subscribers can watch content on four devices—TV, computer, phone, or tablet—at a time.

Basic with Ads

The streamer notes that its existing tiers will remain ad-free, and an ad-supported tier will act as a complement to these options. Basic with Ads is $6.99/month. Basic with ads can also now be accessed through an Apple TV.

How Netflix’s Password Sharing Crackdown Factors in

Talk of an ad-supported tier comes as Netflix continues to test a plan to crack down on password sharing in Costa Rica, Peru, and Chile. The streaming service is rolling out ways to cut off sharing passwords between households. In doing so, Netflix is testing ways to offload extra users accessing an account in a home they don’t live in. According to The New York Times, this crackdown strategy will go into effect globally around the same time the new subscription tier launches.

In the Earnings Interview, Peters made it quite clear that this strategy will eventually go global in the next year or so. It certainly would make sense to have an even cheaper model design underway as Netflix looks to finally offload the person using their neighbor’s sister’s ex-boyfriend’s account. And by adding another model–one hopefully in a shiny, feasible price range—the streaming platform could retain users but actually, bring in the revenue. Still, there’s a lot for the platform to work out in the meantime. But as long as Netflix’s ads aren’t overwhelmingly loud, people may just accept them and an ad-supported tier.

Originally published on April 20, 2022.

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Streaming disruption seemed ideal at first. Cheap and quick access to everyone’s favorite shows… What could be better? But as the number of streamers in the landscape grows and their costs continue to increase, the naysayers’ warnings seem to be coming to pass. Basically, streaming and cable are just not that different anymore, at least cost-wise. Easily, one of the most expensive digital options out there is YouTube TV, and now the price has increased even more. YouTube TV has raised its subscription cost by $8 (from $64.99/month) to approximately $73/month. That’s around a 12% increase in cost.

To offset this price increase, YouTube TV will decrease its 4K Plus add-on cost from $19.99/month to $9.99/month. But the add-on is not available for all channels. According to The Verge, when YouTube TV first launched in 2017, it cost $35/month. And now that price has more than doubled. YouTube TV has added more channels over time to balance the increases, but it is still a hefty price to pay.

Meanwhile, Hulu’s ad-supported offering with Live TV (and Disney+ and ESPN+) comes in at $69.99/month. It’s not much cheaper. But these days, you may as well save where you can.

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HBO Max lives… for now. But the streamer isn’t long for this life in its current form. During a Warner Bros. Discovery earnings call, where we also learned more about Batgirl‘s cancellation and DC’s future, the company shared the news many saw coming, but not many are happy about. HBO Max and Discovery+ plus will combine into a brand-new offering, and now we have a timeline for when this will all take place. Say whatever sentimental goodbyes you have to HBO Max starting now because it will be replaced with an all-new product earlier than expected in the spring of 2023. And the process of this merging has already resulted in some changes, including a price increase and some content sacrifices… Including the letters HBO. According to CNBC, Warner Bros. Discovery is eying the name “Max” for its new platform.

Warner Bros. Discovery didn’t reveal much about this product so far, though. We didn’t get to see a new official HBO Max plus Discovery+ name, logo, or interface or anything like that. What the company did share was that this would be a single, global brand that put customer experience and quality first. The new platform will combine the “best of both” platforms and have capabilities such as on-demand and have live TV, ad-free, ad-lite, and ad-only options.

Content Loss on HBO Max

During the call, executives mentioned that HBO Max often had difficulty supporting a certain scale of audience. Discovery+, meanwhile, had much better technological infrastructure behind it. Although Warner Bros. Discovery’s executives noted they supported HBO Max’s content, fans of the current shows streaming on the platforms feel nervous. And rightfully so, already Warner Bros. Discovery has canceled movies including Batgirl, Wonder Twins, and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt. Other Warner Bros. streaming exclusive movies were also removed from HBO Max without warning. Shockingly, HBO Max also lost some high-profile originals. Shows like Westworld were removed suddenly from the platform.

The latest shows cut include Looney Tunes and Flintstones. Specifically, hundreds of episodes of Looney Tunes shorts vanished from the platform. Seasons 16-31 of Looney Tunes are no longer available on HBO Max, that’s 256 episodes that were released from 1950 to 2004. Although there seemed to be unclear narratives around this removal, HBO Max appears to have confirmed the episodes will not return. The culprit appears to be a licensing agreement that was not renewed. This development keeps in the theme of losses in the realm of animated and unscripted content.

Although it’s unclear if everything removed from HBO Max will become viewable again, some content will find a new home. According to Deadline, Roku and Tubi will become the free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels of choice for Warner Bros. Discovery and its cut content. Beginning around spring 2023 on Roku and as early as February 1 on Tubi, shows like Westworld and The Nevers will once again be available to watch.

Potentially, this may become more and more the norm for HBO. Content CEO Casey Bloys notes to Variety, “does every single library show that we have on HBO Max need to be exclusive to HBO Max? I would say no,” Bloys says. “People kind of forget the history of television was windows, DVDs. These are expensive shows to make. The idea that they’re going to sit in a library forever and ever for $15 a month, that’s never how TV has operated.” And this idea thus leads to HBO “syndicating” its content on FAST channels.

Although sudden content culling is a worrying trend that calls into question the safety of finished works on streaming, it is a relief to hear at least some content will find a new home.

HBO Max Subscription Cost Increase

On top of everything else, the subscription cost of HBO Max also increased without warning. Effective, January 12, 2023, HBO Max will now cost $15.99 instead of $14.99. It might seem like a small increase, but HBO Max is already one of the more costly subscription services. For those already subscribed, the new cost will come into play during their next billing cycle on or after February 11, 2023.

A release notes, “This price increase of one dollar will allow us to continue to invest in providing even more culture-defining programming and improving our customer experience for all users.”

Project Popcorn and the Potential Scope of the HBO Max/Discovery+ Product

Additionally, much to the chagrin of HBO Max’s audiences, it seems like the platform will be doing away with its 45-day theatrical window to streaming initiative for Warner Bros. movies. Per Decider, the company will be moving away from “Project Popcorn.” This project meant that after being in theaters for 45 days, Warner Bros. movies would come to stream on HBO Max. It was an especially welcome initiative during the pandemic. Now, it sounds like the company will decide when theatrical movies will stream on a “case-by-case basis.”

It’s presently unclear when the company will stop honoring the 45-day window. Warner Bros. Discovery also shared an interesting view of both HBO Max and Discovery+ and what they bring to the table, adding to the disquiet. We will have to wait and see what this means for the shows, primarily on HBO Max, that don’t fit into the purview of this very narrow outline. And what it means for viewers, as well.

After the platform launches in the United States during the spring of 2023, the HBO Max and Discovery+ product will roll out in Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Warner Bros. Discovery aims to complete the roll-out by fall of 2024. Fingers crossed it goes… well.

Originally published on August 18, 2022.

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Sometimes you seize the weekend and make every minute of freedom from work an opportunity for fun and adventure. Those are great days, for sure, but they’re also exhausting. It’s why sometimes when Friday rolls around you just want to be lazy. But we know how to lounge around while still being “productive.” Just watch an entire TV show! If you don’t want to put any energy into figuring out which one, though, we’ve put together a list of shows you can marathon in a single weekend. (All while still getting some sleep!) And no matter what kind of series you want to stream this weekend this list has something for everyone.

Drama: The Knick

This period medical drama set in a New York City hospital in 1900 stars Clive Owen as Dr. John W. “Thack” Thackery. His desire to discover surgical advancements and gain fame among his peers is undermined by his cocaine and opium addictions. Directed by Stephen Soderberg, the show ran for two seasons and 20 episodes running anywhere from 42 minutes to an hour. You can easily knock The Knick out in a couple of days, but sleeping won’t be easy with the adrenaline rush this high-paced entertaining drama will give you.

Where to Watch: HBO Max

Comedy: Love

Coming in just under 17 hours total, the rom-com series Love from Judd Apatow, Lesley Arfin, and Paul Rust offers the different perspectives of two people building a relationship together. Starring opposite Rust’s Gus is Gillian Jacobs as Mickey. They’re both very different, especially in all the ways they’re not anyone’s idea of the perfect mate. For a show both named for and about “love,” this makes the list because it’s incredibly funny in the way relationship problems are when they don’t involve you.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Action: The Adventures Of Brisco Country Jr.

For one glorious season on Fox, Bruce Campbell starred as the titular hero of The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. Set in 1893, the Western was one of the strangest to ever appear on TV. Running from 1993 to 1994, it was also one of the most entertaining. Part comedy, part steampunk, and part science-fiction, the show followed the Harvard lawyer-turned-bounty hunter and his unlikely cadre of friends for 27 episodes, which you’ll gladly knock out quickly. (Sorry for how upset you’ll be to learn there’s not a second season to enjoy.)

Where to Watch: Tubi (For Free!)

Horror: Scream: The TV Series

The Scream franchise is back on the big screen, but some fans might not remember it’s run on the small one and that’s a shame. Scream: The TV Series ran on MTV for two years before its shortened third and final season debuted at VH1. (With a Halloween special in-between.) The anthology series managed to take inspiration from its movie counterpart with its comedy and self-awareness, all while still delivering something fun and scary of its own. It’s 30 episodes are a killer way to spend your Saturday and Sunday.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Sci-Fi: Dark

For three seasons and 26 episodes, Dark took viewers on a journey through time and multiple generations in the fictional German village of Winden. It’s hard to talk about plot specifics without giving away too much, but trust us when we say you won’t have any trouble finishing this mysterious, atmospheric, mind-bending show in one weekend. It’s so engrossing you might even wrap it up in one long sitting. Well, that is unless you watch it with someone else. Then you’ll need time between episodes to discuss your best theories as to what’s happening.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Superhero: Legion

What’s real and what’s imagined? How can a mutant with incredible powers know the difference when he can’t even trust his own fractured mind? And how can you defeat your enemies when it’s not clear if someone is friend, foe, or both? For three seasons, Noah Hawley and Legion turned those questions into one of the most bizarre—and best—superhero shows on TV. Starring Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, and an all-star cast, the FX Marvel series is unlike any other superhero story put on screen. We wish we could forget about it so we could watch it again for the first time.

Where to Watch: Hulu

Fantasy: The Good Place

Mike Schur turned his success as co-creator of Parks and Recreation into one of the most unlikely television shows to ever air on network television. The Good Place is a wildly original, highly entertaining, absolutely hilarious Trojan horse for legitimate philosophical discussion about morality and ethics. If you know nothing else about the fantasy sitcom, do yourself a favor and just start watching its 53 episodes the minute you finish work this week. You’ll thank us on Monday. (We know because you’ll feel bad not using manners after watching this series.)

Where to Watch: Netflix

Animated Series for Adults: Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop remains one of the seminal anime series of all time. For 26 episodes the show brought viewers into a sci-fi neo-noir world of 2071, where a group of bounty hunters roam the galaxy after Earth was left nearly uninhabitable. While the series take inspiration from many genres, it has stood the test of time thanks to its universal themes of loneliness and boredom, as well as its exploration of how we can never escape our past. Not only is it a perfect way to spend a weekend, there’s a bonus 2001 movie you can enjoy as well.

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix

Animated Series for Kids (and Adults): X-Men: The Animated Series

Without Fox’s X-Men: The Animated Series we might never have seen Marvel’s mutants make it to the big screen. And without those films we probably wouldn’t have the MCU, either. The animated show really was that influential on the superhero genre. So yeah, it was pretty fantastic. In fact, it was so good and so important Disney+ will soon revive it with X-Men ’97. Before it does watch all 76 episodes of one of the most important cartoons in television—and movie—history.

Where to Watch: Disney+

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Whodunnit? One of the best and most exciting questions to ever be posed on the page or screen.  Agatha Christie has long been one of (if not the) master(s) of murder mystery. In the lead up to Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Agatha Christie has never been more relevant. Director Rian Johnson has constantly been shouting out her massive influence on the film. And since Knives Out became a smash hit, other studios have been making a ton of murder mysteries. But where to start with the Mistress of Murder? Luckily there are a ton of brilliant Christie adaptations that you can stream right now! So to celebrate Johnson’s upcoming Knives Out sequel, we’ve curated 16 of the best Agatha Christie adaptations for you to enjoy! 

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Watch: For free on Tubi, Pluto, and Amazon Prime

Murder, She Said (1961)

Margaret Rutherford is a part of an elite club of old ladies: actors who have played Agatha Christie’s aging sleuth Miss Marple in a live-action adaptation. This black and white gem centers on the famed detective as she witnesses a murder on a train, only to be dismissed and ignored by all the men around her as she tries to solve the crime. But we all know who’ll come out on top eventually!

Watch: Available for rent on YouTube

Gumnaam (1965)

This psychedelic ’60s Bollywood take on And Then There Were None has a killer soundtrack and a completely unique vision for Christie’s beloved tale. After winning a trip to a foreign country, a group of strangers are left stranded on an island where they begin to be picked off one by one. You might recognize the opening song, as it was featured in Ghost World!

Watch: Available for rent on Amazon Prime

Endless Night (1972)

A rare supernatural entry in Christie’s catalog, this film focuses on a young couple who decide to build their dream home on cursed land. Of course, this is at heart a murder mystery with a twist that is notoriously hard to guess. Come for the curse, stay for the devious whodunnit.

Watch: For free on Kanopy

Dhund (1973)

Based on Christie’s play The Unexpected Guest, this flick follows a man who is thrown into the midst of a murder after having a traffic accident. Directed by Bollywood legend B. R. Chopra Dhund, it’s stacked to the brim with twists, turns, and a vibrant yet noir-tinged atmosphere. An underseen Christie gem.

Watch: Available for rent on Amazon Prime

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Possibly the most star-studded Christie movie ever! Albert Finney stars as Hercule Poirot alongside Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and Sean Connery in this brilliant thriller. If you haven’t read the book or watched an adaptation, then you’ll never guess the twist in Murder on the Orient Express And even if you do know, it’s still incredibly fun to watch Poirot try to work out just who on the snow-trapped train murdered an unfortunate billionaire passenger.

Watch: For free on Amazon Prime

The Mirror Crack’d (1980)

Did you know that Angela Lansbury played Miss Marple in a series of movies? Well, she did, and this super fun ’50s-set film sees her try and find a murder on a Golden Age Hollywood movie set. Did we mention that The Mirror Crack’d also stars Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis, and Kim Novak? Well, now you know! So add this one to the top of your watch list today!

Watch: On Britbox with subscription

Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Peter Ustinov’s second cinematic turn as Poirot put him directly in the sights of a Machiavellian murderer at a high-end resort in the Adriatic Islands. A meditation on celebrity, fame, and friendship, Evil Under the Sun is also an exceedingly fun film and a great escape into the slightly grimy glitz and glamour of a dying idea of Hollywood. It also happens to be one of Johnson’s biggest influences on the Glass Onion.

Watch: On Britbox with subscription

Miss Marple (1984-1992)

Unless you grew up in the UK in the ’90s, you probably haven’t seen these perfect specials that ran for eight years on British network TV. The series adapts a whole bunch of the OAP sleuth’s most beloved cases; if you love yourself a good murder and some beautiful pastoral scenery, then you’re in for a treat!

Watch: On Britbox with subscription

Poirot (1989-2013)

Probably the most famous representation of Hercule Poirot. David Suchet played the character for over 20 years on this series, which is the definition of a cozy murder mystery. Enjoy multiple adaptations of Christie’s most famous tales as Hercule travels around the globe solving mysteries and catching crimes.

Watch: On Britbox with subscription or for free on Hoopla

Agatha Christie’s Marple (2004-2013)

The most recent take on Miss Marple is this British series of made-for-TV movies. These flicks feature surprisingly great production value, plenty of hard-to-guess mysteries, and a roster of UK stars like Mark Gatiss, Sean Pertwee, Tom Baker, Rik Mayall, and many, many more.

Watch: On Britbox with subscription or for free on Hoopla

Crooked House (2017)

Gillian Anderson and Glenn Close taking the screen together in an Agatha Christie adaptation. What more do you need to know? Well, this impeccably dark period piece follows a private investigator who is pulled into the twisted web of a rich family when their patriarch is murdered in a shocking fashion. Not for the light-hearted, Crooked House features one of Christie’s most heart wrenching twists.

Watch: On Amazon Prime with subscription

And Then There Were None (2015)

Sarah Phelps’ three-episode miniseries is one of the best Christie adaptations of all time, and is chock full of true horror. A cast of unmentionably awful people are invited to a party only to have their darkest secrets revealed and their lives cut short. The all-star cast includes Charles Dance, Aiden Turner, and Sam Neill, who are all delectably terrible and infinitely watchable.

Watch: On Acorn TV with subscription, for free on Hoopla, or rent on Amazon Prime

Ordeal by Innocence (2018)

When Rachel Argyll is found bludgeoned to death, her adoptive son is quickly convicted, and is murdered in prison before justice can truly be served. But nearly two years later, a man appears and gives Jack an alibi that throws the Argyll family into disarray as they realize the real killer may still be among them. Phelps is my favorite director of Christie and this distressingly good adaptation is a perfect example of why.

Watch: On Amazon Prime with subscription

The ABC Murders (2018)

Sarah Phelps continues her killer run of turning Christie novels into terrifying poison-drenched televisual masterpieces with this John Malkovich-starring adaptation. The Oscar-nominated thespian stars as a beleaguered Hercule Poriot, well past his heyday. But when a series of letters foreshadows a spate of terrible murders, he takes matters into his own hands.

Watch: On Amazon Prime with subscription

The Pale Horse (2020)

Phelps’ newest addition to the Christie canon is a folk-horror take on one of the author’s spookiest novels. Following the death of a woman and the discovery of a list of names she left behind, a small town is thrown into chaos, and horrific secret is gradually uncovered. Unlike any Christie you’ve ever seen.

Watch: On Amazon Prime with subscription.

So get your magnifying glasses out and get ready to solve some mysteries with these great Agatha Christie adaptations in the lead up to Glass Onion!

This piece was originally published on February 13, 2022.

Featured Image: Lifetime

The post Which Agatha Christie Books Have Movie Adaptations? (And Where to Stream Them) appeared first on Nerdist.

Ever since we first met Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) in the original Karate Kid movie, the rivalry with the notorious Cobra Kai dojo has defined his story. The vicious American karate school founded by John Kreese (Martin Kove) housed privileged bullies led by Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). It was Daniel’s struggles at the hands of Cobra Kai that led him to meet and train with his mentor, Mr. Miyagi. Decades later that battle is still burning strong in Netflix’s smash hit show Cobra Kai. But while the two dojos exist in the show, the allegiances, morals, and membership have all shifted throughout the four seasons we’ve seen so far. As we head into season five, we’re keeping you abreast of all the major players in each dojo and who could heel turn when the season hits. 

Which Characters Are a Part of Miyagi-Do?

Keeping the legacy of Mr. Miyagi, Daniel’s peaceful dojo has seen many kids walk through its doors. In an unexpected turn of events in season four, Daniel allowed Johnny’s new dojo Eagle Fang to merge with Miyagi-Do in order to beat the new more brutal Cobra Kai. We’re including those students and their sensei in our roundup of current Miyagi-Do pupils. 

Daniel LaRusso

The original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso has come a long way since those movies. After Johnny Lawrence resurrected Cobra Kai, Daniel had no choice but to open his Miyagi-Do dojo. But after losing to Cobra Kai in the All Valley Tournament, it’s unclear whether or not the dojo has a future… though, seeing as we’re getting a season five, we can assume Miyagi-Do survives! 

Chozen Toguchi 

Though he began life as Daniel’s rival in Karate Kid II, Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) has reconnected with Daniel throughout the events of Cobra Kai. But no one was expecting the shocking twist as season four came to end that saw Chozen join Daniel in his quest to defeat Cobra Kai once and for all.

Miguel Diaz 

The original contemporary Cobra Kai student, Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), sought out Johnny after getting bullied. Soon the pair became inseparable, but throughout the seasons Miguel has trained in both Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai karate. As a part of Eagle Fang, he is now an honorary Miyagi-Do member. But seeing as the last time we saw him he was on a journey of self-discovery in Mexico, it’s yet to be seen how karate is going to shape his life in season five. 

Johnny Lawrence 

Daniel’s old foe became an ally at the end of last season and it’s uncertain where he’ll go this season. Though he’s loyal to the kids he taught, his biggest focus right now is finding Miguel. Since the series began, fans have wanted to see a true Daniel and Johnny teamup. While the show has teased it so far, we think season five could make it happen for real. 

Sam LaRusso 

She’s the heir to the Miyagi-Do legacy but Sam LaRusso (Mary Mouser) is still struggling after her loss to Tory Nichols last season. While we’re pretty sure that she’s not going to join Cobra Kai, last season we saw her take lessons with Johnny and Eagle Fang against her fathers wishes… so who knows. The biggest thing we want to see, though, is her to make amends with Tory. It’s overdue. 

Demetri Alexopoulos

Though he began his karate career with Cobra Kai—to help him overcome bullying—Demetri (​​Gianni Decenzo) soon joined Miyagi-Do. His moral compass is far stronger than most of the crew and it aligns much closer with Daniel’s balanced teaching than the violence of Cobra Kai. 

Eli Moskowitz (Hawk) 

Demitri’s best friend and recent male All Valley champ, Hawk (Jacob Bertrand), had gone all in on Cobra Kai until last season. Under Johnny’s tutelage he beat his bullies, his insecurities, grew a sick mohawk. But when Cobra Kai became too brutal and Johnny broke off into Eagle Fang, Hawk followed. It was ultimately under the Miyagi-Do banner that he took his championship home. 

Devon Lee

A new student Johnny’s Eagle Fang recruited, Devon (Oona O’Brien) is a talented martial artist who was apparently cheated out of a win against eventual champion Tory Nichols thanks to a crooked ref. We’re sure she’ll look for vengeance this season so we expect to see her keep training with the resurrected Miyagi-Do.  

Chris 

Another former Cobra Kai student, Chris (Khalil Everage) was one of the earliest students to switch his alliance to Miyagi-Do. His passion for Daniel’s teachings are clear, and as a high ranking student and supportive rock of the dojo we can expect him to keep rising up the ranks. 

Nathaniel

Nathaniel (Nathaniel Oh) is impressionable and loyal to a fault. His journey began at Cobra Kai along with Chris and other kids who joined after their success at the All Valley Tournament in season one. Eventually he switched sides, though struggled to fit in. Now he’s Miyagi-Do but he often struggles to have compassion for those in his position who have changed teams.  

Abe

One of the first kids to join Cobra Kai after Miguel, Abe (Jayden Rivers) became a member of Miyagi-Do alongside Nathaniel and Chris. He’s often seen at the side of Sam LaRusso and in the background, though this season we hope to see him get to have a journey of his own. 

Which Characters Are a Part of Cobra Kai?

With Miyagi-Do and—former Cobra Kai students—Eagle Fang teaming up at the end of season four, the Cobra Kai pool has definitely gotten smaller, but it’s no less brutal. Also, with Terry Silver on a mission for valley domination, we’re sure Cobra Kai will only grow in season five. 

Terry Silver

John Kreese’s old Vietnam buddy came back with a bang last season, taking over Cobra Kai and eventually winning the All Valley Karate Tournament. Now, as the dojo’s sensei, Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) is planning to expand Cobra Kai’s reach and his own power. As we know from both Cobra Kai and the original Karate Kid movies, Terry is a brutal man who doesn’t care about hurting kids. 

Tory Nichols

If there’s any justice in the world this season will center on Tory Nichols (Peyton List). The working class martial arts star has had a rough go of it, and pretty much every adult around her has exploited that wherever they can. Now that she knows Terry Silver paid off the ref in the All Valley Karate Tournament we think she might finally see the truth about Cobra Kai. 

Kenny Payne

Season four began by introducing Kenny (Dallas Dupree Young), a hopeful new student at the local Reseda middle school. Soon he was being terrorized by Anthony LaRusso (Griffin Santopietro), who took much joy in bullying the new kid. This ended up with Robby taking Kenny under his wing and introducing him to Cobra Kai. Kenny soon became a loyal student there but that could all change this season depending on where Robby decides to pledge his allegiance. 

Kyler Park

First introduced as Sam LaRusso’s boyfriend and Miguel’s bully, Kyler (Joe Seo) is now a long time member of Cobra Kai. His allegiance has never slipped and he enjoys the prestige and fear that come with membership to the dojo. Kyler will surely be riding high on their win. Now, with Kenny under his wing, he’ll likely take great joy in the coming battle with Miyagi-Do. 

