tv series – Page 3 – Jellybeans in the City

Third season of True Detective to premiere Jan 14 on HBO and HBO Go

Starring Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali and created by Emmy® nominee Nic Pizzolatto, TRUE DETECTIVE returns for its eight-episode third season with two episodes debuting back-to-back on Monday, 14 January at 10am, with a same day encore at 10pm, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, followed by single episodes subsequent Mondays at the same time.

https://youtu.be/0-VVQVixxtU

1980: Will and Julie Purcell, the children of feuding parents Tom and Lucy Purcell, go missing a week after Halloween in West Finger, Ark.

2015: Retired detective Wayne Hays, who originally investigated the crime, is asked to look back on the twists of the unsolved case with a true-crime documentary producer.

Playing out in three separate time periods, the third season tells the story of a macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks, and a mystery that deepens over decades. Mahershala Ali (Oscar^® winner for “Moonlight”) stars as state police detective Wayne Hays, with Stephen Dorff (“Somewhere”) starring as Roland West, the detective who investigated the case with Hays, and Carmen Ejogo (“Selma”) starring as schoolteacher and writer Amelia Reardon.

In 2015, retired detective Wayne Hays, his memory failing, looks back at the disappearance of 12-year-old Will and ten-year-old Julie Purcell, recalling the days and weeks immediately following the 1980 crime, as well as developments in 1990, when he and his former partner, Roland West, were subpoenaed after a major break in the case.

Filmed at locations throughout northwest Arkansas, the new season of TRUE DETECTIVE was written by series creator Nic Pizzolatto, except for the fourth episode, which he wrote with David Milch (HBO’s “Deadwood”), and the sixth episode, which he wrote with Graham Gordy (CINEMAX’s “Quarry”). Pizzolatto is also making his directorial debut with two episodes; other directors are Jeremy Saulnier (“Hold the Dark”) and Daniel Sackheim (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”).

Episodes include:

Episode #17 (season 3, episode 1): “The Great War and Modern Memory”

Premiere: Monday, 14 January at 10am

The disappearance of a young Arkansas boy (Phoenix Elkin) and his sister (Lena McCarthy) in 1980 triggers vivid memories and enduring questions for retired detective Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali), who worked the case 35 years before with partner Roland West (Stephen Dorff). What started as a routine case becomes a long journey to dissect and make sense of the crime. Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Jeremy Saulnier.

Episode #18 (season 3, episode 2): “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

Premiere: Monday, 14 January at 11am

Hays (Mahershala Ali) looks back at the aftermath of the 1980 Purcell case in West Finger, Ark., including possible evidence left behind at the Devil’s Den, an outdoor hangout for local kids. As attention focuses on two conspicuous suspects – Brett Woodard (Michael Greyeyes), a solitary vet and trash collector, and Ted LaGrange (Shawn-Caulin Young), an ex-con with a penchant for children – the parents of the missing kids, Tom (Scoot McNairy) and Lucy Purcell (Mamie Gummer), receive a cryptic note from an anonymous source. Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Jeremy Saulnier.

Episode #19 (season 3, episode 3): “The Big Never”

Premiere: Monday, 21 January at 10am

Hays (Mahershala Ali) recalls his early romance with Amelia (Carmen Ejogo), as well as cracks in their relationship that surfaced after they married and had children. Ten years after the Purcell crimes, new evidence emerges, giving him a second chance to vindicate himself and the investigation. Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Daniel Sackheim.

Episode #20 (season 3, episode 4): “The Hour and the Day”

Premiere Monday, 28 January at 10am

Hays (Mahershala Ali) and West (Stephen Dorff) see a possible connection between the local church and the Purcell crimes. As the detectives search for one suspect and round up another for interrogation, Woodard (Michael Greyeyes) is targeted by a vigilante group. Written by David Milch & Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Nic Pizzolatto.

TRUE DETECTIVE was created by Nic Pizzolatto; executive producers, Nic Pizzolatto, Scott Stephens, Daniel Sackheim, Jeremy Saulnier, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Bard Dorros; producer, Peter Feldman.

