Tag: hbo series

Brand new HBO Original series HIS DARK MATERIALS premieres 5 November exclusively on HBO GO and HBO

The highly anticipated HBO Original series HIS DARK MATERIALS premieres same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, 5 November at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, with same day encore at 10pm on HBO. New episodes premiere every Tuesday at the same time.

Adapting Philip Pullman’s award-winning trilogy of the same name, which is considered a modern masterpiece of imaginative fiction, the series follows Lyra, a seemingly ordinary but brave young woman from another world. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and becomes a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust.

The drama series explores a world in which sentient, talking animals are found in two ways: daemons and armored bears. Each human in the series is accompanied by their daemon which is the physical manifestation of a person’s soul and a reflection of their inner self and their lifelong companion through the world. Daemons take on the appearance of an animal, but with the voice and the intelligence of a human. In childhood, a daemon can change its animal form at will, but at a certain stage of adolescence a daemon ‘settles’ into its final form – forever reflecting the character of their person.

The series’ stars include:

Dafne Keen as Lyra Belacqua, an adventure-seeking 13-year old from a world that is both like and unlike our own. We meet Lyra as an orphan, having been raised in the sanctuary of Oxford’s illustrious Jordan College. Lyra is desperate to explore with her brilliant Uncle Asriel, until the fates intervene and she ends up on a thrilling and perilous journey of her own. A natural and adept liar, Lyra learns the value of honesty and lies when she becomes the owner of an extraordinary instrument that can tell the truth.

James McAvoy as Lord Asriel Belacqua, a brilliant scholar and a fearless explorer. Asriel is one of few who dare to undermine the powerful forces of Lyra’s world. His ambition is limitless and he will stop at nothing to achieve his ends.

Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter, an enigmatic woman whose origins hold many secrets, and who has gained power in a patriarchal society against the odds. Intelligent and manipulative, Mrs. Coulter always needs to be in control; but her motivations are rarely as they seem.

Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby, an aeronaut-for-hire who can keep his head in a crisis, although he is often getting himself embroiled in trouble.

Anne-Marie Duff as Ma Costa, a fiercely maternal, high-ranking gyptian. The disappearance of her youngest son Billy is the latest of an increasing number of missing children, and acts as a call to action for the gyptian people to find and rescue them.

Clarke Peters as The Master of Jordan College, a man who understands politics and is Lyra’s guardian as she grows up in Oxford.

Ariyon Bakare as Carlo Boreal, an authoritative political figure who works with the Magisterium, but keeps many secrets and knows which ears to whisper into to achieve power.

Will Keen as Father MacPhail, a high-ranking member of the Magisterium whose belief is so unwavering that he will preserve its position at any cost.
Ian Gelder as Charles the Librarian, a learned man and counsel to the Master of Jordan College, who helps to care for Lyra.

Georgina Campbell as Adèle Starminster, a bright and inquisitive journalist who seeks to uncover the truth about the mysterious Mrs Coulter.

Lewin Lloyd as Roger Parslow, the 12-year-old kitchen boy of Jordan College and Lyra’s best friend. Where Lyra is a natural liar, Roger is naturally honest and kind. Roger often acts as Lyra’s moral compass.

Lucian Msamati as John Faa, a plain-speaking warrior and king of the Western gyptians, a close-knit, nomadic and honourable people. John Faa leads a band of brave fighters to action when it becomes clear that the governing forces of their world will not help them get their missing children back.

James Cosmo as Farder Coram, a gyptian and key advisor to John Faa. As an elder member of the community, Coram brings knowledge and wisdom to the gyptians. He is a brave fighter with an extraordinary past.

Daniel Frogson as Tony Costa, the eldest son of the gyptian Ma Costa. At 15 years old, Tony’s daemon has just settled, marking him as having come of age. Tony has a gruff teenage exterior as he tries to step into adult shoes, but is also brave and kind.

Tyler Howitt as Billy Costa, the youngest son of gyptian Ma Costa.

Ruta Gedmintas as Serafina Pekkala, queen of the Lake Enara clan, a 300-year-old witch with ties to the gyptians. Serafina believes that Lyra is the answer to the witch prophecy that will change the course of destiny.

Mat Fraser as Raymond van Gerrit, a gyptian who joins the fight for the missing children but knows it will push their resources and capabilities to their limits, and worries that John Faa is getting them into a fight they cannot win.

Geoff Bell as Jack Verhoeven, a gyptian who is relied upon and trusted in a fight, but who has a chip on his shoulder because of the way that gyptians are treated by the rest of society.

Simon Manyonda as Benjamin de Ruyter, a gyptian and talented spy driven to find the whereabouts of the missing children.

