NOT another streaming Movie - The Social Reckoning

Wow, my local Hoyts gave, The Social Reckoning the bump after a poor week one performance. Released by Sony Pictures last week. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who considered it inferior to its predecessor. Therefore, Hoyts limited it to a 9:20pm session a day.

Written, co-produced, and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the follow-up to 2010's The Social Network, you would have thought this would be popular.

The sequel dramatises the 2021 Facebook leak by the whistleblower Frances Haugen and Jeff Horwitz. 

You would think the cast along would get the film some solid audiences. Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Bill Burr, Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, and Billy Magnussen all star.

Jeremy Allen White is so hot right now, following the success of The Bear's five seasons.

In the years since its release, Sorkin had expressed interest in writing a follow-up to The Social Network should it involve its director, David Fincher. The Social Reckoning entered development in June 2025 with Sorkin attached as both writer and director. 

Casting was also underway that month, with Strong being hired to replace Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg in September. Principal photography began in October 2025 in Vancouver, Canada and wrapped that December. 

The Social Reckoning reminds me of why I hate social media. You think of the division in the world right now. What spreads division. Your'e feeds. The algorithms you are feed by big tech. No I am no some 70 year old without socials or a social life. I am 44 and grew up with the benefits of tech, just never brought into social media.

Commercial (or in the US network) TV hates big tech for stealing all the advertising dollars, but they need it to engage their audiences. Hell, back when News24 was Sky News in Australia, they were doing huge numbers for their YouTube posts. Particularly outside of Australia.

Oh hell, network TV and radio (remember that medium) needs socials.

I grew up listening to Triple J, where only callers into the station could complain about songs or festival line up. Now you look at their socials and it's a wall of whinge.

FaceBook is pure evil, Aaron Sorkin gave me exactly what I wanted to see. That they don't give a fuck. They just changed their name to Meta.

This film had the great same, witty, fast dialogue as the first film. I did love Jeremy Strong in Succession, but I have to be honest, I preferred Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg.

That's all my notes.

The start of this film was troubling. The story behind the start of the film, was worse. What FaceBook has done to the world. Spreading fake news, allowing people to become addicted to rage. It's not great. You can have a different opinion on the subject that's fine. It's like e-bikes in Sydney. I know it's a shit idea, but I am not going to lose friends with people who like the corporate litter all over our small streets.

Why this film is struggling to do well at the cinema. People don't like the truth. Social media is not great. The end. It's great for some businesses, but we have all seen young kids bullied, literally to death.

This has become more about the medium, not about the film. But for the first time in a while, I was glued to the dialogue, the plot and the outstanding acting by all involved.

4.5 stars.

El Niño Streaming 2026 - A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Season Two

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder the British mystery/thriller second season based on the novel series by Holly Jackson. Internationally the series streams on Netflix, in Australia, it streams on Stan. 

The second series was released late May, so I am playing catch up. A third and final series is set to premiere in 2027.

The second season revolves around the disappearance of Pip's best friend Connor's brother, Jamie. Connor pleads with Pip to help in the search for Jamie, who was last seen at a memorial for Sal and Andie, a few days before he is to appear as a witness in court. Pip investigates and helps spread awareness about Jamie's disappearance through episodes of her podcast.

This was an easy second season binge of all six episodes. Like Dustfall and other series lately, this is more crime on the small screen.

If like me you are yet to catch up on the second season finale, stop reading now!

Pip refuses to involve the police, not trusting them, and the trio decide to lure Stanley out by pretending to be Layla, allowing Connor and Ravi to break into his house. Pip recruits Cara to keep lookout with her, although their friendship is still strained. Pip reveals herself to Stanley, who agrees to talk to her, he divulges that Layla asked to meet at the manor house, but Jamie was there and attempted to kill him with a knife after Stanley reacted to the name Child Brunswick. 

Ravi and Connor discover Jamie still alive inside Stanley's house. Jamie begs Connor to leave him there, insisting he is alright and needs to stay. 

Stanley reveals he has been holding Jamie hostage, unsure if Jamie was actually Layla, but the both of them came to an understanding. 

Cara goes to help Pip, but is taken at gunpoint by Charlie, who reveals he and Flora are the real Layla, intending to avenge his murdered twin sister. Charlie angrily confronts Stanley, but Pip calls 999 on Howie's burner phone, distracting Charlie and allowing her and Cara to escape. 

Pip returns to save Stanley, but Charlie refuses, comparing the situation to Pip and Max; he shoots Stanley numerous times before setting the building on fire. Pip drags Stanley out of the building, performing CPR after he falls unconscious, refusing to stop even after Dan arrives to help. 

Charlie and Flora escape, and Pip repeatedly experiences vivid flashbacks to Stanley's death. 

At the funeral, Pip and Jamie discuss Stanley and he reassures her that Charlie was wrong. Pip has a panic attack during her speech after seeing vandalism calling Stanley a murderer. Nat and Jamie begin dating, whilst Cara and Pip mend their relationship. 

Pip returns home to find threatening messages on her laptop.

The third season is apparently already filmed, so expect it on Stan early in 2027. Whilst on Stan, The Rainmaker returns today. Gnomes was an interesting Aussie horror/comedy. Whilst, P-Valley finally returns for it's third and final season in December. There is a lot on Stan right about now.

Next week Channel Seven and ABC are the last two networks to unveil their Aussie content for 2027. I would be highly surprised if Seven actually do any drama, that isn't Home & Away.

Chat then!

El Niño Streaming 2026 - Dustfall - Miniseries

Dustfall is based on the 2022 crime thriller novel The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis.

The local six-episode drama miniseries, commenced streaming FOR FREE on ABC iView on Sunday.

Starring The Newsreader favourite, Anna Torv and Juliet Stevenson, Torv plays Detective Tig Pollard, who investigates a harrowing sexual assault case which spirals darker after a key suspect turns up dead. As Tig hunts for the truth, it forces her to confront long-buried secrets from her own adolescence.

Detective Tig Pollard returns to her hometown of North Gap, after spending years in the city, to investigate a sexual assault case where an 18-year-old is found naked in a cane field with no memory of how she got there.

A ring of drink spiking and assaults is uncovered and a main suspect turns up dead, prompting Pollard to dive deeper into the case and the stories of the lives of those affected. In a quest to uncover the truth, a face from Pollard's past resurfaces, forcing her to confront secrets from times gone by.

The series also stars Lila McGuire as Talia Walker, the return to TV of Peter Fenton as Andy D'Silva, Bert La Bonté as Remi Jolicoeur, Ling Cooper Tang as Bernadette Quinn, Kate Box as Fiona Kelly, Martin Sacks as Tony Morrison, Conrad Coleby as Ross Kelly & Jay Ryan as Simon Prendergast.

It's am all-star local cast. Well done to the ABC for putting together this cast and quality drama. This was top notch.

This series delivered a lot. Including some home truths about toxic male behaviour. Really impressive viewing from the ABC. They are also punching above their weight in the final quarter of 2026.

Still to come

Separated at Birth - S1 - November 11 (Wednesday's)

Return to Paradise - S3 - November 14 (Saturday's)

Shakedown - Miniseries - November 22 (Sunday's)

If you or someone you know needs support please contact one of these services. 1800 Respect, 1800 737 732. Full Stop Australia, 1800 385 578. Lifeline, 13 11 14.

Post 200, 2026

And we are here for another year. Post 200 in the fourth and final quarter of 2026. The El Niño Streaming 2026 series has just commenced with loads of new TV content incoming.

It's been a big start to the quarter, with multiple Apple TV finales and a couple of new Aussie series. Gnomes (which I smashed in 24 hours), Apple TV Aussie first, Last Seen, along with Dustfall which I just started on ABC iView.

I am off to Melbourne soon for a quick staycation, which I am so excited for. There are loads of good movie opening tomorrow and soon, like Street Fighter! Oh the nostalgia. It's like since COVID, nostalgia is everywhere. On our music charts, live acts touring and remakes/reboots of classic cultural icons.

I am excited for the return of Dexter across on Paramount+ later this month, along with the final season of P-Valley across on Stan. It's been a long wait for this final season, however, I for one, am excited.

I feel Halloween, the race (that used) to stop the nation and summer slack in the air. 2026 has gone by like a flash! See you again soon.

NOT another streaming Movie - Other Mommy

Halloween is just around the corner, meaning loads more horror. Enter James Wan, one of the most influential architects of modern horror behind the Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring franchises—and Rob Savage, the director of bold genre films Host and The Boogeyman, comes a terrifying trip into the darkening world of a young girl, Bela, who forms a relationship with a sinister entity in her home who looks uncannily like her own mother.

Other Mommy stars, Academy Award® winner Jessica Chastain (It Chapter Two, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) stars in a dual role as Bela’s mother and as “Other Mommy,” a manifestation of the entity. Jay Duplass (Transparent, Industry) plays Daddo, Bela’s father, and Arabella Olivia Clark (The Housemaid, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle) plays Bela. 

The impressive supporting cast includes Actor Award nominee Dichen Lachman (Severance), Emmy and Tony Award nominee Arian Moayed (Succession) and screen legend Karen Allen (Indiana Jones films).  

