Latest from Shows

Review – NCIS: New Orleans is back with a timely season six premiere

More on NCIS

Review – NCIS: New Orleans is back with a timely season six premiere

NCIS: New Orleans returns to form with a timely season six premiere.

It seems like there’s no stopping NCIS, the second longest-running scripted live action series on American TV. Seventeen series and three spin-offs speak for themselves in their success. Watching NCIS: New Orleans‘ season six premiere ‘Judgement Call’, it’s not hard to see why.

NCIS3

Just like the ease at which the characters throw new information, realisations and analysis at one another in their hunt for a suspect, NCIS: New Orleans is a well oiled machine. It’s a format that works, mixing impressive action scenes with jaw-dropping plot twists while still maintaining a handle on the emotional stories of its characters.

‘Judgement Call’ is a perfect example of all this at work, contrasting the emotional journeys of Pride and Khoury, through the story of finding a former serviceman on a revenge mission. There is drama (the episode literally opens in the midst of a huge secret service operation), there are fast decisions and mistakes, and there are consequences.

NCIS2

By contrasting Pride, the team’s supervising agent, who is older, white and male, with the actions of Khoury, a younger woman of colour – we can see clearly the barriers that the latter faces. Both face reviews for their behaviour, but while Pride is commended, Khoury is punished. The ordeal reaches a tipping point that finds Khoury with almost no agency on the future of her career, while Pride gains the ability to pull strings in matters that barely involve him.

It’s a smart, and very topical way of examine the difficulties women, and particularly women of colour, face in the workplace – even in the NCIS.

NCIS: New Orleans‘ season six premiere ‘Judgement Call’ premieres Friday 17th July at 9pm on FOX.

Advertisement

REVIEW: Emergence on FOX is an intriguing new mystery that leaves us wanting more

More on Emergence

REVIEW: Emergence on FOX is an intriguing new mystery that leaves us wanting more

FOX’s suspenseful new mystery Emergence is the latest import from across the pond, and it’s a doozy.

Starring Fargo‘s Allison Tolman in the lead role of police chief Jo Evans, Emergence starts with a plane crash and the discovery of a mysterious young girl (Alexa Swinton) at the scene. As Jo races to put together the pieces and uncover the real identity of ‘Piper’, she realises she may have stumbled across a dangerous conspiracy.

emergence3

Emergence has the mystery format perfectly right. After finishing the first episode, I have so many questions that have me itching for the next part, and probably the one after that. The first episode is fast-paced, revealing just enough information to pique one’s curiosity and leave one wanting more. It starts with an incident that sounds simple enough, and a little girl who seems perfectly healthy, but by the end of the pilot has spiralled into something much more.

Part of what’s so good about the series is its focal character, police chief Jo Evans. In just one episode, Allison Tolman delivers multiple facets of Jo Evans. At work, she’s a fierce and respected police chief. At home, she’s a maternal, caring parent, still reeling from a break up with ex husband Alex (Donald Faison). She’s a shrewd investigator with what seems to be a decent judge of character. This handling of a character’s personal and professional balance draws one in to the story, and makes her curiosity and anxiety our own.

emergence2

The handling of the science fiction elements of the show is also well done. It fits slickly into the modern setting of Long Island’s Peconic Bay. Whatever Piper’s secret is, we’re not discovering it in a hurry. There’s lots to talk about from a short 43 minute episode. What is the truth behind that plane crash? Who is Piper? Why is she wanted, and who by? Who is the investigative journalist Benny Gallagher (Owain Yeoman)? How much of all this is Piper aware of, but not telling?

It’s a promising first episode, filled with intriguing questions and a fascinating lead character, with a hook that will leave one wanting more.

Emergence starts today (Monday, April 20) on FOX at 9pm.

When does Sex Education return for series 2?

More on Sex Education

When does Sex Education return for series 2?

The hit Netflix high school drama is back this week for another series of awkward teenage moments, friendships and sexual misadventures.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about Sex Education‘s upcoming second series.

What happened in series one?

Series one of Sex Education introduced us to socially awkward sixthformer Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his sex therapist mother Dr Jean F. Milburn (Gillian Anderson). After Otis accidentally counsels a school bully with performance anxiety, his entrepreneurial classmate Maeve (Emma Mackey) hatches a business plan: a school sexual health clinic.

When will series 2 be released on Netflix?

The second series of Sex Education hits Netflix this Friday, January 17.

Who is in the cast?

All the series mains will return, alongside three new guest stars.

Newcomers Sami Outalbali, George Robinson and Chinenye Ezeudu will join Sex Education for series two.

Outalbali plays a new French student at Moordale Secondary, while Robinson will become Maeve’s new neighbour at the caravan park, Isaac. Ezeudu plays Viv, an academically brilliant student who struggles in the love department.

SexEd4

What happens in Sex Education series 2?

Here’s what we know so far:

After Otis and Ola got together at the end of series one, Otis’s relationship with business partner Maeve is strained. There’s no shortage of work to do, however, as the school is in the midst of a mass chlamydia outbreak.

