WebProNews

Tag: Television

  • Here’s A Preview Of What’s Coming To (And Going Away From) Netflix in March

    Here’s A Preview Of What’s Coming To (And Going Away From) Netflix in March

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    This time, we’ve got a preview of some titles that will be hitting the streaming service in the coming month. It’s surely not a complete list of all titles you’ll be seeing, but some Netflix is telling us about early.

    03/01:

    Patch Adams
    Finding Neverland
    The Brothers Grimm
    Teen Witch

    03/06:

    Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix Original)
    Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden (Netflix Original)
    My Own Man (Netflix Original)

    03/07:

    Archer: Season 5
    Glee: Season 5

    03/09:

    The Angriest Man in Brooklyn
    Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms Club

    03/11:

    How to Train Your Dragon 2

    03/15:

    3rd Rock From the Sun (Complete Series)
    A Different World (Complete Series)

    03/17:

    You’re Not You

    03/20:

    Bloodline (Netflix Original)

    03/22:

    Mad Men: Season 7, Part 1

    03/25:

    Garfunkel and Oates: Season 1
    Turn: Season 1

    03/27:

    Trailer Park Boys: Season 9 (Netflix Original)

    Here are some titles that are set to expire:

    03/01:

    3 Ninjas Kick Back
    Cool Runnings
    Dumb and Dumber
    Lords of Dogtown
    Pretty in Pink
    Rachel Getting Married
    Seven
    The Reeds
    Detention
    The Elephant Man
    The Graduate
    The Possession
    The Graves
    Penny Dreadful
    Hondo
    Das Boot: Director’s Cut
    Ordinary People
    Saturday Night Fever
    Leaving Las Vegas
    The Caller
    Dread

    03/11:

    Flubber

    03/30:

    Adventure Time
    Children’s Hospital
    Dexter’s Laboratory
    Legends of the Fall

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image via Netflix

  • Netflix Releases 1 of 4 New ‘House of Cards’ Teasers

    Netflix Releases 1 of 4 New ‘House of Cards’ Teasers

    The third season of Netflix’s acclaimed series House of Cards will debut on February 27. Last week it was released prematurely for a short time. Some people thought this was a publicity stunt from Netflix, but the company maintains it was just an accident.

    Either way, Netflix has been cranking up the publicity machine for the show. Last month we got a look at the first official trailer, and over this past weekend, a new teaser was released:

    Today, Netflix has another teaser out, which it calls “Traces – A Teaser Quartet – Part 1”. Here’s that.

    Presumably we’ll be seeing three more of these things pretty soon.

  • Netflix Releases Trailer For ‘My Own Man’

    Netflix Releases Trailer For ‘My Own Man’

    Netflix released a new trailer for documentary My Own Man, which is executive produced by Edward Norton. As you can see from the trailer, Norton also appears in the film.

    Netflix announced last month that it would exclusively premiere the film on March 6. It was written, produced and directed by David Sampliner (Dirty Work).

    The description is as follows:

    When director Sampliner learns he’s about to become a father to a baby boy, he fears he must “man up” and finally embrace the latent masculinity he’s rejected all his life. But as he immerses himself in a strange new world of masculine ideals, including vocal lessons, warrior weekends and hunting, he realizes all roads lead back to his own fraught relationship with his father. Intimate, funny and moving, My Own Man reveals the sometimes painful truths that are often left unspoken between fathers and sons. The film made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014.

    “We’re proud to be working with Edward Norton and David Sampliner on this film,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. “Intensely personal and yet universally relatable, My Own Man is both an exploration of the new masculinity and an examination of age-old differences between fathers and sons.”

    “My Own Man is as deeply personal as filmmaking can get. You rarely see an artist document their own personal experience with such candor and simultaneously offer such deep insights into the very universal struggle to communicate within a family,” said Norton. “It’s a film that lies within the emotional spectrum of great drama.”

    The film is a Sixteen Tons Production in association with Class 5 Films.

    Image via YouTube

  • Here’s What Netflix’s New Official Instagrammers Are Doing

    Here’s What Netflix’s New Official Instagrammers Are Doing

    Back in September, Netflix announced that it was looking for “Grammasters” to become its official Instagrammers to travel around and shoot famous TV and movie locations for the official Netflix Instagram account.

