My last entertainment news was dated in September 2017. So obviously some of what I found on my entertainment websites was so outdated it could hardly be classified as “news”. Some of the spoilers are likely things that are ready happened. But if you’re like me and you’re weeks behind maybe some of it is news.

Since my last general entertainment news blog I posted over a dozen reviews of individual TV shows. Most of them were Fall premieres but a few of them were midseason premieres. There are about five new midseason premieres that I’ve not yet had an opportunity to review and I don’t know if I will get caught up on them or not.

You can browse through these reviews by looking at older posts in this blog. I really want to call your attention to a YouTube channel called “DUST” which has over 100 science-fiction and horror short subject films. They are collected from filmmakers over the world. There is also a Facebook fan group called “DUST Portal” which discusses not only the films they present but sci-fi in general. Here is a link to my blog post about that YouTube channel and Facebook group. There are multiple associated links in the blog post. If you like science-fiction it is HIGHLY recommended you check it out.

“DUST” — An Amazing Source of Short Sci-Fi Films

Since my last report I’ve seen three movies. Mild spoilers ahead…

“First Man” is the biopic about astronaut Neil Armstrong starring Ryan Gosling. I saw it at the White River IMAX which is Indiana’s largest movie screen. Not only were the visuals and special-effects spectacular (they won the Oscar for special-effects this year) the sound was totally immersive. You really felt like you were riding the rockets with the astronauts. It was an interesting portrait of a very reserved and humble man. While your Blu-ray or cable viewings won’t do it justice like 70 mm IMAX, it’s still highly recommended if you haven’t seen it.

“Aquaman” is the latest comic book film from DC Comics. Although the character appeared in the Justice League movie this is his origin story plus very compelling action filled plot. I saw it in 3D and I felt it was the greatest 3D film I’ve seen since “Avatar”. Considering how much I loved Avatar that is high praise. Of particular note all of the underwater scenes in which people’s hair was flowing. This had to be a CGI special effect and it was so flawless even someone who takes a very critical eye towards special-effects found himself completely forgetting that I was watching CGI. The action was awesome. The plot was pretty good. Highly recommended.

“Capt. Marvel” is the latest from Marvel Studios. Again this is an origin story of what is a lesser-known superhero who is obviously going to play a major role in the next film “Avengers: Endgame”. It is Marvel Studios first standalone film with a female superhero. While I appreciate the significance for female fans, there wasn’t anything particularly feminine in my opinion. Carol Danvers is a fighter pilot who through a series of events gains superpowers, goes to an alien planet, loses her memory, regains it, and defeats the bad guys. Tom Cruise or any other male action hero could’ve easily played the part. As recounted in this article https://nerdist.com/article/9-captain-marvel-comics-history-shazam/
there have been nine different characters over three different comic companies to use the name Capt. Marvel and they did not have a female version until 2012. So this is hardly a direct comparison to a character like Wonder Woman on the DC Comics side of things. I saw this one in 3D as well and enjoyed it a lot. There were good 3D effects although it wasn’t quite as spectacular as “Aquaman”. Given my status as an old white guy I can’t really say what kind of role model she makes for young girls. All I can say is I like the movie. I look forward to seeing the character in the next Avenger film. One other great plus for the movie is gives us a deeper look at the early days of Nick Fury as portrayed by Samuel L Jackson. In some ways it’s as much his origin story as it is hers. We also get brief glimpses a young Agent Colson portrayed by Clark Kellogg was a little help from a CGI facelift. If there were CGI effects to make Jackson look younger, they were so good you didn’t notice like you did for Colson. Highly commended.

In the links below read…

• Spoilers from Michael Ausiello dated November 20
• Spoilers from Inside Line dated November 29
• Spoilers from Inside Line dated January 25
• Spoilers from Michael Ausiello dated February 12
• Spoilers from Inside Line dated February 20
• Interview with Ethan Peck about playing Spock in Star Trek Discovery
• Postmortem interview with producers of “The Gifted” about season 2 finale and going forward.
• Postmortem interview with producer of “Suits” about season finale and going forward.
• Spoilers from Michael Ausiello dated March 7

