Month: March 2025

Reacher is newly back and punching his way through undercover obstacles, and a virtual Reacher colleague (if we’re talking about Dad TV powerhouses on Prime Video/Amazon) will also return for more. That would be Cross, a show based upon James Patterson’s legendary forensic psychologist and detective, Alex Cross, while not directly adapting particular novels.

Amazon saw fit to renew the Aldis Hodge-starring series before the show’s debut, so let’s let Cross live rent free in our heads (like he does for defendants but in a better way) and speculate about what series creator Ben Watkins has in store for a second season.

Plot

Not only did that early renewal happen, but Watkins revealed to Collider that the second season already finished filming last fall. He added that although this series doesn’t adapt specific books, he thinks of each season as “a book for me. They’re all based on new mysteries. Season 1 is Hero Complex, and Season 2 is called Bitter Fruit.”

Watkins also told Entertainment Weekly that the show will focus on a new murderer (after resolving the “Fanboy” killer case and the mystery of who killed Cross’ wife and why) while also building upon existing relationships, “but when we start getting into the world of the killer, it feels and looks different in a way that is fun and refreshing. It livens it up.” So much difference, so much vagueness.

However, the finale’s post-credits scene suggests possibly twisted motives from FBI Agent Kayla Craig, who offered Bobby Trey immunity (and money) for “a lot of dirt” involving Ramsey’s victims. As Watkins told EW in a finale post-mortem, this is a bridge to the second season:

“I wanted to start two conversations,” creator Ben Watkins says of the scene. “I always had plans for Bobby Trey, but the storyline almost requires that he go away for a long time. There has to be some sort of resolution to him. So I knew I had to plant a seed that would leave the door open for Bobby Trey’s return.”

As for Kayla’s involvement, Watkins continues, “I also wanted to plant a seed that would make you question the different levels of Kayla Craig, who has just been nothing but helpful the entire time. Sometimes [she’s] a little comic relief, a little sarcastic humor, sometimes a little romantic chemistry, but mostly just someone who’s been helping. So I wanted to make you question her a little bit.”

Speculation abounds whether Kayla is a reference to FBI Agent Kyle Craig from the books, but Watkins did not shed light on the possible connection, similarities, or any motive therein.

The cast has been chatting, too. While speaking with TV Insider, Isaiah Mustafa (who portrays John Sampson) revealed that some characters might be unrecognizable to viewers when they return: “Whatever you know about those characters in the first season, be prepared to see something completely different in the second season. You will learn more.”

And what does Aldis Hodge have to say about the “different” approach? In an interview with Collider, he joked, “I wish I could tell you something, but I can’t tell you nothing. Y’all are out here trying to get me fired.”

Cast

Very few details have slipped out on an updated cast list, but clearly, Aldis Hodge will return as Alex Cross, and Ben Watkins has made it clear that Cross’ best friend/partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), will have a larger role in the second season. Samantha Walkes will also return as Ella Monteiro with Johnny Ray Gill as Bobby Trey and Alona Tal as Kayla Craig.

Previously announced second season cast newbies include Matthew Lillard, Jeanine Mason, and Wes Chatham. Is Lillard gonna be a killer again? That would be such a Scream.

Release Date

After the first season came out in November 2022 with more already in the works, early 2023 sounds like a safe bet.

Trailer

In the absence of a trailer or teaser, it’s worth bookmarking Amazon’s own [SPOILER] video that recaps the season finale. Just to have it handy when the second season grows closer.

Every channel wants a Yellowstone (or 1883 or 1923 or The Madison, probably) of their own. Every streaming service, too. Netflix thinks it might have found theirs — with a dash of Virgin River — in Ransom Canyon.

Here’s everything to know about Ransom Canyon, including plot details, the cast, and when it comes out.

Plot

Ransom Canyon is not only fun to say in a Rural Juror kind of way. It’s also based on a popular book series from author Jodi Thomas. As for the plot, the Netflix show is described as “a romance-fueled family drama and contemporary Western saga that charts the intersecting lives of three ranching families, all set against the rugged expanse of Texas Hill Country.”

At the center of the story is rancher Staten Kirkland (played by Josh Duhamel), who is “healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance” in Ransom Canyon, according to the official logline. His only glimmer of hope is family friend and dancehall owner Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly, returning to Texas from Friday Night Lights). Here’s more: “But as the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past. Vise tightening, Staten fights to protect the land he calls home, and the only love that can pull him back from the demons that haunt him.”

