Winter be Bingeing 26' - Treasure & Dirt - Season One

Treasure & Dirt is set in the scorched, dust-choked opal mining town of Nulla, where the brutal beheading of local miner pulls big-city detective Ivan Lucic (Dorman) into a labyrinthine case with no easy answers. 

Assigned to him is ambitious rookie detective Nell Buchanan (Hewson) who knows Nulla's lawless, corrupt underbelly far better than he does. Together, they’re drawn into a strange, surreal underworld of secrets, greed, and old sins that won’t stay buried. 

Treasure & Dirt is the latest Aussie drama on ABC. Following Bad Company, Urzila and Ground Up comedies, it's time for drama to return to Sunday nights on Aunty.

Produced by Easy Tiger, who happening to be filming the third season of Scrublands up the road from me. 

Based on the novel written by Chris Hammer. This six episode wonder landed on Sunday, with all episodes up on iView.

ABC has given drama a miss for a large chunk of 2026. So it's good to have drama back on the national broadcaster.

Alongside Dorman and Hewson, we have some familiar Australian faces. Sarah Peirse as Patricia Richter,

Elena Carapetis as Billie, Glenda Linscott as Packenham, Kelton Pell as Ray Penuch, Ling Cooper Tang as Lady Mayoress Lydia Tallon, Mark Mitchinson as Mayor Doug, Steve Le Marquand as Garry Ahern, Kris McQuade as Colleen Delaney, Bessie Holland as Carole & Nic Darrigo as Dazzler.

Treasure & Dirt is a bit batshit crazy, set in a strange, dessert like Australian setting. It started strong, it is well acted, however it lost me a little in the middle of the run.

I am happy for ABC to be back with some drama on Sunday nights and iView. So if trippy, gritty, dirty Aussie crime dramas are for you, give Treasure & Dirt a crack this weekend.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Agency - Season Two

Betrayed, compromised, and haunted by the woman he couldn’t save, CIA agent Martian’s world unravels as a mole hunt plunges London Station into chaos. As loyalties fracture, the truth becomes a weapon – and Martian’s only way out is deeper in. 

Series stars Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, with Jodie Turner-Smith and Richard Gere. 

Streaming on Paramount+, This was a Showtime title, however now it appears to have dropped the Showtime tag. Also the second landed, with all ten episodes dropping at once.

The Agency is a remake of the acclaimed French television series The Bureau.

Season two really ramped up as the episodes continued along. With Christian Ochoa Lavernia, Keanush Tafreshi, Medalion Rahimi, Raza Jaffrey, and Tessa Ferrer joining for the second season.

Keanush Tafreshi is one handsome guy too. Mamma Mia!

With no news on season three yet, read on with care if you binged all ten episodes like me in the last month. Yes it landed a month ago. Let's hope we get news on the future of The Agency ASAP!

During King Sacrifice, the finale, Henry is released from custody and informed of both Martian’s confession and Richardson’s death. 

The CIA plans to exchange an imprisoned Quds Force financier for Danny. A conservative mullah who opposes the exchange orders the IRGC to instead stage an escape attempt and kill her. The attempt fails and Danny escapes on foot to a rural gas station outside of Mehriz and calls for extraction. She reluctantly kills the suspicious owner when he calls the police and is rescued by Mossad operatives. 

Martian adapts the plan to assassinate Viking and impersonates Jansen to fly to the CAR, threatening his colleague into playing along. Wanting Viking dead, the Director allows the mission to proceed. Instead of giving Viking a custom gift wristwatch packed with explosives, Martian plants C4 in a portable chess clock which detonates just as Viking determines he is an imposter at the end of a game of bullet chess. 

With Viking seemingly dead and without any backup, an injured Martian tries to shoot his way out of the Valhalla compound but is captured himself. 

An unidentified Russian confirms he is being kept alive as they know who he is. Bosko orders him to be recorded as dead, pending confirmation.

What will become of Martian AKA Michael Fassbender? With Showtime (or now just Paramount+) down to four series. Surely they will keep this alive. With The Chi about to wrap, Yellowjackets to wrap when it returns and apparently Dexter's latest spin-off is apparently to stream it's second season this year.

More TV incoming soon. Two new Aussie series have landed. The F Ward on Stan, whilst Treasure & Dirt is on the ABC.

NOT another streaming Movie - The Odyssey

The Odyssey is the film everyone is talking about, which also sits at just under 3 hours. Just.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, following on from his monster box office smashes. Following the fab, The Dark Knight trilogy (2005–2012), The Prestige (2006), Inception (2010), Interstellar (2014), Dunkirk (2017),Tenet (2020), plus the Barbie combo film, Oppenheimer (2023). 

An adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem the Odyssey the film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, as it chronicles his long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War and his encounters with mythical beings as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. 

Spiderman Tom Holland also stars, along with Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, & Charlize Theron. It's a blockbuster size cast!

Nolan depicted a realistic interpretation of Greek mythology, drawing inspiration from the epic historical films Andrei Rublev (1966) and Ran (1985), as well as the films of special effects artist Ray Harryhausen. 

With an estimated budget of $250 million, The Odyssey is among the most expensive films of Nolan's career, and the first to be shot entirely on IMAX's 70 mm film cameras.

So far, The Odyssey has received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Nolan's direction, despite sparking debate over its inaccurate historical design, casting choices, and controversy surrounding filming in the occupied city of Dakhla.

It has grossed $264 million and set numerous records for Nolan, including for some IMAX pre-sales that were released a year in advance.

So is the film worth three hours of your time?

Look I had a big Saturday before I sat in a Hoyts Lux session Sunday afternoon. So I was comfortable, with free popcorn and a nice cool soda water. It was warmer again on the weekend right? Is winter done already?

Anyway this is going to be the biggest film of 2026. It's epic, it's a must see on the big screen, IMAX sales are off the chain, Christopher Nolan is saving cinema all over again like, Barbie/Oppenheimer times in 2023!

Tom Holland/Zendaya's upcoming Spiderman, may do well at the box office later this month, but this is the film to beat.

3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed - Season One

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed stars Tatiana Maslany as a divorced fact checker who falls into a web of murder, blackmail, and youth soccer.

Yet another, original, fun Apple TV title.

Paula Saunders (Maslany) is a divorced fact checker living in Sunnyside, Queens in a contentious custody battle with her ex-husband Karl. Amidst her legal troubles, she pays for the online services of webcam boy Trevor and vents to him about her personal life. One night, Trevor is beaten and kidnapped on-camera; soon, Paula is receiving calls for ransom money. Police detectives insist to Paula that this is likely a scam, but then Trevor is found dead. Paula is roped into the mystery of Trevor's death as secrets from her past come to light.

Joining Maslany are, Jake Johnson, Dolly de Leon, Charlie Hall, Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg, Jessy Hodges, Jon Michael Hill, Nola Wallace, Brandon Flynn and Murray Bartlett.

It's a damn fine cast and a super original tale. It goes all over the place, but this comedy/thriller is a load of fun.

Apple TV is getting ready to launch back into Ted Lasso, their biggest original title, whilst Cape Fear, Silo and Sugar all continue to slay on Friday's.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, takes you into the wild world of cam boys, crime and murder. This is an easy show for me to recommend. It is over too soon, I hope by the closing seconds of episode ten, we get a second season. Time will tell. Apple TV is usually good renewing their series, or letting you know where you stand as a viewer. However, I am still awaiting Loot's fate month's after it concluded.

Have a good weekend!

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Alice & Steve - Season One

Alice and Steve is created by Sophie Goodhart (writer on Sex Education) and is directed by Tom Kingsley. 

Starring Nicola Walker, Joel Fry, Yali Topol Margalith and Jemaine Clement.

Landing last month on Hulu/Disney+, this series ended with a bang!

A two and-a-half decades long friendship between Alice and Steve becomes strained when Steve starts dating Alice's daughter.

This was a fun English, six episode, comedy romp. What starts up as a friendship comedy, it quickly becomes a revenge comedy, with former best friends at war.

