News

History Channel has been feeding the hunger and quenching the thirst for more The Food That Built America. During Season 6 the network already served up fascinating brand and product origin stories and the innovators and entrepreneurial visionaries behind them. So far episodes have centered on tortilla takeovers, movie theater munchies, a baked chocolate chip bonanza, convenience store staples and titans of the mall food court.  The next installment on March 30 is about how Jim Folger discovered a new way to bring coffee to the masses. This opened the door to a battle for java supremacy when Maxwell House entered the arena. From there came at-home inventions that transformed mornings for households thanks to Mr. Coffee machines and most recently Keurig coffee makers. .  Helping set the scenes are quality reenactments alongside experts on the topics tackled including Adam Richman. Known for hosting shows like Man v. Food, Modern Marvels and Adam Eats the 80s,...

The logo of streaming service MyFree DirecTV (Screen capture by The Desk)

Pay television broadcaster DirecTV will launch a no-cost version of its service that includes dozens of free, ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) content and channels.

The service, called MyFree DirecTV, will launch on November 15 and will include the same familiar interface as DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream, including the “Your TV” content carousel with personalized recommendations.

Over the past two years, DirecTV has been steadily increasing the number of Fast channels it offers through its service, including content streams from Lionsgate, the E. W. Scripps Company, A+E Networks, Fox Corporation, Cineverse and Tastemade.

Many of those channels are expected to be offered through MyFree DirecTV, though a full list of Fast channels was not immediately available. A pre-launch page discovered by The Desk earlier this week listed shows like “Ax Men,” “Modern Marvels,” “Power” and “Cold Case Files...

On Sunday September 29 2024, History broadcasts Modern Marvels!

Modern Marvels: Rocks Greatest Hits Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of *Modern Marvels*, titled “Rocks Greatest Hits,” airing on the History channel, delves into the hidden power and importance of rocks. From the energy they hold beneath the Earth’s surface to their influence on construction and technology, this episode explores how rocks play a vital role in shaping the world around us.

The episode takes viewers deep underground to witness the mining of marble, a stone prized for its beauty and strength. The process of extracting marble from miles below the surface showcases the incredible effort involved in bringing this natural material to the surface, where it’s used in everything from architecture to art. This exploration reveals the intricate connection between the Earth’s geology and human innovation.

In addition to marble, “Rocks Greatest Hits” uncovers the mysteries of moon stones,...

On Sunday September 29 2024, History broadcasts Modern Marvels!

Modern Marvels: More Dirt Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of *Modern Marvels*, titled “More Dirt,” airing on the History channel, digs into the fascinating and often overlooked world of soil. This episode uncovers the many mysteries of dirt, showing how this simple substance has played a crucial role in some of the most important innovations throughout history.

Viewers will learn how soil is more than just the ground beneath our feet. It has been essential for agriculture, construction, and even scientific breakthroughs. The episode explores the complex composition of soil and how its unique properties have been harnessed for different purposes. From supporting the growth of crops to forming the foundation for buildings, dirt has paved the way for human advancement in ways most people never consider.

In addition to looking at the past, “More Dirt” also examines how soil continues to impact modern innovations.

On Sunday September 29 2024, History broadcasts Modern Marvels!

Modern Marvels: Super Power Pressure Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of *Modern Marvels*, titled “Super Power Pressure,” airing on the History channel, takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of pressure and its countless applications in everyday life and nature. This episode explores how pressure is not just a scientific concept, but a powerful force with practical uses that impact everything from household appliances to natural disasters.

One of the key topics covered in the episode is how pressure is crucial for keeping refrigerators cool. Viewers will learn how this invisible force plays a vital role in preserving food by powering the refrigeration process, something most people take for granted. The show also expands on how pressure is used in various other industries and technologies that rely on its unique properties.

In a more dramatic demonstration, the episode also looks at...

On Sunday September 29 2024, History broadcasts Modern Marvels!

Modern Marvels: Bathroom Tech Plus Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of *Modern Marvels*, titled “Bathroom Tech Plus,” set to air on the History channel, offers viewers a fascinating dive into the evolution and innovation of bathroom technology. This episode explores how the bathroom has transformed over time into not just a functional space but one of the most beloved and costly rooms in many homes.

Viewers will get a look at the latest advancements in bathroom technology, from high-tech showers to smart toilets and cutting-edge fixtures. The episode showcases how these innovations have made the bathroom more than a place of necessity, turning it into a luxurious and personalized retreat for many homeowners. Whether it’s eco-friendly designs or comfort-enhancing features, this episode provides insight into how modern technology is reshaping this essential part of the home.

The episode also traces the historical development of the bathroom,...

(Courtesy image, Graphic by The Desk)

Pay television provider DirecTV and A+E Networks have expanded their distribution agreement to include around a dozen free, ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) channels.