Filming for Other Mommy took place in Dublin, Ireland from last May to July. Released this Thursday, the film has thus far received negative reviews from critics.

What did I think?

Well we have all been here before. Spooky (kinda house), evil spirit, it could be any of the plots for one of James Wan's films.

It starts off fast, with a rather disappointing ending. Horror continues to dominate screens across Australian cinemas. Halloween decorations are up in the streets around my inner city place. Horror and Halloween dominate over October. It's just a thing now.

Whilst this wasn't perfect, it wasn't terrible. I will pass it, but only just. I am a little surprised at the low 19% Rotten Tomato score. 2.5 Stars from me.

El Niño Streaming 2026 - Gnomes - Miniseries

Gnomes landed during the week on Stan. This follows a solid year of Stan releases. From the recently renewed, The F Ward, to the miniseries The Killings at Parrish Station, which gave True Detective vibes, The Assassin returns next month, whilst Dear Life was outstanding and took out a Logie. So how was the latest comedy/horror series?

Gnomes follows Sergeant Kipps who is having the worst day of his life when he has to shut down the local police station, when the angry Gnome Queen is awakened by dark forces Kipps and Mackay must reunite to save Nompton.

As Senior Sergeant Arnold Kipps police station is about to be shut down by his former girlfriend and work partner, Ellie McKay, a bloodthirsty Gnome Queen awakens an ancient evil, unleashing an army of murderous lawn gnomes across the suburb of Nompton. As the town descends into chaos, Arnold and Ellie must rally with a ragtag crew of cops, teens and an overly ambitious mayor, using unconventional weapons and sheer desperation to stop the Gnome Queen before her killer lawn ornaments tear the town apart.

Starring Asa Butterfield as Senior Sergeant Arnold Kipps, Megan Smart as Ellie Mackay, Darren Gilshenan as Mayor Lachlan Morrison, Tess Haubrich as Gnome Queen & Ditch Davey as Brett Sanders. Along with, Nina Oyama, Luke McGregor, Alison Whyte, Brett Tucker, Matt Okine & Richard Pyros.

The Stan Original is an easy watch. I watched it Thursday night/Friday morning. Alongside all the finales this week, this series came in time for Halloween/spooky month, my dance card opening up with Lanterns, Last Seen and Ted Lasso wrapping this week.

This was more enjoyable than Apple's Last Seen. It was fun, but rather silly. The whole concept is nuts.

Killer Gnomes. lol

Husband and wife team, Tegan Higginbotham & Paul F. Verhoeven are behind this. Verhoeven a former Triple J announcer in the day. 

Gnomes won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a damn sight better and funnier than the Paramount+/Ten telemovie, Cop This. I am halfway through and it's damn awful. For the lineup they pulled together, it's horrid!

El Niño Streaming 2026 - Ted Lasso - Season Four

Ted Lasso is back after I binged three seasons back-to-back. Season four was like a reboot. Going from a male to a female soccer team. Meaning new and returning cast members. Ted is Jason Sudeikis, with, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift.

In season four, Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team. Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would.

Apple TV is yet to announce whether they will continue Ted Lasso's journey. It sort of ends the same as season three, like it could end, it could return. No real commitment.

Either way, let's check out how season four concluded. Warning spoilers below.

The team mourns the loss of Mae at her pub. 

At the bi-annual shareholder meeting, Zelda reveals that she has bought out the other shareholders and now controls the club in a ploy to gain access to the male club owners by owning a team in the men's Premier League. However, her plan is foiled when it is revealed that her lackey Hugo has turned on her and that Mae has bequeathed her shares to Rebecca. 

Ted steps down as manager of the women's team to become the assistant for his successor, Alice. 

Meanwhile, Roy accepts the manager position at Chelsea while Baz, Jeremy, and Paul inherit the pub and Rebecca asks Matthijs to marry her.

So there are still some plots left up in the air. I'd like to see the series return. 

Annette Badland's storyline as Mae Green, the landlady of the Crown and Anchor pub in Richmond, was one of my favourites from this season.

A supporter of the women's team throughout Season 4, even getting the opportunity to travel on the team bus to an away game against Bristol City. Mae dies at the end of the match, leaving the pub to Baz, Jeremy and Paul, and her 2% stake in Richmond to Rebecca.

It was a sad start to the finale, however, in true Ted Lasso style, you end up smiling by the end of the episode.

Bring on season five? Apple TV renewed the former miniseries Imperfect Women this week, so anything could happened. Previously they also renewed Presumed Innocent, which was also meant to be a miniseries. So despite Ted Lasso apparently ending once, there could be more life in the series yet!

El Niño Streaming 2026 - Last Seen - Miniseries

Last Seen is the first all Australian Apple TV production. Fresh from Colin from Accounts, Patrick Brammall stars, alongside, Maxine Peake, Brendan Cowell, Daniel Henshall, Jessica Wren, Zahra Newman and newcomer Chloe Jean Lourdes.

Last Seen is about a former police detective Ian Ridley’s life and how it fell apart 11 years ago when his young daughter, Maggie, disappeared without a trace. Now working as a police dispatcher, the only thing that has kept him going is his implacable refusal to accept that she might be gone forever. When he receives a distress call from a teenage girl he is certain is Maggie, he will stop at nothing to find her and reunite his broken family, whatever the cost.

Based on the book The Dispatcher by Ryan David Jahn, the series has received positive reviews from critics.

Unfortunately, it was nowhere near as good as Brammall's other series, Colin from Accounts. Which, just concluded on Binge. Funnily enough, High Country is a much more interesting Aussie crime series, also on Binge. It's rare Binge is delivering more gold than Apple TV.

Like I didn't mind it, but the mystery is really solved in episode one, turning the series into a cat and mouse type show.

I really hope Apple TV's next Australian series is a lot better than this one. We do have Australian TV news incoming this month with Channel 10/Paramount+ incoming later this month, along with, ABC also this month.

If you missed Channel 9/Stan's upfront list, you can view it here.

Big news overnight speaking of Stan. Ahead of season two, horny series, The Hunting Wives has been renewed for a third season. Bring it on! Gnomes also just landed on Stan, with ABC launching Dustfall this Sunday.

Lot's of choice Aussie content to get your head around. Sadly Last Seen just wasn't our best on screen representation.

El Niño Streaming 2026 - Lanterns - Season One

Lanterns just concluded over that glorious long weekend! Based on the DC Comics Green Lantern characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Streaming on HBO Max, this sadly not HBO's best work. Thank god episode one of War, was pure fire!

It features experienced Lantern Jordan and new recruit Stewart as they team up with local sheriff Kerry Kane to investigate a murder in Rushville, Nebraska that leads to a wider mystery. 

Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre & Kelly Macdonald respectively star as Jordan, Stewart and Kane. 

Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan and Ulrich Thomsen join Chandler, Pierre & Macdonald in the eight episode run. Lanterns is part of the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

So how does it all go down? At time of posting, Lanterns is yet to be renewed.

Shortly before dying, Hal decides to stay in Rushville and his house is set on fire with him inside. He then awakens in a slaughterhouse, where Noah gave him new skin using alien technology and reveals that he is a Manhunter. 

At the complex, John learns from Sinestro that Noah freed and brought him to the island to forge a lantern from its water, charged with will and fear energy. John then returns to Earth, where Noah ambushes him, seeking revenge for Zoe's death after discovering his nature as a Manhunter. 

After a heart-to-heart, fearing his Manhunter side, Noah asks John to kill him after the game. During the game, John tells Kerry he knows she impulsively killed Hal to protect Noah, and reveals her Noah's request, but says he won't kill him and would instead stop him if he does ever succumbs to his Manhunter nature. 

John then summons Guy and tells him that he will be taking over as Earth's protector. John charges the ring while reciting his own oath, gives Maggie her compensation, and reunites with his family.

Is it still superhero fatigue season? Yep. I reckon. Some people enjoyed this. I wasn't one of them. I did like Aaron Pierre though. MMMMMMHHHHHHHMMMMMMM

Ted Lasso and local Apple series Last Seen also wrap this week. See you then.

El Niño Streaming 2026 - My Brilliant Career - Miniseries

My Brilliant Career is my prediction for a record number of Logie Award nominations in 2027. I find that one Netflix Australian series that streams in the Logie voting/airing period. In the past, The Survivors, Apple Cider Vinegar, Territory, Boy Swallows Universe, you get the picture.

Well The Survivors and Territory were completed dominating forces, however, they did do well, considering they were both subpar in comparison to Apple Cider Vinegar and Boy Swallows Universe.

Not to mention how well Heartbreak High did over it's three season run.

The six-part Aussie period drama miniseries, is set in rural Australia in the early 20th century. Starring, Philippa Northeast in the lead role as headstrong aspiring writer Sybylla, and Christopher Chung as Harry Beecham, her love interest. 

It is based on the novel of the same name by Miles Franklin, but includes additional plot lines and characters. It premiered on 13 August 2026, with two soundtrack albums released on the same day.

