The Brainerd Dispatch TV Week September 13th 2020

Today’s Entertainment

September 13 - 19, 2020

Twisted trip

- Story on page 2 -

Jude Law stars in “The Third Day”

Sports this week

Sunday, Sept. 13

10:25 a.m. NBCSN EPL Soccer (Live) (2:05)

10:30 a.m. FSN Pro Football Weekly (0:30)

11:00 a.m. (7) KCCO The NFL Today (Live) (1:00)

(9) KMSP (15) KVRR Fox NFL Sunday (Live) (1:00)

FSN Destination Polaris (0:30)

11:45 a.m. HBO Hard Knocks (1:00) Noon (7) KCCO NFL Football (Live) (4:00)

(9) KMSP (15) KVRR NFL Football

G.B. at Min. (Live) (3:00)

12:10 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Playoffs. (Live) (2:20)

12:30 p.m. NBCSN Premier League Goal Zone (Live) (1:00)

1:00 p.m. GOLF LPGA Golf Final Round ANA Inspiration. (Live) (4:00)

1:30 p.m. NBCSN FA-WSL Soccer (2:00)

2:00 p.m. (5) KSTP WNBA Basketball Pho. vs. Sea. (Live) (2:00)

(11) KARE NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Live) (3:00)

2:30 p.m. ESPN U.S. Open Men’s Championship Pre-show (Live) (0:30)

3:00 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR NFL Football T.B. at N.O. (Live) (3:30)

ESPN ITF Tennis Final U.S. Open. (Live) (3:00)

FSN MLB Baseball Cle. at Min. (Live) (3:00)

3:30 p.m. NBCSN Motorcycle Racing MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix. (1:30)

4:00 p.m. (7) KCCO PBR Bull Riding (1:00)

5:00 p.m. ESPN2 Strongman 400kg Deadlift World Record Attempt. (1:00)

GOLF PGA Golf Final Round Safeway Open. (Live) (3:00)

7:00 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball Hou. at L.A. D. (Live) (3:00)

7:20 p.m. (11) KARE NFL Football Dal. at L.A. (Live) (3:15)

Monday, Sept. 14

10:00 a.m. NBCSN Sky Sports News (1:00)

11:00 a.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

GOLF LPGA Golf Final Round ANA Inspiration. (4:00)

Noon (9) KAWE Classical Stretch: By Essentrics (0:30)

1:00 p.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

ESPN2 Jalen & Jacoby (0:30)

FSN WNBA Basketball Min. vs. Ind. (2:00)

NBCSN Premier League Live (Live) (0:55)

1:30 p.m. ESPN2 Highly Questionable (0:30)

1:55 p.m. NBCSN EPL Soccer (Live) (2:05)

2:00 p.m. ESPN NFL Rewind (Live) (1:00)

ESPN2 NBA: The Jump (Live) (1:00)

3:00 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (Live) (1:00)

ESPN2 Jalen & Jacoby (0:30)

FSN MLB Baseball Cle. at Min. (2:00)

GOLF PGA Golf Final Round Safeway Open. (3:00)

3:30 p.m. ESPN2 Highly Questionable (0:30)

4:00 p.m. ESPN Monday Night Countdown (Live) (1:55)

ESPN2 Around the Horn (0:30)

NBCSN Premier League Goal Zone (Live) (0:30)

4:30 p.m. ESPN2 Pardon the Interruption (0:30)

NBCSN Men in Blazers (Live) (0:30)

5:00 p.m. ESPN2 SportsCenter (1:00)

5:55 p.m. ESPN Monday Night Kickoff (Live) (0:05)

6:00 p.m. ESPN NFL Football Pit. at N.Y. G (Live) (3:15)

ESPN2 First Take Extra (0:30)

NBCSN UCI Cycling Stage 16 La Tourdu-Pin - Villard-de-Lans Tour de France. (2:00)

3:00 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (Live) (1:00)

3:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live (Live) (0:30)

4:00 p.m. ESPN Around the Horn (0:30)

4:30 p.m. ESPN Pardon the Interruption (0:30)

5:00 p.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

ESPN2 Daily Wager (Live) (1:00)

