Starring Academy Award® winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, the Kingsman films) and Emmy Award® winner Toni Collette (United States of Tara, Unbelievable), the new Max Original limited series The Staircase premieres on Thursday, May 5 exclusively on HBO GO. A new episode follows each week through June 23.
Based on a true story, the eight-episode series explores the life of novelist Michael Peterson (Firth), his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson (Collette).
Starring alongside Colin Firth and Toni Collette are Michael Stuhlbarg, Juliette Binoche, Dane DeHaan, Olivia DeJonge, Rosemarie DeWitt, Tim Guinee, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sophie Turner, Vincent Vermignon, Odessa Young and Parker Posey.
Created by Antonio Campos (The Devil All the Time), The Staircase is co-produced by Annapurna Television. The series was written and executive produced by Antonio Campos and Maggie Cohn, who also serve as showrunners. Campos directed six episodes and Leigh Janiak directed two episodes.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month.
If you’re looking for girl power on TV, HBO’s got exactly what you need!
Its newest six-episode series, “The Nevers,” premieres this April on HBO and HBO GO. Renowned creator of ground-breaking TV series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel” and “Firefly” Joss Whedon served as its writer, director, executive producer and showrunner.
In the last years of Victoria’s reign, London is beset by the “Touched”: people – mostly women – who suddenly manifest abnormal abilities – some charming, some very disturbing. Among them are Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), a mysterious, quick-fisted widow, and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), a brilliant young inventor. They are the champions of this new underclass, making a home for the Touched, while fighting the forces of… well, pretty much all the forces – to make room for those whom history as we know it has no place.
At Comic-Con 2018, Whedon explained the show’s title:
They, themselves are not called that [The Nevers] in the show. It’s a phrase that’s meant to evoke a sort of reaction to their oddity, to what is considered unnatural. The idea that you should never be like this, you should never have existed. Something is not the way it should be, and you don’t have the right to have whatever weird power or ability that you have. And that idea, that some people are not of the natural order, is fascinating to me. I don’t agree with it. But to me, it’s one of those things where you take something negative, and you wear it as a badge of honor, basically. Certain things could never happen – they’re happening. And the people they’re happening to are taking their place in the world.
The ensemble cast also includes Olivia Williams, James Norton, Tom Riley, Rochelle Neil, Eleanor Tomlinson, Amy Manson, Pip Torrens, Denis O’Hare, Zackary Momoh, Elizabeth Berrington, Kiran Sawar, Anna Devlin, Viola Prettejohn, Ella Smith, Nick Frost and Ben Chaplin.
Curious yet? Check out the episode synopses for what you can expect from this series.
Episode 1: “Pilot”
Monday, 12 April at 9am
Series premiere. London, 1899. Three years after an inexplicable event suddenly equips them with extraordinary abilities, Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) work to protect their kind from widespread, deepening antipathy. Meanwhile, police inspector Frank Mundi (Ben Chaplin) investigates a string of murders at the hands of a reportedly Touched and highly dangerous serial killer named Maladie (Amy Manson).
Episode 2: “Exposure”
Monday, 19 April at 9am
With the city reeling from Maladie’s (Amy Manson) opera debut, Mundi (Ben Chaplin) takes a personal stake in tracking her down, while Amalia (Laura Donnelly) launches an investigation of her own. Meanwhile, the charitable Lavinia Bidlow (Olivia Williams) seeks to destigmatize the Touched at a society event, Hugo Swann (James Norton) enlists Lavinia’s younger brother Augie (Tom Riley) to help monetize his illicit enterprise, and a deranged doctor (Denis O’Hare) conducts a series of experiments.
Episode 3: “Ignition”
Monday, 26 April at 9am
Penance (Ann Skelly) creates an amplifier to spread Mary’s (Eleanor Tomlinson) hope-inspiring song across the city – but first, Mary (Tomlinson) must find her elusive voice. As danger mounts against her group, Amalia (Laura Donnelly) propositions an unlikely ally and sets out to expand the Orphanage’s reach. Swann (James Norton) further entangles Augie (Tom Riley) and Mundi (Ben Chaplin) in his business affairs.
Episode 4: “Undertaking”
Monday, 3 May at 9am
While Mundi (Ben Chaplin) seeks justice, Amalia (Laura Donnelly) and her most trusted advisors make a list of potential enemies. Harriet (Kiran Sonia Sawar), Primrose (Anna Devlin), and the other Orphans attempt to decipher a message. Later, Amalia (Donnelly) exposes an unexpected threat.
Episode 5: “Hanged”
Monday, 10 May at 9am
As the city buzzes with anticipation over a pending execution, Penance (Ann Skelly) grapples with a moral calling at odds with Amalia’s (Laura Donnelly) plan. With the two women at a crossroads, the Orphans must decide whom to follow.
Episode 6: “True” (Part One Finale)
Monday, 17 May at 9am
After Amalia’s (Laura Donnelly) origin story is revealed, a long-awaited reunion crystallizes the Orphans’ mission.
While the series was created by Whedon, he announced that he was stepping down from the project in November 2020. In his statement after his departure, he wrote:
This year of unprecedented challenges has impacted my life and perspective in ways I could never have imagined, and while developing and producing The Nevers has been a joyful experience, I realize that the level of commitment required moving forward, combined with the physical challenges of making such a huge show during a global pandemic, is more than I can handle without the work beginning to suffer. I am genuinely exhausted, and am stepping back to martial my energy towards my own life, which is also at the brink of exciting change. I am deeply proud of the work we have done; I’m grateful to all my extraordinary cast and collaborators, and to HBO for the opportunity to shape yet another strange world. The Nevers is a true labor of love, but after two-plus years of labor, love is about all I have to offer. It will never fade.
On January 28, 2021, it was announced that British screenwriter Philippa Goslett, who wrote the Salvador Dali biopic “Little Ashes” will be the series’ new showrunner.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month.
SKYcable subscribers can activate HBO GO via Lazada
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.
The drama series Warrior begins its ten-episode second season same time as the U.S. on Saturday 3 October at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and CINEMAX. The episode encores the same day at 10pm on CINEMAX with new episodes premiering weekly. Stream or download the entire first season of Warrior on HBO GO. Based on the writings of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Warrior was created by and is executive produced by Jonathan Tropper (CINEMAX’s “Banshee”) under Tropper Ink Productions, executive produced by Justin Lin (director of “Star Trek Beyond” and “Fast & Furious 9”) for Perfect Storm Entertainment and executive produced by Shannon Lee for Bruce Lee Entertainment.
