I mentioned previously I was watching the new Amazon show “Utopia” and my initial impressions after 2 episodes were positive. However as the series progressed it turned extremely dark and disturbing. Check out my full review here.

Also I had previously reviewed very positively the new HBO Max series “Raised by Wolves”. While the first four or five episodes were really good it seemed to go downhill from there and a final episode really “jumped the shark” as they say in the TV industry. A bizarre finish which unfortunately left plenty of room for a second season. Go ahead and check it out if you want but be prepared for a strange ending.

Finally check out the links at the bottom. TV Line has updated its broadcast TV renewal scorecards which also contains links to renewal scorecards for cable and streaming services. Also a list of this year’s Tony award nominees and other items.

Pandemic News

• Production on daytime soap “Days of Our Lives” has been suspended 2 weeks for Covid

Renewals, Coming Soon, and Casting News

• HBO Max has ordered to series “Green Lantern” and it will revolve around multiple Green Lantern versions of the DC comics superhero.
• Showtime has announced its bringing back “Dexter” about the serial killer CSI. It will be a limited 10 episode series reboot starring Michael C.but Hall returning to the role. Will start production in 2021 for fall premier 2021.
• ABC has confirmed that Bobby Bones will return as in-house mentor for the next season of American Idol
• HBO says “His Dark Materials” season 2 will premier November 16 and scripts are already being prepared for a potential season 3 not yet officially approved.
• Spectrum Original as canceled “LA’s Finest” cop show starring Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba after 2 seasons.
• The Tracy Morgan comedy “The Last OG” has been renewed for season 4 at TBS however Tiffany Haddish will not be returning.
• Showtime has announced “Black Monday” a Wall Street satire has been renewed for season 3

Politics and Showbiz

• The Commission on Presidential Debates has officially canceled the October 15 event after they changed it to a virtual event and Trump refused to participate. Competing town halls were held with Joe Biden on ABC and Trump on NBC. That programming move by NBC created serious backlash. In the end Biden won the ratings war over the two events.
• Gal Gadot is moving from Wonder Woman to Cleopatra however she is being criticized for taking on the role of an addiction Queen because she is Israeli.

Miscellaneous News

• Yahoo has announced that it shutting down its social media platform Yahoo! Groups which has been around for 20 years. It will shut down December 15.
• Google is shutting down Google Hangouts in favor of Google Chat

In Memoriam

• Game show host Tom Kennedy from “Name That Tune” age 93
• Margaret Nolan actress who was painted entirely in gold in the James Bond film Goldfinger. Age 76.
• Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford, age 91
• Hall of Fame Cincinnati Reds second baseman Joe Morgan was also ESPN commentator. Age 77.
• Conchata Ferrell actress who played the housekeeper on “Two And A Half Men” one of my favorite character actresses. Age 77.
• Herbert Kretzmer who wrote the English lyrics for the hit musical Les Miserables. Age 95.

Links of Interest

• ‘The Walking Dead’: Scott Gimple Teases Crossover Episodes Within Zombie Universe As Main Show Set To Return To Production
• 2021 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Already Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
• CBS Sets Premiere Dates For 10 Scripted Series Including ‘NCIS’ Trio, ‘Young Sheldon’ & ‘S.W.A.T’
• Tony Awards Nominations 2020 – The Complete List