With some fun intergenerational laughs, this was a damn sight funnier than so called fellow Disney+ comedy The Bear. Still never get why that was classified as a comedy.

This had some good one liners, whilst joining Rivals as premium UK Disney+ content. Bring on November for more Rivals season two.

Alice & Steve has not yet been confirmed for a second season. Quick frankly it could have been a tidy one and done series, however the ending leaves you wanting more.

Apparently there is a second season storyline and plot ready to roll, with there being a two season plan for the series.

If you need an uplifting fun, quick six episode binge, this is fairly delightful.

Hulu/Disney+ are really giving us solid content right now. Chad Powers is set to return this year, with legal drama Reasonable Doubt also set to head back to court. Only Murders in the Building is yet to set their return date (usually it lands in August), whilst Paradise just got loads of nominations for the upcoming Emmy Awards.

Until next time, The Odyssey opens tomorrow! Hopefully I'll get back to the cinema ASAP. Lastly, Apple TV's, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, just streamed its season one finale! 

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Bear - Season Five/Series Finale + Gary (prequel) episode

The fifth and final season of FX’s The Bear picks up the morning after Sydney, Richie and Sugar discover that Carmy has quit the food industry, leaving the restaurant to them. With no money, the threat of a sale and a storm in their way, the team must band together to achieve one last service. Ultimately, they learn that what makes a restaurant perfect might not be the food, but the people.

The final season of The Bear premiered after a standalone prequel episode Gary. 

Gary was a special episode written by and starring cast members Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal.

Gary is a flashback to early 2019, when Richie's pregnant wife Tiff (Gillian Jacobs) is close to her due date. Richie (Moss-Bachrach) and Mikey (Bernthal) get a job from Jimmy and take an emotionally charged road trip from Chicago to Gary, Indiana.

The 39th episode of The Bear was released as a surprise drop on May 5.

Delivered on Hulu and FX (Disney+ in Australia), streaming separately from the rest of the show's catalogue. Gary, received largely positive reviews from critics, who praised its tone, direction, and naturalism, while other reviewers found the episode meandering and self-indulgent. 

Jon Bernthal also had a standalone Punisher episode, The Punisher: One Last Kill. Which also landed in May. So it was a busy month on Disney+ for Bernthal. That said, I think the Punisher also arrives in the new Spiderman film. Well according to the trailer.

Back to The Bear's final season, with all eight episodes dropping late June. OG ratboy, Jeremy Allen White reprises his role as Carmy Berzatto, an award-winning New York City chef de cuisine, who returns to his hometown of Chicago to run his deceased brother Michael's failing sandwich shop.

The season features an original score composed by Christian Lundberg for Bleeding Fingers Music and produced by Hans Zimmer, eschewing the series' previous trend of using popular music for its soundtrack.

The season was met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising it as a return to form for the series after the third and fourth seasons, and a fitting conclusion for the series.

Watch out spoilers ahead for the hour long finale.

Yes the first few episodes are short, then it gets long. But in all honestly, this season flew by!

The morning after the restaurant's successful service, Natalie reveals that the restaurant has enough money to continue operating, while Richie is invited to attend an international hospitality seminar in Japan. 

Cicero apologises to Carmy and endorses Ebraheim's franchising proposal, which Carmy immediately approves. 

After Richie experiences a panic attack over traveling abroad, Carmy reassures him. Carmy receives a call from the actual Michelin Guide representative—Peter Clark, who dined at The Bear months prior—that the restaurant has earned two Michelin stars, and he shares the news with a stunned Sydney. 

Weeks later, Luca returns to Copenhagen and bids farewell to Marcus, while Ebraheim begins developing the franchise. 

Carmy interviews for an internship at an architectural firm and gets emotional when recounting what The Bear meant to him. 

The Bear staff and their loved ones celebrate the birthday of Richie's daughter Eva at the restaurant. Richie leaves for Japan with Jess, the two now in a relationship.

It's a fitting finale, to one of Hulu's most celebrated series of recent times. The Bear has been a huge success. Jeremy Allen White has always been great. Now he is GOAT status.

Go ahead, give the last eight (plus Gary episodes) a go on Disney+. As always Disney+ are smashing the winter (or Summer in the US) releases. A new Ryan Murphy series, The Shards is coming next month. Adults also returns late next month (following another sneaky prequel episode) and American Horror Story returns for its 13th (possibly last) season.

See you next time! When it might be another Disney+ title. UK comedy, Alice & Steve!

NOT another streaming Movie - The Invite

The Invite is dram/comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde from a screenplay by Will McCormack + Rashida Jones. 

It is an English-language remake of the 2020 Spanish film The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay. 

Starring Wilde herself, alongside, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, & Edward Norton. With such a small cast, this could be a play, live on stage.

Thus far The Invite has received positive reviews from critics, whilst sitting at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.

It opened on the weekend in Australia and I bloody loved this. Seth Rogan is on a winning streak right. His Apple TV series, The Studio is huge, Platonic is also one of their best comedies, whilst this was a damn fine performance was Wilde's rather unhappy husband.

The film resolves almost solely around a dinner party between two couples in the same apartment. We only leave the apartment very briefly at the start of the film, as Rogan is at work.

The whole film descends into chaos as the preparation for the dinner, goes sour with Wilde and Rogan trading blows.

When Cruz and Norton join, the party takes a different turn.

It was great seeing Edward Norton in something again. It's been a minute.

I really enjoyed this film. It was fun, simple and super well acted. With a sea of shitty kids films on, this was a rare gem.

Check this out before the Odyssey takes all the screens from Thursday.

4 Stars.

Emmys 2026 Nominations | Predictions

The Pitt, Paradise, Hacks & DTF St. Louis dominate as HBO (plus HBO Max, The Pitt title) reign supreme with this years nominations. 

I still need to watch DTF St. Louis on HBO, whilst I was happy the return to form fifth season of Slow Horses do very well for inform Apple TV+. Pluribus, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Shrinking and Widow's Bay, join Slow Horses with a load of nominations, as Apple TV builds a solid library.

Here are my Emmys predictions in red & bold.....

Outstanding Drama Series

The Diplomat

The Gilded Age

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Paradise

The Pitt

Pluribus

Slow Horses

Your Friends and Neighbors

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Carrie Coon

Chase Infiniti

Keri Russell

Rhea Seahorn

Zendaya

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Sterling K. Brown

Gary Oldman

Mark Ruffalo

Rufus Sewell

Noah Wyle

Outstanding Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary

The Bear

Hacks

Margo’s Got Money Troubles

Nobody Wants This

Only Murders in the Building

Shrinking

Widow’s Bay

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson

Ayo Edebiri

Elle Fanning

Lisa Kudrow

Jean Smart

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Yahya Abdul Mateen II

Steve Carell

Matthew Rhys

Jason Segel

Martin Short

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

All Her Fault

The Beast in Me

Beef

DTF St. Louis

Love Story

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Claire Danes

Sally Field

Carey Mulligan

Sarah Pidgeon

Sarah Snook

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Riz Ahmed

Jason Bateman

Charlie Hunnam

Oscar Isaac

Matthew Rhys

Outstanding Variety Series

The Daily Show

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Reality Competition Program

Dancing With the Stars

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Survivor

Top Chef

The Traitors

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Patrick Ball, The Pitt

Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt

Gerran Howell, The Pitt

Jack Lowden, Slow Horses

Tom Pelphrey, Task

Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Pluribus

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie

Jason Bateman, DTF St. Louis

Richard Gadd, Half Man

David Harbour, DTF St. Louis

Richard Jenkins, DTF St. Louis

Charles Melton, Beef

Nick Offerman, Death by Lightning

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Dale Dickey, Widow’s Bay

Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

Janelle James, Abbott Elementary

Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay

Michelle Pfeiffer, Margo’s Got Money Troubles

Megan Stalter, Hacks

Jessica Williams, Shrinking

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Taylor Deardon, The Pitt

Fiona Dourif, The Pitt

Allison Janney, The Diplomat

Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt

Sepideh Moafi The Pitt

Julianne Nicholson, Paradise

Karolina Wydra, Pluribus

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie

Linda Cardellini, DTF St. Louis

Dakota Fanning, All Her Fault

Laurie Metcalf, Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Joy Sunday, DTF St. Louis

Youn Yuh-jung, Beef

Constance Zimmer, Love Story: John F. Kennedy & Carolyn Bessette

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Prisoner - Season One

Prisoner is a high-stakes British thriller series starring Tahar Rahim (The Serpent, Un Prophète) & Izuka Hoyle (Boiling Point, Big Boys). The series landed on Binge, late April. The following month it was renewed for a second series.