Noon (9) KAWE Classical Stretch: By Essentrics (0:30)

1:30 p.m. ESPN Highly Questionable (0:30)

2:00 p.m. ESPN NBA: The Jump (Live) (1:00)

ESPN2 Jalen & Jacoby (0:30)

NBCSN UCI Cycling Stage 17 Grenoble - Méribel Col de la Loze Tour de France. (2:00)

2:30 p.m. ESPN2 Highly Questionable (0:30)

3:00 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball L.A. D. at S.D. (Live) (3:00)

Noon (9) KAWE Classical Stretch: By Essentrics (0:30)

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE PGA Golf U.S. Open Championship. (Live) (3:00)

FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.W. (Live) (3:00)

GOLF LPGA Golf Round 1 Portland Classic. (Live) (3:00)

1:30 p.m. ESPN Highly Questionable (0:30)

NBCSN Mecum Top 10 (0:30)

2:00 p.m. ESPN NBA: The Jump (Live) (1:00)

ESPN2 First Take Extra (0:30)

NBCSN UCI Cycling Stage 18 MéribelLa Roche-sur-Foron Tour de France. (2:00)

2:30 p.m. ESPN2 Jalen & Jacoby (0:30)

3:00 p.m. ESPN NFL Live (Live) (1:00)

ESPN2 Highly Questionable (0:30)

3:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Live (Live) (0:30)

4:00 p.m. ESPN Around the Horn (0:30)

ESPN2 NFL Live (1:00)

FSN Twins Live Post-game (Live) (0:30)

GOLF Live From the U.S. Open (Live) (2:00)

NBCSN IMSA Auto Racing Special (1:00)

4:30 p.m. ESPN Pardon the Interruption (0:30)

FSN Destination Polaris (0:30)

5:00 p.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

ESPN2 Daily Wager (Live) (1:00)

NBCSN Dirt Racing Lucas Oil Late Model Series (1:00)

5:30 p.m. FSN Made for the Outdoors (0:30)

6:00 p.m. ESPN SportsCenter (0:30)

6:30 p.m. (9) KMSP Vikings Live (Live) (0:30)

7:00 p.m. FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.W. (3:00)

NBCSN NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Live) (3:00)

7:40 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Playoffs. (Live) (2:20)

8:00 p.m. GOLF USGA Golf Round 1 U.S. Open. (3:00)

9:30 p.m. ESPN2 UFC Archival (0:30)

10:00 p.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

GOLF Live From the U.S. Open (Live) (2:00)

6:30 p.m. ESPN2 UFC Archival (0:30)

7:00 p.m. ESPN2 UFC UFC (3:00)

FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.W. (Live) (3:00)

NBCSN NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Live) (3:00)

USA WWE Raw (Live) (3:00) 9:15 p.m. ESPN NFL Football Ten. at Den. (Live) (3:15)

Tuesday, Sept. 15 8:00 a.m. GOLF Live From the U.S. Open (Live) (8:00) Noon (9) KAWE Classical Stretch: By Essentrics (0:30)

1:00 p.m. ESPN Jalen & Jacoby (0:30) 1:30 p.m. ESPN Highly Questionable (0:30)

2:00 p.m. ESPN NBA: The Jump (Live) (1:00)

FSN Made for the Outdoors (0:30)

5:30 p.m. FSN Destination Polaris (0:30)

6:00 p.m. ESPN SportsCenter (0:30)

GOLF Live From the U.S. Open (Live) (2:00)

NBCSN NHL Live! (Live) (1:00)

6:30 p.m. ESPN NBA Countdown (Live) (1:00)

7:00 p.m. ESPN2 UFC Archival (1:00)

FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.W. (Live) (3:00)

NBCSN NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Live) (3:00)

7:40 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Playoffs. (Live) (2:20)

Wednesday, Sept. 16

8:00 a.m. GOLF Live From the U.S. Open (Live) (8:00)

11:00 a.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

4:00 p.m. ESPN2 Around the Horn (0:30)

4:30 p.m. ESPN2 Pardon the Interruption (0:30)

6:00 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball (Live) (3:00)

7:00 p.m. ESPN2 Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL (1:00)

FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.W. (Live) (3:00)