The channels — 10 in total — will be available to customers who use DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream, the company said in a release. Customers with DirecTV’s satellite-based service will also have access to the channels through the companion DirecTV app.

The channels being added to DirecTV’s Internet-based platforms are:

Ax Men (marathon stream) Cold Case Files (marathon stream) Crime 360 Deal Zone Duck Dynasty (marathon stream) Ice Road Truckers (marathon stream) Modern Marvels (marathon stream) Movie Favorites by Lifetime Tiny House Nation (marathon stream) UnXplained Zone

“Consumers today want more choice and customization in their video offerings, and we are working across all of our top programming suppliers to ensure they get it,” Linda Burakoff, the Senior Vice President of Content and Programming at DirecTV,...

The new networks take advantage of the vast library of content available from A+E, including ‘Ice Road Truckers,’ ‘Duck Dynasty’ and more.

Directv is giving its customers even more to watch. Mere days after agreeing to a ground-breaking carriage deal with Disney, the cable channel distributor is expanding its relationship with A+E Networks, which means that all Directv Stream, Directv via Internet and Directv satellite subscribers will soon have access to 10 new channels featuring favorites like “Ax Men,” “Duck Dynasty,” and more.

Key Details: The new channels are now available to all Directv subscribers. Channels include single-show options like “Ice Road Truckers,” themed channels like “Crime 360” and more. A+E, Lifetime, History Channel, and others are only available on Directv Choice packages and higher. 5-Day Free Trial $79.99+ / month directv.com/stream

Choose $15 Off each month for the first 2 months of Entertainment with Sports Pack or $20 Off each month...

Peacock has released the trailer for “Teacup,” a new horror thriller series from James Wan’s Atomic Monster, which has been adapted by showrunner Ian McCulloch.

Per the official logline, “‘Teacup’ follows a disparate group of people in rural Georgia who must come together in the face of a mysterious threat in order to survive.” Cast members include Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Chaske Spencer, Kathy Baker, Boris McGiver, Caleb Dolden, Emilie Bierre and Luciano Leroux.

Executive producers include Wan, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett for Atomic Monster, Francisca X. Hu, Kevin Tancharoen and McCammon. “Teacup” is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The first two episodes of the series, which was inspired by the novel “Stinger” by Robert McCammon, premiere on Peacock Oct. 10, followed by two new episodes every week through Halloween.

Watch the trailer below.

Programming

All 134 episodes of “Suits” are now available to stream via...

December is on its way out the door, but there is plenty more to come at Disney+! This January, the House of Mouse streamer will conclude the first season of its highly anticipated, long-awaited “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” which premieres on the streamer on Wednesday, Dec. 20, but it will also premiere all episodes of the new Marvel Studios limited series “Echo,” its “Hawkeye” spinoff with Alaqua Cox leading the path to justice.

Also joining Disney+ this month will be music documentaries with subjects big and small (from Detroit Youth Choir to mega-sensation BTS), animated kids’ series like Season 3 of “Bluey,” and much more.

Check out The Streamable’s top five picks for the best series, films, and documentary projects that are coming to the streamer this month!

Sign Up Now $7.99+ / month disneyplus.com

Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $14.99 a month ($12 savings).

What are the 5 Best Shows and...

The free ad-supported TV (Fast) segment of the streaming world is growing at a…well, fast rate. One recent survey found that 33% of American streaming customers subscribe to a Fast service, and those numbers will only grow as the costs of ad-free streaming continue to rise.

Plex is one of the services that has benefited most from the rush of users to Fast platforms. Plex offers nearly 1,000 free streaming channels globally, with almost 750 available in the United States alone. From popular movies and TV to news and even sports-themed channels, Plex has something to fit every streaming appetite.

Watch Now $0+ / month plex.tv

Plex has seen impressive growth from its Fast segment in the past year. According to the company, it has experienced a 54% increase in Fast viewers when comparing the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2022. That increase in viewers has led to a 135% jump in minutes watched,...

Weigel Broadcasting Co., the company behind the classic television outlet MeTV, is launching its first unscripted network. The company will launch Story Television Network, an over-the-air national broadcast channel devoted to history-based fare, on March 28.

Story TV’s programming will include off-net series that originally aired on networks like A&e and History Channel, including “Biography,” “The Men Who Built America,” “World War II in HD,” “Modern Marvels,” “Mankind: The Story of All of Us” and more. Each day will center programming around a unique theme or genre, such as military, technology and innovation, world events, American history, modern achievement, unexplained phenomena, and biographical tributes.

“As we looked at the landscape, we looked at what genre works really well for advertisers and viewership that isn’t currently in the air right now,” said Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting. “It’s history-oriented programming. But many of the networks that...

