New series and movies to stream on HBO GO this July

Deep dive into the exciting world of new MAX Original series FBoy Island Season 2 and Rap Sh!t, explore life’s diversity with HBO Original comedy The Rehearsal and the film City of Lies, and meet a fresh new generation of Little Liars in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin – all streaming this month on HBO GO.

FBoy Island Season 2

FBoy Island S2

Hosted By Nikki Glaser, the second season of the MAX Original reality dating series follows three women to a tropical island where they’re joined by 26 men – 13 are self-proclaimed “Nice Guys” looking for love, and 13 are self-proclaimed “FBoys,” there to compete for cold, hard cash. The women will navigate the dating pool together with the hope of finding a lasting love connection.  This social experiment, told across ten episodes, asks an age-old question: can FBoys truly reform or do Nice Guys always finish last?

Premieres Thursday, July 14

The Rehearsal

The Rehearsal

Canadian comedian Nathan Fielder stars in this new six-episode HBO Original comedy series that explores the lengths one man will go to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life. With a construction crew, a legion of actors, and seemingly unlimited resources, Fielder allows ordinary people to prepare for life’s biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations of his own design. When a single misstep could shatter your entire world, why leave life to chance?

Premieres Saturday, July 16

Rap Sh!t

Rap Sh!t

HTwo estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia reunite to form a rap group. Faced with many challenges, will their unlikely musical partnership finds them success in the male-dominated hip-hop industry? This eight-episode half-hour Max Original comedy series from Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee and Insecure co-creator Issa Rae plays out a friendship saga as chaotic, electric, and stylish as the Miami clubs.Stars Aida Osman and KaMillion.

Premieres Thursday, July 21 

City of Lies

City of Lies

Former Los Angeles Police Department detective Russell Poole has spent the past two decades trying to solve his biggest case – the murders of popular rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Meanwhile, Jack Jackson, a journalist who produced a controversial (and inaccurate) news story on the murders, wants to amend his reporting. Relentless in their hunt for the truth and in seek of their own redemption, the two men becomes reluctant partners and unravel a growing web of institutional corruption and lies. Stars Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker.

Premieres Saturday, July 23

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Pretty Little Liars

Twenty years ago, a series of tragic events almost ripped the blue-collar town of Millwood apart. Now, in present day, a group of disparate teen girls – a brand-new set of Little Liars – find themselves tormented by an unknown Assailant who is hellbent on punishing them for the secret sin their parents committed two decades ago… as well as their own. In this new ten-episode dark, coming-of-age, horror-tinged Max Original series, viewers find themselves miles away from Rosewood, but within the existing Pretty Little Liars universe in a brand-new town, with a new generation of Little Liars. Stars Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Zaria, Malia Pyles and Maia Reficco. Also revisit all seven seasons of Pretty Little Liars on HBO GO.

Premieres Thursday, July 28

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Images and details provided in a recent press release.

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin premieres July 28 only on HBO GO

The Max Original series, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, will debut its ten-episode season with three episodes the same time as the U.S. on Thursday, July 28 only on HBO GO. Two new episodes will follow on the subsequent Thursdays, August 4 and 11, with the final three episodes debuting August 18.

Executive produced and written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and co-executive produced and written by Lindsay Calhoon Bring (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), this dark take on the teen melodrama introduces a new generation of Liars who are tormented by A – a masked killer hellbent on punishing them for the sins of their mothers, as well as their own.

Twenty years ago, a series of tragic events almost ripped the blue-collar town of Millwood apart. Now, in present day, a disparate group of teen girls — a brand-new set of Little Liars — find themselves tormented by an unknown Assailant and made to pay for the secret sin committed by their parents two decades ago…as well as their own. In the dark, coming-of-age, horror-tinged drama Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, we find ourselves miles away from Rosewood, but within the existing Pretty Little Liars universe — in a brand-new town, with a new generation of Little Liars.

Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Zaria, Malia Pyles, and Maia Reficco star as our new generation of Liars. The series also stars Mallory Bechtel, Sharon Leal, Elena Goode, Tony award winner Lea Salonga, Eric Johnson, and Alex Aiono.

The series is produced by Aguirre-Sacasa’s Muckle Man Productions and Alloy Entertainment (Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries, You) in association with Warner Bros. Television. I. Marlene King (who developed the original Pretty Little Liars), Michael Grassi, Caroline Baron, and Alloy’s Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo are also executive producers of the series, which is based upon the bestselling series of books by Sara Shepard, published by Alloy Entertainment.

Stream or download Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin from July 28 only on HBO GO. All seven seasons of the original Pretty Little Liars are also available on HBO GO for your viewing pleasure.

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Images and details provided in a recent press release.

New TV brand CARTOONITO encourages young ones to laugh, play and learn

Cartoonito has arrived! It’s time for youngsters to laugh, play and learn with a brand-new selection of shows every morning on Cartoon Network.

Now available, Cartoonito offers a modern approach to programming for youngsters aged 2-5. It’s a space for them to experience belly laughs and draw outside the lines, and where every show is designed to support each child’s unique potential.

This is achieved with an educational framework called “Humancentric Learning”. Designed by early childhood education expert, Dr Laura Brown, the curriculum features four pillars: Creativity, Caring, Curiosity and Courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes, and to treat others with empathy and respect.

For example, in CGI-animated Lucas the Spider – based on the viral YouTube hit – curious jumping spider Lucas always demonstrates kindness and perseverance in his many adventures.

Other shows include Baby Looney Tunes, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi, Alice & Lewis, Ranger Rob, Mush Mush & The Mushables and Sesame Street-inspired Esme & Roy. They form a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. Many of these shows – in addition to Sesame Street – are also available on the streaming service HBO GO.

Also new to audiences are Cartoonito’s very own stars. Meet Nito, Glob, Itty and Wedge. They love exploring the world and learning new things, and they’ll always be hand to guide viewers through in between shows.

In the recent weeks leading up to the launch, families in Asia were tasked to play hide and seek with the cute TV mascots, who popped up in well-known locations around the Philippines. Cartoonito has downloadable activity sheets and games available on its website, as well as an awesome Augmented Reality filter (launching mid-April) that encourages kids to dance along with Itty and be courageous and creative.

Tune into Cartoonito on Cartoon Network every morning on SKYcable Ch. 43 (SD) and Ch. 178 (HD). Find out more using #CartoonitoAsia, and at CartoonNetworkAsia.com/Cartoonito and on Facebook and Instagram.

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Details and video provided by Warner Bros. Discovery in a recent press release.

New limited series THE STAIRCASE premieres May 5 on HBO GO

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.

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THE BATMAN premieres April 18 first on HBO Go

The Warner Bros. Pictures global blockbuster, Matt Reeves’ The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne premieres Monday, April 18 first on HBO GO.

Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman (Robert Pattinson), striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With only a few trusted allies – Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis), Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) – amongst the city’s corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens.

When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell), Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler (Paul Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.

Starring alongside Pattinson (Tenet, The Lighthouse) as Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters are Zoë Kravitz (Big Little Lies, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) as Selina Kyle; Paul Dano (Love & Mercy, 12 Years a Slave) as Edward Nashton; Jeffrey Wright (No Time to Die, Westworld) as the GCPD’s James Gordon; John Turturro (the Transformers films, The Plot Against America) as Carmine Falcone; Peter Sarsgaard (The Magnificent Seven, Interrogation) as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson; Jayme Lawson (Farewell Amor) as mayoral candidate Bella Reál; with Andy Serkis (the Planet of the Apes films, Black Panther) as Alfred; and Colin Farrell (The Gentlemen, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) as Oz, aka The Penguin.

Reeves (The Planet of the Apes franchise) directed from a screenplay by himself and Peter Craig, based on characters from DC. Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Dylan Clark (the Planet of the Apes films) and Reeves produced the film, with Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Simon Emanuel serving as executive producers.