Northeast stars as Sybylla, a fiercely modern young woman with one burning ambition: to be a writer, even as her family pushes her toward marriage. In this new series adaptation of the classic Australian novel, Sybylla breaks every convention of 1900 Australia as she chases a story that could write her way to independence, until she falls in love. Will she marry, or risk it all for a creative life? 

Alongside Slow Horses Chung and Northeast, Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O'Reilly, Kate Mulvany, Jake Dunn, Alexander England, Sherry-Lee Watson, and Miah Madden also star.

With an appearance by legendary singer, songwriter, Thelma Plum too. Music (local Aussie music) is a big part of this series too. With tunes from Plum, Kate Miller-Heidke, Isabella Manfredi, Julia Jacklin, Rainbow Chan and more.

I don't normally like period dramas, however, I did really enjoy this one over the long weekend.

It was nice to see Chung, back at home with his real accent, not being an English hood, Roddy Ho in Slow Horses. Which is actually also streaming now on Apple TV.

This is my first Netflix series for a while, and I was rather impressed. Particularly as it's a rare local production. Well done team involved.

A solid watch. My Brilliant Career is streaming now on Netflix.

El Niño Streaming 2026 - Two Weeks in August - Miniseries

Two Weeks in August feels a little like a poor man's British The White Lotus in Greece. Just not at a fancy hotel, full of rich folks.

Premiering on BBC One/BC iPlayer back in May, the series streams here in Australia on Binge. The streamer that just grabs all the leftover series. Sadly poor Binge has never recovered since losing the HBO deal.

Two Weeks in August focuses on Zoe, on holiday with friends and family in the Mediterranean, who finds herself trapped on a Greek island. A group of old university friends go on holiday together, 20 years after first meeting each other.

Zoe, a comprehensive school teacher, tries to hold the group together, putting her own needs aside. Her husband, Dan, is depressive. Nat is annoyed when the casual boyfriend of her gay best friend, Jacob, turns up at the villa.

There is a kiss between two members of the party, which splits the opinions of the group, and impacts the remainder of the holiday. Zoe also has visions related to Greek mythology throughout the series, which become increasingly odd.

Two Weeks In August is a black comedy/psychological drama about a group of friends holidaying on a Greek island who uncover more about themselves and each other than they ever expected...

Starring Jessica Raine, Damien Molony, Nicholas Pinnock, Antonia Thomas, Leila Farzad and Hugh Skinner.

Dylan Brady as Will is simply easy on eye and kept my interest over the eight episodes. Despite being English, this did have some filler episodes.

They really could have covered the main plot points in four, or at a push, five episodes. Some episodes felt way too drawn out.

This wasn't bad, but wasn't amazing. The El Niño Streaming 2026 series has just begun. As has daylight savings. Big series returns this month here.

Until next time, one more day of freedom!!!

NOT another streaming Movie - Verity

Verity is my fifth Anne Hathaway film of 2026.

This psychological (semi) erotic thriller is based on Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name. Alongside Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, & Josh Hartnett, star in this twisted thriller, which will no doubt be on Amazon streaming very soon. Disappointed to know it'll be free streaming soon. Yes, it's an Amazon MGM Studios film, which has received mixed reviews from critics.

Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) is a writer in need of work when she is contacted by Jeremy Crawford (Hartnett), the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway). 

Due to a mysterious accident, Verity is unable to finish her successful book series, and Jeremy asks Lowen to complete the series. While working on it, Lowen discovers another manuscript, raising questions regarding Verity's psychological well-being and possible links to her publications.

This was honestly, super B grade. Maybe even C grade. Dakota Johnson has a way of being involved in some real stinkers. Remember Madame Web?

I wanted to like this. I wanted this to turn into a good old fashion thriller, with big twists and turns. Sadly it was just fucking lame.

Will we get a sixth Anne Hathaway film in 2026? Happy long weekend dear readers. Maybe give this one a miss.

1.5 Stars.

#RATED - Winter be Bingeing 26'

Summer is just around the corner, with hot days, cold days, the weather is more bipolar than me going through a midlife crisis. Winter be Bingeing 26' has seen loads of new series, returning series and concluding for good series.

Now let's look at Aussie content for the past quarter. The Killings at Parrish Station was a bit of a letdown to be honest. It started off OK, then went downhill. Treasure & Dirt on the ABC was also slightly random. The ABC also dropped the ball a bit on local content this quarter. I did catch up on Ground Up, which was pleasantly surprising.

Colin from Accounts wrapped a sensational victory lap season. The Binge original was incredible! Binge has continued local content with High Country now streaming. At their upfront they announced more Real Housewives from Melbourne, Wentworth: Halfway Home: Golden Globe-winning Australian actor Rachel Griffiths has joined the cast of the highly anticipated next chapter of the global hit franchise. She joins Sophie Lowe, Alex King and Chenile Chandler in the new series, premiering on Binge in late 2026. Most likely following High Country in a few weeks?

And finally, Miranda Otto joins Tough Love: Multi-award-winning Australian actor Miranda Otto has joined the cast of new Binge Australian Original comedy Tough Love, which follows a family confronting the prospect of life without their mother.

Well done to SBS too, for The Airport Chaplain. Exciting news too for Stan with The F Ward, showing Australia can do hospital series too. It will also return for a second season!

HBO returned to quality 30 minute comedies, with Rooster being a real return to form. Apple TV have really taken over in the comedy space. So it was good to catch up on Stick, with Owen Wilson.

So, Colin from Accounts takes out the big prize of the best series of Q3, 2026.

Amazon was also a quiet achiever, with Reacher returning for its best season yet. Good news it's already been renewed for a sixth season. Ride or Die and Elle were also top ten series too!

Now if you want more RATED's and TV lists, you can check out my other lists here. Or Q2's Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26'.

For now see all 46 seasons below, RATED and ranked! When Ryan Murphy has a miss, he certainly does, with The Shards my less enjoyable show of the quarter. 

1. Colin from Accounts - Season Three/Series Finale (AU)
2. Reacher - Season Four
3. Rooster - Season One
4. Furious - Season One
5. Ride or Die - Season One
6. Elle - Season One
7. Dalliance - Season One (AU)
8. Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed - Season One
9. The F Ward - Season One (AU)/Renewed
10. The Airport Chaplain - Season One (AU)
11. Ground Up - Season One (AU)
12. Adults - Season Two (plus prequel episode - Marathon Day)
13. Lioness - Season Three
14. 9-1-1 - Season Nine
15. Pluribus - Season One
16. You're Killing Me - Season One
17. Good American Family - Season One
18. The Chi - Season Eight/Series Finale
19. Stick - Season One
20. Dutton Ranch - Season One
21. Alice & Steve - Season One
22. Cape Fear - Miniseries
23. Chad Powers - Season Two
24. Lucky - Miniseries
25. All American - Season Eight/Series Finale
26. The Walking Dead: Dead City - Season Three
27. The Killings at Parrish Station - Miniseries (AU)
28. Interview with the Vampire - Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat (technically - Season Three)
29. The Agency - Season Two
30. Trigger Point - Season Four
31. Ms. X - Season One/Renewed
32. The Audacity - Season One
33. Sugar - Season Two
34. The Bear - Season Five/Series Finale + Gary (prequel) episode
35. House of the Dragon - Season Three
36. M.I.A. - Season One/Series Finale
37. Fightland - Season One
38. Power Book III: Raising Kanan - Season Five/Series Finale
39. Curfew - Miniseries
40. Treasure & Dirt - Season One (AU)
41. Prisoner - Season One
42. The Five-Star Weekend - Season One
43. New Zealand Spy - Season One
44. Silo - Season Three
45. Not Suitable for Work - Season One/Series Finale 
46. The Shards - Season One

Winter be Bingeing 26' - All American - Season Eight/Series Finale

The eighth and final season of All American picks up six months after the football cliffhanger at the end of last season and will span just one week in our favourite Beverly and Crenshaw crew’s life. A week that will have them wondering if everything they’ve been through over the course of their lives has prepared them for this moment. A week that will ultimately reunite old with the new, friend with enemy, and alter the course of each of their futures forever.

All American has just streamed its 132nd episode on Stan or The CW back in the USA.

With hunky Daniel Ezra returning for the series finale. Which we really needed. As he was only a guest for seasons seven and eight, the series could have easily ended back at the end of season six. 

SPOILER - even Billy Baker (Taye Diggs) made a cameo at the tail end of the fairly well done finale.

With new cast members  Osy Ikhile, Alexis Chikaeze, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Antonio J. Bell becoming regulars at the end of season six. It left a void following Ezra and others departing.

Bre-Z, Greta Onieogou, Michael Evans Behling stuck around for the long haul, after a mass departure at the end of the sixth season. Which truly did have a perfect series finale style ending.

So it was a tall order for this season, this last ever episode.

Which the season's golden moment focused on the issue of ICE agents and their work in the US right now. It was powerful. In my eyes, it saved the season.

At it's origin, All American is inspired by the life of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger and follows the lives of a group of people from both Crenshaw and Beverly Hills after teen Spencer James (Ezra), a rising star football player from Crenshaw whose dream is to make it to the NFL, is recruited by coach Billy Baker (Diggs) to play for his high school team in Beverly Hills.