Starring Andrew Koji (“Snake Eyes”), the second season of Warrior also features returning series regulars Kieran Bew (“The Street”), Olivia Cheng (“Marco Polo”), Dianne Doan (“Vikings”), Dean Jagger (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), Langley Kirkwood (CINEMAX’s “Banshee”), Hoon Lee (CINEMAX’s “Banshee”), Christian McKay (“Me and Orson Welles”), Joe Taslim (“A Night Comes For Us”), Jason Tobin (“Fast & Furious 9”), Joanna Vanderham (“Eddie & Sunny”), Tom Weston-Jones (“Dickensian”) and Perry Yung (CINEMAX’s “The Knick”). New season two series regulars include Celine Buckens (“War Horse”), Dustin Nguyen (also directing episode 6; “21 Jump Street”), Chen Tang (“Mulan”), Miranda Raison (“Artemis Fowl”) and recurring series regular Maria Elena Laas (“Vida”).
Warrior is a gritty, action-packed crime drama set during the brutal Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the late 19th century. The series follows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China to San Francisco under mysterious circumstances. After proving his worth as a fighter, Ah Sahm becomes a hatchet man for the Hop Wei, one of Chinatown’s most powerful tongs (Chinese organized crime family).
Season two follows rival Chinatown tongs, the Hop Wei and the Long Zii, as they fight for dominance amidst the growing anti-Chinese racism that threatens to destroy them all. After barely surviving last season’s disastrous showdown, Ah Sahm is back with the Hop Wei and determined to wreak vengeance on Long Zii’s new leader, Mai Ling (Dianne Doan), who also happens to be his sister. Spending his nights honing his martial arts skills at a notorious Barbary Coast fight pit run by a savvy, opportunistic woman named Rosalita Vega (Maria Elena Laas), Ah Sahm harbors ambitions to topple Hop Wei head Father Jun (Perry Yung). To accomplish this, he pushes tong heir Young Jun (Jason Tobin) into a new opium deal and welcomes the arrival of an enthusiastic new recruit and fighter, Hong (Chen Tang).
As the two tongs fight for dominance over the course of the season, both face numerous outside threats, including from the brutal Fung Hai tong and its nihilistic leader Zing (Dustin Nyugen), the embittered Irish labor movement led by tough-as-nails bar owner Dylan Leary (Dean Jagger), and the hostile local government under the politically spineless Mayor Blake (Christian McKay) and his scheming deputy, Walter Buckley (Langley Kirkwood). With the stakes mounting and tensions with her brother growing, Mai Ling struggles to control her new-partner Zing, and lover and tong lieutenant, Li Yong (Joe Taslim).
Meanwhile, brothel madame Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) continues to pursue her secret and violent agenda and slowly becomes intrigued by Nellie Davenport (Miranda Raison), a wealthy widow using her fortune to rescue young Chinese sex workers. Struggling to get out from the Fung Hai’s grip, debt-ridden police sergeant Bill O’Hara (Kieran Bew) faces growing suspicion from his subordinate (Tom Weston-Jones) while fixer and profiteer Wang Chao (Hoon Lee) continues to play both sides. Socialite-turned-businesswoman Penny Blake (Joanna Vanderham) works to keep her father’s factory open using Chinese labor and must adjust to the arrival of her young, rebellious sister Sophie (Celine Buckens) who begins to cross family lines in favor of the Irish labor movement. Between the local political turmoil and the escalating gang violence, tensions in Chinatown threaten to boil over into a full-scale war that will raise the stakes and its survival of the fittest for those left standing.
Episodes include:
Episode 1: “Learn to Endure, or Hire a Bodyguard”
Debut date: Saturday, 3 October at 10am
Back with the Hop Wei, Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji) spends his nights at the Barbary Coast fight pit, confronting a new anti-Chinese group, Teddy’s Boys. While Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) accuses him of just looking for another fight, an empowered Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) worries about her brother’s next steps. Meanwhile, Bill (Kieran Bew) finds it hard to break out of his role as enforcer for Zing; Penny (Joanna Vanderham) is determined to continue running Mercer Steel, much to Blake’s (Christian McKay) dismay; and Chao (Hoon Lee) offers Ah Sahm some advice for his future with Young Jun (Jason Tobin).
Written and Directed by Jonathan Tropper
Episode 2: “The Chinese Connection”
Debut date: Saturday, 10 October at 10am
Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji) and Young Jun (Jason Tobin) search for a discreet place to hide their product after striking a deal with a new opium supplier. As Lee (Tom Weston-Jones) becomes increasingly dependent on laudanum, he and Bill (Kieran Bew) continue to investigate the swordsman murders. Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) sends Li Yong (Joe Taslim) and Zing (Dustin Nguyen) to deliver a message to a rival tong. Penny (Joanna Vanderham) asks for Ah Sahm’s help in protecting her factory. Sophie (Celine Buckens) continues to pique Leary’s (Dean Jagger) interest. Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) receives a visit from Nellie Davenport (Miranda Raison), a wealthy widow committed to ending the exploitation of Chinese women.
Written by Brad Kane; Directed by David Petrarca
Episode 3: “Not How We Do Business”
Debut date: Saturday, 17 October at 10am
With their new enterprise going well, Young Jun (Jason Tobin) shares his worries with Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji) about the new men Father Jun (Perry Yung) has brought over from China, and later, the partners are impressed by Hong (Chen Tang), an enthusiastic recruit with a secret. Meanwhile, Chao (Hoon Lee) goes to Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) for help keeping Zing (Dustin Nguyen) away from his business, Sophie (Celine Buckens) grows closer to Leary (Dean Jagger), Nellie’s (Miranda Raison) politics raise questions from her peers, and things take a deadly turn at Bill’s (Kieran Bew) home.
Written by Brad Kane; Directed by David Petrarca
Episode 4: “If You Don’t See Blood, You Didn’t Come to Play”
Debut date: Saturday, 24 October at 10am
As the police prepare for retribution, Chao (Hoon Lee) comes to Bill (Kieran Bew) with a mutually beneficial proposal. A sympathetic Sophie (Celine Buckens) offers Leary (Dean Jagger) a new plan. Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji) and Penny (Joanna Vanderham) have a moment when he confides his plans for the future. Buckley (Langley Kirkwood) urges Blake (Christian McKay) to take a stand against the Chinese, Lee (Tom Weston-Jones) seeks to ease his pain, Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) invests in a legitimate business, and Nellie (Miranda Raison) urges Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) to imagine a different kind of life for her sex workers.