Voice talents include:

Helen McCrory (Harry Potter) voices Stelmaria, Lord Asriel’s (McAvoy) daemon which is a Snow Leopard.

David Suchet (Poirot) is Kaisa, gyrfalcon daemon to the witch Serafina Pekkala (played by Ruta Gedmintas).

Aeronaut Lee Scoresby’s (Miranda) daemon is an arctic hare called Hester, voiced by American comedian Cristela Alonzo and Lyra Belacqua’s (Keen) unsettled daemon, Pantalaimon, is voiced by Kit Connor (Rocketman).

Mrs Coulter’s (Wilson) mysterious daemon, a Golden Monkey, doesn’t speak or have a name but his animal noises and vocal characteristics will be created by Brian Fisher (Detective Pikachu), who also serves as the lead puppeteer and CFX Coordinator on the series.

Puppets were used on set to help the actors form a relationship with their daemon before being created in CGI by Framestore.

Iorek Byrnison, a bear who Lyra meets on her quest will be voiced by Joe Tandberg (The Innocents).

In the frozen wilderness of the North exists a race of armored bears (or panserbjørne). Both skilled metal workers and fierce warriors, they have their own culture and laws.

HIS DARK MATERIALS is produced by Bad Wolf and New Line Cinema for HBO and BBC One. Executive producing the series are: Dan McCulloch, Jane Tranter, Joel Collins and Julie Gardner for Bad Wolf; Philip Pullman, Jack Thorne, Tom Hooper, Otto Bathurst; Deborah Forte, Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood for New Line Cinema; and Ben Irving and Piers Wenger for BBC One.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (for Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (for Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill up this form.

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.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

The Jelly List: HBO Original productions premiering this October

October is when the Philippine holiday season starts to get its full swing. From the crazy crowds inside shopping malls and the insane traffic that permeate the metro’s streets, simply staying home is becoming more and more appealing.

Don’t you worry about having to entertain yourself at home, though.

HBO, home of great Hollywood hits on TV, brings three of its original productions to your screens this October. Catch them as they premiere on HBO or watch them on demand through its online streaming service HBO Go.

The Teenage Psychic (season 2)

The Teenage Psychic

This award-winning HBO Original Asia Series centres around Xiao Zhen (played by Kuo Shu-Yao), a high school student with the ability to see spirits who yearns to be like any normal teenager but has to juggle the pressures of teenage life – first love, academic success and peer pressure – with the demands of the spirit world.

Season two of THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC sees Xiao Zhen trying to pick up the pieces in the new school year following the tragedy she faced last year. As the new president of the drama club, Xiao Zhen focuses on recruiting new members, however there is more to the two new members than meets the eye – cute newbie Zhang Yuxuan (played by Fandy Fan) and soft-spoken Zhan Xiao Tong (played by Wen Chen-Ling). At the temple, things get complicated when Teacher Kim’s (played by Chen Mu-Yi) family secret comes back to haunt him.

The show returns for its eight-episode second season with double back-to-back episodes on Sunday, 6 October at 9pm, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. A new episode will premiere on subsequent Sundays at the same time.

Catherine the Great (mini-series)

Catherine the Great

Starring Academy-award winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”, “Gosford Park”, “The Last Station”) and Jason Clarke (“First Man”, “Zero Dark Thirty”, “Mudbound”) this four-part drama is set against the politically tumultuous and sexually charged court of Russian empress Catherine the Great (Mirren) who wielded supreme power throughout Russia for nearly half of the 18th century.

The HBO/Sky production follows Catherine towards the end of her reign during her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin (Clarke). Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries and together serving as the architects of modern-day Russia through a series of liberalizing reforms.

This four-part miniseries will premiere the same time as the US on Tuesday 22 October at 10am (11am from 5 November) exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The episode encores on the same day at 10pm (11pm from 5 November) on HBO.

Watchmen (series premiere)

Watchmen-clean-thumb-1280x720

Set in an alternate history where “superheroes” are treated as outlaws, this drama series from executive producer Damon Lindelof embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name while attempting to break new ground of its own. The cast includes: Regina King, Jeremy Irons, Don Johnson, Jean Smart, Tim Blake Nelson, Louis Gossett Jr., Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Hong Chau, Andrew Howard, Tom Mison, Frances Fisher, Jacob Ming-Trent, Sara Vickers, Dylan Schombing, and James Wolk.

With HBO and HBO GO, you can spend your October comfortable and entertained, right in the comforts of home!

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill up this form.

Show details and images provided by HBO in recent press releases.