Despite the 'Covid-19' virus wreaking havoc throughout the movie industry, the TV studios continue to fight back, with vaccinations on the rise and February 2021 broadcast dates scheduled for new and returning series:

February 1: 

Bucket List  February 2: The Pembrokeshire Murders  February 3: 

Firefly Lane The Fixers  February 4:  

Mary McCartney Serves It Up Fast Foodies Impractical Jokers Impractical Jokers: After Party Swamp People Summer House  February 5: The Snoopy ShowLong Island Medium: There In Spirit  February 6: Devil May Care 

February 7: 

Super Bowl Lv The Equalizer Puppy Bowl Xvii  February 8: 

Black Lightning Love Games Studio C Balthazar Love My Way  February 9: 

Basketball Wives The Food That Built America    February 10: 

Tough as Nails Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel  February 11: Clarice February 12:  Hip Hop Uncovered Are You Afraid of the Dark? Unseamly: The Investigation of Peter Nygård 

February 14:  American Idol...

Rudy Boesch, the oldest person to compete on “Survivor,” died Friday from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, according to numerous media reports. He was 91 and was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va.

A former Navy Seal, Boesch appeared on the first season of the reality show in 2000. He was 72 at the time and finished in third place.

Boesch formed an alliance with Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season, who tweeted, “Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine prejudices. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!”

Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!

— Richard Hatch (@HatchRichard) November 2, 2019

Known for his politically incorrect statements known as “Rudyisms” and gruff manner, he nevertheless became a fan favorite.

Who he is: Howard Anthony Walter Stark

His power: No superpowers, but a scientific genius and inventor. Also? Very smooth with the ladies.

His Story: Howard Stark built his fortune and founded Stark Industries as a savvy businessman and brilliant scientist in the ’30s and ’40s, eventually working with the military on government contracts for weapons during World War II. In Captain America, he’s introduced at the Modern Marvels Of Tomorrow Expo, promising a flying car in the near future. Recruited into the Strategic Scientific Reserve (the forerunner of S.H.I.E.L.D.), he develops the machinery sued by Dr. Abraham Erskine that transforms Steve Rogers into Captain America. An associate of Peggy Carter’s, Stark flies Captain America into Austria to stage a rescue operation, and soon after outfits the super soldier with his signature vibranium shield. After Captain’s supposed death, Stark spent months searching...

[caption id="attachment_48489" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Image via Naples Daily News. Photo credit: Erik Kellar/Staff./caption]

Iconic narrator and voice-over artist Peter Thomas has died at the age of 91. Best known for narrating TLC's The Forensic Files, he most recently worked on the Changing Seas TV show (2009 - 2014), from WPBT2 in Miami, Florida.

Hist other TV series work includes Nova, Mobsters, Biography, Empires of Industry, Modern Marvels, Naked Planet, and How the West Was Lost. He also served as cinematographer on one 1993 episode of that series, "A Good Day to Die."

Read More…...

In case you missed it H2 became the new channel Viceland on Feb. 29 (yesterday). For more information on the new channel check out http://www.channelguidemag.com/tv-news/2016/02/29/h2-becomes-viceland-feb-29/ Or visit: www.viceland.com Currently, the word is that History will be airing shows (including Ancient Aliens, The Universe and Modern Marvels) that previously were on H2. Premiering tonight on Viceland are: Noisey: An original music documentary series featuring correspondent Zach Goldbaum getting a firsthand look into the most interesting music scenes in America and around the world. Each episode focuses on a single city – from Compton, to Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, Toronto, London, Sao … Continue reading →

The post H2 Becomes Viceland; H2 Shows Now On History appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

At a loss for what to watch this week? From new DVDs and Blu-rays, to what's streaming on Netflix, we've got you covered.

TV Worth Watching

"Mad Men" (Sunday on AMC at 10 p.m.)

It's the end of an era. Pour yourself an Old Fashioned and toast the end of "Mad Men," 'cause Don Draper leaves us on May 17. Farewell, Don/Dick, Peggy, Joan, Roger, and -- wherever she is -- Lois the foot-crushing secretary. #TeamLois4Life

"Scandal" (Thursday on ABC at 9 p.m.)

"Scandal" is so devoted to its own name that every episode feels like a season finale. But the real end of Season 4 happens May 14 with "You Can't Take Command." ABC promises it will be "shocking" and since it's "Scandal," we believe it.

"Saturday Night Live" (Saturday on NBC at 11:29 p.m.)

Louis C.K. will host the Season 40 finale with Rihanna as musical guest. We have high expectations for both stars,...

In May we will see almost 60 titles leave Netflix, but nearly 60 titles are being added. One of the big warnings I will heed is that you’ve got until May 5 to watch Skyfall, so get on that. The Netflix original Grace & Frankie makes its debut on May 8 and stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston.

Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, The Boxtrolls, and Fruitvale Station are just some of the great titles heading your way next month. Check out the full list of new movies and TV shows coming to Netflix.

Available May 1

Beyond Clueless (2014)

Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013)

Legally Blonde (2001)

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003)

Longmire: Season 3

No No: A Dockumentary (2014)

Shameless: Series 10

The Last Waltz (1978)

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)

Underclassman (2015)

Witnesses: Season 1

Available May 2

Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Sweets (2015)

LeapFrog Letter Factory Adventures: Amazing Word Explorers (2015)

Available May 3

Anita (2013)

D.L. Hughley...

Some new titles are slated to hit Netflix next month, but things are a bit thin in the quality department. Highlights include Quentin Tarantino’s WWII saga Inglourious Basterds, Laika’s delightful The Boxtrolls, the emotional 2013 drama Fruitvale Station, and…not much else. On the Netflix Originals front, however, we do have the Jane Fonda/Lily Tomlin comedy Grace & Frankie coming on May 8th. Check out the full list of new movies and TV shows coming to Netflix in May below, via THR. Available May 1 Beyond Clueless (2014) Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013) Legally Blonde (2001) Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003) Longmire: Season 3 No No: A Dockumentary (2014) Shameless: Series 10 The Last Waltz (1978) The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005) Underclassman (2015) Witnesses: Season 1 Available May 2 Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Sweets (2015) LeapFrog Letter Factory Adventures: Amazing Word Explorers (2015) Available May 3 Anita (2013) D.L. Hughley: Clear (2014) Royal Pains: Season 6 Available May 5 A Few Best Men...

May on Netflix brings more high-profile original series, including "Grace and Frankie," starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women who bond when their husbands -- Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen -- reveal they're gay and leave their wives to be together. It's from Marta Kauffman, the co-creator of "Friends."

Also new, the sci-fi mystery series "Between," in which a disease has wiped out everyone over 21. Unlike other Netflix series, "Between" will air a new episode every week for six weeks, beginning on May 21. Jennette McCurdy from "iCarly" stars.

And debuting on May 22: A comedy special from Jen Kirkman, best known for her appearances on "Chelsea Lately" and "Drunk History."

Here's a full rundown of what's new on Netflix in May 2015, provided by Netflix. As always, all titles and dates are subject to change. We've also go you covered in terms of what's leaving Netflix in May 2015, in case you were wondering.

The following is a list of all comic books, graphic novels and specialty items that will be available this week and shipped to comic book stores who have placed orders for them.

12-gauge Comics

Sherwood TX #1 (Of 5)(Cover A Andrew Robinson), $1.00

Sherwood TX #1 (Of 5)(Cover B Even Matthews), Ar

Sherwood TX #1 (Of 5)(Cover C Andrew Robinson, Ar

AC Comics

Golden Age Greats Spotlight Volume 15 Gn, $29.95

Alternative Comics

Magic Whistle #14, $4.99

Amigo Comics

Ghost Wolf #3 (Of 4), $3.99

Amp! Comics For Kids

Charlie Brown Pow Tp, $9.99

Pearls Before Swine The Croc Ate My Homework Tp, $9.99

Archie Comic Publications

Archie #657 (Art Baltazar & Franco Little Archie And His Pals Variant Cover), $2.99

Archie #657 (Dan Parent Regular Cover), $2.99

Betty And Veronica Comics Annual #224, $5.99

Aspen Comics

Lola Xoxo #3 (Cover A Siya Oum), $3.99

Lola Xoxo #3 (Cover B Jordan Gunderson), $3.99

Lola Xoxo #3 (Cover C Siya Oum), Ar

Atheneum Books

Mercury Gn (New Printing), $12.99

Avatar Press

Caliban #4 (Facundo Percio Dark Matter Cover...

History is officially in business with Houdini. The cable network announced Monday that it has ordered a four-hour miniseries about the famed magician and his wife. Adrien Brody (The Pianist) will play Houdini in the Lionsgate/A&E Studios co-production, with House of Cards' Kristen Connolly playing his wife, Bess. Oscar nominee Uli Edel will direct the project, which hails from exec producers Gerald W. Abrams (Nuremberg, Modern Marvels) and Andras Hamori (Sunshine). Nicholas Meyer (The Seven-Per-Cent Solution) will pen the series, with Patrizia von Brandenstein (Amadeus) on board as production designer. Karl Walter Lindenlaub will serve as cinematographer.  The

read more...

Happy Fourth of July, TV Fanatics!

For those who want a break from the grilling, sun tanning and fireworks this year, find a spot on your living room sofa and get comfortable. Television is offering a bevy of marathons and specials that will keep you entertained on America's 237th birthday.

Scroll down and set your DVR now...

July 4

A&E: The First 48 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

AMC: The Walking Dead (1 p.m. to 3 a.m.)