Written by Evan Endicott & Josh Stoddard; Directed by Loni Peristere
Episode 5: “Not for a Drink, a F*ck, or a G**damn Prayer”
Debut date: Saturday, 31 October at 10am
A guilty Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) tries to make things right with Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), who’s more intent than ever on seeking revenge. Penny (Joanna Vanderham) finds her business in trouble and learns that Ah Sahm has been using her. Leary (Dean Jagger) gets a warning and offers one of his own. Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) pays an emotional visit to Nellie’s (Miranda Raison) Sonoma winery. Bill (Kieran Bew) and Chao (Hoon Lee) put their plot against the Fung Hai into action.
Written by Evan Endicott & Josh Stoddard; Directed by Loni Peristere
Episode 6: “To a Man with a Hammer, Everything Looks Like a Nail”
Debut date: Saturday, 7 November at 10am
Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), Young Jun (Jason Tobin), and Hong (Hoon Lee) travel with Vega (Maria Elena Laas) to Rooker’s Mill, a U.S.-Mexico border town owned by Elijah Rooker (Conor Mullen), the wealthy host of a lucrative fight tournament that Ah Sahm is determined to win. As he learns more about Vega, Ah Sahm draws the attention of another fighter, Dolph (Mike Bisping), and later, Rooker himself.
Written by Jonathan Tropper & Brad Kane; Directed by Dustin Nguyen
Warrior is produced for CINEMAX by Perfect Storm Entertainment, Tropper Ink Productions and Bruce Lee Entertainment; created and executive produced by Jonathan Tropper. Justin Lin and Andrew Schneider executive produce on behalf of Perfect Storm Entertainment. Shannon Lee executive produces for Bruce Lee Entertainment. Executive produced by Brad Kane and Richard Sharkey. Co-executive produced by Kenneth Lin, Evan Endicott and Josh Stoddard.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Subscribe to SKY Fiber and get your first three months’ access to HBO GO courtesy of SKY Fiber. More details on this promo here.
Show 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.
While the General Community Quarantine has been implemented in most parts of the metro and there are less restrictions on transportation and mobility, many of us are still stuck at home, which still remains the safest place to be.
If you feel you’re just about to climb the walls looking for something to entertain yourself, you’d be glad to know that your Saturday nights this July are about to get more exciting with these premieres on HBO and HBO GO.
UglyDolls Premieres Saturday, 4 July at 9pm
In the adorably different town of Uglyville, the free-spirited Moxy and her UglyDolls friends confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing – because what matters most is who you truly are. Stars voices from talents that include Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Pitbull, Blake Shelton.
A Score to Settle Premieres Saturday,11 July at 9pm
Diagnosed with a fatal condition, Frankie Carver is released from prison after serving 19 years of hard time. With only a short time left to live, Frankie must desperately try to make amends with the son he left behind while he plots a bloody course of revenge – tracking down his old gang to make them pay one by one. Stars Nicolas Cage, Nicole G. Leier, Benjamin Bratt.
Angel Has Fallen Premieres Saturday, 18 July at 9pm
Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is wrongfully accused and taken into custody after an assassination attempt is made on U.S. President Allan Trumbull. After escaping capture, he is a man on the run. Now he must evade his own agency and outsmart the FBI to find the real threat to the President. Desperate to uncover the truth, Banning turns to unlikely allies to help clear his name, keep his family from harm and save the country from imminent danger. Stars Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett Smith, Piper Perabo, Danny Huston, Nick Nolte, Tim Blake Nelson, Lance Reddick.
Official Secrets Premieres Saturday, 25 July at 9pm
She risked everything to stop an unjust war. Her government called her a traitor. Based on world-shaking true events, it tells the untold story of British Intelligence specialist Katharine Gun in the lead up to the 2003 Iraq War. Receiving a memo with a shocking directive to collect blackmail-worthy information on UN council members to force the vote for the invasion of Iraq, she is unable to stand by and watch the world rush into an illegal war. Gun thus makes the gut-wrenching decision to defy her government and leak the memo to the press. So begins an explosive chain of events that will ignite an international firestorm, expose a vast political conspiracy, and put Gun and her family directly in harm’s way. Stars Keira Knightley, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode, Adam Bakri, Indira Varma, Ralph Fiennes.
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).
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Subscribe to SKY Fiber and get your first three months’ access to HBO GO courtesy of SKY Fiber. More details on this promo here.
Show 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.
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stranger. The entire first season and first three episodes of the second season of the HBO Max Original series Doom Patrol, which reimagines one of DC’s strangest groups of super heroes, will be available exclusively on HBO GO from Saturday, 27 June. A new episode of the second season will be released weekly every Friday.
Each member of the Doom Patrol suffered a horrible accident that gave them superhuman abilities, but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatised and downtrodden, the team comprises of Robotman aka Cliff Steele (played by Brendan Fraser – “Crash”, “The Mummy”, “Gods and Monsters”), Negative Man aka Larry Trainor (played by Matt Bomer – “White Collar”, “American Horror Story”, “The Normal Heart”), Elasti-Woman aka Rita Farr (played by April Bowlby – “Two and a Half Men”, “How I Met Your Mother”) Crazy Jane (played by Diane Guerrero – “Orange is the New Black”) and Cyborg aka Victor Stone (played by Joivan Wade – “The First Purge”, “Doctor Who”).
Part support group, part Super Hero team, the Doom Patrol is a band of superpowered freaks who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them. They come together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence under the leadership of modern-day mad scientist Niles Caulder aka The Chief (played by Timothy Dalton – “The Living Daylights”, “Licence to Kill”).
In Season 1, following the mysterious disappearance of The Chief, these reluctant heroes find themselves in a place they never expected to be and are called to action by Vic Stone aka Cyborg, who proposes a mission that is hard to refuse. Season 1 also stars Alan Tudyk (“Powerless”, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Suburgatory”) as Mr. Nobody.
In Season 2, following the defeat of Mr. Nobody, the Doom Patrol now find themselves mini-sized and stranded on Cliff’s toy race car track. Here they begin to deal with their feelings of betrayal with Niles Caulder aka The Chief, while confronting their own personal baggage. As each member faces the challenge of growing beyond their own past traumatic experiences, they must come together to embrace and protect the newest member of the family, Dorothy Spinner (recurring guest star Abigail Shapiro), Caulder’s daughter, whose powers remain a mysterious but real threat to bringing on the end of the world.
