LAPD detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q, “Nikita”) commands a new and chronically underfunded cold case unit within the department in “Ballard,” premiering Wednesday, July 9, on Prime Video. Acutely aware of the poor reputation of the LAPD, Ballard is determined to get to the bottom of some of the force’s biggest stumpers — as well as a few cases that didn’t get the attention they initially deserved. John Carroll Lynch (“American Horror Story”) co-stars.
Maggie Q stars in “Ballard”
By Dana Simpson TV Media
The sheer number of true crime podcasts and documentaries available is evidence that people love to learn about crime. In journalism, the phrase “If it bleeds, it leads” is a common rhyme to ensure a gripping story with as much detail as possible. On the police side of crime, however, a lot of time is spent on the actual investigation — until, that is, there are no leads left. These unsolved cases are frequently referred to as “cold cases,” and the number of them is rising.
According to an April 2023 piece by NPR reporter Eric Westervelt, “The rate at which murders are solved or ‘cleared’ has been declining for decades” and “dropped to slightly below 50% in 2020 — a new historic low.” He goes on to write that “several big cities, including Chicago, have seen the number of murder cases resulting in at least one arrest dip into the low to mid-30% range”; a troubling statistic, to say the least.
Of course, another city experiencing a high number of cold cases is Los Angeles. The secondlargest city in the U.S. by population size, the Los Angeles Police Department — like many metropolitan police forces — has been plagued by a growing number of unsolved mysteries for years. Luckily, the LAPD does have a cold case unit dedicated to getting justice for the families of the victims of unsolved crimes — and that is the subject of Prime Video’s newest procedural series.
“Ballard,” the new action series from author Michael Connelly’s Bosch universe, premieres Wednesday, July 9, on Prime Video.
“Ballard” follows titular LAPD detective Renée Ballard, played by “Nikita” and “Mission: Impossible III” (2007) actress Maggie Q, as she commands a new and chronically underfunded cold case unit within the department. Acutely aware of the “poor reputation of the LAPD,” Ballard is determined to get to the bottom of some of the force’s biggest stumpers — as well as a few cases that didn’t get the attention they initially deserved.
Additionally, as reported by online entertainment news source ScreenRant, “Ballard will team up with retired detective Thomas Laffont [John Carroll Lynch, “American Horror Story”], who uses his years of experience to give her advice. It is also known that Renée will uncover a strange conspiracy in her investigations, and that will likely be the bulk of the show’s overarching story.”
While the 10-episode series itself is brand new, fans of the Titus Welliver (“Argo,” 2012) -led Amazon series “Bosch,” which ran from 2014 to 2021, and particularly those of its successor, “Bosch: Legacy,” may already be acquainted with Q’s Ballard, given that the character was in-
Case file thaw
Maggie Q reopens cold cases in ‘Ballard’
troduced during “Legacy’s” Season 3 finale. In a “first look” article from May 2024, Deadline writer Denise Petski teases actor Welliver’s return as Det. Bosch while also drawing attention to the real-life inspiration for Q’s leading character: real-life LAPD Det. Mitzi Roberts.
Roberts, who retired from the force in April 2024 after 29 years of service, is a noted influence for Connelly’s Ballard character, who first appeared in print in his 2017 novel “The Late Show.” In a November 2024 interview with Orlando-based radio station WMMO 98.9FM, Connelly shared how Roberts helped him over the years while writing his Bosch books, and how she went on to inspire Ballard.
“I go back to a cadre of people to help me,” Connelly said of his writing process, referencing the care he takes to maintain as much procedural accuracy as possible in his novels. “One of those people that helped me over the years was Mitzi Roberts, who is a homicide detective with the LAPD.”
Interested in Roberts’ experience as a woman in a male-dominated field, Connelly said, “I started talking to Mitzi specifically about building a character, a female character. ... So, when I’m writing about Renée, I don’t send my questions or my texts to a lot of people. I send them to one: Mitzi Roberts.”
And according to an Los Angeles Times article from 2019 titled “There’s a real-life Michael Connelly character in the LAPD, and she’s gunning for Harry Bosch’s job,” the similarities between Roberts and Ballard do not end with their drive for justice and professional stamina. Writing that Ballard “shares Roberts’ real-life love of surfing,” a “knack for swift verbal jabs” and a love of animals, the Los Angeles Times’ James Queally unknowingly indicated a few possible off-duty scenes for Ballard in the new Prime series.
Joining Q, Lynch and Welliver in “Ballard” are Courtney Taylor (“Abbott Elementary”) as Samira Parker, Michael Mosley (“Ozark”) as Ted Rawls, Victoria Moroles (“Teen Wolf”) as Martina Castro, Rebecca Field (“A Star Is Born,” 2018) as Col-
leen Hatteras, Noah Bean (“Nikita”) as Jake Pearlman, Hector Hugo (“Snowfall”) as Capt. Berchem and Amy Hill (“Magnum P.I.”) as Tutu. Series writing comes from showrunner Kendall Sherwood (“Major Crimes”) alongside Connelly and late writer/producer Michael Alaimo (“The Closer”), who died May 2, 2025, at the age of 86. Meanwhile, “How to Get Away with Murder” and “The Chi’s” Jet Wilkinson heads up the show’s direction, with episodes also directed by Sarah Boyd (“The Boys”), Tori Garrett (“The Drop Off”) and Jon Huertas (“Castle”).
Don’t miss the big case thaw when Det. Renée Ballard takes on LA’s coldest cases in “Ballard,” premiering Wednesday, July 9, on Prime Video.