Animal Planet: North America (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

BBC America: Star Trek: The Next Generation season 3 (8 a.m. to 6 a.m.)

Cartoon Network: The Amazing World of Gumball (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Destination America: BBQ Pitmasters (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.)

Discovery: Fast N’ Loud (2 p.m. to 3 a.m.)

Discovery Fit & Health: Untold Stories of the E.R. (7 a.m. to 2 a.m.)

HBO: John Adams (noon to 8 p.

If you're like us, with the 4th of July being a Thursday, you have to work Friday and don't get a four-day weekend. So, we're settling in for some good TV the next couple of days. Set your DVRs if you're heading out of town!

All times Eastern.

Thursday, July 4

A&E: "The First 48" marathon, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., "Independence Day," 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

ABC Family: "National Treasure" marathon, noon to 11 p.m.

AMC: "The Walking Dead" Season 1 marathon, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., replayed in black and white after

BBC America: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" marathon, 8 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day

CBS: "The Price is Right" Fourth of July special, 11 a.m.

Chiller: "Fear Factor" marathon, 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day

Espn: 2013 Wimbledon women's semifinals, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2013 Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island,...

Happy 237th birthday, America — let’s celebrate with TV marathons and specials!

Although we encourage enjoying the sunshine with a hot dog and a cold beverage in hand, you never know when some channel-flipping assistance may come in handy. With this list of choices, there is something for everyone — kid-friendly binge-watching, cable favorites such as The Walking Dead, and Independence Day classics like … Independence Day.

In the event of gloomy weekend weather, a nasty sunburn that sends you indoors, or simply the need for new drinking-game inspiration, check out all the TV marathons and specials happening this Fourth of July...

If you don't have travel plans for Memorial Day weekend, get cozy on the couch (and set your DVR) because there are plenty of fun marathons happening.

Need to catch up on Season 1 of "Longmire" before the Season 2 premiere Monday, May 27? Want to re-live "Veronica Mars" Season 1? How about watching the entire series of "Arrested Development" (and reading our re-watch posts) before the new season is out on Netflix?

Here is all your Memorial Day weekend programming, all times Eastern.

Friday, May 24

A&E: "Storage Wars" marathon, 3 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

Animal: "Finding Bigfoot" marathon, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., "Invasion" premiere and new episode, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bravo: "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" marathon, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., "Millionaire Matchmaker" marathon, 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

Chiller: "The Twilight Zone" marathon, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Discovery: "Sons of Guns" marathon,...

Brad Combest’s first few jobs in Hollywood – as a researcher on Modern Marvels, as a literary agent’s assistant at the Gersh Agency, as an executive assistant at Dreamworks – taught him plenty, but it was his work as a story editor on Robot Chicken that changed his life. It was there that he got a taste for animation and realized it was what he wanted to be doing.

As a production coordinator on the Disney animated feature Wreck-It Ralph, Brad got to be around the director, writers, head of story and voice talent during the entire production process. It was after this that Brad followed his true passion and wrote Sassy Gay Samurai, the latest series to be optioned by Amazon Studios.

We spoke with Brad about the series, how reading Pearl S. Buck put him on the path to a writing career and how standing in a never-ending...

Fresh off the huge success of their massively viewed adaptations The Bible and Hatfields & McCoys, History is currently working on a miniseries project tentatively called Houdini, with Adrien Brody (The Pianist) signed on to play the famous magician and performer. Gerald Abrams (Modern Marvels), father of the beloved J.J. Abrams, is on board to produce the series. Although not much has been announced about the show, EW says it will depict Houdini’s rags-to-riches story as a magic man and stunt performer at the turn of the 20th century. Houdini’s release date is still Tba. Hit the jump for more. Brody has done very well in film, and I am excited to see him make the transition to television to play the role of the legendary Houdini. Brody will also be featured in director Wes Anderson’s next film Grand Budapest Hotel, which has a stacked, Anderson-esque cast that includes Bill Murray,...

History Channel is lining up its next miniseries. The A&E Networks-owned cabler is developing a potential miniseries based on the life of master illusionist Harry Houdini, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. As first reported by EW, Adrien Brody is attached to star in the period project centering on Houdini's life and his rise to fame. Gerald W. Abrams(Nuremberg, Modern Marvels) will executive produce the project for History. Photos: Jesus in Film and TV Brody, who earned a best actor Oscar nomination for his role in 2002's The Pianist, would play the magician and mark his first scripted TV appearance

read more...

And for History’s next miniseries trick…

The network is developing a multi-hour project on the life of Harry Houdini with Adrien Brody attached to star.

The deal just closed and details are scarce. We can tell you that History is developing a miniseries project (working title: Houdini) that traces the arc of the turn-of-the-20th-century master magician’s life from desperate poverty to worldwide fame.

