In an unexpectedly delightful journey back to my childhood, we get to experience mutants championing ecological preservation taking center stage in TOXIC CRUSADERS. This animated series daringly converts the infamous ‘Toxic Avenger’ saga into a family-friendly cartoon. Masterminded by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment, known for its unorthodox and bold content, the series shatters typical storytelling, earning its spot as a standout in children’s programming with its witty humor, distinctive character ensemble, and offbeat take on environmental activism. (this is serious; there is something undeniably charming about the series!)
All Creatures Great & Small (seasons 5)
As we visit the serene yet dynamic vistas of Yorkshire in the early 20th century, ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL opens its newest season with a blend of warmth and wartime grit. This period, marked by World War II's shadow, frames the quaint village of Darrowby, where the contrasting worlds of comforting charm and harsh truths collide. The series, known for its emotion and depth, continues incorporating a story that entertains and resonates, ensuring every episode is a textured viewing experience.
House of the Dragon: Season 2
As HOUSE OF DRAGON: SEASON 2 explores the storied expanse of Westeros, it spins a dense web of power and strife within the storied Targaryen lineage. This chapter plunges deeper into the tumultuous waters of dynastic conflicts, with the house's inner divisions threatening to topple their long-standing dominion. While draped in a narrative fabric rich with political maneuverings and adorned with visually stunning sequences, the season occasionally struggles to sustain the narrative drive achieved by its legendary predecessor.
Looney Tunes Collector's Choice: Volumes 1-4
Stepping into nostalgia like no other, LOONEY TUNES COLLECTOR'S CHOICE: VOLUMES 1-4 showcases nearly a century’s animation. This compendium is a goldmine for fans and newcomers, serving up an array of iconic and lesser-known cartoons at a price that won’t break the bank. Warner Archive has managed to pack this collection with an impressive blend of content, making it an essential addition to any home cinema collection.
It's in the Game: Madden NFL
IT'S IN THE GAME: MADDEN NFL chronicles the evolution from a simple yet innovative concept into a dominant force in both the digital and sports worlds. This documentary doesn't just revisit the storied history of this landmark series; it throws us into the creative maelstrom that powered its rise. I’ve been a fan of the Madden series through many of its ups and downs over the years, and while mistakes have been made, the game itself is nearly iconic, from putting you into the game to letting you play as your favorite player or team.
Ellis - Season 1
ELLIS stands out among its detective show peers with its rich exploration of social commentary and riveting mysteries, courtesy of the ingenious scripting by Paul Logue and Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre. The series breathes new life into classic detective themes through the compelling character of DCI Ellis, portrayed by Sharon D. Clarke.
Cruel Intentions
Prime Video is set to launch a new chapter in CRUEL INTENTIONS' seductive and strategic world, reviving the spirit of the beloved 1999 drama. The series transports us to the corridors of Manchester College, where the game of social hierarchy is more intense than ever. I have to admit, I had tempered expectations, as I’m a big fan of the original film (and even its two direct-to-video follow-ups to some extent.) So when I heard this series was being made, I was intrigued!
Based on a True Story - Season 2
Three months into their foray into parenthood, Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) grapple with the ordinary challenges of new parents and the extraordinary complications of reviving their respective careers. Ava's pivot back to real estate diverges from her recent true-crime podcast obsession, while Nathan returns to his roots as a tennis coach. However, their efforts to normalize life are shattered by a sinister wave of criminal activity that drags them unwillingly back into the dark corridors they've tried to leave behind. In BASED ON A TRUE STORY: SEASON 2, the narrative seamlessly throws personal struggles and mystery all into the fold, hooking viewers with its intricate blend of drama and enigma.
Interior Chinatown
INTERIOR CHINATOWN offers a fresh perspective on serialized storytelling, with Hulu presenting a series crafted with passion and purpose. Directed by visionaries like Taika Waititi, Stephanie Laing, John Lee, Pete Chatmon, Jaffar Mahmood, Ben Sinclair, Anu Valia, and Alice Wu, the show features Jimmy O. Yang as Willis Wu, an actor long relegated to background roles in a police procedural, who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a real-life mystery. This twist in his otherwise routine existence offers him a chance to break free from the confines of typecasting and discover his own identity beyond the shadow of Hollywood's stereotypes.
Night Court (revival) - Season 3
The newest season of NIGHT COURT continues to breathe life into the beloved courtroom saga, mixing the humor of the original series with a contemporary twist that appeals to old and new fans alike. At the heart of the series, Melissa Rauch as Judge Abby Stone, whose role not only honors her fictional father’s legacy but also injects a modern sensibility into the proceedings. Her energetic approach transforms the traditional courtroom setting into a stage for nuanced storytelling, moving beyond the typical sitcom formula to a more layered narrative experience.
Cross (Season 1)
In the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., a city as notorious for its secrets as its monuments, CROSS evolves with Aldis Hodge portraying Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective. With a skill set that blends psychological insight with top-notch detective prowess, Cross is on the trail of a shadowy serial killer whose crimes threaten the very fabric of the city. As personal demons from Cross' past emerge to challenge his present, the series captures the essence of his struggle, wrapped in a narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong. Created and directed by Ben Watkins, the series elevates the traditional thriller genre into a complex character study, resonating so strongly with audiences that Prime Video has already renewed it for a second season.
The Day of the Jackal
In a new nailbiting rendition of Frederick Forsyth's renowned novel, THE DAY OF THE JACKAL, the classic espionage tale is cleverly transformed into a high-stakes thriller that plunges into the heart of modern-day political unrest and the intricacies of top-secret technology. Directed by Brian Kirk, the series reworks the story into an urgent narrative that feels entirely relevant to our times.