Over six episodes, ambitious prison transport officer Amber Todd (Hoyle) finds herself in the middle of a battle for the criminal underworld – having to learn quickly to put her faith in someone feared by both sides of the law.

Amber has been tasked with escorting the prolific contract killer Tibor Stone (Rahim) to The Old Bailey to testify against his former employers - an elite crime syndicate willing to do anything to stop them.

When their transport convoy is brutally attacked, Amber handcuffs herself to Tibor to prevent his escape. As the sole survivors of the ambush, Amber and Tibor go on the run together, and must work in sync to reach court alive and on time.

Throughout the journey, their relationship twists and turns, with Amber unable to trust anyone – least of all the killer she is handcuffed to. But as everything she holds dear hangs in the balance, she must confront an impossible question: what moral lines is she willing to cross?

Binge has had a few good little British shows on recently. Tip Toe was outstanding, this wasn't bad, then across the pond Ms. X is also damn fine with Melissa George. Binge might be on a comeback. I was considering cancelling it for a hot minute.

Now onto the finale from Prisoner's first season.

Amber gets Campbell to release her so she can get Stone to court before the trial concludes. Knowing her Pegasus affiliation, Amber disposes of a tracker Campbell placed on her, and she and her colleagues Marcus and Jade use three identical prison vans to avoid Nina and get Tibor to court. Her colleagues Jamal and Phil give NCU agent Nancy Howard, a friend of Tebbit, the intel on the “Day of Action” and warn her of Campbell’s affiliation. 

In a surprise move, Tibor denies knowing Dempsey on the stand, resulting in his acquittal. Dempsey completes the weapons sale. 

Howard forces Campbell to tell Home Secretary Viraj Mundhra, about the weapons deal. Campbell claims she kept it secret due to the trial sensitivity. Mundhra believes her, but the pressure forces her to seize the UK gun shipment against Dempsey’s orders. 

Nina and Declan secretly re-route the EU shipment. Tibor escapes custody and directs Amber to Dempsey’s mansion, claiming they would both still be unsafe if he was in prison. She doesn't object when he kills Mikhail, Declan and Dempsey. Amber and Tibor part ways. However, Nina gets the drop on Tibor and kills him, wanting revenge for the death of Declan. 

Whilst driving to reunite with Olly and Mia, Amber appears to remember that Nina is still at large.

Not a bad little series, not as ace as Tip Toe, but as I said above, Binge is starting to get some better content at last!

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Ground Up - Season One

Two from two with solid Aussie content, thus far for the Winter be Bingeing 26' series.

Ground Up landed on the ABC, ahead of the Race Around the World reboot. The series is still airing weekly on Sundays. Or you can view all episodes now on iView.

Ground Up focuses on the development of a football club and stadium in Tasmania, fronted by AFL administrator Hugh Shen (Sam Pang). Shen must win over a divided community, wrangle together a team, and manage his overly bureaucratic organisation.

The series follows Hobart-via-Melbourne AFL administrator Hugh Shen who has been tasked with establishing Tasmania's first-ever AFL team. He must face the uninterested and angry locals who are funding the $1.13 billion stadium with their taxes.

After years of trying, Tasmania has finally been given the green light to field a team in the AFL - but there's a catch. The locals have to build a new stadium.

Given Tasmania has a housing crisis, and a health crisis… and two sizeable stadiums, not everyone thinks the 1.13 billion dollar taxpayer spend is the greatest idea.

Joining Pang is Emma Harvie as Destiny Pitt, Dylan Murphy as Jameson, Josh McConville as Alistair Penfold, musical theatre Wicked lead, Lucy Durack as Angela Linscombe, incredible Marg Downey as Catherine la Fontaine & Fletcher Humphrys as Cliff.

Incredible Marg Downey has some incredible one liners in this topical series about sport and government.

With moments of reality and ABC flexing its muscles with Lisa McCune joining in as an ABC Hobart announcer for some classic interviews.

This took me an episode of two to get into, but once I did, hells bells this is good. Whilst I loved Bad Company, this has much wider appeal. This was really good. Sam Pang is a little Aussie legend. Well done team. This was a lot of fun. If you liked Utopia or work in government, this may be a little too close to home. Wild.

Do yourself a favour now the State of Origin is done and dusted. It's raining it's wet, log into iView and give this a go. FAB!

NOT another streaming Movie - Supergirl

Oh dear, Supergirl is heading into becoming one of the years biggest box office bombs. Following six seasons on The CW, Supergirl now heads to the big screen. With Aussie Milly Alcock as the title role, alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet, and Jason Momoa. But isn't Momoa Aquaman?

DC Comics, are doing their best with superheroine Kara Zor-El / Supergirl. Sadly, trying to turn her from the goody two shoes Melissa Benoist portrayed from 2015-2021 to a 365 party girl, really didn't work.

The sloppy use of music across the film, and clanky action sequences, left this in the B grade superhero category. Sadly as well being slayed at the box office by Toy Story 5, Obsession and some Minions.

In under two hours, Kara Zor-El travels across the galaxy on a murderous quest for revenge.

Supergirl is part of the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. So far, it has received mixed reviews from critics, and has grossed $100.5 million against a production budget of $170–186 million. So a box office bomb.

Is this the beginning of the death of superhero films? I think Spiderman and The Avengers may turn around this downward trend.

I kinda wanted this to work more. The series was so PG, this felt a bit of a stretch to turn Supergirl more indie.

Jason Momoa also was a random addition. This film has so much wrong about it, that it almost works. Like it almost was a cult classic. But it just lacks something. Unlike Guardians of the Galaxy, the music feels forced, with lame song choices.

This could be an early frontrunner for the Razzie Awards next time around.

After being a student at Newtown Performing Arts School, Milly Alcock I really wanted to like this. I loved Uptight. But this was just not the best.

2 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Not Suitable for Work - Season One

Not Suitable for Work follows five work-obsessed twenty-somethings who strive for professional success and, if they have time, personal happiness, in Manhattan.

So another comedy series set in New York. With semi-likeable characters. Oh dear, this sounds familiar.

Created by Mindy Kaling, this follows The Sex Lives of College Girls, which concluded last year from HBO Max.

Kaling's latest offering streams on Hulu, Disney+ in Australia. The nine episodes dropped throughout June, with me just catching up over the weekend. In-between my three movies lol.

The series luckily improved over the nine episodes, however I would be surprised if this was given a second season. Not that it was super bad, it was just not that funny, nor were the characters that engaging or original.

Starring, Ella Hunt, Avantika, Will Angus, Jack Martin, & Nicholas Duvernay as the leads, with Jay Ellis, Ego Nwodim, Constance Wu, Victor Garber, Greg Germann, Judy Gold, Harry Richardson, Laura Bell Bundy, Stella Everett, May Hong, Bhavesh Patel, Emilia Suárez, and Michael Benjamin Washington also starring.

Unfortunately the number of streaming comedies are landing thick and fast. With Adults (a slightly better, version of this series) landing on Disney+ soon and Overcompensating returning to Amazon.

The Sex Lives of College Girls had sass, this sadly just had a few odd balls in the big apple, all looking for careers and love. Not very original. What about a series set in Detroit? Or Denver? Sadly as I consume a fair few comedies, this one just wasn't the laugh out loud, romp I was after.