Ransom Canyon is created by April Blair (All American, Wednesday, Jane by Design), who told Tudum that the setting “isn’t just a town. It’s an idea. It’s the painful longing for your first love. It’s the burning desire to protect your family. It’s cowboys and lovers, grifters and thieves. Lust, deceit, heartache, home… Ransom has it all. I think people are going to fall in love with this little slice of Texas and the dramas and romances that we created there.”

You know who’s excited for Ransom Country? The person who left this review on the first book in the series, A Small Town Cowboy Romance:

“love the writer, great story of life”

Short and to the point! If you like Yellowstone, Virgin River, Lyla Garrity, and/or great stories of life, you’ll probably enjoy Ransom Canyon.

Cast

The Ransom Canyon cast is led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly as Staten Kirkland and Quinn O’Grady, respectively.

They’re joined by James Brolin as brash ex-Army captain and Fuller Ranch owner Cap; Eoin Macken as Bar W Ranch owner Davis Collins; and Lizzy Greene as cheerleader Lauren Brigman. There’s also Marianly Tejada as Ellie Estevez, Jack Schumacher as Yancy Grey, Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell, and Andrew Liner as Reid Collins, as well as Philip Winchester, Kate Burton, Casey W. Johnson, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Jaren Robledo, Niko Guardado, Justin Johnson Cortez, Tatanka Means, and Kenneth Miller.

Release Date

All 10 episodes of Ransom Canyon premiere on Netflix on April 17.

Trailer

You can watch the Ransom Canyon trailer below.

Every single week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable.

10. Daredevil: Born Again – Disney+ series

Just put on the suit already, Horn Head. Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock is taking his time getting back into the vigilante swing of things as this revival sits firmly in the courtroom drama realm. Still, future fight scenes promise to be brutal, and a shocking development in this week’s episode could pave the way for a pivotal character to formally debut in the MCU. Also, can we get some onscreen Frank Castle (without a doubt) soon? TYVM.

9. The Studio – Apple TV+ series

Seth Rogen has become an Apple TV+ comedy force to behold, not only with Platonic but also while embodying a studio chief who happens to love movies and doesn’t want to destroy them by making necessary business choices. That disaster might be inevitable while reaping laughs for the TV audience. The forming consensus out there, however, is that this show is painfully funny, and Rogen is on his game as a co-creator with longtime partner Evan Goldberg. Co-stars include Kathryn Hahn, Olivia Wilde, Ike Barinholtz, Catherine O’Hara, Rebecca Hall, Chase Sui Wonders, and Brian Cranston.

8. Heretic – A24 movie streaming Max

Hugh Grant was born to portray the villain, no doubt about it. After being stuck too long in romcom world, he’s been going to town, first with HBO’s The Undoing and now with an unsettling character who turns the table on two Mormons who visit his home. Rising scream queen Sophie “Soapy” Turner finds herself trapped in his lair, and this A24 movie will have you gripping the seat handles, even while enjoying how much Hugh delights in being a psychopathic menace. Stuff it, Daniel Cleaver.

7. Running Point – Netflix series

Mindy Kaling seems to have the magic Netflix touch. Her latest series hails from Warner Bros. TV with Kaling executive producing with Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, and Netflix pulled an immediate renewal move after subscribers couldn’t resist Kate Hudson as a reformed partier who is suddenly inserted as head honcho of her family-owned pro hoops team. Hudson portrays Isla Gordon, who is a parody version of Los Angeles Lakers current President Jeanie Buss, son of late owner Jerry. Brenda Song and Chet Hanks co-star, and as already stated, there will be more.

6. Everyone’s Live With John Mulaney – Netflix series

Everything’s coming up Mulaney. Following his Everybody’s In L.A. series, he intends to give late-night talk shows a little injection with a twelve-week first season. He will also appear in the next batch of Poker Face episodes, but his Netflix series is capturing eyeballs even while being a little rough around the edges. Presumably, that is happening by design, and Mulaney previously told his audience, “We will be live globally with no delay. We will never be relevant. We will never be your source for news. We will always be reckless.” So there.

5. The White Lotus – HBO series streaming on Max

Creator Mike White is having a ball with the full frontal scenes this year, but the dinner scenes are currently my favorite part of how the tension is ratcheting up. Watching these characters (especially Walton Goggins and Jason Isaacs’ differently miserable dudes) slowly destroy themselves never seems to get old, but maybe, just maybe, we can watch Greg finally get what he deserves? Somehow, he’s managed to avoid snakes, but I can cross my fingers for foreshadowing to work its magic. In the meantime, the trio of Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, and Michelle Monaghan are providing some (ideally non-fatal) drama that signals a showdown.

