News

In August 2022, amidst a bevy of other cost-cutting but callous decisions, Warner Brothers Discovery began removing shows and movies from HBO Max that couldn't be found anywhere else. It wasn't subtle; dozens of titles disappeared across the course of the month, including "Vinyl," which was created by Martin Scorsese, "Mrs. Fletcher," starring Kathryn Hahn, and an inordinate amount of animated and kids' shows. The streamer didn't stop there, though. By December, one of its former flagship shows, "Westworld," was gone, along with a total of 80 other movies and series according to IndieWire.

Even as creators began speaking openly about the broken trust between artists and a powerhouse network that was once known for letting creativity thrive, other streamers were already following in HBO Max's footsteps. In September, news broke that the Eli Roth-produced series "Hemlock Grove," which stars Bill Skarsgård as a rich kid vampire, would be leaving the...

Michelle Pfeiffer put a live bird in her mouth in Batman Returns. Let that sink in for a moment: a respected thespian, who by 1992 had already received two Oscar nominations for Dangerous Liaisons (1989) and The Fabulous Baker Boys (1990), put a tricolored Gouldian finch inside her mouth. For nearly a minute! And she never broke character once as she portrayed the feline pleasure in avicide before letting the creature fly out (maybe) unscathed.

The scene is remarkable for a few reasons. First, in the days before CGI trickery (and constant social media scrutiny), filmmakers just went ahead and did something this bizarre for a shot. And secondly, director Tim Burton thought it was necessary to do this for Batman Returns, a studio tentpole with a bigger fiduciary responsibility to sell happy meals than create art in his boss’ minds, a fact he would soon find out the hard way.

Still, looking...

The promise of an unlimited future for television content has run into the economic realities of a business driven by unpredictable market forces. A recent shift in strategy for the largest producers of content has become apparent in recent weeks: Major networks and streamers have reversed course and canceled previously ordered or renewed series — and even halted plans to launch already produced programs. Every outlet scraps a series or two from time to time. But the past 12 months have seen an unprecedented number of about-face decisions on greenlights and renewals.

As executives, producers and top creative talent descended on the Television Critics Assn. press tour this month in Pasadena, the overriding theme of conversations was about the state of the cable and pay TV marketplace, which is still slogging through a difficult transition from linear to streaming.

“It is a tough landscape, because everybody’s dealing with all the same economic pressures,...

Starz announced yesterday that Outlander has been renewed one last time. The beloved time-traveling period drama will end with season 8. While fans may not be ready yet to say goodbye to the Frasier family, there are a lot of positives that can be found in this announcement.

First of all, no matter what happens during season 7 of Outlander, which will air this summer, the writers will have the opportunity to bring closure to the major and minor plots in season 8. Not all of the storylines from My Heart’s Own Blood, Go Tell The Bees and future novels from Diana Gabaldon’s series may make it into the final season but the novels will always be there for fans to revisit and take comfort in.

While some fans may not see the need to announce something that is at least a year or two from now, there are logistical considerations...

In Alice Englert’s debut feature as director, drama-comedy “Bad Behaviour,” which plays in World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival, the Australian-Kiwi actor-turned-filmmaker explores spirituality, passive aggression and mother-daughter dynamics, as well as paying homage to stunt performers.

Englert, who is the daughter of director Jane Campion, has appeared in 20 films and series, including Sally Potter’s “Ginger & Rosa,” Richard Lagravenese’s “Beautiful Creatures,” and Starz series “Dangerous Liaisons.” Englert has directed two shorts, “The Boyfriend Game,” which premiered at the Berlinale in 2016, and “Family Happiness,” which played at BFI London Film Festival in 2017.

“Bad Behaviour,” which Englert also wrote and features in, follows Lucy (played by Jennifer Connelly), a former child actress who seeks enlightenment at a retreat led by spiritual leader Elon (played by Ben Wishaw), while also navigating the close yet turbulent relationship with her stunt performer daughter Dylan (Englert).

“I think I wanted...

There are a number of professions that sound like the perfect job. Spending your days teaching actors to surf on Hermosa Beach sounds like a pretty enviable gig for those that have grown a little tired of hustling at their 9 to 5 dead-end job. For actor and surfboard builder Dennis Jarvis, it was a reality back in 1991 when he taught Keanu Reeves, Lori Petty, and Patrick Swayze how to look convincing out on the ocean while filming Kathryn Bigelow's action classic "Point Break." 

The self-proclaimed "surf doctor of Hollywood" had two months to whip all three actors into surf shape. Special attention had to be paid to Petty and Swayze, in particular. Petty's character, Tyler, teaches Reeves' undercover FBI agent how to catch a wave early on in the film. And, of course, Swayze had to appear like he was the legendary local surfer and spiritual guru, Bodhi. 

For Reeves,...

