Tag: hbo go

Third season of HBO series True Detective to premiere on January 14

TRUE DETECTIVE will return for its eight-episode third season same time as the U.S. on Monday, January 14 at 10am, with a same day encore at 10pm, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. New episodes will premiere subsequent Mondays at the same time.

TRUE DETECTIVE is anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law. The cast of the critically acclaimed first and second seasons include Matthew McConaughy, Colin Farrell, Woody Harrelson, Rachel McAdams, Michelle Monaghan, Taylor Kitsch and Vince Vaughn.

The new season tells the story of a macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks, and a mystery that deepens over decades and plays out in three separate time periods. Academy Award® winner Mahershala Ali stars as Wayne Hays, a state police detective from Northwest Arkansas. Carmen Ejogo and Stephen Dorff also star. Created by Nic Pizzolatto.

Catch the series every Monday at 10am starting January 14 on HBO (SKYcable ch 54 SD | 168 HD). It will also be available for online viewing on HBO GO, HBO’s video streaming service that enables users to watch HBO’s channels live and HBO original productions and more on demand. In the Philippines, it is exclusively available to SKY subscribers.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

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HBO anthology series Room 104 returns for a second season on November 10

The anthology series ROOM 104 will return for its 12-episode second season, debuting two episodes back-to-back, same time as the U.S. on Saturday, November 10 at 12.30pm, exclusively on HBO GO and CINEMAX two new episodes will subsequent air every Saturday at the same time.

From creators and executive producers Mark and Jay Duplass, the show is set in a single room of a typical American chain motel and tells a different story of the assorted characters who pass through it in each episode, ranging from comedy to drama to horror.

Season two actors include: Mahershala Ali, Joel Allen, Stephanie Allynne, Katie Aselton, Frank Birney, Josephine Decker, James Earl, Marlene Forte, Abby Ryder Fortson, Ginger Gonzaga, Judy Greer, Brian Tyree Henry, Anita Kalathara, Anita Kalathara, Tom Lenk, Phil Matarese, Sheaun McKinney, Natalie Morales, Kent Osborne, Zane Pais, Leonora Pitts, Mark Proksch, Pia Shah, Michael Shannon, Onur Tukel, Dolly Wells, Jud Williford, Rainn Wilson, Mary Wiseman, Charlyne Yi and Katya Zamolodchikova.

Season two directors include: Patrick Brice, Josephine Decker, Mark Duplass, Gaby Hoffmann, Liza Johnson, So Yong Kim, Jonah Markowitz, Natalie Morales, Lila Neugebauer, Ross Partridge and Julian Wass.

Season two writers include: Lauren Budd, Josephine Decker, Mark Duplass, Esti Giordani, Liza Johnson, Onur Tukel and Julian Wass.

Season two credits: ROOM 104 was created by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass; executive producers, Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Sydney Fleischmann, Mel Eslyn, Xan Aranda; co-executive producer, Ross Partridge; producer, Tyler Romary.

In the Philippines, HBO GO is exclusively available to SKYcable subscribers.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

This post contains affiliate links.

HBO GO not available in your area? Watch the series on HBO on Amazon Prime.  Sign up today for a 7-day free trial.

Check out my posts on other HBO shows:

Jennifer Garner and David Tennant star in new original comedy series Camping to premiere exclusively on HBO and HBO on Oct 15

Jennifer Garner (“Love, Simon”; Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner for “Alias”) and David Tennant (“Jessica Jones,” “Doctor Who”) headline the cast of the brand-new HBO Original comedy series CAMPING. The first of eight episodes of its debut season will air in Asia same time as the U.S. on Monday, October 15 at 10am, with a same day primetime encore at 11pm, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO.

To celebrate her husband Walt’s 44th birthday, the obsessively organised and aggressively controlling Kathryn gathers together her meek sister, her holier-than-thou ex-best friend and a free-spirited tagalong – and what was supposed to be a delightful, back-to-nature camping trip quickly becomes a weekend of tested marriages and woman-on-woman crime that won’t soon be forgotten.