Doom Patrol is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. The series is developed by Jeremy Carver (“Supernatural”, “Frequency”, “Being Human”) and executive produced by Carver, Geoff Johns (“Suicide Squad”, “Aquaman”, “Wonder Woman”, “Justice League”), Greg Berlanti (“Arrow”, “Titans”, “The Flash”, “Supergirl”, “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”), Sarah Schechter (“Supergirl”, “Riverdale”, “Blindspot”) and Chris Dingess (“Agent Carter”, “Eastwick”, “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World”). The series is based on characters created for DC by Arnold Drake, Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Subscribe to SKY Fiber will also get their first three months’ access to HBO GO courtesy of SKY Fiber. More details on this promo here.
Show 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.
Can’t wait to watch new episodes of the HBO Max Original series Love Life, starring Oscar® nominee Anna Kendrick? The wait is over! Three new episodes of Love Life will drop today, 4 June, while the final four episodes will be available next Thursday, 11 June exclusively on HBO GO. The first three episodes of Love Life premiered same time as the U.S. on HBO GO last Thursday.
Love Life, a fresh take on a romantic comedy anthology series, features “an Emmy-worthy turn from Kendrick” (Decider, Joel Keller) and “should be the first thing you watch on the new streaming platform” (Glamour, Anna Moeslein). It has “a sharpness and a depth” (Vanity Fair, Richard Lawson), “the writing is sharp” (Uproxx, Kimberly Ricci), and star “Zoë Chao is a standout” (Entertainment Weekly, Kristen Baldwin).
The series comes from creator and co-showrunner Sam Boyd (In a Relationship) and is about the journey from first love to last love, and how the people we’re with along the way make us into who we are when we finally end up with someone forever. Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, A Simple Favor) stars in the first season along with Zoë Chao (Downhill, Strangers), Peter Vack (Someone Great, The Bold Type) and Sasha Compere (Miracle Workers, Uncorked).
Kendrick serves as an executive producer alongside Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Bridesmaids) and Dan Magnante (Someone Great). Sam Boyd, who wrote the pilot and directs, also executive produces with co-showrunner and executive producer Bridget Bedard (Transparent, Ramy). Love Life is produced by Lionsgate Television and Feigco Entertainment.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Show 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.
Feed your adrenaline rush with a maelstrom of new action-packed thrillers on WarnerMedia’s entertainment platforms this June. Uncover the truth and fight for the rights and justice of the people you love. Be prepared for a host of great content coming your way on HBO GO, HBO, Warner TV, CINEMAX and RED by HBO, all available on SKYcable.
On HBO (SKYcable ch 54SD | 168HD in Metro Manila)
Annabelle Comes Home Premieres Saturday, 6 June at 9pm
Determined to keep Annabelle from wreaking more havoc, demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren bring the possessed doll to the locked artifacts room in their home, placing her “safely” behind sacred glass and enlisting a priest’s holy blessing. But an unholy night of horror awaits as Annabelle awakens the evil spirits in the room, who all set their sights on a new target – the Warrens’ ten-year-old daughter, Judy – and her friends. Stars Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, McKenna Grace and Madison Iseman.
I May Destroy You Premieres Monday, 8 June at 10.30am
This 12-episode half-hour HBO Original drama series explores the question of sexual consent in contemporary life and how, in the new landscape of dating and relationships, we make the distinction between liberation and exploitation. Set in London, where gratification is only an app away, the story centres on Arabella, a care-free, self-assured Londoner with a group of great friends, a holiday fling-turned aspirational boyfriend in Italy, and a burgeoning writing career. But when she is spiked with a date-rape drug, she must question and rebuild every element of her life. Written by and stars BAFTA award-winner Michaela Coel.
The Head Premieres Friday, 12 June at 9pm
This six-episode HBO Asia Original series is a survival thriller set in the Polaris VI international polar station in Antarctica during its long, dark Antarctic months, engulfed by the cold, the wind and the vast expanses of ice. A select group of scientists from different countries oversee maintaining the base operational during the long polar nights. But during winter, the station suddenly stops communicating with the outside world. With dialogues in English and Danish, the suspenseful series stars an international cast including Tomohisa Yamashita.
The Bridge S2 Premieres Monday, 15 June at 9pm on HBO GO and HBO
The series picks up one year after where the story ended in season one. A yacht registered in Singapore drifts ashore in Johor with a deceased Indonesian family on board. Investigating the slew of serial killings that ensue, the characters become mired in a web of treachery, deceit, and personal tragedy. Stars Bront Palarae, Rebecca Lim, Ario Bayou, Adrian Pang and Cheryl Samad.
Perry Mason Premieres Monday, 22 June at 9am
Based on the story and characters by author Erle Stanley Gardner, this HBO Original drama series follows the origins of American fiction’s most legendary criminal defence lawyer, Perry Mason, in 1932 Los Angeles. When the case of the decade breaks down his door, Mason’s relentless pursuit of the truth reveals a fractured city and just maybe, a pathway to redemption for himself. Stars Emmy® Winner Matthew Rhys, John Lithgow, and Tatiana Maslany. Executively produced by Robert Downey Jr.
John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum Premieres Saturday, 27 June, at 10pm
Super assassin John Wick has a $14 million price tag on his head after killing a member of the High Table, the shadowy international assassins’ guild. Now excommunicado, and with an army of the world’s most ruthless hit men and women on his tail, John must find a way to survive in this third chapter of the adrenaline-fueled action franchise. Stars Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry and Laurence Fishburne.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark Premieres Monday, 29 June at 10am
Based on the best-selling true crime book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by journalist Michelle McNamara. The HBO Original documentary series follows her true story as she tracked the violent offender whom she dubbed “The Golden State Killer” – a man who terrorized California in the late 1970s and early 1980s, committing 50 home-invasion sexual assaults and ten murders.
On Cinemax (ch 36SD | 198HD in Metro Manila)
Trackers Premieres Saturday, 6 June at 10am
This six-episode series is based on the bestselling South African author Deon Meyer and interweaves three story strands into a sophisticated action-packed thriller. The series covers the length and breadth of South Africa, and explosively collides in Cape Town in a violent conspiracy involving organised crime, smuggled diamonds, state security, Black Rhinos, the CIA and an international terrorist plot. Stars Rolanda Marais, James Gracie, Sandi Schultz, Thapelo Mokoena and Trix Vivier.