Stingray

As an adult man trying to join a dojo for kids, Stingray (Paul Walter Hauser) has always been an outlier. But after his shocking hospitalization at the hands of Terry Silver last season and the fact he took that beating so he could become a part of Silver’s inner circle, we’re guessing Stingray is Cobra Kai ’till he dies. But as he accused a (for once) innocent John Kreese of the assault that hospitalized him in order to rise up the ranks of the dojo alongside the man who actually beat him half to death, that could be sooner rather than later! 

Robby Keane 

Robby (Tanner Buchanan) has long been torn between Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai. He was Daniel’s first proper student, but both Daniel and his father Johnny abandoned him when he needed them most. That led to him being sucked in by John Kreese and further manipulated by Terry Silver. Luckily, after injuring Kenny at the All Valley, Robby seems to be considering where his allegiances lie. 

Who Might Make the Switch in Season 5?

The clearest choices here are Tory and Robby. Now that Tory knows Silver was paying off the ref during the All Valley finals, she’s going to have to come to terms with the fact her big win against Sam might not have been a fair one. Tory is one of the best and most complex characters in the show, her valid anger and trauma driving her passion for Cobra Kai. But she’s a good person at heart, so the fact Silver cheated likely won’t sit well with her. 

As for Robby, he’s constantly been torn between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do. The only reason he currently fights at the former is because he was abandoned by Daniel LaRusso and his father Johnny, leaving him susceptible to Kreese’s manipulations. But after the All Valley Tournament and his brutal fight with Kenny, he’s reconsidering his place at the dojo. We can’t wait to see him go back to Miyagi-Do and hopefully get much deserved apologies from Daniel and Johnny. Speaking of Kenny, he’s another character we’re hoping will leave Cobra Kai this season. The young victim of Anthony LaRusso’s bullying has found strength at the dojo, but deserves so much better than Silver’s exploitation and the cruel camaraderie of Cobra Kai. 

Featured Image: Netflix 

The post Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do, Which Characters Belong to Which Dojo in COBRA KAI? appeared first on Nerdist.

Cobra Kai continues the story that began in the Karate Kid franchise. And the smash hit show’s audience has only grown since it was picked up by Netflix. The series tells the story of the warring dojos from the classic films: the titular Cobra Kai and their rivals at Miyagi-Do. Much of the series centers on the rivalries created by the two factions, building tension and teen drama against a martial arts backdrop. With season five of the action-dramedy on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to check back in on our favorite karate obsessed valley kids. These are all the rivalries that are going to shape season five of Cobra Kai.  

Daniel LaRusso vs. Terry Silver

The first four seasons of Cobra Kai focused on the decades-long rivalry between Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Maccio). But the end of last season saw the pair team up, sparked by the return of Karate Kid III villain Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith). Teaming up with Johnny’s old mentor, John Kreese (Martin Cove), Silver did a stealth takeover of Cobra Kai—more on that later—becoming the reigning dojo in the valley. Since Silver took Daniel under his wing only to physically abuse him in the third Karate Kid movie, Daniel has always surveyed the elder with distrust. Silver is now in charge of Cobra Kai and back to his crooked ways, and Daniel is dedicated to taking him down. Miyagi-Do and Daniel’s journey this season will likely be defined by this rivalry, especially as Daniel has enlisted his old Karate Kid II rival, Chozen (Yuji Okumoto). 

Tory Nichols vs. Sam LaRusso

In the original Karate Kid film, Daniel LaRusso was the working class kid facing down the rich, privileged kids at his new school in Reseda. Since its first season, Cobra Kai has switched that up. LaRusso is now a wealthy businessman. His eldest daughter, Sam (Mary Mouser), is the one carrying on the traditions of Miyagi-Do, but her competitive nature and lack of self-awareness make her one of the show’s most complicated characters. Her rivalry with Tory Nichols (Peyton List) is something we hope to see resolved this season, as Sam has never considered the reality of Tory’s life as a poverty stricken caregiver. Sam is desperate to fight after losing the All Valley Tournament last season. 

Tory is always trying her best to be a good person. And after seeing Terry Silver doing some dodgy dealings, she may have realized her win wasn’t about her talent. We’d love to see Tory finally join Miyagi-Do this season, but it won’t happen until she’s finally worked things out with Sam. 

Miguel Diaz vs. Robby Keene

One of the original Cobra Kai rivalries, this began as so many teen rivalries do with a love triangle. The real reason this got to the point that it did though is due to the tragic high school fight that saw Miguel get severely injured by Robby. Though that was an accident, both their terrible father figures—Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence—just made things worse. Both boys have essentially been abandoned throughout the show, with season four seeing Robby become a vital member of the ever-more brutal Cobra Kai and Miguel head off to Mexico. The latter’s search for his father must end quickly as a recent trailer showed the two battling again. We hope that season five will see them overcome their differences, but we wouldn’t bet on it. 

Kenny Payne vs. Anthony LaRusso

A key player in season four, Kenny continues the series tradition of subverting our expectations of who is the “good guy.” While Kenny is currently in Cobra Kai 2.0, he only joined due to brutal bullying at the hands of Daniel’s son, Anthony LaRusso, and his friends. Kenny is a sweet kid who just wanted to make friends at school, but instead Anthony mercilessly picked on him, even catfishing him by pretending to be a girl from school. Kenny’s journey to Cobra Kai is one that came from self-preservation and from Robby’s hope to make a positive difference. Alas despite Robby’s prison friendship with Kenny’s brother, he was unable to keep Kenny out of Silver’s grasp. With Kenny now a diehard member of Cobra Kai, his rivalry with Anthony will only get bigger this season. The real question, though, is when will Kenny realize Silver’s the bad guy?

John Kreese vs. Terry Silver

This is going to be a big one. John Kreese long seemed like the main antagonist of Cobra Kai, but season four changed that. Reintroducing Terry Silver was a dynamite move that upped the stakes. Now that Terry has stolen Cobra Kai from under his friend’s nose, the old Vietnam buddies are going to be out for blood. Kreese has struggled to make a life without Cobra Kai so he’s going to take this slight extra personally, especially as he was the one who reached out to Silver to help him recreate the dojo’s glory days. Now Silver is planning to franchise Cobra Kai dojos and manipulate young people into his dangerous and violent vision for karate. 

Johnny Lawrence vs. John Kreese 

With the Terry Silver of it all, it’s easy to forget that John Kreese was the original one who took over the newly opened Cobra Kai. It was Johnny who resurrected it—for better or worse—and reignited the valley’s most dangerous karate rivalry. Now with Terry in charge and Johnny and Daniel teaming up, it seems likely that the former will have to face down his old mentor. The show has been hinting at a Kreese redemption arc for a while, but before that happens we’re sure that his and Johnny’s rivalry will get more heated than ever. 

Cobra Kai 2.0 vs. Everyone

This is the big one for season five. Now that Cobra Kai is under the control of Terry Silver, a man who we know has no qualms about hurting kids, things are about to get heavy. But the good news is we last left Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang teaming up in the wake of Cobra Kai’s victory. This means that we’re basically going to see both of the original teams go up against Silver’s new streamlined badasses. Those teams and alliances have changed throughout the series and we can expect to see the same this season. With Tory and Robbie potentially embracing redemption this season it’ll be interesting to see where the fate of Cobra Kai lands once the truth about Terry Silver comes out. 

Cobra Kai season five will hit Netflix on September 9.

Featured Image: Netflix

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Right now, streaming services are being handed out like Oprah used to hand out cars to her audience on her show. “You get a streamer! And YOU get a streamer! Everybody gets a streamer!” Well, this piece of news isn’t quite that. Although it may seem to be on the surface. According to a report coming from The New York Times (via Slashfilm) big box store giant Walmart is looking to get in on the streaming world too. But not with a new streaming service of their own exactly. Instead, they’re looking to partner with an existing streamer, via their app, Walmart+. And it seems that streamer might be Paramount+. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Walmart+ subscribers will gain access to Paramount+. Interesting.

Walmart+ offers customers perks like free shipping, product discounts, and even free grocery delivery. But to enhance the deal for their customer base, Walmart is trying to find a major streaming service to partner with, in order to sweeten the stew, so to speak. This is similar to how Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime subscription. But the question now is, which streaming service will land the gig? Now, with this deal with Paramount+, it wouldn’t make much sense to go with someone else.

At first, the obvious choice for a bundle like this was perhaps Disney+. However, a streamer like Paramount+ can really use the boost that something like a Walmart partnership will provide. Not to mention access to millions more homes. And, it would keep their stock prices high. But for all we know, there could be some weird curveball and they partner with Netflix, which is going through rough financial times at the moment. Nevertheless, a streamer you probably use right now might soon become part of the place you go to buy your common household items.

Originally published on August 9, 2022.

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Our favorite adopted family of superpowered children are back! No silly, not the X-Men—though Charles and his kids were a big inspiration—we’re talking about Umbrella Academy. The third season of The Umbrella Academy is here! Fans of both the show and the comics have highly-anticipated this. Why? Well, not only do we return to the world of the Hargreeves but we learn a lot more about the mysterious Sparrow Academy. It’s something the comics have teased but never expanded on, so this is one of those magical moments where the comics and adaptations align to surprise and delight. 

If you need a refresher on The Umbrella Academy season two’s finale, we’ll start with that so beware of spoilers.

What Happened at the End of The Umbrella Academy Season Two?

After a predominantly ’60s-set second season, The Umbrella Academy ended back in the modern day. It seemed like the plan had worked and the crew had averted the apocalypse. Alas, as they headed back to Hargreeves’ mansion they realized something was amiss. Not only was Reginald Hargreeves alive in this timeline’s version of 2019, but he called their old home Sparrow Academy and then a series of shadowy figures appeared. It was a shocking reveal that suggested our dysfunctional heroes either changed time or ended up in a different version of their reality. But to Umbrella Academy fans it also hinted at the arrival of a series of new characters that were teased in the 2018 return to the comic, “Hotel Oblivion.” The Umbrella Academy‘s Sparrows have arrived.

Who Are the Sparrows in The Umbrella Academy Comics?

We first meet a Sparrow in the pages of issue #5 of Hotel Oblivion. The long-awaited third volume of The Umbrella Academy series came out in 2018, nine years after the end of volume two. As Mom and Vanya go on a tour of the latter’s childhood misadventures, a young woman in a red domino mask and jacket approaches them. It’s a very similar look to the Hargreeves children’s old uniform, but instead of an Umbrella logo on her collar, she wears a Sparrow. Her arrival allows Vanya to walk again, and they begin a journey across the world. In issue six of the Umbrella Academy comic we find the pair in Norway, where the Sparrow claims Vanya will find home and family. Eventually, they end up at a secret hideout where they find Mom, who introduces the woman as Clara.

Clara isn’t the only named member that we get as the final page sees the mysterious group head to help out the Umbrella Academy. On the final page, we see them arrive with Luther, a.k.a. Number One, asking who they are. In return, the red-suited leader—who shares more than a passing resemblance to him—states, “I’m Number One.” It’s a shocking moment that hints at another group of superpowered heroes that echo the Umbrella Academy. While in the comics we didn’t learn the rest of the Sparrow team’s names, we do get a glimpse of them. There’s a tall blonde woman, a member of the team who wears blue and shoots a black power beam out of their face, a black-haired woman in dark sunglasses who can levitate, someone who can turn into a murder of crows, a disfigured character who can psychically inflict pain, and a green cube.

Are the Sparrows in the New Umbrella Academy Series?

Yes! That’s why we’ve been diving deep into their comic book history. When Netflix announced the team’s arrival, the comic book fans were extremely excited. While co-creator Gerard Way had announced that “Sparrow Academy” would be the fourth volume of The Umbrella Academy series, readers had been left with an epic cliffhanger and no sign of the next volume. So it looks like The Umbrella Academy season three will continue where Hotel Oblivion left off and bring us the Sparrows. It takes the Sparrows and expands their story. And also plays with some other key plotlines from the third volume of the comics.

How Are the Sparrows Different? What Is Sparrow Academy?

In the comics Sparrow Academy is in a strange mountain hideaway in Norway. We quickly learn that in the world of the Netflix show they live as famous heroes in what seems to be New York. Their academy works more like when Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters moved to Central Park. Fans and New Yorkers know about the presence of the Sparrows. In fact, Sparrow fans often head to their fancy city base to watch them train. It’s miles away from the secretive adulthood of the failed superheroes of the Umbrella Academy. Another thing that we know about the organization from the comics is that Mom is involved and has known about the team for a while. That appears to be the case here too, though this Mom doesn’t recognize her children. 

Another interesting diversion—though it’s more of an extension of the story—is the Sparrows themselves. In the comics we never knew most of their names and definitely didn’t learn their strange backstory like we do here. As Klaus quickly finds out, after the Umbrella Academy went to him for help in the ’60s during season two, Reginald Hargreeves decided his children were failures. So on that fateful night when the superpowered children were born… he adopted different ones.

No. 1: Marcus

This is the character we meet in the final pages of Hotel Oblivion #7. As No. 1, he’s the de facto leader of the crew. In the first episode we see that he’s immensely strong and easily defeats Luther, his powers are super strength, speed, and also levitation. He’s also a peacemaker. We get to see that in play when he meets Viktor to try to solve things. Sadly for Marcus, his time on this Earth is not long and in one of the few really disappointing choices this season he doesn’t survive past the first episode. Hopefully he’ll get to live longer in the comics.

No. 2: Ben

In one of the most shocking reveals, Ben is also a member of the Sparrows. This is extremely unsettling as the Umbrella Academy’s Ben died before the show ever started. Though he has played a vital part in the series as a ghost, this is a nice way to bring him back into the fold. It’s a shame that this Ben is a jerk! With his higher number ranking, up four places from No. 6 to No. 2, it’s clear Reginald realized his past mistakes. But here Ben is an aggressive, forceful type, using his eldritch powers to subjugate others. It’s not the Ben we know and love. But the Umbrella Academy still seem really happy to see him anyway.

No. 3: Fei

The third member of the Sparrows is Fei. With her cool sunglasses and epic fighting skills, she appeared to be the member from the comics who can levitate. But as we soon learn she seems to be an amalgam of that Sparrow and the one who can turn into a murder of crows. Fei sees through her crows and can control them, using them to spy on her enemies. She also seems to be one of the leaders of the group despite her third place ranking. 

No. 4: Alphonso

The disfigured character from the comics comes to life here as Alphonso. His powers mean that his body mass is incredibly dense, causing massive pain when people attack or hit him. He’s close to Jayme and seems to be one of the more antagonistic of the Sparrows. His relationship with Reginald Hargreeves is near to non-existent and his No. 4 ranking seems appropriate to where he stands on the power rankings. Saying that, he’s definitely not happy with the arrival of the Umbrella Academy and wants them gone sooner rather than later.

No. 5: Sloane

One of the most interesting Sparrow powers belongs to Sloane, who can control gravity. Her powers allow her to manipulate gravity, enabling her to float, crush things, and lift things up easily. All of that absolutely undersells her powers, but she’s really mighty. Sloane also happens to be the most kind and open of the Sparrows, and would rather befriend the Umbrellas than battle.

No. 6: Jayme

Before the show came out, we had a theory that Jayme could be the character from the comics who we see shoot a large black beam out of their face. While that is not entirely the case, she does shoot some pretty nasty dark matter out of her mouth. Yep, Jayme’s powers are not unlike the Dilophosaurus from Jurassic Park. She spits a black acidic liquid, but rather than kill its victim, it makes them hallucinate. We got to see this in very fun fashion when Diego gets hit and imagines the two teams having a dance off to Footloose. Thanks for the musical number, Jayme.

No. 7: Existential Dread Inducing Psykronium Cube/Christopher

The one other character we definitely met in the comics aside from No. 1 is Christopher. And who doesn’t love an “Existential Dread Inducing Psykronium Cube”? While not much was known about him in the comics, the first two episodes set Christopher up as a beloved member of the Sparrows. He communicates with his family through a strange language and they obviously respect him. He’s also pretty useful in a fight as the Umbrella Academy quickly discovers. 

What Can We Expect From the Sparrows in the Rest of Season Three of The Umbrella Academy?

Lots of the show’s trademark family drama for one thing. The heart of The Umbrella Academy is the dysfunctional collection of siblings at its core. And season two set up a whole new group of kids fighting for Hargreeves’ love and attention. Speaking of which, we now have an alive Hargreeves in the present who apparently expected his other family to come and find him. So we can expect things to get messy, especially as Ben is a key member of both groups but only lives in the 2019 timeline, which will likely cause some serious heartbreak for the Umbrella Academy. So basically the Sparrows are going to probably end up as allies and antagonists in season three of The Umbrella Academy.

Originally published on April 13, 2022.

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Episode Three of The Umbrella Academy season three establishes two key things: 1) The Sparrows are disposable. It’s a disappointing—though not wholly unexpected—turn of events for the new Hargreaves family. Ever since Marcus’ death at the end of episode one, we’d been wondering if the rest of the team would meet the same fate; the deaths of Jayme and Alphonso begins to confirm that. 2) Harlan returns to The Umbrella Academy, he’s all grown up with very strong powers, and he’s come to find Viktor.

Speaking of those immense powers, they’re what help the Umbrella Academy survive their superpowered siblings’ attack. It’s a huge moment for both teams, but for Viktor it’s a paradigm shift, as he thought he’d lost Harlan and Sissy forever. So let’s dig into who Harlan is, why his return to The Umbrella Academy matters, and what it all means. 

Who Is Harlan?

If you’ve watched season two of The Umbrella Academy, you’ll remember Harlan as Sissy’s non-verbal autistic son. When Viktor was taken in by the family, the pair soon grew close. After Harlan drowned in a lake, a devastated Viktor brought him back to life using his powers. Soon afterwards, Harlan began to display his own special skills. But they were far too much for the child and eventually Viktor had to take them away. As Harlan’s last scenes in season two hinted, that didn’t stick. And in modern day, those powers are more dangerous and terrifying than ever.

What Does Harlan Want From Viktor?

In an upsetting turn of events, we learn that the plan to keep Harlan safe by removing Viktor from his life backfired. Instead, it left Sissy alone with her overpowered son. Through a series of flashbacks we see that as he grew up the pair had to move around constantly so he wouldn’t be discovered. In what’s only been a few days for Viktor, Harlan has lived an entire life and even lost Sissy. Sadly, the woman Viktor loves died of cancer in Oakland during the ’80s. Harlan moves on with his life and eventually starts to go by Lester Pocket. And, of course, Harlan is the old man that we see very early in the season who is listening to music.

Through his ever-growing powers, Harlan learned to sense other powered people. It’s how he located Viktor, and what leads to one of this season’s biggest and most shocking twists. Understandably, Harlan is there seeking Viktor’s help to get rid of his powers. But there’s another far darker truth that only comes out after Harlan stumbles on to Klaus’ newspaper clippings about the Academy’s murdered mothers. It turns out that Harlan losing him mom is what sparked the Umbrella Academy mom killings. 

How Does Harlan’s Return Affect Season Three of The Umbrella Academy? 

Well, that’s the biggest question and it’s answered in episode four. After the death of his mother, Harlan’s powers went into overdrive and he managed to psychically connect with and kill the mothers of the Umbrella Academy. It’s the inciting incident that sparked the Grandfather Paradox and the Kugelblitz. Basically, Viktor’s right when he says “you caused all of this.” 

So why did Harlan do what he did? And how did it cause the Kugelblitz? After years of waiting for Viktor to return, on the day his mother died, Harlan felt Viktor’s presence again. But what he was actually feeling was the mothers of the Academy kids and their quickly growing powered children. In that moment of connection, the women all died. It was, as Harlan explained to Viktor, an accident. Without Viktor alive in that timeline to give Harlan his powers, Harlan created the Grandfather Paradox.

But despite the whole end of the universe thing, the most damaging impact Harlan has is arguably the one his past—and Viktor’s choice to protect it—has on the Hargreeves siblings.

Does Harlan Die in The Umbrella Academy Season Three? 

The Umbrellas want to give Harlan over to the Sparrows in order to speed up their fight against the Kugelblitz. But Allison helps Viktor sneak him out of the Hotel Obsidian and to safety. Once there, Viktor and Harlan work together to transfer the latter’s power back where they belong, and they achieve their goal. But as Viktor recovers, Harlan reveals the truth of what he did to Allison, assuming she already knew. In her anger and pain Allison kills Harlan and then turns his body over to the Sparrows. Allison’s journey this season has been a tragic one and this act sends her on an even lonelier path. Harlan’s murder does help the Umbrellas and the Sparrows join forces to end the Kugelblitz. But Allison’s actions create a rift between her and her brother that seems insurmountable. 

Why Did Allison Kill Harlan and Give Him to the Sparrows?

After years of being the kind, caring, and forgiving sibling, Allison finally loses her patience. The loss of her daughter Claire in this timeline is too overwhelming. And while we cannot condone her use of powers against Luther—or you know, murder—Allison’s anger against Viktor isn’t unfounded. Throughout the three seasons we’ve seen Allison put her own sadness, emotion, and happiness aside time and time again for the sake of the universe and/or Viktor. And in this moment though she’s acting on hurt, she’s also doing what she believes is right for the family, allowing them to align with the Sparrows.

It feels like there’s a version of events here where if Viktor had told Allison the truth, Harlan could have survived and they could have worked together to end the Kugelblitz. But Viktor put his love for Sissy and Harlan’s safety above his relationship with Allison and the other Hargreeves’ kids.

Will Allison and Viktor Reconcile in The Umbrella Academy? 

While the ninth episode seemed to hint at a happy ending for the two, Allison had her own ulterior motivations that saw her making a deal with the devil. That terrible choice created a bodycount that Allison will likely not be able to outrun. Despite a last minute change of heart, this will surely make it harder than ever for Allison and Viktor to reconcile. But the team has been through worse, so we’re hopeful. 

The return (and death) of Harlan alongside the fallout between Allison and Viktor has been one of the most heartbreaking arcs we’ve seen yet in The Umbrella Academy. Now we’ll have to wait and hope that The Umbrella Academy gets a season four renewal to see what happens to the estranged Hargreaves siblings.  

Featured Image: Netflix

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The third season of The Umbrella Academy is here! We’ve been awaiting the return of our favorite dysfunctional family for what feels like forever. The new season brings all the drama, trauma, love, hate, and time-traveling action you could want. It also introduces a key new location that may or may not be an infamous and dangerous landmark from the comics. So we’re here to break it all down, talk about Hotel Obsidian and Hotel Oblivion, and what the pair mean for the sassy and sometimes world-saving siblings of The Umbrella Academy.

What Is Hotel Obsidian?

We enter the hallowed halls of the Hotel Obsidian in the first episode of the new Umbrella Academy season. After realizing their father has replaced them with more vicious and obviously superheroic children—meaning they can no longer call Hargreeves Manor their home—Klaus has an idea. Unsurprisingly, the most chaotic member of the family knows a place. Sure, it’s a divey timeless hotel that has weird electronic Xs covering its pillars, but hey it’s cheap! 

The hotel’s ominous vibes and recognizable name had many fans of The Umbrella Academy comics wondering if it could possibly be the strange cosmic trap from the comics known as the Hotel Oblivion… 

What Is Hotel Oblivion From The Umbrella Academy Comics?

Firstly, Hotel Oblivion is the title of the third volume of the Umbrella Academy comics by Gerald Way and Gabriel Ba. But, more importantly in this case, it’s also the name of an actual location. From the very first issue, its terrible purpose is clear. Hotel Oblivion is a cosmic prison that Reginald Hargreeves created in order to contain the villains defeated by his children. The hotel sits at the edge of space and time and seems like another terrible idea courtesy of Hargreeves Sr. And it was. He incarcerated hundreds of powerful villains without any semblance of due process and they’re understandably very, very angry. So when they all team up and inevitably escape, things begin to go wrong. Not least because Hotel Oblivion wasn’t just a prison. 

In fact, in a somehow even worse idea, Hargreeves had used the prisoners as bait for his cosmic trap known as an Abraxan. While it was home to the villains, they were just there to lure an immense tentacled monster. And when the bait left so did the creature. We never get to find out what happened to the hotel’s captive alien in the comics, seeing as the big twist at the end of the seven issue series is the arrival of the Sparrows. And just like the way it treats and expands on the new team, the show shifts some key facts about the Hotel Oblivion. 

Are Hotel Obsidian and Hotel Oblivion the Same Thing in The Umbrella Academy TV Show?

In a shocking twist… Yes, the sleuths out there were absolutely right. By the middle of the season, the true nature of Hotel Obsidian has been revealed: it is in fact Hotel Oblivion. But what does that mean for the UA? And how is it different from the comic book version? Well, as we mentioned, in the world of the TV series it becomes a homestead for the team. It’s something that never happened in the comics, giving it greater resonance and connection to the family. But the bigger differences are when we look at the origins and purpose of Hotel Oblivion in the show. 