Maggie Q and Courtney Taylor in “Ballard”
(N) Deadline (N)
MTV 60 160 331 Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Ridiculous Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big BangBig Bang Big Bang Big Bang NICK 31 170 299 Unicorn Academy (N)
(‘17)
"Ma ry Jacoby" SnappedSnapped "Martha Beatty " Snapped "Judith Nix" Snapped "Denice Smith" Snapped "Colleen Harris" Snapped "Connie Brown" PARMT 49 241 241 Bar Rescue "Caving In" Yellowstone Yellowst.
2 (‘78) Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, Roy Scheider. <++++ Jaws (‘75) Roy Scheider.
TBS 29 139 247 Friends Friends Friends Friends FriendsFriends FriendsFriends <++ Just Go With It (‘11) Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler <++
(‘24) DeWanda Wise.
Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas
Niro.
Blood
mple (‘84) John Getz. TBA
League: Thron < Justice League Dark: Apokolips
Justice League: Warworld
Knick "Ten Knots " The Knick
"Circle of Friends"
"Shrink Wrap"
Norton, Matt Damon.
of Engagement (‘00) Tommy Lee Jones. (P)
Center (‘06) Nicolas Cage. (P)
Fifth Estate
With Jack Joel Osteen Turning Point Praise Praise Eric Metaxas Huck Heroes: Praise
PD Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty (N) WWE LFG (N) Storage Wars Duck Dynasty AMC 73 131 254 < The Mummy Returns <++ The Mummy (‘99, Adventure)Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Brendan Fraser. Nautilus (N) Nautilus <++ The Mummy Returns (‘01) Brendan Fraser.
Ben Stiller < A Journal for Jordan
Gilded Age (N) The Gilded Age
Gilded Age
Gilded Age
Knick "Whiplash"
Need for Speed (‘14) Aaron Paul. <++ Knight and Day (‘10) Tom Cruise. <+ Traffik
"Truth
Told" Dexter "Born Free " The Chi (N) <++ Four Brothers (‘05) Mark Wahlberg. The Chi "A Bet is a Bet"
Get Rich or Die Tryin' (P)
Party (‘07)
Gere. <++ The Return (‘24) Ralph Fiennes. <++ Beau Is Afraid (2023, Horror) Patti LuPone, Amy Ryan, Joaquin Phoenix.
Highlights
this week
Sunday Grantchester on Masterpiece
(11) WTTW WILL 8:00 p.m.
As season 10 of this detective drama continues, Alphy (Rishi Nair) and Geordie (Robson Green) head to a local home for orphaned and disadvantaged children to investigate witchcraft. The plot thickens when they discover a dead body.
Monday
LEGO Masters
(32) WFLD 7:00 p.m.
This LEGO-fied competition series follows teams of LEGO enthusiasts as they
Wednesday MasterChef
(32) WFLD 7:00 p.m.
For the first time in series history, teams of two compete for the chance of earning the title of “MasterChef” and the $250,000 grand prize. However, can these pairs put aside their differences long enough to impress the ever-critical judges?
Thursday
Big Brother
(2) WBBM WCIA 7:00 p.m.
Julie Chen Moonves returns for the 90-minute Season 27 premiere of this long-running reality series as an all-new group of houseguests find themselves under the lights. Chelsie Baham won last season’s contest, defeating Makensy Manbeck for the title.
Saturday
Saturday Night’s Main Event
(5) WMAQ 7:00 p.m.
A huge weekend for the WWE continues
with the return of the wrestling promotion’s premier prime-time special. Live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, the top stars of WWE make a pivotal stop on the road to the Biggest Party of the Summer, SummerSlam.
Tuesday
(11) WTTW WILL 8:00 p.m.
mos hosts, while Tiffany Derry,
Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty “Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty” premieres Tuesday, July 8, on PBS. The first part of this three-part docu-drama series looks at the rise of famed artists Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Although being an artist is considered a lowly trade, the two forge ahead and hone their craft to the level of mastery.
M The Three Stooges/<++++ Stand by Me (‘86) <+++ The Lost Boys (‘87) Jason Patric. <++ The Mummy (1999,Adventure) Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser. <+++ The Green Mile T Stooges <+++ The Green Mile (1999,Drama) David Morse, Tom Hanks. <+++ Apollo 13 (1995,History) Bill Paxton, Tom Hanks. Movie W Stooges <++ Den of Thieves (2018,Thriller) Pablo Schreiber, Gerard Butler. <++ The Taking of Pelham 123 (‘09) Denzel Washington. <+ Gone in 60 Seconds (‘00) Nicolas Cage. Th <++ Bloodsport (‘88) Jean-Claude Van Damme. <++ John Q (2002,Drama) Robert Duvall, Denzel Washington. <++ U.S. Marshals (1998,Action) Wesley Snipes, Tommy Lee Jones. F The Three Stooges/<+ Peppermint (‘18) Jennifer Garner. <++ Colombiana (2011,Action) Jordi Mollà, Zoe Saldaña. <+++ Captain Phillips (2013,Docu-Drama) Catherine Keener, Tom Hanks.