CAMPING follows a group of old friends as they arrive at the underwhelming Brown Bear Lake campsite to celebrate a landmark birthday, sparking heightened emotions, latent tensions (sexual and otherwise) and memories they’d rather forget. Other series regulars include: Juliette Lewis (Oscar nominee for “Cape Fear”), Arturo Del Puerto (“Independence Day: Resurgence”), Ione Skye (“Fever Pitch”), Janicza Bravo (directing credits include “Lemon” and HBO’s “Divorce”) and Brett Gelman (“Stranger Things”). The recurring cast includes Bridget Everett (“Trainwreck”).

The show is written and executive produced by Lena Dunham (creator and star of HBO’s “Girls”), Jenni Konner (executive producer of HBO’s “Girls”) and John Riggi, and is based on the British series of the same name created by Julia Davis and produced by Baby Cow Productions.

The Characters

Kathryn McSorley-Jodell (Jennifer Garner) is a controlling LA mom who is far less cheerful than her Lululemons imply. She directs the weekend’s proceedings with an iron grip, until she’s faced with a woman who undoes all her best-laid plans. Walt (David Tennant) is an obedient husband and a loving father, the reliable lynchpin of his male social group, but below that reality lurks a subtle but growing discontent about what he’s just signed up for.

Jandice (Juliette Lewis) is a woman of many talents: a DJ, a reiki healer and a certified public accountant. Her life may seem ideal, but the reality is far less. Smack dab in the middle of a midlife crisis, the recently separated Miguel (Arturo Del Puerto) now expresses his instability through a youthful wardrobe and very strange life choices.

Carleen (Ione Skye) has spent her life in the shadows as Kathryn’s sister. Timid and terrified, she must rely on her own strange passions, such as crocheting, to get her through the lonely days. Nina-Joy (Janicza Bravo) is the friend you go to for everything: best massage, best jeans, best oatmeal. But her tension with Kathryn over a breach of confidence threatens to topple the weekend.

George (Brett Gelman) is loyal, goofy and infinitely game. He’s as obsessed with his best friend, Walt, as he is with his wife, Nina-Joy, and just under the surface of this affable boom operator simmers barely repressed rage that can stop any singalong.

Harry (Bridget Everett) is the tough-talking, nature-loving queen of the campsite; her passion for her wife, Nan, is surpassed only by her passion for all other women and an assortment of arms.

“When we saw Julia Davis’ hilarious U.K. ‘Camping,’ we knew this was the most fun concept for writers and actors,” observe Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner. “We are so excited by our cast. We are so excited by this story. We are so excited to make you never want to go to the woods again.”

CAMPING is written and executive produced by Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner for A Casual Romance; written and executive produced by John Riggi; executive produced by Julia Davis for Hush Ho; Christine Langan for Baby Cow Productions; executive produced by Ilene S. Landress and Tom Lassally; co-executive produced by Adam Countee; pilot directed by Jenni Konner.

Series details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on other HBO shows:

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HBO renews comedy series Insecure for a fourth season

HBO has renewed the comedy series INSECURE for a fourth season, it was announced today by Amy Gravitt, executive vice president, HBO Programming.

The series follows the friendship of two African American women as they deal with their own real-life flaws while attempting to navigate different worlds and cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Lisa Joyce, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Y’lan Noel star in the hit comedy series. New episodes of the latest season is currently airing same time as the U.S. every Monday at 10.30am, with a same day encore at 11.30pm, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. Catch up on all past seasons on HBO GO.

In the Philippines, access to HBO GO is exclusive to SKYcable subscribers.

INSECURE was created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore; executive produced by Issa Rae, Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Jim Kleverweis and Dayna Lynne North.

Series details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on other HBO shows:

 

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HBO’s “The Deuce” Season 2 Premieres Exclusively on HBO GO on September 10

Chronicling the rise of pornography and the multibillion-dollar industry’s transformation of American culture, the critically acclaimed drama series THE DEUCE, created by George Pelecanos and David Simon, returns for its nine-episode second season on Monday, September 10 at 9am, exclusively on HBO GO.

In the Philippines, HBO GO is exclusively available to SKYcable subscribers.

Resuming five years after the culmination of the first season, THE DEUCE returns to the world of 1977, capturing the Times Square area of midtown New York at its most garish and volatile.