The Umbrella Academy and Project Oblivion, Explained

As explained to Five by the alt-timeline version of Pogo, Project Oblivion was the pet project of the Sparrows’ Reginald Hargreeves. In this timeline he wasn’t training his children to be heros but instead to be test subjects. His plan was to send them on a kamikaze mission to “The Other Side.” While that never materialized, with his alt-universe children in his timeline he wants to put his plan back into action. So what is Hotel Oblivion in The Umbrella Academy TV show? Instead of a cosmic prison, Hargreeves created a portal to another universe. It’s guarded by a terrible creature that the children must defeat in order to get to “The Other Side.” Thanks to the power of democracy, the kids—rightfully—decide not to trust their father. But he’s not one to give up.

In one of the most horrific moments in The Umbrella Academy, Reginald kills his own son Luther—with a creepy alien arm—to manipulate his other children to do his bidding and go through to the Hotel Oblivion. Tricking them into thinking it was an attack from The Other Side, they go through. But Reginald only needs seven of them, so he kills Klaus too. Father of the year! And it only gets worse when the true purpose of Hotel Oblivion is revealed. The hotel was just a façade for a machine that would allow Hargreeves to change the universe. But to power it, he needed seven super powered children to sacrifice. He promised Allison that if she helped him he’d get her back to her daughter. Ultimately she got what she wanted, and while she saved her sibling’s lives—including Luther—they paid a price that absolutely no one expected. 

The Fallout From Hotel Oblivion

Yep, once the universes “reset” all of the Umbrella Academy lost their powers. There was another cost too as Sloane was nowhere to be seen, despite the fact Ben was with them. Just like his sometime siblings Ben is now powerless. And there’s something even worse afoot. It looks like Reginald Hargreeves did all of this so he could recreate the universe in his own image.

Everywhere we look there’s Hargreeves name. He’s in charge of financial institutions, skyscrapers, helipads, and he has a woman by his side. Could it be that the reason he wanted to change things was so that he could grow old with the real Grace? We leave the Umbrella Academy powerless, splitting up, and with Hargreeves wielding more power than ever before.

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Forty years ago, movie lovers got the gift of the best summer ever. Picture it: the United States of America, 1982. School’s out for summer. Modern day social media and cell phones do not exist. “I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is a jam. There’s boomboxes on shoulders, Walkmans in ears, and loads of hairspray in very teased hair. People are ready to slip into their colorful Jams shorts and head out to the movies for some entertainment. And while the citizens of 1982 probably didn’t realize it then, they were in for arguably the most iconic slate of summer movies ever.

In fact, its become such an ubiquitous part of pop culture that people are still saying there will never be another lineup like it. That’s exactly why we, the humans of Nerdist (and major movie fans) are doing an entire theme week about Summer of 1982. We want to celebrate this stacked slate of film goodness, which includes Poltergiest, E.T., Friday the 13th Part III, Tron, and many more. While we obviously cannot name and go into a deep discussion of every single movie that came out from May-August 1982, we are singling out a few faves.

Are you ready to take a dive back in time with us? Not yet? We understand. It’s probably been years since you’ve seen some of these films. Or maybe you’re ready to experience them for the first time. There’s no way to capture the magic of seeing them in theaters at the time of release. But you can still nab some of the chills, thrills, and pure joy from the comfort of your own home. Here’s where you can stream our Summer of ’82 picks

Conan the Barbarian – Available with Starz Subscription/Prime Video Rental

Conan the Barbarian stars a young Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular character, a gladiator who seeks vengeance for his parents’ deaths. Long before comic, graphic novel, and magazine strip adaptations were a nearly-guaranteed avenue for success, this film saw decent success. Sadly, it is only available with a Starz subscription or you can rent it via Prime Video.

Annie – Available via Netflix

We all know and love this classic tale. An orphan gets the break of a lifetime, finding familial love with a rich dude. But first she must warm up his cold, wealthy heart. There are countless adaptations of Annie but nothing quite like this film. Fans can relieve Annie’s hard knock life days on Netflix.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior – Available via HBO Max

Chaotic dusty apocalypse energy intensifies in this classic sequel. We continue to follow Max as a literal road warrior who gets caught up in mess before heading off to be alone once again. The entire Mad Max franchise is available on HBO Max.

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid – Available for Rent Via Apple TV+ and Prime Video

We love an unorthodox choice. Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid is a comedy gem starring Steve Martin as a private investigator. The parodies and references to noir and pulp detective films of the 1940s abound in this goofy ride. It is not streaming now but viewers can rent or purchase via Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

Rocky III – Available for Rent/Purchase Via Apple TV+

The quintessential underdog story about a boxer who rises to fame despite all odds takes its hero full circle in this third installment. He gets hit (literally and physically) by life’s toughest opponents and goes on a journey to rediscover the passion and drive that made him the champ. Ya know, the eye of the tiger. Rocky III available for rent or purchase through Apple TV+ in all its ’80s bromance glory.

Poltergeist – Available via HBO Max 

This classic film is woven into our public consciousness, upping the stakes for horror. It taps into a common fear: the idea of evil spirits encroaching on our safe space. (Also, it being based on a true story doesn’t help.) The images of a ghostly white hand reaching from a TV is still ever-so chilling forty years later. It truly knows what scares you. Poltergeist is currently available via HBO Max.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan – Available via Paramount+

The second Star Trek film shows the Enterprise crew coming against Khan, who is a fresh escapee from a lengthy exile. He’s thirsty for revenge with a dangerous tool at his disposal but Kirk and company have their defenses on the ready. Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan is, as all Trek things are, over on Paramount+.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Available for Rent on Prime or Apple TV+

Ahh a story about a wrinkled, large-eyed alien who simply wants to phone home. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a classic in every sense of the word, from its imagery (that bicycle flying high in the sky) to its swelling score by the legendary John Williams. The magic and wonder of this film will never, ever get old. It’s not streaming anywhere right now but can be rented or purchased via Prime Video or Apple TV+.

Grease 2 – Available with Starz Subscription

Grease 2 is the sequel that everyone loves with a great twist. The “bad” girl from the Pink Ladies meets the “clean cut” new guy who tries to be more like her. Love ensues and being yourself wins. Grease 2 is available with a Starz subscription, which can unlock it for viewers in Hulu and Prime Video.

Blade Runner – Available via Netflix and HBO Max

Deckard (played by a young and ambitious Harrison Ford) continues to hunt Replicants under the thumb of the police boss. It’s usual business for him… until he meets Rachel, a Replicant, and falls in love. We love an enemies-to-friends kinda plot with a (then) futuristic outlook on the world. Blade Runner is on Netflix and HBO Max for everyone’s streaming pleasure.

The Thing – Rent or Purchase via Apple TV+ and Prime Video

The Thing is the stuff of remote nightmares. An unknown alien force creeps its way into a research group, causing discord among the crew. Paranoia and infighting abound as they eyeball each other, wondering who is real and who is… the thing. This nihilistic film didn’t get a lot of love back in 1982 but now it boasts a cult following and gets its respect. Check out The Thing by renting or purchasing it via Apple TV or Prime Video.

The Secret of NIMH – Available via Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi

The Secret of NIMH may be an animated film but there’s some darkness behind its premise. A mouse’s home is threatened by a farmer’s plowing; however, she cannot leave because her son is ill. She seeks out rats who have gone through science experiments to use their smarts to help her. But things go awry and her mission is in jeopardy… until her son Timmy shows his bravery. The film is available via several platforms including The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi.

TRON – Available via Disney+

A computer engineer finds out an executive is stealing his work, so he hacks the system and gets far more than he bargained for. BOOM, he’s into a digital world where he rises as a fighter for oppression. Tron is a legendary film, paving the way for CGI, inspiring a franchise, and still holding its weight as an all-around action spectacle. TRON is available on Disney+.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High – Available via Peacock

Who doesn’t love a quintessential coming-of-age story? The life and times of a slew of Ridgemont High students navigating sex, drugs, and partying during this rad era. It’s a perfect time capsule with a ton of familiar faces, comedy, and heart. Fast Times at Ridgemont High is streaming on Peacock.

Friday the 13th Part III – Available for Rent/Purchase on Apple TV+ or Prime Video

You can’t keep a good camp killer down. Part III is a pivotal installment in the long (and at times exhausting) Friday the 13th franchise. This is the film where Jason Voorhees cements himself among the horror villain elite. He discovers his infamous hockey mask and gets really, really violent. Rent or purchase this film on Apple TV+ or Prime Video. Or, if you have AMC+, you can watch it there!

The Beastmaster – Available via Prime Video

It is quite mind boggling that Conan the Barbarian and The Beastmaster came out in the same summer. You’d think one of them was copying the other’s paper but that’s not the case. It’s just a double dose of ancient warrior weirdness as a hero goes against an evil, powerful dude. This time, though, the hero’s telepathic connection to animals is helpful. Good times. The Beastmaster is currently available on Prime Video.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch – Available via Peacock or Tubi

If ever there were a Halloween film that evokes a strong visceral reaction, this one is it. The fans who like it stand ten toes behind it. And those that don’t… well, they have some choice words for sure. Halloween III is quite the odd addition to relatively new (at the time) franchise, leaving Mike Myers behinds completely for a witchy theme. Honestly, it is easier to digest (and perhaps enjoy) if you just pretend that it is its own thing. It is available through Peacock and Tubi.

So catch up and relive all the 1982 summer movie glory! We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for our Summer of 1982 celebration. 

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Disney+ certainly kicked off 2022 with quite a bang. In March, within the span of a week, the streaming company announced a few major updates. First, Disney+ launched parental controls, which coincided with its grislier Marvel slate of TV shows arriving from their previous streaming home at Netflix. (These shows include Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and The Punisher.) And then it revealed plans to launch an ad-supported subscription tier, which arrives in the US later in 2022 and globally in 2023. While there are still a lot of details under wraps—including price point—it sounds as though Disney is already setting some stark parameters on the kinds of ads they’ll accept on their platform.

How Disney+ Plans to Use Ads

According to Variety, the Disney+ ad-supported tier won’t feature a deluge of 30-second spots throughout an episode. The company is allegedly aiming to limit ads to four minutes for its hour-long or less content. This is actually a pretty contained model and would likely break down to something reasonable enough. It’s also a stark contrast to Hulu’s ad-supported model which has historically featured a whole lot of (very loud) ads.

Additionally, it seems the company plans to forgo ads altogether on profiles suggesting a kid is watching. Considering Disney+ does have a separate base profile setting for kids, it makes sense to scrap ads for kids while their parents’ profile still features ad breaks. Limiting ads to the adult—or at least not young child—profiles would also limit the headache of having to specifically cater age-appropriate ads to young eyes.

However, for all profiles, Disney+ will not accept ads featuring politics or alcohol. Variety cites this as keeping the platform more family-friendly, but the company is probably trying to avoid controversy by completely rejecting political ads. Additionally, ads from rival studios and platforms are also barred from airing on Disney+. This means we won’t be seeing a sweeping Star Trek: Strange New Worlds TV spot while watching The Mandalorian season three. It makes sense that the company is limiting the competition from its ads, of course. Plus, Disney owns so many properties, there’s an endless amount of in-house content to promote.

Disney+’s Ad-Supported Tier’s Cost

In its March 2022 press release, Disney didn’t share how much the new ad-supported tier will cost. But it noted the price is lower. Disney+ currently costs $7.99 per month or $80 for an annual subscription. The specific timing of release and the cost will likely be forthcoming in the next several months. In the press release, Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, called the new tier a “win for everyone.” Specifically, he mentions the Disney+ ad-supported tier’s ability to help the platform reach a broader audience.

He said, “Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers. More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”

It’s also part of the company’s ambitious growth plan. The press release also notes that Disney sees the new tier as a way to reach its next Disney+ subscriber benchmark. It’s a lofty 230-260 million subscribers by the end of the 2024 fiscal year. (The fiscal year ends on June 30, 2024.) Disney+ ended 2021 with 130 million subscribers worldwide. So they’re about halfway there. 

It certainly makes sense that Disney+ would eventually launch an ad-supported tier. But does this mean we’re also in for a price increase on the ad-free front? 

Disney+ as the Flagship Streaming Platform

Disney currently owns and operates a trio of streaming platforms: Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+. While the youngest in the mix, it certainly looks like the company sees Disney+ as their flagship platform. 

Between the parental controls and this new tier, I can’t help but wonder if this is a giant push for Disney+ to become more central and self-sufficient. Or at least market it as a more specific kind of content hub. Of course, Disney+ didn’t need parental controls at launch as it boasted largely family-friendly content. But as license agreements with other streaming platforms expire, its own library, especially its titles with more mature content, are arriving in full force. At one point, it seemed like it’s grittier or more risqué material—or whatever the company deems so—would’ve shifted to Hulu. (That’s what happened with Love, Victor. Not to mention the curious cancellation of the Lizzie McGuire reboot over mature content.) But now everything can remain in the Disney+ ecosystem.

As Disney+ makes moves, we’ll be on the lookout for new pricing and an ad-supported Disney+ tier launch date.

Originally published on March 4, 2022.

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WarnerMedia and Discovery’s merger is officially a done deal. But as Q1 marked WarnerMedia and AT&T’s final months together, the earnings report included WarnerMedia’s portfolio. (This includes HBO Max and the ill-fated CNN+.) Stankey noted that WarnerMedia deeply thought about how to manage password sharing when developing HBO Max. Specifically, it wanted to give users “flexibility” without it sinking into abuse territory.

“We were thoughtful about how we built the product and that we gave customers enough flexibility but we don’t want to see rampant abuse,” Stankey said, according to Deadline. He added that HBO Max states its terms and conditions in the user agreement and the company is enforcing those standards. “We actively in any given month are looking at how many users are using the product… I think that’s the right way for the industry to be managed and I think maybe some are going to adjust practices over time.”

The words are particularly pointed given their timing. Just this week, Netflix shared that 100 million users are streaming programming without paying for it. The company has already launched a pilot program to crack down on password sharing in Costa Rica, Peru, and Chile. And the program in one form or another will likely go global in the next year or so. 

Starkey certainly has reason to feel pretty good about HBO Max, given he’s no longer responsible for the streaming service. The AT&T Q1 report saw HBO and HBO Max climb to nearly 77 million subscribers globally, an increase of 12.8 million, year over year. AT&T exits the fray as HBO Max looks to expand in other global territories.

But that’s not to say the former WarnerMedia is exclusively thriving in the streaming space. HBO and HBO Max is home to a whole lot of prestige content—and some highly-anticipated shows still on the way. But the HBO Max app is famously glitchy. It has crashed during at least a few high-profile season finales. The interface also doesn’t feel very user-friendly. And that’s to say nothing about CNN+. On April 21, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that CNN+ will shutter on April 30—just one month after its launch. (For reference, Quibi folded after seven months.) The news arrived just a week after reports indicated the streaming service boasted just 10,000 daily users.

Still, Warner Bros. Discovery will have to iron out its streaming strategy in the near future. In addition to Warner’s HBO Max and CNN+ (RIP), Discovery entered the fold with Discovery+. The company has indicated plans to eventually merge its streaming platforms into one larger content library. Who knows, maybe one day Warner Bros. Discovery will face the same password-sharing woes as Netflix, but Stankey will certainly not be answering for it. 

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Netflix is making a whole lot of moves as of late. First, the streaming platform revealed it would release a staggering 86 or so movies in 2021. Then, it introduced firmer plans to crack down on password sharing. And that’s not to mention a movie category inspired by Saturday Night Live. Now, to better curate our streaming needs, Netflix is adding a new button to better demonstrate viewers’ responses to content. Introducing the Double Thumbs Up button.

Currently, you can respond to Netflix content with two reactions. You can either give content a Thumbs Up to indicate a positive response or a Thumbs Down to suggest a negative reaction. Netflix uses these reactions to better curate a user’s profile. But the streaming platform is hoping to get more specific. Netflix unveiled the new Double Thumbs Up button, which is available now, in a blog post. (We first saw it at The Verge.)

As Christine Doig-Cardet, Netflix’s Director of Product Innovation, explains it:

Our current Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down buttons are a good way for you to tell us how you feel about a series or film, and in return, you get a profile that’s better personalized to your taste. However, we’ve learned over time that these feelings can go beyond a simple like or dislike. Providing an additional way to tell us when you’re really into something means a profile with recommendations that better reflect what you enjoy.

Doig-Cardet adds, for example, that with Bridgerton, if a viewer gives it a Double Thumbs Up, Netflix is more likely to recommend Shondaland shows—and content with actors in Shondaland shows. For instance, we’d imagine telling Netflix we loved Bridgerton will probably mean shows like Scandal, Inventing Anna will show up in the For You queue, as well as Sex Education starring Simone Ashley and Crashing with Jonathan Bailey.

Over the years, Netflix has employed a few different methods to gauge users’ interest in a show. Before the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down system, which launched in 2017, viewers could rank content out of five stars. (Additionally, an old feature allowed viewers to leave reviews. I miss it if only for the chaotic reviews.)

This certainly sounds like a worthwhile system. But still, while the trio of options is excellent and all, I do wonder when—or if—we’ll get some sort of “Just Okay” or “Shrug” button. Content that’s just okay is a valuable part of the viewing experience. While I await my Shrug button, I am excited to test Double Thumbs Up and see where my queue takes me.

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How Many TV Shows Are Available to Watch Across Streaming and Traditional Television Platforms?

According to Neilsen’s State of Play report, between February 2021 and February 2022, 817,000 individual TV programs became available to choose from. Yes, well over three-quarters of a million TV shows can now be watched on streaming and traditional television platforms. It’s a staggering enough number on its own, but it’s also a gigantic increase from just a few years ago. In December 2019, Nielsen says there were only 646,000 TV shows to choose from. So it’s no wonder we’re overwhelmed. But it’s certainly not stopping viewers from wanting even more.

The Future of Television

Earlier this year, Nielsen reported that Americans watched almost 15 million years–yes you read that right, years—worth of streaming content. And as of February 2022, 65% of people who use streaming services subscribe to 2-4 different platforms. (And 17% subscribe to even more.) But while the conversation around streaming platforms raising prices always raises eyebrows, Nielsen’s report indicates that most American subscribers won’t necessarily change their places because of it. In fact, in a recent survey, 93% of respondents suggested they plan to make no changes or even will increase their streaming service options.

Streaming Television vs. TV Shows on Traditional Platforms

Those of us with iPhones are haunted weekly by our usage notification every Sunday. It’s, quite frankly, a number most of us don’t want to know. Nielsen’s State of Play report is picking up the slack on the TV front. The report says the average adult watches just under five hours of TV every day. (The specific number is four hours and 49 minutes.) And viewers are starting to turn to streaming services over linear programming to get their TV fix.

However, there is one classic pastime driving up linear TV viewership. And shockingly, to me at least, it’s not Jeopardy! With sports back after the COVID-related season cancellations in 2020, live sporting broadcasts made up most of the most-viewed TV shows in the traditional TV format between January and September 2021.

How Do We Handle This Many TV Shows?

It’s wild to see the numbers laid out so plainly. But they make a lot of sense when looking at how many ways we can now access TV. At Nerdist, we spend a lot of time recommending our favorite TV shows to one another, and the number of new streaming services that accompany those recommendations is ever-growing. So it makes sense that across the board, feeling overwhelmed by choosing a TV show isn’t an outlier sentiment. And even more so, that 64% of Nielsen survey respondents would love to see more streaming bundles offered. It’s not only slightly more cost-effective, but it helps on an organizational level as well.

Given the astronomical increase over the last few years, I’m very curious to see how these streaming trends and title numbers continue looking forward—especially as companies merge and shift strategies.

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Grifters. Scammers. Con artists. We call them a variety of things but it usually means one thing: bilking people—good or bad—out of some money. From planning to execution, scamming someone requires a certain calculation. It takes a certain kind of person to pull off a scam. And that’s why we can’t stop watching shows about them. Movies about scams, series about scams, documentaries about scams, scams have taken the streaming world by storm. There’s so much scam content, in fact, people might be wondering, where can you stream all of it?

The Best Scam Series You Can Stream // The Best Scam Documentaries You Can Stream // The Best Scam Movies You Can Stream

From the shows about scam artists to stories where ambition descends into murky territory or actual fraud, every network wants in. These series are only the latest additions to the greater canon of scam content. Here’s a smattering of TV shows, films, and documentaries to fully immerse yourself in all things scam.

The Best Scam Series and Where You Can Stream Them

Inventing Anna (2022)—Available to Watch on Netflix 

When the Anna Delvey story first broke in a 2018 article in New York Magazine, it absolutely exploded, all but guaranteeing we’d one day see Delvey’s—a.k.a. Anna Sorokin—story played out on-screen. In the end, Shondaland scooped up the rights to this scam series and launched it over at Netflix. Over the course of nine episodes, we see Anna—Russian-born but posing as a German heiress—finagle her way through the New York elite, racking up bills for others to pay for. And, of course, soliciting donations and investors for a non-existent arthouse club. Inventing Anna boasts a star-studded cast, with Ozark’s Julia Garner as Delvey, Anna Chlumsky, Arian Moayed, Laverne Cox, and a slew of Shondaland regulars. Watch Inventing Anna on Netflix. 

The Dropout (2022)—Available to Watch on Hulu

Elizabeth Holmes is a name few knew a decade ago. Now she’s infamous. The Dropout, based on the podcast of the same name, stars Amanda Seyfried as Holmes, a one-time Silicon Valley wunderkind whose blood-testing kits were purported to change the world. Except they never worked. This scam-oriented series follows Holmes’ rise and fall—from her dropping out of Stanford at 19 to start Theranos to her and company president Sunny Balwani’s arrests for fraud. Watch The Dropout on Hulu.

WeCrashed (2022)—Available to Watch on Apple TV+

The story of embattled WeWork founder Adam Neumann isn’t exactly a scam story in the traditional sense. (But don’t worry, there are still some dubious financial shenanigans.) But it’s part of the greater pantheon of high-profile start-up leaders whose antics almost bring the whole thing crashing down. And usually find themselves out of a job. Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway star in WeCrashed. The former is the eccentric co-founder of the famed co-working space, while the latter is Rebekah, Adam’s wife—and Gwyneth Paltrow’s cousin—who played a major role in the company. The scam-adjacent series follows WeWork’s founding and meteoric rise to a $47 billion valuation to how the Neumanns nearly brought it all crashing down. Watch WeCrashed on Apple TV+.

Super Pumped (2022)—Available to Watch on ShowTime

The first season in this anthology series is The Battle for Uber. This story, again, isn’t focused on a financial scam as much as it is one of an entrepreneur whose ambitions nearly imploded his company. However, there were reports that Uber engaged in some dubious tax schemes. Based on the book by Mike Isaac, Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber follows the rise and fall of Uber co-founder and CEO Travis Kalanick, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The series follows Kalanick’s rise and fall at Uber—including its tangles with Apple, toxic work environment, allegations of exploiting drivers, and a falling out with a major investor (who later sued the co-founder for fraud.) Watch Super Pumped on Showtime.

The Best Scam Documentaries and Where You Can Stream Them

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)—Available to Watch on Tubi

This scam-related documentary delves into Enron Corporation and a whole lot of financial crimes. Based on the 2001 book of the same name by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, the documentary delves into the energy company, which went down in flames the same year after its baffling accounting fraud was exposed. The documentary features interviews with McLean and Elkind, several former Enron employees, and even former governor Gray Davis. It even delves into Enron’s role in the California electricity crisis as a crucial player in creating the energy-supply gap that led to the crisis. It remains one of the most complex white collar crime cases in US history. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is currently available on Tubi.

The Inventor (2019)—Available to Watch on HBO Max

Since 2018, Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos have been at the center of a book (from the Wall Street Journal reporter who broke the story), a podcast, a TV show based on the podcast, and a documentary. The 2019 documentary about the scam—the second on the list from Alex Gibney after Enron—details the rise and fall of Holmes and her allegedly groundbreaking biotechnology company. It features interviews with everyone from investors to journalists to the company’s whistleblowers, one of whom was the grandson of a prolific major donor. The Inventor is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Fyre and Fyre Fraud (2019)—Available to Watch on Netflix/Hulu

What do Ja Rule, Kendall Jenner, and the Bahamas have in common? Fyre Festival, of course. The ill-fated music festival was so infamous, it was the subject of dueling 2019 documentaries, released within days of one another. Fyre Festival was supposed to be a luxurious music festival—Coachella on a dazzling Bahamian island. However, during its inaugural weekend, the festival more or less collapsed with all allegedly confirmed artists baking out, accommodations reduced to FEMA tents, and the now-iconic boxed cheese sandwich. As these documentaries point out, the scam of a festival was a disaster from the jump, despite its hit rapper as a co-founder and the promotions from the likes of Jenner and Bella Hadid. Co-founder Billy McFarland was later convicted of wire fraud and sentenced to prison.

