Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for The Big Cigar, the highly anticipated limited drama series that chronicles the story of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s escape to Cuba. Premiering globally on May 17, the six-episode drama is executive produced by NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, Jim Hecht, and Joshuah Bearman.
Legendary award-winning actor, producer, and director Don Cheadle will direct and executive produce the first two episodes with new episodes available to stream every Friday until June 14. André Holland portrays Huey P. Newton and leads the renowned ensemble cast including Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman.
“The Big Cigar” is a mostly true story based on a monumental, eponymous Playboy Magazine article penned by executive producer, Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”). In the series, Black Panther Party founder Newton escapes from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed Hollywood producer Bert Schneider. The impossibly elaborate plan turns into a wild caper and involves a fake movie production gone wrong in every way possible!
Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss will lead and executive produce Imperfect Women, a new limited series on Apple TV+.
The series is adapted from the novel by Araminta Hall and will be produced for television. Annie Weisman wrote and executive produced it, and 20th Television and Apple Studios are producing it.
Here’s the official description: An unconventional psychological thriller examining a crime that shatters the lives of three women’s decades-long friendship, Imperfect Women is a mystery complicated by perspective that explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably. As the investigation unravels, so does the truth about how even the closest relationships can change over time.
“From the moment I received Araminta’s novel, I couldn’t put it down. It was such an electrifying read; I fell in love with it immediately,” from Moss in a statement. “I’ve admired Kerry and her work as an actor and producer for many years and have been looking for something to work with her on and was so thrilled that she responded to the material when we sent it to her and Pilar at Simpson Street. They were the first and only people we thought of. We are so happy that Apple and 20th Television agreed to partner with us on this, as well. It’s all an absolute match made in heaven.”
“I could not have been more thrilled to get this call from Elisabeth,” Washington said. “I have been an immense fan of hers – both as a brilliant actor and groundbreaking producer – for years. Elisabeth and Lindsey have impeccable taste, as evidenced by the way they have championed Araminta’s gripping novel, and I can’t think of a better person to bring this project to life on screen than the amazing Annie Weisman. Imperfect Women is exactly the type of exciting, complex, raw storytelling we strive to create at Simpson Street. Pilar and I are tremendously inspired by the opportunity to team up with Love & Squalor Pictures, and we are thankful to everyone at Apple Studios and the team at 20th Television for believing in this project as much as we do.”
“I’m honored that Apple is once again trusting me to help bring complex, layered female characters to the screen,” said Weisman. “Elisabeth, Kerry, and Araminta are the perfect collaborators to bring these Imperfect Women to life.”
“I couldn’t be happier that my book has found a home at Apple, home of some of my favourite programmes,” said Hall. “And, to be working with Elisabeth and Lindsey is a dream. They have an incredible talent for story telling and immediately understood my book in an exactly the way I meant it to be read. And then to have Kerry Washington on board is like a bonus on top of a bonus. My book couldn’t be in better hands.”
Drake is back executive producing another high-profile television series, and this time, it’s on Apple TV+. The streamer developed an adaptation of the novel Neuromancer, which is co-created by JD Dillard.
As reported by Shadow and Act, this project is based on an award-winning novel of the same name authored by William Gibson. The adaptation headed to the small screen comes from creators Dillard and Graham Roland. This marks a co-production between Skydance Television and Anonymous Content, two heavyweights in film and television. Superstar rapper Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment also produces Neuromancer. Roland will serve as the showrunner. Dillard, who has directed films such as Sleight and Devotion, is directing the pilot episode.
Here’s the official description from Apple+:
The series will follow a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly, a razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes, aiming to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.
“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing this iconic property to Apple TV+,” said creators and executive producers Graham Roland and JD Dillard. “Since we became friends nearly ten years ago, we’ve looked for something to team up on, so this collaboration marks a dream come true. Neuromancer has inspired so much of the science fiction that’s come after it and we’re looking forward to bringing television audiences into Gibson’s definitive ‘cyberpunk’ world.”
Dillard and Roland are executive producing Neuromancer with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell for Skydance Television and Drake, Adel ‘Future’ Nur, and Jason Shrier for DreamCrew Entertainment. Zack Hayden and Gibson are serving as executive producers.
Apple TV+ just gave the Idris Elba-fronted series Hijack a green light on Season 2.
The popular series, also executive produced by Elba, is from creators George Kay and Jim Field Smith.
Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+, said in a statement, “Global audiences were on tenterhooks watching Idris’s riveting performance in ‘Hijack,’ and we’re thrilled to be working again with 60Forty and Idiotlamp on an equally compelling season two,”
Then Elba said, “I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!”