Either way how'd episode nine play out? Spoilers below...

Davis plans to spend New Year's Eve partying. 

Kate abruptly fires Kel. Abby, who has begun working retail to pay off the jacket, tells AJ that Davis has feelings for her. 

Josh teasingly comforts AJ about her breakup, and the two agree to spend New Year's together. He apologises to his dad in order to get Wes a spot on a live show, and helps make the appearance a success. 

When Bill returns to work, Davis learns about Aspen and Bill's treatment of AJ. He gets into a fight with Bill and is fired. 

Kel is disappointed to learn his parents did not attend his play, but is pleased that his students did. 

Abby accepts Vanessa's offer to resume working with her. She attends Kel's cast party, but is secretly disappointed to watch him make a move on a castmate. 

Davis drops by the apartment and admits he defended AJ to Bill because he likes her. Josh watches them kiss.

Time will tell if we see a resolution to this cliffhanger. Or will it go the way of Mid-Century Modern?

NOT another streaming Movie - Michael

I love a weekend where I can catch up on a few films.

Michael was released all the way back in April. So yes I am WAY late to this musical party. For a movie to have lasted at the cinemas for this amount of time is incredible in this day and age!

Michael follows the early life of the American singer Michael Jackson, covering his childhood with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s.

Jackson is portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson and as a child by Juliano Valdi, both in their film debuts. 

Alongside  Jackson, Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, & Colman Domingo star.

After delays caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, principal photography took place between January and May 2024. After a clause was discovered in a legal settlement, references to the 1993 child sexual abuse allegations against Michael were removed, the third act was revised, and reshoots took place in June 2025, bringing the total production budget to $155–200 million.

Michael has received generally negative reviews from critics, who praised Jaafar's performance but criticised the story as "sanitised". 

Michael grossed $978.1 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing biographical film, and the second-highest-grossing film of 2026. 

So it is not surprising, a sequel is in development. Also the last seconds of the film gives the audience no resolution. No closure, no ending. It literally ends on a cliffhanger in a large stadium.

So this is another example of critical response vs the box office potential.

Apparently Madonna's biopic has recently faced some issues, meaning future box office success in this genre is at a roadblock. Given Madonna's new record just landed, along with these figures for Michael, I'm sure a Madonna picture will see the light of day eventually. Despite the creative differences the project is currently facing.

Back to the film. No doubt it will be on some streaming service soon, given this lasted three long weekends and months at the cinema.

The cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. 

The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. 

Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Michael's father is portrayed in really awful light. Also Janet is missing in action. Gosh I would love a Janet feature film!

Either way, this film was fun. I did have to put aside all my thoughts on Michael. The two hours sped by, I will go see the Hollywood style sequel. He was a genius, but also weird AF. I always love the story behind the song, this was exactly that. Just a PG version of Michael's life.

3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - Dutton Ranch - Season One

Dutton Ranch serves as both a spin-off and sequel to Yellowstone (2018–2024). This is the fifth series in the Yellowstone franchise. 

Starring OG Yellowstone favourite, Kelly Reilly as Beth, plus Cole Hauser as Rip reprising their roles from Yellowstone.

Dutton Ranch launched on Paramount+ mid-May, concluding Friday evening.

The nine episodes sped by, with Rip Wheeler & Beth Dutton gambling everything on a new life in South Texas, but the promise of building a future far from the ghosts of Yellowstone quickly collides with brutal new realities and a rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire.

And yes, first cab of the rank, this was WAY better than Y: Marshals, also now streaming all season one episodes on Paramount+.

Recently Paramount+ renewed the series for a second season. This marks yet another Taylor Sheridan series to continue on Paramount+. Lioness returns early next month.

Now whilst this was an improvement on Y: Marshals, I think I need a rest from the Yellowstone universe. Like superhero films, these stories are getting a little tired. Splitting all the Dutton family up all over the USA is not really working for me. They also have more spin-offs in the works.

666, was announced and would be set in the present day on the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. The 6666 Ranch is also featured during the fourth and fifth seasons of Yellowstone. Another prequel series, titled 1944 and set during that year, was reportedly in development. It would serve as a sequel to 1923 and be filmed in the Bitterroot Valley.

In February 2026, the series was confirmed to still be in active development, with Paramount aiming for a late-2026 release date.

So how'd season one end up at Dutton's Raunch? Watch out for spoilers below...

Rip and Beth confirm Austin's claims about the Jacksons' criminal activities, while Rob-Will alerts Beulah to their discovery. 

After learning the truth about the drug-smuggling operation, Everett confronts Beulah and tells her to leave his house. 

Oreana discovers she is pregnant, reconciles with Carter, and convinces him to run away with her that evening. 

Mariano, Joaquin's father and the drug lord to whom Beulah is indebted, arrives in Ria Paloma and lays down his terms. 

Beulah attempts to justify her actions to Beth and Rip, but they send her away with the drugs loaded into her vehicle. 

Rob-Will tells Mariano that Beth and Rip are in possession of his drugs. After Rob-Will leaves, Mariano orders Joaquin to kill him. 

Everett joins Rip, Azul, and Zachariah at the ranch as Mariano's men launch an assault, but the attack is swiftly repelled, with Rip capturing the last surviving gunman for questioning. 

Unable to find Carter, Beth returns to the ranch as Rip and the ranch hands dispose of the bodies in the mineshaft. Oreana's plans to leave are derailed when Rob-Will is fatally shot downstairs by Joaquin. 

Mariano calls Beth to reveal that Carter has been abducted. Beth informs Rip and they resolve to confront Mariano.

So an action packed finale. More drama awaits Beth & Rip when the series returns. Maybe next year or 2028. Sheridan has a lot on his plate. Not to mention Tulsa King getting a spin-off too! Until next time.

NOT another streaming Movie - Disclosure Day

TWO AND A HALF-ish hours! YES! Let's sit down for a debrief about Disclosure Day.

If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? 

Created & directed by Steven Spielberg, Disclosure Day stars SAG winner and Oscar® nominee Emily Blunt, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor, Oscar® winner Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, plus two-time Oscar® nominee Colman Domingo.

John Williams composed the film's score, marking his thirtieth collaboration with Spielberg.

Disclosure Day premiered at Le Grand Rex in Paris in June, whilst getting its cinema release mid that month. The film received positive reviews from critics and has grossed $201 million worldwide. Currently sitting at around 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, this was a long ass film. My verdict below the trailer.

Going in, I didn't know too much, however I did enjoy this film. Despite it being overly long. I don't always love Emily Blunt, but the tension and the build to the dramatic finale was impressive.

There were some big sequences (the train one was triggering) across the 2.5 hours.

The drama builds and builds, then it is all over with one word from Blunt. 

Sadly the session times have been drastically cut for this film as we head into the winter school holidays. So if you want to see it, get out there NOW! With Supergirl, Toy Story and Minons all demanding screens, you'll be lucky if you can catch Disclosure Day before it heads outta space!

3 Stars.

Winter be Bingeing 26' - The Killings at Parrish Station - Miniseries

A new blog series, a new quarter, can you believe we are half way through 2026. Winter be Bingeing 26' is the next TV series for quarter three. I'll kick this off with, The Killings at Parrish Station is a Stan local crime drama.

The six-episode series landed late last month. Featuring, Mia Wasikowska, Heather Mitchell, Xavier Samuel, Robert Taylor, plus Neighbours legend, Alan Dale.

In 1987, detectives Georgia Cooke (Wasikowska) and Michael Thorne (Samuel) are called to investigate the bizarre and brutal killings of four scientists at the remote Parrish Research Station. They uncover a complex case involving mania, ritual, and the occult, and Georgia's obsessive truth-seeking spirals, threatening her family, career, and sanity. 

Thirty seven years later, a chilling new spree of murders pull Georgia (Mitchell) back into this nightmare as she confronts the possibility that the horrors at Parrish Station were never fully buried.

The story is inspired by the Dyatlov Pass incident but uses an Australian setting, with locations around Broken Hill.