Amid a city that is as culturally dynamic as it is dystopic, the show finds its protagonists living at the apex of the Golden Age of Porn, when the dream of a mainstream X-rated film business is suddenly a credible reality, and the culture of pornography and its blatant commodification of sex is finding increasing traction among more and more Americans.

Disco and punk are in full swing, and police corruption and political tolerance for New York’s midtown demimonde is at its height. And the Mafia, the early backer of pornography at the moment when courts declared for its legality, is now seemingly poised to reap great profits. A comparable – and, in some ways, more professional – porn industry is rising on the West Coast as well. But for now, New York is holding its own in a city flush with movies, music and art, as the drug-fueled party rages around the clock.

“This is the moment when it genuinely seemed for the first time that hardcore pornography was going to become mainstreamed into American culture and pysche,” says David Simon. “And in a very real sense that would happen to a profound degree, though not in the ways that our protagonists once imagined.”

 

The Deuce S2 James Franco

Created by George Pelecanos and David Simon, both veterans of the HBO series “The Wire” and “Treme,” THE DEUCE is executive produced by Pelecanos, Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco. The drama series stars James Franco (Golden Globe winner for “The Disaster Artist”) as both Vincent Martino, a successful manager of several mob-backed nightspots, and his twin brother, Frankie Martino, whose own business ventures are more fraught, and Maggie Gyllenhaal (Oscar® nominee for “Crazy Heart,” Golden Globe nominee for season one of THE DEUCE) as Candy, now a rising director of ambitious porn films.

The returning cast also includes: Gary Carr (“Downton Abbey”) as C.C. and Gbenga Akinnagbe (HBO’s “The Wire”) as Larry Brown, both Eighth Avenue pimps coping with the changing realities of the sex trade; Margarita Levieva (“Revenge”) as Abigail “Abby” Parker, who brings her artistic and political sensibilities to the Hi-Hat bar while navigating life with Vincent; Dominique Fishback (HBO’s “Show Me a Hero”) as Darlene and Emily Meade (HBO’s “The Leftovers”) as Lori, prostitutes who gain a measure of independence as their film careers rise; Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. (HBO’s “The Wire”) as NYPD detective Chris Alston; Chris Bauer (HBO’s “The Wire”) as massage parlor manager and Martino brother-in-law Bobby Dwyer; Michael Rispoli (HBO’s “The Sopranos”) as Mafia capo Rudy Pipilo; and Chris Coy (CINEMAX’s “Banshee”) as nightclub proprietor Paul Hendrickson.

Season two finds Luke Kirby (“Rectify”) joining the cast as a series regular as Gene Goldman, an incoming Koch administration official bent on reform, and Jamie Neumann (“The Looming Tower”) joining as a series regular as Ashley, a former sex worker turned activist. Guests include Zoe Kazan (“The Big Sick”), Ralph Macchio (“The Karate Kid”), Mustafa Shakir (“Marvel’s Luke Cage”), David Krumholtz (“Living Biblically”), Don Harvey (HBO’s “The Night Of”), Cliff “Method Man” Smith (“8 Mile”), Daniel Sauli (“House of Cards”) and Sepidah Moafi (“Falling Water”).

Season two writers include: David Simon (HBO’s “The Wire” and “Treme”), George Pelecanos (HBO’s “The Wire” and “The Pacific”), Richard Price (HBO’s “The Night Of”), Anya Epstein (“The Affair,” HBO’s “In Treatment”), Carl Capotorto (HBO’s “Vinyl”), Megan Abbott (“Give Me Your Hand”), Stephani DeLuca, Will Ralston (HBO’s “Treme”) and Chris Yakaitis (HBO’s “Treme”).

Season two directors include: Alex Hall (HBO’s “Treme”), Steph Green (“The Americans”), Uta Briesewitz (“Orange Is the New Black,” HBO’s “Westworld”), Zetna Fuentes (“Jane the Virgin”), Susanna White (HBO’s “Generation Kill”), Tricia Brock (“Mozart in the Jungle,” “Younger”), Tanya Hamilton (“The Chi”) and Minkie Spiro (“Call the Midwife,” “Downton Abbey”).