The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team included Academy Award®-winning director of photography Greig Fraser (Dune, Lion); Reeves’ Planet of the Apes production designer, James Chinlund, and editor, William Hoy; editor Tyler Nelson (Rememory); and Oscar®-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (1917, Little Women, Anna Karenina). The music is by Academy Award -winning composer Michael Giacchino (the current Spider-Man, Jurassic World, Star Wars films, Up).

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.

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Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

MAX original limited series DMZ debuts March 17 only on HBO GO

Based on Brian Wood’s acclaimed DC graphic novel of the same name, brand new four-part Max Original limited series DMZ premieres with all episodes the same day as the U.S on Thursday, March 17 only on HBO GO. This adrenalised drama is executive produced by Emmy® nominee Roberto Patino, Emmy® winner/Oscar® nominee Ava DuVernay, and Paul Garnes, and stars Rosario Dawson as a woman who navigates a demilitarized zone in a harrowing quest.

Leaping off the pages of the popular DC graphic novel into the visual landscape of a dangerous and distorted Manhattan, DMZfollows intrepid medic Alma Ortega (Rosario Dawson) on her tireless, eight-year search for her missing son in a near-future America embroiled in a bitter civil war. With no other options, Alma negotiates her way into the only place she hasn’t been able to look: Manhattan – now a lawless demilitarised zone overrun by rival factions vying for power as a race for control plays out between ruthless community leaders Parco Delgado (Benjamin Bratt) and Wilson Lin (Hoon Lee). While Alma’s harrowing quest thrusts her into the middle of this dangerous no man’s land, she unexpectedly emerges as a vital source of something needed most in the DMZ, which is hope.

Other cast members include Freddy Miyares, Jordan Preston Carter and Venus Ariel. The series also stars guest cast Rutina Wesley, Nora Dunn, Jade Wu, Rey Gallegos, Mamie Gummer, Agam Darshi, Juani Feliz and Henry G. Sanders.

DMZ was created for television by Patino, based on the comic book series published by DC written by Wood and illustrated by Riccardo Burchielli. Patino also serves as showrunner and wrote the first episode, which was directed by DuVernay. Acclaimed filmmaker Ernest Dickerson directs and executive produces three episodes. Emmy® winner Carly Wray is co-executive producer. Filipino DC fans can stream or download DMZ from March 17 only on HBO GO.

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.

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Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

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Inspiring tales of adventure and adversity this March on HBO GO

HBO GO celebrates the life of world-renowned chef Julia Child in Julia and demonstrates how the most difficult and diverse situations can be turned around in Kamikaze. Meanwhile, the infamous Dominic Toretto and fearless warrior Snake Eyes must face demons from their past in F9: The Fast Saga and Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. For a change of pace, get a dose of humour with Our Flag Means Death.

Kamikaze
Premieres Thursday, March 3 on HBO GO

In this MAX Original Series, based on the novel Muleum by Erlend Loe, a young woman’s privileged life is torn apart when her family dies in a plane crash. Suddenly left alone in a large mansion with material possessions that most people only dream about, she embarks on a wild and turbulent adventure, traveling from her native Denmark to the far corners of the world, seeking a reason to go on. Stars Marie Reuther.

Our Flag Means Death
Premieres Thursday, March 3 on HBO GO

Loosely based on the adventures of Stede Bonnet, this comedy series follows the life of a pampered aristocrat who leaves his family and riches for a life out on the high seas. Stede has no idea what he’s doing as pirate captain, and his crew knows it. In addition to a potential mutiny, he also has to face the most famous pirate of all –Blackbeard. Stars Rhys Darby and Academy Award® winner Taika Waititi.

Julia
Premieres same day as the U.S. on Thursday, March 31 on HBO GO

World-renowned chef Julia Child’s extraordinary life across the key moments of American history, from the emergence of public television and feminism, to the nature of celebrity and her long-running television series, “The French Chef,” which pioneered the now popular genre of cooking shows. Witness her singular can-do spirit across this 8-part MAX Original Series. Stars Sarah Lancashire and David Hyde Pierce.