Here’s the official season 1 description:
Told in real-time, Hijack is a tense thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers. Elba will star as ‘Sam Nelson,’ an accomplished negotiator in the business world who needs to step up and use all his guile to try and save the lives of the passengers — but, his high-risk strategy could be his undoing. Panjabi will play the role of ‘Zahra Gahfoor,’ a counter-terrorism officer who is on the ground when the plane is hijacked and becomes part of the investigation.
The rundown on the cast members from the first season: Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Eve Myles, Neil Maskell, Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimee Kelly, Mohamed Elsandel, and Ben Miles.
Season 2 includes executive producers Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, and Tom Nash with 60Forty Films and executive producers Kay and Field Smith’s Idiotlamp Productions. Field Smith also serves as director for the series.
As we count down the days in the final quarter of 2023, there’s always a renewed sense of joy during the holiday season. So much has happened throughout the year, so it’s no surprise that individuals and families look forward to experiencing the holiday cheer. Over the years, streaming services have increasingly made movies more accessible for some at-home viewing pleasure.
In a period when movies significantly contribute to the holiday magic, viewers are immensely grateful for streaming services like Apple TV Plus. With an ever-growing catalog, Apple TV Plus has an impressive selection of holiday movies available to stream. While their holiday catalog may not yet be as extensive as the likes of Netflix, they certainly have more than enough to get you through 2023. Here’s a list of seven of the best holiday movies available on Apple TV Plus right now.
7. Son In Law (1993)
Directed by Steve Rash, Son in Law revolves around Crawl (played by Pauly Shore), a free-spirited and unconventional college student. After befriending small-town girl Rebecca Warner during her first year of college, she invites him to her family’s farm for the Thanksgiving break. While there, Crawl, with his unique and eccentric personality, introduces the Warners to his laidback California style. Crawl’s unconventional behavior initially takes aback the conservative Warner family. However, as he spends more time with them, he gradually wins them over with his charm and humor. Son in Law is a lighthearted comedy that can certainly be enjoyed over Thanksgiving dinner.
6. A Family Thanksgiving (2010)
Daphne Zuniga and Faye Dunaway star in lead roles in this Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Claudia (Zuniga), a successful attorney, thinks she has the perfect life despite being a workaholic. So much so that when Thanksgiving comes, she plans to work through the holiday, making her subordinates work through it as well. With a critical work task, Claudia is feeling anything but the holiday spirit. As the story progresses, she meets a strange older woman (Dunaway) who mysteriously upends her entire life. Forced to live in a world she’d rather not be in, Claudia is initially frustrated. However, further down the story, she realizes that there are other things in life that she may appreciate more than her work. A Family Thanksgiving is one of the best holiday movies to see this November on Apple TV Plus.
5. Home For The Holidays (1995)
Jodie Foster’s Home for the Holidays follows Claudia Larson (played by Holly Hunter), a single mother who lives in Chicago. As Thanksgiving approaches, she faces a series of challenges, most notable among them being the loss of her job. After learning that her teenage daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, Claudia joins her family in Baltimore for the holiday. As the dysfunctional family reunites, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and the holiday celebration takes unexpected turns. Filled with endearing, funny, and memorable moments, Home for the Holidays is another perfect film to watch this Thanksgiving.
4. The Ice Storm (1997)
Based on the 1994 novel of the same name, The Ice Storm is a drama film directed by veteran filmmaker Ang Lee. The film is set in 1973 and explores the lives of two dysfunctional suburban Connecticut families. Additionally, the story takes place during a Thanksgiving weekend marked by a severe ice storm. The star-studded ensemble cast features prominent names, including Sigourney Weaver, Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Christina Ricci, and Elijah Wood. The Ice Storm received positive reviews, and rightly so. While it’s not as lighthearted as some other holiday movies, it is certainly one of the most brilliant ones available on Apple TV Plus.
3. Spirited (2022)
This Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell-led musical comedy is a modern retelling of a classic done right. Taking on Charles Dickens’ iconic holiday story, A Christmas Carol, is no small feat, especially when there have been so many remakes over the years. Making the story feel exciting again seems like a herculean task, considering we’ve seen it so many times. However, Spirited is a successful attempt at a retelling and brings new life to the classic story. Featuring stellar comedic performances from its two leading men, this is definitely a movie you want to watch this holiday season.
2. Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967)
Considered a groundbreaking film for its time, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is more than just a holiday classic. Addressing the topic of interracial marriage openly and with sensitivity, it played a significant role in shaping conversations about race and relationships in the ‘60s. The story revolves around Joanna Dreyton (Katharine Houghton) and John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), an interracial couple who fall in love. Family dinners must be tough when one’s parents disapprove of their intended partner. Throughout the movie, the two have to fight for their love to triumph. The all-time holiday classic was praised and was a massive box office success.