“Minx” is back in print. The canceled HBO Max series has been acquired by Starz, which will air its already completed Season 2 and host the first season on its streaming platform, the premium cable channel announced January 12.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Starz family, and for the opportunity to introduce ‘Minx’ to a brand new audience. We’ve found the perfect home,” series creator and showrunner Ellen Rapoport said in a statement. “Our writers, cast and crew have created something truly special in Season 2, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

In December, HBO Max abruptly canceled “Minx,” reversing its initial Season 2 pickup in May and taking Season 1 off the streamer. Sources from Lionsgate, which produces the series and owns Starz, told IndieWire that production on Season 2 was nearly completed before the decision was made but that they hoped to shop the series to other outlets.

The Batman and Elvis lead the feature noms for the 10th Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards ( IATSE Local 706), which announced its nominations on Wednesday morning.

The Batman is nominated in the categories for contemporary make-up, contemporary hair styling, and special make-up effects. Elvis is a contender for period or character make-up, period or character hair styling, and special make-up effects.

Both movies are shortlisted for the Oscar in make-up and hair styling, along with Amsterdam, Babylon, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Blonde, which received two Muahs Guild nominations apiece; The Whale, which earned one Guild nomination; and All Quiet On The Western Front, Crimes of the Future and Emancipation.

Winners will be announced during a ceremony hosted by Melissa Peterman on Feb. 11 at The Beverly Hilton

The complete list of nominees follows.

Feature-length Motion Picture:

Best Contemporary Make-up

The Batman

Naomi Donne, Doone Forsyth, Norma Webb, Jemma Carballo...

“The Batman” and “Elvis” led all films in nominations for the 2023 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards, Muahs (IATSE Local 706) President Julie Socash announced on Wednesday.

Those two films received three nominations in the five feature-film categories, while “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Menu,” “Amsterdam,” “Babylon,” “Blonde” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” each received two.

The film nominees included seven of the films on the 10-film Oscar shortlist in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category: “Amsterdam,” “Babylon,” “The Batman,” “Black Panther,” “Blonde,” “Elvis” and “The Whale.” An additional three films – “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Crimes of the Future” and “Emancipation” – were shortlisted by the Academy but not nominated by the guild.

Also Read:

How the Designers of ‘Elvis’ and ‘Blonde’ Brought 2 Icons Back to Life on Screen

Last year, all five Oscar nominees previously received multiple nominations from Muahs.

In the television categories, the limited series...

At first, it seemed like a bizarre anomaly: In August, Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav decided to shelve the already-finished HBO Max “Batgirl” movie — forever. Many more projects were not only canceled but also removed from their services, ranging from already-renewed series fresh off of their first seasons and in production on the second (like “Minx”) and others that were supposed tentpoles (like “Westworld”).

Dozens of culled shows and movies later, HBO Max had a hastily dug graveyard strewn with existing content mowed down by accountants. It looked like bean-counters gone wild — but when Wbd currently holds nearly 47 billion in net debt, every dollar counts.

“We’re done with that chapter,” Wbd CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said last week of the barrel-burn. He referred to 2022 as “a year of restructuring” and 2023 as “a year of relaunching and building.”

Wbd may be done right-sizing its pipeline — but the industry is not.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson shared plans to expand the Bmf universe with three spinoffs at the show’s Season 2 premiere on Thursday night in Los Angeles. Jackson teased the universe will be dubbed “Bmf Immortal.”

Related Story ‘Bmf’: Heather Zuhlke To Serve As Interim Showrunner As Randy Huggins Focuses On Health Related Story Lionsgate International SVP Marc Lorber To Exit Related Story 'Dangerous Liaisons,' 'Becoming Elizabeth' & 'Step Up' Pulled From Starz As Streaming Removals Become More Widespread

It’s early days yet and planning is ongoing, Deadline hears. Titles and details regarding the focus of the spinoffs will be announced at a later date.

Even though Jackson did not renew his exclusive deal with Starz in September, both remain committed to creating content that connects culturally like Bmf and the Power Universe series.

A source at the Season 2 soiree shared with Deadline that the...

Starz has dropped some recently cancelled series from its streaming service. Becoming Elizabeth, Step Up, and Dangerous Liaisons were all cancelled by Starz in late 2022 and have now been removed from the channel's service.

It is not yet known precisely why pulled the two period dramas and the dance series off its service, per Deadline. The cancellations and subsequent dropping of the shows seem likely tied to Lionsgate's plans to spin off its studio from Starz in the next few months.

Read More…...

Hollywood is nothing if not a copycat business. When Marvel Studios first proved the appeal of crossover extravaganzas, the rest of the industry followed suit and pushed their chips all-in on the shared universe craze ... to thoroughly mixed results. When Warner Bros. decided to abruptly flip the traditional theatrical release window on its head under the ownership of telecom giant AT&T, others were quick to follow suit in the midst of the unprecedented pandemic. Now, unfortunately, it looks like Warner Bros. is once again at the forefront of another alarming pattern of behavior.