• ABC
  • ABC announced that Agents of SHIELD has been renewed for season 7 even though season 6 does not premiere until May 2019.
  • ABC has canceled cop comedy “Take Two” after one bad season. I gave it a terrible review. It was very worthless.
  • ABC has renewed “The Good Doctor”, “A Million Little Things”, and “Shark Tank”.
  • ABC has renewed “Modern Family” for a final 11th season.
  • Dancing with the Stars is skipping its usual spring season after the controversial win by DJ Bobby Bones. He clearly was not the best dancer but won the competition on his popularity around. They usually have two seasons per year.
• CBS
  • CBS announced the final episode of “The Big Bang Theory” will be May 16. We sure will miss it.
  • CBS has canceled end of the world drama “Salvation” so we never will figure out what that asteroid really was and why it stopped before hitting Earth.
  • CBS has canceled “Code Black” after 3 seasons. I guess there were just one too many medical dramas.
  • CBS announced “Criminal Minds” has been renewed for a 15th and final season. I quit watching about three seasons ago because it was just too dark. How many psychopath serial killers can a person stand?
  • CBS has canceled “Elementary” after seven seasons. I really like it but I think it has run its course.
  • CBS has renewed “Mom” for season 7 and 8 and we are well pleased.
  • CBS has renewed “Young Sheldon” for at least seasons 3 and 4 although I gave it mixed reviews initially it has grown on me and now I really like it.
  • CBS has renewed “God Friended Me” for season 2. I didn’t care for it.
  • CBS has renewed “FBI” for season 2 as well as ordering a spinoff “FBI: Most Wanted”. I kind of like the original. But I don’t know if we need a spinoff.
• FOX
  • Fox has renewed “So You Think You Can Dance” for season 16. I never watched it even though one a big fan of “Dancing with the Stars” and “World of Dance”
  • “The Masked Singer” has been renewed for season 2 by Fox. This was a guilty pleasure this season. Mildly pleased it’s coming back. Had lots of fun arguing on a Facebook fan page about the show.
  • Fox has renewed “The Simpsons” for season 31 and 32. It is the longest running scripted TV series in history with 713 episodes surpassing “Gunsmoke” at 635.
  • Fox has renewed “Hell’s Kitchen” for seasons 19 and 20. I never watched it.
• NBC
  • NBC has renewed “The Good Place” for season 4. I really enjoyed the first two seasons but it was just too weird and I dropped it this season.
  • NBC has canceled “Midnight Texas”. I never watched it.
  • NBC summer comedy “Trial & Error” has been canceled. I’m surprised it got a season 2.
  • NBC has canceled “Reverie” which was a not too bad sci-fi show. I will miss it.
  • NBC has announced “New Amsterdam” has been renewed for season 2. I don’t watch it. Too many medical dramas.
  • “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” is moving from NBC to NatGeo.
  • NBC has renewed “American Ninja Warrior” for season 8. I only watch the Indianapolis episodes.
  • NBC has renewed Chicago Fire, PD and Med each for a new season. I’ve never watched any of them.
  • “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has been reviewed for another season by NBC after moving there from Fox
  • NBC has renewed “Superstore” for season five. Never watched it even has a character in a wheelchair.
  • NBC has renewed “The Blacklist” for season 7. I like it. I watch it. But I’m surprised they are keeping it going.
  • Daytime soap opera “Days of Our Lives” has been renewed for season 55!
• CW network
  • CW network has announced that “Arrow” will end next year with it eighth season of a shortened 10 episode run. Rumors are that Oliver Queen will bite the dust.
  • CW network has renewed Black Lightning, Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Charmed, Legacies, Riverdale, Supernatural and Dynasty.
  • CW canceled “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” the series finale airs soon. I kind of liked it but never followed it closely.
  • Previously reported “iZombie” final season will be this year. I’m way behind on it but I kind of like it.
• AMC
  • AMC announced that “Preacher” has been renewed for season 4 and will relocate production to Australia.
  • AMC announced “The Walking Dead” has been renewed for season 10.
  • AMC announced “Into the Badlands” upcoming season 3 of eight episodes will be its final as will season 2 of “The Son” starring Pierce Brosnan.