    Netflix now has its Grammasters, and they have indeed been doing just that. Here’s a look at what they’ve been up to:

    Not only does Netflix have these photographers capturing images of famous locations from popular movies and TV shows, but the company is encouraging the public to join in with their own submissions to create a more interesting marketing campaign. Fans are encouraged to find and Instagram a famous location, hashtag it with the title and #filmedhere, and to make sure “add to photo map” is turned on.

    Netflix has a Grammaster landing page, where you can view content on a map.

    Image via Instagram

  • Better Call Saul: Netflix Gets Viewers Ready With Saul-Based Breaking Bad Playlist

    Better Call Saul: Netflix Gets Viewers Ready With Saul-Based Breaking Bad Playlist

    The much anticipated Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul debuts on AMC on Sunday, and Netflix, which owns the streaming rights abroad, is getting viewers ready with a playlist of Breaking Bad episodes.

    “We’re remembering the best moments of our favorite sleazy lawyer from Breaking Bad,” a spokesperson tells WebProNews.

    Consider this an episode guide of the best of Saul Goodman courtesy of Netflix:

    Season 2, Episode 8: Better Call Saul – We first meet Saul, a “criminal lawyer”

    Season 2, Episode 11: Mandala – Saul proposes a new business partner for Walt and Jesse

    Season 3, Episode 2: Caballo Sin Nombre – Saul gets Jesse’s parents to lower the price to their house

    Season 3, Episode 6: Sunset – Saul urges Walt to get rid of the RV

    Season 3, Episode 11: Abiquiu – Saul meets Walter’s wife, Skyler

    Season 5, Episode 1: Live Free or Die – Walt lets Saul know he’s in charge

    You can cram those in before Sunday’s premiere, right?

    AMC will not only be debuting the first episode on Sunday, but will follow that up with the second episode on Monday. Critics are already raving about Better Call Saul, so let’s hope it lives up to the hype. Hold on to your butts.

    In the U.S. and Canada, the show will be available on Netflix just after the season finale on AMC.

    Image via Better Call Saul (Facebook)

  • Netflix Picks Up Series ‘The Get Down’ From Baz Luhrmann

    Netflix Picks Up Series ‘The Get Down’ From Baz Luhrmann

    Netflix announced that it has picked up a new television series called The Get Down from Sony Pictures Television and director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet, The Great Gatsby), which will premiere exclusively on the streaming provider next year.

    Here’s the description:

    The one-hour, 13-episode drama from Sony Pictures Television will focus on 1970s New York City – broken down and beaten up, violent, cash strapped — dying. Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them – except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, The Get Down is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco — told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world…forever.

    “From his very first and magnificently original steps on the world stage with Strictly Ballroom to his most recent with The Great Gatsby, Baz conjures worlds we may not recognize initially, but once there, realize they are infused with the same dreams of every person – to belong, to matter, to live life to its fullest. We are thrilled to support Baz, Catherine and Paul and their team in their quest to illuminate those same dreams through the artists who came of age in the cauldron of the Bronx in the late 1970s,” said Cindy Holland, vice president of original content for Netflix.

    Lhurmann added, “In this golden era of TV, the Netflix culture puts no constraint on creative possibilities. So it is a natural home for The Get Down, a project I have been contemplating and working on now for over 10 years. Throughout, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of how a city in its lowest moment, forgotten and half destroyed could give birth to such creativity and originality in music, art and culture. I’m thrilled to be working with my partners at Sony and collaborating with a team of extraordinary writers and musicians, many of whom grew up with and lived the story we’ve set out to tell.”

    Luhrmann will direct the first two episodes and the season finale and serve as executive producer. Academy-Award winner Catherine Martin (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!), will serve as Costume and Production Designer and executive producer. Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Adley Guirgis, Shawn Ryan, and Marney Hochman will also serve as executive producers.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Releases ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ Teaser Trailer

    Netflix Releases ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ Teaser Trailer

    On Tuesday, Netflix released a teaser for a teaser of its upcoming Daredvil series. Now the actual teaser is here, and gives you a whole minute and a half to sink your teeth into.

    Last month, Netflix announced an April 10 release date for the show. Here’s the description:

    Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), the series also stars Rosario Dawson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Releases Teaser For Teaser For Marvel’s Daredevil

    Netflix Releases Teaser For Teaser For Marvel’s Daredevil

    Netflix just uploaded a teaser for the teaser trailer of its upcoming show Marvel’s Daredevil. Yes, it’s a teaser for the teaser. The real teaser will come tomorrow. Prepare to be teased (about being teased).