On RED by HBO (ch 74SD in Metro Manila)
Babel Premieres Saturday, 13 June at 10pm
The series follows the prosecutor Cha Woo-Hyuk who embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind his father’s death. His life becomes intertwined with married actress Han Jung-Won when the latter becomes the prime suspect in the murder case of her husband. Stars Park Si-Hoo and Jang Hee-Jin.
On Warner TV
Pennyworth S1 Premieres Monday 29 June, at 9pm on Warner TV
The DC series explores the origins of titular Wayne Family butler Alfred Pennyworth, a former British SAS soldier in his 20s, who forms a security company in 1960s alternate London. After being targeted by a group conspiring to subvert the British Government, Alfred teams up with American agents Thomas Wayne and Martha Kane – who later become the parents of Bruce Wayne. Stars Jack Bannon and Ben Aldridge.
WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including: HBO, HBO Now, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others.
HBO GO, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Warner TV are available on SKYcable. To subscribe or for more information on these,fill out this form.
Show details and images provided by WarnerMedia in a recent press release
Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel of the same name, THE OUTSIDER is a new drama series that explores the investigation into the gruesome murder of a local boy and the mysterious force surrounding the case.
The HBO Original series will debut same time as the U.S. on HBO GO and HBO on Monday 13 January at 10am with two back-to-back episodes. Subsequent episodes will premiere weekly. The 10-episode series follows police detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn), as he sets out to investigate the mutilated body of 11-year-old Frankie Peterson found in the Georgia woods. The mysterious circumstances surrounding this horrifying crime leads Ralph, still grieving the recent death of his own son, to bring in unorthodox private investigator Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo), whose uncanny abilities he hopes will help explain the unexplainable.
The cast includes Emmy®- and Golden Globe-nominee Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline, Ready Player One) as Ralph Anderson; Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo (“The Color Purple”) as Holly Gibney; Bill Camp (Emmy®-nominee, The Night Of) as Howie Salomon; Mare Winningham (Oscar®-nominee, Georgia) as Ralph’s wife Jeannie Anderson; Paddy Considine (HBO’s upcoming The Third Day) as Claude Bolton, manager of a local strip club; Julianne Nicholson (HBO’s upcoming Mare of Easttown) as Glory Maitland; Yul Vázquez (Divorce) as Georgia Bureau of Investigation detective Yunis Sablo; Jeremy Bobb (The Knick) as Alec Pelley, a private investigator hired by Howie; and Marc Menchaca (The Sinner) as detective Jack Hoskins; with Emmy®- and Golden Globe winner Jason Bateman (Ozark, Arrested Development) as Terry Maitland.
THE OUTSIDER is produced by Mendelsohn and executive producer Bateman (who also directs the first two episodes). The series is written for television by Richard Price (The Wire, The Night Of), who also serves as Executive Producer. Executive producers include Andrew Bernstein, Marty Bowen for Temple Hill Entertainment, Jack Bender, Michael Costigan for Aggregate Films, and Dennis Lehane (episodes 105-110). The series is produced by Bateman’s Aggregate Films and Temple Hill Entertainment in association with Civic Center 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. To subscribe, call 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.
HBO presents, in association with Sky, the four-part limited series CATHERINE THE GREAT, premieres same time as the U.S. 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.
Oscar®-winner Helen Mirren stars in HBO’s latest historical drama, CATHERINE THE GREAT, as the tumultuous monarch and politician who ruled the Russian empire and transformed its place in the world in the 18th century. Over the course of four one-hour parts, the enthralling limited series charts Catherine’s reign as the intelligent, resourceful and utterly determined Empress who fights off threats to her crown, wages war with the Ottoman Empire and expands Russia’s borders as far as the Black Sea and Crimea, turning the nation into a great global power. But more than a political success story against all odds, CATHERINE THE GREAT is a sweeping epic that follows the love affair between Catherine and Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin (Jason Clarke), the most extraordinary woman and man of their age, who formed a singular and powerful relationship that helped shape the future of Russian politics.
Upcoming episodes:
“Episode 1” – TUESDAY, 22 OCT 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Russian Empress Catherine the Great (Helen Mirren) faces challenges to her throne on all sides, as she meets the forthright and bold Lieutenant Grigory Potemkin (Jason Clarke).
Written by Nigel Williams; directed by Philip Martin.
“Episode 2” – TUESDAY, 29 OCT 10:00-11:00 a.m.
A victorious Potemkin (Jason Clarke) returns from war to find Catherine (Helen Mirren) preoccupied, leading the two to speak candidly about their pasts and future, while a Cossack stirs discontent among peasants in the countryside.
Written by Nigel Williams; directed by Philip Martin.
“Episode 3” – TUESDAY, 5 NOV 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Catherine (Helen Mirren) and Potemkin (Jason Clarke) experience growing pains in their relationship, as Potemkin’s push for expansion puts him at odds with Panin (Rory Kinnear).
Written by Nigel Williams; directed by Philip Martin.
“Episode 4” (Series finale) – TUESDAY, 12 NOV 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Pressure from foreign powers leads to a bitter argument between Catherine (Helen Mirren) and an ailing Potemkin (Jason Clarke). Catherine works to change the line of succession as her reign draws to an end.
Written by Nigel Williams; directed by Philip Martin.
CATHERINE THE GREAT IS directed by Philip Martin; written by Nigel Williams; executive producers, Helen Mirren, Philip Martin, David Thompson for Origin Pictures and Charlie Pattinson and Christine Healy for New Pictures.
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 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.
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.
Adapting books to the screen has always been very challenging. Video is a vastly different medium from books, wherein the directive is to “show, not tell.” Scenes and internal dialogues painstakingly detailed in novels will be hard to interpret on the screen. Also, some novels, even though widely successful, might not have enough of a following to justify the expense in producing and marketing a feature film or a series on network television.
Fortunately, the massive popularity of over-the-top (OTT) services gave rise to book adaptations specifically for online and on-demand video streaming. Freed from the constraints of content and length for film and scheduling constraints of network TV, and taking advantage of the data gained through subscriptions and online transactions, multi-episode series covering increasingly edgy and conplex topics are being produced. These result to more freedom in storytelling and to more expansive and lived-in worlds for book lovers to reaquaint themselves with and for non-readers of the books to discover and grow to love.