This went from graphic crime, to slightly bizarre. That said, it was an easy, compelling watch. Heather Mitchell was exceptional in this insane crime thriller.

I wasn't sure I'd get so hooked on this drama. But once I started, I found the final episodes credits rolling.

This was a big improvement on Stan's feature film, Beast. I am excited for the F Ward landing mid this month. Stan are really showing up for local content in 2026. At least Binge, also finally have the third season of Colin From Accounts landing later this month.

With commercial networks giving up on local content (except for ABC + SBS) it really is up to Channel Nine owned Stan.

If you are over the soccer, give The Killings at Parrish Station a go. It is super gory but totally addictive.

#RATED - Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26'

Winter finally has arrived. Well kinda, it's still around the low 20's, but people are staying indoors, damn. Not sure what Q3's series will be called yet, but it will kick off with Stan's epic Aussie series, The Killings at Parrish Station.

Now let's look at Aussie content for the past quarter. Well done to Paramount+'s Two Years Later. Also starring Heather Mitchell, who also lead's The Killings at Parrish Station.

Bad Company was a little bit of a letdown from Anne Edmonds and Kitty. The ABC also gave us the sketch version of Urzila.

Whilst the third and final season of Heartbreak High, was a real let down.

Disney+ takes home the prize for the biggest series for Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26'. The Testaments was pure excellence across its first season. It's a hard act to follow, however the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale was outstanding.

That said, Tip Toe was a super close second. Binge did well to actually score a decent series. Luckily Colin from Accounts, returns this month to Binge.

Half Man was also UK excellence over on Stan, whilst Hacks totally finished on a high, also on Stan. Not finishing on a high was Euphoria. That was a tragic third season. Not just the deaths, but the whole fucking plot line.

Now if you want more RATED's and TV lists, you can check out my other lists here. Or my mega #RATED - Scorchin' Summer Streamin' 25/26.

Until next time. Have a fab new financial year.

1. The Testaments - Season One

2. Tip Toe - Miniseries (very close second!!)

3. Hacks - Season Five/Series Finale

4. Two Years Later - Season One (AU)

5. Imperfect Women - Miniseries

6. Half Man - Miniseries 

7. Abbott Elementary - Season Five

8. Off Campus - Season One

9. Margo's Got Money Troubles - Season One

10. Shrinking - Season Three

11. Bad Company - Season One (AU) 

12. Scarpetta - Season One

13. Cross - Season Two

14. Widow's Bay - Season One

15. The Boys - Season Five/Series Finale

16. Urzila - Season One (AU)

17. Beef - Season Two 

18. Hijack - Season Two

19. Daredevil: Born Again - Season Two

20. Y: Marshals - Season One

21. Sheriff Country - Season One

22. Sullivan's Crossing - Season Four

23. High Potential - Season Two

24. Memory of a Killer - Season One

25. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters - Season Two

26. Citadel - Season Two

27. Heartbreak High - Season Three/Series Finale (AU)

28. Animal Control - Season Four

29. DMV - Season One/Series Finale

30. NCIS: Sydney - Season Three (AU)

31. The Way Home - Season Four/Series Finale

32. SkyMed - Season Four

33. Fire Country - Season Four

34. Alert: Missing Persons Unit - Seasons One - Three/Series Finale

35. 9-1-1: Nashville - Season One

36. Big Mood - Season Two

37. R.J. Decker - Season One

38. Deli Boys - Season Two

39. Euphoria - Season Three/Series Finale

40. Bait - Miniseries

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Scarpetta - Season One

Scarpetta is my latest Amazon binge, along with the finale of the Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' series.

Developed by Liz Sarnoff & based on the book series of the same name by Patricia Cornwell, Scarpetta stars Nicole Kidman as the titular character as Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Scarpetta is a forensic pathologist who uses forensic technology to solve crimes. Alongside Kidman, adopted Aussie Bobby Cannavale, Jamie Lee Curtis, real Aussie Simon Baker, Rosy McEwen, Jacob Lumet Cannavale, Hunter Parrish, plus Ariana DeBose all star. 

Yeah its a good cast! How good is having Hunter Parrish back on the idiot box!

I'm struggling to keep up with all the Amazon content, with this title landing back in March. All eight episodes landed on the same day.

This week the Legally Blonde series, Elle also streams all eight episodes.

Kay Scarpetta (Kidman) is a brilliant forensic pathologist. Inspired by former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Marcella Farinelli Fierro, she employs advanced forensic technology to unravel mysteries and solve crimes.

Settings include Florida, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The same month season one was released, the second season had started production. Just another series to continue watching on Amazon, now The Boys has wrapped up.

Amazon has done a great job this year (thus far). With Deadloch's second season, The Boys wrapping up, Off Campus (even though it's a straight copy cat of Heated Rivalry), the long awaited return of The Night Manager, Steal and the horny 56 Days.

A remake of Carrie is on the way, whilst The Boys lives on in Vought Rising next year. What a streaming time to be alive.

 Scarpetta isn't perfect, but damn Jamie Lee Curtis was good in this!

Album of the Week - KITA ALEXANDER - {Rage}

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - SkyMed - Season Four

SkyMed gets a near complete facelift/reboot. The majority of the cast have moved on, leaving Chief Nurse Hayley & Chief Pilot Wheezer navigate new personalities and fresh drama as SkyMed auditions rookie medics and pilots to join the flight crew. 

The fourth (and in my opinion final) season of SkyMed landed late last month on Paramount+. No longer airing on Canadian network, CBC, SkyMed has gone streaming only.

In the season opener, it took me a little bit to get my head around the new characters, whilst head nurse Hayley and Lead Pilot Wheezer deal with the different characters, along with emerging conflicts. This season, there is an episode in a deserted mine, along with a tornado too.

There is a lot going on this season, however the show (like real jet fuel around the globe) feels like it is running outta gas.

The limited familiar faces, the season finale, that felt like a series finale. Like RFDS in Australia, there is only limited storylines that can be covered in this environment. That said, Canada does look exceptionally beautiful in this season. Which is just as well they are one three host nations for the FIFA world cup this year.

In the finale, with SkyMed's future in jeopardy, Wheezer is forced to face his anxieties, Stef gets back to work, Lexi and Maya struggle with their past demons, and Crystal and Hayley must decide what comes next.

Will a fifth season be given the green light by Paramount+? I am guessing no. They need to pay for Warner Brothers somehow. Plus Dutton's Raunch just got another season, the Taylor Sheridan content train, keeps steam rolling in, probably taking a lot of the Paramount+ budget.

Paramount+ sadly relies very heavily on one content creator. Any other series outside the Yellowstone/Sheridan universe seem a little less of a priority for the streamer.

Time will tell, this has been a cute, Canadian comfort series to binge watch. I did find though I could only take this season in much smaller doses than previous ones.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - The Way Home - Season Four/Series Finale

The Way Home has just officially concluded on Binge. Following The Boys, Heartbreak High, Power Book III: Raising Kanan (currently streaming the final season) and upcoming final season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, a lot of legacy shows are wrapping up this year.

Not to mention even Emily in Paris is pulling up stumps with their next season. Starring Chyler Leigh, Evan Williams, Sadie Laflamme-Snow, plus Andie MacDowell, The Way Home begun back in 2023. Streaming in Australia on Binge, this is a Hallmark original series.

Last November, People reported that the fourth season of The Way Home would be its last.

This time travelling, chick flick, romantic pond jumping series, got way too complicated in the final run. With timelines and storylines spiralling outta control.

At times I just thought, why I am still watching this Hallmark, middle of the road trash. However, I saw the end in sight and I pushed through this final season.

There is so much competition with streaming these days. So much content crying out for yours and the critics attention. I sadly think the poor The Way Home, will vanish into the TV pond and maybe sink to the bottom with few people remembering the 2023-2026 in a few years.

The Bear, also concludes it's run this week, following the surprise prequel episode release, Gary.