NBCSN NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Live) (3:00)

USA WWE NXT (Live) (2:00)

8:00 p.m. TNT NBA Basketball Playoffs. (Live) (2:30)

9:00 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball (Live) (3:00)

Thursday, Sept. 17

9:00 a.m. ESPN First Take (Live) (2:00)

6:30 p.m. ESPN NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

7:00 p.m. (9) KMSP (15) KVRR WWE SmackDown (Live) (2:00)

FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.C. (Live) (3:00)

8:00 p.m. TNT NBA Basketball Playoffs. (Live) (2:30)

9:00 p.m. ESPN2 CFL Football Cal. at Ott (Live) (3:00)

Saturday, Sept. 19

9:00 a.m. CNBC EPL Soccer (2:00)

10:00 a.m. (11) KARE PGA Golf U.S. Open Championship. (Live) (8:30)

11:00 a.m. (5) KSTP ESPN ESPN2 NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

11:30 a.m. NBCSN EPL Soccer (Live) (2:00)

2:00 p.m. (5) KSTP College Football Studio (Live) (0:30)

GOLF CHAMPS Golf Round 2 PURE Insurance Championship. (Live) (3:00)

2:30 p.m. (5) KSTP ESPN ESPN2 NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

(7) KCCO NCAA Football BYU at Army (Live) (3:30)

3:30 p.m. NBCSN Mecum Top 10 (0:30)

4:00 p.m. FSN The Ten (1:00)

5:00 p.m. FSN Minnesota Football Honors (1:00)

5:30 p.m. (5) KSTP College Football Studio (Live) (0:30)

6:00 p.m. (9) KMSP MLB Baseball Tex. at L.A. A. (Live) (3:00)

(15) KVRR MLB Baseball Atl. at N.Y. M. (Live) (3:00)

6:30 p.m. (5) KSTP College Football Studio (Live) (0:07)

NBCSN NASCAR Auto Racing Cup Series Night Race. (Live) (3:30)

6:35 p.m. (5) KSTP NCAA Football (Live) (3:15)

7:00 p.m. ESPN NBA Courtside (Live) (0:10)

FSN MLB Baseball Min. at Chi.C. (Live) (3:00)

7:10 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Playoffs. (Live) (2:20)

8:00 p.m. SHOW Boxing Erickson Lubin vs. Terrell Gausha Showtime: Special Edition. (Live) (3:30)

8:30 p.m. (29) WFTC Whacked Out Sports (0:30)

GOLF LPGA Golf Round 3 Portland Classic. (2:00)

Friday, Sept. 18

8:30 a.m. GOLF USGA Golf Round 2 U.S. Open. (Live) (6:30)

10:30 a.m. FSN Baseball in the Dominican Republic (0:30)

11:00 a.m. ESPN SportsCenter (1:00)

Noon (9) KAWE Sit and Be Fit (0:30)

1:00 p.m. ESPN Jalen & Jacoby (0:30)

1:30 p.m. ESPN Highly Questionable (0:30)

2:00 p.m. ESPN NBA: The Jump (Live) (1:00)

2:30 p.m. ESPN2 Jalen & Jacoby (0:30)

3:00 p.m. (11) KARE PGA Golf U.S. Open Championship. (Live) (3:00)

6:00 p.m. ESPN College Football Countdown (Live) (0:30)

ESPN2 CFL Football Edm. at Mtl. (Live) (3:00)

GOLF Live From the U.S. Open (Live) (2:00)

9:00 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Scoreboard (Live) (0:15)

9:15 p.m. ESPN2 NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

9:30 p.m. (9) KMSP Fox 9 Sports Now (0:30)

ESPN NCAA Football (Live) (3:00)

9:50 p.m. (5) KSTP College Football Studio (Live) (0:08)

10:00 p.m. (9) KMSP Vikings Game Plan (0:30)

10:30 p.m. FSN Vikings Game Plan (0:30)

GOLF USGA Golf Round 3 U.S. Open. (3:00)

11:00 p.m. (23) WUCW Ring of Honor Wrestling (1:00)

FSN #VikingsConnected (0:30)

11:30 p.m. FSN Twins Live Pre-game (0:30)

Brainerd

Late Laughs

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

For four years, we’ve looked on in horror as Donald Trump tore down every norm in American life, from the Constitution to English syntax to the definition of “food pyramid.”