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 HBO shows:

WATCHMEN premieres Monday 21 October exclusively on HBO GO and HBO

Set in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, WATCHMEN, from executive producer Damon Lindelof (Emmy® winner for “Lost”; HBO’s “The Leftovers”) embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name, while attempting to break new ground of its own. Nicole Kassell directs the pilot from a script written by Lindelof.

WATCHMEN premieres same time as the U.S. on Monday 21 October 9am (10am from 4 November) on HBO GO and HBO. The episode encores on HBO on the same day at 10pm. New episodes premiere every Monday.

WATCHMEN is produced for HBO by White Rabbit in association with Warner Bros. Television; executive producer/writer, Damon Lindelof; executive producer/director, Nicole Kassell; executive producer, Tom Spezialy; executive producer/director, Stephen Williams; executive producer, Joseph Iberti. Based on the iconic graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (for Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (for Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill up this form.

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.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

 

HBO renews sketch comedy series A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW for a second season

HBO has renewed the sketch comedy series A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW for a second season, it was announced by Amy Gravitt, executive vice president, HBO Programming.

“It’s been thrilling to see the audience embrace the characters that Robin, Ashley, Gabrielle and Quinta have brought to life,” said Gravitt. “We had a blast making this groundbreaking sketch show with Robin, Dime and all of the writers and producers, and I can’t wait to see what next season holds.”

A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, which debuted same time as the U.S. on 3 August, is a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests. The show presents sketches performed by a core cast of black women, including creator Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson. Thede executive produces, writes and stars and Issa Rae (Emmy® and Golden Globe nominee for HBO’s “Insecure”) executive produces.

Laugh-out-loud funny and not afraid to be controversial, A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW touches on such culturally relevant themes as social norms, anxiety, religion, sex, dating and relationships. Each episode consists of five to six sketches, showcasing the comedic talents of Robin, Quinta, Ashley and Gabrielle portraying an array of dynamic and varied characters, as well as hyper versions of themselves in interstitials featuring four friends stuck in a house during an end-of-the-world event. Unprecedented in sketch comedy TV history, the show is created by, written by, directed by and starring an array of black women.

Stream the last two episodes same time as the U.S. on Saturdays at 11am and catch up on all past episodes from Season 1 exclusively on HBO GO.

Season one credits: Creator/executive producer/writer/star, Robin Thede; executive producer, Issa Rae for Issa Rae Productions; executive producers, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment; executive producers, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch for JAX Media; head writer/co-executive producer: Lauren Ashley Smith; producers, Deniese Davis, Montrel McKay for Issa Rae Productions; producer, John Skidmore for JAX Media.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill up this form.

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.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

HBO Asia Original film MASTER OF THE NINE DRAGON FIST: WONG CHING-HO premieres 4 September

The brand new martial arts HBO Asia Original Film, MASTER OF THE NINE DRAGON FIST: WONG CHING-HO, will premiere Wednesday 4 September at 8pm on HBO GO and HBO.

Co-produced with China Movie Channel (CMC), MASTER OF THE NINE DRAGON FIST: WONG CHING-HO is the fourth instalment of the Chinese language martial arts anthology film series following previous three instalments that first premiered in 2016.
Directed by Si Xiao Dong 《司小冬》(“Detective”, “State Mission”) and starring Shi Junzhe 《施骏喆》 (“Tycoon”), as the title lead Wong Ching-Ho, China’s National Martial Arts Champion Fan Weipeng 《樊伟鹏》 as Mun Sing and Yin Ran《印然》(“The Next Magic”) as Ching-Ho’s wife. Shot in Mandarin in Xiangshan, China, the movie will be dubbed in English with local language subtitles when it premieres on HBO.

Set in the early 19th century, Britain encouraged Chinese opium use to turn around the trade deficit with China. In Canton, Wong Ching-ho, the head of a Guangzhou martial arts alliance decided to take action and burnt down an opium warehouse. Local officials turned a blind eye, in fear of causing a public riot. Mun Sing, a Kung Fu master from out of town, is recruited by the opium suppliers to challenge the local martial arts houses. Eventually Wong Ching-ho developed the “Nine Dragon Fist” and defeated Mun Sing. Wong Ching-ho became a hero and helped locals build rehabilitation facilities in Guangzhou.

MASTER OF THE NINE DRAGON FIST: WONG CHING-HO, is the fourth installment of the Chinese language martial arts anthology movie series following the previous three installments that premiered in 2019 and 2016 – MASTER OF THE WHITE CRANE FIST: WONG YAN-LAM, MASTER OF THE DRUNKEN FIST: BEGGAR SO and MASTER OF THE SHADOWLESS KICK: WONG KEI-YING. All three installments are currently available on HBO GO.