Episodic synopses:

Episode #9 (Season 2, Episode 1): “Our Raison d’Être”

Premieres: Monday, September 10 at 9am

Times Square, 1977. After his early successes managing the Hi-Hat and French Parlor, Vincent (James Franco) is now proprietor of a new mob-backed disco, Club 366, while his girlfriend Abby (Margarita Levieva) has brought the nascent punk-rock culture into the Hi-Hat. Vincent’s twin brother, Frankie (James Franco), remains a problem, “borrowing” money from Show Land, the sex emporium he manages, to pay off his debts. Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), now a “triple threat” as a porn actress, producer and director, is looking to make more artful, ambitious adult films, over the objections of her collaborator, Harvey (David Krumholtz). C.C. (Gary Carr) pulls a con on Bernie Wolf (Stephen Gevedon), the director of a porn film starring Lori (Emily Meade), to get her more money. Hoping to launch a more upscale gay nightclub, Paul (Chris Coy) looks to sever mob ties from his current bar. Alston (Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.), now a homicide detective, is approached by Gene Goldman (Luke Kirby), a civil servant appointed by Mayor Koch to clean up Times Square. Written by David Simon & George Pelecanos; directed by Alex Hall.

Episode #10 (Season 2, Episode 2): “There’s an Art to This”

Premieres: Monday, September 17 at 9am

Confronted with the changing realities of prostitution and porn, C.C. (Gary Carr) doubles down on his assets, while fellow pimp Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe) eyes a new opportunity. Growing creatively frustrated, Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) turns to Genevieve Furie (Dagmara Dominczyk), a onetime porn director who’s graduated to slasher films, for filmmaking advice. After a customer is mugged outside his bar, Paul (Chris Coy) is approached by Matty the Horse (Garry Pastore), a rival of Rudy’s (Michael Rispoli), who promises Paul the mob protection he deserves. Following a nostalgic road trip to Coney Island with Vincent (James Franco), Abby (Margarita Levieva) attends a meeting of activists, and recognises a familiar face from Times Square. Written by Richard Price; directed by Alex Hall.

Episode #11 (Season 2, Episode 3): “Seven-Fifty”

Premieres: Monday, September 24 at 9am

Lori (Emily Meade) envisions a sunny future in LA after attending the AFFA Erotica Awards with Harvey (David Krumholtz) and Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who’s looking to connect with west-coast producers who are willing to turn her fairy tale into reality. Paul (Chris Coy) and Kenneth (Michael Stahl-David) approach Vincent (James Franco) about a loan for a new nightclub, free from mob ties. Goldman (Luke Kirby) visits Alston’s (Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.) precinct to share the mayor’s vision for cleaning up the Deuce. Frankie (James Franco) wins a hand of poker, but risks losing his job. Back in NYC, Ashley (Jamie Neumann) pushes her reform agenda on Abby (Margarita Levieva), while trying to avoid C.C. (Gary Carr). Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe) and Darlene (Dominique Fishback) learn a bitter lesson about supply and demand. Rudy (Michael Rispoli) sends a message to his rivals, but invites retaliation. Written by Chris Yakaitis; directed by Steph Green.

Episode #12 (Season 2, Episode 4): “What Big Ideas”

Premieres: Monday, October 1 at 9am

Ashley (Jamie Neumann) and Abby (Margarita Levieva) resolve to track down the identity of a 16-year-old sex worker killed in a recent fire. Vincent (James Franco) is shaken after witnessing the brutal side of Rudy’s (Michael Rispoli) operation. Frustrated by the progress on her new film, Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) recruits new faces to help with the production. Frankie (James Franco) finds his dry-cleaning business a less-than-perfect fit. Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe) shows off his improvisational skills. Lori (Emily Meade) looks to forge a deal with Kiki (Alysia Reiner) while keeping C.C. (Gary Carr) in the loop. Written by Anya Epstein; directed by Uta Briesewitz.