We most recently reported on Warner Bros. Discovery's incredibly dubious (at best) choice to pull hundreds of episodes of their own flagship "Looney Tunes" shorts from the HBO Max streaming service with absolutely no warning at all. Even under new management, legitimately game-changing decisions continue to be made with little but tax write-offs and other cost-cutting...

It looks like pulling shows from streaming services is not exclusive to HBO Max.

According to Deadline, Starz has pulled Dangerous Liaisons, Becoming Elizabeth, and Step Up from its streaming platform.

All three shows have been canceled in recent months, but removing completed episodes from the place they called home is a big surprise.

It’s unclear whether any of the shows will materialize on another platform down the line, but for now, we should probably expect similar announcements from other streaming services.

HBO and HBO Max canceled many shows last year following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

Shows like Westworld, The Nevers, Raised By Wolves, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Love Life, and Fboy Island were all purged from the platform.

At the time, there were questions about where the shows would end up, and more recently, we learned that Warner Bros. Discovery plans to license them to ad-supported streaming services.

The glut of shows being pulled from streaming services continues.

Starz has pulled a trio of titles – Dangerous Liaisons, Becoming Elizabeth and Step Up from its streaming service. All three titles have been canceled but it’s another example of a company taking finished shows off their own service.

It comes after HBO Max pulled series such as Westworld, The Nevers, Raised By Wolves, The Time Traveler’s Wife as well as a slew of reality shows including FBoy Island and a raft of animated titles from its service last year.

Over the weekend, HBO Max also pulled a number of episodes of the original Looney Tunes, including seasons 16 to 31, as well as three seasons of The Flintstones. These shows were removed after their licenses expired.

The strategy at Warner Bros. Discovery was in part formed by tax write offs that it could gain after the merger, as well as interest...

Network: Starz

Episodes: Eight (hour)

Seasons: One

TV show dates: November 6, 2022 -- December 25, 2022

Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Alice Englert, Nicholas Denton, Lesley Manville, Kosar Ali, Carice van Houten, Hilton Pelser, Fisayo Akinade, Michael McElhatton, Nathanael Saleh, Colette Dalal Tchantcho, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, and Tom Wlaschiha.

TV show description:      

A period drama series, the Dangerous Liaisons TV show is a prequel to the classic 18th-century French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

The series revolves around the story of how the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont met as passionate young lovers in Paris on the eve of the revolution. In this time, Pascal (Denton) and Camille (Englert) are simply two young people who are dreaming of a...

Let's start with some murder and then go from there!

On Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 8, Camille makes her bed and lies in it.

Camille conveniently (too conveniently?) found a secret passageway leading to a staircase, which led to a tunnel, which led to a secret room, where Jean left “Ariadnes” for the Duke.

Victoire was set to be the next one, but Camille found her. When Jean tried to stop her, they did the only logical thing and killed him -- luckily, Majordome also showed up.

Camille and Jean have been married for, what, a day? And now he’s dead. No matter how you look at it, that will be suspicious.

Luckily, Majordome -- Étienne, rather -- quickly became Camille’s most faithful ally, which was unexpected but welcome. She needs him in her corner. We know he never liked Jean anyway -- he was only ever loyal to Genevieve,...

The stage is set for some serious drama!

On Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 7, Jacqueline puts all her cards on the table, while Camille plays fast and loose with Jean's affections.

There was so much plot progression in this episode, but not all of it worked.

Camille and Valmont end up in starkly different places from the beginning (making love and promises to each other) to the end.

The big reveal here was that Camille's baby survived! This was fairly obvious based on the way Camille told her story to Pascal in Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 6.

The darkest part of this is that Jacqueline has been raising Odette as her own all these years, presumably in secret. Is Jacqueline worried about someone finding out the girl's parentage?

It seems like it would be easy enough to explain, given Jacqueline's charity work, that they adopted a little girl from an orphanage. People...

Step Up will not be returning for a fourth season on Starz.

Per Deadline, the series has been canceled after three seasons.

The news comes just ahead of its season finale, which is set to premiere next week.

Given how late in the game the cancellation came, there's a good chance there will be plenty of loose ends.

The series first started its life on YouTube, airing as a YouTube premium original for two seasons.

Inspired by the Step Up Lionsgate film franchise that grossed over 600 million at the worldwide box office, the series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Art School.

"Welcome to High Water – a next level incubator for new artistic talent, where danger, corruption, suspicions, desires, resentments, and ambitions collide in and out of the halls," the logline for Season 3 reads.

"High Water founder and megastar Sage Odom faces criminal charges,...