The series was met with positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with praise being aimed in particular at the football sequences and performances of Ezra, Christian and Diggs. However, it initially got weak television ratings on its broadcast network, but was a sleeper hit when released on Netflix, which helped both to boost its linear ratings and prevent its cancellation, allowing it to stay on air and run for several seasons.

All American has never shone like Friday Night Lights, nor won any awards. However, the show has provided light entertainment since 2018.

It got me through COVID. At times (like the ICE story, this season) it tackled big issues. It is fitting this is the Winter be Bingeing 26' finale. Hopefully tomorrow I will have my RATED post for all series across the last quarter.

The CW has now lost its last original series. It really is in one way an end of an era.

Perfect timing as network TV in the US comes back from a summer break. All American streams all 132 episodes on Stan right now. I think Binge still hosts the (semi) short-lived spin-off All American: Homecoming.

See you in Q4! Wow how is it the end of 2026 already! Fuck!

(US) Network TV is back!

And my predictions for the new era of US 40 (odd) minute dramas and shorter comedies.

It all started with the return of FOX's Animal Control for a fifth season. The series has moved to Sunday's or Monday's where it streams on BINGE alongside return Aussie crime series, High Country.

Animal Control is a quiet achiever. Lead by, Joel McHale as Frank Shaw, the series has entered its fifth season with no idea of an episode count. Nine episodes was the lowest episode count, with Twelve the highest. I reckon this series will head into 2027, with roughly ten or twelve episodes this run. I also predict a sixth season. Filmed in Vancouver, this seems to be a low production, sitting in nicely with The Simpsons, Grimsburg and Universal Basic Guys on FOX's Sunday.

My other two FOX series return in 2027. Memory of a Killer was a big surprise last TV season. The other is the new reboot of Baywatch. Unlike Animal Control, both will stream on STAN.

My prediction is Memory of a Killer has a limited storyline. Patrick Dempsey is a TV favourite, however, this show can't run forever if you know the storyline. Baywatch could be Rescue HI-Surf V2.0. Time will tell for both. But I am not hopeful for either. Apparently Baywatch launches in January.

The other poor performing network, The CW's last original concludes on STAN tomorrow. All American ends its eighth season run tomorrow night.

RJ Decker has started on ABC, however Disney+ seem to be holding it. Reason being, it's apparently only a seven episode second season. So bring on a Christmas binge.

ABC has filled its schedule to the brim with The Rookie, Will Trent and High Potential to return in 2027. High Potential is the most likely ABC series to secure another season. RJ Decker though, could be heading to the scrap heap if it doesn't get any buzz.

ABC also has long running 9-1-1 and spin-off 9-1-1: Nashville incoming next month. I'm not sure if the OG series, or the spin-off will call it a day this year. But with a new Grey's spin-off incoming, ABC needs to clear a spot on it's schedule, or reduce episode counts for one of it's Thursday series.

Successful ABC comedy, Abbott's Elementary, is almost guaranteed to return for another run too. Disney+ almost always release this in two batches. One at the end of the year, one at the end of the TV season.

Last but not least, CBS are holding NCIS Sydney to March (or so) next year. With Fire Country, Y:Marshalls, Sherriff Country and a pile of other series returning next month. Apparently Fire Country, has a reduced episode count to only thirteen episodes this season. Meaning it'll end earlier this season than previous. Another Country spin-off is in the works. This time a medical one. Maybe we will get a short run February/March 2027.

My prediction is NCIS: Sydney may solve its last Sydney based crime in the new year. The other three CBS series on my radar (all streaming on Paramount+) will most likely be renewed. 

CBS have the most well rounded roster, with any underperforming series needing to make way for their one to two new series per new TV season.

Look out for my All American wrap tomorrow or Wednesday and potentially RJ Decker wrap in my next TV quarter series.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Fightland - Season One

When newly crowned British-born heavyweight boxing champion Duke Kilroy sees his brother die in a frenzied assault, Duke snaps. 

After spending eight years in a U.S. prison, he returns home to London seeking vengeance against the man he believes set him up – criminal kingpin, and his former promoter, Kingsley Marshall. But Kingsley has disappeared, leaving his children and his wife, Joy (the love of Duke’s life), to pick up the pieces. 

Working with a cartel desperate to control London’s drug market, Duke begins a high-risk game to infiltrate Kingsley’s empire and destroy it from within. And when Kingsley returns, Duke will take his revenge.

Fightland is a boxing/crime drama co-pro between Starz & Sky Atlantic, streaming on Stan back in Australia. Created by 50 Cent, this takes 50, outside of the Power universe. However, Fightland and (any) Power series remains present here.

Starrring, Howard Charles as Maduka "Duke" Kilroy, Nicholas Pinnock as Kingsley Marshall, Deborah Ayorinde as Joy Marshall, Charles Babalola as Ezekiel "Zeke" Marshall, Anita-Joy Uwajeh as Cebella "Cece" Marshall, Tahirah Sharif as Kim Harper, Tyler Conti as Justin "Jay" Hall, Richard Pepple as Gary "Gazzer" Kilroy and lastly, Sylvester Akinrolabu as Joseph "The Jackhammer" Minott.

Starz had a short but sweet go with former sports Heels, will Fightland also be short lived by the Power network?

P-Valley concludes later this year after years on hiatus, Outlander has found it's spin-off, while new spin-off from S.W.A.T has just commenced.

Starz is a funny old premium network. Whilst relying heavily on the Power and Outlander franchise, few other shows outside of these universes gets much of a go.

With Power: Origins on the way, you almost feel like Fightland was a filler series as we wait for more Power, along with leading into the new Outlander spin-off.

This is no UK Mobland. Whilst it has a strong start, it just became another by the numbers, crime, everyone dies series.

I would be surprised if they hit renew on this UK co-pro. There is more chance of the cheaper co-pro, The Couple Next Door.

Until next time, the long weekend is almost here.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - You're Killing Me - Season One

OMG fun. Six episode binge, You're Killing Me on Stan, is just what I needed this week. Set in a quaint New England colonial town, You're Killing Me follows bestselling novelist (Brooke Shields) who forms an unlikely alliance with an aspiring writer and podcaster (Amalia Williamson) to find the killer of a close friend.

You're Killing Me also stars The Flash vet, Tom Cavanagh. Produced by Acorn TV, the series has been renewed for a second 6-episode season. Filming for season two has started through to November, with Toronto among its production locations.

Acorn TV said that during its first ten days the program had become the service's number-one series launch to date in subscriber acquisition and viewership.

You're Killing Me follows bestselling mystery novelist Allison "Allie" Chandler (Shields), who teams with aspiring writer and podcaster Andrea "Andi" Walker (Williamson) to investigate murders in the fictional Maine town of Founders' Cove, while Cavanagh plays Jack Kerrigan, the town's police detective.

The first season also followed Allie's developing relationship with Jack and Andi's search for information about her mother, who disappeared when Andi was a child.

This was like Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries and every other whodunnit, however, with the "boomer" Shields vs millennials Williamson, it does make for fun TV.

Also Shields, really has fun with it. It looks like she really enjoys the series. The season also ends, really teasing more fun to come.

If (like me) you need some new comfort viewing, this is it. I had a real Stan week, with Fightland also concluding yesterday afternoon. All American concluding its (long) eight season run, Tuesday night.

We are close to the end of the Winter be Bingeing 26' TV series. A RATED list is coming soon. Stay cool today, Sydney!

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Good American Family - Season One

Good American Family is an American true crime drama anthology series. 

The first season is based on the adoption by Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass) of Natalia Grace (Imogen Faith Reid), a child with dwarfism whom the Barnetts decide to abandon after she starts to display peculiar behaviour, falsely claiming she had been an adult pretending to be a child to justify doing so. 

Good American Family premiered on Hulu/Disney+ last March. The first season received generally mixed reviews from critics. In August, the series was renewed for a second season, which will focus on Lorena Bobbitt.

Told from multiple points of view, as a means to explore issues of perspective, bias, and trauma, this compelling drama is inspired by the disturbing stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopts a girl with a rare form of dwarfism. 

But as they begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, mystery emerges around her age and background, and they slowly start to suspect she may not be who she says she is. As they defend their family from the daughter they’ve grown to believe is a threat, she fights her own battle to confront her past and what her future holds, in a showdown that ultimately plays out in the tabloids and the courtroom.

So I am no Grey's Pompeo mega fan. But this was addictive TV.

It felt a little like Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's story I watched in Hulu's The Act.

If you like true crime, this has dark twists and turns. You see Pompeo in a whole new way. I have no idea who to believe after watching this eight episodes. Bring on season two I say.

Anthology series seem to be all the rage right now! See you next time.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Lioness - Season Three

In season three, as hidden networks, foreign operatives, and personal betrayals collide, Joe walks the line between duty and home as unseen forces circle her world, leaving her to reckon with a war that now reaches into every part of her life.