The project is a co-production with History and veteran TV producer (and J.J. Abrams’ father) Gerald W. Abrams (Modern Marvels, 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shoot-Out). Brody (King Kong, The Pianist) is attached to star...

And for History’s next miniseries trick…

The network is developing a multi-hour project on the life of Harry Houdini with Adrian Brody attached to star.

The deal just closed and details are scarce. We can tell you that History is developing a miniseries project (working title: Houdini) that traces the arc of the turn-of-the-20th-century master magician’s life from desperate poverty to worldwide fame.

Veteran TV producer (and J.J. Abrams’ father) Gerald W. Abrams (Modern Marvels, 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shoot-Out) is attached as an executive producer. Brody (King Kong, The Pianist) is attached to star in what...

Last year around this time, I was newly engaged and looking for ways to cut costs in order to save for a wedding. One of the first things I decided to do was terminate my DirecTV service. It was tough to give up a DVR full of "Modern Marvels" and "Tom & Jerry" episodes, but we needed money for mason jars…and also the candles to put in those mason jars. And so, for all of our television viewing needs, we relied on Netflix, streamed through the Nintendo Wii in [shudder] standard definition. When you cut the cord, it's not that you watch less TV, your habits just change. You can't keep up with the latest shows or anything on HBO, but you also don't waste two hours watching "Lizard Lick Towing" on Tru TV, and you never have to see a commercial for "The Olive Garden." You become ruthlessly efficient, working...

History Channel’s Modern Marvels series on gadgets and technology of fictional characters and universes are always interesting. No character’s gadgets are perhaps as interesting as 007 himself, James Bond. The series has covered Batman’s gadgets, Spider-Man, etc, but Bond (along with Batman) are perhaps the most reality-grounded characters the series has covered. The super spy’s gadgetry is put to the test to surprising results.

Gizmos like Bond’s jet pack, various Q-related gifts and gadgets, along with Bond’s training itself are discussed and given a reality-grounding plausibility. It’s not surprising to learn that characters like Bond actually do exist. Spies are a reality. Most are highly-trained badasses, one imagines.

Read more...

Labor Day Weekend 2012 is here and while a lot of people choose to travel, if you are staying home, Zap2it's got you covered for four days of programming, including MTV running its reality series "The Hills" in its entirety.

All times Eastern.

Friday, Aug. 31

A&E: "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and "Storage Wars" marathon, 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

BBC America: "Doctor Who" marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight

Bravo: "Flipping Out" and "Million Dollar Listing" marathon, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Chiller: "The Outer Limits" marathon, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CW: New "America's Next Top Model," 8 p.m.

Espn: College football, Boise State at Michigan State, 8 p.m.

ESPN2: 2012 U.S. Open Tennis, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Espnu: College football, Nc State vs. Tennessee, 7:30 p.m.

History: "Modern marvels" marathon, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MTV: "The Hills" marathon, 12:30 p.

Washington -- Half Yard Productions, the Bethesda, Md.-based entertainment outfit behind the D.C. iteration of Bravo's "Real Housewives" franchise, turned five years old this summer. The Huffington Post caught up with Half Yard principals Abby Greensfelder and Sean Gallagher to dish about their past shows and the changing reality television landscape.

"The stakes are higher now," Greensfelder said. "There's generally, across the board, less margin for making mistakes."

Both she and Gallagher are network veterans, with more than a decade of experience at Discovery Channel and TLC, respectively. The pair have developed a slew of popular shows, from TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" to History Channel's "Modern Marvels."

Their decision to launch their own company was sparked, Gallagher said, by a desire to tell stories about "interesting characters [and] interesting worlds." But the economic climate has presented obstacles as networks tighten their belts.

"There's such pressure and...

DVD Playhouse—November 2011

By Allen Gardner

Tree Of Life (20th Century Fox) Terrence Malick’s latest effort is both the best film of 2011 and the finest work of his (arguably) mixed, but often masterly canon. A series of vignettes, mostly set in 1950s Texas, capture the memory of a man (Sean Penn) in present-day New York who looks back on his life, and his parents’ (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) troubled marriage, when word of his younger brother’s suicide reaches him. Almost indescribable beyond that, except to say no other film in history so perfectly evokes the magic and mystery of the human memory, which both crystalizes (and sometimes idealizes) the past. Like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001, this is a challenging, polarizing work that you must let wash over you. If you go along for the ride, you’re in for a unique, rewarding cinematic experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc.