    We’re told Daredevil will be trying to make his city a better place.

    Last month, Netflix announced an April 10 release date for the show. Here’s the description:

    Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), the series also stars Rosario Dawson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix To Offer $1 Billion In Senior Notes As It Continues Content Expansion

    Netflix To Offer $1 Billion In Senior Notes As It Continues Content Expansion

    Netflix just announced that it will offer a billion dollars in senior notes through an offering to qualified institutional buyers. Proceeds will be used for content acquisition, among other things.

    “The interest rate, redemption provisions, maturity date and other terms of the Notes will be determined by negotiations between Netflix and the initial purchasers,” the company said in a note to shareholders. “Netflix intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include content acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments, working capital and potential acquisitions and strategic transactions.”

    “This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful,” it added. “The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.”

    Netflix intends to complete its global expansion into 200 countries by 2017. This is a goal that CEO Reed Hastings and CFO David Wells outlined in the company’s letter to shareholders as it reported its Q4 earnings. In 2014, Netflix launched in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. Australia and New Zealand are set for March.

    Netflix plans to premiere 20 new shows and seasons of existing original shows a year.

    The company posted a record 13 million new members and $1.305 billion in revenue from its streaming service.

    Image via Netflix

  • Here’s What’s Coming To Netflix In The Next Week

    Here’s What’s Coming To Netflix In The Next Week

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    Neflix made headlines this week when it announced that it would be getting The Interview on Saturday. While that’s certainly the highlight here, it’s not the only thing coming to the streaming provider. There’s a good chance your daughters will be pretty hyped up for the addition of last year’s Monster High: Freaky Fusion.

    Available on 01/24:

    The Interview (2014)

    James Franco, Lizzy Caplan, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Timothy Simons

    When a TV host and his producer score an interview with Kim Jong-un, who’s a fan of their show, the CIA asks them to assassinate the dictator.

    Available on 1/25:

    The Hunters (2013)

    Robbie Amell, Alexa PenaVega, Victor Garber, Michelle Forbes, Keenan Tracey, Dan Payne

    What if all mythical artifacts, from Jason’s Golden Fleece to Cinderella’s glass slippers, were real — and protected by a secret society?

    Repentance (2013)

    Forest Whitaker, Anthony Mackie, Mike Epps, Sanaa Lathan, Nicole Ari Parker, Ariana Neal

    When his life coach ends their therapy sessions, an unhinged construction contractor takes his counselor captive and begins a ritual of torture.

    Available on 01/27:

    Days and Nights (2014)

    Katie Holmes, William Hurt, Jean Reno, Allison Janney, Ben Whishaw, Michael Nyqvist

    Chekhov’s classic The Seagull comes to 1980s New England in this story of an aging actress’s fateful choice to visit her son and ailing brother.

    Gloria (2012)

    Paulina García, Sergio Hernández, Diego Fontecilla, Fabiola Zamora, Luz Jiménez, Alejandro Goic

    An aging divorcée looking to fill a void in her life begins a romance with an ex-naval officer. But baggage from the past may derail the relationship.

    To Russia with Love (2014)

    This documentary follows the media frenzy leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, as LGBT athletes and activists confront Russia’s anti-gay laws.

    Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)

    Focusing on the nation’s 2008 financial meltdown, this sober documentary looks at the role the Federal Reserve played in igniting the crisis.

    Available on 01/28:

    Beauty & the Beast: Season 2

    A homicide detective and a veteran who has been turned into a beast by a military experiment gone awry become allies after they meet by chance.

    Chef (2014)

    Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale

    When chef Carl Casper’s plans for opening a restaurant in Los Angeles fail to pan out, he returns home to Miami and debuts a food truck instead.

    The Paradise: Series 2

    A small-town girl with big ideas moves to the city and takes a job at The Paradise — the nation’s first-ever department store.

    Available on 01/30:

    Veggie Tales in the House: Season 1 (+ additional 5 new episodes) – Netflix Original

    The beloved faith-based brand hits the small screen with a fresh new look and all-new adventures. Join Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, and all their veggie friends as they explore new areas of their wondrous house while singing catchy, original songs included in each episode. Perfect for young families, this laugh-out-loud comedy seamlessly weaves good moral values into each episode in a fun, exciting way for Veggie lovers of all ages.