Lioness, also known as Special Ops: Lioness, created by Taylor Sheridan streams with his other series (except Yellowstone - on Stan) on Paramount+. Back in October last year, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered back at the start of August.

With an all-star cast including executive Producer and Oscar Winner Zoe Saldaña, Oscar Winner Morgan Freeman, Emmy® Nominee Michael Kelly and Executive Producer and Oscar Winner Nicole Kidman.

Damn what a cast!

This season really belongs to Zoe Saldaña. She owns the eight episodes. The drama, the suspense, the open ended finale. Bring on a fourth season. There is no news yet, however, the more people I talk to, the more are discovering Lioness, for the grit, the drama, the suspense. It's like a whole new Homeland era.

If you are a little behind this Paramount+ premium title, don't read ahead of the trailer! You have been warned.

With NSA support, Kyle tails lobbyist Dmitri Sokolov, suspected of involvement in the kidnapping. 

Petrov asserts Joe’s kidnapping was not authorised by Russia, and confirms to Mullins that Yurimov’s return will help ease tensions. 

Renat meets with Sokolov in a D.C. bistro to arrange passage out of the country. Joe orders the team to engage, conflicting with NSA orders to detain. Renat executes Sokolov before being shot dead, but the visiting Foreign Minister of Senegal and her security get killed in the crossfire, and Tex and Randy are injured. 

When retrieving Yurimov from GTMO Camp Delta, Alex, the handler Kyle imprisoned, recognises Joe from the contract offer he declined and promises details about Renat's benefactors for his freedom. 

Yurimov tells Joe that Iran has more personal reasons to target her than Ukraine, and not to underestimate how many people hate the US. 

Alex provides further intel implicating Iran via their proxy KSS, but Joe discovers Balakin has already been killed. Joe finds her home empty with a for sale sign outside. 

It is revealed that Aaliyah masterminded the kidnapping. Now married to a wealthy man in Qatar, she orders another attempt, wanting Joe to be extracted so she can kill the whole Lioness team when they come to rescue her.

The ending really opens us up to the future of Lioness. Let's hope that Taylor Sheridan's new NBC deal does not impact a fourth season being developed.

NOT another streaming Movie - Resident Evil

Resident Evil based on the Resident Evil video game franchise by Capcom.

I never saw the original films, this reboot follows the failure of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) and the cancellation of the 2022 Netflix television series. 

The reboot, has grossed $26 million at the box office and received positive reviews, becoming the highest-rated film based on a video game on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. Scoring well over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was actually a really fun film.

From the mind of visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger (Weapons, Barbarian) comes a thrilling, and terrifying reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise. 

In an all-new story, Resident Evil follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself in an action-packed, non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night collapses around him in chaos. 

With a small cast alongside Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser also star.

Abrams really carries the action, in this first person horror, survival film. The action moves swiftly over the just over an hour and half. I enjoyed this film. Pure popcorn escapism.

The movie moves so fast, before you know it, the end credits are screening. So if you are into video games, horror or action films. With a side of horror, this is for you.

I may go back and watch some old Resident Evil films.

Speaking of video games, man I am waiting for Street Fighter! Bring it on!

For Resident Evil, 4 Stars right up in here!

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Interview with the Vampire - Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat

Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, based on The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, streaming now on SBS on demand, after moving from ABC iView. So now you get multiple Allianz ads per episode.

Man their ads are repetitive! I have to say, I keep banging on about this but they are bad.

The series returned for a third season in June, titled Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat, based on the second novel. The series has been renewed for a fourth season titled Anne Rice's Queen of the Damned, based on the third novel. 

Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac / Thomas Pitt, Aussie, Sam Reid as Lestat de Lioncourt, and Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy,  reprise their roles in the season three. Jennifer Ehle, Damien Atkins, Ella Ballentine, Jeanine Serralles, and Christopher Heyerdahl, Sheila Atim was later cast as Akasha, the mother of all vampires and the title character of the third book The Queen of the Damned in October, while Noah Reid, Ryan Kattner, Seamus Patterson and Sarah Swire joined the cast as Lestat's band members. Whilst Amaka Umeh was announced in the role of Dee Pharma, a member of Lestat's entourage.

So it sounds like we will see loads more of Sheila Atim in season four. We will have to wait though. Mayfair Witches will return in 2027, so until then, no more Ann Rice as Talamasca: The Secret Order, was cancelled after one season.

So how does episode seven go down? If like me, you are cheap and refuse to pay for AMC in Australia and wait for SBS, don't read ahead unless you have watched all seven, musical episode. Yes season three goes a little musical. I know right.

 

While Daniel carries Lestat's head to a bowling alley to allow him to slowly die due to separation from his body, Lestat's subconscious is tormented by visions of Magnus, Gabriella, and all his fledglings, who force him to confront all his failings, resulting in him eventually coming to a point of self-acceptance. 

Armand keeps Louis' severed head restrained and tries to force him to admit that he was in the wrong for the failure of their relationship, revealing in the process that he found and hired Regina to get close to Louis to manipulate him; Louis eventually gives a heartfelt apology for not being able to truly love Armand, causing him to relent and restore Louis' head to his body. 

Raglan retrieves Lestat's head from Daniel, revealing that the Talamasca want the Great Conversion to happen as a means of population control. Once restored to his body and reunited with Louis, Lestat confronts his mother and refuses to perform the concert. 

In a flash forward, Lestat looks out over a ruined city as he reflects on his part in Akasha's rise and the subsequent mass death.

So season four is all set up. Will there be some Easter Eggs in the next season of Mayfair Witches? Time will tell. Up next week. Fightland and Lioness conclude.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Reacher - Season Four

A chance encounter with a distraught stranger on the Philadelphia subway draws Jack Reacher into a deadly mystery.

Reacher is an American action crime television series developed by Nick Santora for Amazon Prime Video. The fourth season of Reacher on Amazon, is based on the thirteenth novel, Gone Tomorrow, commenced mid-August, concluding midweek. Reacher has been renewed for a fifth season, which will be based on the twentieth novel, Make Me.

A spin-off series, Neagley, premiered, with all eight episodes this week too. 

In the fourth season, Reacher encounters a troubled woman named Anna Merrick on a train that takes a dangerous turn, and finds himself caught up in a complex and deadly conspiracy involving a missing USB drive, and enemies at the highest ranks of power.

The season, based on Gone Tomorrow (2009), stars Alan Ritchson, Sydelle Noel, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Christopher Marquette, & Kevin Corrigan.

This season moved fast. The pacing was excellent. The action, outstanding. Every episode zoomed past. Even the longer finale, did not outstay its welcome. The Indonesian villains were wild. The knife work, the gore in parts. This season had it all.

Even some sexy times and Reacher nude from behind.

If like me you weren't hooked and haven't smashed this already, don't read below the trailer.

After Sampson's death, Plum wakes up and identifies the suicide bomber as Tomas Waberi to Docherty. 

Reacher, Tamara, and Jacob deduce that the Hoths are reproducing the toxin at the abandoned restaurant and go there. Jacob and Tamara try to retrieve the toxin, but a thug manages to take it and leave. 

Reacher fights the Hoths and, despite being severely wounded, throws Amisha out the window. 

Jacob and Tamara follow the thug to a nightclub, where Tamara kills him and the vial survives the fall, preventing the releasing. 

Lila tries to inject Reacher with the toxin, but he injects it into her instead, killing her. Foster tries to kill a weakened Reacher, but Amisha kills him. Jacob then incapacitates Amisha and considers killing her, but arrests her instead. 

Reacher later wakes up in the hospital, learns they are no longer wanted and gives Plum the USB drive to restart his career. 

In the aftermath, Tamara is reinstated as inspector, Jacob mourns the death of his sister and nephew, and Reacher leaves Philadelphia.

Bring on season five! For now I need to get into binge of Neagley. I believe Jack Reacher appears in this season too.

Until next time, it's the weekend. Praise be!

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Trigger Point - Season Four

Like yesterday's The Walking Dead: Dead City third season, Trigger Point, streams on Aussie streamer, Stan. The British crime/thriller series, starring Vicky McClure as a police bomb disposal expert in London. The fourth series was released late August, with all episodes landing at once. Currently there is no news of a fifth season.

Season four begins, acting on intelligence from a STRAP 3 MI5 source, Washington’s team and CTSFOs pursue a suspected explosive equipped truck heading to the Bank of England. SO15 orchestrates road closures, directing the truck into a tunnel out of sight of a drone monitoring it. CTSFOs remove the driver, allowing Rahim to take his place and Washington to enter, resuming the route so the drone operators do not become suspicious. She discovers the bomb is linked to a satellite phone, rendering their radio jamming useless. 

Whilst searching an address linked to the driver, DS Morgan fails to call it in and DCI Batra is killed by an explosive booby trap. Morgan takes the SD card from her body camera and fakes injuries. Hassan disobeys orders from Commander Quentin to change direction, giving Washington enough time to defuse the device. The drone is shot down, but two more bombs immediately detonate in another part of the city. 

Some time later, Washington reluctantly undergoes treatment for PTSD with Eddie, a new therapist.

Now I don't want to sound like a negative Nancy, but four seasons in, whilst exciting, the series is becoming a little predictable.