Exclusive: There will be no fourth season of Step Up (fka Step Up: High Water). Starz has canceled the drama series after its one-season run on the network. The upcoming Season 3 finale, slated to premiere next week, serving as a series finale.

The first two seasons of the Lionsgate TV TV-produced Step Up ran on YouTube. After the Google-owned company in 2019 pulled out of the original scripted business, leaving the series in limbo, Lionsgate-owned Starz stepped in and picked it up for a third season.

The cancellation of Step Up follows Starz’s cancellation yesterday of another Lionsgate TV-produced series, Dangerous Liaisons, reversing its early Season 2 renewal.

Lionsgate has been scrutinizing its balance sheets as the company is preparing to spin off its studio from Starz next year though sources indicated that the cancellations are largely product of fiscal austerity in a very tough economic environment as media companies are stepping up cost-cutting measures.

In more sad streamer news, "Dangerous Liaisons" has been canceled by Starz, reversing its early season 2 renewal. According to Deadline, the remaining three episodes of the first season, which consists of eight episodes total, will air as scheduled and executive producers are actively shopping the new series around to secure another home.

The show's season 2 renewal was announced on November 1, just days before "Dangerous Liaisons" debuted on November 6. Deadline claims that Starz "continued to believe in the show creatively" but was forced to reverse their decision when the period drama "struggled to find an audience." According to live and same-day Nielsen data pulled by the outlet, "Dangerous Liaisons" premiered with a 0.03 rating in the 18-49 demographic and only 88,000 total viewers. As the series went on, the show dropped as low as a 0.02 and only raked in 52,000 total viewers for the episode that aired Thanksgiving weekend. Since then, ratings improved slightly with the December 4 episode,...

Lessons are hard learned in the first season of the Dangerous Liaisons TV show on Starz. As we all know, Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Dangerous Liaisons is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of Dangerous Liaisons here. *Status Update Below.

A Starz period drama series, the Dangerous Liaisons TV show is a prequel to the classic 18th-century French novel. It stars Alice Englert, Nicholas Denton, Lesley Manville, Kosar Ali, Carice van Houten, Hilton Pelser, Fisayo Akinade, Michael McElhatton, Nathanael Saleh, Colette Dalal Tchantcho, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, and Tom Wlaschiha. The series revolves around the story of how the Marquise de Merteuil and...

We don't have to wonder if Dangerous Liaisons will be cancelled right now. Starz renewed the series for a second season ahead of the series' premiere. How long will Dangerous Liaisons continue? Stay tuned. *Status Update Below.

A period drama series, the Dangerous Liaisons TV show is a prequel to the classic 18th-century French novel. It stars Alice Englert, Nicholas Denton, Lesley Manville, Kosar Ali, Carice van Houten, Hilton Pelser, Fisayo Akinade, Michael McElhatton, Nathanael Saleh, Colette Dalal Tchantcho, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, and Tom Wlaschiha. The series revolves around the story of how the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont met as passionate young lovers in Paris on the eve of the revolution. In this time, Pascal (Denton) and Camille (Englert) are simply two young people who are dreaming of a better life together. Camille, who is taken in by the...

"Dangerous Liaisons", the new series 'reimagining' the 18th century novel of the same name, starring Alice Englert and Nicholas Denton, has been canceled after one season on Starz:

"...'Dangerous Liaisons' is a bold prelude of the classic 18th century novel focusing on the origin story of the 'Marquise de Merteuil' in Paris on the eve of the revolution. This modern take on a classic story takes audiences through wonder and terror, beauty and degradation, seduction and deception in pre-revolutionary Paris.

"Driven to right the wrongs of their past, survival depends on skills of seduction and manipulation of the French nobility.

"It’s not love… it’s war.

Click the images to enlarge...

<...

Reversing renewals is becoming a trend in 2022.

Starz has canceled Dangerous Liaisons, despite picking up a second season earlier this year.

Deadline first reported the news, revealing that the final three episodes of Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 will air as scheduled.

The series had been renewed ahead of its series premiere in November.

While it has been reported that Starz felt the show was in a strong place creatively, the numbers were not strong enough to sustain the series any longer.

The series has been below 100,000 viewers for its live + same-day ratings, even going as low as 52,000 viewers.

The premium cabler has not reported any delayed viewing numbers, likely meaning the show didn't make much of an impact post-airdate.

The second season was expected to begin production in Prague in 2023.

“‘Dangerous Liaisons’ is addictive, provocative and beautifully rendered,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming at Starz said when the show was...

What Starz giveth, Starz can still taketh away. Prior to the November 1st launch of the Dangerous Liaisons TV series, the cable channel announced that the period drama had already been renewed for a second season. Today, it was revealed that Starz has cancelled that order for season two.