Amazon Prime Video, the video-on-demand service operated by online retailer Amazon.com, has joined the fray in producing book adaptations that are sure to capture new audiences as well as further endear the works to their existing fans. Novels being adapted into Amazon Original Series include:
Two of fantasy literature’s rock stars – Neil Gaiman and the late Terry Pratchett – collaborated on Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch. The novel was a hilarious ride through the adventures of an angel and a demon who became friends and their efforts to stop Armageddon as heralded by the birth of an unwitting AntiChrist.
Its adaptation stars Michael Sheen as Aziraphale the Angel and David Tennant as Crowley the Demon. The miniseries premiered on May 31, 2019 and has received rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes owing to Sheen and Tennant’s “very nearly holy (or maybe unholy?) chemistry.” Despite a petition – erroneously addressed to Netflix at that – to cancel the series, the production has received a slew of nominations in the Saturn Awards and the Primetime Emmys.
Jack Ryan based on the Jack Ryan Novels by Tom Clancy
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan character has had quite a good run in cinemas with winning portrayals from some of Hollywood’s top actors: from Alec Baldwin in Hunt for Red October, Harrison Ford in Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger, Ben Affleck in The Sum of All Fears, and Chris Pine in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.
John Krasinski now portrays Jack Ryan in the Amazon series as a former Marine and financial analyst wrenched from the security of his desk job after discovering a string of dubious bank transfers and sets about matching his wits against rising a extremist named Suleiman. The series premiered on August 31, 2018 and has already been renewed for its second and third seasons.
Philip K. Dick’s novel The Man in the High Castle depicts an alternate reality wherein the Axis powers win World War II. Here, the United States was divided among Japan and Germany as the spoils of war: the Greater Nazi Reich in the East and the Japanese Pacific States to the West. Set in 1962, several years after the war, characters are tantalized by the writings of “the man in the high castle,” which hint at the truth that the Axis actually lost the war.
The series incorporates fantastical elements such as having “multiple Earths,” as can be seen in films collected by the titular “man in the high castle,” a mysterious leader of the resistance. The show’s pilot has been said to be “Amazon’s most watched” and has gained praise on Rotten Tomatoes as “unlike anything else on TV, with an immediately engrossing plot driven by fully developed characters in a fully-realized post-WWII dystopia.” The series premiered on November 20, 2015 with three seasons already released. It has also already been renewed for its fourth and final season.
Really, it’s a great time to be alive for book lovers who want to see their favorite tomes come alive on-screen.
What book do you want to see adapted to a series? Let me know in the comments.
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A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, debuting same time as the U.S. on Saturday 3 August at 11am exclusively on HBO GO, 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.
Upcoming episodes
Season 1, episode 1: “Angela Bassett Is the Baddest B***h”
Premiere: SATURDAY, 3 AUG 11:00-11:30AM
Two women seek an escape from an ominous fog. 1960s soul group Claude and The Boppers perform their hit song “Ice Cream Shop.” A world-renowned author and “philosophizer” promotes her latest masterclass. Maya’s confession in a support group gets a less-than-supportive response. Trinity, the Invisible Spy, meets a formidable adversary. Drea confronts a mysterious woman stealing her dance moves at a club. Fun and games lead to tension, as Robin, Ashley, Quinta and Gabrielle are stuck in a house after an end-of-the-world event.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.
Season 1, episode 2: “Your Boss Knows You Don’t Have Eyebrows”
Premiere: SATURDAY, 10 AUG 11:00-11:30AM
A perpetually-late-to-work Shayla decides to forgo her morning makeup routine, to her coworker Toni’s dismay. Trinity the Invisible Spy hunts down The Recluse, an elusive villain with a surprising identity. An array of average, awkward contestants perform before a panel of judges at the Basic Ball. Security guard Fatimah helps an office worker investigate who stole her missing mug. Robin, Quinta and Gabrielle uncover a shocking truth about Ashley’s night time ritual.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.
Season 1, episode 3: “3rd & Bonaparte Is Always in the Shade”
Premiere: SATURDAY, 17 AUG 11:00-11:30AM
Asia is shocked by a very public, very unexpected marriage proposal from her new boyfriend Dewayne. New recruits talk about their goals and expectations at a gang orientation. A church service devolves when congregants take to the mic with self-centered motivations. Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman turns a toast at her sister’s wedding into a teachable moment. Gabrielle, Ashley, Quinta and Robin bond while discussing their ideal men and some of their worst dates.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.
Season 1, episode 4: “Where Are My Background Singers?”
Premiere: SATURDAY, 24 AUG 11:00-11:30AM
A divorce party spirals out of control following Eboni’s bad mushroom trip. The tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, Rome & Julissa. A 1930s groupie, Feather Atwood, sets her sights on Negro League baseball player Satchel Paige. A frustrated airline passenger seeks a like-minded customer service representative. Denise tries to prevent yet another breakup and its typical, unusual side effect. “Taskmaster,” “Insecurity” and “Turnt” help Krystal navigate a possible cat-calling situation. Quinta, Gabrielle, Robin and Ashley lay down odd rules while playing cards to pass the time.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.
Season 1, episode 5: “Why Are Her Pies Wet, Lord?”
Premiere: SATURDAY, 31 AUG 11:00-11:30AM
Four friends on a camping trip unknowingly disprove a stereotype. A pastor tries to take back control of his church potluck. A flight attendant struggles to get compliance from newlyweds Chris and Lachel in the exit row. Elementary school students notice a change in their teacher Ms. Miller. Jackie receives a less-than-warm welcome when she returns to her hometown high school. Robin, Quinta, Ashley and Gabrielle discuss their weird turn-ons and stage an intervention.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.
Season 1, episode 6: “Born at Night, But Not Last Night” (season finale)
Premiere: SATURDAY, 7 SEPT 11:00-11:30AM
Two friends come to regret their decision to visit a new black-owned restaurant. A mother and daughter go toe-to-toe in the latest episode of “Get the Belt.” “Taskmaster,” “Turnt” and “Insecurity” help Krystal through a surprise hot-air balloon ride. Carl and Lori’s “special guest” has very specific boundaries. A judge, bailiff, court reporter and attorneys celebrate their first ever all-black lady courtroom. Tensions rise between Ashley, Gabrielle, Quinta and Robin as the reality of their situation sinks in.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.
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 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 visit www.mysky.com.ph.
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.
HBO has renewed the drama series EUPHORIA for a second season, it was announced today by Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming.