• BBC America
  • BBC America announced season 5 of “Luther” will premier June 2.
  • Doctor Who is officially renewed for season 12 with female doctor Jodie Whitaker set to return in early 2020
• Freeform
  • Freeform has announced “grown-ish” has been renewed for season 3.
• FX
  • FX network has announced that “Legion” season 3 will be the final.
  • FX network announced Fargo has been renewed for season 4 to appear in 2020.
  • FX network announced Mayans MC has been renewed for season 2.
  • FXX network renewed Archer for season 10
• HBO
  • HBO has canceled comedy “Crashing” after 3 seasons. I’d never seen it.
  • HBO announced the final season of Game of Thrones will premier April 14. A prequel series is in development and is set 1000 years prior to the original series.
  • HBO announced Westworld has been renewed for season 3.
• History Channel
  • History Channel says that “Vikings” will end with season 6 but a follow-up series is in development.
  • History Channel has ordered 10 episode season 2 of “Project Blue Book”.
• Showtime
  • Showtime has renewed “Our Cartoon President” for season 2
  • Showtime has renewed “Ray Donovan” for season 7.
  • Showtime has renewed “Shameless” for season 10 however as previously reported Emmy Rossum will not be returning. The rest of the cast will be.
  • Showtime has canceled “SMILF” after 2 seasons. I never got around to watching it.
  • Showtime is bringing back lesbian drama “The L Word” with most of the original cast returning.
  • Showtime announced that “Homeland” final season premier has been pushed back to the fall rather than this summer as previously expected.
• Starz
  • Starz announced that “Counterpart” has been canceled and although they wrapped up plot lines as if it was the end, I’m going to miss it. Word is it is being shopped around to other networks and I hope he gets picked up.
• Syfy Channel
  • Syfy Channel has canceled “Z Nation”. Season 5 will be the last and we are very disappointed.
  • Syfy Channel has renewed “The Magicians” for season 5 and we are very pleased.
• TNT
  • TNT has canceled “Good Behavior” which I really enjoyed for two seasons.
• USA Network
  • USA Network says that “Suits” will end with the ninth season of 10 episodes.
  • USA network has renewed “The Purge” for season 2. I tried a couple of episodes and didn’t care for it.
• Amazon Prime
  • Amazon has renewed “Jack Ryan” for season 3. I didn’t know there was a season 2 already. Still haven’t watched season 1 but I hear it’s great.
  • Amazon has announced that season 4 of “Man in the High Castle” will be its last.
• CBS All Access
  • “Tell Me a Story” has been renewed by CBS All Access for season 2. I have seen one episode and the jury is still out.
  • Star Trek: Discovery has been renewed for season 3. Season 2 currently airing is excellent.
• Hulu
  • We are sad to learn that Hulu has canceled “The First” which is a drama about the first mission to Mars starring Sean Penn. I really liked the first season even though it moved very slowly.
• Netflix
  • Netflix has canceled “Daredevil” after 3 seasons. It has canceled “Luke Cage” after 2 seasons. They announced “Punisher” will not return for season 3 and the upcoming season 3 of “Jessica Jones” will be its last. That will officially sever the relationship between Netflix and Marvel Studios.
  • Netflix has canceled “The Good Cop” starring Tony Danza and Josh Groban after one season.
  • Netflix series “Stranger Things” will return July 4 for season 3 of eight episodes
  • Netflix has renewed “Grace and Frankie” for season 6 to be released in 2020
  • Netflix comedy “The Kaminski Method” starring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin has been renewed for season 2
  • Netflix announced “Orange is the New Black” will end after season 7.
  • David Letterman’s “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” series on Netflix has been renewed for season 2. The first season was pretty good.
  • Netflix has renewed “Fuller House” for a final fifth season
  • Netflix has renewed “Sex Education” for season 2.
  • Netflix has canceled sci-fi series “Travelers” after 3 seasons.
  • Netflix has renewed “The Hunting of Hill House” for season 2
  • Netflix has canceled the reboot of “One Day at a Time” after 3 seasons. I really liked the original but then I had a crush on Valerie Bertinelli so I never watched the new reboot.