A period drama series, the Dangerous Liaisons TV show is a prequel to the classic 18th-century French novel. It stars Alice Englert, Nicholas Denton, Lesley Manville, Kosar Ali, Carice van Houten, Hilton Pelser, Fisayo Akinade, Michael McElhatton, Nathanael Saleh, Colette Dalal Tchantcho, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, and Tom Wlaschiha. The series revolves around the story of how the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont met as passionate young lovers in Paris on the eve of the revolution. In this time, Pascal (Denton) and Camille (Englert) are simply two young...

Starz has canceled “Dangerous Liaisons” after one season — despite that the historical drama was renewed just last month, Variety has confirmed.

Though executives at Starz had much faith behind the series, sources say the team decided to axe the show due to it not finding its audience. The remaining three episodes in the first season will be released as scheduled.

“Dangerous Liaisons” was given a Season 2 order in November, prior to its Nov. 6 premiere.

Alice Elgert and Nicholas Denton star in the show as the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont. Based on the famous 18th century novel of the same name by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, the Starz series served as a prequel to the historic tale showing the origin story of the notorious couple.

“This modern take on a classic story takes audiences through wonder and terror, beauty and degradation, seduction and deception in pre-revolutionary Paris. Driven...

Exclusive: Dangerous Liaisons has been canceled at Starz, reversing its early Season 2 renewal. The remaining three episodes of the 8-episode first season will air as scheduled.

Executive producers are actively shopping the period drama around, Deadline hears.

Dangerous Liaisons’ Season 2 renewal was announced on Nov. 1, ahead of the series’ Nov. 6 debut. According to sources Starz brass continue to believe in the show creatively but the prequel to the famous 18th-century novel struggled to find an audience, leading to its cancellation.

On linear, Dangerous Liaisons premiered with a 0.03 rating among the 18-49 demographic and only 88,000 total viewers, according to live + same day Nielsen data. Things didn’t improve in the following weeks, with the show dropping as low as a 0.02 and 52,000 total viewers for the Thanksgiving weekend episode. Though ratings improved slightly with its Dec. 4 airing, the show has yet to crack a six-figure L+Sd audience thus far. Starz has...

The masks are off.

On Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 6, we finally got to the heart of Camille's obsession.

There were revelations, attempted murders, and words spoken that can never be taken back.

We must address the biggest reveal of the episode, which had been building for the entire season thus far. What happened to Camille before she landed at Madame Jericho's? Why does she hate the Montrachets?

The fact that Henri raped Camille is not surprising. What's interesting is how focused Camille is on Jacqueline. Henri has sometimes felt like an afterthought.

Perhaps it's because men are just expected to be evil, in Camille's eyes, but Jacqueline's betrayal -- a woman who should have protected her -- was just as bad.

Did Jacqueline truly believe that Camille had seduced her husband or that she intended to? Some pieces are still missing here, including what Jacqueline truly believed about Henri, Camille,...

Maybe your favorite shows have gone off the air until January.

Well, there's still plenty to keep you busy!

Check out what we recommend to watch this week.

Saturday, December 10

8/7c Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas (Lifetime)

Award-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin is back with another star-studded and fabulous Christmas film and a fantastic playlist, too.

Naturi Naughton, of Power acclaim, stars as a single mother who gets caught in a blizzard with her estranged daughter at a church filled with parishioners bummed out about the cancelation of their holiday play.

What unfolds is a beautiful tale of love, family, forgiveness, community, and the beauty of the season.

10/9c The Gift of Peace (Hmm)

Traci lost her faith after tragedy but begins to find inspiration, hope, and peace with the help of a new community when she joins a grief support group at Christmas.

You’re going to...

Sandra Stern has been promoted at Lionsgate TV.

Stern has been upped to Vice Chairman of Lionsgate Television Group.

It comes after a stellar year for the company, particularly as it managed to go three-for-three with its broadcast network series, scoring renewals for CBS’ Ghosts, ABC’s Home Economics and Fox’s Welcome To Flatch with some savvy dealmaking.

Stern, who was previously promoted to President of Lionsgate TV Group in 2015, has been a key member of the company’s senior management team for nearly 20 years.

She has helped the company record 14 series pickups this year as well as 15 renewals.

In addition to the Ghosts, Home Economics and Welcome to Flatch, Lionsgate series include a Mike O’Malley comedy at NBC, HBO Max’s Julia and Minx, Mythic Quest, Manhunt, Acapulco and a Seth Rogen series at Apple TV, P-Valley, Party Down, The Serpent Queen and three series in the Power...

Camille will not back down when she's so close to getting everything she wants.

On Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 5, more secrets come to light -- perhaps the most damaging ones yet.

Valmont and Camille come to a head, torn for the first time between morality and manipulation.

Camille is an expert at pivoting and recalculating based on what's thrown at her. She's always there waiting for something, ready to receive information and use it for her needs.