TV Week Logie Awards 2026: My Picks

Recently, The Logies announced their nominations. Here is my yearly tradition of "My Picks" in Red + BOLD.

The ABC and streaming (particularly Prime Video's, The Narrow Road to the Deep North) did exceptionally well with the nominations (again).

Binge were the real streaming losers with very few nominations, however The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer got a couple of nods again. Colin From Accounts is yet to return for its third (and likely final) season. There is still no word on another season of The Twelve. Maybe following this effort, news will be on the way.

Stan improved a lot after last year only achieving success with the short lived, US co-pro Good Cop/Bad Cop.

Dear Life was easily one of the best shows nominated here. ABC drama's all seem to get a fairly even spread of nominations from the 3 part, Goolagong, Mystery Road: Origin, The Family Next Door, Austin, Dog Park &Mother and Son.

So again, thank god for the ABC!

Voting is now open, so get cracking people! The ceremony will be broadcast on Sunday, August 16. 

Here we go, my picks below!

Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television

Host and journalist, Ally Langdon

Presenter and comedian, Julia Morris

Journalist and presenter, Lisa Millar

Judge and co-host, Poh Ling Yeow

Presenter, Robert Irwin

Comedian and presenter, Sam Pang

Host and presenter, Todd Woodbridge

Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter

Amanda Keller, The Piano, ABC

Hamish Blake, Lego Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy, 9Network

Julia Morris, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Larry Emdur, The Chase Australia, Seven Network

Lisa Millar, Muster Dogs, Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now and Back Roads, ABC

Robert Irwin, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent

Andrea Lam, The Piano, ABC

Eloise Hart, Goolagong and Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Lila McGuire, Goolagong, ABC

Rowan Witt, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Stuart Broad, The Ashes 2025-26, Seven Network

Tamala, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter

Ally Langdon, A Current Affair, The Great Debate and Election 2025: Australia Decides, 9Network

David Speers, Australia Votes 2025: Election Night Live and Insiders, ABC

Karl Stefanovic, Today, 9Network

Michael Usher, 7NEWS and 7NEWS Spotlight, Seven Network

Sarah Abo, Today, 9Network

Sarah Ferguson, 7.30 and Australia Votes 2025: Election Night Live, ABC

Bruce McAvaney Award for Most Popular Sports Presenter

Bruce McAvaney, World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, SBS

Danika Mason, Today, NRL and Freddy and the Eighth, 9Network

Eddie McGuire, Footy Classified Tuesday and 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, 9Network

James Bracey, 9News, Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, NRL, 2026 Australian Open, 2025 Melbourne Cup, 100% Footy and 2025 Australian Swimming Trials, 9Network

Jelena Dokic, 2026 Australian Open, 2025 Melbourne Cup, Wimbledon 2025, Roland Garros 2025, US Open 2025 and Cross Court 2025, 9Network

Ricky Ponting, The Ashes 2025-26, Seven Network

TV Week Silver Logie– Best Lead Actor in a Drama

Hunter Page-Lochard, Reckless, SBS / NITV

Jacob Elordi, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Mark Coles Smith, Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Rob Collins, RFDS, Seven Network

Sam Neill, The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, Binge / Foxtel

Stephen Peacocke, RFDS, Seven Network

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Lead Actress in a Drama

Aisha Dee, Watching You, Stan

Brooke Satchwell, Dear Life, Stan

Lila McGuire, Goolagong, ABC

Odessa Young, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Tuuli Narkle, Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Yerin Ha, The Survivors, Netflix

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Clarence Ryan, Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

Damien Garvey, The Survivors, Netflix

Dan Henshall, The Family Next Door, ABC

Simon Baker, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Thomas Weatherall, Heartbreak High, Netflix

Thomas Weatherall, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

Catherine McClements, The Survivors, Netflix

Claudia Karvan, Homebodies, SBS

Eleanor Matsuura, Dear Life, Stan

Heather Mitchell, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

Philippa Northeast, The Family Next Door, ABC

Robyn Malcolm, The Survivors, Netflix

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Actor in a Comedy

Ben Miller, Austin, ABC

George Zhao, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Leon Ford, Dog Park, ABC

Matt Day, Strife, Binge / Foxtel

Michael Theo, Austin, ABC

Steve Bisley, Deadloch, Prime Video

TV Week Silver Logie – Best Actress in a Comedy

Asher Keddie, Strife, Binge / Foxtel

Celia Pacquola, Dog Park, ABC

Denise Scott, Mother and Son, ABC

Kate Box, Deadloch, Prime Video

Madeleine Sami, Deadloch, Prime Video

Michelle Brasier, Ghosts Australia, Paramount+

Best Drama Program

Dear Life, Stan

Heartbreak High, Netflix

Mystery Road: Origin, ABC

RFDS, Seven Network

The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, Binge / Foxtel

Watching You, Stan

Best Miniseries or Telemovie

Goolagong, ABC

Homebodies, SBS

Mix Tape, Binge / Foxtel

The Family Next Door, ABC

The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Prime Video

The Survivors, Netflix

Best Entertainment Program

Australian Idol, Seven Network

Dancing With The Stars, Seven Network

The 1% Club Australia, Seven Network

The Floor, 9Network

The Piano, ABC

Tipping Point Australia, 9Network

Best Current Affairs Program

60 Minutes, 9Network

7.30, ABC

A Current Affair, 9Network

Australian Story, ABC

Four Corners, ABC

Today, 9Network

Best Scripted Comedy Program

Austin, ABC

Deadloch, Prime Video

Dog Park, ABC

Strife, Binge / Foxtel

The Artful Dodger, Disney+

Top End Bub, Prime Video

Best Comedy Entertainment Program

Gruen Nation, ABC

Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee, ABC

Hard Quiz, ABC

Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network 10

The Cheap Seats, Network 10

The Front Bar, Seven Network

Best Competition Reality Program

Big Brother, Network 10

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Network 10

Lego Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy, 9Network

Love Island, 9Network

MasterChef Australia, Network 10

The Block, 9Network

Best Structured Reality Program

Farmer Wants A Wife, Seven Network

Gogglebox Australia, Network 10

Married at First Sight, 9Network

Muster Dogs, ABC

The Golden Bachelor, 9Network

The Hospital: In The Deep End, SBS

Best Lifestyle Program

Getaway, 9Network

Grand Designs Australia, ABC

Love It Or List It Australia, Binge / Foxtel

Selling Houses Australia, Binge / Foxtel

The Dog House Australia, Network 10

Travel Guides, 9Network

Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report

Bondi Terror Attack, 7NEWS and Sunrise, Seven Network

Fighting Back, A Current Affair, 9Network

Hammered: Inside the Bunnings Machine, Four Corners, ABC

Iran War, 7NEWS, Seven Network

Out of Order, 60 Minutes, 9Network

Virginia’s Final Wish, 60 Minutes, 9Network

Best Factual or Documentary Program

But Also John Clarke, ABC

Revealed: Death Cap Murders, Stan

Revealed: Joh – Last King of Queensland, Stan

The Assembly, ABC

The People vs Robodebt, SBS

The Secret DNA Of Us, SBS

Best Sports Coverage

2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, 9Network

2025 Men’s & Women’s State of Origin Series, 9Network

AFL Grand Final 2025, Seven Network

Australian Open 2026, 9Network

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, 9Network

The Ashes 2025-26, Seven Network

Best Children’s Program

Do Not Watch This Show, ABC

Dreaming Big, NITV

Ginger and the Vegesaurs, ABC

Hard Quiz Kids, ABC

Knee High Spies, ABC

Play School, ABC

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Beef - Season Two

Every couple meets their match. Beef is back for a whole new season. New cast. New setting. Rich, good looking people. What could go wrong?

A young couple witnesses an alarming fight between their boss and his wife, triggering chess moves of favours and coercion in the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner. 

UK's Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, sexy Riverdale hunk, Charles Melton, with Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho.

Charles Melton is honestly so good looking it hurts! So was season two as good as season one with Ali Wong and Steven Yeun?