4. Dark Winds – AMC series streaming on AMC+

Author Tony Hillerman’s Navaho Nation law enforcement officers, Leaphorn (Zach McClarnon) and Chee (Kiowa Gordo), are taking on the supernatural terrors of The Sinister Pig novel. There will be no rest for the weary here, and the season “follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate the disappearance of two boys, with only an abandoned bicycle and blood-stained patch of ground left in their wake. Meanwhile, Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito [Jessica Matten] attempts to settle into her new life … but stumbles across a conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling with far-reaching implications.” Three seasons in, and this show remains one of the best crime dramas on TV right now.

3. The Righteous Gemstones – HBO series streaming on Max

Danny McBride recently weighed in with UPROXX’s Sound Check on his favorite Kenny Powers songs, and the Eastbound & Down co-creator is now back with the evangelical Gemstones misfits for one last round of grifting. Expect to see plenty of Walton Goggins’ Baby Billy and, ideally, an equal amount of Edi Patterson‘s Judy with the rest of the extended family back and this ensemble cast being everything. Whether there are monster trucks or clogging sessions involved, this trainwreck is too much fun for all involved.

2. Severance – Apple TV+ series

This series’ creatives have now officially declared that the Grand Central Station publicity appearance is officially canon to the overall show. This week, this office satire bid farewell to a mysterious character while continuing to walk the line on Helly vs. Helena. Next week is season finale time, and this hit series’ has mastered the art of shifting perspectives (Mark, Helly, Irving, Dylan, Ms. Cobel, and so on) which leaves no way to predict what will happen next.

1. Reacher – Prime Video/Amazon series

Neagley has now proven that she can carry her own spin off, and the main question still lingering is whether Reacher will join her for a crossover episode, like she does at least once per season. Before that happens, this season still needs to wrap up whether the Bigger Guy (Paulie) can be taken down by the Big Guy (Reacher, obviously). And of course, season finales in this series aren’t simply big but monstrous. Additionally, the situation continues to roll out between Reacher and his current love /lust interest, Susan Duffy, and although the show hasn’t strayed from his wanderer status, seeing how he handles his next exit is another (underrated) highlight of this show.

It appears Drake isn’t the only recording artist that has an issue with UMG. Today (March 15), Iggy Azalea slammed Universal Music in a series of posts online (viewable here) claiming the company currently owes her millions in royalty back pay.

Over on X (formerly Twitter), the “Money Come” rapper claimed that she has “never” been “paid a single royalty” check for “anything outside of the US.” Although Azalea stepped away from music last year, she says that her legal team has been keeping a close eye on her catalog’s past earnings.

She went on to accuse the Universal, who she referred to as “criminals” and “the scummiest company,” of stealing royalty revenue from her “in the 8 figure range.”

“Universal Music, mark my words you ugly b*tch,” she wrote. “You will pay me what’s owed.”

Azalea then uploaded a private conversation with her lawyer (viewable here), where they claim Universal attempted to settle the matter for $18,000 after supposedly two years of battling over the funds. Around that time, Azalea reportedly sold her master recordings and publishing to Domain Capital.

Read Iggy Azalea’s full statement below.

Crazy how in my entire career I was never paid a single royalty by Universal Music for anything outside of the USA. They owe me millions of dollars in back pay, that they technically stole from me, as per my contract I am due payment.

The amount owed is in the 8 figure range. Last week they tried to respond to my lawyer and offer me a settlement of $18k. I’m told this is a normal response from their lawyers and after appearing in court they end up paying millions as they’re supposed to. Thankfully I’m well off and can and will pursue this issue until they pay me what they owe. But I’d like to publicly say that I think Universal Music are criminals who actively take advantage of ALL of their artists in perpetuity for their own gain.

They are the scummiest company, and they do this to SO MANY artists who unfortunately can’t afford to fight for what they’re owed thus they get away with this behavior. Universal Music really needs to do better in their treatment of the artists who quite literally earn them millions via intellectual property they had zero part in creating. Yuck.

Universal Music has not yet issued a response to Iggy Azalea’s claims.

In the late 2010s, Normani was ironing out the vision for her solo career after splitting from Fifth Harmony. Other side of the world, Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver DK Metcalf was manifesting his marriage to the singer.