HBO Asia started producing Original productions in 2012 and has produced a range of Asian Original productions including series, movies and documentaries. To date, HBO Asia has produced and aired 16 Asian Original productions with more in the pipeline.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill up this form.

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.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

 

HBO hit comedy series BALLERS returns for its fifth and final season on 26 August exclusively on HBO GO and HBO

Exploring the glamorous, often cutthroat, world of pro football through a group of past and present players striving to stay in the game, BALLERS stars Dwayne Johnson as ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore, who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for today’s players. Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) who also serves as showrunner, the hit comedy series returns for its eight-episode fifth and final season same time as the U.S. on Monday, 26 August at 10.30am, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The episode encores on the same day at 10pm on HBO.

This season finds Spencer (Johnson) settling into retirement and reflecting on his past, when an offer that’s too good to refuse comes his way and sends him back into the lion’s den, this time as a team owner. In the wake of his split with Spencer, an ambitious Joe (Rob Corddry) gambles aggressively to make Sports X greater than ever with the help of his new partner, Lance (Russell Brand). Meanwhile, Ricky (John David Washington) has a startling setback that forces him to consider a new kind of future and tests his physical, mental and emotional resolve; Charles (Omar Miller) learns that being a general manager means getting your hands dirty; Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) shifts his focus to his love of professional gaming despite Reggie’s (London Brown) wariness; and Jason (Troy Garity) decides to take his career to the next level.

Other returning cast regulars include John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Omar Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown and Brittany S. Hall.

Returning guest stars include Russell Brand, Carl McDowell, Jazmyn Simon, Jay Glazer, Mark Schlereth, Robert Wisdom, Richard Schiff, Steven Weber and Emayatzy Corinealdi.

New guest stars for season five include Catherine Haena Kim, Odell Beckham Jr., Melvin Gordon, Rick Fox, Mikey Alfred, Randy Couture, DeAndre Hopkins, Derwin James, Von Miller, Malcolm Jenkins and Dante Fowler, Jr.

Upcoming episodes:

Episode #501 (season 5, episode 1): “Protocol is for Losers”
Debut date: Monday, 29 August at 10.30am on HBO GO and HBO.
While peacefully enjoying retirement and reflecting on his past, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) gets a tantalising offer. A year after splitting with Spencer, Joe (Rob Corddry) eyes a big swing at Sports X with his new partner, Lance (Russell Brand). Ricky (John David Washington) finds himself in hot water with Charles (Omar Miller), and Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) considers a life change, much to Reggie’s (London Brown) chagrin. Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Chloe Domont.

Episode #502 (season 5, episode 2): “Must Be the Shoes”
Debut date: Monday, 2 September at 10.35am on HBO GO and HBO.
After learning of competing owner offers, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) engages with past allies. Joe (Rob Corddry) is tasked with apologising for creating a hostile work environment with the help of Kate (Catherine Haena Kim), a sharp Sports X exec. Ricky (John David Washington) and Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) each consider different kinds of futures, while Charles (Omar Miller) tries to hide some unwelcome news. Written by Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson; directed by Chloe Domont.

Episode #503 (season 5, episode 3): “Copernicursed”
Debut date: Monday, 9 September at 10.35am on HBO GO and HBO.
Just as Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) reaches out to him with the job of a lifetime, Jason (Troy Garity) gets an interesting counteroffer from Joe (Rob Corddry). Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) has a tryout at an e-sports company and Reggie (London Brown) bemoans his position at Sports X. Ricky (John David Washington) turns to old ways to deal with his new situation. Charles (Omar Miller) considers a solution to another headache. Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Chloe Domont.

Episode #504 (season 5, episode 4): “Municipal”
Debut date: Monday, 16 September at 10.40am on HBO GO and HBO.
Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) settles into his new position and makes a potentially unpopular decision. With Sports X teetering on the edge financially, Joe (Rob Corddry) gets sidetracked with his personal life. Ricky (John David Washington) tries his hand in the media and voices his true feelings about an ally. Reggie (London Brown) comes to Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) with a proposal that will make them both happy. Written by Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson; directed by Rob Weiss.

Episode #505 (season 5, episode 5): “Crumbs”
Debut date: Monday, 23 September at 10.35am on HBO GO and HBO.
Spencer faces pressure from all sides as he fights for Kisan. Ricky (John David Washington) gets mixed feedback about his radio show. Reggie (London Brown), Vernon (Donovan W. Carter) and Lance (Russell Brand) struggle to convince Joe (Rob Corddry) to invest in a new business. Charles (Omar Miller) works hard to land a big player. Jason (Troy Garity) goes through tough negotiations with the Anderson brothers. Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Rob Weiss.