In the finale (where I became a bit of a negative Nancy), Washington enters the stadium with CTSFOs led by Phil Croxley, ordering Danny not to accompany her and leave the blast radius should she fail. 

Francis doesn't order an evacuation, knowing it would disrupt the search. The Prime Minister scrambles RAF Typhoon’s to bomb the stadium and stop the detonation as a last resort. 

CTSFOs engage the PMC’s so Washington can find the bomb, with Croxley giving her a pistol. Morgan rescues her brother and finds out the bomb's location, conveying it to Washington. 

The Chief of Defence Staff orders the fighters commence bombing ten minutes before detonation, giving Washington just six minutes. Out of detonators, she uses the primer from a disassembled 9mm round to detonate plastic explosive and break the device in half, but is shot by a sniper. 

Croxley kills the sniper, the device is neutralised and the strike aborted at the last second. Washington survives her injuries and helps Oldfield to track down and arrest Morgan in France. 

Formally resigning from EOD with a recovered Hassan taking her place, Washington begins a road trip with her new pet dog, seemingly more at peace.

I enjoy this series, however after four seasons, it feels like the outcome is always the same. Like Dexter (the first time around). Each season would roll around, a new villain would enter, Dexter would always cover everything up neatly. For a few seasons it's fun. Then it just becomes a predictable formula, rolled out again and again.

Until next time, Reacher concludes today, Lioness Sunday, with Fightland on break, then returning for a finale next Friday.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Walking Dead: Dead City - Season Three

The Walking Dead: Dead City, for AMC, is based on The Walking Dead characters Maggie and Negan. 

It is the first sequel to The Walking Dead television series, and the fifth series in The Walking Dead franchise, sharing continuity with the other television series. Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan reprise their roles as Maggie and Negan from the original television series, with Gaius Charles, Željko Ivanek, Lisa Emery, Logan Kim, joining the season three cast are, Raúl Castillo, Aimee Garcia, & Jimmi Simpson.

Last July, the series was renewed for an eight-episode third season, which premiered late July. Currently there is no news on a fourth season. The counterpart series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been renewed for a fourth and final season, which is set to premiere in 2027. Could that be the end of The Walking Dead franchise?

So how does series three wrap in the Big Apple? In a flashback, a lonely Dillard imagines his walker pets as real people. 

In the present, Dillard decides to turn a zombified Renata into Titicaca's replacement and threatens to execute Luis. 

Negan considers surrendering but Maggie, in the alley where they met the fortune teller in the alternate reality, admits that although she will never forgive what he did, Maggie has finally moved passed Negan killing Glenn and considers him family. 

While Negan sneaks past the guards at the community's wall, Maggie releases the walkers from the pens in the subway and Hershel sets off a siren in the apartment building to lure them in while rallying the residents to barricade the doors. 

Maggie, Negan and the walkers kill most of the Dead Squad while Hershel is forced to kill Radomir in defence of a group of innocent people. 

In a final confrontation, Negan attempts to bring his former best friend back to reality, but Dillard is too far gone, forcing Maggie to kill him to save Negan. Honouring Dillard's wishes, the pair allow him to reanimate, finding new friends amongst the dead. 

A week later, life has returned to normal for the community. Hershel completes his first year of medical training, tattoos himself with an image of the community and paints a mural of Renata. Maggie puts away her wedding ring, finally ready to move on from Glenn, and takes leadership of the community. Negan finally joins and accepts Maggie's invitation to be head of security. With Manhattan having been reclaimed by the living, Maggie suggests that they start retaking the rest of New York City.

Will we get to see Maggie and Raúl Castillo as Luis DeLeon become an item? Is Maggie ready for love again after losing Glenn all those seasons ago to Negan's bat.

I much prefer this to Daryl Dixon's story. However, I do think the Walking Dead is really running out of gas. Fast. It might be time to be a knife in the final zombies head, for one last kill.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Shards - Season One

The Shards is the latest Ryan Murphy, teen thriller. Streaming on Disney+.

FX’s The Shards is a seductive drama series from executive producer Ryan Murphy, based on the acclaimed bestselling novel by Bret Easton Ellis. 

Set against the vivid backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, the series follows a group of privileged high school seniors at an elite prep school as they navigate identity, sex, jealousy, obsession and the dangers lurking beneath the surface of American adolescence.

Prior to the series order, Jacob Elordi was reported to be in talks for a role in the adaption in September 2023. 

In July 2025, in addition to the green-light of the show announcement, it was revealed that Igby Rigney, Homer Gere, and Graham Campbell joined the cast as Ellis, Robert Mallory, and Thom Wright respectively. Later, Hayes Warner joined the cast as Debbie Schaffer, Wes Bentley joined the cast as Debbie's father Terry alongside Evan Rachel Wood, Owen Painter & Jordan Roth who were cast in recurring roles.

If you didn't catch the finale on Thursday evening, maybe don't read ahead. Well watch the trailer, but past that.

Debbie is sent the videotape of her father and Bret having sex in a hotel room; she uses the threat of publicly outing Terry to blackmail him. 

Thom begs Susan to take him back, but she rebuffs his advances and says he scared her. Thom kneels down to propose to her, but Debbie interrupts and saves Susan. Back in her room with Susan, Debbie finds the decapitated head of her pet horse Spirit in her bed. Debbie confronts Bret when he isn't aroused by her advances; Bret blames it on being in a pool, and affirms that he wants to be with her still. 

Robert confesses his love for Susan, and the start dating. Later when she's alone, an intruder breaks into her home, before Thom seemingly saves her. 

At a Halloween party hosted by Debbie, Robert denies that him and Bret ever slept together. Terry is pushed off the stairwell balcony by an unseen antagonist; later, at the police station, Bret and Robert are lead to an interview room with Debbie, Susan, Thom, Ryan, Liz and Steven, where police say they have evidence one of them is responsible for Katherine Latchford and Matt Kelners's murders and Rhonda's kidnapping.

Now I thought this was set to be a one and done miniseries. However, it does leave a lot up in the air for a second outing.

This is sadly not Ryan Murphy's work. I am hoping the upcoming season of American Horror Story is all killer, no filler. At 13 episodes though I am a little worried. With an all-star, all reunion for the hit series (possible last season?) spooky 13th run.

Ryan Murphy has loads on the go, with the two 9-1-1 series returning next month, Monster and AHS back this month, All's Fair renewed, whilst it looks like The Beauty must be done and dusted.

Up next, The Walking Dead: Dead City third season wraps on Stan, Monday. Reacher concludes on Amazon mid next week, whilst High Country returns on Binge and Last Seen continues weekly on Apple TV. So much TV at present. Good to see some Australian stories too.

NOT another streaming Movie - Insidious: Out of the Further

Insidious: Out of the Further is the latest supernatural/horror film to hit our big screens. Whilst, serving as a sequel to Insidious: The Red Door (2023) & is the sixth instalment in the Insidious franchise. 

In the film, a young woman who can interact with and bring spirits to the mortal world is soon haunted by malevolent forces.

Starring, Amelia Eve, Brandon Perea and Maisie Richardson-Sellers, with Lin Shaye reprising her role from the previous films. It is written and directed by Jacob Chase.

Thus far the film received generally mixed reviews from critics and has grossed $141 million worldwide with a budget of $18 million. That is a box office hit. The series, has earned over $740 million at the global box office, the Insidious franchise returns with a new family and a terror that redefines what The Further is capable of.

Amelia Eve stars as Gemma, a young mother raising her daughter in the house she grew up in who discovers she can travel into The Further, the purgatorial realm of lost souls at the heart of the Insidious universe. When something evil comes after her, Gemma discovers an ability that changes everything: she doesn’t just enter The Further, she can bring what lives there back to the real world. Once the demons realise her power, our world becomes their playground.

Filmed in Victoria, Australians James Wan and Leigh Whannell continue to bring horror to our big screens. With the help of Jason Blum.

This was the perfect Friday night jump scare film I need. To unwind after weeks of job interviews and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The dental scenes were a bit much after another filling this week. Following a crown earlier this year and root canal surgery in the past 18 months. Fuck. I am a frequent flyer at the dentist currently.

It appears the Insidious film series will live on. To be titled Thread: An Insidious Tale, with Mandy Moore & Kumail Nanjiani to star.

Bring it on! Mandy Moore, The OG Candy girl!

I can't remember whether I have watched all the prior Insidious films. However I don't think it matters.

This was a new(ish) story. I reckon I will see the next film too.

Either way, alongside Nicole and Sandra returning with some magic, The Odyssey, Spider-Man and this still screens at the cinemas. It's been an epic winter for cinema in Australia. Bring on Street Fighter I say!

Until next time (back to TV, with The Shards) have a good weekend.

3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Audacity - Season One

The Audacity doesn't fit the usual AMC/AMC+ programming of Vampires or zombies across their Immortal universe and Walking Dead franchise.

This is part dark comedy, part drama which landed back in mid-April. Ahead of the series premiere, the series was renewed for a second season.