See how her tactics and goals shifted seamlessly throughout the episodes. First blackmailing Jean, then looping in Ondine to bring down Christine, then after Pascal's confrontation, she moved on to her next power move -- securing Jean de Merteuil for herself.

Alice Englert is deft and specific in her performance, ruthless when she needs to be, and allows herself a few brief moments of transcendent rage, collecting herself quickly afterward.

Lucy Cohu was absolutely made for this.

Once upon a time, there was a lack of new shows in December.

With the rise of streaming, there is plenty to watch this coming week.

Check out our recommendations below.

Saturday, December 3

8/7c A New Orleans Noel (Lifetime)

Lifetime veteran Keshia Knight Pulliam stars in this heartwarming, star-studded film alongside her husband, Brad James, and the legendary Patti Labelle in this sweet movie that explores love, found family, and grief in the beautiful city of New Orleans.

Grace connects with an old classmate and friendly rival while working on the iconic Praline Queen’s home and founds family and love along the way.

Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with the co-writer and director, Angela Tucker

.

Sunday, December 4

8/7c Family Law (The CW)

This Sunday’s episode is all about motherhood. Abby and Daniel defend two sisters whose estranged mother wants parental support.

The case triggers...

Taking place in pre-Revolution Paris, Dangerous Liaisons tells the story of the Marquise de Merteuil who seeks revenge on her ex-lover. The story was made famous by the iconic Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer film, but Starz now presents a television series by the same name.

Kosar Ali, who plays Victoire, recently sat down for a conversation with uInterview founder Erik Meers to discuss the reimagining of the 1988 classic.

“In this version, I think, actors bring a very personal point of view to the characters,” Ali revealed. “The characters feel very human. We explore so many dynamics which is very interesting.”

She went on to provide insight into her character, Victoire.

“Victoire is the detective of the show,” the actress said. “She’s Camille’s chambermaid but also her partner in crime, her best friend. More than that, she’s a very humorous character. She’s very cheeky,...

Pierre Choderolas de Laclos’ 1782 epistolary novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” has proven to be incredibly malleable over the last few decades. In addition to the 1988, Stephen Frears-directed Christopher Hampton adapted “Dangerous Liaisons,” we’ve gotten the stately “Valmont” and even the glorious camp of “Cruel Intentions.” Needless to say, the world was perhaps not clamoring for another look into the backstabbing lives of the Marquise de Merteuil and her sometimes lover/enemy, Valmont.

Continue reading ‘Dangerous Liasons’ Review: This Starz Prequel is An Absurd & Superfluous Origin Story at The Playlist.

There's no going back now. We have arrived at the kinky underground sex club episode.

Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 4 is filled with erotically-charged scenes, but most of it is deeply unsettling.

There are so many more secrets and revelations here, as well as hints of what's to come and how it will all unravel.

Camille meets with Ondine at Valmont's behest, and they get along well. If Valmont knew how well, he might not have sent her.

Camille now knows that Valmont could potentially have a title (with her help) and all the wealth that goes along with it.

In their time together, Ondine seems to serve as the mentor Camille hoped Genevieve would have been. She is full of aphorisms.

Strike fast and without fear, or lose.

Ondine de Valmont Permalink: Strike fast and without fear, or lose. Added: November 24, 2022

But how can Camille truly befriend someone if...

You would think premieres would be slowing down, but with the rise of streaming, there are more shows on the air than ever.

There is plenty to watch this week, TV Fanatics.

Take a look at what's on offer below.

Saturday, November 26

10/9c Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas (Hmm)

Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize.

On the message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life.

Starring Holland Roden, Tyler Hynes, and Tenille Townes. From Executive Producer Blake Shelton.

Sunday, November 27

8/7c Family Law (The CW)

Abby gets over in head when she represents a friend that’s an anti-vaxxer and only alienates Daniel further over Harry’s rejection of not making him partner.

Lucy ponders telling Maggie about her one-night stand.

Nico gets suspended for forgery at school, forcing Abby and...

Chicago – Comcast and Xfinity Rewards just announced the return of Free TV Week, from November 22-28th, 2022. Xfinity customers on X1, Flex and Stream can enjoy free, week-long access to thousands of shows and movies from over a dozen premium networks and streaming services, including HBO Max, Prime Video, Starz, Epix, Showtime, AMC+ and more.

Free TV Week

Photo credit: Xfinity.com

Some of the season’s most buzzed about programming will be available for Xfinity customers to enjoy all week long, including …

On HBO Max, exciting HBO Original series like the premiere season of “House of the Dragon,” the first season of the Emmy-award winning series “The White Lotus and all available episodes of season two, and the recently released theatrical film on HBO, “Don’t Worry Darling.”

The first season of select Prime Video Originals, including “The Terminal List” and and Tom Clancy’s “Jack Ryan,” ahead of the season three release in December.