On March 13, Normani and DK Metcalf announced their engagement to the world. Yesterday (March 14), the couple told Vogue all about the special moment. During the chat, it was adorably revealed that Metcalf knew Normani was his future wife after watching her “Motivation” music video in 2019.

“Me and Ciara are really close, and Russell [Wilson] and DK were teammates on the Seattle Seahawks,” said Normani. “About two years prior to us even meeting, they were playing music videos in the locker room and ‘Motivation’ ended up popping up on the screen. He was like, ‘The moment that I saw you come up on that screen, I said, ‘That’s going to be my wife. That’s going to be my girlfriend one day.’”

However, there was a slight problem with DK’s mission–Normani was already seeing someone. “I was in a relationship at the time, and then the chips just fell the way that they did,” she continued.

Two years later, when that romance fizzled out, Ciara played matchmaker by inviting Normani to a party for her rum brand. “I ended up going, and lo and behold, he ended up being there, and the rest is history,” said said.

Prior to their engagement, Normani and Metcalf’s dated for three years. A year after being spotted on a romantic date, the couple finally confirmed their relationship in 2023.

Fans begged for Ciara’s prayer to find love after heartbreak. But they should’ve been inquiring about her foolproof matchmaking services.

Godzilla has been thanklessly toiling away in movie theaters since 1954. Mr. Atomic Breath has served up entertainment with heavy allegories lurking underneath, but he has mainly served as an action-based moneymaker for Legendary’s Monsterverse and for Toho. Godzilla deserves more respect (dang it), and the nuclear lizard’s fortunes finally turned around with Godzilla Minus One, the modestly financed 2023 Toho film that became the first Godzilla movie to win an Oscar. The fact that the Best Visual Effects award went to a blockbuster with a $15 million budget (which pulled in over $113 million globally) was an especially delicious detail.

Meanwhile, Legendary has been continuing the TV side of their Monsterverse (the second Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters will include hefty participation from Kong) with multiple spin offs in development, but Toho will simultaneously continue with a Godzilla Minus One sequel. Let’s talk about what we can expect when the King Of Monsters stomps back into theaters.

Plot

Godzilla Minus One achieved its technical clout while also performing an emotional meditation on post-war Japan, particularly through the eyes of a PTSD-afflicted survivor wracked with guilt over his failed mission. Within a franchise that frequently emphasizes kaiju action, at times even leaning into camp, this more nuanced approach will surely continue (as opposed to the ongoing “slobberknocker” movies, which are also important) since Godzilla Minus One director Takashi Yamazaki is writing and directing the sequel.

Yamazaki has revealed that he’s currently writing the followup, which doesn’t have a title yet (Godzilla Minus Two? Godzilla Plus One? Godzilla Resurrection?), nor was Yamzkazi keen to reveal plot specifics. According to Variety, he’s firmly in the storyboarding process, but he does anticipate “more” budget from Toho. Also relevant: he appears to be eschewing AI while declaring, “Right now, it’s not in any of our pipelines,” although he believes, “It’s a very capable assistant or tool, as it stands right now, but it is not at the point where it can kind of take center stage and generate what humans can.”

As for how Godzilla Minus One achieved its visual effects on such a low budget, Yamazaki told Variety (in a different discussion) that he used a mere 35 artists to create over 600 visual effects shots, which meant an intense workload for all involved, including the five artists who pulled together water effects for some of the movie’s most dramatic scenes. With that kind of workload (and intense work ethic) involved, it’s no wonder that the VFX artists were overjoyed when learning of their Oscar nomination.

Cast

The presence of Godzilla himself is the only guarantee in the casting realm.

Release Date

Godzilla Minus One premiered in Japan in October 2023, and the sequel is still in writing stages with likely a bigger budgeted production coming, meaning that it will likely be years (2027?) before a sequel surfaces.

Trailer

Since these are early days, no footage exists, but it’s worth reflecting on how a mere five VFX artists pulled off water scenes like this one. Will a bigger budget change these encounters in any way? We will be waiting to find out.

Two years after her song “Bloody Mary” was tied up in a viral Wednesday dance trend on TikTok, Lady Gaga is officially joining the cast.

Ahead of the series second season, star Jenny Ortega teased what’s to come and what they should not expect from Lady Gaga during a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight (viewable here).

“There’s definitely dances in the show,” she said. “I’m not saying anything about her character though! Let her be incredible and amazing. She’s great in the show and I don’t think she’s what people expect her to be.”