Absolutely not. The first season was gold. The second season was barely silver. Unfortunately the good looking cast couldn't save the less interesting feud between the leads. They were just too good looking. The beef was also more just two unhappy couples with their own issues, they just happened to also work together and witness and initial incident.

Like, there were good moments. The sub plot with Matthew Kim (BM) as Woosh the thirsty tennis coach was fun. But Cailee Spaeny as Ashley Miller was just not that interesting.

If you haven't caught up on the series yet, don't read ahead. Unless you want to save yourself watching the eight short(ish) episodes.

In the finale of Beef' second season, Josh kills his attacker and flies to Korea. 

In Seoul, Eunice slips a USB to Austin before escaping Park's men. 

The next morning, Austin is unable to find the USB. Park's men abduct Josh from the airport, but Dr. Kim helps him escape. At the clinic, Dr. Kim tells Ashley, Lindsay, and Austin that he wants to help them expose Park, but Park discovers them; Dr. Kim is killed during their escape. 

The trio flee and reunite with Josh, allowing Park's men to recapture them. While in captivity, Josh and Lindsay reconcile, while Austin confronts Ashley about her abandonment issues and seems to end their relationship. Ashley gives Austin the USB that she'd stolen, Austin escapes, heading for the police and notifying Eunice. However, when she hesitates to reciprocate his romantic advances, he instead offers the USB to Park. 

Josh is arrested for embezzlement, Dr. Kim's death is ruled a suicide, and Park avoids punishment. 

Eight years later, Ashley manages the club and is married to Austin with a child, but tensions remain between them. Josh is released and chooses not to contact Lindsay, who has a child with a new husband. 

While visiting the grave of her first husband, Park admits that wealth cannot buy time and reflects on her loneliness, while an overhead view modelled on saṃsāra reflects the characters' repeated patterns and fates.

Oh well, that's done and dusted. The Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' blog series concludes next week before we head into the second half of 2026!

NOT another streaming Movie - Leviticus

Leviticus is a multi genre, new Aussie feature film. Part coming-of-age/romantic, part supernatural/horror, it also ticks June Pride month boxes.

Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, whilst starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Jeremy Blewitt, & Mia Wasikowska.

Leviticus follows two teenagers who become tormented by a violent supernatural entity, summoned by their religious community, that takes the form of the person they desire most – each other.

Leviticus premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, while gaining a local release last week.

Whilst there were genuine jump scares, this was a solid little local horror film. Following Talk to Me and Bring Her Back, Australia is getting a nasty name for itself, with horror all across this fine brown land.

I loved Talk to Me back in 2022, seeing it overseas with audiences lapping it up. I am not sure if Leviticus will gain as many overseas fans, however this short, to the point film, really packs a punch.

With religious fear and shows like Tip Toe exposing, whilst we have come far with gay rights, there are still parts of the community who have issues accepting all forms of love.

This film isn't as preachy as Tip Toe, however it does tell a good tale. The tale of young love and forces which sometimes keep that love apart.

Leviticus takes on the supernatural/horror genre, whilst also tackling coming of age, young love. Young gay love in regional (by the looks of things, we don't learn much about the setting) Australia. The film does move a little too fast in parts with some character development lacking.

I did enjoy this, 3 stars. Good to see Australian filmmakers cashing in on the horror cash cow at the box office.

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - OLIVIA RODRIGO - {You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love}

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Tip Toe - Miniseries

Tip Toe is TOP quality TV. At the tail end of the Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' series, this is a top tier contender for my RATED post in a couple of weeks.

The British psychological thriller in the UK on Channel 4 written by Russell T Davies, starring Alan Cumming & David Morrissey, streams locally on Binge in Australia.

Revolving around two next-door neighbours in Manchester—Leo Struthers (Cumming), the gay owner of the Canal Street bar Spit and Polish, and his long-standing neighbour Clive Goss (Morrissey), an electrician. 

Tip Toe explores the effects of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on social media, leading the neighbours to gradually become deadly enemies. As events unfurl involving Clive's son George and online conspiracy theories, the series reaches a deadly conclusion.

Multi-BAFTA award-winning writer Russell T. Davies (It’s A Sin; Queer As Folk) continues to shine with this terrifying tale of escalating anger and fear. Timely after that mad redheads speech during the week in Canberra.

Clive has his own issues at home. With his wife and his two sons, who find their lives unravelling amidst rising social tensions and gradually become deadly enemies. 

Populated by a cast of vibrant characters and underscored by Davies’ trademark wit and deft humour, the series is an urgent and timely suburban thriller that shines a light on prejudices creeping back into modern life. Its themes speak not only to the queer community but to the world at large. 

If you haven't caught up with this buzz-worthy series on Binge yet, don't read on. Honestly this is the BEST Binge series in a while. Believe the hype people!

Leo and Stephanie argue about the best way to help George, with Stephanie believing Marie would be supportive. Saul sees the photo of George wearing makeup and partying with Zee and her friends, he expresses support but warns George about his friends possible reactions. 

The Gosses host a football livestream during which George is violently hazed. Zee is unable to delete the photo, and goes to George's house, but he rejects her help. Clive sees Zee, and Leo agrees to help her by talking to Clive. 

The confrontation soon devolves into violence, with the Gosses' friends exposing both Saul's account and George's photos to their parents. Upon seeing Zee with George, Clive attacks Leo and accuses him of taking advantage of George. George refutes this, stating Leo has HIV. 

After the video of Clive helping Leo during the fight is exposed, Clive whips the crowd into a frenzy and take Leo outside to hang him. Saul desperately attempts to prevent them, but is unsuccessful. 

Ultimately, Clive and his accomplices are arrested for murder, George becomes a drug-addict, Saul gets married and lives happily, Zee chooses the name Sarah and becomes a teacher, and the bar is turned into a pizzeria. Two years prior, Stephanie and Leo discuss his divorce, and the effects that coming out has had on their lives. Leo expresses a belief that something big will happen.

The finale was so intense. Maybe as intense as the last hour of The Testaments. This was full on viewing. Not for the faint hearted OK.

I enjoyed this, but it did scare the fuck outta me. Fear and anger is alive. We saw it here in Australia during the week at the press club. Wake up people, the future is also a little frightening like the past we thought we escaped. Learn lessons from the past people.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Off Campus - Season One

Off Campus is the latest monster smash on Amazon. They have had one incredible 2026! I am also nearly done with Scarpetta!

The young adult, romantic drama is based on the Off-Campus book series by Elle Kennedy. 

I missed this when it launched last month. I quickly binged all eight episodes in Bali. But, back in February, ahead of the series premiere, the series was renewed for a second season. Which has big shoes to follow. Season one has been a smash hit!

Not to mention, ice hockey is a hot topic for TV. Following Heated Rivalry, a Netflix series will be the third, with Icebreaker (again based on books) coming soon! Talk about the gays leading the way! A streaming drama in the sheets, a cool drama on the ice.

Set at the fictional Briar University, Off Campus follows Hannah Wells, a music student, and Garrett Graham, the school's star hockey player and captain of the Briar Hawks. They agree to a "fake romantic relationship" so that Hannah can catch the attention of her musician crush, Justin Kohl. 

In exchange, Hannah agrees to tutor Garrett so he can pass his philosophy class. As they spend more time together, Hannah and Garrett's relationship begins to develop into a real romance. 

Subplots include Hannah's best friend and roommate, Allie Hayes, as well as Garrett's teammates, Dean Di Laurentis, John Logan, and John Tucker.

Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston,  Stephen Kalyn, Steve Howey,  Khobe Clarke, AJ Abell, Francesca Bianchi, Kai Bradbury, Karis Cameron, Josh Chambers, Riley Davis, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Chelah Horsdal, Quinten James, Dylan Kingwell, Riley Orr, Lauren Patten, Frankie Randysek, Brandon Scott, Jennifer Spence, Julia Sarah Stone, Marlee Walchuk, and Chad Willett all star in season one.