ANPL 66 (M) Afraid/(Tu) The Zoo/(F) Rescue Dog to (M) Afraid/(Tu) Scaled/(F) Rescue (M) Afraid/(Tu) Scaled/(F) Rescue (M)
& Order: SVU F 9-1-1 9-1-1 9-1-19-1-1 9-1-19-1-1 9-1-19-1-1
M <+++ Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (‘10) Michael Cera <+++ Hustlers (‘19,Com.-Dra) Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
T < Movie <++ The Karate Kid (2010,Family) Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
W < Movie <+++ Selena (‘97,Dra) Edward James Olmos, Jennifer Lopez. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
Th <++ Southpaw (2015,Drama) Forest Whitaker, Jake Gyllenhaal. <+ Blumhouse's Truth or Dare (‘18,Hor) Tyler Posey, Lucy Hale. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince F <++ National Champions (‘21) J.K. Simmons, Stephan James <++ Above the Rim (1994,Drama) Leon, Duane Martin. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
502 Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various
M <++ The Great Wall (‘16) < Surviving Ohio State (2025,Documentary) The Gilded Age <+++ The Big Lebowski (‘98) Jeff Bridges. <++ A Minecraft Movie (‘25)
T <++ Where the Craw The Gilded Age To Be Announced <+++ Companion (‘25) The Gilded Age To Be Announced
W Movie The Gilded Age <++ In Time (‘11) Justin Timberlake. <++ DC League of Super-Pets (‘22) The Gilded Age <++ Aquaman (‘18) Jason Momoa.
Th <++ Love & Other Dr < Enigma (2025,Documentary) The Gilded Age <+++ Get Shorty (‘95) <+++ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (‘16)
F <+++ The Day the Earth Blew Up: The Gilded Age After the Bite <++ Maggie (‘15) <+ This Means War (‘12) < Surviving Ohio State
M Movie <++ Woman in Gold (‘15) Helen Mirren. <+++ Barbie (‘23) Ryan Gosling,Margot Robbie. <+++ Lady Bird (‘17) <++ A Cure for Wellness (‘16) Dane DeHaan.
T <++ Going the Distance <++ Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (‘09) <+++ Love & Mercy (‘14) John Cusack. <++ We Are Your Friends (‘15) <++ He's Just Not That Into You
MAX 562
W <++++ Gone With t <++ Gifted (‘17) Chris Evans. <++ Everything, Everything (‘17) <+ Traffik (2018,Thriller) Omar Epps, Paula Patton. <++ Knight and Day (‘10) Movie
Th <++ Home Again (P) (‘17) <+ Jonah Hex (‘10) Josh Brolin. < The Kill Team (‘19) Nat Wolff <++ The Watchers (‘24) <+ Vampires Suck (‘10) Matt Lanter. Movie
F Movie <+++ Love & Mercy (‘14) John Cusack. <++ Woman in Gold (‘15) Helen Mirren. <+++ Barbie (‘23) Ryan Gosling,Margot Robbie. <+++ The Martian (‘15)
M Movie <++++ Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost < Agent Game (‘22) Mel Gibson. <+++ 3:10 to Yuma (P) (‘07) Russell Crowe <+++ Full Metal Jacket (‘87) Matthew Modine.
T < Monster Summer (‘24) Mel Gibson. <++ Eagle Eye (‘08) Shia LaBeouf <+++ Gangs of New York (‘02,Hist) Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio. <++ Terminator: Dark
W Movie <++ The Four Feathers (‘02,Adv) Wes Bentley,Heath Ledger. <++ Allied (‘16,Hist) Marion Cotillard, Brad Pitt. <++ Enemy at the Gates (‘01) Joseph Fiennes. <+++ Election (P) (‘99)
Th < The Painter (‘24) Madison Bailey, Charlie Weber. <++ K-19: The Widowmaker (‘02) Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford. <++++ The Godfather (1972,Crime Story) Al Pacino, Marlon Brando. Movie
M <++ Immortals (‘11) Stephen Dorff, Henry Cavill. <++ Underworld: Evolution (‘06) <++ Underworld: Rise of the Lycans To Be Announced <++ Retribution (‘23) Liam Neeson.
T <++ Resident Evil <++ Bombshell (‘19) Charlize Theron. <+++ Bleed for This (‘16) Miles Teller. Serpent The Serpent QueenThe Serpent Queen Serpent
W <++ Fast X (2023,Action) Michelle Rodri guez, Vin Diesel < The Misfits (‘21) Pierce Brosnan. The Serpent QueenThe Serpent QueenThe Serpent QueenThe Serpent Queen
Th <++ The Whole Nine Yards (‘00) Bruce Willis. <++ Get Rich or Die Tryin' (‘05) TBA <++ Retribution (‘23) Liam Neeson. <+ The Exorcist: Believer (‘23)
F <+++ Knocked Up (‘07) Seth Rogen. <+ The Secret: Dare to Dream (P) (‘20) <++ The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare <+++ Knocked Up (‘07) Seth Rogen. STZENC 517
M <+ Never Back Down (‘08) <++ Arthur the King (‘24) Mark Wahlberg <++ The Flintstones (‘94) <+ The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas <+ Never Back Down (‘08)
T <+ Not Another Churc <++ Easter Sunday (‘22) Jo Koy <+++ Of an Age (‘22) Tom Green, Elias Anton. <+++ White Men Can't Jump (‘92) <++ Spoiler Alert (‘22) Jim Parsons.
W <++ Mandela: Long Walk to Freed <+++ 50/50 (‘11) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. <+++ M3GAN (‘22) <++ The Whole Nine Yards (‘00) <++ Fighting (‘09) Channing Tatum.
Th Movie <++ ATL (‘06) Lauren London, Tip "T.I." Harris <++ Don't Be a Menace to South C <+++ Erin Brockovich (‘00,Dra) Albert Finney,Julia Roberts. <++ White Boy Rick (‘18)
F <++ The Wedding Ringer (‘15) Kevin Hart. <++ A Journal for Jordan (‘21) <++ Black and Blue (‘19) Naomie Harris. < Jacob's Ladder (‘19) Michael Ealy Movie
M <++ The House With a Clock in Its <++ Labyrinth (‘86) David Bowie. <+++ Scary Movie (‘00) < Fear the Night (‘23) Maggie Q. <+ The Bye Bye Man (‘17) Douglas Smith.