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 image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

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Well-loved cartoons on-the-go on HBO GO

On long road trips, did you ever wish that you can keep your kids entertained? Well, with these new additions to HBO GO’s line up of programs, the little ones will be happy and content at the backseat of the car or wherever your family is as they join their animated friends on merry adventures.

These new shows are part of HBO Asia’s commitment to provide quality content and programs to viewers of all ages. New family-friendly content – from animated series to children’s puppet series, as well as educational live action series – will be available to viewers, both young and old, at their convenience anytime on HBO GO.

Starting this December, HBO GO users in Asia will be able to stream and download popular and beloved family-friendly series including Cartoon Network hits ADVENTURE TIME, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE, DEXTER’S LABORATORY, FOSTER’S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS, REGULAR SHOW, STEVEN UNIVERSE, THE POWERPUFF GIRLS and WE BARE BEARS, as well as FRAGGLE ROCK and SESAME STREET, anytime, anywhere.

These well-loved kids programs join HBO GO’s roster of content which also include blockbuster movies and HBO Originals from the U.S. and Asia available for video streaming.

https://youtu.be/DVHrens990g

These programs include:

ADVENTURE TIME (Seasons 1 – 5)

Finn, the human boy with the awesome hat, and Jake, the wise dog, embark on a series of bizarre and unique exploits as they explore the kooky land of Ooo. Whether it’s rescuing a princess from an Ice King, or de-corpsenating dead candy people, one thing’s for sure: it’s always adventure time.

BEN 10: OMNIVERSE (Season 1)

Ben will have a new character design that pays homage to his past and he will have a whole new batch of aliens to battle. Ben explores the quirkier side of things in the alien underground and discovers enemies from his past looking for a re-match, while a mysterious hunter is hot on his trail.

DEXTER’S LABORATORY (Seasons 1 – 2)

Dexter is a typical 8-year-old boy – other than the fact that he is a genius with an enormous secret laboratory, complete with computers, experiments and machines hidden beyond his bedroom wall. Despite sneaking to the lab when he can, he still cannot get away from his big sister, Dee Dee, who loves to dance her way into Dexter’s well-ordered world, disrupting his inventions and annoying him beyond belief.

FOSTER’S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS (Seasons 1 – 2)

8-year-old Mac discovers Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends when his mum tells him he is too old for his trusty imaginary friend Blooregard (aka Bloo). Full of fantastic creations outgrown by children, Mac takes Bloo to Foster’s to provide him with a safe place to live, while still being able to visit every day.

FRAGGLE ROCK (Seasons 1 – 4)

This wonderfully inventive program was designed to entertain while encouraging an understanding and embracing of diversity. Through the fun adventures of the Fraggle gang – Red, Gobo, Wembley, Boober, Mokey and Uncle Travelling Matt – the show features a unique mix of music that includes a number of genres, from folk, blues and gospel to country and rock.

REGULAR SHOW (Seasons 1 – 2)

The series revolves around the lives of two working-class friends, a blue jay named Mordecai and a raccoon named Rigby – both employed as groundskeepers at a local park. They usually try to solve a simple problem, but it often leads to surreal, extreme and supernatural misadventures.

SESAME STREET (Season 40 – 41)

It’s another sunny day on Sesame Street, with its famous furry cast, celebrity guests and trademark mix of live-action, animated and wondrous fun. Sesame Street addresses the spectrum of children’s learning: ABCs and 123s, health, mutual understanding and more. Here, children build essential skills, use their imaginations, and respect people’s differences. It is a proven recipe for success in school and life. Sesame Street is the world’s most honored children’s television show and has captured over 150 Emmy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

STEVEN UNIVERSE (Seasons 1 – 2)

Steven is the proverbial “little brother” to a team of magical guardians of humanity, the Crystal Gems. Steven may not be as powerful or as smart as the Crystal Gems and he may not have any control over the magical powers that come out of his belly button but that doesn’t stop him from joining Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl on their magical adventures, where Steven always finds a surprising way to save the day.