A self-appointed "inventor of the future" tech CEO and his self-serving performance psychologist are engulfed in a scandal sparked by the exploitation of personal data.

Sarah Goldberg, Billy Magnussen, Rob Corddry, Meaghan Rath, Simon Helberg, Paul Adelstein, Zach Galifianakis, Lucy Punch, Everett Blunck, Thailey Roberge, Ava Marie Telek, with Randall Park. 

Jess McLeod from season one was promoted to series regular for the second season, whilst, Miriam Shor & Usman Ally were cast for the second season.

This was an eat the rich style series. With rich people doing awful things. It would be more funny, if this wasn't happy right now with Gina and Pauline.

The eight episodes in the first season are a fairly easy watch. The ads though on the SBS on Demand app are so repetitive. I think I saw the ad for the Apple TV series, Last Seen 17 or more times.

I thought ABC and Stan had the rights to AMC content, which made for a better (and mostly free) experience.

I was irritated to learn Interview with the Vampire moved to SBS from ABC.

This was by far not the best series I have watched throughout the Winter be Bingeing 26' series. It tries hard to be funny and poke fun at the rich. It just isn't as funny as I think the creators think it is.

There were some green shoots. I hope the second season gets better. I hope there is more Randall Park. I think Hollywood struggles to poke fun at the rich, when so many Hollywood types are the rich people they are trying to poke fun at.

If you need a new series whilst you wait for the return of Tulsa King, Mobland, Emily in Paris or Dexter. The Audacity streaming on SBS on Demand now may scratch that itch. How's it almost the weekend.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Chad Powers - Season Two

Chad Powers streaming at the same time as Ted Lasso, is super bad timing.

Both feel good, sports series, also lean heavily into comedy. Chad Powers is a superstar on the field but his odd behaviour off it has everyone suspicious – especially Coach Hudson and Gerry. 

Ricky knows the truth, but if Russ and Danny want Chad to survive the regular season and lead the Catfish to the College Football Playoff, she's their only hope.

Chad Powers is Glen Powell but really, Russ Holliday. After he disgraces himself on the field while serving as a star quarterback at a major college program. After ruining his reputation, Holliday undergoes a physical transformation, with the help of prosthetics and a wig, to disguise his identity in order to join the floundering football team at an SEC school under the name of Chad Powers.

Alongside Powell, Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, Clayne Crawford, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Colton Ryan, Keese Wilson, Xavier Mills & Quentin Plair all star. 

The series streams on Hulu, AKA Disney+ in Australia, with all season two's six episode binge, streaming from September 3. Unlike season one, with episodes released weekly, this time around we got all episodes in one hit.

Following Adults second season (also on Disney+) dropping the week prior this was a lot of comedy. Following Not Suitable for Work's one and done season cancellation, recently, hopefully we will get word on Adults and Chad Powers third season soon.

My dream would be Adults gets another crack, but I think Chad Powers definitely has a third season in it. That cliffhanger. For more on the finale, read below.

In the finale, 12th Quarter, the Catfish are in a playoff game to make the championships. Chad does not play well, purposefully missing opportunities to score. 

Danny reveals to Ricky that Gerry blackmailed Chad into losing. Chad decides to win the game anyway. 

Gerry storms the field to attack Chad but is intercepted by Tricia's bodyguard. As a last resort, Danny had told Tricia Chad's real identity as Russ in order to get her help. With Gerry neutralised, Tricia says that she will manage Chad Power's identity, keeping him playing for a long time. 

Coach Hudson sees Ricky and Chad kissing. WOW!

Will Hulu/FX renew both comedies? I am not sure. TV is a tough game right now. Hulu's long running, murder mystery crime series, Only Murders in the Building also returns for its sixth (maybe last?) season, this December.

It's a streaming comedy fest! After catching up with the brilliant Rooster on HBO Max, this sadly wasn't the funniest of Winter comedies. It was fine, just not as fun and interesting as season one.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Colin from Accounts - Season Three/Series Finale

The Logie, AACTA and Gotham Award-winning series, created and written by its stars, Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, has grown from a homegrown hit into a genuine global phenomenon, finding adoring audiences in the UK, the US and over 100 other countries around the world, cementing its place as one Binge’s most successful original scripted series.

Colin from Accounts the Aussie romantic dramedy series created and written by husband-and-wife team Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, who also star as the show's main characters, Gordon and Ashley. 

And last night, the series concluded for good.

This is Binge's second original production after Love Me and premiered on Binge/Foxtel back in December 2022.

Following the show's worldwide success, including three Logie Awards in Australia, Colin from Accounts was renewed for a second season in August 2023. Streaming from late May, 2024. The following April, it was announced that the series had been renewed for a third season. Which was to be announced as the third and final season. Which began streaming airing late July.

Colin from Accounts is easily one of the best Australian series to date. Definitely one of the best comedies. If follows Binge/Foxtel's incredible success with Wentworth. Whilst the groups shovels shitty news via Sky News (now News24), they have an incredible eye for quality Australian drama.

This series was so honest, so raw. The episode that Gordon and Ashley sat in a restaurant (not on a date) discussing their relationship. The flaws, the honestly. It felt so real. It felt like I was watching this in a small theatre. Live.

This show has big heart, big laughs and honestly, just so damn Australian.

For me, Helen Thomson as Lynelle always stole the scene too. Her wild statements, her interesting parenting style of Ashley. Fun.

Australia needs more comedy, so it is very sad that, Colin from Accounts has ended. Though, it 100% ended on a high. Who knows, like Wentworth a sequel series may return.

That said both Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer are exceptionally busy. Speaking of Brammall, he stars in a new Apple TV series, Last Seen starting tomorrow.

Binge also announced their upcoming 2027 productions. Firstly, this year, High Country returns next week. Wentworth: Halfway Home commences last 2026, with Tough Love set to stream in 2027. A new comedy created by and starring Rick Donald, alongside acclaimed Australian actress Miranda Otto, Liz Kingsman, Hugo Johnston-Burt and Jay Ryan. Directed by the award-winning team behind Colin from Accounts’ Trent O’Donnell and Madeleine Dyer, the series follows a mother determined to prepare her three very unprepared adult children for life without her.

The Real Housewives Of Melbourne returns as it looks like the Housewives Girls Trip combo of Sydney and Melbourne Housewives is shelved.

The Ministry of Time, the highly anticipated series based on Kaliane Bradley’s bestselling novel of the same name. The six-part series will be co-produced by Binge, BBC and A24.

So whilst, cuddly Colin leaves Binge, there is still more to come in 2026, along with, interesting content for 2027.

This show was incredible. Winter be Bingeing 26' be a strong quarter. This last month will cover off on some more big show conclusions, All American and more binges.

Daylight Savings is just around the corner too. Bring it on!

NOT another streaming Movie - Fall 2: Deadpoint

After losing her fearless sister Hunter, a deeply damaged Jax sets out on a dangerous climb with Hunter’s old friend to honour her memory. 

As they tightrope walk the perilous planks of Mount Kwan, a terrifying rockslide leaves them stranded 5,000 feet above ground. In the face of vertigo-inducing sequences, dark truths, and cruel twists, Jax must confront her deepest fears head-on to fight for survival and closure.

Fall 2: Deadpoint is survival/thriller sequel to 2022's Fall, starring Harriet Slater, Arsema Thomas, Tom Brittney, and Virginia Gardner.

Unlike its predecessor, the film received mixed reviews from critics. That said I hate heights, so this had me tense AF! For the entire 97 minutes.

If you enjoyed the first, Fall film, I think you will enjoy the second one. And as teased at the end of the film (also on Wikipedia) the third incoming film.

With limited sessions on, given the continued success of Zendaya and Tom Holland at the box office, this film isn't super easy to see. The sessions are largely at random times.

However, I snuck off to a closed caption session, which I really enjoyed. Nothing like subtitles for an overly tense film.

The lead up before the big climb moves fast, before the film moves at breakneck pace during the climb. The drama, the suspense, the twists come exceptionally fast towards the end.

I enjoyed this, despite drinking too much kombucha prior and needing a comfort stop halfway through the film. A short film too.

This was adventure porn at its finest. The character development is a little half cooked, however it's super dramatic.

Get out and enjoy and adventure. 3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Silo - Season Three

Silo based on the Silo trilogy of novels (Wool, Shift, and Dust) by author Hugh Howey, is the Apple TV series, set in a dystopian future where a community exists in a giant underground silo comprising 144 levels.

Rebecca Ferguson returns as Juliette Nichols, an engineer who becomes embroiled in the mysteries of its past and present. 

Alongside Ferguson includes Common, Harriet Walter, Chinaza Uche, Avi Nash, Alexandria Riley, Shane McRae, Remmie Milner, Rick Gomez, Billy Postlethwaite and Clare Perkins. Joining the cast for season three are Ashley Zukerman, Jessica Henwick, who appeared in the season two finale, along with Laura Innes, Jessica Brown Findlay, Morven Christie, Reed Birney and Matt Craven, with Colin Hanks set to recur. Steve Zahn will also return.

In December 2024, the series was renewed for a third and fourth season, with the fourth serving as its final. The third season premiered on July 3, 2026.