Episode #506 (season 5, episode 6): “Entertainment”
Debut date: Monday, 30 September at 10.30am on HBO GO and HBO.
In the wake of an unexpected tragedy, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) prepares for his first owners meeting. While trying to balance work and his relationship with Kate (Catherine Haena Kim), Joe (Rob Corddry) decides to go on Ricky’s (John David Washington) radio show. Charles (Omar Miller) deals with an unexpected health crisis in the middle of his busiest time at work. Vernon (Donovan W. Carter), Reggie (London Brown) and Lance (Russell Brand) try to recruit a trio of gaming siblings for their new league. Jason (Troy Garity) celebrates his anniversary. Written by Jason Lew; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.

Episode #507 (season 5, episode 7): “Who Wants a Lollipop”
Debut date: Monday, 7 October at 10.30am on HBO GO and HBO.
When Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) returns to the Sports X offices to work out a major player deal, he and Joe (Rob Corddry) air past grievances and later, Spencer makes a big public statement that’s sure to have consequences. Charles (Omar Miller) mulls over a new deal from Werner after getting a wakeup call about his health. Ricky (John David Washington) gets defensive in a meeting with a Hollywood bigwig who has ambitious plans for his future. Vernon (Donovan W. Carter), Reggie (London Brown) and Lance (Russell Brand) arrive at their first Esports tournament as underdogs. Written by Rob Weiss & Stephen Levinson; directed by Simon Cellan Jones.

Episode #508 (season 5, episode 8): “Players Only”
Debut date: Monday, 14 October at 10.30am on HBO GO and HBO.
Despite having a bullseye on his back, Spencer (Dwayne Johnson) refuses to back down in his fight for the league’s players. Joe (Rob Corddry) embraces a new state of mind as he finds peace with himself. Julie (Jazmyn Simon) encourages Charles (Omar Miller) to take care of unfinished business. Ricky (John David Washington) decides to strike out on his own with his latest project. Reggie (London Brown) takes the next step in his career, with some encouragement from Vernon (Donovan W. Carter). Written by Stephen Levinson & Rob Weiss; directed by Chloe Domont.

Season five credits: BALLERS was created by Stephen Levinson; executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Rob Weiss, Karyn McCarthy and Julian Farino; supervising producers; Janace Tashjian, Rashard Mendenhall and Steve Baker; producers Julie Camino, David Levinson, Denis Biggs, Colby Parker Jr., Don J. Hug, Tommy Armour IV; co-producers, Sarah Potts, Natalie Lindeman and Olivier Arnesen. Stephen Levinson serves as showrunner.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office.

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.

Limited Series MRS. FLETCHER debuts 28 October exclusively on HBO GO and HBO

Starring Kathryn Hahn (Emmy® nominee for “Transparent”; HBO’s forthcoming “I Know This Much Is True”) in the title role, MRS. FLETCHER, a seven-episode limited series debuting same time as the U.S. on Monday 28 October 10.30am (11.30am from 4 November), is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Tom Perrotta. The episode encores at 11.30pm the same day on HBO. The series is a dual coming-of-age story chronicling the personal and sexual journeys of an empty-nest mother and her college freshman son, who both embrace their newfound freedom with mixed results.

As the series begins, Eve Fletcher (Kathryn Hahn), a mid-40s single mom who works as the executive director of a senior centre, drops her only child off at college and returns home to a very empty house. Meanwhile, Eve’s son Brendan (Jackson White), a popular (though sometimes clueless) jock, finds college is a little more complicated than he expected and struggles to make connections with his more socially and politically aware fellow students. As mother and son find themselves alone for the first time, this sharp, provocative series navigates themes of parenthood, sexuality, love, and identity in a cultural moment when attitudes about gender and sex are evolving rapidly.

The cast also includes Owen Teague, Katie Kershaw, Domenick Lombardozzi, Cameron Boyce, Jen Richards and Casey Wilson.

MRS. FLETCHER was created by Tom Perrotta; based on the book written by Tom Perrotta; executive producer/writer Tom Perrotta; executive producer Helen Estabrook.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

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.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

HBO drama series THE DEUCE, returns for third and final season on 10 September exclusively on HBO GO

The 80s are in full swing as the critically acclaimed drama series THE DEUCE brings its story to a close when it returns for its eight-episode, third and final season, same time as the U.S., on Tuesday 10 September at 9am, exclusively on HBO GO. Created by George Pelecanos and David Simon, the story resumes its chronicle of the rise of pornography and the multibillion-dollar industry’s transformation of American culture seven years after the culmination of the second season.