    Monster High: Freaky Fusion (2014)

    Cam Clarke, Audu Paden, Laura Bailey, Cindy Robinson, Erin Fitzgerald, Kate Higgins

    When Frankie Stein travels back in time, a teen scientist follows her home into the present and causes a lab accident that creates four new monsters.

    Image via Facebook

  • Here’s What’s Coming To Netflix In The Next Week

    Here’s What’s Coming To Netflix In The Next Week

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    Yes, that’s R.J. Mitte. Also known as Walter Jr. That would be a still from House of Last Things. I haven’t seen it, but I can’t say I’ve seen anything with R.J. Mitte in it that wasn’t absolutely awesome. Granted, Breaking Bad is the only Mitte title I’ve watched. Oh, to hell with it. Just watch Breaking Bad again. It’s still on there.

    Available on 01/10:

    Auomata (2014)

    Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Melanie Griffith, Dylan McDermott, Robert Forster, Andy Nyman

    In a dystopian future, an insurance adjuster for a tech company investigates a robot killed for violating protocol and discovers a global conspiracy.

    Available on 1/12:

    America’s Funniest Home Videos Kids: Playtime Ain’t for Wimps (2014)

    Tom Bergeron hosts this “AFV” series dedicated to that especially funny — and sometimes painfully dangerous — time for families.

    Available on 1/13:

    Being Human: Season 4 (U.S.)

    Boston roommates Aidan, Josh and Sally are your average twenty-somethings — except that they’re also a vampire, werewolf and ghost, respectively.

    Steve Treviño: Relatable (2014)

    Comedian Steve Treviño performs his signature no-holds-barred humor in a special that’s relatable to both young and old alike.

    Viktor (2014)

    Gérard Depardieu, Elizabeth Hurley, Eli Danker, Denis Karasyov, Marcello Mazzarella, Evgeniya Akhremenko

    After spending years in jail, an art thief returns to Moscow’s dark and violent underworld to solve his son’s brutal murder.

    Wetlands (2013)

    Carla Juri, Christoph Letkowski, Meret Becker, Axel Milberg, Marlen Kruse, Peri Baumeister

    Antisocial teen Helen’s only interest in other people is reuniting her divorced parents, and a freak shaving accident may hold the answer.

    Available on 1/15:

    Wolfblood: Season 3

    This supernatural drama series follows a teenage girl who has the powers of a werewolf: heightened senses and super strength and speed.

    Kids for Cash (2013)

    Determined to deter kids from crime, a juvenile until one parent questions his motives.

    Vito (2011)

    This documentary explores the life and work of activist Vito Russo, who wrote The Celluloid Closet, which examines movie portrayals of homosexuals. Russo was a powerful force in gay politics and AIDS awareness before dying of the disease in 1990.

    The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!: Seasons 1 – 2 (2010)

    The Cat in the Hat is back — and this time, he’s teaching Sally and her brother, Nick, some awfully nifty things to think about!

    House of Last Things (2013)

    Lindsey Haun, Michele Mariana, R.J. Mitte, Blake Berris, Diane Dalton, Randy Schulman

    After kidnapping a young boy, a house sitter and her brother and boyfriend are caught in a netherworld between hallucination and reality.

    Available on 01/16:

    The Adventures of Puss in Boots: Season 1 (2015)

    The world’s greatest feline fighter, lover and milk connoisseur is back in this original series filled with daring adventures, great boots, and laugh-out-loud fun! The entire family will be entranced by Puss’ fantastical CG world filled with new characters, exotic locations and mystical tales that make up the stuff of legends. There’s nothing that can get in this celebrated swashbuckling kitty’s way…except maybe a hairball.

    Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)

    Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, Colin Firth, Stephen Graham

    This gripping thriller about Cold War espionage follows an English spy as he returns to MI-6 under suspicion that he’s become a Soviet operative.

    Johnny English Reborn (2011)

    Rowan Atkinson, Dominic West, Gillian Anderson, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Kaluuya, Richard Schiff

    Bumbling spy Johnny English sharpens his skills at a Tibetan monastery and returns to service to protect the Chinese premier from an assassin.

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Eyes Expansion In Europe, Asia

    Netflix Eyes Expansion In Europe, Asia

    Netflix expanded into new European markets last year, and appears to have additional ones on its roadmap, as well as some Asian countries and those where Arabic is widely spoken.