School bully Adam is now at military school, but remains conflicted over his hook up with Eric last season. Eric, however, has a new sense of self-confidence.

How can I watch series 2 of Sex Education?

You’ll need a Netflix subscription to watch the new series of Sex Education, which offers options to watch the show on mobile, tablet, laptop and Smart TV. Subscriptions start at £5.99, with one month trials for new customers.

NOW TV subscribers will be thrilled to learn that Netflix is now available via their NOW TV Smart Stick, NOW TV Smart Box and NOW TV Box (black). Just sign into the app on a NOW TV device to watch Sex Education on the big screen.


Sex Education returns to Netflix on January 17.

Here’s how you can watch Premier League games for free on Amazon Prime Video

More on Amazon

Here’s how you can watch Premier League games for free on Amazon Prime Video

For the first time, football fans can watch Premier League games live on Amazon Prime Video this December.

The streaming giant has picked up exclusive rights to air twenty Premier League games in December, as part of a deal to continue for three seasons. In 2019, Amazon Prime Video will provide exclusive coverage of all games on December 3-5 and December 26-27. That includes major match ups such as the Liverpool derby and Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur.

Here’s the full list:

Tuesday 3rd December

Wednesday 4th December

Thursday 5th December

Thursday 26th December

Friday 27th December

As was the case with Amazon’s live US Open coverage, Prime Video will offer separate live streams for each and every match during these period. This means when multiple games play at the same time, fans can switch between the streams at will – making the lives of Fantasy Football managers a lot easier.

Amazon will also be hosting an exclusive Premier League highlights show called The Goals Show, featuring all of the above games.

That’s not all. On Thursday, Amazon announced a star-studded punditry line up for the games, including big names such as Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer, Alex Scott, Peter Crouch and Harry Redknapp. Gabby Logan, Eilidh Barbour, Jim Rosenthal and Steve Bower are amongst the names to present.

The best part of all this? Football fans can watch all of Amazon’s Premier League offerings for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. All one needs to do is sign up before kick off on December 3 and continue to enjoy all the footballing action through December.

REVIEW: Dave Gorman’s Terms and Conditions Apply is quirky, smart and a lot of fun

More on Dave Gorman: Terms and Conditions Apply

REVIEW: Dave Gorman’s Terms and Conditions Apply is quirky, smart and a lot of fun

Dave Gorman’s latest comedy series combines the best of both worlds: powerpoint presentations and big-name comedy guests.

It’s hard to know what to expect from a comedy show that hopes to “make sense of the modern world”, but Dave Gorman: Terms and Conditions Apply somehow does exactly that. The nerdy subject matter adds its own spin on Dave channel’s winning formula for original comedy content. The result is a smart new series that will have its audiences in genuine fits of laughter.

The rounds are quirky and unexpectedly hilarious. One asks comedians to predict the outcome of extreme informercials, while another pokes fun of BBC series Money For Nothing‘s fondness of lamps. My personal favourite, however, is a round dedicated to the frequently asked questions pages on big name company websites.

A lot of research has been put into Dave Gorman: Terms and Conditions Apply and it shows. I dread to think of how much time was spent reading corporate FAQs in hopes of finding the smallest instances of humour. Based on this first episode, I’m very excited for whatever else Gorman and his team have come up for the rest of the series.

Gorman is the perfect host for this concept, with his attention to detail and geeky charm. He brings back his trademark powerpoint presentations and thrives as a host, giving the show a heart that brings everything together. There’s a warm energy between him and his guests, which brings out the best in the witty one-liners that come thick and fast throughout the episode.

The first episode features a comedy line up including Sara Barron, Phil Wang and Richard Osman alongside Gorman. There’s a lot here for the guests to do, with some zinger one-liners delivered. It’s all about quick wit, and a look at the line-up of future episodes indicates that this is not something Terms and Conditions is likely to be short of.

Dave Gorman: Terms and Conditions Apply is the rare new addition to the world of comedy panel shows that treads new ground. With Gorman at the helm, it’s an awful lot of fun.


Dave Gorman: Terms and Conditions Apply premieres on Dave on Monday October 21 at 10pm.

REVIEW: CBS Reality’s The Real Prime Suspect revisits chilling case of Donald Neilson

More on The Real Prime Suspect

REVIEW: CBS Reality’s The Real Prime Suspect revisits chilling case of Donald Neilson

The former Metropolitan police force veteran who inspired hit drama Prime Suspect’s DCI Jane Tennison, Jackie Malton, returns to detective work in new CBS Reality series The Real Prime Suspect.

The Real Prime Suspect is a real life documentary series re-investigating some of Britain’s most notorious crimes with Malton at the helm. Malton’s extensive contact list means she gains access to the detectives, journalists and witnesses who were at the scene of the crime – helping her provide new insight on how and why some of the country’s most devastating crimes were committed.

RealPrimeSuspect3

The first in the ten part series, which starts tonight at 10pm, features the case of robber, kidnapper and murderer Donald Neilson. The former serviceman, known as the “Black Panther” for his dark clothing, committed more than 400 burglaries. After taking to robbing post offices, he murdered three postmasters during a reign of terror in the early 1970s. In 1975, he kidnapped teenage heiress Leslie Whittle, demanding a £50,000 ransom for her safe return.