Season three of Silo continues the saga of a dystopian society of 10,000 people living underground under mysterious circumstances, while revealing an origin story set centuries earlier. In the present, Juliette Nichols (Ferguson) survives her forced “cleaning” but returns with memory loss as the silo recovers from rebellion and faces a dangerous new threat. Meanwhile, in the “Before Times,” journalist Helen Drew (Jessica Henwick) and Congressman Daniel Keene (Ashley Zukerman) uncover a conspiracy that pulls them into a chain of events with catastrophic, irreversible consequences. 

Spoilers from yesterdays finale below. With a premiere period of Summer (USA) 2027 date at the end of the final seasons trailer. Like Slow Horses, the final season is already in the can at the ending of the now screened, season three.

In a flashback to the Silo 17 rebellion, Daniel is revived from cryogenic sleep in Silo 1. Now named Troy, he cannot remember his past and is a specialist who is woken up to handle crises for The Project, which is led by Thurman. 

Troy orchestrates the execution of the Silo 17 rebels who have exited there Silo, using armed drones and poison. Troy has memory flashes of Helen and asks Victor about her. 

In the present, Camille tricks Victor, who is currently acting as the Legacy, into giving Knox and the others time to successfully block the safeguard pipe while Walker and Carla fix the water supply. Victor sends a drone to guard Silo 18 and requests Troy to be revived, before committing suicide. Juliette and Lukas communicate by radio about the door underneath the Silo. 

Juliette, Camille, Knox, Shirley and Hank follow Lukas's route to the door where Troy, as the Legacy, offers to leave them alone if Silo 18 does not try to contact any other Silo. Juliette accepts the deal, but tells her friends that their next move should be to attack Silo 1, which will not be expecting it. 

Troy receives a video message from Victor telling him that the woman he's searching for is Helen Drew.

So the end is near for one of Apple TV's biggest sci-fi series. What other series will wrap in 2027? Well apparently Daryl Dixon's Walking Dead tale will come to a close. Hopefully it will stream on Stan, as apparently all Walking Dead titles are moving to Netflix.

Emily in Paris will also take a final bow, just before the calendar flicks over to 2027. My prediction is, a number of my US network shows will also call it a day next April/May. Just saying.

Have a good weekend.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Pluribus - Season One

Pluribus is one of the last catch ups I started whilst I was in Bangkok. Surprisingly, only Apple TV and Amazon worked there for me. Like Fiji, no Disney+ or my local streamers (Stan, Binge and Paramount+) allowed. Boo!

It feels like a lot of series I am watching are post-apocalyptic, I am not really into science fiction, however this has elements of sci-fi.

Created by Vince Gilligan for Apple TV, the series is set/filmed primarily in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pluribus follows novelist Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), who finds herself isolated after an alien virus transforms the rest of humanity into a peaceful and content hive mind, which nevertheless seeks to assimilate her and other immune individuals.

I am late to the party. The series premiered on Apple TV on November 7, 2025. A second season has been ordered. 

The title of the series refers to e pluribus unum, a Latin motto of the United States which means 'out of many, one'. Pluribus has received acclaim from critics, with praise for Gilligan's writing and direction and Seehorn's performance, as well as the show's originality, tone, and stylistic influences, though its pacing received some criticism.

Pluribus has received numerous accolades. At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, it earned 18 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, as well as acting nominations for Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Jeff Hiller, and Miriam Shor. 

It has also been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Critics' Choice Awards, with Seehorn winning Best Actress in a Drama Series at both ceremonies. Additionally, the series was honoured with a Peabody Award and was named one of the 10 best television programs of 2025 by the American Film Institute.

It sure is a different kind of series. I enjoyed it. However, it was a bit slow in parts, so I agree with the critics note around pacing.

If like me you are behind on the hype show, maybe stop reading...... here. La Chica o El Mundo is the ninth episode and first season finale. The episode was written by executive producers Alison Tatlock and Gordon Smith, and directed by Smith. 

It was released on Christmas Eve last year, so I am only a few months behind. The finale sees Manousos finally reaches Albuquerque, leaving Carol to debate whether to help him in making a plan to destroy the Others.

The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the scenes between Carol and Manousos, the performances and the cliffhanger.

Manousos arrives at Carol's home. Carol uses a translator app to communicate with him, and he reveals his intent to destroy the Others if the Joining cannot be reversed. Manousos searches Carol's home for listening devices. 

Carol brings him to stay at one of her neighbour's homes. After seeing Carol call Zosia, Manousos asks the Others to send Zosia to talk to him privately. Carol takes her away, but Manousos calls for another member of the Others to replace Zosia. Zosia suddenly goes into convulsions and Carol finds that Manousos has intentionally triggered a global seizure to test the radio frequency he discovered. Carol stops him, and Zosia and the Others leave the city to protect themselves from Manousos. Carol leaves with Zosia, and they tour the world together for two weeks. 

During this time, Kusimayu, an immune teenager in rural Peru, willingly joins the Others, proving the customised virus works. Zosia reveals Kusimayu's fate to Carol and confesses that the Others are working to extract Carol's stem cells from her frozen eggs, expecting to complete her custom virus in about a month. Carol has Zosia return her home with a large crate containing an atom bomb and tells Manousos that she is ready to help him.

So when will season two of this off beat drama land? With the current timetable of streaming series being released, who would know. Time will tell. I did enjoy the show. It was definitely different.

Apple TV really are continuing to deliver quality content. Speaking of sci-fi their Silo series wraps up tomorrow, with Dar Matter returning last week.

They also have Ted Lasso midway through the reboot. With Stick, Slow Horses and Bad Monkey all on the way.

Hopefully I'll get to a movie this weekend.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Adults - Season Two plus prequel episode - "Marathon Day"

FX’s Adults returns following a mid-season prequel episode Marathon Day. Like The Bear, this tired over fans in-between seasons one and two.

With a little over a year since the first season streamed on Disney+, this did return fairly quickly.

Marathon Day, premiered back on the 31st of July. The prequel episode showing the origin story of the friend group and Paul Baker. The episode was written as a new pilot to be placed as the first episode of the series on FX and streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu. 

The episode was made as a new way to introduce viewers to the series, as viewership was low for the first season.

Adults returns to NYC, with Samir, Billie, Paul Baker, Issa and Anton share their meals, anxieties and, occasionally, toothbrushes. Over the eight-episode season, the housemates tackle capital-R Responsibility to varying degrees of success.

The five main players returns. Malik Elassal as Samir Rahman, Lucy Freyer as Billie Schaeffer, Jack Innanen as Paul Baker, Amita Rao as Issa Damani, plus Owen Thiele as Anton Evans.

The second season features guest appearances by Susie Essman, Raven-Symoné, Gaten Matarazzo, Jake Shane, Isaac Powell, Ben Marshall, and Zosia Mamet.

Adults follows a group of young friends—Samir (Elassal), Billie (Freyer), Paul Baker (Innanen), Issa (Rao), and Anton (Thiele)—as they navigate the challenges of early adulthood while living together in Samir's childhood home. 

The series explores themes such as career struggles, healthcare, modern dating, and social dynamics, portraying both the comedic and difficult aspects of transitioning into adult life.

I really enjoyed the eight episode second season. Particularly, episode 7, "C Alert".

So where did it leave off? I smashed it so fast, that thank god, Chad Powers returns this week! As a binge too this time around. Like Adults, Chad Powers also on Disney+ has only had a year off too. In modern streaming timings for returning shows, this is amazing!

In the finale, "Vote for Paul Baker", Paul Baker is running for president of the Homeowner's Association, and the roommates are hard at work canvassing with the help of Carly and Julia Fox. 

Billie is threatened by Nina, the incumbent president's daughter, to call off the campaign and let her dad win, otherwise Nina will report the roommates for a zoning violation and have them kicked out of the house. Billie recruits Paul Baker's rowdy friends to help them tank the election and make sure that he loses. 

Issa and Anton try to discourage voters at the library, where Issa connects with Margaux, the librarian. Carly and Samir are practicing being long-distance, as Carly's dental placement will force her to move to Seattle for a year. 

After getting advice from Julia, Samir decides to move to Seattle as well, but Carly does not want Samir to move with her and breaks up with him.

 Issa overhears voters talking about all the nice things Anton has said about Paul Baker during the campaign, and realises that Anton has genuine feelings for him. She encourages Anton to tell Paul Baker how he feels. 

Unbeknownst to them, their discussion is being broadcast live to the entire neighbourhood, including Paul Baker. As Issa and Anton run home, Paul Baker loses the election. As everyone celebrates the loss, Anton and Paul Baker kiss. Later that night, Issa brings Margaux home and notices that someone is hooking up in Paul Baker and Samir's room. The door opens to reveal not Anton and Paul Baker, but Samir and Billie.

I really wanted Anton and Paul Baker to hook up. Paul Baker is honestly so hot. Well Jack Innanen is hot.

Either way, I be bingeing a big number of series following my overseas trip. Tomorrow it's over to a big Apple TV title I wanted to catch up on, Pluribus. Until then. BYE!