TV & movies

The latest news and reviews of TV shows and movies.

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NBC's Peacock streaming service might include live video
NBC might rely on more than a mix of free and paid tiers to reel you into watching its Peacock service. CNBC sources say the plan is to launch the app or website by immediately playing video, including live material -- you might see NBC News Now before you've even thought about choosing a show. Just what you'll watch may depend on how much you're willing to pay, mind you.
Apple TV+ video game comedy series 'Mythic Quest' debuts February 7th
Ubisoft's mysterious Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet will soon see the light of day. Apple has revealed that the video game spoof will debut on February 7th, with all nine episodes of the season available at the same time. The story is the brainchild of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia creators Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day, and tracks game developers as they "navigate the challenges" of running a major video game.
Dish's smaller AirTV 2 can hide while it streams local TV
Dish has unveiled a new version of its AirTV media box, and it's good news for those who want their over-the-air broadcasts in a subtler package. The AirTV 2 once again shares up to two streams of OTA material with the devices in your home, but it's now smaller, subtler and overall sleeker. You'll have a better chance of tucking the box away where it won't command attention. The device also boasts improved connectivity, although you're still looking at an 802.11ac WiFi connection.
NBC's Peacock streaming service may charge $10 for ad-free viewing
NBCUniversal's Peacock service might be free for some viewers, but the network also appears willing to charge money for the ad-averse. The Information tipsters claim that NBC is mulling a $10 ad-free tier as well as a $5 plan with limited ads. That would provide more flexibility and lower prices than Hulu, which has no free tier and starts at $6 per month for limited ads. Of course, Hulu isn't just limited to one broadcaster's content -- you're paying more to get more.
PBS is now available on YouTube TV
It took a few months to become a reality, but PBS channels are now available on YouTube TV. Over 100 member stations for PBS and PBS Kids are streaming live (the mix depends on where you live, of course), with on-demand content also on-hand if you can't tune into broadcasts. More stations should be available sometime in 2020.
'Narcos: Mexico' returns for its second season on February 13th
It took more than a year, but Netflix finally has a release date for the second season of Narcos: Mexico. The dramatization of the war on drugs will continue right before Valentine's Day, on February 13th. We're not quite sure that tales of violent Mexican drug lords are romantic, but this will give you something fresh to watch if you're marking the special occasion at home.
TiVo's iPhone app finally streams shows using cellular data
Believe it or not, TiVo has required that iOS users stream recordings on WiFi for the past seven years. Yes, despite the rise of fast and (theoretically) unlimited mobile data, you couldn't catch up on shows during your commute. Reason has prevailed at last, however. TiVo has updated its iOS app to support cellular streaming, letting you watch live and recorded shows as long as you have a solid internet connection.
A 'Snow Crash' TV series is coming to HBO Max
Neal Stephenson's influential Snow Crash is finally poised to reach screens, although you'll have to be picky about where you watch it. HBO Max has ordered work on a TV series adaptation of the sci-fi novel that will be written and co-run by the Scott Pilgrim movie's Michael Bacall, and directed by Attack the Block's Joe Cornish. The L Word's Angela Robinson will run the show alongside Bacall.
YouTube's AI docuseries with Robert Downey Jr arrives on December 18th
If you're going to throw megabucks at a show about AI, you'd better make sure you've got the right host for it -- and most would agree that YouTube's decision to get Robert Downey Jr, aka Iron Man, on board for their multimillion dollar The Age of AI endeavor was a pretty good shout. Announced last year, the eight-part show lands on YouTube on December 18th. Episodes will be released weekly, but if you're a YouTube Premium subscriber, you'll be able to binge the first four straight away.
Sling TV's Cloud DVR can finally record ESPN
You no longer have to worry that you'll miss out on a big sports extravaganza just because you're a Sling TV subscriber. The cord-cutter service has switched on Cloud DVR for key ESPN channels, including the main channel, ESPN2, Desportes, Bases Loaded, Goal Line, ACC Network and SEC Network. There's a good chance you can catch that big college basketball match game if you know you'll miss the live match. This doesn't extend to digital-only channels like ESPN3, ACC Network Extra and SEC Network+, however, so you'll still need to tune for some programming.