THE POWERPUFF GIRLS (Seasons 1 – 6)

When Professor Utonium set out to create the perfect little girls, he mixed in all the right ingredients: sugar, spice and everything nice. But when a fourth ingredient, Chemical X, was accidentally added, he created The Powerpuff Girls – three of the cutest, little kindergarten superheroes. Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup dedicate their lives to fighting crime and the forces of evil, all before bedtime.

WE BARE BEARS (Season 1)

The Bears are an adoptive family of three bears doing their best to try and fit in with human society in America – no easy task for bears! Set in the San Francisco Bay area, the series follows Grizz, the oldest of the three, and definitely the most fun-loving, Panda, a social media enthusiast who is easily embarrassed, and Ice Bear, who is the youngest bear but of the strong, silent type. Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear may seem like an unlikely trio, but their friendship is strong to the core.

So on your next road trip when you find your kids harassing you with “Are with there yet?,” just whip out your mobile device and stream these shows for their entertainment, and your own peace of mind.

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.

HBO brings Malaysian myth ‘TOYOL’ to scare viewers this Halloween weekend

The ghost of an unborn infant haunts HBO viewers on SKY as the Malaysian flick “Toyol” airs this Sunday (November 4), the fifth episode of the horror anthology series, “Folklore.”

A Member of Parliament (Bront Palarae) of a fishing town seeks the help of a mysterious woman (Nabila Huda) with shaman-like powers in order to save the town from its dire economic situation. After she miraculously fixes the problem, the two fall in love. But the woman hides a deep, dark secret that will threaten to destroy everything as she could unleash the “toyol” upon the world.

According to Malay folklore, the “toyol” manifests itself as a newborn baby, only with blood-red eyes and sharp teeth. It is summoned through black magic by its owner and does their bidding no matter how gruesome the wish is.

Will the local politician know the real motive of the shaman before it is too late?

HBO Asia’s first horror anthology, “Folklore,” is a series that draws on the local myths from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Following “Toyol” is the last installment, the Korean episode,“Mongdal.”

Episodes are helmed by different directors from various Asian countries, and are filmed in the local language of the country that the episode is based in.

Watch “Toyol” on November 4, 10PM on HBO 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 on Ch. 22 HD. It is 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.

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New HBO original period drama series GRISSE premieres on November 4

HBO Asia’s brand new original period drama, GRISSE, is an eight-part hour-long series that is set in the mid 1800’s within the colonial period of the Dutch East Indies. The English language series chronicles the story of a group of unlikely individuals who lead a rebellion against a brutal governor and suddenly find themselves in control of a Dutch garrison town called Grisse. The story revolves around a number of unique characters, each from diverse backgrounds and creeds who unite for the chance to break the yoke of tyranny and write their own destiny.

https://youtu.be/XEP8ustKwJI

Catch the series every Sunday at 9pm starting November 4 on HBO (SKYcable ch 54 SD | 168 HD). It will also be available for online viewing on HBO GO, HBO’s video streaming service that enables users to watch HBO’s channels live and HBO original productions and more on demand. In the Philippines, it is exclusively available to SKY subscribers.

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

HBO has also recently announced that select HBO Asia Original productions will be available to audiences in HBO Europe’s territories. These HBO Asia Original titles include the period drama series GRISSE; horror anthology series FOLKLORE; Japanese drama series MISS SHERLOCK; and the first two instalments of the Chinese language martial arts anthology movie series, MASTER OF THE DRUNKEN FIST: BEGGAR SO and MASTER OF THE SHADOWLESS KICK: WONG KEI-YING. These titles will be available in territories 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). GRISSE will also be 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.

“With an array of diverse cultures and rich histories, Asia has proven to be a melting pot of storylines that we are excited to bring to life and captivate our audiences in the region and beyond,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia. He further adds, “With five more HBO Asia Original productions being available in HBO U.S.’ and HBO Europe’s territories, we are proud and delighted to be able to share some of what Asia has to offer with the rest of the world through our global network.”