In addition to “The Wire,” creators David Simon and George Pelecanos collaborated on HBO’s New Orleans drama “Treme.” Simon is an author, journalist and producer whose other works for HBO include “The Corner,” “Generation Kill” and “Show Me a Hero.” Pelecanos is the author of 20 critically acclaimed novels, including “The Double” and “The Turnaround,” as well as a screenwriter and film producer, and served as a writer and co-producer on HBO’s “The Pacific.”

THE DEUCE was created by George Pelecanos and David Simon; executive producers, George Pelecanos, David Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco; co-executive producer, Richard Price.

Series details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on other HBO shows:

 

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HBO partners with Viu in bringing the Viu Original “The Bridge” to HBO subscribers in PH

HBO Asia and Viu, a leading OTT Video service by PCCW and Vuclip, recently announced that the Viu Original “The Bridge” licensed by Endemol Shine Group, will be available on HBO Asia’s channels and services throughout Asia. From November 26th, 2018, the show will be on Viu in all available markets and on HBO, HBO GO and HBO ON DEMAND in the Philippines, among other Asian countries, enabling fans of Viu Originals to view this latest adaptation of global phenomenon, “The Bridge,” on multiple platforms.

HBO Go, HBO’s online streaming service, is exclusively available in the Philippines to SKYcable subscribers.

“HBO Asia is committed to quality original local programming and working with Viu on ‘The Bridge’ is another step towards that,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO, HBO Asia. “This adaptation of ‘The Bridge’ will add to our ever-growing line up of Asian Original content that will resonate with audiences in the region and around the world.”

“Our approach is not just to produce great content, but also continue investing in the local ecosystem by providing a platform for sustained growth. It is great to partner with HBO Asia on the Bridge, because they share our vision and passion when it comes to Original content,” said Kingsley Warner, Country Manager Malaysia and Executive Producer of The Bridge, Malaysia and Singapore.

Viu is working with longtime partner, Double Vision, to produce a Malaysia-Singapore localised, ten-episode adaptation of global phenomenon, The Bridge, starring Bront Palarae, Rebecca Lim, Cheryl Samad and Tony Eusoff. The Bridge will be directed by Lee Thean-jeen and Jason Chong. A body is found on the border of two countries, Malaysia and Singapore, forcing an investigator from each country to work together to solve the case. This is a licensed format from international production and distribution house, Endemol Shine Group and is a compelling storyline which lends itself to great localization.

The Bridge (Bron/Broen) was originally created and written by Hans Rosenfeldt as a joint production of Sweden’s Filmlance International, part of Endemol Shine Group and Denmark’s Nimbus Film. The Bridge (Bron/Broen) was produced in co-production with Sveriges Television, DR, ZDF German Television network, ZDF Enterprises Gmbh, Film i Skåne, NRK, Copenhagen Film Fund, Lumiere Group, Stiftelsen Ystad Österlen Filmfond, with from Norvision and in co-operation with Malmö Stad.

Series details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Complete Seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale to premiere in PH on HBO Go on September 15

In the Republic of Gilead, fertile women are conscripted to serve the new goverment’s high-ranking officials by bearing children for the infertile wives.  Called handmaids, they are identified by their red clothing, their slave names taken after the names of the commanders they are assigned to, and every month, the gruesome task of lying in between their commanders and their respective wives, hoping to get pregnant and thereby prove their worth to this new society.  Such is the world in The Handmaid’s Tale, a TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning dystopian novel.

The Handmaid's Tale S2

The Handmaid's Tale S1

The Handmaid's Tale S2

Filipino fans of the book will be able to watch and download all episodes of the Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning hit drama series on HBO Go, HBO’s online streaming service exclusively available in the Philippines to SKYcable subscribers, starting September 15.

Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”, “Top of the Lake”), Joseph Fiennes (“American Horror Story: Asylum”, “Shakespeare in Love”), and Yvonne Strahovski (“Chuck”, “Dexter”) headline the series’ all-star cast.  Emmy Award-winning actress Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”), Madeline Brewer (“Orange Is the New Black”), Amanda Brugel (“Workin’ Moms”), Emmy Award-winning actress Ann Dowd (“Compliance”, HBO’s “The Leftovers”), O-T Fagbenle (“The Five”), Max Minghella (“The Mindy Project”), and Samira Wiley (“Orange is the New Black”) also play supporting roles. THE HANDMAID’S TALE was created for television by Bruce Miller (“The 100”), who is also the showrunner. Season Two of the series was executive produced by Miller, Warren Littlefield (“Fargo”), Moss, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears. The series is produced by MGM Television and internationally distributed by MGM.