F9: The Fast Saga
Premieres Friday, March 18 on HBO GO

Just as life seems perfect for Dominic Toretto, with a young son and Letty restored to him, his family and crew of misfits are faced with yet another threat to their peace and safety – none other than Jakob, Dom and Mia’s estranged brother. Stars Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang, Helen Mirren, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Charlize Theron.

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins
Premieres Saturday, March 26 on HBO GO

As a young loner, Snake Eyes is welcomed into an ancient clan, the Arashikage, in return for saving their heir apparent. As he is taught the ways of the ninja, secrets from his past are revealed. In the process, his honour and allegiance will be tested and he faces losing the trust of those closest to him. Stars Henry Golding, Ursula Corbero, Andrew Koji, and Haruka Abe.

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.

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Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

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HBO GO’s new thriller The Girl Before premieres February 10

From creator, author and executive producer JP Delaney (The Perfect Wife, Playing Nice), the new original limited series The Girl Before debuts same time as the U.S with all four episodes on Thursday, February 10 exclusively on HBO GO.

The Girl Before tells the story of Jane (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who gets the chance to move into a beautiful, ultra-minimalist house designed by an enigmatic architect (David Oyelowo). There’s just one catch: the occupants must abide by his list of exacting rules. Jane starts to feel the house changing her in unexpected ways, but when she makes the shocking discovery about her predecessor, Emma (Jessica Plummer), she’s forced to confront unnerving similarities. As the two women’s timelines interweave, Jane begins to question if her fate will be the same as the girl before.

the girl before
the girl before 3

The four-part psychological thriller stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Loki, The Morning Show) who also debuts as associate producer, Golden Globe®, BAFTA, and Emmy®-nominated actor David Oyelowo (Selma, Les Misérables), Jessica Plummer (EastEnders, How To Talk To Girls At Parties), and Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rhapsody, X-Men: Apocalypse).

Adapted by Delaney from his own global best-selling novel of the same title which sold more than a million copies since publication in 2016, The Girl Before is written and executive produced by Delaney with Marissa Lestrade (White Stork, Deep State 2) as co-writer of episodes. It is directed by Emmy-nominated Lisa Brühlmann (Killing Eve, Servant, Blue My Mind), who also executive produces.

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.

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Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

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HBO drama series The Gilded Age premieres January 25 exclusively on HBO and HBO GO

From creator Julian Fellowes, (“Downton Abbey”) HBO’s The Gilded Age debuts same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, January 25 at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, with a same day encore at 10pm on HBO. Written by Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield and directed by Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, the nine-episode drama series stars an ensemble cast of Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Denée Benton, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Blake Ritson, Simon Jones, Harry Richardson, Thomas Cocquerel, Jack Gilpin, with Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski.

The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and of huge fortunes made and lost. Against the backdrop of this transformation, HBO’s The Gilded Age begins in 1882 with young Marian Brook (Jacobson) moving from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Baranski) and Ada Brook (Nixon). Accompanied by Peggy Scott (Benton), an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbours, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George (Spector) and Bertha Russell (Coon). Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?

The series also stars Ben Ahlers, Michael Cerveris, Kelley Curran, Claybourne Elder, Linda Emond, Katie Finneran, Amy Forsyth, Michel Gill, Ward Horton, Bill Irwin, Sullivan Jones, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Kristine Nielsen, Kelli O’Hara, Patrick Page, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, John Douglas Thompson, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Erin Wilhelmi.

Created, written and executive produced by Julian Fellowes, the series is also executive produced by Gareth Neame and David Crockett. Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield are directors and executive producers while Sonja Warfield is a writer and co-executive producer. The Gilded Age is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

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.

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Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Harry Potter cast reunites for 20th anniversary: Return to Hogwarts premiering Jan 1 – first on HBO GO

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and many more of the iconic cast reunite for the first time ever in this retrospective special

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson join filmmaker Chris Columbus and other esteemed cast members across all eight Harry Potter films as they travel back to Hogwarts for the first time to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which premiered exactly 20 years ago.