HBO Asia started producing its Original productions in 2012 and has since expanded their range of Asian Original productions to include series, movies and documentaries. GRISSE marks the network’s thirteenth Asian Original to date, with more slated to premiere in the coming years and further strengthening its commitment to producing more compelling and relevant local content for the Asian and global audience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Charmed reboot to premiere on October 16 on Blue Ant Entertainment

Fans of female-led supernatural TV series will be happy to know that the reboot of the 1990’s TV series “Charmed” will premiere on October 16.

It is a fierce, funny, feminist reboot of the original series that centres on three sisters in a college town who discover they are witches. Between vanquishing supernatural demons, tearing down the patriarchy, and maintaining familial bonds, the sisters discover that a witch’s work is never done.

The reboot stars Melonie Diaz (“Be Kind Rewind”), Madeleine Mantock (“Age Before Beauty”) and Sarah Jeffery (“Shades of Blue”) as the Vera sisters who started exhibiting their powers after the death of their mother. They ultimately accept their destiny as the “Charmed Ones” who protect the innocents by vanquishing demons.

Season One of the reboot premieres on October 16, Tuesday, 9.45pm on Blue Ant Entertainment (SKYcable ch 196 HD | 53 SD).

Show details and image provided by Blue Ant Entertainment.

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/TlR-H49fLw0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HBO Asia premieres horror anthology “Folklore” on October 7

In recent years, Asian horror has emerged as major player in the horror movie genre. With stories based on deeply-rooted myths and folklore passed down across generations in various Asian cultures, these movies have entranced and terrified global audiences.

On October 7, HBO Asia will premiere its very first horror anthology original series entitled FOLKLORE (#FolkloreHBO). It is comprised of 6 hour-long episodes that takes place in six Asian countries – Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – featuring supernatural beings and occult beliefs in their respective regions. The episodes are also helmed by local directors and filmed in the local language.

FOLKLORE is produced and created by Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo, with the aim of modernising Asian horror by showcasing the brand of horror that each country is known for while exploring societal dysfunctions in a manner that is specific to the country but possessing themes that will resonate to a global audience.

FOLKLORE premieres on Sunday, October 7 at 10pm exclusively on HBO (ch 54SD | 168HD on SKYcable). New episodes will debut at the same time every Sunday. The series will also be streaming on HBO GO, HBO’s video-streaming service exclusively available in the Philippines to SKYcable subscribers.

Episode Guide:

Episode #1: “Folklore: A Mother’s Love”
Premieres: Sunday, October 7 at 10pm on HBO
Directed by: Joko Anwar (Indonesia)
Cast: Marissa Anita, Muzakki Ramdhan

A single mother and her young son discover a group of dirty and underfed children living in a mansion’s attic. Upon saving them and returning them to their families, she has unknowingly snatched these children from their adopted mother – Wewe Gombel – and must now beware her vengeful wrath.

Episode #2: “Folklore: Tatami”
Premieres: Sunday, October 14 at 10pm on HBO
Directed by: Takumi Saitoh (Japan)
Cast: Kazuki Kitamura, Misuzu Kanno, Daisuke Kuroda, Shima Onishi

A murder scene writer returns home to attend his father’s funeral and begins to experience constant flashbacks of his childhood. He then discovers a secret door in the house that leads to a room that hides a horrifying secret from his family’s past.

Episode #3: “Folklore: Nobody”
Premieres: Sunday, October 21 at 10pm on HBO
Directed by: Eric Khoo (Singapore)
Cast: Li Wen Qiang, Maguire Jian, Sivakumar Palakrishnan, Aric Hidir, Louis Wu, Dayang Nurbalqis

A Pontianak is awaked when a foreman and a construction worker attempt to bury the body of a dead girl instead of burning her. A series of unfortunate events begin to occur at the construction site.

Episode #4: “Folklore: Pob”
Premieres: Sunday, October 28 at 10pm on HBO
Directed by: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang (Thailand)
Cast: Nuttapon Sawasdee, Parama Wutthikornditsakul, Thomas Burton Van Blarcom

A journalist meets with Pob, a Thai ghost, who confesses to a murder. Finally finding an outlet for complaint, Pob explains how the murder happened and requests for his story to be published. However, the journalist declines and the two make a deal of a lifetime.