“Euphoria creator Sam Levinson has built an incredible world with an extraordinary cast led by the supremely talented Zendaya. We are so grateful that he chose HBO as the home for this groundbreaking series,” said Orsi. “We look forward to following these complex characters as their journeys continue through the challenging world they inhabit.”
Kicking off its eight-episode first season on 17 June and currently debuting new episodes same time as the U.S. every Monday at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO (SKYcable ch 54 SD | 168 HD). EUPHORIA stars Zendaya (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”) who heads the ensemble cast of the show, which follows a group of high school students as they navigate a minefield of drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love and friendship. The series is created and written by Sam Levinson (HBO’s “The Wizard of Lies”), who also directs five episodes of the first season.
EUPHORIA ranks as HBO’s youngest skewing drama series on the network’s digital platforms. In addition to delivering a series high for its premiere telecast, EUPHORIA continues to grow every week on HBO’s digital platforms. The series premiere night has already delivered over 5.5 million viewers across HBO’s platforms in the U.S.
EUPHORIA puts a fresh spin on the coming-of-age narrative, exploring the teenage landscape of substance-enhanced parties and anxiety-ridden day-to-day life with empathy and candor. The series follows 17-year-old Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a drug addict fresh from rehab, who’s struggling to make sense of her future. Her life changes dramatically when she meets Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer), a girl who recently moved to town following her parents’ divorce, and like Rue is searching for where she belongs.
The cast for the first season of EUPHORIA includes Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith and Sydney Sweeney.
Hollywood Reporter hails EUPHORIA as “boundary-pushing, real and exceptionally realized,” while Variety praises the series as having an “undeniable pull that makes it too intriguing to ignore.” TV Guide calls it “lusciously shot,” and getting “more and more jaw-dropping and gorgeous as it goes on.” Indiewire notes “Zendaya is exceptional at every turn,” and Rolling Stone praises the direction as “visually striking throughout, full of moments lit to look both menacing and intoxicating.”
Season one credits: EUPHORIA was created and written by Sam Levinson, who also serves as executive producer; executive producers Ravi Nandan, Kevin Turen, Drake, Future the Prince, Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein, Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, Tmira Yardeni, Mirit Toovi, Yoram Mokady, Gary Lennon and Jim Kleverweis; transgender consultant, Scott Turner Schofield; consultant, Jeremy O. Harris. Produced in partnership with A24 and based on the Israeli series of the same name, which was created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin, from HOT.
About HBO GO
HBO GO is an internet-based service that allows subscribers unlimited access to stream and download anytime, anywhere, a wide range of Hollywood blockbusters, all-time favourite kids’ programmes as well as unedited original versions of all HBO Original content from the U.S. and Asia, at the same time as they premiere. Live TV streaming of HBO Asia’s bouquet of channels are also available. The service is accessible on all mobile devices through the HBO GO App and on computers.
In the Philippines, HBO GO is exclusively available to SKYcable subscribers. For more information, visit mysky.com.ph/hbogo.
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.
Shark Tank, the business-themed show that has become a culturally defining series and inspired a nation to dream bigger is set to premiere exclusively on TechStorm, the World’s First Tech & Entrepreneur Channel available on SKYcable this 15th July.
“Southeast Asia has become a hotspot for tech startups across the globe and is continuously experiencing an unprecedented boom. As a result, we’re seeing markets like Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines emerge to meet the needs of its rapidly growing ecosystem. We are exhilarated to bring Shark Tank on TechStorm to connect with entrepreneurial community eager to see more of the investment action, be entertained while they pick up business pitch tips from the world’s most well-known investor names on the show. We are confident that our fans will love Shark Tank which will have its Philippine premiere on July 15 in addition to a compelling line-up of best in-class, first-run and exclusive entertainment across tech and entrepreneurship theme”, said Debbie Lee, Founder of TechStorm TV.
“The addition of TechStorm to our line-up is SKY’s way of continuously providing Filipinos the best, not only in entertainment choices, but innovative programming offers as well that support specialized and diverse interests of our market ,” SKY Head of Programming and Airtime Sales James Dumlao said.
TechStorm will air first on SKYcable in the Philippines.
The number one business-themed reality and Emmy Award-Winning series that features multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons known as sharks who give budding entrepreneurs the chance to secure business deals will be available Mondays to Thursdays at 9PM.
The show was launched yesterday, July 11, at co-working space Acceler8 in Rockwell, Makati via a panel discussion on tech start-ups in the country, which featured QBO president Butch Meily, South East Asia tech celebrity influencer Willy Foo, Ideaspace Executive Director Diane Eustaquio, and was moderated by the founder & CEO of TechStorm TV, Debbie Lee.
In line with this major show launch, TechStorm will also be bringing some of the biggest and award winning international Tech & Entrepreneurship shows including Pop Up Start Up, The Gadget Show, Buy It Now and Futuristic China which will be running First & Exclusive only on TechStorm TV.
TechStorm is available on SKYcable channel 212 via its Select service in Mega Manila. Subscribers can choose to add the channel in their line-up for only P20 a month. Visit mysky.com.ph/gettechstorm or call 418 0000 to subscribe.
About TechStorm
TechStorm is the world’s first one-stop media destination that celebrates the world’s fastest rising stars in Technology and Entrepreneurship available across 20 countries in Asia Pacific. Its 24 hour channel programmed in HD showcases compelling line-up of best in-class, first-run and exclusive entertainment across tech and entrepreneurship themes.
TechStorm is a next-generation international media owned by TechTV Network Pte Ltd with its global headquarters in Singapore, serving a global and pan-Asian tech loving fan base.
The company’s dynamic leadership team has more than 30 years’ of combined domain expertise in technology, international media and business; fueled by the passion to drive change, be the voice for the unsung heroes in the technology sector and give Asia’s rising entrepreneurship community global recognition that they deserve.
About SKY Cable Corporation
SKY Cable Corporation is a leading cable and broadband technology provider in the Philippines, offering an array of innovative and pioneering products with rich content delivered on various platforms. Its products are a showcase of top-of-mind choices among Filipinos: SKYcable, known for its top-notch programming; SKY Fiber, which offers complete entertainment & internet bundle with fiber-boosted broadband, HD Cable TV and mobile internet options; SKYdirect, a direct-to-home television technology that brings superior cable entertainment nationwide; SKY on Demand, an on-demand video streaming and entertainment service allowing content viewing on any screen. SKY Cable is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company.