The Real Prime Suspect takes its audience to the same park where Whittle was held, imprisoned in a tunnel system far below those searching for her. Malton holds exclusive interviews with the individuals who worked on the investigation, including the police officer who discovered Whittle’s body and one of the journalists who broke the story. Malton listens to the ransom tapes Neilson forced Whittle to record, and the police recordings of Neilson’s interviews in custody. She paints the chilling story of a remorseless narcissist.

Malton, on her first time presenting a television series, is a breath of fresh air. Her knowledge and expertise gives audience a genuine insight into working on a high-profile case, while her continuing empathy for the victims reminds one exactly what was at stake. In one scene, Malton becomes visibly emotional as she explains how some cases “just get you” as an investigator. In another, she relays a terrifying trick played on her by a prisoner that she remembers to this day. These are insights and responses from somebody who has lived the life of a detective – and make for excellent television. It makes for stark contrast with the psychopathic subject of this first episode.

The Real Prime Suspect starts tonight (September 3) on CBS Reality at 10pm.

Love Island 2019 final: Everything you need to know

More on Love Island

Love Island 2019 final: Everything you need to know

It feels like it just started, but the Love Island final is here again. After a series of shock twists, heartbreaks and betrayals, who will be crowned victorious? Here’s all you need to know.

When is the Love Island final?

The 2019 Love Island final is on at 9pm tonight (Monday, July 29). It finishes at 10.45pm.

How can I watch the Love Island final?

Love Island is broadcast live on ITV2 and ITV Hub.

Who is still left in the running?

Competing to win tonight’s final are Curtis and Maura, Greg and Amber, Ovie and India, and Tommy and Molly-Mae.

What are the odds?

Tommy and Molly-Mae are favourites to win the competition, with odds of 8/11 at Bet365, Sky Bet, Betfair and Paddy Power.

Amber and Greg are a close behind them, with odds of 11/8 at Sky Bet, Betfair and Paddy Power.

Meanwhile, Curtis and Maura are distant outliers with odds as high as 66/1 from Unibet.

What is the prize?

The winning couple will have to make the decision to either share £50,000 or take it for themselves as individuals.

The Love Island 2019 final takes place tonight at 9pm on ITV2.

Netflix cuts controversial 13 Reasons Why suicide scene

More on 13 Reasons Why

Netflix cuts controversial 13 Reasons Why suicide scene

Netflix has cut 13 Reasons Why‘s controversial suicide scene.

The scene, which took place in the final episode of season one, originally depicted Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) taking her own life.

The scene has been a subject of controversy and debate since its first season, with Netflix initially defending the content. In 2018, Netflix chief Reed Hastings responded to concerns with “it is controversial, but nobody has to watch it”.

However, after consulting with experts and ahead of the launch of season three, Netflix has decided to remove the graphic scene entirely.

In a statement, Netflix said: “We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help — often for the first time.

“As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show.

“So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.”

Yorkey explained: “It was our hope, in making 13 Reasons Why into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us.

“Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no-one would ever wish to emulate it.

“No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers.”

The newly edited episode now omits the original scene, instead cutting to her parents’ reaction to Hannah’s death.

13 Reasons Why returns to Netflix later this year.

Shock Love Island elimination twist rocks villa

More on Love Island

Shock Love Island elimination twist rocks villa

A new shock elimination twist has rocked the Love Island island villa.

One of couple Michael Griffiths and Joanna Chimonides will have to leave the villa, after Sunday’s voting results. The couple received one of the two lowest public votes, before supposedly being voted out by their fellow contestants.

However, this proved not to be the cast when host Caroline Flack revealed a new twist.

“You can’t stay in Love Island as a couple,” she told Michael and Joanna. “One of you will leave the villa.”

Fans were understandably shocked by this savage new twist.

Other fans, however, completely loved it.

So – who will stay, Michael or Joanna? Or will the two refuse to leave as individuals?

The drama continues tonight on Love Island on ITV2 at 9pm.

The best additions to Amazon Prime in July 2019

More on Amazon

The best additions to Amazon Prime in July 2019

The summer holidays are finally here and how better to spend them than with Amazon Prime’s exciting July offerings?

This month, some of the last year’s biggest blockbusters are available to watch, including Chris Nolan’s war epic Dunkirk (July 29) and Gal Gadot’s turn as the eponymous Wonder Woman (July 7).

There’s also the return of some brilliant US comedy with the season seven premiere of New Girl on July 1.

Here are our top Amazon Prime picks for July 2019:

1. Peterloo

Available on July 1

2. New Girl (Season 7)

Available on July 1

3. Wonder Woman

Available on July 7

4. The House

Available on July 8

5. The Upside

Available on July 11

6. Free Meek (Season 1)

Available on July 12

7. Beautiful Boy

Available on July 20

8. Gladiator

Available on July 23

9. The Boys (Season 1)

Available on July 26

10. Dunkirk

Available on July 29