It’s a little bit like we’re in the middle of a road trip and we’ve finally realized dad’s lost and we have to take the wheel ... and also send dad to jail for stealing the car.

Tonight [the theme] was “Leadership matters,” which,

of course, has forced the GOP to rename the second night of their convention “All qualities matter!”

Fun fact: women have been able to vote for 100 years. Joe Biden has been in office for half of that!

Extreme Sudoku

it’s about Alexander Hamilton.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

It was the first night of the virtual Democratic National Convention ... because nothing fires up Americans quite like long speeches over Zoom.

Each night of the convention has a theme. For example,

tonight’s theme is “We the people,” tomorrow is “Leadership matters” and the next day is “Please don’t switch to Netflix.”

A glitch at a chocolate factory in Switzerland caused an entire town to be dusted in cacao. America is in the throes of a pandemic, racial upheaval and a recession. Meanwhile, Europe is like, “Oh no, the town is covered in chocolate!”

A Chilean is in hot water after naming her brand of honey “Miel Gibson” after actor Mel Gibson. This is the worst Gibson food product since “What Women Wontons.”

As a middle-aged white person, I don’t really understand hip hop unless

Cover Story

Island isolation

Jude Law stars in HBO’s eerie drama ‘The Third Day’

By Rachel Jones TV Media

The disturbing and captivating new series “The Third Day” premieres Monday, Sept. 14, on HBO. The thriller was originally scheduled to premiere May 11 of this year, but the project was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, which made production almost impossible and delayed the show’s release.

“The Third Day” follows Sam (Jude Law, “The Nest,” 2020), a man who travels alone and ends up on a mystical island off the British coast in the dead of summer. In a separate but connected dimension, another outsider named Helen (Naomie Harris, “Black and Blue,” 2019) also finds her way to the island.

The series features other stars, including Katherine Waterston (“Fan tastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” 2016), Paddy Considine (“How to Build a Girl,” 2020), Emily Watson (“Chernobyl”), John Daglei sh (“The Gentlemen,” 2019) and Freya Allan (“The Witcher”).

The series is divided into three dis tinct yet interconnected plots. The first batch of episodes, entitled “Summer” and directed by Marc Munden (“Utopia,” 2013), follows Sam as he explores the mysterious is land. He’s met there by locals who are keen on preserving their tradi tions, no matter the cost.

The second chapter, “Autumn,” will be a live event broadcast from London, England. It’s been described by producers as a “major immersive

theater event.” This live installment of the series, which features Law, Harris and the rest of the cast, can be viewed on a single take, and it’s meant to let the audience step inside the story as it unfolds.

“Autumn” offers the audience a deeper experience of the mystical island, allowing them to view it in a real-time broadcast. This interactive segment runs in a single, uninterrupted, cinematic take that showcases the locals’ rituals and traditions and how they blur the lines of reality.

The third batch of episodes, “Winter,” was directed by Philippa Lowthorpe (“Three Girls”). It focuses on the strong-willed Helen, who arrives on the island in search of solutions. But when she inadvertently creates a bigger conflict, it eventually leads to a battle that will determine the future of the island and its inhabitants. The psychological thriller is nothing short

released in April) has been unveiled by HBO. It features Sam driving into the island as locals talk about the place being something special. But the road to it suddenly ends as it sinks underwater, and it seems that Sam will be trapped in paradise for good.

The island’s inhabitants are tightlipped, and as the truth of local rituals and the island’s secrets start to sweep over Sam, he attempts to resolve the trauma of his past as his present is flooded with his nightmares.

Some are already comparing the show to the now-classic ABC series “Lost” and the 1973 British horror flick “The Wicker Man,” due mostly to the eeriness and mystery. According to critics, “The Third Day” has the potential to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, fans who have been treated to an early

director for the first three episodes, which were written by Dennis Kelly (“Pulling”). That same month, the cast was expanded, and it was announced that Waterston, Considine and Watson had joined the cast. By August, Harris and Dagleish had joined the lineup, too, with Lowthorpe on board to helm the final three episodes.