It would seem that another version of the Judah Maccabee story is in development, which has made this entire ongoing Mel Gibson “Judah Maccabee” saga even more interesting. Bruce Nash, producer of “Modern Marvels,” is currently working on a version of the Hanukkah story for a potential television miniseries or movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This news comes three weeks after Warner Bros. announced they were working with Mel Gibson to create a movie about Judah Maccabee. However, Gibson’s movie has been rebuked by leaders in the Jewish community due to Gibson’s anti-Semitic comments a few years ago. The dislike the public still has for Gibson is making the...

While many are still wondering if Mel Gibson's long planned Judah Maccabee biopic will go ahead at Warners, someone else has already begun work on a rival project says Risky Biz Blog.

Producer Bruce Nash ("Modern Marvels") is assembling his own adaptation of the Hanukkah origin story. Said project could either be a feature or mini-series, it's undetermined as of now.

Both films would chronicle the successful rebellion, led by Maccabee, that liberated the Second Temple in Jerusalem from the Greek occupier Antiochus and the institution of Hanukkah to celebrate the victory.

While Gibson's version is still in development and has already scored comments from Jewish leaders not happy with the idea, Nash's project already has a finished script by Scott Abbott ("Introducing Dorothy Dandridge").

Nash, Maura Dunbar and Bob Kosberg are producing.

Much like Moses, Judah Maccabee will get competing movies concerning his Biblical exploits. The first to be announced has generated a ton of controversy, since it’s a film about Jews directed by Mel Gibson; Joe Eszterhas is writing, which feels almost as strange to me. Now, THR tells of another project, one produced by Modern Marvels‘ Bruce Nash that’s hitting either theaters or television, the (obviously) latter in a miniseries format.

This even has a script completed, written by Scott Abbott. Maccabbe, as I previously wrote when covering the other film, “teamed with his father and four brothers to lead the Jewish revolt against the Greek-Syrian armies that had conquered Judea in the second century B.C.” He even created Hanukkah as a way of celebrating his victory; needless to say, the guy’s a big deal. It all sounds like exciting material for some kind of screen adaptation,...

Filed under: Movie News

Mel Gibson has some company in his quest to bring the story of Jewish leader Judah Maccabee to theaters. Producer Bruce Nash ('Modern Marvels') is planning his own version of the Hanukkah origin story, with eyes on making it either a film or a television miniseries. Obviously Nash isn't as high-profile as Gibson, but he also doesn't have Gibson's scandalous anti-Semitic baggage either. Nash's project has another edge: a finished script by Scott Abbott, who wrote 'Winchell' and co-wrote 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge' for HBO.

Continue Reading...

Leonardo DiCaprio came of age as a star in the late nineties and his collaboration in the first decade of the twenty-first century with Martin Scorsese allowed the director to get his money to make three films together, the second of which is out this week on Blu-ray.

The Aviator is an epic telling of the rich story of the influential businessman and aviator Howard Hughes with his ambition and talents as a man of new ideas perilously coupled with his misplaced trust and his, initially, latent paranoia. His influence and invention in the field of aviation at a time when dominance of the sky was still up in the air and post-war corporate interests began to gather ominously over the United State government makes for a compelling biopic thanks to an intriging central performance and some dizzing visual flights of fancy from Scorsese.

DiCaprio’s performance takes a while to convince,...

Directed By: Joe Johnston

Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving

Old school, Saturday matinee fun, Captain America: The First Avenger is director Joe Johnston’s best since The Rocketeer (1991) and features some of the finest superhero genre costume design ever committed to film.

The assured skill of designer Anna B. Sheppard brings The First Avenger alive, blending potentially high camp ensembles into a believable story environment; one that is essentially a fantasy parallel of our own. It is childish and fun, but with a serious dramatic core at its heart. The 1940s backdrop is rich with costume and production design motifs; muted sepia with flashes of patriotic colour.

Captain America's shield is referenced early in the film with a nifty visual gag involving a taxi cab door.

There is a sense of embracing the period for its all zealous optimism and dewy-eyed wonder at the possibilities of science.

Memorial Day 2011 is here and while we should all take time to thank a veteran and active servicemen and women, it also means for us TVphiles - lots of good programming. So either settle in with some popcorn or make sure your DVR is ready to go.

There are movie marathons. Syfy is busting out its greatest hits in the giant monster oeuvre on Friday, followed by "Star Trek" movies all weekend. TCM and AMC are showing nothing but military movies, including classics like "All Quiet on the Western Front," "From Here to Eternity" and "Patton."

If marathons are your thing, you've got everything from "Firefly" and "Doctor Who" to "House Hunters" and "How It's Made." And if you're a sports fan, while the NBA playoffs are on hiatus, you can still watch a ton of baseball, the 2011 French Open or the annual Memorial Day race the Indianapolis 500.

Zap2it...

Not interested in Sunday's (Feb. 6) David-and-Goliath tale of Super Bowl Xlv, pitting the juggernaut Pittsburgh Steelers led by loved and hated Qb Ben Roethlisberger against the six-seed underdog Green Bay Packers and their scrappy Brett-Favre-replacement Qb Aaron Rodgers?