While co-founder Ja Rule never faced criminal charges, he and McFarland were sued for defrauding ticket holders. Fyre is streaming on Netflix while Fyre Fraud is streaming on Hulu.

Tinder Swindler (2022)—Available to Watch on Netflix

As one of the biggest streaming companies on the globe, Netflix is forever churning out new content. It does so at an incredibly rapid rate, often looking for the next big thing to take social media by storm. Taking viewers’ love of true crime and scams, the streaming platform is full of documentaries of those up to no good. Most recently, there’s Tinder Swindler, in which an alleged con man scammed women he met on a dating app out of millions. The swindler himself, Simon Leviev a.k.a. Shimon Hayut has previously been convicted twice of fraud and is being sued by the actual Levievs, but maintains he is legit and not a known scammer. Tinder Swindler is currently streaming on Netflix.

The Best Scam Movies and Where You Can Stream Them

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)—Available to Watch on HBO Max

The odd couple con man scheme is a popular one in film but Dirty Rotten Scoundrel did it best. (The film, itself a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story, was remade into the gender-swapped 2019 film called The Hustle.) Steve Martin and Michael Caine star as a pair of con men, with very different grifter styles, competing to swindle wealthy women out of their money in the French Riviera. The two pull their cons while a mysterious grifter, called The Jackal, looms in the background. This scam-oriented movie is obviously a whole lot of fun and in addition to Martin and Caine, the late Glenne Headly is simply brilliant in it. Watch Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on HBO Max.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)—Available to Watch on Paramount+

A cat and mouse game between con artist Leonardo DiCaprio and federal agent Tom Hanks, this movie is early 2000s perfection. DiCaprio stars as Frank Abagnale Jr. a con artist in his late teens who allegedly pulls off posing as everything from a doctor to Pan Am pilot. All the while, Hanks’ FBI agent is on the case. Whether Frank Abagnale Jr. actually pulled off the schemes he purports to in the autobiography the movie is based on is up for debate. But still, this movie is so much fun and boasts an excellent supporting cast that it doesn’t even matter. (Although, lying about your cons to secure a book deal counts as a con, right?)  Watch Catch Me If You Can on Paramount+.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)—Available to Watch on ShowTime

Another Leonardo DiCaprio joint, this time with Kyle Chandler on the case. Based on Jordan Belfort’s memoir, the Martin Scorsese movie follows DiCaprio’s Belfort and his brokerage firm as the company committed a litany of scams and financial crimes, including securities fraud and money laundering. The movie is audacious, brash, and features a truly bonkers Jonah Hill as Belfort’s partner, Donnie Azoff. Watch The Wolf of Wall Street on ShowTime.

The Wizard of Lies (2017)—Available to Watch on HBO Max

In the world of modern scammers and grifters, Bernie Madoff is still one of the most notorious names. The financier ran one of the largest Ponzi schemes in US history, worth  a staggering $64.8 billion. He operated it for at least sixteen years before his 2008 arrest. Robert De Niro plays Madoff in Wizard of Lies, with Michelle Pfeiffer as his wife, Ruth. The movie follows Madoff through the mid-2000s until the scandal breaks, when his sons turn him into the FBI, and the fallout of his scams that comes afterwards. Watch it on HBO Max.

I Care a Lot (2020)—Available to Watch on Netflix 

Thanks to the Britney Spears case, more people than ever are vaguely aware of court-appointed guardianships—when they’re necessary and how often they’re abused. I Care a Lot stars Rosamund Pike as a con artist who uses her role as a court-appointed guardian to steal from the elderly people in her care. That is, until she steals from the mom of a gangster, and all hell breaks loose. The black comedy boasts a pretty stacked supporting cast, including Peter Dinklage, Eiza Gonzalez, Chris Messina, and Dianne Wiest. Watch this scam movie on Netflix.

Stream the Scams

It seems like streaming scam content exploded onto the scene in early 2022. Like other trends, we’re sure the glut of scam-related series, movies, and documentaries may die down a little going forward. But it seems like there’s something universally interesting about the scam that keeps viewers captivated. In fact, it seems like almost every streaming platform became involved with the idea of the scam. Whether we’ll see more scam shows, movies, and documentaries on the horizon, it’s hard to say. But for now, we definitely have enough scams to keep us watching for a while.

The Best Scam Series You Can Stream // The Best Scam Documentaries You Can Stream // The Best Scam Movies You Can Stream

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Apple TV+ officially flew past Netflix and Prime Video and walked away with a best picture Oscar for CODA. It is, notably, the first film released by a streaming platform to pick up the Academy Awards’ top prize. And the streaming platform is already seeing a post-Oscars boost. According to Variety, in just the first few days since the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, Apple TV+ viewership has increased by a sizable 25%. As for the film itself, Variety indicates the film’s viewership has increased by a staggering 300%. (We first saw this at IGN.)

While the number is undoubtedly giant, it’s not exactly surprising. The film picked up the award in every category for which it had been nominated. In addition to best picture, writer/director Siân Heder scooped up the best-adapted screenplay. Additionally, Troy Kotsur picked up best supporting actor. Kotsur, who is the second Deaf actor to win an acting Oscar, gave a lovely, truly moving speech which was one of the night’s highlights. Given the acclaim surrounding the movie—including picking up several other major prizes throughout awards season—it’s not surprising that people want to see what the fuss is all about.

Set in coastal Massachusetts, the film follows Ruby, the child of deaf adults (CODA) and the only hearing person in her family, as she chooses between her family’s fishing business and pursuing her passion for music in college. The film stars Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Eugenio Derbez, and Ferdia Walsh-Peelo.

Now, it’s hard to say exactly what that means in terms of numbers. Apple TV+ doesn’t release specific data. But still, these percentage increases are pretty sizable. And if the viewers stick around, it could bode very well for the streaming platform. As Variety points out, however, this spike is very soon after the Oscar win. And given that Apple TV+ has a seven-day free trial, the viewers could opt out after checking out the Oscar-winning film. But given its frankly impressive ever-growing catalog, I’m definitely curious to see how the numbers hold. On the TV front alone, Ted Lasso was one of the platform’s first smashing successes. Plus, shows like Severance and The Afterparty continue to drum up acclaim.

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Now, 33% of accounts used in some sort of password sharing scheme—sharing the password, using the shared password, or splitting costs—is no small slouch. But it’s certainly a lot smaller than the 64% of accounts that don’t share their passwords outside of the home. (The remaining 3% accounts for those Netflix plans tied up in bundles.)

These findings arrive just a few weeks after Netflix’s latest bit of password sharing news. The company announced plans to test a price increase for accounts that have users in multiple households. As part of its crackdown, Netflix will offer a way to securely share accounts with multiple households for an added $2.99 fee (A subscriber can add up to two extra members to their accounts.) Alternatively, Netflix will invite users to safely transfer their profiles to a new account as to not mess with their perfectly curated queues. While Netflix is first testing the increase in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru, the price increase could eventually take effect globally.

The streaming platform’s made waves the last few years, announcing plans to cut down on password sharing. In early 2021, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings indicated the company was exploring options that would curb password sharing on accounts with users in multiple households. It was a giant shift from the previous approach, which more or less looked at password sharing as a fact of life. 

As stated above, a third of accounts sharing passwords between multiple households is a sizable enough number. But given the ever-growing slate of must-have streaming platforms—and their ever-rising costs—it’s not necessarily surprising. Most people have a combination of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, the other very popular Apple TV+, Paramount+, and AMC+. And their various bundle options. (Not to mention ShowTime, Starz, ESPN+ and the even more niche Acorn TV and BritBox.) 

This is all to say, streaming costs add up—and fast. Even when subscribing to the lowest tiers and their often astoundingly loud ads. So it doesn’t quite come as a surprise that so many Netflix accounts boast users from multiple households. It’s the most expensive and has well-configured profile settings. I’ll certainly be curious to see how the numbers in consumer studies like this adjust should the password-sharing fee eventually take effect.

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In Moonshot, the age-old tale of boy meets girl gets a sci-fi twist when the girl, Ginny (Emily Rudd), leaves for Mars and the boy, barista Walt (Cole Sprouse), stows away on a spaceship to follow her. It’s a choice that’ll change his life forever but not in the way he expects. See, this isn’t their love story. And that’s where Moonshot really delivers. Although Walt might think that following a girl he’s just met into space is romantic, it’s actually just unhinged. And his one-time customer turned space-crime-accomplice, Sophie (Lana Condor), isn’t afraid to tell him that. But before we get there, the pair will have to go on a charming enemies to lovers journey through deep space. While it might be a little predictable, the brilliant production design, delightful Condor, and goofy Sprouse make it the kind of adventure you’ll want to go on again and again.

Set in a near future world where an Elon Musk style billionaire, Leon Kovi (Zach Braff), has colonized Mars, Moonshot follows Walt. He’s always dreamed of going into space. His job as a barista doesn’t fulfill him and his only friend is his (hilarious) managerial robot boss, Gary. Exploring the inevitable mundanity of the future is always interesting but can focus too much on beige aesthetics and stark sci-fi tropes. Moonshot belies those expectations. It creates a tactile, neon world, joyfully colorful and bright.

After an unexpected night with a stranger, Ginny, Walt concocts a scheme to join her on Mars and uses Sophie to help him do it. Soon, the pair is in space and Sophie must help Walt, lest she catch the blame for his stow-awaying.

Director Chris Winterbauer brings a shimmering magic to the space exploration. Magic that fills us with the childlike wonder that both Walt and Sophie experience. Writer Max Taxe has fun introducing us to two couldn’t-be-less-alike leads. Sprouse’s Walt is goofy to the point of being a himbo, though his classic rom-com lack of integrity means he just misses the himbo mark.

On the other hand, Condor’s Sophie is intelligent, kind, funny, and self-possessed. If you’ve seen To All the Boys I Loved Before then you’ll know Condor is a born leading woman, and she proves that again here. Sophie is the heart of the film, which means Condor’s performance is the most important thing in Moonshot. She carries it throughout with a smile, quip, and infinite charm. It helps that the supporting cast are almost as charming. Michelle Buteau as Captain Tartar gives a performance so good that she demands a spin-off.

Moonshot also feels like a rom-com with a realistic central conflict hidden inside the high concept setup. Sophie has a loving if not overly effusive longterm boyfriend, Calvin (the lovely Mason Gooding), who lives on Mars already and is the reason she’s leaving her beloved home planet, Earth. Her conflicting feelings about embracing security and sticking with the familiar versus wanting to follow her own path are infinitely relatable. And Condor makes them even more so.

It’s also a rather kind movie in that Gooding is never a villain, which makes Sophie’s quest for happiness even harder. Instead, he’s thoughtful, supportive, and charming. But like so many young couples growing into adulthood, their paths have diverged. Honestly the characterizations and setup are so good it almost feels like a shame this wasn’t a miniseries.

Something else Moonshot excels at is making low stakes slice-of-life storytelling engaging. This is a tale about friendship, self-discovery, and family in all its forms, but it’s also about a chill slacker and a straight-A student hanging out on a pretty spaceship! And sometimes that’s all we need. If you’re not a lover of rom-coms this is unlikely to change that, but there are some truly breathtaking moments. Taxe also does a great job subtly challenging some of Walt’s behavior. It’s hardly radical but it’s nice to see the “stalking equals love” trope be called out here. As the film comes to its close, the burgeoning new relationship feels organic and real. In the end, Moonshot wants you to remember the real adventure was the friends you made along the way.

Moonshot lands on HBO Max on March 31.

4/5

The post MOONSHOT: Lana Condor Sparkles in Cosmic Rom-Com appeared first on Nerdist.

According to Variety, where we first saw the news, a shuffle feature was a much-requested feature. So really, HBO Max is giving the people what they want. Netflix added its own shuffle feature, called Play Something, last year and it is a nice way to get something on the TV without going down the content rabbit hole. A spokesperson told the trade, “With an added element of serendipity, selecting the shuffle button lets you kick your feet up and start watching faster.”

HBO Max has added the shuffle component to 45 shows across its catalog. And it’s a pretty sweet selection. One that spans pretty much every major interest and genre—from animated offerings for kids and adults to reality shows to a good old-fashioned sitcom. But it sounds like there are plans to expand further soon. And with the Discovery merger finalized soon, hopefully, we’ll see some Food Network goods added to the list.

Here’s a full list of the shows with the new shuffle feature, listed in alphabetical order:

A World of Calm; Adventure Time; Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown; Apple & Onion; Chappelle’s Show; Courage the Cowardly Dog; Craig of the Creek; Curb Your Enthusiasm; Ed, Ed and Eddy; ER; Flight of the Conchords; Fresh Prince; Friends; Full House; Great Pottery Throwdown; Hot Ones; How It Really Happened; Impractical Jokers; Key & Peele; Looney Tunes; Martin; Mike & Molly; Regular Show; Reno 911!; Rick & Morty; Robot Chicken; Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!; Selena + Chef; Sesame Street; South Park; Teen Titans Go!; The Amazing World of Gumball; The Big Bang Theory; The Boondocks; The Mentalist; The Middle; The Nanny; The Office (UK); The Shot: Uninterrupted; Tom and Jerry; Total Dramarama; Two and a Half Men; We Bare Bears; Whose Line is it Anyway; Young Sheldon.

There really is a little something for everyone! It appears the shuffle feature is currently available on the HBO Max desktop site. But here’s hoping it expands to the TV apps soon.

The post HBO Max Adds Shuffle Play Feature to 45 Shows appeared first on Nerdist.

YouTube already hosts many of our favorite viral videos and talk show clips—not to mention bootleg uploads of extremely niche TV shows. (The older the better.) But one of the video platform’s other major perks is its secret cache of free movies available to watch with ads. With so many streaming platforms moving and shaking out there, it’s easy to forget YouTube also has a pretty sweet selection. And now YouTube will add free TV episodes.

YouTube just announced in a blog post that they now have nearly 4,000 episodes of TV to watch for free with ads. (We first saw this at The Verge.) This includes full seasons of several shows. And let me tell you it is a delightfully eclectic catalog. The catalog features classic TV shows, recent cult favorites, and two Gordon Ramsay shows. Plus, a whole lot of other niche programming. Among the noteworthy titles are Scream Queens, the first two seasons of Unsolved Mysteries, and the cult sci-fi series Lexx. YouTube also has Wired, a 2008 limited series starring Jodie Whittaker and Sacha Dhawan. The series sees the Thirteenth Doctor and the Master on-screen together more than decade before Doctor Who.

But YouTube isn’t stopping at its 4,000 TV episodes and 1,500 films. According to the blog post, it’s adding up to 100 titles every week. And viewers can watch via “web browsers, mobile devices, and most connected TVs via the YouTube on TV app.” To go along with its expanded content catalog, YouTube is making some major upgrades.

From the platform:

To enhance the viewing experience, we’re unveiling brand new streamlined navigation and immersive banner art. The rich visuals and new menus will help you more easily find your favorite TV shows from the comfort of the couch, whether you choose to rent, purchase, or watch for free with ads. Many of these titles are also now available in high definition 1080p with 5.1 surround sound audio on supported devices.

The full catalog of free shows is available here.

The post YouTube Adds Nearly 4,000 Free TV Episodes to Stream with Ads appeared first on Nerdist.

When you watch Shudder’s newest horror offering, The Last Thing Mary Saw, your mind might immediately go to Robert Eggers’ puritanical nightmare, The Witch. But Edoardo Vitaletti’s gothic interrogation of religious zealotry and the sadistic brutality it lavishes in is more akin to Mary Harron’s stunning slow burn series Alias Grace. This is American Gothic so, yes, there might be something supernatural afoot. But the true horror here is humanity and the pleasure they take in the destruction of those who don’t fit into their assigned roles.

Set in 1840s Southold, New York, The Last Thing Mary Saw begins with a woman crying tears of blood. A trial is taking place and Mary (Stefanie Scott) is at its center. Someone has been murdered, and the young, rebelious, and—as we’ll soon find out—queer member of the family has been blamed. From there, Vitaletti sends us back in chapters, taking a menacing and often meandering look at Mary’s journey from troubled daughter to accused killer. Mary’s story is told in tandem with that of Eleanor (Isabelle Fuhrman), the maid that she falls in love with. In her strict Calvinist household this dalliance is seen as a sign of the devil and deep seeded evil.

After consulting with the family matriarch, the young women are set on a dangerous path. Punitive correction is around every corner, but of course it does nothing but push the pair closer together. These early sequences, the juxtaposition of fiery yet restrained passion and prolonged grim punishment (being made to kneel on rice for hours) set up the film’s biggest strength: an unsettling tension that permeates throughout even during the occasionally painfully slow pace. In many ways this feels like it might have been better as a stage play. The intimate cast and slowburn build may have had more impact if the audience were closer to the action.

Delicately balancing their journey from tentative lovers and afraid young women to accused murderesses, Scott and Fuhrman are the squirming, gushing heart of the film. Their performances anchor the atmosphere piece, which at times can get lost in its own extreme slowburn pursuit of tension. But while their relationship is key, it suffers from being nothing more than a surface level exploration of their connection. Most of it is seen in flashback as Mary tells her story while on trial for the aforementioned murder.

As Vitaletti weaves his tangled web, cinematographer David Kruta imbues each sequence with a haunting shadow-drenched beauty. Flickering candlelight dances across the shimmering silence of all things unspoken. But if that ambiguity of message and narrative doesn’t sound appealing, you may well be unsatisfied by The Last Thing Mary Saw. While the bleakness might just be the point, as the story becomes one of vengeance it refuses to offer the catharsis that revenge horrors can. Instead, our young lovers become victims of circumstance and hate. That lack of agency in both their relationship and their ultimate fate muddies the waters of the film.

All of that said, though, there is something darkly enchanting here nonetheless. If you’re searching for an atmosphere piece to get lost in, then light a candle, turn off the lights, and venture into the shadowy heart of this nasty little tale of religious horror.

The Last Thing Mary Saw is streaming on Shudder now.

3/5

The post THE LAST THING MARY SAW Is Frightful and Frustrating appeared first on Nerdist.

Netflix’s two-minute viewing metric has long seemed like an inaccurate methodology for gauging streaming success. But the streamer has now announced a change. It will rank properties by the number of hours people spend watching them instead. Netflix has launched a new website, “Top 10 on Netflix,” to aggregate this information for curious viewers.

The streamer shares in a release:

Figuring out how best to measure success in streaming is hard, and there’s no one perfect metric. Traditional measures like box office or share of audience (which was designed to help advertisers understand success on linear TV) aren’t relevant to most streamers, including Netflix. Having looked at the different options, we believe engagement as measured by hours viewed is a strong indicator of a title’s popularity, as well as overall member satisfaction, which is important for retention in subscription services. In addition, hours viewed mirrors the way third parties measure popularity, encompasses rewatch (a strong sign of member joy) and can be consistently measured across different companies.

On Netflix’s Top10 site, fans can take a look at the top films and tv shows on Netflix. Netflix further separates the titles into “English” and “Non-English” films. You can also click around to see the top 10 lists for different countries. Netflix will also compile global lists. These lists update every Tuesday. Netflix has also made some historical data available. Now if only we could search by show.

Additionally, “The lists are ranked by hours viewed per title, i.e., the total number of hours members spent watching a season of a series or film (including the three times you watched that scene in Sex Life).” But “each season of a series is measured separately, so you might see Seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things on the list.”

Netflix also notes:

We also know fans love to track our most popular films and shows of all time. So we will also update our overall lists, which we first published last month, as new titles become mega hits. These lists are based on the total hours viewed in a title’s first 28 days on Netflix.

While this new methodology improves the two-minute counter, it remains essential to examine this update closely. Being a top show or movie offers big bumps in attention to properties. And thus, it’s crucial we get accurate reports. Netflix does share that they’ve “engaged EY, an independent accounting firm, to review [their] new viewing metrics, and [they] will publish their report in 2022.” Definitely, a great step in ensuring these top 10 lists remain accurate and impartial.

We can only hope we see our favorites in the Top 10 very soon. Of course, we know the upcoming live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series will make the cut. But what about eerie Christmas horror? Guess we will click and find out.

The post Netflix Top 10 Site More Accurately Reports on Most-Watched Titles appeared first on Nerdist.

If you grew up in the ’90s, you were almost certainly a little bit in love with Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor. The pair became fan faves as Xena and Gabrielle on the iconic Xena: Warrior Princess. Bickering their way through a fantastical landscape, the girls were badass fighters, loving friends, and perhaps… even more. But it’s been decades since we’ve seen them together. Luckily for us that’s all about to change. In the upcoming season two finale of Lawless’ cozy murder mystery series My Life Is Murder, O’Connor guest stars. To celebrate this momentous occasion we chatted with them both—and tried not to die—over Zoom.

Acorn TV

Nerdist: It’s so wonderful to talk to you guys. I could gush all day about the impact of Xena! But I’ll get straight to it. Lucy, when did the idea of bringing Renee into My Life Is Murder first come about?

Lucy Lawless: I had it from the very start when we were over in Australia. For some reason because we were still developing the show we couldn’t make it happen. But this time when we went to New Zealand, I said, by hook or by crook, we’re making it happen. And somehow, even though we were in a pandemic and it should have been impossible, my producers made it happen! It was a perfect storm, it was just meant to be and it was just magical. The odds against it happening were so incalculably low and she was available!

And Renee, what was it like for you when you got that call that it was actually going to happen?

Renee O’Connor: I was really stunned. Lucy reached out around February,

Lawless: We were in lockdown!!!

O’Connor: We had just survived an insurrection! (If you want to say we survived it.) The last thing on my mind was that Lucy would invite me to New Zealand to film on her television show. It was just like a dream. So I was really shocked and I was like, ‘Whatever I can do to help facilitate my being there, let me know.’ But as Lucy said, it was her production team that just went straight to work and figured it out. It was really such a surreal experience to go from this very heavy place in America to the land of gods and goddesses.

Acorn TV

What was it like to be reunited again, not only working together on screen but also back in New Zealand?

Lawless: It was so great for me. To have Renee there was like a homecoming. It was like you’ve been out in the desert for so long and then you get a cold drink, like something that you had in your childhood and it’s the greatest thing ever.

O’Connor: It was quite odd to work together in modern clothes in a modern setting! We got to have these very sleek, glamorous looks. And then moving around picture frames and tables that were quite lovely, actually, was a bit of a trip! Last thing I remember I was still walking behind Argo.

It’s not just the modern setting, it seems like the cat and mouse nature of My Life Is Murder is going to be a far cry from the loving relationship that you two had in Xena.

Lawless: Renee’s character in this is the antithesis of Gabrielle. And you cannot believe how good Renee is at playing b**ches!! People are going to be really surprised!

O’Connor: It was fantastic for me because I haven’t been on a set for such a long time. But I’ve been doing a lot of Shakespearean theater. And about three days in and the word fairy came out of Lucy’s mouth, and I was thinking about my character Clarissa and suddenly it all made sense. Clarissa plays everything like it’s a stage, so I was able to think back to all these different roles I’d played in Shakespeare and bring those to it.

Did working together make you guys eager to work together again?

Lawless: Yeah, it’s the easiest thing in the world, eh Ren? We’re actually working together next week behind the scenes. She’s actually helping me with a little private project. We’re still working together but no one’s going to see it.

O’Connor: In any way, any capacity, I would absolutely jump at the chance to do it again!

Renaissance Pictures

Is there a dream version of returning to Xena and Gabrielle that you’ve talked about or a version of them that gets you excited? Do you have any personal hopes for them?

Lawless: I hope somebody can pull it together because people have tried. But it’s always been stymied because they don’t think they can make it better than it was. And nobody wants to make a poorer version. But I think a new generation is coming along, new filmmakers and a new audience out there. I think there’s a way to honor the past while bringing it into the now. Whether that involves us or not, I want Xena and Gabrielle to go on! Though I think it would be really fun to reprise it in a way that is slightly comic, I don’t really want to put that outfit on. You don’t want to see me in that outfit, guys!!

O’Connor: This new generation is so much more advanced. They’re so much more comfortable in their skin than we were when we were on screen representing these iconic characters. I agree with Lucy that if you can just grab that modern vibe that’s happening right now, I would be very happy to be a part of it. But I also agree that if it becomes anything that is less than what it deserves, then I don’t think it would do it justice.