The series’ second season was recently nominated for 20 Emmy® Awards, a series record.  It now becomes part of HBO Asia’s programming slate of Emmy® award-winning and nominated titles – bringing the best of Hollywood to Asia.

Series details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my other posts on HBO shows adapted from novels:

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You can also purchase the novel that the series is based on, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, at Amazon.com.

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HBO colonial period drama Grisse now in production

Modern-day Indonesia was formed from the nationalised colonies of the Dutch East India Company. It was a gem of the Dutch empire, contributing to the empire’s prominence in the spice and cash crop trade in the 19th century.

In common with the experience of various colonized lands, the economic prosperity that befell the Dutch empire came at a great cost to the natives: from exploitation of their resources to being relegated to second-class citizens in their own motherland. Unsurprisingly, tensions rose between ghe colonizers and the natives until revolts broke out.

One such revolt is depicted in the new HBO Original Series, Grisse, which has now begun its principal photography amd is scheduled to premiere later this year on HBO’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms.

The series’ eight hour-long episodes will chronicle the story of how a group of unlikely individuals with diverse backgrounds and motivations came together to rebel against a brutal governor and found themselves in control the Dutch garrison town called Grisse.

Developed and produced by HBO Asia and together with Singapore-based Infinite Studios, GRISSE will feature an ensemble cast of actors who are based in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Europe. They include Adinia Wirasti (HBO Asia’s “Halfworlds Season 1”), Marthino Lio (“Sayang You Can Dance”), Michael Wahr (“City Homocide”), Edward Akbar (“Air Terjun Pengantin”), Jamie Aditya (“Sync or Swim”), Toshiji Takeshima (HBO’s “True Blood”), Joanne Kam (“Kopitiam”), Zack Lee (“The Raid 2”), Tom Dejong (“Medisch Centrum West”), Ully Triani (“Stay With Me”), Rick Paul Van Mulligen (“A’dam E.V.A.”), Alexandra Gottardo (“Tanah Air”), Hossan Leong (“The Forbidden City”) and Jimmy T (“Robocop 3”). Director and showrunner for GRISSE is Mike Wiluan (“Buffalo Boys”).

“We are delighted to once again bring together many talents from Asia to produce this adaptation of a historical tale of a small town in Indonesia. GRISSE promises to be action-packed with plot twists and interesting storylines that we hope will captivate our audiences in the region and beyond,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia.

Series details provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Fahrenheit 451, starring Black Panther’s Michael B. Jordan, set to premiere on HBO and HBO GO on May 20

451 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper begins to burn.

This is central to the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.  Considered to be one of the author’s best works, Fahrenheit 451 tells of a dystopian future wherein books were outlawed, facts and history are rewritten, and firemen, instead of saving things from burning, are actually tasked to burn books.

Michael B. Jordan (“Creed,” “Black Panther”) stars as Montag, a young fireman who questions his loyalty to the regime and to his mentor Captain Beatty, played by Michael Shannon (“Boardwalk Empire,” “Revolutionary Road”) after his encounters with Clarisse, played by Sofia Boutella (“The Mummy,” “Kingsman: The Secret Service”).

The film is directed by Ramin Bahrani (“99 Homes”) from a screenplay he co-wrote with Amir Naderi (“Vegas: Based on a True Story”).

“I have always loved Ray Bradbury’s prophetic novel ‘Fahrenheit 451’,” says Bahrani. “The concept is so provocative. Three years ago, I started to think about it again, because the world was frighteningly catching up to what he had envisioned. Bradbury said that we demanded, we elected, for the world to become this way. That’s different than having a totalitarian government take over. I found that to be true, because we have willingly given up our knowledge, identity, books, history, dreams, culture – everything – to tech companies, big business and politicians.”