We have some other programming offerings for you. There are a few marathons, a few channels running chick flicks and a couple newsmagazines offering big-name guests. Will you be tuning in?

All times Eastern, check your local listings for times and channels.

CBS: College basketball, PGA golf, John Gotti Jr. joins "60 Minutes" to talk about growing up in the Gotti family, 7 p.m.

NBC: NHL hockey, Freestyle World Skiing Championships, "Who Do You Think You Are" with Vanessa Williams and Lisa Kudrow (7 p.m. and 8 p.m.), Aron Ralston, the real-life man behind "127 Hours," talks about his harrowing climbing experience that inspired the movie on a new "Dateline NBC," 9 p.m.

ABC: "Knocked Up,...

Filed under: TV Previews

Here's tonight's lineup of new shows and events (all times Eastern). Check your local TV listings for additional information.

* = Series/Season Premiere

** = Series/Season Finale

# = New Day/Time

8:00 to 9:00

NBC: 'Undercovers'*

PBS: 'Tavis Smiley Reports'

A&E: 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' -- (120 minutes) This episode follows Dog on his book tour

Diy: 'Cool Tools'

Tlc: 'Extreme Couponing' -- Profiles of four shopaholics who spend hours a day finding coupons and deals

9:00 to 10:00

PBS: 'Great Performances' -- (120 minutes)

BBC America: 'I'd Do Anything' -- (120 minutes)

DisneyXD: 'Naruto: Shippuden'

Diy: '10 Grand In Your Hand'

Espn: 'Valero Alamo Bowl' -- 9:15 start for Arizona and Oklahoma State

History: 'Modern Marvels'

Showtime: 'Inside the NFL'

Tlc: 'My Strange Addiction'* -- Two episodes

Travel: 'Man v. Food: Carnivore Chronicles'

The rest of...

After the presents are opened, the halls are decked and the roast beast is carved, a lot of folks are looking to hit the movie theater or settle in front of their favorite holiday movies or TV show marathons. Zap2it's got you covered for all your Christmas weekend TV programming.

Friday, Dec. 24

A&E: "Criminal Minds" marathon

ABC Family: 25 Days of Christmas ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys," "Mickey's Christmas Special," "Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too," "Jack Frost," "Frosty's Winter Wonderland," "'Tas the Night Before Christmas," "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," "The Year Without Santa Claus" and "Rudolph's Shiny New Year.")

 

AMC: "Miracle on 34th Street," "White Christmas" marathon

Animal Planet: "Planet Earth" marathon

BBC America: "Doctor Who" marathon

Cartoon Network: Various cartoon holiday episodes

Cmt: "A Smoky Mountain Christmas," "Larry the Cable Guy's Star-studded Christmas Extravaganza," "Larry the Cable Guy...

Saturday is Christmas so I hope everyone out there at least has an idea of what they're doing for the holidays since the chances to get it done are rapidly disappearing. Most websites have helpful guides up to when you need to order things to get them in time for Christmas, but at this point it seems a far better idea to go with gift certificates or donations to charity, since the stores are probably unforgiving hellholes. With that cheerful thought, here's your Tuesday night TV:

8:00pm: "Minute to Win It" on NBC

"Modern Marvels" on History

"Skating With the Stars" on ABC. First season finale. A lot of you know that I'm a huge Johnny Weir fan and he's been talking about this show a lot on his Twitter but I just can't do it. Sorry, Johnny, it's not you, it's the other awful "celebrities".

9:00pm: "Billy...

Filed under: TV Previews

Here's tonight's lineup of new shows and events (all times Eastern). Check your local TV listings for additional information.

* = Series/Season Premiere

** = Series/Season Finale

# = New Day/Time

8:00 to 9:00

ABC: 'Skating With the Stars'**

NBC: 'Minute to Win It'

Bio: 'Biography' -- (120 minutes) Profile on Jimi Hendrix

Cartoon Network: 'Tower Prep'

History: 'Modern Marvels'

NatGeo: 'Living in the Time of Jesus'

NatGeo Wild: 'Inside Nature's Giants'

Tlc: 'What Not to Wear: Extra Layer'

The rest of the schedule and the late night talk shows after the jump.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...

"Glee" star Cory Monteith has found a supporter in studio Fox 2000; the studio just bought a pitch as a starring vehicle for the singing-dancing newcomer. This comes immediately following Monteith's big screen debut in Fox 2000's Monte Carlo which stars Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy.

Monteith will also produce the workplace comedy along with Nash Entertainment's Bruce Nash, a prolific reality show producer ("Modern Marvels," "Totally Outrageous Behavior"). The idea came from a Nash intern.

Source: Deadline...