    A research note from Citibank analyst Mark May has drawn some attention after he pointed out a LinkedIn job posting from Netflix seeking people fluent in Arabic, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish and Vietnamese. Bloomberg reports:

    Todd Yellin, Netflix’s vice president of innovation, told reporters today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that the company, based in Los Gatos, California, has plans to enter more markets, without giving specifics on when or where.

    The job posting calls for candidates to use language skills to “provide localization for the Netflix experience, which includes translating content materials and customizing marketing for target markets.”

    Bloomberg quotes Netflix spokesman Cliff Edwards: “We’ve been very clear about our intention to become a global Internet television provider. We have nothing to share at this time on additional territory launches. We’re focused, as you know, on delivering service in March to Australia and New Zealand.”

    In November, Netflix announced that it will launch in Australia and New Zealand in March. That’s just in time for a couple of its new original shows, Bloodline and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Daredevil will debut the following month.

    Image via Netflix

  • Netflix Sets Release Date For ‘Grace And Frankie’ From ‘Friends’ Creator

    Netflix Sets Release Date For ‘Grace And Frankie’ From ‘Friends’ Creator

    Back in March, Netflix announced a new comedy series from Friends creator Marta Kauffman called Grace and Frankie. It stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

    Netflix announced some release dates for upcoming shows today, with Grace and Frankie slated for May 8. Here’s the show’s description:

    In this irreverent and touching series, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as Grace and Frankie, a pair of frenemies whose lives are turned upside down – and permanently intertwined – when their husbands leave them for each other. Together, they must face starting over in their 70s in a 21st century world. The series also stars Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, June Diane Raphael and Baron Vaughn. Created by Marta Kauffman (Friends) and Howard J. Morris (Home Improvement), the 13-episode series is produced by Skydance Productions and executive producers Kauffman, Morris, Fonda, Tomlin, Paula Weinstein, David Ellison, David Goldberg and Marcy Ross.

    Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos said upon the show’s initial announcement, “Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are among the funniest and most formidable actresses ever and it’s an incredible privilege to give them the opportunity to run riot on Netflix. The show created for them by Marta and Howard is warm, very funny and anything but wholesome. We can’t wait.”

    “Netflix is redefining the way we produce and consume television and it’s a true privilege to be in business with Ted and his amazing team,” said Skydance’s David Ellison. “Working with the wonderfully talented Marta, Jane, Lily, Howard and their producer Paula Weinstein is a dream come true, and the story they have crafted is both hilarious and heartfelt.”

    The first season will consist of thirteen half-hour episodes.

    Netflix made the entire series of Friends available at the beginning of the year.

    Image via Facebook

  • Netflix’s ‘Daredevil’ Finally Gets Release Date

    Netflix’s ‘Daredevil’ Finally Gets Release Date

    It’s been about a year and two months since Netflix first announced its upcoming live action Marvel shows. The first of which, Daredevil, finally has a release date, and it’s not really too far off.

    Fans will be able to see the superhero in action beginning on April 10. Here’s Netflix’s description:

    Blinded as a young boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the Super Hero “Daredevil” in modern day Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, with executive producers Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), the series also stars Rosario Dawson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson.

    Last week, we learned a few new details about the upcoming show. For one, it will take a realistic approach to the story. They’re shooting for something reminiscent of The Wire, as opposed to a more cartoony vibe. It will apparently be edgier than most of Marvel’s other output, but will still remain relatively family-friendly.

    The show will take place in the same cinematic universe as Marvel’s movies, but will focus on a more localized story in Hell’s Kitchen. It will also be as much about Kingpin as it is about Daredevil (almost, at least).

    Another villain, Bullseye, has been said to not be in the series, but it sounds like he’s probably going to make an appearance somewhere down the line. Just not in the first season.

    Daredevil will eventually be followed by other Marvel shows about Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. These will all culminate in a miniseries event, The Defenders.

    image via Facebook

  • Netflix Sets Release Date For ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ From Tina Fey

    Netflix Sets Release Date For ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ From Tina Fey

    Netflix just announced a handful of release dates for some of its new shows. One of those, which was only announced in November, is going to debut in just a couple months.

    That would be Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a new comedy created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and starring Ellie Kemper. Netflix will be the exclusive home to the show for the first two seasons. It was originally going to appear on NBC, which is still involved with the project. It will debut on March 6.