The retrospective special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time. The highly-anticipated retrospective streams first on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2022 on HBO GO.

Alumni of the film franchise will join the memorable tribute, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, and Ian Hart, among others. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will honour the magic behind the making of the films and the beautiful family created at Warner Bros. Studios London two decades ago. It will also celebrate the unparalleled legacy of the Harry Potter film franchise and its indelible impact on the hearts, minds, and imaginations of families and fans around the world.

harry potter 3
harry potter 2

“It has been an incredible journey since the debut of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone film, and witnessing how it has evolved into this remarkable interconnected universe has been magical to say the least,” said Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics. “This retrospective is a tribute to everyone whose lives were touched by this cultural phenomenon—from the talented cast and crew who poured their heart and soul into this extraordinary film franchise to the passionate fans who continue to keep the Wizarding World spirit alive 20 years later.”

“There’s magic in the air here with this incredible cast, as they all return home to the original sets of Hogwarts, where they began 20 years ago. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to take their fans on a very special and personal journey, through the making of these incredible films,” said executive producer Casey Patterson.

Fans can jumpstart their Wizarding World celebration and gear up for the retrospective by checking out the 20th anniversary hub content on WizardingWorld.com. For more from the Wizarding World, watch a brand-new four-part competition event, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, which streams weekly from Monday, November 29, first on HBO GO.

harry potter toh
harry potter toh 2

The bracket-style quiz competition, hosted by Helen Mirren, will feature fans competing to take home the Tournament of Houses championship trophy and will feature magical cameos by Harry Potter film alumni Tom Felton, Simon Fisher-Becker, Shirley Henderson and Luke Youngblood, as well as superfans Pete Davidson and Jay Leno.

In addition, stream all eight Harry Potter movies on HBO GO. And the first four of the Harry Potter 8-movie series on Cartoon Network on Saturdays at 8pm in November and December. The final four titles will debut on Cartoon Network in early 2022.

About Wizarding World

In the years since Harry Potter was whisked from King’s Cross Station onto Platform nine and three quarters, his incredible adventures have left a unique and lasting mark on popular culture. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films based on the original stories by J.K. Rowling have brought the magical stories to life and today, the Wizarding World is recognised as one of the world’s best-loved brands.

Representing a vast interconnected universe, it also includes two epic Fantastic Beasts films, (the third releasing in 2022), Harry Potter and The Cursed Child–the multi-award-winning stage-play, state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games, innovative consumer products, thrilling live entertainment (including four theme park lands) and insightful exhibitions.

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. owned Wizarding World experiences also includes Harry Potter New York –a brand new flagship store, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London –The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, and the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops.

The Wizarding World continues to evolve to provide Harry Potter fans with fresh and exciting ways to engage. For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.

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.

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Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

New HBO Asia Original GENSAN PUNCH premieres and nominated at Busan Int’l Film Festival

A brand-new HBO Asia Original film GENSAN PUNCH will have its world premiere in “A Window on Asian Cinema” section (Competition) at the upcoming 26th edition of Busan International Film Festival, before premiering exclusively on HBO GO and HBO in the next few months. The Filipino-Japanese title in English, Japanese and Tagalog, is also one of seven Asian films nominated for the Kim Jiseok Award in Busan. In addition, the film will screen in the “Gala Selection” (non-Competition) at this year’s 34th Tokyo International Film Festival.

Inspired by the true story of Naozumi Tsuchiyama, GENSAN PUNCH is about a Japanese man with a prosthetic leg who goes to the Philippines to train and pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. The so-called Gensan Quarter of General Santos City has long been known for producing athletes including presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao. The film tackles the issue of discrimination towards the disabled, especially in competitive sport.