What's coming to Netflix in January: hello 'Sabrina,' goodbye 'Friends'
It's the start of a new year and a new decade, but for Netflix this will be a bittersweet January -- it's as much about what's going away as what's coming. The company is ready to offer a helping hand, at least. It has released a schedule that not only tells you what to expect at the start of 2020, but what merits a marathon viewing session before it's gone for good.
'The Matrix 4' premieres in theaters on May 21st, 2021
You didn't have to wait long to find out when the fourth Matrix movie will be ready. Warner Bros. has set the sequel's release date for May 21st, 2021, or right smack in the middle of blockbuster movie season. It clearly has confidence that the revived sci-fi franchise will pan out. Not only that, but the title is scheduled to arrive the same day as John Wick 4 -- if you can't get enough Keanu Reeves, you'll be in paradise.
Giphy's new video platform is basically GIFs with sound
Wherever you side on the pronunciation of GIF (JIF?), it's undeniable that they've become a critical part of our everyday communications. WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook support them as standard, and you've likely received more than one email from zany creative types with them embedded in their signature. Now, like the silent movie coming of age, they're getting a voice: Giphy is adding sound to its library of animated GIFs and stickers.
'Angry Birds' turns 10 years old today
If you're already struggling with the idea of entering a whole new decade in a couple weeks' time, here's something that's going to make you feel even older: Angry Birds is 10 years old today. In kid terms, it's on the cusp of middle school and it's probably started answering back.
Paul McCartney's adventure novel for kids is becoming a Netflix movie
Paul McCartney is about to have much more of a presence on Netflix than the occasional documentary or Beatles homage. Netflix and Gaumont are producing an animated movie based on McCartney's children's adventure novel High in the Clouds, which was also written by Philip Ardagh and Geoff Dunbar. The book follows the tale of a teenage squirrel who lands in a group of rebels after he inadvertently makes enemies with a tyrannical owl.
Netflix says 26.4 million accounts watched ‘The Irishman’ in its first week
Netflix had a lot riding on The Irishman -- the Martin Scorsese crime saga starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The film has been in the works for almost a decade, and Netflix, which reportedly invested as much as $200 million, has been involved for years. So, the company is understandably braggadocious that, in The Irishman's first seven days on the platform, it was watched by 26.4 million accounts globally -- 26,404,081 to be precise.
AT&T starts showing pause ads with motion on DirecTV (updated)
Since the end of last year, reports indicated that AT&T was planning to add pause ads to its video platforms. According to Variety, the telecom has flipped the switch. AT&T is currently testing the ads on DirecTV, its satellite TV service, and "other" video platforms it owns. They're also more like traditional ads than the pause ads you might see on Hulu. Variety initially reported that they include both sound and motion, though since this article was originally published, AT&T clarified to Engadget that these ads would not include audio. They'll start playing 30 seconds after you stop a video to take a break.
OnePlus adds Netflix to its TVs
When OnePlus made its TV debut, releasing its OnePlus TV Q1 series in India this September, it noticeably left Netflix out of the picture. Now, Android Police reports that OnePlus is bringing the Netflix app to its TVs via a system update. Newer models will ship with Netflix preinstalled, and a redesigned remote will come with a dedicated Netflix button.
First 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' trailer entrusts Ecto-1 to Egon's grandkids
Nearly a year after audiences got a super short tease of the new Ghostbusters movie, we finally have a full trailer. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a continuation of the original series -- unlike Paul Feig's 2016 reboot -- and is being directed by Jason Reitman, the son of series director Ivan Reitman. Finn Wolfhard and his sister arrive in a rural town after inheriting a mansion from a mysterious family member. After paranormal activity shakes the area, the kids discover their grandfather's trove of ghost hunting equipment -- a jumpsuit labelled "Spengler" is among the PKE meters and proton packs.
'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' season 3 arrives January 24th
You won't have to wait very long for the third season of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Netflix has confirmed that the next installment of the Riverdale offshoot will premiere on January 24th, 2020, just several months after season two's April 2019 debut. The teaser video doesn't say much besides welcoming you and Sabrina to Hell, but it's evident that this won't be a kid-friendly romp.

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