FAHRENHEIT 451 follows Guy Montag (Michael B. Jordan), the most popular fireman in his district, with a mandate to achieve happiness and social harmony by burning books, physical or electronic, deleting and altering history, art, photos and facts, and replacing words with simplistic emojis. “Natives,” or citizens, mainly stay home, happily interacting with screens and getting anything they need from “Yuxie,” an advanced AI personal assistant that listens to and watches them at all times. “Eels” fight to save books, knowledge and culture. When firemen catch them, they punish Eels in public burnings, which are broadcast to the city on giant building-screens; the Eels’ digital identities and histories are wiped clean and they are banished to Talay City, a poor slum with very little technology.

Captain Beatty (Michael Shannon) is Montag’s mentor and friend, and the head of the regional fireman brigade. He is grooming Montag to take his place, but Beatty also harbors a secret: a desire for knowledge and books, exactly what he trains Montag to burn. Beatty manages to ride a fine line of contradiction to survive within the Ministry. He finds himself losing control of Montag, his prized student, who is haunted by dreams and increasingly questioning his beliefs. Interacting with Clarisse (Sofia Boutella), an Eel-turned-informant, Montag is drawn to forbidden knowledge. The turning point comes when an old woman burns herself alive, in front of Montag, for her books. Now, Montag must know why.

His first step: steal a book. Next: find Clarisse to explain it to him.

Through Clarisse, Montag connects with rebel Eels who are preserving books by memorizing one author’s work and “becoming” that novel. They have developed OMNIS, a way to store all of humanity’s art, history and literature in a microscopic strand of DNA – an advanced form of a technology that exists today. The Eels need Montag to use his status as a fireman to protect OMNIS.

A conflicted and suspicious Beatty realizes that Montag has aligned himself with Clarisse, betraying him and the Ministry. Beatty confronts Montag, resulting in a series of fiery standoffs in which Beatty tries to bring his apprentice and only friend back into the fold. But Montag can’t be saved. He has a goal: save the OMNIS. Mentor and apprentice will have to face the inevitable tragedy that neither friend wants: One of them will have to be destroyed.

Notes Michael Shannon, “This is a good time for FAHRENHEIT 451 to come out, because it seems like we are drifting away from pure information as a society. Everything now is more oriented to opinion and propaganda, and the technology that’s available is allowing us to create a dangerous non-reality. For my character Beatty, it’s not even important whether something is a lie or the truth. That’s an antiquated notion, and that’s something we’re seeing in our culture today. But my own personal mantra is ‘pay attention’ – we think we’re getting all the information and facts, but often you can’t rely on the validity of what you’re reading or seeing these days.”

Says Michael B. Jordan of his character, “He’s the golden boy, you know? And with that type of pressure on him, there’s also a pressure to continue down that path – not to go back, not to turn left, not to make any mistakes. I think the message of the film and the book is very important today, when our freedom of choice and freedom of speech – our rights as human beings – are being tested. Don’t always do what you’re told. Do what you feel is right. That’s something my character Montag learns as he starts to question what the Ministry taught him and slowly but surely begins to think for himself. Know that you have freedom of choice. Don’t rely on someone else to tell you what is true or what your reality is.”

FAHRENHEIT 451 will be streaming on HBO GO and premiering on HBO, the same time as the U.S. on Sunday, May 20 at 8am, with a same day primetime encore at 9pm.  

HBO Go not available in your area? Watch it on HBO on Amazon Prime.  Sign up today for a 7-day free trial.

Series and episode details provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Buy Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, on Amazon.com.

Mini-series based on J.K. Rowling’s C.B. Strike detective novels to air on Cinemax

Did you know that Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling wrote a series of crime novels under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith?

Proving once more that her literary prowess extends beyond children’s fantasy, Rowling penned the Cormoran Strike series which depict the eponymous war veteran turned private investigator whose unique insight and background as a military police investigator proved crucial in solving three unsolvable cases.

British television station BBC adapted the novels as a seven-part miniseries titled C.B. Strike, starring Tom Burke (“Only God Forgives,” “The Three Musketeers”) as the title character. The mini-series, will premiere in the Philippines on May 12 (Saturday), 10pm on Cinemax (ch 198 HD | 36 SD on SKYcable), and will stream on HBO Go, HBO’s online streaming service exclusive to SKY subscribers. The series also stars Holliday Grainger (“The Borgias,” “Bonnie and Clyde”) as Robin Ellacott, Strike’s assistant.