T <++ Pelé: Birth of a Legend (‘16) <+++ Dream Horse (‘20) Toni Collette. < The Last Manhunt (‘22) <+++ Close (‘22) Eden Dambrine. Movie
TMC 590
W <++ Naked Gun 33 1/ <++ Flypaper (‘11) Patrick Dempsey <+ The Preppie Connection (‘15) <+++ Inglourious Basterds (‘09) Mélanie Laurent, Brad Pitt. < The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
Th < Irena's Vow (‘23) Dougray Scott, Sophie Nélisse. < Mass (2021,Drama) Ann Dowd, Reed Birney. < The Integrity of Joseph Chambers <++++ Rosemary's Baby (‘68) John Cassavetes,Mia Farrow.
F <++ Uncommon Valor <+++ Smoke Signals (‘98) <+++ An Officer and a Gentleman (P) (‘82) <++++ Once Upon a Time in the West (‘68) Henry Fonda. Movie 8
From the list below, find each word and circle its letters in the puzzle to reveal the message relating to this week’s topic.
Malcolm in the Middle
Sports this week
Sunday
11:00 a.m. ESPN2 Cornhole ACL Signature 6: Pro Singles & Pro Doubles Final. (Live) (2:00)
Noon (2) WBBM WCIA WNBA Basketball Seattle Storm at New York Liberty. (Live) (2:00) (32) WFLD IndyCar Racing Honda Indy 200 at MidOhio. (Live) (2:30)
GOLF PGA Tour Golf John Deere Classic, Final Round. (Live) (2:00)
1:00 p.m. TRU NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast: Grant Park 165. (Live) (3:30)
TNT NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165. (Live) (3:30)
9:00 p.m. ESPN NBA Summer League Basketball (Live) (2:00)
TueSday
10:30 a.m. (26) WCIU WNBA Chicago Sky at Washington Mystics. (Live) (2:00)
2:00 p.m. (32) WFLD UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Poland vs. Sweden. (Live) (2:00) TRU TNT 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Soccer Semifinal: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
6:30 p.m. TRU TBS MLB Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers. (Live) (3:00)
7:00 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty. (Live) (2:00)
9:00 p.m. ESPN NBA Summer League Basketball (Live) (2:00)
WedneSday
1:00 p.m. GOLF Golf 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open Championship, Final Day. (Live) (2:00)
2:00 p.m. (32) WFLD UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 France vs. Wales. (Live) (2:00)
6:00 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball (Live) (3:00)
League Women’s: Thailand vs. United States. (Live) (2:00)
11:00 a.m. (2) WBBM WCIA PGA Tour Golf Genesis Scottish Open, Third Round. (Live) (3:00)
12:30 p.m. TRU NASCAR Cup Series Toyota / Save Mart 350, Qualifying & Practice. (Live) (2:00)
1:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf DICK’S Open, Second Round. (Live) (3:00)
1:30 p.m. (5) WMAQ Golf American Century Championship, Second Round. (Live) (3:30)
2:00 p.m. (32) WFLD UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Sweden vs. Germany. (Live) (2:00)
3:00 p.m. (2) WBBM WCIA WNBA Basketball Golden State Valkyries at Las Vegas Aces. (Live) (2:00) ESPN NBA Summer League Basketball (Live) (2:00)
4:00 p.m. (32) WFLD IndyCar Racing SYNK 275. (Live) (2:30)
GOLF PGA Tour Golf ISCO Championship, Third Round. (Live) (2:00)
5:00 p.m. ESPN2 NBA Summer League Basketball (Live) (2:00)
6:00 p.m. ESPN UFC Fight Night (Live) (3:00)
6:30 p.m. (32) WFLD MLB Baseball (Live) (3:00)
7:00 p.m. (9) WGN AVP Beach Volleyball League Week 5 - Los Angeles. (Live) (2:00) ESPN2 NBA Summer League Basketball (Live) (2:00)
7:30 p.m. BIG10 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League Women’s: Canada vs. United States. (Live) (2:00)
Solution on page 6
7:00 p.m. (26) WCIU WNBA Dallas Wings at Chicago Sky. (Live) (2:00)
7:30 p.m. BIG10 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations
9:00 p.m. ESPN UFC Fight Night (Live) (3:00)
ESPN2 NBA Summer League Basketball (Live) (2:00)
Costner's Kevin Costner's Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning (N) History's-Mysteries "Titanic's Lost Evidence" Jim Thorpe: Lit LIFE 38 108 252 Castle Castle "Fool Me Once" Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple Popper
(L) (N)
(L) (N)
Pimple Popper (N) Dr. Now "Lauren" (N) Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple Popper
Weeknight (L) (N) R. Maddow (L) (N) Last Word (L) (N) 11th-Stephanie (L) (N) Rachel Maddow Show
MTV 60 160 331 Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang <++ Happy Gilmore (‘96) Adam Sandler. <+
49 241 241 Yellowst. Yellowstone Yellowstone Yellowstone Yellowstone "The Dream Is Not Me " Yellowstone Yellowstone Yellowstone
SYFY 160 122 244 Movie <++ The Mummy (‘17) Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise. <++ Olympus Has Fallen (‘13) Aaron Eckhart, Gera rd Butler. <++ The Mummy (‘17) Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise.