    Here’s the official description from Netflix:

    From creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, this half-hour single-camera comedy series stars Ellie Kemper as Kimmy, who escapes a doomsday cult and decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, Kimmy’s ready to take on a world she didn’t even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. The 13-episode series, produced by Universal Television, also stars Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and more. Fey and Carlock serve as executive producers, along with David Miner and Jeff Richmond.

    “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to debut Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively on Netflix, which has proven to be such an outstanding place for distinctive, original programming,” said Fey and Carlock when the show was first announced. “Happily, we will still collaborate with our longtime partners at Universal Television to fulfill Netflix’s two-season order. We grew up at NBC and will continue to develop broadcast projects with them as well. We found the inspiration for this series in Ellie Kemper’s shining all-American face, and we know that she and Kimmy Schmidt have found their best possible home at Netflix.”

    NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said at the time, “When the opportunity arose for Tina Fey and Robert Carlock to premiere their new show on Netflix with a two-season commitment, we decided this was the best possible scenario to launch this captivating new series. While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy mid-season schedule so we’re thrilled about this Netflix opportunity; it’s an instant win-win for everyone, including Tina, Robert, and Universal Television. We’re already talking to these extraordinary creators about new development for NBC, but meanwhile, everyone here from Universal Television will do everything possible to see that Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt becomes a long-running hit on Netflix.”

    The show is a production of Universal Television, Little Stranger Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment and Bevel Gears for Netflix.

    Images via Facebook

  • Netflix Renews ‘Marco Polo’ For Second Season

    Netflix Renews ‘Marco Polo’ For Second Season

    Netflix’s latest original series (at least for grown-ups) Marco Polo hasn’t even been available for a month yet, and it got mixed reviews at best, but that’s not stopping the company from bringing it back for a second season.

    Netflix announced the news on Wednesday, saying that it has a new ten-episode chapter in the works. The company said:

    Marco Polo, the sweeping adventure that follows the famed explorer’s exploits in Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century China, will return to delight the global Netflix audience. Creator John Fusco’s tale of Marco’s journey will continue for 10 all-new episodes as Marco navigates Kublai Khan’s world of greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry. Fusco serves as executive producer along with Dan Minahan. Academy-Award nominated directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg also serve as executive producers. Season one was shot in Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Italy. Produced by The Weinstein Company, the series stars Lorenzo Richelmy as Marco and features Benedict Wong, Joan Chen, Zhu Zhu, Chin Han, Olivia Cheng, Tom Wu, Remy Hii, Uli Latukefu, Mahesh Jadu, Claudia Kim and Rick Yune.

    The show has often been described as Netflix’s answer to Game of Thrones, albeit a lackluster one. I can’t vouch for such assessments, as I’ve yet to watch the series personally, but that’s the general gist of what I’ve taken away from those who have. Of course I put little stock into the reviews of others, so I wouldn’t advise you to do so.

    Early renewals for original shows have been pretty commonplace for Netflix so far. Orange is the New Black’s second season was picked up even before the first one debuted. Hemlock Grove was quickly renewed despite less than favorable reviews, though its upcoming third season is to be its last.

    It’s unclear when Netflix expects to debut Marco Polo: Season 2.

    Image via Netflix

  • CES: Firefox OS Heads To Televisions

    CES: Firefox OS Heads To Televisions

    At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Mozilla announced some new developments for Firefox OS to help expand it into more device categories. These include televisions, and Panasonic announced a lineup of 4K Ultra HD smart TVs powered by the operating system.

    “Mozilla and Panasonic collaborated to create a new innovative, interactive and customizable user interface powered by Firefox OS, which will be available on Panasonic’s new Life+ Screen TVs starting this spring,” Mozilla said. “Through the collaboration, Panasonic’s 2015 TV user interface has advanced significantly from last year, making it even easier for users to quickly access their favorite content – including live TV, applications, websites and content on other devices. Also, for the first time, these Panasonic TVs powered by Firefox OS will allow TV on-screen notifications from applications, and, in the future, from compatible connected appliances.”

    “We’ve made it easy to find your favorite content and applications or customize the user interface on our Life+ Screen 4K Ultra HD Smart TVs, powered by Firefox OS,” said Yuki Kusumi, Director of the Home Entertainment Business Division of Appliances Company of Panasonic. “Firefox OS uses open Web technologies, which allow us to maximize compatibility with other devices like smartphones and laptops to send content (such as your favorite photos or videos) to your TV.”