Filmed in both the Philippines and Japan, GENSAN PUNCH is produced and directed by Brillante Ma. Mendoza (Mindanao; Alpha: The Right To Kill;) and stars Shogen (Death Note; Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist), Ronnie Lazaro (Affliction; Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story), Kaho Minami (Dream Street; Hotaru), Beauty Gonzales (The Heiress; Angelito: Batang Ama) and Vince Rillon (3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!; Ang Probinsyano).

Created and written by Honee Alipio, , GENSAN PUNCH is produced by Takahiro Yamashita and Krisma Maclang Fajardo and executive produced by Brillante Mendoza, Simon Crowe and Fumie Suzuki Lancaster.

The announcement comes shortly after the debut of On the Job, another HBO Asia Original from the Philippines. Now streaming on HBO GO, the series stars John Arcilla who won the Coppa Volti at the Venice Film Festival on September 11. Stream or download GENSAN PUNCH when it premieres on HBO GO in the next few months. Enjoy other martial arts shows such as the six movie Rocky franchise, Tom-Yum-Goong, Ong-Bak, and the HBO series Warrior now on HBO GO.

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‘Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union’ debuts Aug 4 only on HBO GO

HBO’s three-part documentary, Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union, debuts same time as the U.S. over three consecutive days from Wednesday, August 4 exclusively on HBO GO. The documentary chronicles the personal and political journey of President Barack Obama, as the United States grapples with its racial history. Weaving together conversations with colleagues, friends and critics, and interspersed with his own speeches and news interviews, the series begins with Obama’s childhood and takes us through his perspective as the son of a white mother from Kansas and an African father, his spiritual formation by a generation of Black leaders, and his hopes for a more inclusive America.

Through the story of one man irrevocably bound to the history of a country, Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union reflects on the country’s past and present national identity.

Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union is directed by Emmy® winner Peter Kunhardt (HBO’s “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight For Equality,” “John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls”, “King in the Wilderness”).
With the clarity of hindsight and perspective of the last four years, Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union forms a cohesive picture of America under its first Black president. Obama’s presidency was unique in America’s history, but what was a historic step forward for the country also exposed the ever-present need to address deeply entrenched challenges around race, racial justice and our history.

The series provides context, insight and critique from a wide range of participants including: author Jelani Cobb; Representative John Lewis; political consultant David Axelrod; Rev. Alvin Love; author Michael Eric Dyson; journalist Laura Washington; Rev. Jeremiah Wright; journalist Michele Norris; New Yorker editor David Remnick; Rev. Al Sharpton; professor Cornel West; politician Jesse Jackson; author Ta-Nehisi Coates; NAACP’s Sherrilyn Ifill; political advisor Valerie Jarrett; professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.; actor Keegan-Michael Key; former government official Shirley Sherrod; journalist David Maraniss; professor Ken Mack; speechwriter Jon Favreau; advisor Broderick Johnson; and Representative Bobby Rush.

Part One of Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union looks back over Obama’s upbringing by a single mother from Kansas and white grandparents, his early schooling in Hawaii and his education at Columbia University and Harvard Law School. Through archival interviews, Obama reflects on the impact of having an estranged African father, growing up bi-racial and his evolving relationship with the African American community in Chicago, where he worked with Black churches as a community organizer.

Part Two takes us from Obama’s presidential bid to his election to the White House in November 2008, exploring the obstacles and successes along the campaign trail. With constant pressure to define his identity along racial lines and frustrated by what he saw as a distraction from other important issues, Obama delivers his “race speech” of March 2008, a determined defense of the U.S. Constitution and a plea to look beyond America’s “racial stalemate” in order to advance prosperity and unity.

Part Three takes us to the White House years and the formidable hurdles that Obama faced trying to pass legislation in a bitterly divided Congress. He ultimately succeeded in passing the Affordable Care Act but the chasm across the aisle in Washington grew ever wider. As the nation faced a period of heightened awareness around police brutality towards African Americans and the fervent partisan battle over gun control, his critics accused him and the administration of not doing enough to lead a conversation about race, and the president moves forward with policies that focus on racial justice and empowerment.

Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union encapsulates the man and the president, illuminating his vision for the nation shaped from his own experiences and identity. Through today’s lens, the documentary reflects on the Obama administration with new understanding about the personal obstacles he faced and the challenging pursuit for equality in America.

HBO Documentary Films’ presents a Kunhardt Films Production, Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union, directed by Peter Kunhardt; produced by George Kunhardt, Teddy Kunhardt, Matthew O. Henderson; edited and produced by Maya Mumma, ACE; executive producers, Peter Kunhardt; Andi Bernstein and Mona Sutphen; Jelani Cobb and Jacqueline Glover. For HBO: senior producer, Sara Rodriguez; executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller.

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What’s new on HBO GO – July 2021

At the midpoint of the year, HBO Go brings the heavyweights in star power and stories with this month’s exclusive premieres.

No Sudden Movespremieres on Friday, July 2

Set in 1954 Detroit, this Steven Soderbergh-helmed film centers on a group of small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document. When their plan goes horribly wrong, their search for who hired them – and for what ultimate purpose – weaves them through all echelons of the race-torn, rapidly changing city.

The star-studded film features Don Cheadle (“Avengers: End Game”, “Hotel Rwanda”), Benicio Del Toro (“Sicario”, “The Usual Suspects”), David Harbour (“Suicide Squad”, “Stranger Things”), Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”, “The Town”) , Amy Seimetz (“Upstream Color”, “Sun Don’t Shine”), Brendan Fraser (“The Mummy”, “George of the Jungle”), Kieran Culkin (HBO’s “Succession”, “Igby Goes Down”), Noah Jupe (HBO’s “The Undoing”, “Honey Boy”), Craig muMs Grant (“Dark Water, “Side Effects”), Julia Fox (“Uncut Gems”, “Day by Day”), Frankie Shaw (“SMILF”, “Too Legit”), with Ray Liotta (“Goodfellas”, “Narc”) and Bill Duke (“Predator”, “Commando”).

Gossip Girl – premieres July 8

Developed by showrunner Joshua Safran, a writer and executive producer on the original series, this extension of the pop culture classic takes us back to the Upper East Side finding a new generation of New York private school teens being introduced to social surveillance nine years after the original blogger’s website went dark. The series is based on the bestselling novels by Cecily von Ziegesar and the original show, developed by Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage.

Gossip Girl explores just how much social media — and the landscape of New York itself — has changed in the intervening years. The series stars Jordan Alexander, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, Tavi Gevinson, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Zion Moreno, Whitney Peak and Savannah Lee Smith.

The White Lotus – premieres July 12, 9am

From Mike White (HBO’s “Enlightened”) comes a social satire set at an exclusive Hawaiian resort.

Starring Murray Bartlett (HBO’s “Looking”), Connie Britton (“Nashville”), Jennifer Coolidge (“2 Broke Girls”), Alexandra Daddario (HBO’s “True Detective”), Fred Hechinger (“Eighth Grade”), Jake Lacy (HBO’s “Girls”), Brittany O’Grady (“Little Voice”), Natasha Rothwell (HBO’s “Insecure”), Sydney Sweeney (HBO’s “Euphoria”) and Steve Zahn (HBO’s “Treme”), this six-episode limited series follows the vacations of various hotel guests over the span of a week as they relax and rejuvenate in paradise. But with each passing day, a darker complexity emerges in these picture-perfect travellers, the hotel’s cheerful employees and the idyllic locale itself.

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.

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Friends: The Reunion premieres on May 27 on HBO and HBO GO

Could we BE any more excited?

Friends: The Reunion special will debut same time as the U.S. on Thursday, May 27 at 3.01pm exclusively on HBO GO, with a same-day broadcast on HBO at 9pm. Friends stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer return to the iconic comedy’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank for a real-life unscripted celebration of the beloved show.

For the first time in 17 years, the cast of Friends reunites for a special celebration of the smash-hit comedy series. Taped on the original soundstage, Friends: The Reunion finds the cast joined by moderator James Corden and a star-studded roster of special guests as they relive the show’s fan-favourite and unforgettable moments. This once-in-a-lifetime special event honours the iconic series, which continues to permeate the zeitgeist today, with a hilarious and heartfelt night full of laughter and tears.