Affectionately Yours <++++
Friday (‘40) Cary Grant. <++++ Lawrence of Ar abia (1962, History) Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Peter O'Toole. < Seven Samurai TLC 42 183 280 90 Day: Hunt for Love 90 Day: Hunt for Love 90 Day: Hunt for Love 90 Day: Hunt for Love (N) Virgins (N)
the King (‘24) Mark Wahlberg. <++ A Journal for Jordan (‘21) Michael B. Jordan. <+ The Strangers: Chapter 1 Movie
(‘10) Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Leonardo DiCaprio. To Be Announced
(‘11) Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper. <+++ Looper (‘12) Bruce Willis
Gilded Age <+++ Superman (‘78) Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve.
Society Priya Kansara. To Be Announced <++ Underworl d: Evolution (‘06) Kate Beckinsale. < Underworld: Rise of the Lycans To Be Announced <+++ Bleed for This
(‘11) J. Smith-Cameron, Jean Reno, Anna Paquin. < The Kill Team (‘19) Nat Wolff. <++ Jason Bourne (‘16) Matt Damon. < Enter the Warriors Gate
Boogie Nights
Wahlberg.
TUESDAY PRIME
(P) <+++ 50/50 (‘11) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. <++ The Wedding Ringer <+++ White Men Can't Jump (‘92)Wesley Snipes. Movie
The Gilded Age <+++ Flow (2024, Animated) <++
The Meg (‘18) Li Bingbing, Jason Statham. <++ Meg 2: The Trench (‘23) Jason Statham. The Gilded Age
The Iron Claw (‘23) Jeremy Allen White, Zac Efron. <++ Independence Day: Resurgenc e <++ X-Men: Apocalypse (‘16) James McAvoy. Movie
Terminator: Dark Fate <++ Love Me (‘24) Kristen Stewart. <+++ Elf (‘03) James Caan, Will Ferrell. (P) < Monster Summer (‘24) Mel Gibson. <+++ Talk to Me (‘22) Sophie Wilde. Movie
Never
Go (‘24) Halle Berry. <++ Resident Evil (‘02) Milla Jovovich. <++ Resident Evil: Extinction <++ Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City < Island
Crime on the Bayou (‘20, Doc) <+++ The Talented Mr. Ripley (‘99) Matt Damon. <++++ Dog Day Afternoon (‘75) Al Pacino. Movie
The devil’s in the details
Antiques hold the key in ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’
By Sarah Passingham TV Media
The south of France conjures images of sunny Mediterranean beaches, the taste of fine wine and olive oil, the feeling of romance ... and the mystery of suspicious deaths? A brand new season of British dramedy “The Madame Blanc Mysteries” premieres Monday, July 7, on Acorn TV.
After leaving her life in England behind following her husband’s (Peter Gaynor, “Vikings”) death, antiques dealer Jean White, portrayed by series creator and co-writer Sally Lindsay (“Intruder”), settled into their second home in the fictional French village of Sainte Victoire to investigate his possible murder. In the picturesque town, the couple shared a holiday home that suddenly became Jean’s last asset and first clue in the mystery of her husband’s passing.
For three seasons, Jean has used her unique set of skills and knowledge of priceless artifacts to solve the death of not only her late husband but a series of local conundrums. The Sainte Victoire locals have given Jean plenty to assess, whether it be precious antiques or hidden motives. The new six-episode season sees Jean take on a fresh set of mysteries with French flair alongside her trusty confidantes.
Steve Edge (“The Reluctant Landlord”) stars as Dom Hayes, Jean’s right-hand man. A taxi driver originally from the U.K., Dom helps Jean acclimate to her second home more permanently and follows her lead when it comes to investigations. The pair have become very close over their cases, their relationship cheekily pointed out in the new season’s official trailer with Jean’s clumsy introduction, “This is my partner, Dom — business partner.”
This season, the two put the will-they-won’tthey debate to rest, finally giving their romance a chance. Surrounded by busybodies and not interested in anyone else’s thoughts on their budding courtship, Dom and Jean keep their secret safe between them, at least for now. Stakes are high as the crime-solving duo, who have made a name for themselves by uncovering hidden truths, now have to cover their own tracks.
Also returning this season are Robin Askwith (“Strike”) and Sue Holderness (“Still Open All Hours”) as Jean’s friends Jeremy and Judith Lloyd James, as well as Alex Gaumond (“The Franchise”) as local chief of police André Caron. Series co-writer Sue Vincent (“Blindspot”) is back as mechanic Gloria Beaushaw, while Paul Chuckle (“ChuckleVision”) is Gloria’s father, Trevor, and Tony Robinson (“Time Team”) is Dom’s uncle, Patrick.
While Jean and Dom may be amateur sleuths, their services are commissioned by André as the key to solving the hidden mysteries of Sainte Victoire. With a keen eye for antiques — whether it’s
a centuries-old coin, a ring with a hidden compartment, intriguing fine china or a bejeweled pendant — Jean is the one who gives voice to artifacts that were silent witnesses to gruesome crimes.
In a trailer for the upcoming season, the breezy dramedy looks to be injected with a few more thrills than usual. Jean faces the business end of a knife, pointed at her neck through the window of her car, while in another scene, she and Dom are held up at gunpoint. Living in the heaven that is southern France has its perks, but Jean’s indispensable gifts mean she has to chip at the polish of paradise and those who are trying to get away with murder surely have their eye on the village’s very own Sherlock Holmes.