With Law on board, it’s no wonder that the show is already making waves. He’s been recognized for his exceptional performances with a BAFTA Film Award, two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations. He’s also received nominations for three Laurence Olivier Awards and two Tony Awards for his theater performances.

In 2007, he was presented with an Honorary César award and was recognized for his contribution to World Cinema Arts and named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.

Harris, meanwhile, is an English actress who is having somewhat of a moment. She won the hearts of critics with her role in the Oscar-winning film “Moonlight” (2016), a performance that also won her a slew of nominations (Golden Globe, BAFTA and Academy Award) for Best Supporting Actress. You may also know her from the most recent James Bond films, in which she stars as the legendary Eve Moneypenny — the newest installment, “No Time to Die,” premieres in November of this year. In 2017, Harris was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her work in drama.

From the list, find each word and circle its letters in the puzzle to reveal a message relating to this week's theme

What’s for Breakfast

BACON BAGEL CEREAL CINNAMON ROLL CONGEE CREPES CRUMPETS

DIM SUM DOUGHNUT EGGS ENCHILADAS

FRUIT GRITS

HASH BROWNS IDLI KULCHA

MISO SOUP MUESLI MUFFINS NATTO OATMEAL PAIN AU CHOCOLAT PALMIER PANCAKES QUICHE ROTI SLINGER STRUDEL TOAST WAFFLES YOUTIAO

by KNUTENELSON

Videoreleases

Tommaso

Tommaso (Dafoe) is an American actor and filmmaker struggling to reconcile his life with his newfound sobriety. With a long list of demons trailing behind him, Tommaso attempts to make good on this shaky new beginning in Italy, accompanied by his much younger wife, Nikki (Chiriac), and their daughter, Dee Dee (Ferrara).

Though it’s idyllic at first, Tommaso’s devoted, working-father façade begins to crumble due to both the pull of his addictions and Nikki’s infidelity. With nothing left to

hide behind, Tommaso must salvage what is left of his life before his past swallows him up completely.

Director:AbelFerrara.Stars:WillemDafoe,CristinaChiriac,AlessandraScarci,AnnaFerrara,Stella Mastrantonio,LorenzoPiazzoni. 2019. 115 mins. Drama.

Becky

When 13-year-old Becky Hooper’s (Wilson) father, Jeff (McHale), and his girlfriend, Kayla (Brugel), announce their en-

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Solution below

gagement in the middle of their lake house vacation, Becky storms off into the woods, where she finds a strange key in a tin box. In her absence, a group of convicted neo-Nazis led by the brutal Dominick (James) make their way into the lake house, holding Jeff, Kayla and Kayla’s son, Ty (Rockcliffe), hostage until they find a key they claim to have left on the property. Communicating via walkie-talkie, Becky and the criminals attempt to reach an agreement, until the gang murders Jeff and begins a bloody war against the teenager. With only her dog and violent, twisted mind to rely on, Becky goes after the neo-Nazis to avenge her father and save herself.

Directors:JonathanMilottand CaryMurnion.Stars:LuluWilson, KevinJames,JoelMcHale,Amanda Brugel,RyanMcDonald,Robert

mins. Action.

No Safe Spaces

Focused on the importance of free speech, this documentary outlines the various events and controversies that culminated in censoring the ideas and beliefs of one or more individuals. The film centers its main arguments on the United States, in particular, in the context of language in universities and their designated safe spaces. With Adam Carolla and Dennis Prager interviewing both students and staff about the issue, it becomes clear that the debate surrounding free speech may never be resolved, but it is one that will never be anything but relevant.

Director:JustinFolk.Stars:Adam Carolla,DennisPrager,VanJones, TimAllen,BenShapiro.2019.100 mins.Documentary.

CROW WING COUNTY LANDFILL

Open Monday - Saturday 8 am

• Free oil recycling at the landfill and several drop-off locations within the County. Visit our webpage for drop-off locations:

• Free compost of lawn and garden material (please separate brush and branches)

A small fee for recycling of used oil filters and anti-freeze.