Friends: The Reunion, an HBO Max Original, will feature a variety of special guests including David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Elliott Gould, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin, Mindy Kaling, Thomas Lennon, Christina Pickles, Tom Selleck, James Michael Tyler, Maggie Wheeler, Reese Witherspoon and Malala Yousafzai.

Ben Winston directed the special and executive produced along with “Friends” executive producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman, and David Crane. The special hails from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon, Fulwell 73 Productions and Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions. Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, Perry, and Schwimmer executive produced the special. Emma Conway, James Longman and Stacey Thomas-Muir co-executive produced.

“Friends” remains one of television’s most beloved series. One of the highest-rated shows on television in its original network run, the series still remains a perennial go-to in syndication and on streaming services, where it continues to be a smash hit worldwide. A favorite among critics and fans alike throughout its 10-season run, “Friends” not only won the Emmy® for Outstanding Comedy series, but also garnered Emmy® Awards for series stars Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow. From Warner Bros. Television, Friends follows the lives and loves of a close-knit group of friends living in New York City: siblings Ross (David Schwimmer) and Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), along with friends Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston). “Friends” was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, who executive produced the series with Kevin Bright through Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

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 to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month.

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What’s on HBO GO this January

Here are some great shows for your New Year streaming playlist! HBO GO opens the year with the hottest premieres from movie blockbusters to fresh installments of award-winning series that you can watch on-demand wherever you are and whenever you want. Check them out:

Tora-San, Wish You Were Here
Premieres Friday, 1 January at 10pm

Jan 2021 on HBO GO

Fifty years after Kiyoshi Atsumi’s wandering salesman first appeared on the big screen, the beloved long-running Tora-san film series comes to a close in this 50th and final instalment, exploring the lives of the ones he left behind. Hidetaka Yoshioka reprises his role as Tora-san’s nephew, Mitsuo.

1917
Premieres Saturday, 2 January

Jan 2021 on HBO GO

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers – Blake’s own brother among them. Directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes, this World War I epic stars Oscar winner Colin Firth, Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch, Golden Globe winner Richard Madden and Golden Globe nominee Andrew Scott.

The Rook
Premieres Monday, 4 January
New episode premieres every subsequent Monday

Jan 2021 on HBO GO

This series tells the story of Myfanwy Thomas, a woman who wakes up in the rain beside London’s Millennium Bridge with no memory of who she is and no explanation for the circle of dead bodies splayed out around her. When she discovers that she’s a high ranking official in Britain’s last secret service for people with paranormal abilities, she’ll have to navigate the dangerous and complex world of the agency to uncover who wiped her memory – and why. Stars Emma Greenwell, Golden Globe nominee Joely Richardson and Olivia Munn.

Tiger
Premieres Monday, 11 January at 10am
Part two premieres at the same time the following Monday.

Jan 2021 on HBO GO

An HBO two-part documentary offering a revealing look at the rise, fall, and epic comeback of global icon Tiger Woods. The series paints an intimate picture of the prodigy whose dedication and obsession with the game of golf not only took his fame and success to new heights, but also down a dark, spiraling road that eventually led to a legendary sports comeback, culminated by his victory at the 2019 Masters.

C.B. Strike: Lethal White
Premieres Thursday, 21 January at 10am
New episode premieres every Thursday

Jan 2021 on HBO GO

Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger return in the brand-new second season of C.B. Strike, based on the best-selling crime novels written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

Euphoria: F*ck Anyone Who’s Not A Seablob
Premieres Monday, 25 January at 10am

Jan 2021 on HBO GO

In the second of two special episodes of the Emmy® winning HBO drama series Euphoria, we follow Jules (played by Hunter Schafer) over the Christmas holiday as she reflects on the year. Schafer also serves as co-executive producer on this episode, which she co-wrote with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

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.