All episodes this season are directed by Dermot Boyd (“Holby City”), while Jake Rollins (“The Good Ship Murder”) serves as producer. Mike Benson (“The Teacher”) and Andy Morgan (“The Ex-Wife”) are executive producers of “The Madame Blanc Mysteries.”
Lindsay spoke to the Telegraph in March about crafting the series with Vincent, who she says handles the research while Lindsay is the “criminal mind.” “Sometimes we’ve come up with an idea and pitched it to the channel and they don’t believe it, but all our stories are based in truth. I’m a bit funny about that, I like it to be real. The antiques we talk about all exist, too.”
The longtime “Coronation Street” actress also described a phenomenon she’d witnessed of nonexistent roles for older women when she was coming up in the industry, something that she happily rejects now with shows such as “The Madame Blanc Mysteries.”
Lindsay told the Telegraph about seeing actresses vanish for a decade once they hit 50 years old, saying, “then it was like, ‘You can come back now, love, you’re playing Grandma.’ Why were they not relevant? They’re going through teenage kids, menopause, all sorts of things — it’s a fascinating time in life and one that I’m in now. I like putting us on telly. It’s important.”
Settle in for vistas, villas and investigations in a new season of “The Madame Blanc Mysteries,” premiering Monday, July 7, on Acorn TV.
Screen Scramble
Unscramble the letters for each word to reveal five movies and TV shows. Then, rearrange the circled letters to discover the actor who has appeared in all five.
Solution on page 2
By Caroline Collacutt TV Media
Alejandra Ramos (“Today Show”) and esteemed judges Tim Hollingsworth (“Tournament of Champions”), Tiffany Derry (“Bobby’s Triple Threat”) and Francis Lam (“Top Chef Masters”) get their fill of comfort foods from across America in Season 4 of “The Great American Recipe,” premiering Friday, July 11, on PBS. Returning to film at Green Door Gourmet, a 350-acre farm and market located in Nashville, Tennessee, the group continues its mission of celebrating the diverse tastes, flavors and cuisines America has to offer, welcoming eight talented home cooks to share unique, homegrown recipes with
their fellow chefs, the series’ judges and with us viewers watching from home.
“Mixing camaraderie with competition, the uplifting cooking competition celebrates the incredible variety of tastes and traditions from around the country, revealing the rich personal stories behind the home cooks’ signature dishes and favorite recipes,” PBS explains in a press release regarding the upcoming season. “With a range of cooking styles infused by their backgrounds — from Bangladeshi to Belizean, Puerto Rican to Southern, Cajun to Afghan, Filipino to Thai — the eight home cooks reflect the wealth of diversity that makes American food so vibrant and delicious.”
As always, episodes will follow as the chefs compete
in two weekly challenges, each made to determine whose dish outperforms the rest. The most impressive competitors continue forward, until the final episode reveals the top three cooks, who will then battle in Season 4’s grand finale, each hoping to earn the distinction of winning “The Great American Recipe.”
Tim Hollingsworth, Tiffany Derry, Francis Lam and Alejandra Ramos feature in “The Great American Recipe”
The cast of “The Madame Blanc Mysteries”
Crossword
Across
1. ___ Mahal
4. Troop grp.
7. “Hey ... over here!”
11. Member of the flock
12. Daily delivery
13. Purple smoothie ingredient
14. Didn’t hold
15. “Breaking Bad” star
17. Jason Lee sitcom
19. Put away
20. Trifle
21. Lite, on labels
23. “90210” character Clark
27. Fury
28. Chat room abbr.
29. Bony food fish
32. Pitch
34. Ventilate
36. 35-Down’s sister on “Succession”
37. Kevin James sitcom
42. Main villain in “The Phantom Menace”
43. World Series mo.
44. Initial advice for busybodies
45. Where India is
46. Ming of the Basketball Hall of Fame
47. Region
48. Silent assent
49. “L.A. ___” (Steven Bochco series) Down
1. Course
2. On the road
3. Anniston of “The Morning Show”
4. Bleated
5. Voice in an iPhone
6. “It’s _ __ cause!”
7. Yellow fruit
8. Stigma
9. “Better Call ___”
10. “Shop ___ you drop”
12. Zosia of “Girls”
16. Kind of sign
18. Obamacare, initially
21. Mouth piece
22. Miner’s find
24. Popeye’s girlfriend
25. “The Simpsons” bartender
26. Under the weather
30. “That’s impossible!”
31. Tipsy
8-5-2025
32. Legendary Dolphins coach
33. Pizza order
35. 36-Across’s brother on “Succession”
36. “___ Game”
37. Bout-ending blow
38. Smooth (out)
39. Burkina ___
40. Scholastic sports grp.
41. House
42. Middle ground, for short
Solution on page 6
Jana Wahlen, AuD
Foxx, Channing Tatum. <+++ Top Gun: Maverick (‘22) Tom Cruise. SYFY 160 122 244 Movie <+++ John Wick (‘14) Keanu Reeves. <+++ John Wick: Chapter 2 (‘17) Common, Keanu Reeves. TwistedResident Alien <++ Species (‘95)Ben Kingsley. TBS 29 139 247 Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big BangAll Elite Wrestling: Dynamite (L) (N) Mod Fam Mod Fam Mod Fam Mod Fam Mod Fam Mod Fam TCM 501 132 256 < The Young Stranger <+++ Rebel Without a Cause (‘55)James Dean. <++ Clash of the Titans (‘81) Harry Hamlin. <+++ Jason and the Argonaut s Todd Armstrong. < My Son, the Hero
42 183 280 Dr. Pimple "Zombie Skin" Dr. Pimple Popper Man; 80lb Groin My Strange AddictionMy Strange AddictionMy Strange AddictionMy Strange AddictionMy Strange Addiction
71 - - Paid Prog. Paid Prog. Paid Prog. Newswatch The 700 Club Baptist Jeffres sTurning Robert RobisonElevation ExaltedSingsation The Three Paid Prog. TNT 52 138 245 Movie <++ Justice League (‘17) Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck. <+++ Superman: The Movi e (‘78) Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve. <+++ Superman II (‘80) Christopher Reeve. (P)
Greedy People
Gilded Age
Glow (‘24) Justice Smith. (P)
Veronica Mars Kristen Bell. <++ The Boss (‘16) Kristen Bell, Melissa McCarthy. <+++ State of Play Russell Crowe.