Lawless: The weird thing is that these days even though we now have in many—and not all—options and words, and ways for people to see themselves on screen, there’s still so much need. And in many places you go it’s still really hard to be a minority of any kind. That anxiety and fear is very real. So that’s the part of the world that’s still screaming out for these heroes. And that anxiety is what drove me to create this happy little show that ends up with a dollop of justice at the end because the world just feels so unjust.

New episodes of My Life Is Murder season two hit Acorn every Monday.

The post Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor Talk Reuniting for MY LIFE IS MURDER appeared first on Nerdist.

I spend most of my fall season lavishing in the cute, cozy, ghostliness of Halloween. But sometimes the need hits for a really good scare. This list is here to deliver you a selection of legitimately terrifying movies that will shock, creep, and disgust. There’s no warm witches here; these are the kind of films that make even the bravest among us watch from behind our fingers.

Impetigore

Shudder

Joko Anwar is a horror powerhouse. Thanks to Shudder, you can watch his terrifying take on haunted houses, familial curses, and the horror of small town life right now. Impetigore centers on Maya (Tara Basro), who, after a vicious attack in a stunning opening sequence, discovers she may have inherited a huge home in a rural town. With her best friend tagging along, the pair head off on a fact-finding mission only to uncover something far more horrifying than they could have ever expected. Anwar is a master of atmosphere and style but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect a few truly gruesome and grotesque moments that will haunt you.

You can stream Impetigore on Shudder now.

High Tension

EuropaCorp

Alexandre Aja exploded onto the horror scene with this gnarly 2003 slasher about two young women who travel to a family country home only to be waylaid by a brutal killer. This one is not for the fainthearted, as it packs some gory kills and a devastating third act. But if you want a horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and shock you at every turn, High Tension (a.k.a. Switchblade Romance) is a must watch this Halloween.

You can stream High Tension on Tubi now.

Funny Games

Concorde-Castle Rock/Turner

Austrian auteur Michael Haneke might not be the first person to come to mind when you think of nightmare-inducing horror. But with his chilling 1997 social satire, he created just that. You might have seen the director’s own American remake—which is surprisingly good—but if not, all you need to know is this is one of the most affecting home invasion movies ever made. A happy family is tormented over one long night by two young, wealthy, and intelligent men who want nothing more than to destroy their victims for fun.

You can stream Funny Games on HBO Max now.

#Alive

Netflix

Netflix’s newest K-Horror offering centers the abject terror of being alone in the midst of a massive zombie outbreak. The lone survivor in a huge apartment building tries to find a way out, and is shocked to discover another living person inside. An unexpected friendship blooms as they communicate across the vast space between them. But when one of them is threatened by their undead neighbors, they have to team up to escape. Thrilling, cool, and unique, this is a must-watch for anyone looking for a spooky treat.

You can stream #Alive on Netflix now.

Evolution

Potemkine Films

A young boy comes of age in a small town by the sea, in a world ruled by women and a shady institute that experiments on the boys who live there. Don’t come to this haunting French flick looking for easy answers. But if you want an atmosphere piece that will make your skin crawl and your mind warp ,then you’ll likely leave sated and filled with an unsettling fear.

You can stream Evolution on AMC+ now.

Tigers Are Not Afraid

Shudder

Issa López’s beautiful horror flick made waves at film fests in 2017 and ’18, and is now available to watch thanks to Shudder. Estrella lives in Mexico City, fighting to survive the gang war and crime she’s surrounded by. But she eventually becomes haunted by something other than the violence around her. This is an enchanting take on the contemporary ghost story that stands out in the realm of modern horror for its authentic vision and unrelenting dedication to character and atmosphere.

You can stream Tigers Are Not Afraid on Shudder now.

Ojuju

Fiery Film

Inventive zombies movies are a rare breed, but we’re lucky enough to have three on this list. Ojuju is a micro-budget Nigerian offering from 2014 that offers pure terror in a raw and tight package. Dedicated to authenticity over the Hollywood supernatural, director C.J. Obasi creates a zombie movie that feels even more bone-chilling in 2020. During the 95-minute runtime you can easily forget you’re watching a movie at all. Instead, you’ll find yourself lost in a dynamic and sometimes humorous quest for survival in the slums of Lagos.

You can stream Ojuju on Kweli TV now.

May the Devil Take You

Netflix

Timo Tjahjanto should already be at the top of your favorite genre directors list. But if not, his gory homage to flicks like The Evil Dead should secure his spot. The story centers on Alfie, who arrives at her estranged dad’s deathbed to find out she’s inherited his sprawling villa. But of course, there’s a heavy price to pay. The film’s favorite themes are the sins of the father and how our parents often leave a legacy we don’t want. May the Devil Take You is a wild ride through B-movie horror and once again showcases Tjahjanto’s impressive genre chops.

You can stream May the Devil Take You on Netflix now.

Train to Busan

Next Entertainment World

This Korean zombie movie took the horror scene by storm a couple of years ago and it was for a very good reason. A smart and emotional take on the trapped-room subgenre, the movie is set on a moving train as a group of survivors try to make it to their destination while defeating the hordes of undead on board. Stylish, frightening, and ultimately heartbreaking, this is one of the best horror movies of the last decade and one of the best zombie films of all time.

You can stream Train to Busan on Tubi now.

Martyrs

Wild Bunch

One of the few films in my life that I could never watch again, this movie comes with a huge “only for the most hardcore horror hounds” warning. If you can face that very visceral and prolonged kind of horror then check out this New French Extremity offering. It follows the story of a young woman, imprisoned and tortured as a child, who seeks vengeance only to find more pain and depravity. This is a controversial cult flick that still splits horror fans down the middle. But if you can face extreme gore, then Martyrs does have a lot of interesting things to say and isn’t easy to forget.

You can stream Martyrs on Shudder now.

Audition

Omega Project

Audition is a horror classic for a reason. Takashi Miike’s skin-crawling story about a wealthy man who finds a wife by auditioning a selection of suitors. But as he soon finds out, his new paramour hides a dark secret. Featuring one of the most notorious cinematic torture scenes of all time, Audition is a truly terrifying treatise on societal concepts of love, trust, and obsession.

You can stream Audition on Amazon Prime Video.

The Queen of Black Magic

Shudder

This frightful flick recently debuted at Fantastic Fest and blew this reviewer away. When Hanif takes his family to the orphanage where he was raised, things quickly go wrong. The strange staff and an unsettling lack of children are just the beginning. Soon, they uncover a shocking secret that will put everyone connected to the orphanage at risk. A creepy exploration of vengeance, unsettled spirits, and the ghosts of the past, Kimo Stamboel and Joko Anwar team up for this delightfully dark offering.

The Queen of Black Magic is available on Shudder.

Originally published October 8, 2020.

The post 12 International Horror Movies to Terrify You This Halloween appeared first on Nerdist.

With Squid Game on its way to becoming Netflix’s biggest show ever, the internet is ablaze. Hwang Dong-hyuk’s stylishly violent and satirical look at hyper-capitalism and the lengths people will go to survive has become a cultural phenomenon. But after you’ve finished the nine episodes then what should you watch next? There are literally thousands of awesome K-Dramas to explore, so we’re focusing on an array of thematically relevant movies and TV from around the world. So let’s get to it!

Battle Royale (2000)

Toei Company

Where to watch: Free on Tubi, Vudu, Pluto

For many viewers who grew up during the Tartan Extreme era, Battle Royale is likely the first thing that came to mind when you saw Squid Game. This iconic, brutal movie from Japanese director Kinji Fukasaku centers around a similar premise. Based on the book by Koushun Takami, the movie imagines a world where—due to over population and student delinquency—random school classes are selected to fight in a so-called Battle Royale. Each of the children are given a random weapon and the last one standing wins. It’s a searing social satire that set the stage for the contemporary fight-to-the-death trend.

The Housemaid (1960)

Kuk Dong Seki Trading Co.

Where to watch: Available to rent from Apple TV

This atmospheric and creepy Korean domestic thriller from Kim Ki-young was a big influence on Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite. The horrifying femme fatale tale acts as a dire warning to wealthy families who might take in a poor woman as a worker. When composer Dong-sik’s wife becomes pregnant, the pair decide they need home help. Their seemingly sweet housemaid soon becomes a thorn in all their sides and a spate of violence follows. It ends with an unforgettable twist that says a lot about the way workers were viewed at the time, more as an existential threat to the wealthy than people there to help.

The Platform (2019)

Where to watch: Netflix

If the gamification of survival and darkly horrific representation was what gripped you then this Spanish horror from Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia will likely fill the Squid Game-shaped hole in your life. This dystopian nightmare takes place in a “Vertical Self-Management Center.” What’s that, you ask? It’s a towering prison where the residents are regularly moved randomly between floors. And they’re delivered food by a platform that starts at the top and goes down level by level. Of course, those who are at the bottom are left without while those at the top eat. It’s a gnarly commentary on how trickle down economics doesn’t work.

Kingdom (2019)

Netflix

Where to watch: Netflix

This ​​Joseon era South Korean period drama is one of the best zombie shows on TV. It’s also an intricate look at class systems and the politics of life and death. As Crown Prince Lee Chang investigates a brewing conspiracy, he discovers something far more dangerous. There’s an infection which is bringing the dead back to life. Over two seasons and a brilliant feature-length episode, Kingdom offers up a startling take on zombie lore that evolves and shifts. While the first season will hook you, the second and that special really make its message clear. This is gory and political horror TV at its most ambitious and interesting.

Parasite (2019)

Neon

Where to watch: Hulu

It’s impossible to talk about class war storytelling without mentioning Parasite. Bong Joon-ho’s satirical masterpiece takes on the class divide in South Korea in stark fashion. The story centers on two families, the wealthy Park clan and the poverty stricken Kim family. The former live large in a sprawling minimalist home with no idea how their lavish lifestyle impacts those around them. When the Kim’s son Ki-woo gains employment at the Park’s, their lives begin to change. Soon, the entire family is working there. Filled with secrets, bleak humor, and an unforgettable final act, this is a must watch after Squid Game.

Train to Busan (2016)

Where to watch: Free on Tubi, Pluto, Crackle, Peacock, Vudu

Another brilliant zombie offering from South Korea, this trapped train undead flick reignited our passion for the overdone subgenre. It’s absolutely action packed and filled with social commentary. Seo Seok-woo is a tired, divorced father who is taking his daughter Su-an to spend her birthday with her mother in Busan. But a rampant zombie plague is spreading across the country. Soon, the pair is trapped on a train, battling the undead and trying to survive the trip. Nothing short of a perfect zombie movie, this is a great horror-filled follow up to Squid Game.

Ready or Not (2019)

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Where to watch: Available to rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video

Samara Weaving shines among an all-star cast in this class war slasher. Grace thinks that she’s met the love of her life in Alex Le Domas. The heir to a family gaming company, he’s rich, charming, and kind. Or at least that’s what it seems like until their wedding night, as when the pair tie the knot they have to play a game. This is a whip-sharp horror-comedy that’ll have you screaming, crying, and cheering before the credits roll. Ready or Not knows how fun it is to see an underdog battle the upper classes and relishes in it at every turn.

Alice in Borderland (2020)

Where to watch: Netflix

If you’re looking for something about a deadly game that’s on Netflix now, then Alice in Borderland is for you. While the rest of our picks are outwardly political in nature, it’s impossible to not recommend this massively entertaining offering. Three friends wake up in an empty Tokyo. While trying to work out what’s going on, they find a door which seems to lead to the only other people in the city. Alas, it also leads to a game that once you start playing you cannot stop. And if you lose, you die. Inventive and original, this is a Saw-style take on the survival game that will keep you engrossed from the first episode.

Society (1989)

Wild Street Pictures

Where to watch: Free on Tubi

While it’s not for the faint hearted, Society is one of the best class war horror movies ever made. Brian Yuzna crafts a story that takes the idea of the rich feeding on the poor literally. And it’s just as gross as the reality it’s based on. When a young man, Bill, begins to suspect that his Beverly Hills family has a nasty secret, his life is turned upside down. Soon, he’s thrown into a conspiracy that he can barely believe. It pits Bill against the bloodthirsty society that he was supposed to embrace in a trippy and grotesque fight for survival.

Featured Image: Netflix, Toei Company

The post 9 Things to Watch After You Finish SQUID GAME appeared first on Nerdist.

If you are to believe fiction, you are to believe that disability is horrific. From the wizened, hunched over witches of Grimm’s fairy tales, to the Igor-style mad scientist’s sidekick, to the contemporary facially disfigured villains of Wonder Woman and James Bond. Disability is often used to horrify, terrify, or occasionally to encourage pity. While stories featuring disabled characters regularly focus on disabilities making our lives not worth living, in horror we often get to see disabled characters but their inclusion is meant to unsettle. Not in Midnight Mass. In fact, in Midnight Mass not only do we get to see a young disabled woman who lives a good life, but we also get to see a subversion of one of the worst kinds of disability stories: the curative miracle that suddenly “fixes” us.

Netflix

Crockett Island is a small island community, one dragged down by a dying fishing industry. The people who live there, like in any community, live on a spectrum of happiness to despair. One of the people who seems vaguely happy is Leeza Scarborough (Annarah Cymone). Leeza has friends, a loving family, and faith that brings her joy. She’s also a wheelchair user. Years before we join the Crock Pot, she was shot by her fellow islander Joe Collie (Robert Longstreet) in a drunken accident. It redefined Leeza’s life and made Joe an outcast. When Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) arrives, it takes on a horrifying new relevance on the island.

Stories of religious leaders and healers curing disability are as old as the Bible itself. In one famous example, Matthew 9:35 states that “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” There are plenty more like it, and entire branches of religion have been built around the idea that disability can be cured by Faith. Relatedly in fiction, there are entire tropes and subgenres espousing exactly the same idea, even if religion is not involved. Disabilities are to be cured and in doing so the healer does something righteous or good. Not so in Midnight Mass. In fact, here a curative miracle is used to horrify and to tell the audience that things are about to go from strange to downright nightmarish.

Netflix

The body horror nature of “curing a disabled person” is not lost on Flanagan, who poses the situation as one of abject terror. It’s also steeped in deep cruelty. As episode two comes to an end, Leeza prepares to take Holy Communion—something she does with more consistency and sincerity than anyone else in town—and Father Paul has a revelation. He realizes that he needs to perform a miracle. He needs something to inspire fervor and faith in the small town, and Leeza is his vessel to do it. It’s an insidious decision that puts Leeza in a horrible position. Her trusted Father Paul refuses to kneel to give her Communion, she must stand. Paralyzed from the waist down, that should be impossible. But against all odds, she walks.

Usually we’re expected to celebrate such an event, a disabled person stepping out of their wheelchair and walking. But here the moral compass of the town, Erin (Kate Siegel), cries out at him to stop. She knows it’s cruel, and when Leeza walks she is outwardly frightened. In case you aren’t sure how to feel, this is not a moment for happiness. It’s one of vast unsettling strangeness, a sign of what’s to come. And while we don’t know it at that moment, it’s later revealed to be the symptom of Father Paul drip feeding the town “angel” blood. There’s nothing pure or godly here, instead this is a betrayal of their and Leeza’s trust.

Netflix

Leeza unarguably gains something from her new status quo. In her ability to walk, she comes to a place of forgiveness, encouraging Joe Collie to forgive himself. It’s a massively powerful moment—and arguably one of the best scenes in the show—but that choice and growth really came from Leeza. Her change in circumstance likely just pushed her to action. Once again Leeza showcases how she’s a wonderful, good person whose kindness can shape and change others. Not in a clean, sanitized inspirational way—another trope we often see in stories about disability—but in a messy, relatable, and human form. Sadly, while Leeza turns her new life into something positive, it radicalizes her parents. Their obsession with her disability translated into a tunnel vision belief in the man and means that cured it.

The misguided idea that disabled lives are less worth living leads to great strife, grief, and trauma in the real world. It can even lead to murders of disabled people—and especially disabled children—at the hands of their parents. In a horrifying echo of that reality, we see Leeza’s parents become at first complicit in murder and then eager to kill their own child. In episode six we see Bev (Samantha Sloyan) and Father Paul’s plan come to fruition. They reveal the Angel, then they try to convince the islanders to poison themselves.

While Leeza and her friend Warren (Igby Rigney) are horrified at the chaos around them, Leeza’s parents submit. Her mother drinks the poison first, while her father encourages Leeza to drink with him. It’s a grotesque showcase of how far they’ll go to keep this version of Leeza, but as they die—only to be reborn—she manages to escape.

Netflix

It’s important to note that eventually after a bloodbath and the realization that their lives will end that night, Leeza’s parents try to find their daughter. They seem to want to make amends, and are worried that she too might not survive. But survive she does. In fact, Warren and Leeza are the only survivors of Crockett Island. And as their home burns, they see the Angel—or possible vampire—fly towards the horizon. The question of whether it will make it to the mainland seems to go unanswered until Leeza says the show’s final line.

“I can’t feel my legs,” and then Cymone smiles slightly after she says it. At this moment, Midnight Mass does something I have never seen in horror. It shows disability as hope. Leeza’s paralysis returning means the evil is gone, the blood’s power has rescinded, and she knows this. It’s not bittersweet; she doesn’t cry for the momentary time she could walk again. Instead, she declares it as a victory, recognizing that her life before Father Pruitt was her real life. It was good and filled with love as well as tragedy. Her disability is a return to that. There’s nothing to be cured here, and the cure she did receive was violent and vicious.

Netflix

To end the show on this line feels radical. To recognize that a disabled person can be content or even happy with their life in the face of the horrors they’ve faced is huge. Telling the audience that the evil was defeated this specific way feels monumental. And it once again showcases why Flanagan is a master of quiet stories about hope.

Midnight Mass is on Netflix now.

Featured Image: Netflix

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Vampires. They’ve been haunting the human psyche for millennia and are undoubtedly one of the most iconic monsters of our time. From Nosferatu through Bela Lugosi all the way up to the Lost Boys and even Twilight, each generation has their vampire. But in Mike Flanagan’s fantastic Midnight Mass, we get a reconsideration of bloodsuckers and their origins. And it just so happens to be one of the coolest and most inventive takes on vampire lore yet.

It all begins when Monsignor John Pruitt goes on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Wandering from the crowd, he loses himself in a cave, only to be saved by what he deems an “Angel.” That’s all we ever hear the bloodsucking, winged creature called in Midnight Mass. But to fans of Dracula and vampire fiction, it’s clear that we’re seeing a new kind of vampire story told. It hinges on one key and incredibly clever idea: that the Bible is in fact a text about vampires and Jesus himself was one. In that context, Monsignor Pruitt’s Angel is not an aberration but a Holy biblical creature. Pruitt is reborn as Father Paul, a reference to Paul the Apostle who changed his name after his conversion on the road to Damascus. How very fitting.

Netflix

Midnight Mass uses our Angel—and biblical verses themselves—to present a version of the sacred text in which vampires are not only real but holy. While the show doesn’t reveal its hand until episode four, we’re given establishing hints this is the case. When Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) arrives on the island, he’s carrying a huge trunk. Anyone who’s read or watched Dracula will recognize that as a classic form of transporting a vampire across the sea. There are more subtle nods too, ones that seem almost unconscious, just normal representations of Catholic tradition that soon take on a much more sinister relevance.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. He took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples and said, ‘Take this, all of you, and eat it. This is my body, which will be given up for you.’ When supper was ended, he took the cup. Again, he gave you thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples and said, ‘Take this, all of you, and drink from it. This is my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in remembrance of me.'” — Matthew 26:27

Like any Catholic priest, Father Paul delivers mass. While this takes place, we always hear him deliver this passage from Matthew 26:27. In the Catholic church this is normal, but on Crockett Island and under the tutelage of Father Paul it takes on a different meaning. See, the inhabitants of the island are truly drinking the blood of the Angel. And Father Paul has begun to take Matthew 26:27 very literally. If the Angel saved him in the Holy Land by feeding Paul his blood, then surely that is what Jesus spoke of here too? It’s an impressively simple yet inventive reading of the text and one that resonates with anyone who has ever asked the question, “But why did Jesus want them to eat his flesh and drink his blood?” The passage also hints at the transformation that those who drink it will come to undertake.

Netflix

Once you begin to think about the Bible through this context, it’s easy to make these connections. Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life—something Father Paul directly references—along with his own resurrection. How does a man who was dead come back to life? In the world and lived experience of Father Paul, he now has his answer: through the blood of an Angel. Why wouldn’t that be true of none other than Jesus himself?

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life. And I will raise them up on the last day, for my flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink and whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will remain in me, and I in them.” — John 6:51

While the word vampire is never uttered in the series, its influence is clear. Just like most vampire stories, it’s allegorical. The vampire represents fanaticism, blind unquestioning faith, cruelty, and the way small towns are drained by corrupt leaders. But it is also a literal vampire that lives or dies by Father Paul’s belief that the creature is holy rather than demonic. Looking to John 6:51, it’s not at all hard to understand why he believes that. During his time in the Holy Land, Monsignor Pruitt drank from an “Angel” and gained eternal life. It sounds awfully familiar—and while this could all be coincidence or a drastically bleak misreading of the text they live their life by—there’s at least one member of Crockett Island who is sure it’s a sign.

Netflix

“The fourth angel poured his bowl upon the sun and it was allowed to scorch men with fire.” — Revelations 16:8

After the Angel feasts on Riley, he’s reborn. Bev (Samantha Sloyan) is less than happy about God’s will. She sees Riley as a useless drunk who has been given an unfair blessing. Bev’s anger leads her to make the clearest argument for the reading of the Bible as a text about vampires. And not only about vampires, but also about Jesus as a vampire, turning others to prepare them for the end of the world. It’s a shockingly smart interpretation that works perfectly in the context of the show. When she quotes Revelations 16:8, she snarks at Riley that it almost sounds like someone is getting certain people ready for the days ahead. In Bev’s mind, the Bible is a guide for what Father Paul, and soon the inhabitants of Crockett Island, will become.

The trappings and symptoms of vampirism are key to the tale of Midnight Mass. A thirst for blood, unable to walk in sunlight, an apparent near immortality. But in the starkly simple and smart decision to use the Bible as the lens through which to look at it, Flanagan creates something entirely new. And in doing so creates vampiric lore you can’t stop thinking about.

Midnight Mass is on Netflix now.

Featured Image: Midnight Mass

The post How MIDNIGHT MASS Reinvents One of Horrors Oldest Tropes appeared first on Nerdist.

Doom Patrol, Doom Patrol, Doom Patrol. Only just back for your third season and you’ve already introduced a smorgasboard of new deep cut DC characters. Yes, everyone’s favorite found family of monsters, robots, and sex ghosts have returned and they’ve bought some new recruits. The end of the first episode introduces us to a mysterious new femme fatale who arrives in a giant drill. As this was originally set to be the end of season two, it’s a huge tease that implies the jumpsuit-wearing woman will play a big role in the new season. The fact that she’s played by Michelle Gomez just makes it even more exciting. So who is she? And what does her arrival mean for the Doom Patrol? Let’s get to know Madame Rouge!

Meeting Madame Rouge

DC Comics

Madame Rouge first appeared in 1964’s Doom Patrol #86. It’s a startlingly great issue that begins with each of the Patrol trying to find the best birthday present for the Chief. It’s the sort of sincere sci-fi storytelling we rarely get in modern superhero comics. Madame made her debut in the latter half of the issue after a giant robot that the Chief built for the government is stolen by a villain known only as Rog. While Rog lays waste to the city, a teacher in an elite girls school in Paris is interrupted during her class. But we quickly discover that she is in fact a member of the Brotherhood of Evil. Working alongside the Brain, she sends Rog on his way to defeat the Doom Patrol, which he fails miserably at. But that isn’t the last that fans saw of Madame Rouge and her nefarious schemes.

Her Impact on the Doom Patrol

DC Comics

Madame Rouge appeared soon after as a spy for the Brotherhood of Evil. Her skill as a master of disguise was transformed into shape-shifting powers after a surgery that “sublimated” any goodness within her, making her a villain at the beck and call of the Brain. It was an interesting inversion of Rita Farr’s own powers and in Doom Patrol #90, the comic played into that, having Madame disguise herself as Rita to ambush Cliff. In the wild issue she disguises herself as each of the Doom Patrol, showing off her “skin molding” skills.

Rouge wasn’t always a straight antagonist, though. Like anyone who gets involved with the Doom Patrol, she’s far more complex. Since her debut in 1964, she’s been a recurring presence for the heroes and even had a romantic entanglement with the Chief. The duality of her personality after the Brain’s surgery meant that Madame found herself split between her evil side and her good one. As her “good” self, she wanted to aid the Doom Patrol and help them in their quests. But her “bad” side often fought back. It seems like this will likely play a large part in her arc going forward in Doom Patrol season three.