Season three of THE DEUCE brings us into the world of 1985, just as VHS overtakes film as the primary medium for porn production and distribution. The lure of the California sunshine, the city’s aggressive takeover of commercial sex properties in Times Square and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic mark the end of an era. With the party of the 1970s winding down, 42nd Street has deteriorated into a hive of uncontrolled violent crime and seedy video stores, making urban renewal seem more unlikely than ever before. Following the interconnected lives of Times Square’s barkeeps, prostitutes, pimps, police, mobsters, porn actors and producers, the eight-episode third season of THE DEUCE brings the series’ arc to a dramatic conclusion.

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 – who, in season three, finds himself tired, wary and in search of a way out – and his twin Frankie Martino, a seemingly changed man, who is married with children and who continues to flirt with self-destruction; and Maggie Gyllenhaal (Golden Globe nominee for season one and Critic’s Choice nominee for season two of the series) as Candy, a director struggling to maintain her artistic integrity in an industry that is quickly devolving.

The returning cast also includes: Margarita Levieva (“Revenge”), as Abby, the proprietor of the Hi-Hat and an advocate for Times Square’s artists and denizens who begins to consider life after the Deuce; Emily Meade (HBO’s “The Leftovers”) as porn star Lori, now living in Los Angeles and battling addiction while absorbing the porn business’ migration to video-tape and the resulting degradation; Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. (HBO’s “The Wire”) as Chris Alston, now detailed to the Midtown Enforcement Project and partnered with Gene Goldman (Luke Kirby) to realize the city’s plan to rehabilitate Midtown; Chris Bauer (HBO’s “The Wire”), as French Parlor manager Bobby, who steadily begins to lose his piece of the lucrative Times Square sex trade; Chris Coy (CINEMAX’s “Banshee”) as gay businessman and entrepreneur Paul, who must confront the AIDS epidemic; Michael Rispoli (HBO’s “The Sopranos”) as mob capo Rudy, who leans on the Martino brothers for greater profit amidst infighting.

Season three finds familiar faces who return this season as cast regulars including, David Krumholtz (HBO’s upcoming miniseries “The Plot Against America”) as veteran pornographer Harvey; Daniel Sauli (“House of Cards”) as Tommy Longo, who’s angling for his own position amidst the Gambino family; Olivia Luccardi (“Channel Zero”) as Melissa, now an amateur porn actress forced to confront her past and Sepideh Moafi (“Falling Water”) as Loretta, a bartender at the Hi-Hat, involved in the feminist anti-porn movement. Guests include: Zoe Kazan (HBO’s upcoming miniseries “The Plot Against America”), Mustafa Shakir (Cinemax’s “Jett”), Roberta Colindrez (“I Love Dick”), Kim Director (“She’s Gotta Have It”), Corey Stoll (House of Cards), Aaron Dean Eisenberg (“Public Morals”), Michael Gandolfini (“Ocean’s Eight”) and Ralph Macchio (“The Karate Kid”).

Season three writers include: David Simon, George Pelecanos, Carl Capotorto, Iturri Sosa, Will Ralston, Chris Yakaitis and Stephani DeLuca.

Season three directors include: Alex Hall, Susanna White, Tanya Hamilton, Roxann Dawson and James Franco.

Season 3, Episode 1: “The Camera Loves You”
Debut date: Tuesday 10 September 9am
On the eve of 1985, a worn-out Vincent (James Franco) reconnects with his ex-wife, Andrea (Zoe Kazan) as his open relationship with Abby (Margarita Levieva) grows more distant. Despite becoming a family man, Frankie (James Franco) continues his risky side hustles. With the newly dominant VHS format shaking up their industry, Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Harvey (David Krumholtz) travel to Las Vegas for an adult film convention where they disagree on how to navigate a fast-changing future. Fresh out of rehab in Los Angeles, Lori (Emily Meade) is put back to work. Alston (Lawrence Gilliard) makes a very specific request of Goldman (Luke Kirby) in their quest to revitalize Midtown. Now a bartender at the Hi-Hat, Loretta (Sepideh Moafi) becomes an active member of Women Against Pornography.
Written by David Simon & George Pelecanos; Directed by Alex Hall

Season 3, Episode 2: “Morta di Fame”
Debut date: Tuesday 17 September 9am
Frankie (Franco) takes his amateur porn business to the next level and ends up in a confrontation with Rudy (Michael Rispoli), who pushes Vincent (Franco) to up his profits. Candy (Gyllenhaal) brainstorms a new film based on the experiences of her fellow sex workers and finds that her new beau Hank (Corey Stoll) is not shaken by her past. Abby (Levieva) and Loretta (Moafi) take care of Shay (Kim Director) when she shows up to the Hi-Hat in bad shape. Lori (Meade) is advised to be more compliant after she dares to stand up for herself on set. Alston (Gilliard) is tasked with finding the mysterious owner of a prime piece of Midtown real estate. With the future of his businesses up in the air, Paul (Chris Coy) worries about his partner Todd’s (Aaron Dean Eisenberg) health.
Written by Carl Capotorto; Directed by Susanna White