1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
This movie follows the misadventures of Neal Page, a character hilariously portrayed by Steve Martin. Page is an uptight and stressed marketing executive trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, he unfortunately meets challenging circumstances at every turn. Neal’s journey becomes increasingly chaotic when he encounters Del Griffith (played by John Candy). Griffith is a well-meaning but overly talkative and clumsy shower curtain ring salesman. Despite their conflicting personalities, the pair reluctantly teams up to overcome the challenges and reach their destination. Loved by critics and audiences alike, this certainly ranks among the best holiday movies on Apple TV Plus.
Paramount Plus is a growing titan in the streaming arena, offering a vast range of movies, TV shows, live sports, and news. For AppleTV users, accessing this streaming service is straightforward, enhancing the viewing experience on the big screen. This article explores how to watch Paramount Plus on AppleTV, the streaming quality you can expect, and more.
A 4K Apple TV streaming box and remote control, taken on May 27, 2021. (Photo by Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
The streaming quality on Paramount Plus via AppleTV is top-notch, given the capabilities of modern AppleTV models. Users can expect:
Crisp and clear high-definition (HD) streaming.
Smooth playback with minimal buffering.
A vast selection of content in 4K Ultra HD for supported titles.
The performance largely depends on your internet speed. A stable and fast internet connection will ensure a seamless streaming experience.
Navigating The Content Library
The user-friendly interface on AppleTV allows for easy navigation through its extensive content library. Categories are well-organized, making it simple to find your favorite shows, movies, or live sports events. The search function further simplifies the task of finding specific titles.
Subscription Plans And Pricing
Paramount Plus offers various subscription plans to suit different preferences and budgets:
The Essential Plan: This is a budget-friendly option, providing access to a vast library of content with limited commercials at $6 a month or $60 a year.
The Premium Plan: For a slightly higher fee, the Premium Plan offers commercial-free viewing and additional content at $12 a month or $120 a year.
Parental Controls And Customization
Paramount Plus provides robust parental controls, ensuring a safe viewing environment for younger audience members. You can easily set up parental controls from your account settings, allowing you to filter content based on age ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I manage my subscription on AppleTV?
You can manage your subscription directly from the Paramount Plus app or via your Apple account settings.
Can I watch live TV on Paramount Plus via AppleTV?
Yes, live TV including news and sports is available.
Is there a free trial?
Paramount Plus often offers free trials for new users, allowing you to explore the service before committing to a subscription.
What is the difference between HD and 4K streaming?
4K streaming provides a higher resolution and clearer picture quality compared to HD streaming.
Can I download content for offline viewing?
Currently, Paramount Plus does not support content downloads on AppleTV, but you can download content on other devices for offline viewing.
With the right setup and subscription, enjoying Paramount Plus on AppleTV can significantly enhance your streaming experience. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sports enthusiast, or someone who loves binge-watching TV series, Paramount Plus has a rich content library to cater to your entertainment needs.
Since the release of the trailer of The Changeling, the upcoming series has become highly anticipated. The horror-fantasy series was adapted from the book of the same name by Victor LaValle. The Changeling promises to be thrilling and guarantees a display of great acting. LaKeith Stanfield is set to star in the lead role, and the Academy Award nominee is known for his emotive range. He is most known for his performances in Straight Outta Compton, Get Out, Sorry to Bother You, and Atlanta.
The Changeling is set in New York City, detailing perilous events surrounding a pre-owned bookseller, Apollo Kagwa. The fairy tale-turned-nightmare premise will set Apollo on an exciting journey to save his family. It is set to premiere on September 8th on Apple TV+.
The award-winning author, Victor LaValle has received much ovation for his best-selling horror fantasy book, The Changeling. The book has won multiple awards since its publication on June 13, 2017. Much of its acclaim and success led to the book-to-screen adaptation. In 2017, Annapurna Pictures obtained the rights to create a television adaptation of the award-winning book.
LaKeith Stanfield, in addition to his lead role, also serves as an executive producer and co-writer. Grammy-winner Melina Matsoukas was appointed as the series’ director. Kelly Marcel is the show-runner and also the primary screenwriter. According to the official Apple TV+ synopsis, the series is “A fairy tale for grown-ups. A horror story, a parenthood fable, and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed.”
The trailer opens with a focus on the lead characters, Apollo and Emma, two romantic partners. The start of the trailer also possesses all the makings of a romance story exploration—a well-executed misdirection. The eeriness then starts to creep in with scenes of Emma recounting an encounter between her and a lone strange woman. This takes place at a lagoon in Brazil. The trailer then takes a full turn into an immersive experience for both partners. At some point before the thrilling events, Emma appears to be pregnant. She eventually gives birth, and their newborn; by virtue of the series title, this might be a key element in the plot. The final scenes of the trailer also foreshadow a sequence of dark, thought-provoking, and horrifying events.