HBO Max

Like many of our favorite comic book characters, her journey has been a weird one. There’s some particularly interesting stuff in the 2008 Doom Patrol series. During a resurgence of her bad side, Rouge returned to kill both the Brotherhood of Evil and the Doom Patrol. And, honestly, who can blame her? Much of Doom Patrol season three is dealing with the fallout of the truth about the Chief and his experiments, so it would make sense to see Madame Rouge perhaps deal with the damage that these warring men have done to her.

What Her Arrival Means for Our Favorite Freaks

From her comics history we know that Madame Rouge is a member of the Brotherhood of Evil. But she has been on both sides of the Doom Patrol as both antagonist and ally. If we’re going by her comic book past then it’s likely she’s been sent to infiltrate the group. We know that just like her comics debut she’s been pretending to be Rita. And when she was disguised as Rita in episode two, she trapped the real Rita in the ballroom and left her to die. That definitely seems like something a spy for the Brotherhood would do. There’s also the fact that we know Niles left Rita with his “secret,” so that could be what Madame Rouge is searching for.

HBO Max

At the end of episode three when the crew meet her, it’s revealed she doesn’t remember who she actually is. And perhaps, more importantly, what her mission is. Could it be that The Brain did the same surgery on this Madame Rouge as in the comics? Perhaps her sublimated personalities have caused her to have amnesia. Or there’s a chance that she’s a figure from the Chief’s past who came to warn the Patrol of the Brotherhood’s plans. We’ve already seen a version of the Brotherhood in episode two, so there’s also the possibility that she traveled from the past to infiltrate and destroy the Doom Patrol in the future?

No matter what, the arrival of Madame Rouge spells trouble for our heroic weirdos! And we can’t wait to see what Michelle Gomez does with this dynamic and dreadful new character.

The post Who Is DOOM PATROL’S Madame Rouge? appeared first on Nerdist.

Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga has delighted and excited fans since 1987. But its anime adaptation has made it a global phenomenon. While the main show is a wonderfully fantastical and fashionable crime adventure, our newest obsession is a limited spinoff centered around the famed mangaka known as Rohan Kishibe. First introduced during the Diamond is Unbreakable arc, Netflix has a wicked four episode horror anime based on Rohan’s adventures and it’s a must watch for fans of scary stories and spooky shows.

What Is Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan?

First things first: You don’t have to watch or read JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to watch Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan. While the character exists in the world of that show, this is essentially a standalone anthology. Based on a series of one shot manga stories by Araki, each episode begins with Rohan recalling a strange tale. In that way it follows some of our favorite horror series like The X-Files, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and Goosebumps. But these stories are far odder and often scarier.

Netflix

Who’s the Titular Hero?

Araki brings his radical style and sensibility from JoJo’s for these standalone stories. Rohan is an outrageously entertaining protagonist. His fashions are designed around the tools of his trade; inking nibs dangle from his ears, pens are utilized as buttons. His startlingly green hair leaps from his head as he enthuses and enunciates. Blending humor and horror perfectly, Rohan is our knowledgeable guide into the eerie world he inhabits.

Why Is Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan Perfect for Horror Fans?

So if you delve into the world of Rohan Kishibe, what sort of stories can you expect? Well, it’s certainly one of the more eclectic collections of horror yarns we’ve ever seen. From haunted gym bros to etiquette obsessed spirits all the way through overhearing a haunted confession, these are not your average ghost stories. Each one is scarier than the last. It helps that the writing is hilarious and the voice acting is impeccable. In fact, the worst thing about the show is that there are only four episodes. We need more spooky Rohan stories!

Netflix

If you’re a die hard horror fan you’ll likely feel Araki’s love for the genre. The series bursts with his influences. Episodes play with nods to iconic horror authors like Poe and often feel like spiritual successors to Junji Ito. While Rohan might be an unconventional leading horror hero, his show fits perfectly into the genre while adding something new. We get religious supernatural tales a la The Conjuring—but weirder—and there are spooky haunted house stories, as well as gore-filled murders. Rohan fills all your horror-loving needs.

As the colder evenings creep in and we get ready for spooky season, this is the perfect fall watch. Smart, spooky, and utterly hilarious, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan might be your new fave horror show. After all, how often do you get to discover a new animated series that can both make you cry with laughter and give you nightmares?

Featured Image: Netflix

The post THUS SPOKE KISHIBE ROHAN Is a Must Watch for Horror Fans appeared first on Nerdist.

When The Haunting of Bly Manor ended in the winter of last year, creator Mike Flanagan disappointed many fans by revealing on Twitter that there were “no further plans” for another series of the beloved Netflix horror anthology. But the official The Haunting instagram account has given us hope and chills with a mysterious teaser posted today. While it’s actually for Flanagan’s new Netflix series Midnight Mass–and not a new Haunting show–we thought we’d have some fun speculating what it can tell us about his mysterious upcoming project. And while there’s not much to go on, we’ve got some thoughts!

The Creepy Teaser

The creepy five second short centers on a ferry heading to Crockett Island. “We’re 30 miles from the mainland with only two ferries a day” the caption ominously states… That would fit with the official plot details Netflix has so far released for Midnight Mass. “an isolated community experiences miraculous events – and frightening omens – after the arrival of a charismatic, mysterious young priest.” Seeing as we love a spooky island and Maine set horror, this sounds appropriately good and creepy to us.

The Stephen King Connection

It also sounds vaguely reminiscent of Revival, a Stephen King project that Flanagan was working on before revealing last year he was no longer developing it. In that story a Methodist preacher becomes a beloved member of a small Maine town before renouncing god and becoming an unusual faith healer. While Midnight Mass doesn’t appear to be this adaptation under another name, the stories both share similarities around new religious figures and their impact on the small Maine based communities they appear in. And that’s not the only potential King connection to the show either.

Netflix

Of course when we think of Maine we think of Stephen King. So when The Haunting Instagram posted the teaser today many fans wondered if this was a teaser for a King influenced season of The Haunting. Alas, no but Midnight Mass does appear in another King Netflix project. Gerald’s Game was Flanagan’s delightfully dark adaptation of King’s 1992 novel of the same name. Bly Manor’s Carla Gugino stars as a woman who gets trapped, handcuffed to her own bed after her husband has a heart attack during sex. Gugino isn’t the only Flanagan Easter egg as we also see the book Midnight Mass, thrown across the room during the film. So will this be an adaptation of that book? To answer that we need to look at another Flanagan film…

The Mike Flanagan Universe Connection

In 2016’s Hush, starring Hill House, Bly Manor, and future Midnight Mass star Kate Siegel, it’s the name of the deaf/mute author’s popular book. In that cult slasher Siegel plays that very author who has to outwit a villain that consistently underestimates her. Seeing as Midnight Mass seems to be an existing text, it’s unlikely we’ll see Siegel play the same character. Unless of course, it was an auto-biographical horror that we just weren’t aware of. If she survived the strange events and nefarious priest perhaps that explains how she survived her assailant in the woods… But anyway, the point is that Midnight Mass very much exists within Flanagan’s interconnected world of horror. So expect this to at least hint at his other work.

There’s also the Maine setting. Flanagan is a student of horror. So while this might not be a direct adaptation of any horror classic, it could likely be an exploration of what Maine means to horror and why it has become such an iconic location. That will likely mean some definite King references, as well as nods to iconic Maine set stories like Richard Matheson’s Hell House. We’re pretty excited about this aspect. Island horror often also means folk horror… so another exciting subgenre for Flanagan to delve into. So basically this is going to be another brilliant horror deconstruction from Flanagan. And as you can see we’ll be here to dream, theorize, and write about it until it hits Netflix. Bring it on!

Featured Image: Netflix

The post What Could This Mysterious New MIDNIGHT MASS Teaser Mean? appeared first on Nerdist.

Welcome back to our Everything Coming to Streaming column! Each month, we’ll feature a few of the most exciting things coming to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as listing every single movie and TV show headed to each platform. So without further ado, get ready to dive into everything you can enjoy on your favorite streamer this August!

Reservation Dogs

FX

Where to watch: Hulu
When to watch: Aug 9

Taika Waititi co-created this indigenous comedy with Sterlin Harjo. Set in rural Oklahoma we follow a group of teens as they steal and save their way to freedom… where will that freedom take them? Hopefully to the golden shores of California. We can’t wait to watch this hilarious and heartfelt looking show starring and made by indigenous people.

Brand New Cherry Flavor

Where to watch: Netflix
When to watch: Aug 13

Netflix’s new ’90s set horror thriller stars Battle Angel Alita’s Rosa Salazar. Lisa Nova is a young filmmaker who heads to Hollywood to make her masterpiece. But when she’s betrayed and abandoned she becomes embroiled in a strange and surreal quest for revenge. And to make it better she’s aided by a potentially supernatural friend…

Nine Perfect Strangers

Where to watch: Hulu
When to watch: Aug 18

The newest collaboration from David E. Kelley and Nicole Kidman looks wild. With a stacked cast featuring Michael Shannon, Melissa McCarthy, Samara Weaving, and Manny Jacinto, this cult thriller looks like our new TV obsession. A group of unexpected strangers head to a mysterious wellness retreat run by the oddball health expert Kidman… this looks creepy AF.

Annette

Where to watch: Amazon
When to watch: Aug 20

Adam Driver stars as a stand up comedian in the newest experimental flick from Leos Carax. This epic, surreal, and romantic tale centers on Driver’s relationship with Ann. Marion Cotillard plays the opera singer and love interest. This flick debuted at Cannes and features some truly outrageous moments which will likely have it going down in cinema history.

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

Where to watch: Netflix
When to watch: Aug 23

An animated prequel to the smash Netflix series is coming. This gorgeously drawn series comes from the Korean studio Mir (Legend of Korra). The series centers on “Vesemir, a cocky young witcher,” who “delights in slaying monsters for coin.” But when a new job comes up he realizes there’s more to his role than monetary gain.

You can check out the full listings for August below!

Netflix

Aug. 1
Beethoven
Beethoven’s 2nd
Beowulf
Catch Me If You Can
Darwin’s Game
Deep Blue Sea
The Edge of Seventeen
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Five Feet Apart
Friday Night Lights: Seasons 1-5
Good Luck Chuck
The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia
Hunter X Hunter (2011): Seasons 5-6
Inception
The Lincoln Lawyer
The Losers
The Machinist
Magnolia
Major Payne
My Girl
My Girl 2
The Net
The Original Kings of Comedy
Pineapple Express
Poms
Seabiscuit
Space Cowboys
Team America: World Police
30 Rock: Seasons 1-7
Aug. 3
Pray Away
Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord
Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified
Aug. 4
Aftermath
American Masters: Inventing David Geffen
Car Masters: Rust to Riches: Season 3
Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami
Control Z: Season 2
Cooking With Paris
Aug. 6
Hit & Run
Navarasa
The Swarm
Vivo
Aug. 8
Quartet
Aug. 9
Shaman King
Aug. 10
Gabby’s Dollhouse: Season 2
Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang
Untold: Malice at the Palace
Aug. 11
Bake Squad
The Kissing Booth 3
La Diosa del Asfalto
Misha and the Wolves
Aug. 12
AlRawabi School for Girls
Lokillo: Nothing’s the Same
Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild
Aug. 13
Beckett
Brand New Cherry Flavor
Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Season 5: South Pacific
Gone for Good
The Kingdom
Valeria: Season 2
Aug. 15
Mother Goose Club: Seasons 3-4
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai: Season 1
Winx Club: Season 6
Aug. 16
Walk of Shame
Aug. 17
Go! Go! Cory Carson: Season 5
Untold: Deal with the Devil
Aug. 18
The Defeated
Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes
Out of my league
The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student
Aug. 19
Like Crazy
Aug. 20
The Chair
Everything Will Be Fine
The Loud House Movie
Sweet Girl
Aug. 23
The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf
Aug. 24
Oggy Oggy
Untold: Caitlyn Jenner
Aug. 25
Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed
Clickbait
John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer
Motel Makeover
The November Man
The Old Ways
Open Your Eyes
Post Mortem: No One Dies in Skarnes
Rainbow High: Part 2
Really Love
The River Runner
Tayo the Little Bus: Season 4
The Water Man
Aug. 26
Edens Zero
Family Reunion: Part 4
Aug. 27
He’s All That
I Heart Arlo
Titletown High
Aug. 28
Bread Barbershop: Season 2
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Aug. 31
Sparking Joy
Untold: Crime and Penalties

Hulu

August 1
Hamilton’s Pharmacopia: Complete Season 3 (Vice)
10 to Midnight (1983)
21 (2008)
30 Days Of Night (2007)
30 Minutes Or Less (2011)
All About E (2015)
Alpha & Omega (2010)
Are We There Yet? (2005)
As Good as It Gets (1997)
Attack The Block (2011)
The Baby-Sitters Club (1995)
Bagdad Cafe (1988)
The Beast Within (1982)
Black Swan (2009)
Blood Games (1991)
Blood On Satan’s Claw (1970)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Cherry Pop (2017)
Christina’s House (2001)
Contagion (2011)
Every Breath You Take (2021)
The Final Girls (2015)
First Knight (1995)
Fish Don’t Blink (2002)
Fred Claus (2007)
Freelancers (2012)
French Postcards (1979)
From Prada To Nada (2011)
Garbo Talks (1984)
Getting Go: The Go Doc Project (2013)
The Girl King (2015)
The Grudge (2004)
Gulliver’s Travels (2009)
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)
The Hawaiians (1970)
Heart of Midnight (1989)
Heartbreakers (2001)
Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party (2015)
Henry V (1989)
Hondo (1953)
The Hot Chick (2002)
The Hunter (1980)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
I Love You, Don’t Touch Me! (1998)
It’s Kind Of A Funny Story (2010)
Jack And Jill (2011)
The Killing Streets (1991)
King Arthur (2004)
Kingpin (1996)
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Liz in September (2014)
Mad Max (1980)
Miami Blues (1990)
Mirror Mirror (2012)
Mud (2013)
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Naz & Maalik (2015)
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Plaza Suite (1971)
Roadhouse 66 (1984)
Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Rudy (1993)
Shane (1953)
Shark Tale (2002)
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Special Effects (1984)
Spellbinder (1988)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Those People (2015)
Toy Soldiers (1991)
Transcendence (2014)
Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
The Vatican Tapes (2015)
Watchmen (2009)
August 4
The Devil You Know: Complete Seasons 1-2 (Vice)
August 5
Princess Cyd (2017)
August 6
Madagascar: A Little Wild: Complete Season 4 (Hulu Original)
August 8
The Party (2018)
August 9
Reservation Dogs: Series Premiere (FX on Hulu)
August 10
Together Together (2021)
August 11
Fantasy Island: Series Premiere (Fox)
AWOL (2016)
August 12
Homeroom (2021) (Hulu Original)
The Force (2017)
Held (2021)
The Virtuoso (2021)
The Waiting Room (2012)
August 13
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 8 Premiere (NBC)
August 15
The Hate U Give (2018)
Silo (2019)
August 17
Bachelor in Paradise: Season 7 Premiere (ABC)
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
August 18
Nine Perfect Strangers: Series Premiere (Hulu Original)
The Marijuana Conspiracy (2021)
Unsane (2018)
August 19
Blast Beat (2020)
Jungleland (2021)
August 21
We Broke Up (2021)
August 23
The Ultimate Surfer: Series Premiere (ABC)
August 24
Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013)
August 26
American Horror Story: Season 10 Premiere (FX)
Archer: Season 12 Premiere (FXX)
Disobedience (2017)
Feral State (2021)
Love and Monsters (2021)
August 27
Vacation Friends (2021) (Hulu Original)
Chaos Walking (2020)
August 28
Four Good Days (2021)
August 29
Horizon Line (2021)
August 30
9/11: One Day in America: Series Premiere (National Geographic)
Spell (2020)
August 31
Only Murders in the Building: Series Premiere (Hulu Original)

Amazon

August 1
21 (2008)
Aliens (1986)
All About Steve (2009)
Anaconda (1997)
Annie (1982)
Attack The Block (2011)
Borat (2006)
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Center Stage (2000)
Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)
Elektra (2005)
Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Freedomland (2006)
Hook (1991)
In Her Shoes (2005)
Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
Jaws (1975)
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 3 (1983)
Knowing (2009)
La Bamba (1987)
Machete (2010)
Made Of Honor (2008)
Max Payne (2008)
Moneyball (2011)
Mud (2013)
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Patriot Games (1992)
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Predator (1987)
Predator 2 (1990)
Seabiscuit (2003)
Secret Window (2004)
Sideways (2004)
Slither (2006)
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
Soul Surfer (2011)
The Great Debaters (2013)
The Insider (2000)
The Iron Lady (2011)
The Legend Of Zorro (2005)
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
The Natural (1984)
The Roommate (2011)
The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys (2008)
Water For Elephants (2011)
You, Me And Dupree (2006)
Addison: Season 1 (Kidstream)
Bannan: Season 1 (Mhz Choice)
Be Cool, Scooby Doo: Season 1 (Boomerang)
Chesapeake Shores: Season 1 (Hallmark Movies Now)
City Confidential: Season 1 (A&E Crime Central)
Delicious: Season 1 (Acorn TV)
Dirt Every Day: Season 1 (Motortrend)
Frankie Drake Mysteries: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
The French Chef with Julia Child: Season 1 (PBS Living)
Here We Go Again: Season 1 (ALLBLK)
How the Earth Was Made: Season 1 (History Vault)
In Their Own Words: Season 1 (PBS Documentaries)
Sea Raiders: Season 1 (Best TV Ever)
The Bridge: Season 1 (Topic)
The Nordic Murders: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
Winners of the West: Season 1 (Best Westerns Ever)
August 6
*Val – Amazon Original Movie (2021)
*S.O.Z. Soldiers or Zombies (English subtitles only) – Amazon Original Series: Season 1
August 13
*EVANGELION:3.0+1.01 THRICE UPON A TIME – Amazon Exclusive (2021)
*Modern Love – Amazon Original Series: Season 2
August 16
Evan Almighty (2007)
In Bruges (2008)
August 17
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
August 20
*Annette – Amazon Original Movie (2021)
Killer Among Us (2021)
August 27
The Courier (2021)
*Pete the Cat Back to School Operetta – Amazon Original Special (2021)

Featured Image: Netflix

The post Everything Coming to Streaming in August appeared first on Nerdist.

Need an escape from the horrors of 2021? Well, Netflix’s new animated series Centaurworld is here to help. Created by Megan Nicole Dong, the stunning and surreal cartoon is a total delight. And every time you think you’ve got a handle on where it’s headed it’ll surprise you. So hop on your horse and get ready to ride.

So what’s Centaurworld about? Well, we begin in a war torn world where Horse (Kimiko Glenn) and Rider (Jessie Mueller) are running from murderous hordes. Stunning animation immediately brings to mind some of our favorite animated shows, The Legend of Korra in particular. It’s epic in scope and filled with emotion, which peaks as Rider sings Horse a song. This is the first of many catchy and emotive songs you’ll hear in Centuarworld. Taking cues from Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Craig of the Creek, this feels like a worthy peer to our favorite magical musical shows, but when Horse falls over a cliff things look dire. But it turns out that the adventure is only just beginning.

Netflix

Gone are the stormy skies and furious soldiers and instead Horse wakes in a pastel hued dreamworld. It’s there that she meets Wammawink (Megan Hilty), Zulius (Parvesh Cheena), Ched (Chris Diamantopoulos), Glendale (Megan Nicole Dong), and Durpleton (Josh Radnor). The overly cheery crew of Centaurs inhabit the titular world with much glee and many songs. But what seems like a simple fish out of water set up hides something much more moving, dark, and complex. See the shiny, sing-song land of Centaurworld isn’t all it seems. Horse’s arrival shakes up the colorful crew leading to found family adventure of epic proportions.

It’s not hyperbole to say that everything about Centaurworld is great. The dueling animation styles are constantly impressive and engaging. It’s filled with writing that’s both witty and kind. The voice talent brings charm and humor to its wild cast. And the songs are honestly some of the best we’ve heard in the contemporary wave of animated musicals. Taking its cues from cartoons as eclectic as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Spongebob, this is an animated series made by people who love animated series. And if the emotional songs, dramatic character arcs, and vibrant stories of sisterhood don’t get you, the hilarious gag faces will. Yep, this is a show which lavishes in ridiculous and meme-able character expressions. From the first trailer the strangeness of the Centaurs was obvious and it’s always embraced in the most fun and occasionally unsettling (in the best) way.

Netflix

Without getting too far into spoiler territory there’s something darker lurking under the surface of Centaurworld. That reveal won’t surprise fans of the many cartoons we’ve already mentioned. Just like those shows there’s a sweet colorful facade that hides something deeper and stranger. So if the technicolor sing-a-long doesn’t seem like its for you… stick around and you might find that scarier series that you’ve been waiting for hidden within. It’s a shift that might shock some viewers but it works.

Centaurworld is another impressive addition to Netflix’s animated offerings. It’ll likely hit with audiences of all ages. Adults will enjoy the humor and emotional depth while younger viewers will fall in love with the outrageous character designs and immersive world. There’s something truly special here. This feels like the kind of show which people will still be talking about in 20 years. So aren’t you lucky that you can just switch on your TV and watch it right now? We’re living in a golden age of inventive animation and Centaurworld is a peak example of it. Ingenuity, comedy, surprisingly dark depth, brilliant animation, it’s all here. Bring on season two because we cannot wait!

Centaurworld is streaming on Netflix.

The post CENTAURWORLD Will Be Your New Favorite Cartoon appeared first on Nerdist.

Welcome back to our Everything Coming to Streaming column! Each month, we feature a few of the most exciting things coming to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video; plus, we supply a list of every single movie and TV show headed to each platform. So without further ado, get ready to dive into everything you can enjoy on your favorite streamer this June!

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie: Part 1 / Part 2

Where to watch: Netflix
When to watch: June 3

Adapting the Dream arc of the original series and acting as a fourth season for Sailor Moon Crystal, this highly-anticipated double feature hits Netflix this month. The two movies were released in Japan this year and we can barely believe we’re getting them so soon after. Naoko Takeuchi’s stunning manga and the anime series it inspired have brought joy to magical girl fans for years; this will undoubtedly be another wonderful addition to canon.

Lupin Part II

Where to watch: Netflix
When to watch: June 11

Another release we can’t wait for this month is the second part of Lupin. The reimagining of the gentleman thief made for one of our favorite new shows. We need new episodes desperately! Omar Sy is back as Assane Diop, on a quest to avenge his father’s death. He’s now the most wanted man in Europe and needs to save his son from the grips of the evil Pelligrini. Basically this is the action-packed crime adventure you need in your life.

Pinocchio

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
When to watch: June 11

No, this isn’t Guillermo Del Toro’s long-awaited Netflix adaptation. This 2019 Italian production stars Oscar-winner Roberto Benigni as Geppetto. Unexpectedly, it’s directed by Matteo Garrone, the director of the brutal crime hit Gomorrah. The dark fairytale features a ton of practical effects and an all-star Italian cast. So if you’re looking for a little fantasy, look no further.

Flack: Season Two

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
When to watch: June 11

Anna Paquin shines as a demented PR woman in the first season of this dark comedy. Amazon picked up the show after the six-episode first season on Showtime. The London-set dramedy is bleakly funny and utterly scathing when it comes to the lives of the rich, famous, and those who protect their public images. It’ll be very interesting to see what the second season has to offer on a new platform with a big PR push behind it.

You can check out the full listings below!