Show details and images provided by TechStorm in a recent press release. All other photos are mine.
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.
HBO Asia unveiled a line-up of brand new Asian original productions that are scheduled to premiere soon. Since the regional network’s first original production in 2012, HBO Asia has been committed to ramp up the number of quality Asian original content to their audiences in the region and globally. To date, HBO Asia has produced and aired fifteen HBO Asia Original productions and is expanding its repertoire further in the coming years.
HBO Asia recently hosted a press conference in Hong Kong to further showcase four upcoming projects that included an anthology drama series, a crime drama, a sci-fi thriller and the second season of a coming-of-age drama series. Actors Vivian Hsu, David Wang and James Wen, directors Eric Khoo and Billy Christian and executive producer, Cheang Pou-Soi were present to share insights about the upcoming HBO Asia Original productions. All upcoming HBO Asia Originals will be available in the Philippines exclusively on HBO Asia’s network of channels including HBO (SKYcable channel 54 SD and 168 HD in Metro Manila) and HBO’s online streaming platform, HBO GO.
Mr. Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia said, “Over the past 7 years, we recognise the significance and importance of locally produced programming. Since 2012, the number of Asian original productions we have done has been increasing and they have all proven to be very effective for us. We are encouraged to learn that our Asian productions are working well across the region, especially those in local languages.” He further adds, “We maintain our commitment to producing outstanding programming and will continuously aim to present our content to our audience in the region, in an easily accessible way. We will continue to produce the highest quality content that the HBO brand represents and showcase to the world the best Asia has to offer.”
Series premiering soon on HBO Asia’s network of channels include (in alphabetical order):
DREAM RAIDER is HBO Asia’s first science fiction drama series. DREAM RAIDER is an eight-episode hour-long series that brings together production expertise from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan featuring cast and crew including actors Vivian Hsu, David Wang, Jason Wang, Weber Yang and Ellen Wu, executive producer, renowned filmmaker, Cheang Pou-Soi, directors, Daniel Fu and Simon Hung, and producer, Freeman Xiang. Set in the near future, DREAM RAIDER features a misfit team of scientists and cops that are trying to get to the bottom of a criminal conspiracy that exploits human consciousness. The series opens with a criminal police officer that is investigating a case of missing girls and uncovers a mysterious cutting-edge technology that enables them to enter the dreamscapes of others to find the truth. The series is produced with the support of the Taipei Film Commission and Taipei Cultural Foundation.
FOOD LORE is an eight-episode hour-long anthology series that explores the human condition with narratives inspired by and showcased through the perspectives of Asian cuisines, weaving tales of the tastes and aromas that have filled the Asian souls – tales of longing and forbidden passion, of connection and loss, of childhood memory. Helmed by award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo, the series is shot in eight countries across Asia and directed by some of Asia’s most talented storytellers including Don Aravind (Singapore), Billy Christian (Indonesia), Takumi Saitoh (Japan), Ho Yuhang (Malaysia), Erik Matti (Philippines), Pen-Ek Ratanaruang (Thailand) and Phan Dang Di (Vietnam). FOOD LORE is produced as part of a two-year partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore. Through a series of workshops and collaborations with local companies and talent on HBO Asia Original productions, the partnership aims to develop the content production capabilities of Singapore’s media industry.
THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is HBO Asia’s second returning series, following the success of the first season. The eight-episode hour-long second season of the coming-of-age Taiwan drama series returns with Kuo Shu Yau reprising her lead role as Xiao Zhen, a psychic born with the ability to see spirits and learning to use her abilities to help others. Starring alongside her will be new cast members including two-time Golden Bell Award-winning actress, Wen Chen-Ling and rising star, Fandy Fan. The new season of THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC sees Xiao Zhen back from her summer break and determined to have a fresh start at school, but life is not that simple, especially when she is still coming to terms with the loss of the love of her life. Things get even more complicated with the arrival of Zhan Xiao Tong, played by Wen Chen-Ling, a soft spoken yet resourceful new member of the drama club. Juggling the multiple pressures from school, the drama club and the demands of the spirit world, things are about to take a turn for the worse for the 17-year-old. THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC season two will be directed by up-and-coming director Liu Yan-Fu (劉彥甫). Chen Ho-Yu, director of THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC season one, will executive produce.
THE WORLD BETWEEN US is a ten-part hour-long Taiwan drama series that follows the aftermath of a mass-shooting where all parties involved – the killer, the victims, the victims’ families, the media and the defense teams, whose fates are all intertwined. Shot entirely in Taiwan, the series features an all-star ensemble cast from Taiwan including Alyssa Chia, James Wen and Wu Kang-Jen. The series is directed by award-winning filmmaker, Lin Chun-Yang ) and written by the renowned award-winning screenwriter, Lu Shih-Yuan . The series is produced by Taiwanese broadcaster, Public Television Service (PTS), and will be jointly distributed by HBO Asia and CATCHPLAY outside of Asia. THE WORLD BETWEEN US premieres in Asia on Sunday, March 24 with two back-to-back episodes from 9pm onwards exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. Two new episodes will debut at the same time every Sunday. The series will also be available on HBO On Demand.
2018 was a great year for HBO Asia Original productions. MISS SHERLOCK, the network’s first Japanese original drama series, and the first HBO Asia Original documentary, THE TALWARS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS were both recognised at the Asia Academy Creative Awards 2018. MISS SHERLOCK was the national winner for Japan under the categories for Best Drama Series, Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role. THE TALWARS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the national winner for Singapore under the Best Documentary Series category. In addition, all six episodes from FOLKLORE, HBO Asia’s first horror anthology series, were recognised at major International film festivals that included the Toronto International Film Festival (Toronto, Canada), SITGES International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia (Barcelona, Spain), Fantastic Fest (Texas, USA), and selected for competition at the International Panorama section of Series Mania International Festival (Lille, France).
HBO Asia Original productions have also reached audiences worldwide. Select titles are available in territories outside of Asia including Spain (on HBO España), Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark (on HBO Nordic), and in Central European territories including Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and Croatia (on HBO Europe). They are also available to HBO’s U.S. subscribers across the channel’s platforms, including HBO GO®, HBO NOW®, HBO On Demand®, and participating television and streaming partner platforms. These productions most recently included MISS SHERLOCK, FOLKLORE and GRISSE, the network’s first Asian-inspired Western period drama.
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 visit www.mysky.com.ph.
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.
Series details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.
Jellybeans in the City 