Season 3, Episode 3: “Normal Is a Lie”
Debut date: Tuesday 24 September 9am
Abby (Levieva) befriends a graffiti artist named Pilar (Paloma Guzman) and takes a surprising trip downtown. Candy (Gyllenhaal) sets a firm line with Hank when it comes to money. As Todd’s (Aaron Dean Eisenberg) health worsens, he reexamines his priorities and asks for Paul’s (Coy) support. Melissa (Luccardi) is forced to face her past. Alston (Gilliard) explores different strategies for getting a shady SRO owner to sell. Bobby (Bauer) pays Joey (Michael Gandolfini) a visit on Wall Street as Joey’s latest money-making scheme grows bigger. Tensions rise between Frankie (Franco) and Rudy (Rispoli) as a buyer complains about Frankie’s product.
Written by Iturri Sosa; Directed by Tanya Hamilton

Season 3, Episode 4: “They Can Never Go Home”
Debut date: Tuesday 1 October 9am
Lori (Meade) returns to New York for an audition and runs into some familiar faces. While searching for actors for her new film, Candy (Gyllenhaal) speaks to her critics at a Women Against Pornography meeting. As things heat up with Jennifer (Kelcy Griffin), Alston (Gilliard) takes a drastic step to deliver for Goldman (Kirby). Melissa (Luccardi) leaves the city. Abby (Levieva) grows closer to Pilar (Paloma Guzman) as her relationship with Vincent (Franco) wanes. Vincent and Frankie celebrate an eventful birthday.
Written by Will Ralston; Directed by James Franco

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 upcoming miniseries “The Plot Against America,” “The Corner,” “Generation Kill” and “Show Me a Hero.” Pelecanos is the author of 21 critically acclaimed novels, including last year’s “The Man Who Came Uptown,” “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 & David Simon; executive producers, George Pelecanos, David Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco; co-executive producers, Richard Price and Alex Hall; producers, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Laura Schweigman and Marc Henry Johnson.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

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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Production begins in Taiwan for brand new HBO Asia Original Series Adventure of the Ring

HBO Asia announced today that principal photography has begun in Taiwan for the eight-part hour-long Mandarin romantic comedy series, ADVENTURE OF THE RING. Shooting will take place in Taipei till October 2019. Set and filmed in Taiwan, the series is scheduled to premiere next year across HBO Asia’s 23 territories on their on-air, online and on-demand platforms.

“Following the success of HBO Asia’s Mandarin Original Series including the award-winning THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC and THE WORLD BETWEEN US, we are pleased to bring yet another Mandarin production, ADVENTURE OF THE RING, to our audiences in Asia and around the world,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia. “The heart-warming tales in HBO Asia’s first romantic comedy series will resonate with many.”

ADVENTURE OF THE RING tells the stories of different couples who come in contact with an engagement ring. On a morning commute, the ring is misplaced by a man on the day of his proposal, threatening to disrupt all his plans. Chris Wang 《宥勝》 (“Time Traveler”, “Love Family”) plays Yi Zhi, the man who loses the ring and Allison Lin《林予晞》 (HBO Asia Original “The World Between Us”, “Family Time”) is Lisa, Yi Zhi’s intended bride. As the search for the ring continues, Yi Zhi and Lisa re-examine what love means to them as the ring travels through the hands of other couples and impact their lives.

L-R Kitamura Tayoharu,Allison Lin,Kao Ming-Hsiu (Deputy Director-General,Ministry of Culture),Jonathan Spink,Leon Lu (Chairman,Good Image),Chris Wang,Nelson Yeh

Helmed by Nelson Yeh 《葉天倫》 (“Far And Away”, “Mad King Of Taipei”) and directed by Golden Bell nominated director, Kitamura Tayoharu《北村豐晴》 (“Running Man”, “Q Series – Love Of Sandstorm”), the series stars Chris Wang 《宥勝》 (“Time Traveler”, “Love Family”) and Allison Lin《林予晞》 (HBO Asia Original “The World Between Us”, “Family Time”).

This series is produced in partnership with Good Image with support from The Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, Taipei Film Commission and Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation.