With Phillipa Soo joining the cast in a recurring capacity for the second season.

Bring on season two I say!

With Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli leading, it's great seeing Aussie hunk and Heartbreak High king, Josh Heuston also starring.

Fresh from his short stint on High Potenial, Steve Howey also joins as the bad father figure. He sure was hotter in Shameless!

Watch out spoilers ahead! In the finale, Hannah drops out of the song competition. 

Garrett gives the captainship to John and decides to quit hockey, as he felt he was only doing it to please Phil. 

When Hannah sees Garrett skating at the rink alone, she reasons why he shouldn't quit. She changes her mind about the song contest and manages to sneak in a final spot at the showcase. 

Allie convinces Dean to bring Garrett and friends to the contest to watch Hannah. Hannah performs her song The Girl That I Am, inspired by her past trauma. 

Afterwards, Garrett apologises to Hannah and asks for another chance; the couple happily reconciles. 

Meanwhile, to create distance in her relationship with Dean, Allie suggests to him that they sleep with other people. Dean is not able to follow through, but Allie has sex with Carter. Carter, whose real name is Hunter Davenport, and whom John has recruited to the Hawks after Garrett's suspension, walks into Malone's. 

Hunter immediately gets into a fight with Dean and the other guys, due to a past incident involving Dean's younger sister.

So apparently season two will focus more on Allie + Dean. Bring that on I say. Following the drama that unfolded in the season one finale.

Until next week when The Way Home wraps for good, see again soon for another, TV binge.

NOT another streaming Movie - Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is part of the Star Wars franchise and serves as a continuation of the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian.

It sounds like the series that streamed between 2019–2023. So is this the last we see of Baby Yoda? AKA Grogu.

Pedro Pascal stars as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian (who was also portrayed on set by Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder). Joining the film, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, Martin Scorsese, & Sigourney Weaver. 

Following the third season of the Disney+ hit series, the two hour film follows the fall of the Galactic Empire, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (White) in exchange for information on a target.

Favreau and Filoni wrote a fourth season of The Mandalorian by February 2023, but production was delayed by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. 

During this time, Lucasfilm re-evaluated their plans for the franchise and decided to prioritise a Mandalorian film over the fourth season. 

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu premiered last month, so I am a little late to the party. Following a huge few weeks of films, the US blockbuster cinema summer is here.

So far the film has grossed $316.2 million worldwide, making it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2026. 

I asked Gaston (a co-worker) in the lift today about this film. Like Masters of the Universe, he liked it. Star Wars fan probably like it. It's a little long, but thus far baby Yoda has received mixed reviews, with critics praising the score, while criticising the plot, visuals, and action sequences.

Star Wars has been milked within an inch of its life for stories reaching far and wide across the old galaxy. From TV series (where The Mandalorian begun) to that Solo film. The first Star Wars box office bomb.

Maybe they need to rest the galaxy for a little. Whilst I enjoyed this, this could have just been a fourth and final season on Disney+.

Hopefully I'll get off to the cinema again this weekend.

Until then, go the Socceroo's VS Gilead tomorrow!

3 Stars.

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Widow's Bay - Season One

Widow’s Bay is a quaint island town 40-miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath the surface. 

Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community. There’s no wifi, spotty cellular reception, and he must contend with superstitious old locals who believe their island is cursed. 

He wants these people to respect him. They don’t. They think he is soft and cowardly. And he is. But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. 

Miraculously, Loftis succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again. Widow’s Bay blends genuine horror with an undercurrent of character-driven comedy. 

The American's Rhys stars alongside, Kate O'Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll & Dale Dickey.

Apple has really done it again! They are on a roll right now. Cape Fear, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, whilst, Sugar, Silo + Ted Lasso are all incoming.

Hiro Murai serves as director and executive producer on the series. Which has received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its performances, writing, direction, production values, originality, and tonal balance of horror and comedy. 

Earlier this month, Widow's Bay was renewed for a second season. Bring it on I say! Apple's roster is looking damn fine right about now! Watch out for spoilers below.

Int he finale which streamed yesterday, Tom finds an oblivious Ruth going about her day at home. The two discuss their lives and the hardships of growing up on the island; Tom secretly poisons Ruth's tea with a deadly combination of her prescription medications. 

At the shelter, mayor's office employee Dale uncovers evidence that the town has secretly maintained Warren’s covenant for generations by sacrificing people whenever the church bell rings. 

Bechir learns that Chelle is going into labor. 

As Ruth succumbs to an apparent overdose, she reveals that she is the biological mother of Tom’s late wife Lauren, making Evan—not Ruth—the last surviving descendant of Richard Warren. 

Realising the curse cannot end with Ruth’s death, Tom rushes to save her, but Bechir arrives and shoots her after learning of the plan from Patricia. 

Meanwhile, Evan and his friends discover tunnels beneath the shelter leading to the sacrificial chamber. Ken, the custodian at the mayor's office, finds them, but Evan's friends lock him inside, and he gets dragged through the cellar doors and sacrificed to the entity beneath the island, fulfilling the covenant and causing the storm to subside. 

The following day, the church bell rings eight times, signalling that eight new sacrifices are required.

I originally thought this could have been a miniseries, however this has legs for a second season. Maybe even a third or fourth. I am loving my Apple subscription sick right now. It works in Indonesia. They stream multiple shows per week, all year round. Whilst the quality is always high! Loving it!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Citadel - Season Two

What if you lost your memory? What if a spy didn’t know they were a spy? Years ago, the top agents of Citadel, Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), had their minds wiped. 

But, they’re called back to action as sinister forces emerge from the past. With the help of spymaster Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), these former lovers must remember the past to save the future.

Citadel returns to Amazon Prime Video, with the Russo brothers acting as executive producers. 

The first season had production budget of US$300 million, the six-episode first season ranks as one of the most expensive television series ever made. 

The second season, returned with all seven episodes premiering last month. Around three years after the first season. Which aired week-to-week. Season two arrived with little fanfare, not much marketing and blown out of the water by young adult drama, Off Campus. The show stole all the attention and the chatter. Not to mention it was also another Amazon title.

Citadel was meant to spin-off to multiple non-English language series. Initially these were to be set in, the Italian Alps, India, Spain, and Mexico. The Italian series, Citadel: Diana, premiered on October 2024, while the Indian series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, premiered on November of the same year.

Both of these have now been cancelled, while the Mexico series is off the cards. For now. Season three of Citadel, may also be off the books, with an apparent drop in viewers from seasons one, to two.

Following a dramatic second last episode to the second season, Highlands, the finale sees the Citadel agents race to prevent Joana from assassinating President Aronov at the G8 Summit, where she plans to take control of Russian satellites.

No spoilers here, however I do see a third season a bit tricky. There was a small potential cliffhanger, however I think the world has moved on from Citadel.

This was easy, breezy holiday viewing, but nothing to write home about.

Album of the Week - SOUTH SUMMIT - {Run It Back}

NOT another streaming Movie - Power Ballad

Power Ballad is the third film I saw over the last long weekend until October.

Man its long haul until the next long weekend. Anyway the musical/comedy/drama film stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, plus Jack Reynor. 

Power Ballad follows wedding singer Rick who bonds with boy-band member Danny; when Danny uses Rick's song to reignite his own solo career, Rick sets out for the recognition he believes he deserves.

When Rick (Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it means risking everything he cares about. 

Despite having US leads, the film is set largely in Ireland. At a beautiful property for the wedding meeting between Rudd and Jonas, moving to LA for the later scenes.

Power Ballad is a fun, crazy tale about the story of a songs creation. Also, at ageing. Ageing outta boy bands, ageing out of your dreams and playing cover songs to drunk randoms at weddings.

This is a small idea film. But damn. It is cute.

I really like Paul Rudd. I also really like Nick Jonas. His track Jealous is damn good. The Jonas Brothers not so much.

I saw three very different films over the long weekend. But this was one of my favourites. I think it's over now, however if it is screening somewhere, go check it out!

3 stars. Fun!