Step away from the light, and move into the darkness.

Ghosts figured prominently on Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 3, but not in the traditional sense.

Genevieve de Merteuil's spirit was invoked, and although she didn't make an appearance, her memory haunts those still alive.

Lucy Cohu's Christine de Sevigny has a relaxed elegance and airs that have been bred into her being. Christine is whip-smart and, with Jean de Merteuil at her side, poses a real threat to Camille's already tenuous position.

Christine seems obsessed with ousting Camille at every turn to honor the memory of her beloved cousin Genevieve.

Christine is also close with the Queen, which could potentially take Camille's societal rise to another level.

A shadow can only survive in the dark.

Jean De Merteuil Permalink: A shadow can only survive in the dark. Added: November 18, 2022

Majordome could easily be a side character, but he's so intriguing. What is his real name?...

It may be the holidays, but there’s not stopping the new programming coming our way.

Christmas takes control with every available network pumping out programming.

But look for Echo 3 on Apple TV+ and Peacock’s Pitch Perfect series to make your week, too.

Saturday, November 19

8/7c Santa Bootcamp (Lifetime)

The Walking Dead’s Emily Kinney and One Day At a Time’s living legend, Rita Moreno, star in this cute, steamy, and a bit cheeky film about an event planner who lands an important, career-changing gig, but she must attend a crash course in Christmas to pull it off successfully.

While attending Belle’s Santa Bootcamp, she not only finds the holiday spirit, but she may find love, too.

Lifetime veteran and Christmas Queen Melissa Joan Hart directs, and executive produces this endearing film.

8/7c Three Wise Men and a Baby (Hallmark)

Three brothers get the surprise of their...

Dangerous Liaisons continues to titillate, tease, and torment.

There seems to be no end to Camille and Valmont's mind games, but they still can't help but flirt.

TV Fanatic scored an exclusive clip from Sunday's upcoming episode, which sees the former lovers meeting in a most unlikely place.

Dangerous Liaisons has made such a splash that it has already been picked up for a second season.

It's a prequel series to the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and play by Christopher Hampton (which was made into a film by Stephen Frears).

Camille (Alice Englert) last saw Valmont (Nicholas Denton) attempting to seduce a wealthy older woman at the opera.

Here she makes an offer -- and demands.

At Madame Berthe's dress shop, Camille has never looked more regal in a magnificent pink gown.

In fact, Pascal doesn't even recognize her.

More playful banter follows, giving way to veiled insults,...

Kate Winslet is keeping it all in the family.

The Academy Award and Emmy winner co-stars opposite daughter Mia Threapleton in Channel 4 anthology series installment “I Am Ruth.” The third season debuts with Winslet’s feature-length episode, starring as a mother grappling with her social media-addicted teenage daughter (Threapleton).

“I Am Ruth” was conceived and developed by Winslet and filmmaker Dominic Savage, who created the “I Am” series. Gemma Chan, Vicky McClure, and Samantha Morton led the first season, with Letitia Wright, Lesley Manville, and Suranne Jones appearing in the second. “I Am Ruth” is the first chapter of Season 3, with more installments featuring different actresses set to be announced soon.

“I Am Ruth” is written and directed by Savage, based on a story co-created by Winslet. The episode is produced by Me+You Productions in association with Juggle Productions, with Winslet, Savage, and Richard Yee executive producing. The series...

Chloe Bailey Boards AGC Studio’s Wall Street Drama ‘Midas Touch’

Musician and actor Chloe Bailey (Grown-ish) has signed on to star in the Wall Street drama Midas Touch from AGC Studios. The flick follows the true story of Lauren Simmons, the youngest equity trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and only the second African American woman to hold that position. Bailey will star as Simmons in the pic, which will be directed by Numa Perrier (The Perfect Find). Simmons is an executive producer on the film, as are AGC’s Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, and Glendon Palmer. CAA negotiated on behalf of Bailey and AGC’s SVP of Legal & Business Affairs, Anant Tamirisa, and Palmer negotiated on behalf of AGC.

‘The Pact’ Producer Little Door Expands With Drama Hires

The Welsh indie behind BBC drama The Pact, Little Door Productions, has hired Sherlock and Baker...

When we consider John Malkovich playing a parody of himself in "Being John Malkovich," there comes the question: Why John Malkovich? Why not "Being Kurt Russell" or "Being Alan Rickman," for instance? Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman answered this, saying there was no other actor in mind when he wrote the script, due to Malkovich's "quality of unknowability" (via Rolling Stone).

And there we have the main draw of John Malkovich as a Hollywood actor, a visage that is instantly recognizable yet as inscrutable as the great stone faces of Easter Island. There isn't anyone else remotely like him, which adds to his enigma. Although he had hair when starting out, he's better known for that magnificent bald dome that hints at a mercurial intellect. Beneath that, there is the interrogative, simian brow that can measure degrees of rage or contempt by how many lines Malkovich furrows into it; then the beady yet penetrating eyes,...