HBO Asia started producing Original productions in 2012. To date, HBO Asia has aired 16 Original productions including award-winning series, movies and documentaries such as HBO Asia’s first Japanese drama series MISS SHERLOCK; the network’s first original documentary, THE TALWARS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS; its first Chinese language drama series, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC; two seasons of the network’s dark fantasy series HALFWORLDS; and a horror mini-series, GRACE.

Later this year, HBO Asia will premiere the second season of the award-winning series, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC; a brand-new anthology series FOOD LORE, heartfelt stories told against the backdrop of Asian cuisine, as well as INVISIBLE STORIES, a drama series about the extraordinary stories hidden behind ordinary people.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

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’s SUCESSION Returns For A Second Season On 12 August

Created by Emmy®, Oscar® and WGA nominee Jesse Armstrong (“In the Loop”), SUCCESSION launches its ten-episode second season same time as the U.S. on Monday, 12 August at 9am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO with new episodes airing weekly. The episode encores on the same day at 10pm on HBO. Beginning where season one dramatically left off, season two follows the Roy family as they struggle to retain control of their empire, and while the future looks increasingly uncertain, it is the past that threatens to ultimately destroy them.

The season two cast includes Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Hiam Abbass, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Friedman, Rob Yang, J. Smith Cameron, Dagmara Dominczyk and Arian Moayed. Holly Hunter, Cherry Jones, Danny Huston, Jeannie Berlin and Fisher Stevens join the cast for season two. Returning guest stars include James Cromwell and Harriet Walter.

SUCCESSION has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy® awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.

Episodes include:

Season 2, episode 1: “The Summer Palace”
Premiere date: Monday, 12 August at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Still addled from the events in England, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) tries to make amends with his dad for his takeover attempt betrayal. Logan (Brian Cox) receives some unvarnished advice from his financial banker about the next best move for Waystar Royco. As Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) maneuvers for a new position in the company, Shiv (Sarah Snook) tries to determine whether Logan is playing mind games regarding his successor. Written by Jesse Armstrong; directed by Mark Mylod.

Season 2, episode 2: “Vaulter”
Premiere date: Monday, 19 August at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Kendall (Jeremy Strong) do a “routine health check” of a new media brand to help Vaulter to determine the future of the company. Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) tasks Greg (Nicholas Braun) with sniffing out waste at ATN, as Greg wonders if the divisive media outlet is the right fit for him. Connor (Alan Ruck) and Willa (Justine Lupe) host a soiree to mark their return to New York. Shiv (Sarah Snook) brings Tom in the loop about her future at Waystar and with Gil’s (Eric Bogosian) campaign. Written by Jon Brown; directed by Andrij Parekh.

Season 2, episode 3: “Hunting”
Premiere date: Monday, 26 August at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Logan (Brian Cox) informs his skeptical management team of his plan to make another attempt to acquire Pierce, a rival media company and one of the most respected names in news, and brings back Frank (Peter Friedman) to work on the deal. Convinced the acquisition is a terrible idea, Shiv (Sarah Snook) asks Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) to deliver the message to Logan at a corporate retreat in Hungary. Greg (Nicholas Braun) worries his pre-meeting with a Logan biographer puts his standing with the family at risk. Connor’s (Alan Ruck) presidential announcement irritates Logan. Written by Tony Roche; directed by Andrij Parekh.

Season 2, episode 4: “Safe Room”
Premiere date: Monday, 2 September at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Roman (Kieran Culkin) begins a six-week management training program in the Parks division and is irritated about spending so much time with “normals.” Logan (Brian Cox) brings Shiv in for a day at Waystar, raising suspicions with Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Gerri (J. Smith-Cameron). Connor (Alan Ruck) and Willa (Justine Lupe) attend the funeral of a family friend with a complicated past. Logan and Kendall arrange a covert meeting with PGM CEO Rhea Jarrell (Holly Hunter), as a controversy surrounding a star anchor leads to a day of chaos at ATN headquarters. Written by Georgia Pritchett; directed by Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman.

Season 2, episode 5: “Tern Haven”
Premiere date: Monday, 9 September at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Logan (Brian Cox) attempts to solidify his buyout of PGM at a weekend retreat at the Pierce family home, where Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Connor (Alan Ruck) veer from their carefully orchestrated roles. As the Pierces question whether an alliance with Waystar Royco will tarnish their legacy, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) makes his case to Naomi Pierce (Annabelle Dexter-Jones) during a drug-filled night. Written by Will Tracy; directed by Mark Mylod.

Season two credits: SUCCESSION was created by Jesse Armstrong; executive produced by Jesse Armstrong, Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Will Ferrell, Jane Tranter, Mark Mylod, Tony Roche and Scott Ferguson. Jesse Armstrong serves as showrunner.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

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.

Check out my posts on HBO shows: