Entertainment Now Oct. 27 – Nov. 2, 2024 by Community Source

The political thriller

with

By Sarah Passingham

This conspiracy goes all the way to the top. The political thriller “The Diplomat” is back for a second season on Netflix Thursday, Oct. 31, with Keri Russell (“The Americans”) returning as American ambassador to the United Kingdom, Kate Wyler. This season, Kate struggles with the realization that the British government was behind a deadly bombing of one of its own ships in the Persian Gulf — the attack that led to her reassignment in the series premiere.

Burdened by the knowledge of possible treason, Kate fights to find the truth and prove who ordered the strike. But in a world like Kate’s where information is

David Gyasi and Keri Russell in “The Diplomat”

Cover Story

currency, who can she trust? The ambassador is never truly alone, and as evidenced by the events of the first season, even her most personal secrets become public knowledge without ever having to spill them herself. Also returning this season are David Gyasi (“Carnival Row”) as U.K. foreign secretary Austin Dennison; Ali Ahn (“Agatha All Along”) as CIA station chief Eidra Park; Ato Essandoh (“Chicago Med”) as Stuart Heyford, deputy chief of mission of the U.S. embassy; Celia Imrie (“Better Things”) as campaign manager Margaret Roylin; Rory Kinnear (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”) as Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge and Miguel San-

a second season Thursday, Oct. 31,

Second in command: ‘The West Wing’ alum joins new season of

“The Diplomat” is back

Netflix. Keri Russell (“The Americans”) returns as ambassador Kate Wyler.

doval (“Sugar”) as Secretary of State Miguel Ganon.

A career diplomat, Kate proved to be an unpolished gem in the more forward-facing role as ambassador to the U.K. during the first season of “The Diplomat.” Though she arrived ready to work, Kate quickly learned that there was more to her reassignment than what was on the surface.

President William Rayburn (Michael McKean, “Better Call Saul”) and his chief of staff, Billie Appiah (Nana Mensah, “Presumed Innocent”), sprung the more public position on the very no-frills Kate as a means of vetting her for the soon-tobe-vacated VP seat. Now caught up on the plan, Kate

‘The Diplomat’

faces down Vice President Grace Penn, portrayed by new cast member Allison Janney (“Palm Royale”), who is not about to back down. Debora Cahn (“Grey’s Anatomy”), creator of “The Diplomat,” shared with Tudum a bit about her fellow “The West Wing” alum, Janney’s, role in the new season saying, “the VP thinks Kate’s after her job ... and she’s not entirely wrong. Kate thinks she understands the VP. She is mistaken.” After getting the lay of the land on the other side of the pond, Kate is more ready than ever for a fight — whether it’s for the title of VP or holding a government responsible for murders it tried to pin on other nations.

What’s Available NOW On

“Nightmare Alley” (Available Now)

Bradley Cooper stars as carnival worker Stanton Carlisle, who is climbing the ranks of the industry in this Guillermo Del Toro remake. Determined to make his way to the top, Stanton begins a dangerous relationship with a psychiatrist. Cate Blanchett and Toni Collette co-star.

“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (Available Now) Based on the novel of the same name by Seth Grahame-Smith, this 2012 fantasy horror film is set in 1800s America. After loosing his mother to a vampire bite and barely escaping with his life as a boy, Abraham Lincoln (Benjamin Walker) dedicated his life to getting revenge. He is rescued by Henry (Dominic Cooper), a charismatic vampire hunter who instructs Abe in the fine art of dispatching bloodsuckers.

“Annabelle Comes Home” (Available Now)

This seventh installment of the Conjuring Universe franchise brings the violent doll Annabelle back to torment her owners once again. Determined to keep Annabelle from wreaking more havoc, demonologists Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) bring the possessed doll to the locked artifacts room in their home, placing her “safely” behind sacred glass and enlisting a priest’s holy blessing.

“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”Season 1 (Oct. 30)

A spinoff of the hit, early 2000s Disney Channel Original series “Wizards of Waverly Place,” this new family sitcom sees Justin Russo (David Henrie) grown up and having given up magic to lead a normal life with his wife, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos, “Rutherford Falls”), and kids Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko).

“Music by John Williams” (Nov. 1)

From legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg and director Laurent Bouzereau, this documentary explores the life and career of legendary film composer John Williams, renowned for his work on films including “Jurassic Park” (1993), the Star Wars franchise, “Jaws” (1975), The Harry Potter films, and much more.

“Buy It Now”Season 1 (Oct. 30)

J.B. Smoove hosts this new business competition, where entrepreneurs get 90 seconds to pitch their product to an audience of potential customers: The 100. If The 100 like the product and price, then the entrepreneurs go to a panel of Amazon executives and celebrity entrepreneurs. The panel selects which products join Amazon’s exclusive Buy It Now Store and award one entrepreneur $20,000 each episode.

“Dino Ranch”Season 3, New Episodes (Oct. 30) The adventures continue for the Cassidy family in this computer animated series for children. They tackle life in a fantastical “pre-westoric” world where dinosaurs still roam, and discover the thrill of ranch life and the unpredictability of the great outdoors.

“Playdate with Winnie the Pooh” - Season 2, Halloween Specials (Available Now) In the first of two Halloween specials, Pooh Bear (Leon Chen) takes Eeyore (Dylan Alvarado) trick-or-treating for the first time. Then, Pooh Bear helps Rabbit (Emma Zavaleta) and Bea (Madelyn Skyler) carve a pumpkin.

“Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End” (Oct. 31)

A strange rabies-like disease begins to spread unchecked across the planet, turning humans into extremely aggressive creatures. But Javier (Francisco Ortiz) has been living his own apocalypse for some time; still reeling from the loss of his wife in an accident, he’s been depressed and isolated from his family for a year, with Luculo, his cat, as his only companion.

“Monkey Man” (Available Now)

An anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systematically victimize the poor and powerless. Dev Patel writes, directs and stars in the film.

“Tom Papa: Home Free” (Oct. 29)

From the sheer bliss of a hot shower to the saucy joys of an empty nest, Tom Papa tackles aging, parenthood and more in this witty comedy special.

“FACEOFF: Inside the NHL” (Available Now)

This six-part docuseries gives hockey fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the NHL’s biggest stars, including Boston Bruins teammates David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman; Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog; Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and forwards Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk; and Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel, among others.

“The Law

According to Lidia Poet” - Season 2 (Oct. 30)

Continuing to chronicle the true story of Italy’s first-ever female lawyer, Season 2 of this period mystery drama is set in Turin, Italy, in the late 1800s. As Lidia Poet (Matilda De Angelis) continues to work with her brother (Pierluigi Pasino) in Season 2, she sets her sights even higher: she’s bound and determined to change the law once and for all.

“The Manhattan Alien Abduction” (Oct. 30)

This is the true story behind one of ufology’s greatest mysteries, which is still a source of controversy on social media and online forums. But, few know that a filmmaker was embedded at the heart of the Manhattan abduction and filmed it all. With access to hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage, this series claims to be “the real-life X Files, caught on camera.”

“Time Cut” (Oct. 30)

Lucy Field (Madison Bailey) is a high school science whiz working towards a bright future. But, when Lucy happens upon a time machine, she gets the chance to prevent the murder of her older sister Summer (Antonia Gentry) — an event that’s haunted her young life. Finding herself blasted back to the

Sports Zone

8 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 2024 World Series Game 5: Teams TBA. (If necessary) (Live)

9:35 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder. From Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. (Live)

10 p.m. TNT TRUTV NHL Hockey Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings. From Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles. (Live)

11 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Toto Japan Classic, First Round. From Seta Golf Club in Otsu City, Siga, Japan. (Live) thurSday

8 a.m. MSG 2024 Paris Masters Tennis ATP Round of 16. From Accor Arena in Paris. (Live)

7 p.m. ATTPT NHL Hockey Anaheim Ducks at Pittsburgh Penguins. From PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (Live)

at Pittsburgh Steelers. From Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Live) tueSday

8 a.m. MSG 2024 Paris Masters Tennis ATP First and Second Round. From Accor Arena in Paris. (Live)

7 p.m. ATTPT NHL Hockey Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins. From PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (Live)

7:30 p.m. ESPN NHL Hockey New York Rangers at Washington Capitals. From Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Live) ESPN2 College Football Louisiana at Texas State. From Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. (Live) TNT TRUTV NBA Basketball Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves. From the Target Center in Minneapolis. (Live)

8 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 2024 World Series Game 4: Teams TBA. The top MLB teams battle for the 2024 World Series championship. (Live)

10 p.m. ESPN NHL Hockey Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks. From the SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, Calif. (Live) TNT TRUTV NBA Basketball New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors.

7:30 p.m. ESPN College Football Tulane at Charlotte. From Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Live) ESPN2 College Football North Carolina Central at South Carolina State. From Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, S.C. (Live)

8 p.m. WNYW-5 NFL Football Houston Texans at New York Jets. From MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Live)

11 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Toto Japan Classic, Second Round. From Seta Golf Club in Otsu City, Siga, Japan. (Live)

2 a.m. GOLF Asian Tour Golf BNI Indonesian Masters, Second Round. Golf action from the Asian Tour. (Live) Friday

2:25 p.m. ESPN2 Formula 1 Racing São Paulo Grand Prix, Sprint Qualifying. From Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, São Paulo, Brazil. (Live)

4 p.m. USA Horse Racing Breeders’ Cup World Championships. From Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. (Live)

6 p.m. FS1 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200. From Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. (Live)

7 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers. From Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. (Live)

7:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football South Florida at Florida Atlantic. From FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla. (Live)

Field-

in Indianapolis. (Live) 7:30 p.m.

Foot-

Kennesaw State at

From Houchen Industries L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. (Live) MSG NBA Basketball New York Knicks at Miami Heat. From Kaseya Center in Miami. (Live)

8 p.m. FS1 College Football San Diego State at Boise State. From Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Live) 9:35 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves. From the Target Center in Minneapolis. (Live) 2:30 a.m. GOLF Asian Tour Golf BNI Indonesian Masters, Third Round. Golf action from the Asian Tour. (Live) Saturday

8:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Newcastle United vs. Arsenal. From St. James’ Park

in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England. (Live)

9:55 a.m. ESPN2 Formula 1 Racing São Paulo Grand Prix, Sprint. Sprint race of the São Paulo Grand Prix at Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo, Brazil. (Live)

11 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Southampton vs. Everton. From St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, Hampshire, England. (Live)

12 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 FS1 WKBW-7 WNYW-5 WPIX-11 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) WIVB-4 WSEE-35 College Football Air Force at Army. From Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. (Live)

1:30 p.m. WGRZ-2 WICU-12 Premier League Soccer Teams TBA. Action from English Premier League Soccer matches. (Live)

2 p.m. USA Horse Racing Breeders’ Cup World Championships. From Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. (Live)

3:30 p.m. ESPN FS1 WIVB-4 WNYW-5 WSEE-35 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)

WGRZ-2 WICU-12 Horse Racing Breeders’ Cup World Championships. From Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. (Live)

WKBW-7 College Football Florida vs. Georgia. From EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. (Live)

4 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) TRUTV College Football Wyoming at New Mexico. From University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M. (Live) WPIX-11 NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Race at Martinsville. From Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. (Live)

6 p.m. USA Horse Racing Breeders’ Cup World Championships. From Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. (Live)

7 p.m. ATTPT NHL Hockey Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins. From PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (Live) ESPN FS1 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)

7:30 p.m. WGRZ-2 WICU-12 WKBW-7 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)

8 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) 11 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour

In Focus

“Pedro Paramo” (Netflix — Nov. 6, Movie Premiere) Based on Juan Rulfo’s masterpiece novel, considered one of the most important books in the history of Mexico and Latin America, the novel narrates the story of Juan Preciado (Tenoch Huerta), who upon his mother’s death, goes to the remote village where he was born in search of his father, Pedro Paramo (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo).

BY JAY BOBBIN

Robert Redford

is ‘The Candidate’ in Oscar-winning drama

Anyone even mildly familiar with Robert Redford’s work knows of his yen for

social issues through his work, and he puts politics into sharp focus with “The

a 1972 drama with an Oscar-winning script by former speechwriter Jeremy Larner. Being shown by Turner Classic Movies on Friday, Nov. 1 – as CNN anchor-reporter Kaitlin Collins’s pick for the channel’s series “Making Change: The Most Significant Political Film of All Time” – it casts Redford as a somewhat skeptical novice candidate for a California senatorial seat. The youthful campaigner offers a stark contrast to the long-in-office incumbent (Don Porter), but he also gets a new perspective on the election process, and one that’s not always welcome as he’s guided between meet-and-greet events and media appearances by a highly savvy consultant (Peter Boyle). Director Michael Ritchie’s excellent cast also includes Melvyn Douglas as the Redford character’s ex-governor father, and Redford friend and earlier co-star Natalie Wood has a cameo as herself.

“The Princess Diaries” (Hulu, streaming): The movie that made Anne Hathaway a star, this Disney-produced 2001 comedy casts her as a rather ordinary teenager who discovers she has a remarkable background … as the lone heir to a European kingdom. Julie Andrews is typically delightful as the young woman’s grandmother, who attempts to educate her in royal behavior. Director Garry Marshall’s cast also includes Mandy

“The

Robert Redford in “The Candidate” classic

terns, briefly?

17. Gary Oldman series 19. Netflix series about Pablo Escobar

22. Ready for press 23. “The Waste Land” poet 24. Burke of “Designing Women” 27. “Attack, dog!”

40. “Dies __”

41. Scottish castle setting in “The Crown”

45. Torah holders

46. Mork’s home planet

47. Helper in the Capitol

48. Memphis-to-Mobile dir.

49. Very, in teenspeak

weights

6. Again

7. “Which way __ _ go?”

8. Sport shown on “Raw” or “SmackDown”

9. “Picnic” playwright

10. Cast

13. Chilling 15. Gobs

(1988)

25. Short pants?

26. Kirk __, first movie Superman

30. French pronoun

31. Theology sch.

32. “Beg pardon ...”

33. “Sorry”

35. Noted kneeling NFLer

36. Soft and lustrous

Sunday Outrageous Pumpkins

FOOD 10 p.m.

For their final challenge, host Damaris Phillips tasks the finalists with craving pumpkins that add a scary twist to classic children’s stories. With $50,000 on the line, they just need to impress judges Terri Hardin, Dan Langan and Duff Goldman.

Somebody Somewhere

HBO 10:30 p.m.

Beginning its third and final season, this warm hug of a series follows Sam (Bridget Everett), a native Kansan who feels like a

14. Watched on-line

16. Thought pat-

fish out of water. While using her love of singing as a safe place, she bonds with friends who help her keep her dreams alive.

Monday

Poppa’s House

WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8:30 p.m.

Damon Wayans and son Damon Wayans Jr. star in this new CBS comedy. The series follows legendary talk show host Poppa (Wayans) as he balances new challenges at work and at home. Meanwhile, Poppa’s adult son (Wayans Jr.) seeks guidance from his father.

The Wranglers

WPIX-11 9 p.m.

Viewers get an inside look into the lives of the professional cowboys and cowgirls working at the Circle Bar Dude Ranch in Montana. As new ranch workers Chase and Royce arrive to start the party, a group of city boys get competitive with the wranglers.

Tuesday

FBI

WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8 p.m.

Maggie (Missy Peregrym), OA (Zeeko Zaki) and the bureau’s best put their skills, intellect and tactical abilities to the test as they work to stop some of the U.S.’s most audacious criminals before they un-

28. Offline, briefly 29. Film editor’s units

32. Be a pest to 34. “Why should _ __ you?”

36. Hiroyuki Sanada series

37. Grace Van Patten series

leash something unthinkable on New York.

Last Bite Hotel

FOOD 9 p.m.

As the competition reaches its final challenge, host Tituss Burgess invites Alex Guarnaschelli, Cat Cora and Jose Garces to serve as guest judges. Can the remaining competitors do enough to impress these guests and win the $250,000 grand prize?

Wednesday

American Pickers

HIST 9 p.m.

It takes one to know one, and Mike definitely knows one when he finds a new friend in an old Wisconsin railroad town. While there, he discovers more than he could imagine in a space untouched by time. Then, Robbie falls in love with a DIY DeLorean.

Abbott Elementary

WKBW-7 9:30 p.m.

Having already dealt with problems from a neighboring construction site and a case of ringworm, Janine (Quinta Brunson) and the teachers of Willard R. Abbott Elementary are hopefully ready for anything this new school year can throw at them.

Thursday

Scrabble

WPIX-11 8 p.m.

Best get those dictionaries ready as host Raven-Sy -

50. Emily or Wiley

Down

1. Recordings: Abbr. 2. Nosh

3. Melody

4. Painting on plaster

5. Sports heavy-

18. Singular

19. Place for a clutch

20. Shawkat of “Arrested Development”

21. Talk show host who played Tracy Turnblad in “Hairspray”

37. Aunts, in Spain

38. Makes a booboo

39. ___ Flynn Boyle

42. Ipanema locale, for short 43. Pitches in the paper

44. Tennis call

moné has a new set of contestants to battle it out for $10,000 on this TV-ready version of the classic board game. For whatever reason, champion seems to be spelled with the letter Q.

Ghosts

WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8:30 p.m.

Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) try their best to maintain order at their bed and breakfast, even though it’s resided primarily by an eccentric group of ghosts who used to live there. It takes more than a basket of scones to keep guests.

Friday

Endurance

NGEO 9 p.m.

Nearly 110 years after being stuck in the ice of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea, filmmaker Frank Hurley chronicles Ernest Shackleton and crew’s two years of survival abroad the Endurance and the 2022 expedition to find their ship’s wreckage.

Blue Bloods

WIVB-4 WSEE-35 10 p.m.

Despite hoping to improve the troubled relationship between the NYPD and the Fire Department, Frank (Tom Selleck) finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between Commissioner Radley (Mira Sorvino) and Mayor Chase (Dylan Walsh).

Saturday

Austin City Limits

WPSU-3 11 p.m.

WXXI-21 12 a.m.

The 50th anniversary season continues as American singer, rapper and songwriter Jelly Roll, best known for “Son of a Sinner” and “Save Me,” takes the ACL stage followed by “Set My Soul on Fire” husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty.

Saturday Night Live

WGRZ-2 WICU-12 11:30 p.m.

The 50th season continues as former staff member and comedian John

Mulaney takes hosting duties for the late-night sketch program. Cast members Chloe Fineman, Colin Jost, Mikey Day, Bowen Yang and more are joined by musical guest Chappell Roan.

Jelly Roll performs