    Matchstick also launched a new open source streaming platform with new hardware partnerships with Philips/AOC and TCL for devices that utilize Firefox OS.

    Image via YouTube

  • CES: New Android TV Devices On The Way

    CES: New Android TV Devices On The Way

    Google unveiled Android TV at Google I/O back in June. Today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, the company announced that its partners are showing off some new devices for it, which will be shipped in the spring.

    These include models from Sony, Sharp, TP Vision/Philips.

    “These have all the goodness of Android TV built in so you won’t need to plug anything extra into your television,” says VP Engineering Hiroshi Lockheimer. “You can use a single remote to watch live TV channels and play games, movies or shows from Google Play and your apps. These televisions feature voice search, to help you quickly find what you want, and they’re Google Cast Ready so you can cast your favorite entertainment from your phone or tablet to the big screen. Android TV will come to life on screens big and small, including brilliant 4K displays, thanks to the work of our partners.”

    “If you want to get in on the action using your current television, Razer just announced a gaming console powered by Android TV,” Lockheimer adds. “Razer’s Forge TV has high-performance specs, a wireless game controller and allows you to stream PC games to your TV. It will start shipping to consumers in February. Huawei is also working on an Android TV streaming media player that will be ready later this year.”

    Google also counts chip makers ARM, Broadcom, Imagination Technologies, Intel, Marvell, MediaTek, MStar, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and STMicroelectronics as Android TV partners.

    Here’s the Android TV presentation from Google I/O:

    On Monday, Google revealed Google Cast for audio, which enables cast functionality with compatible speakers, also due out in the spring.

    Image via Google

  • Here’s What’s New On Netflix This Week

    Here’s What’s New On Netflix This Week

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    We typically post these lists on Fridays, but with the holidays, I’m sure you understand the slight delay. You’re no doubt aware that the entire series of Friends became available on January 1. Here are some more additions for the new year.

    Available on 01/02:

    Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H: Season 1 (2013)

    Marvel’s mightiest superheroes — Hulk, She-Hulk, Red Hulk, A-Bomb and Skaar — team up to tackle threats too enormous for other heroes to handle.

    Available on 01/03:

    30 for 30: The U: Part 2 (2009)

    After the University of Miami’s football team rose from the ashes to win another national championship in 2001, even more scandal tainted the program.

    Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

    Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Kenneth Branagh, Keira Knightley

    CIA analyst Jack Ryan tries to thwart a terrorist plot to bring down the U.S. economy in this action-thriller starring Chris Pine in the title role.

    White Collar: Season 5

    To avoid jail, an ultra-suave con man signs on to help an FBI agent catch other white-collar thieves but he conceals an ulterior motive.

    What is Cinema (2013)

    Chuck Workman digs deep into the cinematic archives, presenting more than 100 clips plus illuminating conversations with avant-garde filmmakers.

    Available on 01/04:

    Falcon Rising (2014)

    Michael Jai White, Neal McDonough, Laila Ali, Lateef Crowder, Hazuki Kato, Millie Ruperto

    A martial arts master and former Marine heads to Brazil to track down the men who murdered his sister and stumbles on a city ruled by yakuza.

    Available on 01/05:

    Fantasia (1940)

    Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse

    This Disney classic is composed of eight animated segments (each set to the music of a different composer), including “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

    The Ouija Experiment (2011)

    Justin Armstrong, Belmarie Huynh, Swisyzinna, Carson Underwood, Eric Window, Dave Clark

    Film student Brandon and four friends play with a ouija board, unwittingly opening a portal to the spirit world and a drowned girl’s deadly mystery.

    The Snitch Cartel (2011)

    Manolo Cardona, Juana Acosta, Diego Cadavid, Robinson Díaz, Julián Arango, Andrés Parra

    Struggling to rise above his working-class origins, Martin Gonzalez begins selling drugs for the brutal North Valley Cartel.

    Years of Living Dangerously: Season 1

    The Emmy-winning series follows celebrities and well-known journalists investigating solutions to global climate change and its impact on humanity.

    Available on 01/06:

    Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2013)

    Orlando Seale, Samantha Barks, Harry Sadeghi, Stephane Cornicard, Jessie Buckley, Sophia Ellis

    Equipped with a mechanical heart and determined to stay out of death’s shadow, young Jack understands that love could prove fatal.