Citadel: Honey Bunny
Embark on a riveting voyage with CITADEL: HONEY BUNNY, the latest chapter in the sprawling Citadel narrative helmed by the visionary directors Raj and DK. Set against the vivid world of the 1990s, this series weaves a complex tale of espionage that delves deep into the human spirit, exploring themes of deception and allegiance.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, created and starring Larry David, is a paragon of comedy that transforms everyday awkwardness into engaging humor. Spanning twelve seasons, this series follows the misadventures of Larry, an exaggerated version of David himself whose blunt honesty catapults him into numerous social predicaments. This show has entertained and served as a lens through which we view our societal quirks. Having somehow gone into this series without any clue about its contents, I was so surprised; after a few episodes, it was almost like an addiction!
The Gilded Age: Season 2
THE GILDED AGE: SEASON 2 returns to enchant us with its lavish depiction of 1880s New York, where the battle lines between old money and new fortunes are drawn. The visions of the city’s elite are brilliantly unfurled against the backdrop of sumptuous set pieces and a cast led by Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and Denée Benton. While the series easily navigates through its complex web of social ladders, it occasionally falters under the weight of its ambition. Yet, the sheer drama and beauty of the production keep viewers captivated, showcasing a mixture of tension and grandeur that is hard to turn away from.
St. Denis Medical
Venture with me into the world of a mockumentary series that peeks behind the curtain of a cash-strapped Oregon hospital, ST. DENIS MEDICAL serves up a unique blend of comedy and drama that resonates with anyone who's faced workplace challenges. This series captures the essence of healthcare professionals as they juggle the dual burdens of providing care and managing their personal lives, all wrapped in a refreshingly humorous package you would get if THE OFFICE and SCRUBS had a comedy series as a baby.
Game 7
I’m a lifelong Cubs fan, so when I saw the press release for the new series, GAME 7, I was hooked. It offers a deep dive, visiting the nail-biting moments of sports history, and examines the psyche and pressures that shape athletes during these high-stakes games. This anthology series is a thrilling ride through the emotional and dramatic landscapes of the sports world, portraying the resilience and determination of athletes who rise in the face of adversity. Each episode is a testament to the human spirit, exploring the victories and defeats and the intense personal journeys of those involved.
Veep
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is offering VEEP: THE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-ray. The series plunges viewers into the tumultuous political life of Selina Meyer, a Vice President whose ambition is matched only by the struggles of her team. Portrayed with emotional energy by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Meyer maneuvers through a minefield of political faux pas, with every episode revealing the high stakes and high jinks of Washington, D.C. This comprehensive collection showcases the series' celebrated blend of biting satire and sharp wit.
The West Wing: The Complete Series
Twenty-five years after its debut, THE WEST WING: THE COMPLETE SERIES celebrates its storied journey to Blu-ray with crisp, high-definition visuals. This collection is a deep dive into the corridors of power that have shaped the fictional yet all-too-familiar landscape of the American presidency. With the entire series and unique features, fans of top-notch storytelling and dynamic performances will find a fantastic world to explore here.
Hysteria!
Come with me to revisit the eerie 1980s in HYSTERIA! The series submerges viewers into the unsettling ambiance of Happy Hollow, a small Michigan town embroiled in the notorious Satanic Panic. The series kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of a high school quarterback, sparking a domino effect of paranoia and conspiracy that engulfs the entire town. This narrative mirrors the era's tensions and aligns them with the modern-day socio-political landscape, creating a rich blend of suspense and intrigue.
Beyond Black Beauty
BEYOND BLACK BEAUTY pulls us into the world of Jolie Dumont (Kaya Coleman,) a young equestrian whose idyllic life in Belgium gets uprooted as she lands in Baltimore, a world of difference. Here, Jolie faces a change of scenery and a profound internal disruption. The narrative centers around her bond with Black Beauty, a horse that parallels Jolie's turbulence and becomes her anchor in a shifting world. The ensemble, led by Coleman and supported by Gina James, Sagine Sémajuste, Lisa Berry, and Akiel Julien, breathes life into this emotional journey.
The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh
THE PRADEEPS OF PITTSBURGH starts with a bang, infusing the comedy genre with a spin as it charts the journey of a family's move from India to America. This series, which will premiere on Prime Video, explores a rich story filled with humorous and profound explorations of identity and belonging, set against the backdrop of two culturally distinct families entwining in unpredictable ways.
Captain Planet: The Complete Franchise
Step into the eco-adventure of a lifetime with CAPTAIN PLANET: THE COMPLETE FRANCHISE, a collection of all 113 episodes that shaped a generation's eco-consciousness (we need a modern-day Captain Planet for the “older” generation more than ever now!) Their powers combined for the first time, this collection features the heroic narratives of the Planeteers, who harness the power of the elements—earth, fire, wind, water, and heart—to summon the iconic hero, Captain Planet, in their fight against environmental adversaries.
Heels: Season 2
In its second season, HEELS continues its spotlight on the Spade brothers, Jack (Stephen Amell) and Ace (Alexander Ludwig,) wrestling within the ring of Duffy Wrestling League (DWL) but against a backdrop of family concerns and expectations in Duffy, Georgia. The stakes are heightened, the drama more intense, as the narrative delves deeper into the brothers' turbulent lives. The season becomes an arena for conflicts that are as psychological as they are physical, making the audience root for the characters' ambitions and personal redemption.