Episode #5: “Folklore: Toyol”
Premieres: Sunday, November 4 at 10pm on HBO
Directed by: Ho Yuhang (Malaysia)
Cast: Bront Palarae, Nabila Huda, Redza Minhat

A Member of Parliament (MP) of a fishing town turns to a mysterious woman who possesses shamanistic powers in order to salvage his town’s dire economic situation. She fixes all his problems and the two soon become lovers. However, the woman has a dark secret that threatens to destroy his life.

Episode #6: “Folklore: Mongdal”
Premieres: Sunday, November 11 at 10pm on HBO
Directed by: Lee Sang Woo (Korea)
Cast: Lee Chae-Yeon, Jeong Yun Seok

https://flic.kr/p/M2uo6D

A mother tries to appease the moods and demands of her borderline psychopathic son. When a new girl comes to town, her son falls quickly and deeply for the new girl and is determined to win her over possibly even against her will. When things take a tragic turn, his mother will stop at nothing to make her son happy even if it means finding a bride to join him in the afterlife.

“Folklore: A Mother’s Love” from Indonesian director Joko Anwar and “Folklore: Pob”, directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang from Thailand have recently been selected for the prestigious 43rd Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF). This is the first time an Asian TV series has been officially selected since the inception of Primetime programme at TIFF since 2015. The Primetime programme channels the best international television fit for the silver screen, focusing on powerful, small-screen storytelling that pushes the boundaries of original scripted series and episodic programming.

HBO Asia started producing its Original productions in 2012 and has since expanded their range of Asian Original productions to include series, movies and documentaries. FOLKLORE marks the network’s twelfth Asian Original to date, with more slated to premiere in the coming years. Other upcoming Asian Original productions by HBO Asia include GRISSE – an eight-part hour-long period drama series set in the mid 1800’s within the colonial period of the Dutch East Indies and THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC – an hour-long Mandarin documentary that seeks to delve deeper into the unique shamanistic practices during the Ghost Month in Taiwan.

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

HBO Asia’s new original documentary “The World Behind the Teenage Psychic” begins production

Following the success of HBO Asia’s award-winning Mandarin original drama series that premiered in 2017, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC, the network announced today that production has begun for a new original documentary, THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC. The documentary is scheduled to premiere later this year on HBO Asia’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms.

THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is an HBO Asia original documentary that seeks to delve deeper into the traditions and culture that the coming-of-age series, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC, is based on. Filmed entirely in Taiwan, the hour-long Mandarin documentary explores some of the unique shamanistic practices that call Taiwan home – taking the audience on a journey through the rituals and beliefs surrounding the Ghost Month.

The Ghost Month is the pinnacle of the annual spiritual calendar in Taiwan – when the gates of hell are said to open, and spirits enter the world of the living. Weaving through the festivities, THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC follows different characters to explore how a distinct blend of Taoist, Buddhist, Chinese Folklore and indigenous belief systems continue to flourish in modern Taiwan.

One of the characters in the documentary is award-winning Taiwanese actress and singer, Nana Lee (“Youth Power”, “One Million Star”) – who also starred in THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC. Lee grew up surrounded by temple culture and beliefs during her childhood. With her family having suffered the loss of a loved one, Lee visits her hometown of Nantou and reconnects with her past. Spanning worlds old and new, and having a direct link to the original THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC series, Lee’s unique perspective offers a personal account of how traditions of life and death survive in Taiwan today.

Throughout the documentary, followers and devotees share thoughts on why these practices are still relevant and a part of everyday life, while leading academics explain how and why spiritual belief remains so deeply-rooted into the modern fabric of the island.

THE WORLD BEHIND THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is developed and produced by HBO Asia and is scheduled to premiere later this year on the network’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms. This marks the second original documentary for the network, following their first documentary THE TALWARS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS that premiered in 2017. HBO Asia started producing its Original productions in 2012 and have since expanded their range of Asian Original productions to include series, movies and documentaries. To date, HBO Asia has produced eleven Asian Originals with more slated to premiere in the coming years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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