Details surrounding Lady Gaga’s forthcoming character have not yet been revealed. Even Wednesday’s the official premiere date hasn’t been announced. But viewers’ hopes are high for Gaga for a multitude of reasons. The “Killah” singer’s last film role, Joker: Folie À Deux, wasn’t exactly a fan-favorite performance (hence The Razzie Award win). Still, Gaga’s previous onscreen roles including A Star Is Born, House Of Gucci, and American Horror Story: Hotel all demonstrate she has the acting chomps to nail a role.

Wednesday is expected to air some time this year on Netflix and have a total of eight episodes in its second season. Find more information here.

Will he, or won’t he make a return to music? This is a question Frank Ocean fans have been asking themselves for years. After the “Novacane” singer’s admittedly “chaotic” 2023 Coachella appearance and eventual drop out, that dream died out.

Well, yesterday (March 14) Frank Ocean revived that conversation with the help of his rumored boyfriend and mixed martial artist Payton Talbott. Deep within a video shared to Talbott’s official YouTube channel, supporters noticed an unreleased song from Frank Ocean.

As Talbott invited followers to take a look at his life inside and outside of the octagon, Ocean’s moody snippet served as a partial soundtrack. Ocean has teased unreleased tunes before. He has even hinted that he has been spending time in the studio. But users online feel that his surprise leak is different.

A recently resurfaced direct message from Playboi Carti (viewable here) to Frank Ocean has led fans to believe, Ocean’s random teaser was inspired by the rapper. “Twin, Post a snippet or some,” wrote Carti in an Instagram chat. “If it’s up den it’s up? What? U scared?”

With Playboi Carti’s new album, Music, finally out on streaming with any grain of luck Frank Ocean will follow suit.

Watch Payton Talbott’s video featuring the Frank Ocean snippet above.

Sadly, on March 3, Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s longtime husband and creative muse (“Jolene“) died at 82 years old.

To mourn the death of Dean, Parton stepped away from the public eye. Yesterday (March 14), the multiple CMA and Grammy Award-winner surprised supporters with her first appearance since Dean’s passing during the 40th season celebration for Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

In a clip captured by an attendee (viewable here), Parton expressed her gratitude to her fans for their support during this tough time. She also delivered a touching speech about her love for Dean.

“I just want all of you to know how much I appreciate you for everything that has happened to us in the last several years,” she said. “But before I start all that, I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for all the flowers and the cards and the well wishes for the loss of Carl.”

She continued: “You know how I loved him, and he would want me to be working today. I expect to be working. So anyway, I just wanted you to know that, of course, I will always love him, and I’ll miss him, but I wanted you to know that I will always love you!”

Dolly Parton also penned and recorded a tribute track for her late husband, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” which is available online now.

Come May, Little Simz’s forthcoming studio album, Lotus, will be available across streaming platforms. While the “Gorilla” rapper’s public efforts have been on promoting the body of work, privately Little Simz’s attention focused on past projects.

According to Law360, Little Simz has quietly been in a tense legal battle with her former producer Inflo. Back in January, Little Simz reportedly sued Inflo (real name Dean Cover) for $2.2 million (£1.7 million) over outstanding monies owed to her.

In the court documents, Little Simz (real name Simbiatu Ajikawo) accused Cover of failing to repay loans totaling $2.2 million. Ajikawo says over the cover of their business relationship Cover borrowed large sums of money related to a performance and unlawfully retaining funds reserved for album recording expenses but never returned the balances to her.

Two examples outlined in the document, include matter in December 2023. Ajikawo says she loans Cover £1 to organize a show at London’s Drumsheds. Later in the month, he lent him £500,000 and an additional £200,000. According to Ajikawo, none of which were paid back.

As a result, Ajikawo says in January 2024, she was “unable to pay her full tax liability,” which has now incurred interest and other charges. When she supposedly contacted Cover’s lawyers in October 2024 about the matter they allegedly “acknowledged the debt, but wrongly attributed it to Forever Living Originals rather than Cover personally.”

Ajikawo also believe the advance for recording costs (a total advance of £2 million for three albums and £625,000 for the third album’s recording expenses) she received from AWAL was not properly accounted for by Forever Living Originals.

An alleged letter sent by Cover’s lawyers only list £524,436 in expenses, although Ajikawo claims she made two payments of £350,000 and £275,000 to Forever Living Originals’ bank account.

Inflo (Dean Cover) has not yet filed a legal response to Little Simz’ allegations.