NETFLIX

Netflix

June 1
Super Monsters: Once Upon a Rhyme
Abduction
American Outlaws
Bad Teacher
Black Holes | The Edge of All We Know
CoComelon: A Sunny Day for Play
Cradle 2 the Grave
Flipped
Fools Rush In
Happy Endings: Seasons 1-3
I Am Sam
Love Jones
Million Dollar Baby
Ninja Assassin
Seven Souls in the Skull Castle: Season Moon Jogen
Seven Souls in the Skull Castle: Season Moon Kagen
Stand by Me
Starsky & Hutch
Streets of Fire
Swordfish
The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: Season 1
The Best Man
The Big Lebowski
The Wedding Guest
The Wind
What Women Want

June 2
2 Hearts
Alone: Season 7
Kim’s Convenience: Season 5

June 3
Alan Saldaña: Locked Up
Creator’s File: GOLD
Dancing Queens
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie: Part 1 / Part 2
Summertime: Season 2

June 4
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet
Feel Good: Season 2
Sweet Tooth
Trippin’ with the Kandasamys
Xtreme

June 5
Kitty Love: An Homage to Cats

June 7
Vampire Academy

June 9
Awake
Fresh, Fried & Crispy
L.A.’s Finest: LA’s Finest: Season 2
Tragic Jungle

June 10
A Haunted House 2
Camellia Sisters
Locombianos

June 11
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce): Season 2
Lupin: Part 2
Skater Girl
Trese
Wish Dragon

June 13
The Devil Below
Picture a Scientist

June 14
Elite Short Stories

June 15
FTA
Let’s Eat
Life of Crime
Power Rangers Dino Fury: Season 1
Rhyme Time Town: Season 2
Sir! No Sir!
Unwind Your Mind
Workin’ Moms: Season 5

June 16
Lowriders
Penguin Town
Silver Skates

June 17
Black Summer: Season 2
The Gift: Season 3
Hospital Playlist: Season 2
Katla
Silver Linings Playbook

June 18
A Family
Elite: Season 4
Fatherhood
Jagame Thandhiram
The Rational Life
The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

June 19
Nevertheless

June 22
This is Pop

June 23
Good on Paper
The House of Flowers: The Movie
Murder by the Coast
Too Hot to Handle: Season 2

June 24
Godzilla Singular Point
The Naked Director: Season 2
The Seventh Day
Sisters on Track

June 25
The A List: Season 2
The Ice Road
Sex/Life

June 26
Wonder Boy

June 28
Killing Them Softly
The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement

June 29
StarBeam: Season 4

June 30
America: The Motion Picture
Lying and Stealing
Sophie: A Murder in West Cork

HULU

Warner Bros.

June 1
American Ninja Warrior: Season 13 Premiere
Housebroken: Series Premiere
Small Fortune: Series Premiere
50/50 (2011)
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
A Perfect Day (2006)
A Prayer For The Dying (1987)
The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Across The Universe (2007)
Alive (1993)
Anacondas: The Hunt For The Blood Orchid (2004)
Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008)
Anacondas: Trail Of Blood (2009)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Big Chill (1983)
The Birdcage (1997)
Black And White (2000)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project: Book of Shadows (2000)
Bloody Sunday (2002)
Blue Streak (1999)
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)
Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star (2011)
Charlotte’s Web (1973)
The Company You Keep (2013)
Conviction (2010)
Convicts (1991)
Convoy (1978)
The Cookout (2004)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Desperate Measures (1998)
Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005)
Dragonfly (2002)
Driven (2001)
El Dorado (1967)
Face/Off (1997)
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
The Full Monty (1997)
Fun in Acapulco (1963)
Gamer (2009)
Get Smart (2008)
Hanging Up (2000)
Hud (1963)
The Hustler (1961)
Jennifer 8 (1992)
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Just Wright (2009)
Kick-Ass (2010)
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2000)
Last Chance Harvey (2008)
The Last House on the Left (2009)
Little Women (1994)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
The Love Letter (1999)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Once Upon A Crime… (1992)
Ordinary People (1980)
Places In The Heart (1984)
Primary Colors (1998)
Revolutionary Road (2008)
Richie Rich (1994)
Rules of Engagement (2000)
Sabrina (1995)
Savage State (2021)
Saving Silverman (2001)
Scorpio (1973)
Silence (2016)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
The Soloist (2009)
Some Girls (1988)
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
Soul Survivors (2001)
Still Waiting (2009)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Switchback (1997)
The Time Machine (2002)
To Die For (1995)
The Upside (2017)
Vanity Fair (2004)
Waiting… (2005)
Walking Tall (1973)
Wayne’s World 2 (1993)
Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Wilde (1998)
Wings Of Courage (1995)
Witless Protection (2008)
Young Adult (2011)

June 2
America’s Got Talent: Season 16 Premiere
June 3
MasterChef: Season 11 Premiere
A Glitch in the Matrix (2020)
Night of the Kings (2021)

June 4
The New York Times Presents: New Episode
Beat Shazam: Season 4 Premiere

June 5
Emergency Call: Season 2 Premiere
Rams (2021)

June 7
Celebrity Family Feud: Season 7 Premiere
The Chase: Season 2 Premiere
To Tell the Truth: Season 7 Premiere

June 8
The Bachelorette: Season 17 Premiere
Legion Of Brothers (2017)

June 9
The Croods: A New Age (2020)

June 10
Card Sharks: Season 3 Premiere
Trolls: TrollsTopia: Complete Season 3
Trust (2021)
Two of Us (2019)

June 11
Love, Victor: Season 2 Premiere
Real Housewives of Potomac: Complete Season 5
Come True (2021)

June 13
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart: A New Beginning (2000)
Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’S Curse (2014)
Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire (2017)
Not Fade Away (2012)
Willy’s Wonderland (2021)

June 14
Rurangi: Complete Season 1

June 15
Accused: Guilty or Innocent?: Complete Season 1
Alone: Complete Season 7
Alone: The Beast: Complete Season 1
America Our Defining Hours: Complete Season 1
The Celebrity Dating Game: Complete Season 1
Dance Moms: Complete Season 8
Duck Dynasty: Complete Season 3
Forged in Fire: Complete Season 7
Hoarders: Complete Season 11
Married at First Sight: Complete Season 11
Mountain Men: Complete Season 6
Swamp People: Complete Season 11
The UnXplained with William Shatner: Complete Season 1B
Born to Play (2020)
Gone Girl (2014)
Her Deadly Sugar Daddy (2020)
Her Name Is Chef (2020)
Michael Smerconish: Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Talking (2020)
Nasrin (2020)
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson (2020)
The Outside Story (2021)
Secret Life of a Celebrity Surrogate (2020)

June 17
DAVE: Season 2 Premiere
Phobias (2021)

June 18
Holey Moley 3D in 2D: Season 3 Premiere
The Hustler: Season 2 Premiere
When Nature Calls: Series Premiere

June 20
The Guilt Trip (2012)

June 21
Cutthroat Kitchen: Complete Seasons 2 & 3
Worst Cooks In America: Complete Season 4
Backyard Builds: Complete Seasons 1 – 4
Big Bucket Food List: Complete Season 1 – 2
Family Home Overhaul: Complete Season 1
Farmhouse Facelift: Complete Season 1
Home to Win: Complete Seasons 1 – 3
Home to Win for the Holidays: Complete Season 1
Jr. Chef Showdown: Complete Seasons 1 – 2
Save My Reno: Complete Seasons 1 – 4
Hot Market: Complete Season 1
Wall of Chefs: Complete Season 1
Hostiles (2017)

June 22
Monster Trucks (2017)

June 23
College Bowl: Series Premiere
Motherland: Fort Salem: Season 2 Premiere

June 24
An American Haunting (2006)

June 25
FALSE POSITIVE (2021)
Making It: Season 3 Premiere

June 26
The Choe Show: Series Premiere

June 27
Safer at Home (2021)

June 29
Bratz : The Movie (2007)
Harvie & The Magic Museum (2021)

June 30
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
Jack Reacher (2012)
The Sweet Life (2016)

AMAZON

BBC

June 1
50/50 (2011)
Adaptation (2002)
Ali (2001)
Alive (1993)
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
Burn After Reading (2008)
Chicken Run (2000)
Colombiana (2011)
Courageous (2011)
Dear John (2010)
Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005)
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
Fight Club (1999)
I Spy (2002)
Little Man (2006)
Mo’ Money (1992)
Rent (2005)
Revolutionary Road (2008)
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (2012)
Seven Pounds (2008)
Signs (2002)
Spring Break (1983)
Step Brothers (2008)
Stomp The Yard (2007)
Take Shelter (2011)
Takers (2010)
Testament Of Youth (2015)
The Fisher King (1991)
The House Bunny (2008)
The Wrestler (2009)
This Means War (2012)
Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection (2015)
We Own The Night (2007)
American Experience: Stonewall Uprising (2011) (PBS Documentaries)
Growing Up Trans (2015) (PBS Documentaries)
Hurley (2019) (Motortrend)
Keith Haring: Street Art Boy (2020) (PBS Living)
Man in the Orange Shirt: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
Queer as Folk: Season 1 (Showtime)
Rastamouse: Season 1 (Kidstream)
Slavery by Another Name (2012) (PBS Documentaries)
The L Word: Generation Q: Season 1 (Showtime)
Work in Progress: Season 1 (Showtime)

June 4
Dom – Amazon Original Series: Season 1
The Family Man – Amazon Original Series: Season 2
Britannia: Season 2

June 9
Billions: Season 4
Released June 11
Pinocchio (2020)
Flack – Amazon Original Series: Season 2
Released June 18
Chivas: El Rebaño Sagrado – Amazon Original Series: Season 1

June 25
Bosch – Amazon Original Series: Season 7
September Mornings (Manhãs de Setembro) – Amazon Original Series: Season 1

Featured Image: Netflix

The post Everything Coming to Streaming in June 2021 appeared first on Nerdist.

As Netflix oh so correctly points out in the feature’s press release, sometimes we just don’t want to have to make a decision. And now, when watching Netflix, we don’t have to. The streaming platform began testing various versions of the feature last year, but now it’s officially launching for everyone. But don’t worry, the Play Something feature won’t just play anything. It’s all based on your profile’s preferences and streaming history. 

As Netflix notes, using the Play Something feature will present you with a bunch of interesting options right up your alley. They include:

• A brand new series or film,
• A series or film you’re already watching
• A series or film on your list
• An unfinished series or film you may want to revisit 

Netflix

This is the perfect antidote to scrolling through Netflix until I fall asleep. (Or give up and just watch the first few seasons of Sherlock again.) And the Play Something feature is fairly easy to find on Netflix. According to the streaming site, it’s visible in a few spots: under your profile name, on the tenth row of the Netflix homepage, and on the Navigation menu. Plus, Play Something also works for text-to-speech, making it user-friendly for subscribers who use screen-readers.

Logging onto Netflix and not scrolling aimlessly for hours? It really is a brave new world out there.

The post Netflix Launches ‘Play Something’ for Indecisive Viewers appeared first on Nerdist.

Netflix’s near decade journey for Oscar glory has been long and often tempestuous. So much so that the conversation extends far beyond a little gold statue. For the streaming company, it’s about expanding accessibility and bringing the movie industry into the future. But for its detractors, it’s about traditions, the art of filmmaking, and the fate of the theater industry.

Netflix

The Shift to Original Content and First Awards Push

After a short-lived initial foray into original content production during the mid to late aughts—under Red Envelope Entertainment—Netflix embarked on a more forceful endeavor. This time, under its own banner and for its rapidly growing streaming service. On the television side, it was an immediate success. House of Cards, Netflix’s first solo television endeavor, debuted in 2013 to overwhelming acclaim; it eventually earned the streamer nine of its first 14 Emmy nominations. A consistent presence in a new era of prestige TV, Netflix has remained a power-player at television award shows.

While things boomed on the television end, Netflix took a more subdued approach to films. The streaming platform’s first play for an Oscar came with its acquisition of and campaign for The Square, a documentary about the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The film scored a Best Documentary Feature nomination, the first of many in the category. But expanding to other categories proved a difficult feat. Most notably, and controversially, due to its digital-focused release strategy.

Even before the streaming platform expanded into original films, Netflix executives questioned the traditional theatrical release window. In 2013, then chief content officer Ted Sarandos warned theater owners that their refusal to adapt would “kill theaters” and eventually movies themselves. His solution entailed releasing major movies on Netflix the same day they hit theaters. (A “day-and-date release.”) The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) quickly countered that Netflix’s proposal would prove detrimental to cinemas.

Netflix

The Struggle to Break into Major Categories

Almost exactly two years later, Netflix debuted its first original feature: Cary Fukunaga’s Beasts of No Nation, starring Idris Elba. The streamer stuck to its guns with day-and-date release. But major US theater chains refused to show the film, which ultimately ran a quiet limited theatrical run. It marked the beginning to Netflix’s theatrical release strategy, one without fanfare or interest in box office returns. Instead, Netflix approaches theatrical release as the checking of a box—for the filmmakers working with the streamer and to hit the Academy Award eligibility requirement. (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences traditionally requires a basic theatrical release for eligibility purposes.) Despite an Oscars campaign—and even a Golden Globe nomination for Elba—Beasts was shut out by the Academy. 

Globally, the film industry took issue with Netflix’s attitude towards theatrical releases. The streaming platform debuted two films at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival: Bong Joon Ho’s Okja and Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories. Its mere presence proved a source of tension. While both films were eligible to compete for festival prizes—Okja competed for Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize—the festival amended the rules going forward that barred films without French theatrical distribution from competing. Netflix subsequently refused to screen films in 2018 and 2019 over the rule change. (However, Da 5 Bloods was slated to premiere out of competition before the 2020 festival’s cancelation due to COVID-19.) In South Korea, a trio of major theater chains, which make up 93% of theaters, refused to show Okja on similar grounds.

Netflix

But while Netflix teamed with top auteurs for original films, others publicly rebuked the company. Most notably, Christopher Nolan. The director told IndieWire that he’d never work with Netflix, calling their rejection of theatrical release norms “bizarre.” In the 2017 interview, Nolan distinguished Netflix’s streaming competitor Amazon as a platform that adheres to theatrical norms while still releasing its own content. Earlier that year, Amazon bested Netflix by becoming the first streaming service to have a movie nominated for Best Picture with Manchester by the Sea. But Netflix’s own Academy breakthrough lurked around the corner.

Netflix Finally Gains Momentum

2018 was, in general, a major year for Netflix in its play for the Oscars. The streaming platform finally moved beyond the documentary categories at the 90th Academy Awards with Mudbound, which earned four nominations. Just a few months later, Netflix added some awards muscle to its roster. The streaming platform acquired famed awards strategist Lisa Taback’s consulting firm, bringing her and her entire team in-house. Taback, who worked on a number of successful Oscar campaigns—including several for Harvey Weinstein—was part of the Mudbound campaign.

Netflix

Additionally, Netflix made a small but monumental shift. It abandoned its day-and-date theatrical release strategy. Roma debuted in theaters three weeks before launching on the streaming platform; nevertheless, AMC and Regal didn’t show the film. And while the window between theatrical debut and streaming has varied—often ranging from a week to three—Netflix continues to observe the practice.

With Roma, the streaming platform really broke ground at the Oscars. Following a relentless campaign push—which reportedly cost at least $25 million—Alfonso Cuarón’s film picked up 10 nominations, including Best Picture. (It won three: Directing, Cinematography, and Foreign Language Film.)

A year later, Netflix made a triumphant return with 24 nominations; among the lot were two Best Picture nominations for Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story and Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. Baumbach continues his partnership with Netflix via an exclusive deal. But it was Scorsese’s decision to work with Netflix on The Irishman that feels more significant. Especially considering the director’s noted passion for film preservation. 

Netflix

For Scorsese, the decision was more than just about the theatrical release. Granted, at his request, The Irishman had a four-week exclusive theatrical release before launching on Netflix. Scorsese didn’t see space for his film in a traditional studio setting, especially as investors balked at the production’s costly de-aging technology. Netflix agreed to back the film, the rumored cost ballooning to $250 million. The company later shelled out a reported $40 million of the film’s Oscar campaign. In wooing filmmakers like Scorsese, and becoming the first streaming platform to join the MPAA, Netflix has signaled that it is here to stay.

An Industry in Peril

The tension between Netflix and the movie theater industry may have already reached a breaking point, if not for the COVID-19 pandemic. During the release of The Irishman, the streaming platform and major theater chains attempted to work out an agreement. Both stuck to their guns; Netflix wouldn’t go above a 45-day exclusivity period, while a pair of major chains insisted on 60 days. (Per The New York Times). Negotiations fizzled.

At the dawn of the pandemic in March 2020, movie theaters began closing their doors. All over the world, theaters have since shuttered for good; COVID-19 afflicted institutions from Arclight Cinemas to the small Northern New England theater chain I frequented growing up. By the summer, initial optimism about the pandemic’s longevity had faded. After initial calendar reshuffling, studios finally began reckoning with their growing roster of unreleased films. For many, that meant additional theatrical delays. Others sold distribution rights to streaming platforms or launched films in a VOD format. Future Oscar nominee The Trial of the Chicago 7 moved from Paramount to Netflix.

Last fall, the Academy amended their rules to allowing streaming-only films to compete, giving studios crucial flexibility to carve out release strategies without forgoing awards season. And now, the 93rd Academy Awards has a greater streaming presence than ever. Most notably, five of the eight Best Picture nominees are intricately linked to a streaming platform. Netflix has Chicago 7 and Mank; Judas and the Black Messiah debuted on HBO Max concurrent with its released in theaters; Amazon Studios distributed Sound of Metal; and category frontrunner, Nomadland, was released on Hulu the same day it bowed in most theaters. (Hulu and Searchlight Pictures, the film’s distributor, are both owned by Disney). Beyond that, the acting categories are overwhelmingly stacked with nominees from streaming films. (Alongside performances in the Best Picture nominees, we see nods to the stars of Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Hulu’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday, and Amazon’s One Night in Miami… and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.)

David Lee/Netflix

The streaming-centric 93rd Academy Awards may actually be an Oscars anomaly. Warner Bros. has indicated their day-and-date release on HBO Max and in theaters is not permanent. Disney-owned studios will likely continue their theatrical runs before launching on one of the company’s streaming sites. But it’s all pointing to a larger conversation. Namely: just how deeply rooted in streaming many of the major studios are. And beyond that, how streaming and theaters can coexist. If, that is, they can reach a compromise.

As the uneasy future of streaming and theaters looms, Netflix has just one hurdle to jump in its quest for legitimacy: a truly successful Oscar night. In the last two years alone, Netflix has notched nearly 60 nominations, but has walked away with few victories. (Recent winners include Laura Dern’s Best supporting Actress for Marriage Story.) On Sunday, with nominations in nearly every category, the streaming platform has its best shot yet. Whether Netflix has finally won over the Academy, despite its very expensive best efforts, we’ll find out soon.

Featured Image: Nico Tavernise/Netflix

The post Tracking Netflix’s Relentless Quest for Oscar Glory appeared first on Nerdist.

Welcome back to our Everything Coming to Streaming column! Each month, we’ll feature five of the most exciting things coming to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as listing every single movie and TV show headed to each platform. So without further ado, get ready to dive into everything you can enjoy on your favorite streamer this March!

Attack the Block

Optimum Releasing

Where to Watch: Hulu/Amazon Prime Video
When to Watch: March 1

If you still haven’t watched this iconic British sci-fi flick, now’s your chance! John Boyega stars as a young Londoner who along with his friends has to save his council block from aliens. Joe Wright created something really special here. Attack the Block is a cult hit for a reason. Authentic performances, incredible creature work, and Boyega carving out his career as a future star.

kid 90

Where to Watch: Hulu
When to Watch: March 12

When she was the star of Punky Brewster, Soleil Moon Fry carried a video camera with her wherever she went. This documentary from producer Leonardo DiCaprio compiles that footage with talking head interviews with her fellow nineties child stars. It looks to be a deeply personal exploration of the pressures of fame and stardom with a lot of heart and hope rolled in.

Jiu Jitsu

Where to Watch: Netflix
When to Watch: March 20

We were big fans of this very silly martial arts spectacular. Nicolas Cage leads a cast of unreal talent as they face down an alien who is really good at Jiu Jitsu. If you’ve always wanted your action movies with some real action, then this is for you. Aside from being a ton of fun, Jiu Jitsu features a five minute action sequence that puts every single MCU film to shame.

The Irregulars

Where to Watch: Netflix
When to Watch: March 26

If you think that you might have seen enough Sherlock Holmes adaptations think again. This inventive and inclusive Netflix series takes the minor characters known as the Baker Street Irregulars and reimagines them for the small screen. Here Sherlock is missing and Watson is a cranky man who enlists the help of a group of street smart kids to solve supernatural mysteries.

Invincible

Amazon Prime Video

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
When to Watch: March 26

You might not have heard of Robert Kirkman’s superhero satire. But you’ll definitely want to check out this star-studded animated adaptation. Steven Yeun leads an incredible voice cast, and the animation is some of the best we’ve seen in years. As for the story, well you’ll have to watch but it begins as a tale about the son of a superhero coming of age in his shadow.

You can check out the full listings for March below.

NETFLIX

March 1
Batman Begins
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell
Blanche Gardin: Bonne Nuit Blanche
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Dances with Wolves
DC Super Hero Girls, Season 1
I Am Legend
Invictus
Jason X
Killing Gunther
LEGO Marvel Spider-Man: Vexed by Venom
Nights in Rodanthe
Power Rangers Beast Morphers, Season 2
Rain Man
Step Up: Revolution
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
The Dark Knight
The Pursuit of Happyness
Training Day
Two Weeks Notice
Year One

March 2
Black or White
Word Party, Season 5

March 3
Moxie
Murder Among the Mormons
Parker
Safe Haven

March 4
Pacific Rim: The Black

March 5
City of Ghosts
Dogwashers
Fate of Alakada
Nevenka: Breaking the Silence
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Sentinelle

March 8
Bombay Begums
Bombay Rose

March 9
The Houseboat
StarBeam

March 10
Dealer
Marriage or Mortgage
Last Chance U: Basketball

March 11
Coven of Sisters (2020)
The Block Island Sound (2020)

March 12
Love Alarm
The One
Paper Lives
Paradise PD, Part 3
YES DAY

March 14
Audrey

March 15
Bakugan: Armored Alliance
The BFG
The Last Blockbuster
The Lost Pirate Kingdom
Zero Chill

March 16
RebellComedy: Straight Outta the Zoo
Savages
Waffles + Mochi

March 17
Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal
Under Suspicion: Uncovering the Wesphael Case

March 18
B: The Beginning Succession
Cabras da Peste
Deadly Illusions
The Fluffy Movie
Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American
Skylines

March 19
Alien TV
Country Comfort
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Sky Rojo

March 20
Jiu Jitsu

March 22
Navillera
Philomena

March 25
Caught by a Wave
DOTA: Dragon’s Blood
Millennials, Season 3
Secret Magic Control Agency

March 26
A Week Away
Bad Trip
Big Time Rush
Croupier
The Irregulars
Magic for Humans by Mago Pop
Nailed it! Double Trouble

March 29
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Rainbow High

March 30
Octonauts & the Ring of Fire
7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story

March 31
At Eternity’s Gate
Haunted: Latin America

HULU

March 1

The 13th Warrior (1999)
50/50 (2011)
A Very Brady Sequel (1996)
As Good as It Gets (1997)
Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader (2012)
Attack the Block (2011)
Beloved (1998)
Blow (2001)
Brooklyn’s Finest (2010)
Charles and Diana: 1983 (2020)
Cocktail (1988)
Demolition Man (1993)
The Descent (2006)
Dolphin Tale (2011)
Dolphin Tale 2 (2014)
Employee Of The Month (2006)
Enemy Of The State (1998)
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
The Ghost Writer (2010)
The Great Debaters (2007)
I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
In the Line of Fire (1993)
Judge Dredd (1995)
The Last Face (2017)
Malcolm X (1992)
McLintock! (Producer’s Cut) (1963)
The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)
The Ninth Gate (1999)
Pandorum (2009)
Patriot Games (1992)
Predators (2009)
Pretty Woman (1990)
Priceless (2016)
Rushmore (1999)
Scrooged (1988)
Shine a Light (2008)
Silverado (1985)
Sliver (1993)
The Social Network (2010)
The Spirit (2008)
Stargate (1994)
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
The Terminal (2004)
Tokyo Rising (2020)
The Tourist (2010)
Traitor (2008)
Vertical Limit (2000)
Wedding Crashers (2005)
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Young Frankenstein (1974)

March 2
Debris: Series Premiere (NBC)
The Voice: Season 20 Premiere (NBC)
Top Chef: Complete Season 17 (Bravo)

March 3
New Amsterdam: Season 3 Premiere (NBC)

March 5
Boss Level: Film Premiere (Hulu Original)
Ammonite (2020)
Beirut (2018)
Iron Mask (2019)

March 6
Storks (2016)
Triggered (2020)

March 7
Proxima (2019)

March 8
Good Girls: Season 4 Premiere (NBC)
Shipwrecked: Complete Season 1 (Banijay)

March 9
Absolutely Ascot: Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (All3Media)
Dress to Impress: Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (ITV)

March 11
Game of Talents: Series Premiere (FOX)

March 12
kid 90: Documentary Premiere (Hulu Original)
Cake: Season 4 Premiere (FXX)
Farewell Armor (2020)

March 14
Buddy Games (2019)