Willem Dafoe as seen in “Tomasso”

CHANNEL GUIDE

By Jessica Gosse TV Media

WHAT’S NEW ON NETFLIX

“The Devil All the Time” (2020)

British actor Tom Holland takes a step away from the playful role of Spider-Man that many have come to know (and love) him for as he stars as Arvin Russell in this gothic drama premiering Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Netflix. Based on the epic novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock, the film follows Arvin, who was brought up in the backwoods, Bible-thumping town of Knockemstiff, Ohio, after his father died during World War II. Raised by Willard Russell (Bill Skarsgard, “It,” 2017), a veteran who uses prayer to cope with his own PTSD from the war and his wife’s cancer diagnosis, Arvin now also has a deep faith, but he is coming to realize that his town may not be as God-fearing as he once believed. When he is given his father’s gun as a birthday gift, Arvin begins to take matters into his own hands and faces down the town’s corrupt sheriff, Lee Bodecker (Sebastian Stan, “Avengers: Endgame,” 2019), as well as villainous couple Sandy (Riley Keough, “Logan Lucky,” 2017) and Carl Henderson (Jason Clarke,

“Pet Sematary,” 2019), and the unholy town preacher, Rev. Preston Teagardin (Robert Pattinson, “The Lighthouse,” 2019).

“Ratched”

Many people will be familiar with the iconic villain Nurse Ratched from the 1975 Academy Awardwinning film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (or the 1962 Ken Kesey novel on which it’s based). On Friday, Sept. 18, Ryan Murphy (“The Politician”) gives us more insight into the mind of the lobotomy-serving nurse with this new series. Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story”) stars as Mildred Ratched, who in 1947 heads to northern California seeking employment as a nurse at a mental institution after serving in the Corps during the war. The series is set to feature Ratched’s transition from a dedicated professional to the cold-hearted monster we know as she works in a psychiatric hospital where experimental procedures are performed on patients. Between Dr. Richard Hanover’s (Jon Jon Briones, “Blood Ransom,” 2014) controversial experiments, the strict head nurse Betsy Bucket (Judy Davis, “The Dressmaker,” 2015) and the many unusual patients — including a mass murderer (Finn Wittrock, “Semper Fi,” 2019) and an eccen-

tric heiress (Sharon Stone, “Basic Instinct,” 1992) — life at the institution begins to slowly push Nurse Ratched over the edge.

WHAT’S NEW ON PRIME

“All In: The Fight for Democracy” (2020) With one of the most important elections in U.S. history looming, Prime presents this documentary about voter suppression, premiering Friday, Sept. 18. From directors Liz Garbus (“Love, Marilyn,” 2012) and Lisa Cortes (“The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion,” 2019), the film focuses primarily on the struggles that many go through to obtain the right to vote, a timely topic given the upcoming election and the fact that 2020 marks 100 years since women (finally) won the right to vote. Stacey Abrams, the first Black woman to become a major party’s nominee for state governor and who famously claimed that voter suppression caused her to lose the election for governor of Georgia, is also prominently featured in the documentary and serves as a producer. Garbus and Cortes have stated that their hope is to educate viewers and arm them with the tools they need to defend their right to vote.

WHAT’S NEW ON HULU “PEN15” Season 2

Though many people gripe about high school, middle school was no picnic, either, as shown by Anna Konkle (“Rosewood”) and Maya Erskine (“Casual”), who star as preteen versions of themselves in this comedy series. The second season of the hilarious show premieres Friday, Sept. 18, on Hulu. Set in the early 2000s, Season 1 saw Maya and Anna facing the joys of seventh grade, culminating in the wonderful awkwardness

of their first school dance. The second season picks up two days after the dance, when the girls are invited to a pool party and things get uncomfortable when one of their crushes shows up. Season 2 sees Maya and Anna enter the eighth grade, where their friendship is tested as Anna copes with her parents’ divorce, Maya hosts a sleepover and they both take part in the school play.

WHAT’S NEW ON DISNEY+ “Ever After: A Cinderella Story” (1998)

In 19th-century France, the Grand Dame (Jeanne Moreau, “Face,” 2009) sets the record straight about “Cinderella,” telling the story of servant girl Danielle de Barbarac (Drew Barrymore, “Santa Clarita Diet”) in this version of the classic tale coming to Disney+ on Friday, Sept. 18. When Danielle was 8 years old, she was left in the care of her new stepmother, the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent (Anjelica Huston, “The Addams Family,” 1991), after the tragic death of the girl’s father. Now, 10 years later, Danielle is treated more like a servant by her stepmother and two stepsisters, Marguerite (Megan Dodds, “CSI: NY”) and Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey, “Mrs. America”), who have burned through her father’s money but refuse to acknowledge their debt. When Danielle has a chance encounter with the crowned prince, Henry (Dougray Scott, “Batwoman”), he quickly becomes besotted with her, despite the king and queen wanting him to marry the princess of Spain. Not wanting her step-family to know about their meeting, or for him to know that she’s a servant, Danielle tells Henry that she is the Comtesse Nicole de Lancret. Danielle continues to see Henry,

their way to becoming who they are today. The series features a wide variety of celebrities, from sports stars such as NFL player Rob Gronkowski of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and WNBA player Candace Parker of the L.A. Sparks to film and television stars such as Julianne Hough (“Footloose,” 2011), Adam DeVine (“The Righteous Gemstones”) and more. Don’t miss this fascinating (and often emotional) series as it shows the humble beginnings of some of your favorite celebrities.

WHAT’S NEW ON APPLE TV+ “Long Way Up”

keeping her true identity secret from him and hiding her activities from her step-family. Meanwhile, the Baroness and Marguerite plot to get Prince Henry to ask for Marguerite’s hand in marriage, and Henry seeks life advice from renowned artist Leonardo Da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey, “Mr. Turner,” 2014). Disaster strikes when Danielle’s secret comes out in the middle of a masquerade ball.

“Becoming”

Michael Jordan wasn’t always the legendary basketball player and celebrity we know him as today — there was a time when he was new to the game, just shooting hoops in his parents’ driveway. The same can be said of many celebrities with various talents. On Friday, Sept. 18, Disney+ presents this new 10-episode docuseries from executive producers LeBron James and Maverick Carter that explores the origins of various famous people. Each episode takes a celebrity back to their hometown, where they take us through the places that had the most impact on their lives and explain some of the struggles they faced on

Best friends Ewan McGregor (“Christopher Robin,” 2018) and Charley Boorman (“Travellers,” 2011) team up for another epic cross-country adventure in the premiere of this reality series on Friday, Sept. 18, on Apple TV+. The duo has gone on two previous adventures: the first in 2004 called “Long Way Round,” which saw them ride their motorcycles through Europe, Russia, Ukraine and North America as they traveled from London, England, to New York City; and the second in 2007, called “Long Way Down,” in which they rode from the northernmost tip of Scotland to the southernmost tip of South Africa. This time the duo takes on South America in what has been described as their most challenging trip yet, despite being smaller in scale than the others. Still, their expedition spans 13,000 miles and 13 countries and is accomplished in only 100 days. For McGregor and Boorman, it’s not just about traveling the world, though. Their second trip was inspired by their work with UNICEF, and this latest trip has them using cutting-edge technology to contribute to the planet’s sustainability.

Tom Holland stars in “The Devil All the Time”

Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle in “PEN15”

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor in “The Long Way Up”

High-flying conspiracy Punjabi and Plummer star in Peacock’s ‘Departure’

By Kyla Brewer TV Media

T his fall TV season may look a little different than years past, but studios are finding ways to bring viewers fresh shows nonetheless. Networks are scouring the globe to find just the right series for North American audiences, and one such acquisition is poised to reel in viewers with action, mystery and conspiracy.

Emmy Award winner Archie Panjabi (“The Good Wife”) returns to television as Kendra Malley, a recently widowed TSIB investigator who is called in when passenger Flight 716 mysteriously vanishes somewhere over the Atlantic in the premiere of “Departure,” airing Thursday, Sept. 17, on NBC’s streaming service Peacock. Recently divorced, Malley works alongside her former boss and mentor, TSIB senior manager Howard Lawson, played by Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer (“All the Money in the World,” 2017).

The six-episode British-Canadian production was originally commissioned by Canada’s Global and aired in the U.K. in 2019. Now, thanks to a deal with NBCUniversal, audiences in North America will be able to enjoy the show, which is described as a “high octane conspiracy series” in an official news release.