(P)
Staten Island Summer (‘15) Ashley Greene. < Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Jackass: The Movie (‘02) (P) <++ Jackass: Number Two (‘06) (P) Movie
(‘22)
Gibson.
Fast X (‘23) Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel. <++ Death Race (‘08) Jason Statham To Be Announced < Exorcist: Believer
Flypaper (‘11) Patrick Dempsey. < Marvelous and the Black Hole
The Edge of Seventeen
Book Club (‘18) Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton. <+ Motherhood (‘09) Uma Thurman.
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(N)
es Virgins "Stealing Home" 90 Day Fiancé
TLN 71 - - CrossTalk Paid Prog. Paid Prog. Newswatch The 700 Club Julia JeffressTurning Robert RobisonElevationFaithwire Dan Willis Ambo TV
TNT 52 138 245 <+++ A Few Good
Hernandez, Dennis Qua id Wipeout Wipeout
A. Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith Raymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondKingKingKingKing
Brockovich (‘00) Julia Roberts. <++ ATL (‘06) Lauren London, Tip "T.I." Ha rris.
Gilded Age < Super/Man: Christopher Reeve Story To Be Announced Programming to be announced. <+++ Kong: Skull Island
Role Models (‘08) Seann William Scott. <+ The Sitter Jonah Hill. < Balls Out (‘14) Nikki Reed, Jake Lacy. (P) < Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates Movie
Godfather, Part II (‘74) Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Al Pacino. <+++ Green Book (‘18) Viggo Mortensen. The Chi "A Bet is a Bet" <+++ Reservoir Dogs Harvey Keitel. Movie
(‘23)
Kampouris. < Monstrous (‘22) Christina Ricci. < Becky (‘20) Lulu Wilson, Kevin James.
The Wrath of Becky Lulu Wilson. < Snag (‘23) Jaime Camil, Ben Milliken. Movie
By Kimberly Tremblay TV Media
WHAT’S NEW ON DISNEY+ Sharkfest 2025
“Sharkfest 2025” makes a splash this summer with fin-tastic adventures. Kicking off Sunday, July 6, on Disney+, the lineup dives deep into the fascinating world of sharks, starting with “Sharks Up Close” with Bertie Gregory (“Seven Worlds One Planet”) as he travels to South Africa to dive in shark-filled waters and capture rare footage of great whites. “Investigation Shark Attack” (July 6) is a six-part series that follows a team of scientists as they test key theories and dissect real-life encounters to uncover what truly drives sharks to strike. In “Super Shark Highway” (July 6), two elite research teams track shark migrations across Australia, unlocking new behaviors and exploring how humans and sharks can safely share the seas. Driven by a passion for ocean education, “Sharks of the North” (July 6) follows Canadian diving instructor Alanna Canaran as she investigates the rise of great white sightings along Canada’s Atlantic coast. Joined by a dedicated team, she explores the complex history between humans and sharks in Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, “Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator” (July 6) tells the gripping stories of those who faced shark attacks and lived to tell the tale. Capping off the week, “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” (July 11) marks the blockbuster’s 50th anniversary, tracing the journey from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to Steven Spielberg’s (“Twisters,” 2024) groundbreaking film that reshaped Hollywood.
WHAT’S NEW ON APPLE TV+
“Foundation” - Season 3
War is upon them in Season 3 of “Foundation,” coming to Apple TV+ Friday, July 11, with 10 thrilling episodes. Set 152 years in the future, the Foundation
has become increasingly established far beyond its humble beginnings while the Cleonic Dynasty’s empire has fallen. But with a new threat looming, both must forge an uneasy alliance as the fearsome warlord known as “The Mule” has his sights set on ruling the universe by use of physical and military force … as well as mind control. With humanity’s future at stake, Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell, “Voyagers,” 2021), Hari Seldon (Jared Harris, “Mad Men”), Demerzel (Laura Birn, “The Crow,” 2024) and the remaining Cleons play a deadly game of intergalactic chess. New stars this season include Emmy winner Cherry Jones (“Ocean’s Twelve,” 2004), Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur (“The Number 23,” 2007) and Pilou Asaek (“Game of Thrones”). Based on Isaac Asimov’s award-winning stories, “Foundation” is directed by Roxann Dawson (“The Americans”) and produced by Skydance Television.