Episodes cover the first three novels in the series and include:

#01 “The Cuckoo’s Calling: Part 1”

Premiere: Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10pm

After supermodel Lula Landry is found dead outside her London flat, war-veteran-turned-private-investigator Cormoran Strike is visited by Lula’s adoptive brother John Bristow, who disputes the police’s assertion that her death was a suicide. Strike tasks his temp secretary Robin Ellacott with background research on the case, but instead she uncovers details about Strike’s own illustrious yet troubled past. Meanwhile, Strike attempts to track down DI Eric Wardle, the chief investigator on the case, as well as those who may have seen Lula in her final days, including her wealthy neighbour Tansy Bestigui, famous rapper Deeby Mac, designer Guy Somé, and Lula’s best friend Rochelle. Written by Ben Richards; directed by Michael Keillor.

 

#02 “The Cuckoo’s Calling: Part 2”

Premiere: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10pm

Strike connects with a model, Ciara, who offers insights into Lula’s complex friendship with Rochelle and introduces him to Lula’s volatile boyfriend Evan. Robin learns more about Strike’s past from his sister Lucy, and contemplates taking a more stable position in a corporate office. Strike questions Tansy about her changing accounts of the night Lula died, and tries to get to the bottom of Deeby Mac’s whereabouts – and why the building’s security guard didn’t see anything that night. Written by Ben Richards; directed by Michael Keillor.

#03 “The Cuckoo’s Calling: Part 3”

Premiere: Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 10pm

Robin gets a taste of private investigating at a high-end shop Lula visited the day of her murder. Later, she and Strike try to track down a hooded figure in the CCTV footage that Strike obtained from police, as Lula’s long-buried family secrets come to light.

Written by Ben Richards; directed by Michael Keillor.

#04 “The Silkworm: Part 1”

Debut date: Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10pm

Strike investigates the disappearance of a provocative author, Owen Quine, whose wife Leonora has come to Strike for help. Questioning those in Owen’s inner circle – agent Liz Tassel, author Andrew Fancourt, publisher Daniel Chard and editor Jerry Waldegrave – Strike is eventually led to a gruesome crime scene plucked from the manuscript of Quine’s next book, “Bombyx Mori.” Finding herself caught between Strike and her fiancé Matthew, Robin sets up an introduction between the two. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Kieron Hawkes.

#05 “The Silkworm: Part 2”

Debut date: Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10pm

Strike tries to convince DI Anstis, the lead investigator on the Quine case, that their prime suspect is not the murderer. Later, Strike lunches with Quine’s agent, Liz Tassel, while Robin tails Quine’s rival Andrew Fancourt, finding a possible clue at Fancourt’s wife’s gravesite. Delving deeper into the hidden meanings and concealed secrets in Quine’s “Bombyx Mori,” Strike and Robin scour all corners of London’s literary world to unmask the killer. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Kieron Hawkes.

#06 “Career of Evil: Part 1”

Debut date: Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10pm

Arriving at the office, Robin is horrified by the delivery of a gruesome package: the severed leg of a teenage girl, Kelsey Platt. Convinced the girl’s killer is sending him a message, Strike looks into suspects from his past who each have vendettas against him. As Robin’s relationship with Matthew hits an impasse, the investigation takes her away on an overnight trip with Strike. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Charles Sturridge.

#07 “Career of Evil: Part 2”

Debut date: Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10pm

As Strike and Robin search for clues on their three suspects, Robin’s mother arrives in London to encourage her to make a decision about the wedding. After visiting with Kelsey’s sister, Strike is scolded by an angry DI Wardle for meddling with police business, while Robin questions a suspect’s girlfriend. With the killer continuing to taunt them, Robin inadvertently puts herself in danger as she and Strike arrive closer to the truth. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Charles Sturridge.

HBO Go not available in your area? Watch the series on HBO on Amazon Prime.  Sign up today for a 7-day free trial.

Series and episode details provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.