  Other Miscellaneous News

  • Netflix has ordered a four-part animated drama set in World War II titled “The Liberator” which is described as “The riveting true story of the bloodiest and most dramatic march to victory in the Second World War: the battlefield odyssey of maverick U.S. Army officer Felix Sparks and his infantry unit as they fought for over 500 days to liberate Europe” based on a 2013 book by Alex Kershaw.
  • Jon Cryer will play Lex Luthor in upcoming episodes of Supergirl. It seems like strange casting but I’ve seen the photos and I think I might like it.
  • CBS is developing a revival of the quirky series “Northern Exposure” with Rob Morrow returning to star. The original ran from 1990-95 and wasn’t too bad as I recall. I was a regular viewer.
  • A satanic temple is suing Netflix and Warner Bros. for copyright infringement because they’ve used a demonic statue in the series “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”.
  • Hulu is going to adapt George RR Martin’s anthology series “Wild Cards” into multiple TV series.
  • Author Lee Child is working on producing a TV series based on his Jack Reacher novels. This probably means no more Tom Cruise films playing that part. Cruise was somewhat miscast because the book describes Reacher as a big hulk of a man so they will be looking for an actor who fits the book character better.
  • Author Margaret Atwood says she is writing a sequel to “Handmaid’s Tale” to be published in September 2019.
  • Stephen King’s “The Stand” is being reimagined as a 10 episodes limited series for CBS All Access.
  • Ben Affleck definitely will not play Batman in the new “The Batman” film slated for 2021
  • NBC has dropped its plans to have a live musical version of the 60s classic “Hair”.
  • Danai Gurira a.k.a. Michonne is leaving “The Walking Dead” during season 10.
  • Carson Daly is leaving his late-night show “Last Call” after 17 years. No replacement yet named.
  • NBC news will host the first democratic debate of 2020 election in June and CNN will host the second one in July. DNC will not allow Fox News to host a debate.
  • Season 2 of “Cosmos” was scheduled to begin March 3 but has been delayed because of sexual misconduct allegations against host astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson.
  • Chris Hemsworth will star as Hulk Hogan in an upcoming film for Netflix.
  • Netflix has obtained the rights to a Chinese sci-fi movie called “The Wandering Earth” which is the second biggest movie ever in China earning $600 million. Interestingly enough in China people who go to the movie earning “social credits” that allow them freedom as they wouldn’t otherwise have such as freedom to travel. Someone on Reddit suggested that a film about a dystopian society where the government granting freedoms based on attendance to propaganda films. The plot sounds like a ripoff of the old “Space 1999”. In order to avoid a supernova let our sun, earth is fitted with thrusters that propel it away from the sun and goes in search of a new star to orbit. Just as ridiculous as the wandering moon premise of “Space 1999”.
  • Natalie Dormer and Nathan Lane have joined the cast of the new Showtime sequel series “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” If we needed another reason to watch it this should seal the deal.
  • Amy Schumer canceled the remainder of her standup comedy to in mid February because of her complicated pregnancy.
  • DreamWorks Animation announced there will be a “Puss in Boots 2” to be directed by Bob Perschetti who just won an Oscar for best animated feature for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”.
  • Pollyanna Macintosh who played the leader of the garbage people on The Walking Dead will have a recurring role in next season of “Lodge 49”.
  • Will Smith will not return as Deadshot in “Suicide Squad 2”. Idris Elba is rumored to be in the running to replace him.
  • AMC is working on yet another spinoff series for The Walking Dead but has not released any details.
  • Netflix has ordered a series called “The Baby Sitters Club” based on the books of the same title consisting of 10 episodes.
  • Syfy Channel has ordered drama “Resident Alien” based on the Dark Horse comics to star Alan Tudyk.
  • 83-year-old rocker Jerry Lee Lewis had a minor stroke but is expected to recover.
  • After the Netflix film “Roma” won multiple Oscars, Steven Spielberg who is part of the Academy Directors Board is proposing changes to the rules to prohibit films that are primarily on streaming services from being eligible. He says they should be competing for Emmys not Oscars. To be eligible for an Oscar you only have to appear in theaters for one week in New York and LA.
  • The much delayed reboot of “Mad about You” being developed by Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt has finally been picked up by a new service called “Spectrum Originals” a channel of original programming for Spectrum Cable customers.
  • Jeopardy host Alex Trebek announced he has staged 4 pancreatic cancer but vows to fight it. He has already returned to work dictate new episodes. His contract was recently extended through 2022.
  • Sandra Oh will host SNL March 30. Her series “Killing Eve” returns April 7 to BBC America
  • AMC is developing a spinoff series of “Orphan Black”. No details available.
  • To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Batman, Warner Bros. is rereleasing the Dark Knight trilogy of Christopher Nolan Batman films in a single night event in 70 mm IMAX format. Manuscript
  • Disney has announced that its takeover of 21st-Century Fox will be finalized March 20.
  • Netflix is creating an animated zombie show “The Last Kids on Earth” featuring the voice talent of Mark Hamill, Rosario Dawson, and Catherine O’Hara.
  • Kit Harrington a.k.a. GOT’s John Snow and Emma Stone will be SNL hosts on separate weeks in April.
  • This year’s Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo” is available on Hulu.