March 15
1 Night In San Diego (2020)
Constructing Albert (2017)
Here Awhile (2019)
Intersect (2020)
Missing 411: The Hunted (2019)
Naughty Books (2020)
Pink Wall (2019)
Sister Aimee (2019)
The Pretenders (2018)
The Relationtrip (2017)
The Stand: How One Gesture Shook The World (2020)
Tracks (2019)

March 16
Staged: Complete Season 2 (BBC Studios)

March 17
Mayans M.C.: Season 3 Premiere (FX)

March 18
Trolls: TrollsTopia: Complete Season 2 (Hulu Original)
Identity (2003)

March 19
Hunter Hunter (2020)

March 20
Catfish: The TV Show: Complete Season 8 (MTV)

March 22
Genius: Aretha: Complete Season 3 (National Geographic)

March 23
Breeders: Season 2 Premiere (FX)
100% Wolf (2020)

March 25
Collective (2019)

March 26
Solar Opposites: Complete Season 2 (Hulu Original)
Into the Dark: Blood Moon: Season 2 Finale (Hulu Original)
Fire Force: Complete Season 2 (DUBBED) (Funimation)
The Hurricane Heist (2018)

March 30
Vikings: Complete Season 6B (History)

March 31
Pooch Perfect: Series Premiere (ABC)

AMAZON PRIME

March 1
48 Hrs. (1982)
50/50 (2011)
Another 48 Hrs. (1990)
As Good As It Gets (1997)
Attack Of The 50 Foot Cheerleader (2012)
Attack The Block (2011)
A Very Brady Sequel (1996)
Back To The Future (1985)
Back To The Future Part II (1989)
Back To The Future Part III (1990)
Beloved (1998)
Cocktail (1988)
Due Date (2010)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Extract (2009)
For Colored Girls (2010)
I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)
Instant Nanny (2015) (UP Faith & Family)
In The Line Of Fire (1993)
Mae West: Dirty Blonde (2020) (PBS Living)
Neil Young: Heart Of Gold (2006)
Patriot Games (1992)
Patriots Day (2017)
Priceless (2016)
Rain Man (1988)
Religulous (2008)
Rushmore (1999)
Shine A Light (2008)
Silverado (1985)
Sliver (1993)
Sydney White (2007)
The Full Monty (1997)
The Spirit (2008)
The Terminal (2004)
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Tombstone (1993)
Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns (2008)
W. (2008)
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
American Masters – Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning (2014) (PBS Living)
And She Could Be Next: Season 1 (PBS Documentaries)
Brad Meltzer’s Decoded: Season 1 (History Vault)
Breathless: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
Captain Marleau: Season 1 (MHz Choice)
Civilizations: Season 1 (PBS Documentaries)
Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz: Season 1 (Boomerang)
Ella the Elephant: Season 1 (Kidstream)
Fifth Ward: Season 1 (ALLBLK)
Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour: Season 1 (UPP Faith & Family)
Life With Elizabeth: Season 1 (Best TV Ever)
London Kills: Season 1 (Acorn TV)
Nightwatch: Season 1 (A&E Crime Central)
Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony: Limited Series (PBS Documentaries)
Range Rider: Season 1 (Best Westerns Ever)
Rhymes Through Times: Season 1 (Noggin)
Somewhere South: Season 1 (PBS Living)
The Paris Murders: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
The Returned: Season 1 (Sundance Now)

March 3
Out Of Africa (1985)

March 5
Coming 2 America – Amazon Original Movie (2021)

March 10
Jack And Jill (2011)

March 12
Honest Thief (2020)
Making Their Mark – Amazon Original Series: Season 1

March 19
Words On Bathroom Walls (2020)

March 26
Invincible – Amazon Original Series: Season 1
La Templanza (The Vineyard) – Amazon Original Series: Season 1

March 29
Renegades (1989)

March 30
The Ghost Writer (2010)

The post Everything Coming to Streaming in March appeared first on Nerdist.

Imagine a world where superheroes are real. It isn’t too much of a stretch with the state of gritty and grounded superhero stories that have hit screens over the last decade. But now we have our first teaser of a new entry into the grounded comic book fray. Jupiter’s Legacy is based on the 2013 Image comic of the same name. Created by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, the story follows the children of the first wave of superheroes as they try to escape their parents’ shadow.

While the first trailer doesn’t show us much, we do get the gruff and grizzled voice of Josh Duhamel. In the character of his first generation hero known as the Utopian, we hear him offer an ominous warning. “One day you’re going to be stronger than anyone else in the world. Every evil you can imagine is going to rise up against mankind. And not for justice, for vengeance. And you’re going to be the future.” It all sounds very serious.

And in an additional first look, Netflix shared the first images from the upcoming series, sharing just how Jupiter’s Legacy came to life—from the comics to the small screen. The first images of the give us our first look at the heroic Sampson family, as well as well as the evil villain Blackstar.

If you’ve not read the beautifully drawn comic, here’s what you need to know. In the 1930s, a group of friends get superpowers. They create a team known as the Union. Years later, they want their children to follow in their footsteps. But that’s more complex than it might seem. This is a family saga in the tradition of Star Wars. There’s explorations of loyalty, familial love, and of course a meta-commentary on superheroes and their place in the American landscape. But most importantly has that beautiful Frank Quitely art. While we won’t see that on screen, hopefully it’ll shape the visual landscape of the show.

Marni Grossman/Netflix

The series will be helmed by Daredevil showrunner Steven S. DeKnight. Duhamel will be joined by Leslie Bibb, Ben Daniels, Elena Kampouris, Andrew Horton, Mike Wade, and Matt Lanter. And the big news is that eight episode series will land on Netflix on May 7.

Netflix

Steve Wilkie/Netflix

Steve Wilkie/Netflix

Netflix

Marni Grossman/Netflix

Netflix

Steve Wilkie

Marni Grossman/Netflix

Marni Grossman/Netflix

Originally published on February 23, 2021.

The post JUPITER’S LEGACY Comic Comes to Life In First Images appeared first on Nerdist.

Welcome back to our Everything Coming to Streaming column! Each month, we feature a few of the most exciting things coming to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video; we also list every single movie and TV show headed to each platform. So without further ado, get ready to dive into everything you can enjoy on your favorite streamer this December!

The Princess Bride

Where to Watch: Hulu
When to Watch: January 1

Sure, you’ve probably already seen it, but this is the best way to start the year. Whether you’re nursing a hangover or just want to kick off 2021 with a joyous movie, then put Princess Bride at the top of your watch list. Carey Elwes and Robin Wright star as lovers who must contest with the evil wiles of Prince Humperdinck. This is nothing short of a satirical fairy tale masterpiece!

Gretel & Hansel

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video / Hulu
When to Watch: January 7

Our very own Lindsey Romain called this indie horror gem “a wicked, stylish coming-of-age fairy tale” and we couldn’t agree more. Reimagining the iconic Grimm tale, Osgood Perkins shifts the focus to Gretel and her relationship with the witch. Atmospheric, haunting, and utterly unique in its adaptation of a well-known story, this is a perfect creepy watch for the New Year.

Cobra Kai

Where to Watch: Netflix
When to Watch: January 8

One of Netflix’s biggest ever hits, Cobra Kai returns this January for a third season. The show actually debuted on YouTube, where it was a cult smash, but it’s really found its audience on Netflix. After the end of season two, fans are eager to learn the fate of lovely Miguel and to return to the alt-universe version of the Valley where teen karate battles are a daily occurrence.

Lupin

Where to Watch: Netflix
When to Watch: January 8

Based on the iconic French pulp hero, Lupin the Gentleman Thief this is one of our most anticipated series of the year! Omar Sy stars as a man who uncovers the secrets of Lupin and decides to embark on a new (and honorable) life of crime. If you’ve seen Ghibli’s Lupin III, then this is a must watch; it’s undoubtedly a spiritual sibling to the classic animated movie.

You can check out all of the listings for Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, below!

Netflix

Netflix

January 1

Dream Home Makeover: Season 2
Headspace Guide to Meditation
The Minimalists: Less Is Now
Monarca: Season 2
What Happened to Mr. Cha?
17 Again
30 Minutes or Less
Abby Hatcher: Season 1
Blue Streak
Bonnie and Clyde
Can’t Hardly Wait
Catch Me If You Can
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Cool Hand Luke
The Creative Brain
The Departed
Enter the Dragon
Gimme Shelter
Good Hair
Goodfellas
Gothika
The Haunted Hathaways: Seasons 1-2
Into the Wild
Julie & Julia
Mud
Mystic Pizza
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Eddie Murphy: Raw
Sex and the City: The Movie
Sex and the City 2
Sherlock Holmes
Striptease
Superbad
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

January 2

Asphalt Burning (Børning 3)

January 5

Gabby’s Dollhouse
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
History of Swear Words
LA’s Finest: Season 1
¡Nailed It! México: Season 3

January 6

Ratones Paranoicos: The Band that Rocked Argentina
Surviving Death
Tony Parker: The Final Shot

January 7

Pieces of a Woman

January 8

Charming
Cobra Kai: Season 3
The Idhun Chronicles: Part 2
Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons: Season 5
Lupin
Mighty Little Bheem: Kite Festival
Pretend It’s a City
Stuck Apart (Azizler)

January 10

Spring Breakers

January 11

Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy
The Intouchables

January 12

Last Tango in Halifax: Season 4

January 13

An Imperfect Murder
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer

January 15

Bling Empire
Carmen Sandiego: Season 4
Disenchantment: Part 3
Double Dad (Pai Em Dobro)
Henry Danger: Seasons 1-3
Hook
Kuroko’s Basketball: Season 1
The Magicians: Season 5
Outside the Wire
Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie
Pinkfong & Baby Shark’s Space Adventure

January 16

A Monster Calls
Radium Girls

January 18

Homefront

January 19

Hello Ninja: Season 4

January 20

Daughter From Another Mother (Madre solo hay dos)
Sightless
Spycraft

January 21

Call My Agent!: Season 4

January 22

Blown Away: Season 2
Busted!: Season 3
Fate: The Winx Saga
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous: Season 2
So My Grandma’s a Lesbian! (Salir del ropero)
The White Tiger

January 23

Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)

January 26

Go Dog Go

January 27

Accomplice
Penguin Bloom

January 29

Below Zero (Bajocero)
The Dig
Finding ‘Ohana
We Are: The Brooklyn Saints

January 31

Fatima

Hulu

January 1

Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest: Special
Fire Force: Season 2, Episodes 1-12 (DUBBED)
1900 (1977)
1900 (Extended Cut) (1977)
A Night at the Roxbury (1998)
American Gigolo (1980)
Arachnophobia (1990)
The Arrival (1996)
Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002)
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Bad Company (2002)
Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007)
Blood Diamond (2006)
Bloody Sunday (2002)
Blow (2001)
Boogie Nights (1997)
Breakdown (1997)
Broken Arrow (1996)
The Brothers McMullen (1995)
Bully (2001)
Changing Lanes (2002)
Chaplin (1992)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)
Cloverfield (2008)
Coneheads (1993)
Constantine (2005)
The Cooler (2003)
The Core (2003)
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Cujo (1983)
Dance Flick (2009)
Date Night (2010)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dead Presidents (1995)
The Dead Zone (1983)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2009)
Donnie Brasco (1997)
The Duff (2015)
Enemy at the Gates (2001)
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Face/Off (1997)
The Firm (1993)
The Foot Fist Way (2008)
Footloose (1984)
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974)
Frozen (2010)
The Gift (2000)
Girl Most Likely (2013)
Good Luck Chuck (2007)
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)
The Haunting (1999)
Hell or High water (2016)
Hondo (1953)
Hot Shots! (1991)
How Do You Know (2010)
In & Out (1997)
Indecent Proposal (1993)
Internal Affairs (1990)
Kiss the Girls (1997)
The Ladies Man (2000)
Last of the Mohicans: Director’s Cut (1992)
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Like a Boss (2020)
The Longest Yard (1974)
Look Who’s Talking (1989)
Look Who’s Talking Now (1993)
Look Who’s Talking Too (1990)
Lost In Space (1998)
Love And Basketball (2000)
Major League (1989)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
The Mexican (2001)
More Than a Game (2008)
Mousehunt (1997)
My Best Friend’S Girl (2008)
New In Town (2009)
Night at the Museum (2006)
Paycheck (2003)
The Peacemaker (1997)
Places in the Heart (1984)
Poseidon (2006)
Pride (2007)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Push (2009)
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Regarding Henry (1991)
The Relic (1997)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
Salt (2010)
Save Yourselves (2020)
Selena (1997)
Shrek (2001)
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Soul Plane (2004)
Species (1995)
Star Kid (1998)
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
Starman (1984)
Stephen King’s Graveyard Shift (1990)
Super Dark Times (2017)
The Three Musketeers (2011)
The Truman Show (1998)
Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
Virtuosity (1995)
Walking Tall (1973)
War (2007)
Where Hope Grows (2015)
Wonder Boys (2000)
Young Adult (2011)

January 4

Call Me Kat: Season 1 Finale (FOX)
The Rookie: Season 3 Premiere (ABC)

January 5

The Bachelor: Season 25 Premiere (ABC)
The Wall: Season 4 Premiere (NBC)
Boruto: Complete Season 1 (DUBBED) (Viz)

January 6

Gordon Ramsay’s American Road Trip: Series Premiere (FOX)
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: Season 2 Premiere (NBC)
Mighty Oak (2020)

January 7

Name That Tune: Series Premiere (FOX)
Vanderpump Rules: Complete Season 8 (Bravo)
Gretel & Hansel (2020)

January 8

The Hustler: Series Premiere (ABC)
The Chase: Series Premiere (ABC)
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune: Series Premiere (ABC)
Mr. Mayor: Series Premiere (NBC)
A Certain Scientific Railgun Part 2: Complete Season 3 (DUBBED) (Funimation)
Celebs Go Dating: Complete Seasons 6 – 8 (All3Media)
Tattoo Fixers Extreme UK: Complete Seasons 5 & 6 (All3Media)

January 10

One-Punch Man: Complete Season 2 (DUBBED) (Viz)

January 11

Lights Out (2016)
The Rhythm Section (2020)

January 12

A Little Late with Lilly Singh: Season 2 Premiere (NBC)

January 13

Prodigal Son: Season 2 Premiere (FOX)
The Resident: Season 4 Premiere (FOX)
Everyone is Doing Great: Complete Season 1 (Endeavor Content)

January 14

Call Your Mother: Series Premiere (ABC)
Alone (2020)
The Secrets We Keep (2020)

January 15

Endlings: Complete Season 2 (Hulu Original)
The Ultimate Playlist of Noise: Film Premiere (Hulu Original)

January 17

Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Complete Season 3 (SUBBED) (Infinite Frontiers)
No Escape (2020)

January 18

I Don’t Know How She Does It (2011)

January 19

9-1-1: Season 4 Premiere (FOX)
9-1-1: Lone Star: Season 2 Premiere (FOX)

January 20

90 Day Fiancé: Self-Quarantined: Complete Season 1 (TLC)
A Very Brady Renovation: Complete Season 1 (HGTV)
Car Kings: Complete Season 1 (Discovery)
Cutthroat Kitchen: Complete Season 14 (Food Network)
Gold Rush: Complete Season 10 (Discovery)
House Hunters International: Complete Season 138 (HGTV)
House Hunters: Complete Season 163 (HGTV)
Property Brothers: Forever Home: Complete Season 1 (HGTV)
Puppy Bowl: Complete Seasons 14 & 15 (Animal Planet)
River Monsters: Complete Season 9 (Animal Planet)
Rob Riggle: Global Investigator: Complete Season 1 (Discovery)
Rock The Block: Complete Season 1 (HGTV)
Save My Skin: Complete Season 1 (TLC)
Torn from the Headlines: New York Post Reports: Complete Season 1 (ID)
Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein?: Complete Season 1 (ID)
Worst Bakers in America: Complete Season 2 (Food Network)
Worst Cooks in America: Complete Season 17 (Food Network)

January 22

Derek Delgaudio’s In & Of Itself: Film Special Premiere (Hulu Original)
The Sister: Complete Season 1 (Hulu Original)
Grown-ish: Season 3B Premiere (Freeform)
Terra Willy (2020)

January 27

Mixed-Ish: Season 2 Premiere (ABC)
The Haves and Have Nots: Complete Season 7B (OWN)

January 29

Jann: Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (Distribution 360)

Amazon Prime Video

January 1

1900 (1977)
A Night At The Roxbury (1998)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Bloody Sunday (2002)
Broken Arrow (1996)
Brothers (2009)
Chaplin (1992)
Cloverfield (2008)
Coneheads (1993)
Confessions Of A Shopaholic (2009)
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (1964)
Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Face/Off (1997)
Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell (1974)
Girl Most Likely (2013)
Good Luck Chuck (2007)
Gun Duel In Durango (1957)
Gunfight At The O.K. Corral (1957)
In & Out (1997)
Jazz (2001) (PBS Documentaries)
Kiss The Girls (1997)
Last Of The Mohicans (1992)
Legion (2010)
Like A Boss (2020)
Love The Coopers (2015)
Major League (2015)
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Places In The Heart (1984)
Premonition (2007)
Pride (2007)
Push (2009)
Regarding Henry (1991)
Ride Out For Revenge (1958)
Salt (2010)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (2013) (Hallmark)
Signs (2002
Soul Food (1997)
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
Starman (1984)
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
The Brass Legend (1956)
The Brothers Mcmullen (1995)
The Cooler (2003)
The Devil’s Own (1997)
The Firm (1993)
The Interview (2014)
The Legend Of Bagger Vance (2000)
The Longest Yard (1974)
The Peacemaker (1997)
The Quick And The Dead (1995)
The Sons Of Katie Elder (1965)
The Town (2010)
The Truman Show (1998)
Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys (2008)
Vampire In Brooklyn (1995)
Virtuosity (1995)
Walking Tall (1973)
War
When A Man Loves A Woman (1994)
Where Hope Grows (2015)
Wonder Boys (2000)
Series
Ancient Civilizations of North America: Season 1 (The Great Courses)
Baby Looney Tunes: Season 1 (Boomerang)
Beecham House: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
Bringing up Bates: Season 1 (Up Faith & Family)
Changing Body Composition through Diet and Exercise: Season 1 (The Great Courses)
Commandments: Season 1 (Topic)
Dexter: Seasons 1-8
I Survived . . . Beyond and Back: Season 1 (A&E Crime Central)
Rocco Schiavone: Ice Cold Murders: Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece)
Simply Ming: Season 14 (PBS Living)
Texas Metal: Season 1 (MotorTrend)
The Universe : Season 1 (History Vault)

January 6

Mighty Oak (2020)

January 7

Gretel & Hansel (2020)

January 8

*Herself – Amazon Original Movie (2020)
The Silencing (2020)

January 11

The Rhythm Section (2020)

January 15

*One Night In Miami – Amazon Original Movie (2020)
Series
Tandav: Season 1

January 18

Alone (2020)
Series
Pandora: Season 2

January 19

Grantchester: Season 5

January 22

*Flack – Amazon Original Series: Season 1
*Jessy and Nessy – Amazon Original Series: New Episodes

January 29

Chick Fight (2020)
Mortal (2020)

Header Image: Netflix

The post Everything Coming to Streaming in January 2021 appeared first on Nerdist.

The end of the world is on hold (for now)

The finale of CAOS Part 3 was jam-packed. It began with Sabrina trapped for years in her rocky prison. Caliban imprisons her, reigning as King of Hell. Later, the underworld attempted a takeover of Earth, only to be defeated by the Pagans. Luckily, thanks to some magic, Sabrina from the future took the place of Sabrina in the past, freeing past Sabrina to stop Caliban and the Pagans.

The freed Sabrina united the hellish tchotchkes known as The Unholy Regalia; this give her the power to go back in time in the first place. Yay, time travel! Utilizing the magical objects—and some other creepy artifacts—she teleported around saving the day with the help of the expanded coven and the Fright Club.This endeavor stopped the Pagans from killing everyone and turning Greendale into a set piece from Annihilation.

But there are two important pieces of this adventure that’ll shape the future of the final season…

There’s a new deity in town

Netflix

One of the biggest problems with CAOS from the outset was the concept of a show about women witches worshipping Lucifer and his male emissary in Lord Blackwell. But CAOS Part 3 rectifies this in a big way. After dying, coming back to life, and going on a spiritual journey with the ghost of her brother, Zelda Spellman comes to a realization. The only way to protect Greendale and her coven of witches—which now includes the once banished Hedge Witches—is to worship and channel Hecate. This Grecian goddess connects to witchcraft, the moon, and creatures of the night.

Hecate proves a far more fitting deity for the witches to follow. The coven’s power and the turn to Hecate leads to Blackwood and his twins, Judas and Judith, driven out and into the forest. Though that will come into play a little later here. After all, there’s nothing more dangerous than a sociopathic patriarch scorned. For now, the female church worships a female goddess, and has never been more powerful.

Long live Sabrina Spellman and Sabrina Morningstar

Netflix

Remember those two Sabrinas we mentioned? Well, at the end of the final episode, future Sabrina (Spellman) who had lost all of her loved ones, came up with a plan. She wanted nothing more than to stay with her (now alive) friends in Greendale and grow up. But her father Lucifer waits in Hell for her to take her throne. So the pair of teen witches decide that past Sabrina (Morningstar) will rule over the underworld and future Sabrina (Spellman) will head back to Greendale. As lovely Ambrose points out: this choice is a paradoxical ticking time bomb. So expect this questionable teen girl planning to blow up in someone’s face as we head into CAOS Part 4.

Who’s dating who?

Netflix

Don’t give us that look. Sure, we love the nefarious demonic adventures. But we also care about the soapy teen love affairs! If that is part of the reason you tune in, there’s a lot of catching up to do. After a whole season of Ambrose and Prudence magic, the latter leaves the hot warlock. Because Ambrose stopped her killing Lord Blackwood who then killed her sister, Prudence turned to Nick Scratch. Yep, trapped in hell sexy demon boy Scratch who was with Sabrina up until his new dalliance with the most stylish witch in Greendale.

It’s gonna be a tough season for Spellman as her other big-ex is still with her best friend. Roz and Harvey are going strong, and they even sealed the deal by sleeping together for the first time. Sure, it was part of a plan to secure their lives in case the Pagans were sacrificing virgins. But it was a huge step for them both that only strengthened their bond. Part 4 will also see Sabrina as the only single Fright Club member; Theo found love with the one-time Pagan and full-time Hobgoblin, Robin, who has decided to stick around in Greendale for good. How sweet.

The new coven has also introduced a new Greendale power couple in Zelda Spellman and Mambo Marie. The pair saved the day and found each other in the process. We love a powerful lesbian witch couple. And if Mambo Marie is right, there’s a greater darkness headed to Greendale that will test the witches and put existence as we know it at risk.

The Eldritch Terrors are coming

Netflix

In the final moments of Part 3, the newly dethroned and very bitter Lord Blackwood did the unthinkable. Hecalled on the Eldritch Terrors. We know from the trailer that the Lovecraftian monsters will be the major antagonist this coming season. But the big question is whether or not the Greendalians will be able to defeat them. It is the final season, after all. Could the campy teen horror show go out on a bleak world-ending note? We’ll have to tune in to see.

The post Everything to Remember Before CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA Part 4 appeared first on Nerdist.

We were lucky enough to talk with creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa about the awesome reveal. It turns out, this had been in the works for ages. “We had been wanting to bring the OG Aunties back since Part One,” Aguirre-Sacasa told Nerdist. “We just needed to find an organic way to do it, and thankfully, the Eldritch Terrors provided that. And I have to say, we were all such fans of the original sitcom, it was really thrilling when Beth and Caroline said their first lines at the table read. There was spontaneous applause. It was as magical as it gets.”

Netflix

So how exactly will this crossover work? Well, as Aguirre-Sacasa teased, the Eldritch Terrors have something to do with it. Plus, Sabrina Morningstar discovers them in an alternate world, which all sounds incredibly exciting and perfectly ridiculous.

Netflix

It’s not just a short cameo either. Aguirre-Sacasa revealed that the Aunties get a whole episode and even have a showdown with CAOS‘ Aunties. “One of the most fun things about the episode with the original Aunties is that we highlight the differences between the classic sitcom and our horror version,” the show’s creator explained. “The episode is literally about that. So there’s more comedy than usual. And honestly, there’s nothing better than the scene where Miranda and Lucy square off against Beth and Caroline. All in good fun, of course.”

We cannot wait until the final part of the awesome gothic teen show hits Netflix on December 31!

The post The Aunts from ’90s SABRINA Will Visit CHILLING ADVENTURES appeared first on Nerdist.