A shocking opening sequence set the stage for Camille's perilous rise to power.

On Dangerous Liaisons Season 1 Episode 2, Genevieve de Merteuil checked out of the narrative but left a looming shadow over everyone's future.

Genevieve's departure will likely be a polarizing event, but we must see how it plays out before making final judgments.

It's disappointing to lose such a significant power player early on.

Fridging a magnificent female character (and actress in Manville) always stings, even if it is for the development of another strong female character.

The relationship between Genevieve and Camille was so complex and unique. There was such promise of what they might have achieved together -- the first three minutes were an absolute masterclass.

Avenge our sex. Devise strategies I could not even imagine. Conquer or die.

Genevieve de Merteuil Permalink: Avenge our sex. Devise strategies I could not even imagine. Conquer or die. Added:...

This is an incredibly busy (and fruitful) week.

Yellowstone Returns! And with it comes a new show in the Taylor Sheridan universe, Sylvester Stallone’s Tulsa King.

There’s a terrific series called Rogue Heroes premiering, Elite returns on Netflix along with Dead to Me, and a little bit of horror called 1899 (Not associated with Yellowstone prequels).

And let’s not forget Christmas! The long-awaited genuine follow-up to A Christmas Story premieres on HBO Max, and The Santa Clauses touch down on rooftops everywhere on Disney+.

Saturday, November 12

8/7c Reindeer Games Homecoming (Lifetime)

It’s a reunion that’s worth your time when Sarah Drew and Justin Bruening co-star in this heartfelt, funny, and emotional holiday film written and executive produced by Drew.

The chemistry between them absolutely crackles and makes this holiday flick worth your while, and they’ll have you glued to the screen and totally wrapped...

Greenaway’s arch tale of sexual and political manipulation has not lost its power to bewilder and compel

After 40 years, here is a re-release of a classic product of the British Film Institute and Channel 4, in the era when they high-mindedly sponsored non-commercial artistry. If anything, Peter Greenaway’s film looks more brilliant, more uncompromisingly cerebral and more exasperating than ever. Watching it again, I found myself thinking of Congreve, Dangerous Liaisons and The Wicker Man.

This was Greenaway’s breakthrough; it startled and entranced British audiences and European audiences even more so, with its rich, weird mix of luscious costumes and theatricality, emotionless line-readings, austerely inert staging, opaque plotting, mad elegance and mysterious eroticism. (It’s a distant cousin to the “chateau artporn” of the previous decade.) And all with Michael Nyman’s score chugging relentlessly away, like a violin bow sawing into your skull.

Vulture Watch

All's fair in love and war. Has the Dangerous Liaisons TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on Starz? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Dangerous Liaisons, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  

What's This TV Show About?

A period drama series airing on the Starz cable channel, the Dangerous Liaisons TV show is a prequel to the classic 18th-century French novel. It stars Alice Englert, Nicholas Denton, Lesley Manville, Kosar Ali, Carice van Houten, Hilton Pelser, Fisayo Akinade, Michael McElhatton, Nathanael Saleh, Colette Dalal Tchantcho, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, and Tom Wlaschiha. The series revolves around the story of how the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont...

Game of Thrones star Carice van Houten has said she would consider reprising her role as Melisandre in House of the Dragon.

Melisandre, often referred to as the Red Woman or the Red Witch, is best known for being granted immortality and bringing Jon Snow (Kit Harington) back from the dead in the original series.

In a recent interview, van Houten said she “wouldn’t say no” to a comeback for her character.

"Would I [return]? If the storyline was good – yes, why not?” she told Digital Spy in a conversation published on Tuesday (8 November).

On the possibility of reprising the role, van Houten continued: “I think it would be more fun to show a young Melisandre, or a child Melisandre – to really go deep into her slave routes, because it’s all very… you know, I could go on forever about that.”

“But there is an interesting sort of storyline there,...

This article discusses broad plot points from the novel Dangerous Liaisons but does not contain spoilers for the series.

Starz’s newest period drama miniseries Dangerous Liaisons is the cure for anyone who found Lady Whistledown’s revelations in Bridgerton too tame. The secrets of debutantes pale in comparison to the married elites of pre-Revolution Paris who carry on secret affairs while pretending to be faithful to their spouses. These affairs also expose class and gender conflicts in a world even more cutthroat than the Ton.

Dangerous Liaisons is a prequel to the events of Pierre Choderos de Laclos’ novel of the same name published in 1782. For many people, the movie from 1988 starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich would be the first thing that comes to mind. The 1999 movie Cruel Intentions starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe is a modern-day set adaptation of the novel. The novel has also been adapted as a play,...