    Scorpion King 4: Quest to Power (2015)

    Barry Bostwick, M. Emmet Walsh, Lou Ferrigno, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Victor Webster, Royce Gracie

    Hero Mathayus races against time tracking down a powerful treasure, before his former friend — now an evil ruler — finds it first and conquers all.

    Available on 01/07:

    Aliens on the Moon: The Truth Exposed (2014)

    Roger Leopardi

    Never-before-aired NASA footage presents startling evidence that may finally answer the question: Is the moon a secret landing base for an alien race?

    Brick Mansions (2014)

    Paul Walker, David Belle, RZA, Gouchy Boy, Catalina Denis, Carlo Rota

    An undercover Detroit cop navigates a dangerous neighborhood that’s surrounded by a containment wall with the help of an ex-con in order to bring down a crime lord and his plot to devastate the entire city.

    Available on 01/08:

    Frank (2014)

    Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy, Michael Fassbender, François Civil, Carla Azar

    An aspiring musician joins a band of eccentrics led by an enigmatic singer — who wears a fake head — and his unstable girlfriend.

    Psych: Season 8

    Shawn Spencer appears to possess a nearly supernatural gift for crime-solving — so much so that the police begin employing his services as a psychic.

    Available on 01/09:

    Z Nation: Season 1

    Nat Zang, Russell Hodgkinson, Michael Welch, Anastasia Baranova, Kellita Smith, DJ Qualls

    Three years after the zombie virus has gutted the country, a team of everyday heroes must transport the only known survivor of the plague from New York to California, where the last functioning viral lab waits for his blood.

    Here’s a look at some other recently added titles.

  • Netflix Original ‘Puss In Boots’ Series Gets Release Date

    Netflix Original ‘Puss In Boots’ Series Gets Release Date

    Netflix announced the release date for its next original Dreamworks Animation series, “The Adventures of Puss in Boots”. It will premiere on January 16, exclusively on the streaming service.

    Netflix announced three new DreamWorks Animation originals back in May, to follow up its previously released series Turbo FAST. These were All Hail King Julien, Puss in Boots, and Veggie Tales in the House. King Julien recently made its debut as well.

    Here’s the Puss in Boots description per Netflix:

    The Adventures of Puss in Boots finds the world’s most famous feline fortune-hunter in the hidden city of San Lorenzo, a mythical land that is invisible to the outside world thanks to a magical spell that protects its quirky inhabitants – not to mention its wondrous treasure. When Puss in Boots accidentally breaks the spell, he must do more than fight off an endless legion of invaders and marauders … he must become a legend.

    With a sweeping, epic visual flair and extraordinary quests in each episode, The Adventures of Puss in Boots combines adventure and comedy with the quick-witted, nimble-footed style that is as synonymous with its hero as his namesake boots.

    It does not appear that Antonio Banderas is involved. Danny Trejo is, however.

    The first five 22-minute episodes will be available to Netflix members in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, UK, Ireland, the Nordics, Benelux and France on Friday, the sixteenth. Additional episodes will debut throughout the year.

    Image via Facebook

  • CES: Netflix Announces Recommended TV Program

    CES: Netflix Announces Recommended TV Program

    At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Netflix announced a new program called Netflix Recommended TV, which it describes as an independent smart TV evaluation program to help consumers identify TVs built for “a superior Internet TV experience.”

    “We’’ve created the Netflix Recommended TV program to help consumers identify smart TVs that offer better performance, easier menu navigation and new features that improve the experience for Internet TV services,”’’ explains Netflix chief product officer Neil Hunt. ““When you see a TV with the Netflix Recommended TV logo, it means that TV will provide an excellent Netflix experience, based on criteria our members tell us matter most.’’”

    “Over the last seven years, Netflix engineers have worked with makers of Internet-ready televisions, game consoles, set-top boxes and mobile devices to test their products and ensure consumers get a great Netflix experience right out of the box,” the company says. “With the Netflix Recommended TV logo, TV manufacturers will be able to highlight products that offer both the best Netflix experience and superior smart TV performance.”

    Sony, LG, Sharp, VIZIO, and manufacturers of Roku TVs are expected to make the first Netflix Recommended TVs available this spring. Also this spring, additional performance criteria will be announced, such as the ability to turn the TV on instantly, faster app launch and faster resume of video playback.

    The program is U.S. only for now, but will eventually expand worldwide. Certified TVs will vary in size and pricing.

    Image via Netflix