“’Departure’s’ gripping storyline — steeped in conspiracy, mystery and intriguing characters — is a great fit for our international channel brands and will have our viewers on the edge of their seats,“ NBC executive Steve Patscheck commented in the release. “We look forward to bringing this thrilling series and its stellar, award-winning cast to our fans around the world.”

With English actor Panjabi and Canadian performer Plummer at the forefront of the series, the drama has big-name international appeal. Panjabi’s portrayal of Kalinda Sharma in CBS’s “The Good Wife” not only earned her a following of American fans but also plenty of accolades. She became the first Asian actor to win a Pri-

metime Emmy for acting in 2010. She went on to win a 2012 NAACP Image Award and has been nominated for a Golden Globe and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. A virtual legend, Plummer should need little introduction. His acting career spans seven decades, beginning with his first starring role in 1958’s “Stage Struck.” Of course, millions of fans remember him as Captain Georg von Trapp in the iconic movie musical “The Sound of Music” (1965). His awards and nominations are too numerous to count, but the highlights include an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for “Beginners” (2010), two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards.

Panjabi and Plummer bring their talents back to television in “Departure.” Directed by “Orphan Black’s” T.J. Scott, the show was created by Vince Shiao (“V-Wars”). It was filmed in Ontario, Canada, and London, England in 2018 and 2019 and features an international ensemble cast led by Panjabi and Plummer. Fellow Hollywood A-lister British actor Claire Forlani (“Meet Joe Black,” 1998) also stars as MI5 officer Janet Friel, who’s assigned to the investigation.

Kris Holden-Reid (“Lost Girl”) portrays Malley’s partner, TBIS investigator Dom. Their fellow TBIS colleagues include Levi Hall (Peter Mensah, “Tears of the Sun,” 2003), Nadia (Tamara Duarte, “Wynonna Earp”) and Theo (Mark Rendall, “Childstar,” 2004). Alexandre Bourgeois (“Riot Girls,” 2019) appears as Malley’s adopted son, A.J.

The cast also includes Rebecca Liddiard (“Frankie Drake Mysteries”) as Madelyn Strong, the sole survivor of Flight 716, and Shazad Latif (“Star Trek: Discovery”) as Ali, Madelyn’s boyfriend. Allan Hawco (“Republic of Doyle”) appears as Capt. Richard Donovan, pilot of Flight 716. Sasha Roiz (“Grimm”) stars as Pavel Bartok, CEO of Bartok Airways.

While investigating the incident, many theories about what may have happened to the plane come to light, from hijacking to government coverup to pilot suicide to terrorism. In the trailer for the series, Malley wonders whether sole survivor Strong could actually be the prime suspect after

she’s miraculously found and rescued from the middle of the ocean. As the story unfolds, Malley uncovers an overarching conspiracy and races against the clock in the hopes of preventing another plane from disappearing.

A show about a disappearing airplane may sound familiar to TV fans, and with good reason. This isn’t the first time in the past decade or so that this kind of plot has been used

to draw viewers. Ever since ABC’s “Lost” took prime time by storm in 2004 with the story of an airplane that crash lands on a mysterious island, networks have been trying to recapture that magic. In 2010, a plane mysteriously vanished into a vortex in the opening episode of NBC’s “The Event,” a sci-fi drama about extraterrestrials. The show only lasted one season. More recently, NBC has had more success with

the supernatural drama “Manifest,” about a group of passengers on an airplane who experience what they believe is turbulence only to land safely and discover that they’ve been missing for more than five years.

On the surface, it may seem as if “Departure” is headed down a similar path, but the thriller differs from such predecessors in the sense that it does not appear to employ any supernatural ele-

ments. By all accounts, it is a good old-fashioned suspenseful TV mystery with twists and turns that will keep the audience guessing. It remains to be seen whether “Departure” will suffer the fate of “The Event” or strike a chord with audiences as “Manifest” and “Lost” have. Decide for yourself by checking out “Departure,” beginning Thursday, Sept. 17, on NBC’s Peacock.

Christopher Plummer stars in “Departure”