Besides LaKeith as lead Apollo Kagwa, the series also features a fine cast of talented actors and actresses. Co-starring as Apollo’s wife Emma Valentine is Clark Backo, known for her role in Letterkenny. Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring, Malcolm Barrett, Jared Abrahamson, and Amirah Vann round out the main cast.
The Changeling will have eight episodes, three of which will be released at once on September 8th, 2023. The following episodes will then be released on a weekly basis, leading up to the season finale on October 13. The spine-chilling series promises to be an intensely suspenseful experience for its audience. The stellar casting of LaKeith Stanfield and his incredible co-stars also proves some electrifying performances are on the way. The Changeling is guaranteed to be a blend of unique storytelling and execution.
An exhilarating thrill ride awaits Apple TV+ subscribers, with the upcoming British miniseries Hijack, slated for a premiere on June 28th, 2023. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, the show is set to captivate audiences with its unique narrative and impressive cast.
Release Date
Mark your calendars for June 28th, 2023! That’s when Hijack will make its highly anticipated debut on Apple TV+. The suspense is palpable, with eager fans counting down the days until the series premieres.
Hijack revolves around Sam, a skilled business negotiator forced to apply his acumen in an extraordinary situation. Tasked with resolving a hijacking incident on a flight from Dubai to London, Sam must negotiate a peaceful resolution in a tense environment. This gripping premise lays the groundwork for a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Idris Elba, acclaimed for his exceptional acting prowess, leads the series in the role of Sam Nelson. Alongside Elba, the series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Archie Panjabi as Zahra Gahfoor, Christine Adams as Marsha Smith-Nelson, and Max Beesley as DI Daniel Farrell.
Adding further depth to the series is Eve Myles as Alice Sinclair, Neil Maskell as Stuart Atterton, and Kate Phillips as Collette. The series also features Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimée Kelly as Jamie Constantinou, Mohamed Elsandel as Jaden, Ben Miles as Robin Allen, Holly Aird as Amanda, Gretchen Egolf as Adelaide, Antonia Salib as Leesha, Zora Bishop as Deevia, Fatima Adoum as Rashida, Ananya Chadha, Nebras Jamali as Nasir, Lucia Aliu as Lizzy Blakefield, Mei Henri as Naomi, and Chantelle Alle as Kacey, all adding color to the exciting narrative.
News of the upcoming miniseries first broke in April 2022 when Apple TV+ gave the green light for the production, with Elba starring and serving as an executive producer. The script, penned by George Kay, and directed by Jim Field Smith, lends credence to the project’s high expectations.
The production started in May 2022 in Aylesbury and extended till October of the same year. Along with Elba, the cast saw an addition in May with Archie Panjabi joining the ranks. With such a stellar team behind the scenes, Hijack appears to be a series that will be both riveting and memorable.
In conclusion, Hijack promises to be a thrilling addition to Apple TV+’s roster of shows. With a captivating premise, an all-star cast, and an experienced production team, ‘Hijack’ is poised to hijack viewers’ attention come June 28, 2023.
Whether Common is onstage or onscreen, his talent always shines through. The rapper and actor has added another television project to his already extensive resume, proving his ability to transcend industries flawlessly. Common took to his Instagram on Tuesday (March 7) to share a teaser of Silo, where he stars alongside Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Rashida Jones, and David Oyelowo. This star-studded cast also boasts Harriet Walter, Chinaza Uche, and Avi Nash and will premiere on Apple TV+ on May 5th.
Alongside the trailer, the 50-year-old wrote, “I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this great piece of art. I’m equally excited for y’all to see it. ‘Silo’ is special. It’s got something.” As showcased in the preview, the dystopian series follows the residents of a post-apocalyptic community restricted to living in an underground silo. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the show is based on Hugh Howey’s book series of the same name.
Silo doesn’t mark Common’s first notable acting role. In fact, the “When We Move” rapper already holds a significant list of films and television roles under his belt, including The Informer, Never Have I Ever, and Hunter Killer. The talented artist also dipped his feet into theatre last year, with his Broadway debut in Between Riverside and Crazy. In an interview with Pix 11, he noted how he always “dreamed” about performing on stage. “When I got this role, I called my mother like I had gotten my first record contract. Haha! It was that much joy,” Common enthusiastically reflected.
Even with two other film projects underway (Fool’s Paradise and Breathe), Common hasn’t neglected his musical roots. In fact, last year he composed the soundtrack to Ramy Youssef’s Mo alongside Karriem Riggins and Patrick Warren, which resulted in a short and jazzy collection of 13 instrumental songs. Additionally, the South Side rapper joined forces with Bonny Gonz on “Outcome X,” which dropped last October. Regardless of what project this Grammy award winner puts his hands on, it’s likely that the resulting art will amount to gold. For more news on hip-hop and pop culture, stay in touch with HNHH.