  Obituaries

  • RIP screenwriter William Goldman who wrote “All the Presidents Men”, “The Princess Bride”, and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” he was 87.
  • RIP magician Ricky Jay who appeared in many films and TV shows including Deadwood. He was a master card mechanic who could deal a winning hand anytime he wanted to. He often played con men or card sharks in his roles. I always admired him because he was the real deal not just playing a part.
  • RIP Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci who directed “Last Tango in Paris”. Lost his battle with cancer at age 77.
  • RIP comic book pioneer Stan Lee age 95. There aren’t enough words.
  • RIP actress Katherine McGregor who played in “Little House on the Prairie” as talent gossip Harriet Oleson. She was 93.
  • RIP country singer and host of TV’s “Hee Haw” Roy Clark. He was 85
  • RIP Stephen Hillenburg creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. He was 57.
  • RIP actor Ken Barry known for “F Troop”, “Mayberry RFD”, and “Mama’s Family”. Age 85.
  • RIP actor Bob Einstein who appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm and is most noted for his character bad stuntman Super Dave Osborne. Age 76 had cancer.
  • RIP musician Daryl Dragon a.k.a. “Captain” from the 70s era musical duo The Captain and Tennille. Age 76
  • RIP Tony award-winning actress Carol Channing age 97
  • RIP Oscar-winning composer Michel Legrand who wrote “The Windmills of Your Mind” for “The Thomas Crown Affair”. He was 86.
  • RIP actor Scott Wilson who played Herschel on “The Walking Dead” he was 76
  • RIP Oscar-winning composer Francis Lai who wrote the theme to “Love Story” age 86.
  • RIP director and actress Penny Marshall age 75. Will be sorely missed.
  • RIP soap opera star Kristoff St. John who played Neil Winters on “Young & the Restless”. Official cause of death not yet released but it is believed alcohol poisoning. He was 52. Had been depressed over the loss of his son.
  • RIP British actor Albert Finney who was 82. He was no1minated for Oscar five times.
  • RIP former member of “The Monkeys” Peter Tork age 77
  • RIP actor Vinny Vella known for playing tough guys in The Sopranos and the film Casino. Age 72
  • RIP director Stanley Donen known for directing movie musicals such as “Singin’ in the”, “Funny Face”, and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” age 94.
  • RIP actors Beverly Owen who played Marilyn on “The Munsters”. She was 81.
  • RIP actress Lisa Sheridan who appeared in “Halt and Catch Fire” age 44 undisclosed causes.
  • RIP actor Luke Perry who suffered a stroke and died a few days later. Known for 90210 and Riverdale he was 52.
  • RIP Oscar-winning composer and conductor Andre Previn age 89. I particularly enjoyed some concerts and documentaries of his on PBS.
  • RIP actors Katherine Helmand who appeared in “Soap” and “Who’s the Boss?” Age 89.
  • RIP singer Janice Freeman who appeared on season 13 of The Voice age 33 complications of pneumonia.
  • RIP actor Jan-Michael Vincent most noted for the TV series Airwolf. Age 74

  Linked News Articles

  • Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Veronica Mars, B99, The Resident, TWD, Homecoming, Supernatural, Schitt’s Creek and More
  • Matt’s Inside Line: Get Scoop on Grey’s, Blacklist, iZombie, Timeless, Legends, NCIS, Chi Med, Life in Pieces and More
  • Matt’s Inside Line: Scoop on Lucifer, S.H.I.E.L.D., Arrow, Magicians, NCIS, #OneChicago, Supernatural and More
  • Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on This Is Us, Million Little Things, Empire, Grey’s, Game of Thrones, Good Place and More
  • Matt’s Inside Line: Get Scoop on Arrow, The Gifted, This Is Us, Roswell, Grey’s, Lucifer, Suits, NOLA, Rookie and More
  • Star Trek: Discovery’s Ethan Peck on Landing the Role of Spock — and That ‘Controversial’ Hair and Beard
  • The Gifted EP Breaks Down Season 2 Finale’s Final Twist, [Spoiler]’s Death and the Current Renewal Outlook
  • Suits Boss Talks Harvey’s Big Epiphany, Previews the Final-Season Aftermath
  • Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Veronica Mars, Big Bang, Supernatural, Gotham, Psych, To All the Boys, TWD and More