WHAT’S
NEW ON NETFLIX
“Too Much” - Season 1
From creator Lena Dunham (“Girls”) comes “Too Much,” a romantic dramedy about love, loss and starting over. Premiering Thursday, July 10, the series follows Jessica (Megan Stalter, “Hacks”), a
woman in her 30s who abruptly leaves New York to move to London for a fresh start after experiencing a painful breakup. As she rebuilds her life, she has one rule: to never fall in love again. But when she meets Felix (Will Sharpe, “The White Lotus”), she realizes that sometimes, life has other plans ... sparking the question: can love truly thrive between two people who feel like they’re a little bit “too much”? Also starring is Aylin Scott (“The Power”) as Cheryl, Antonio Aakeel (“Sherlock & Daughter”) as Raven and Alaa Habib (“Argylle,” 2024) as Lea. Written by Dunham and Luis Felber (“Tides,” 2017), with Tim Bevan (“Les Misérables,” 2012) and Eric Fellner (“United 93,” 2006) serving as executive producers.
WHAT’S NEW ON PARAMOUNT+
“Dexter: Resurrection” - Season 1 The killer you thought was gone isn’t finished yet. Take a look at “Dexter: Resurrection” when this next chapter premieres Friday, July 11, on Paramount+. A continuation of “Dexter: New Blood,” this series picks up just weeks after Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”) awakens from a coma — surviving a bullet fired by his own son, Harrison
(Jack Alcott, “The Good Lord Bird”). When Dexter discovers that Harrison is missing, he sets out on a quest to find his son and repair their relationship, all while staying one step ahead of detective Angel Batista (David Zayas, “Blue Bloods”), who arrives with mounting questions about Dexter’s survival and disappearance. Starring James Remar (“Oppenheimer,” 2023) as Harry Morgan, alongside newcomers Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) as Leon Prater and Uma Thurman (“Imposters”) as Charley, with guest appearances from Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Krysten Ritter (“Breaking Bad”) and Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”). From directors Marcos Siega (“You”) and Monica Raymund (“Chicago Fire”), “Dexter: Resurrection” is written by Tanner Bean (“Pitch”), with Scott Reynolds (“Dexter”) serving as executive producer.
WHAT’S NEW ON PRIME VIDEO
“One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” A shocking crime in a quiet town in Idaho became one of the most horrific murder cases in recent history. “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” premieres Friday, July 11, on Prime Video, unfolding over four episodes to explore the tragedy that stunned the country and the search for answers that followed. “Told in captivating, tense and emotionally wrenching detail by only those involved in and affected by the crime, the series intimately explores this American tragedy and its continued impact and fallout,” (per Prime Video). The docuseries features interviews with families and friends of the victims, including Stacey and Jim Chapin (parents of Ethan Chapin) and Karen and Scott Laramie (parents of Madison Mogen). Directed by Liz Garbus (“Titan: The OceanGate Disaster,” 2025) and Matthew Galkin (“Murder in Big Horn,” 2023), the series is executive produced by Katie A. King (“We Need to Talk About Cosby”), David Ellison (“Top Gun: Maverick,” 2022) and Dana Goldberg (“The Tomorrow War,” 2021).
Sharkfest 2025 comes to Disney+
Megan Stalter stars in “Too Much”
Cherry Jones in “Foundation”
SnappedCold "Digging for Justice" Cold "Deadly Abduction" Buried "Gone Girls " Buried "A Deadly Plea " Unknown Ser PARMT 49 241 241 Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men <+++ Gladiator (2000, History) Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Russell Crowe. <+++ Django Unchained SYFY 160 122 244 <+++ John Wick: Chapter 3 -- Parabellum <+++ Nope (2022, Horror) Keke Pal mer, Steven Yeun, Daniel Kaluuya. Resident "Soul Providers" Resident "Soul Providers" < Day After Tomorrow
TBS 29 139 247 Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang <++ The Equalizer 2 (‘18) Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington. (P) <++ The Equalizer (‘14) Marton Csokas, Denzel
(N)
Meyers (N)
Karsu,
fuerza de una madre (N)
(N)
Man of St eel (‘13) Amy Adams, Henry Cavill. The Gilded Age
Valerian& the City of a Thousand P
Allen White, Zac Efron.
It Follows Maika Monroe.
Love
Bleeding (‘24) Kristen Stewart < 3 From Hell (‘19) Bill Moseley.
Metal Jacket (‘87) Matthew Modine.
The Hunt for Red October Sean Connery.
(‘25)
"Brotherly Love" Claire and Ian arrive in Philadelphia to help Henry Grey.
Benjamins
Sound of Viol ence
Douglas Smith.
Beau Is Afraid (‘23) Joaquin Phoenix.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World < The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water < The Addams Family
123 127 251 Snapped "Jackie Ray" Buried in the Backyard "Secrets in the Snow " Buried in the Backyard Buried in the Backyard Buried "Poison Letters " Buried in the Backyard Buried "Buried Aga in" PARMT 49 241 241 NCIS NCIS <++ Grumpy Old Men (‘93) Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon. <++ Grumpier Old Men (‘95)Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon. < Grumpy Old Men
SYFY 160 122 244 < Horizon Line (‘20) Allison Williams. <+ Geostorm (‘17, Act) Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish ,Gerard Butler. <+++ Nope (2022, Horror) Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Daniel Kaluuya. Movie
TBS 29 139 247 Mod Fam Mod Fam Mod Fam Friends FriendsFriends FriendsFriends <++ Fast & Furious (‘09) Paul Walker, Vin Diesel. <++ The Equalizer 2 (‘18) Denzel Washington. TCM 501 132 256 Movie Ranger Popeye /<++ Calling Philo Vance Maid for <+++ Your Cheatin' Heart <++++ The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (‘66) Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Clint Eastwood.
All About the Benjamins (‘02) Mike Epps, Ice Cube.
Inglourious Basterd s (‘09) Mélanie Laurent, Brad Pitt. TBA
Other Woman (‘09) Natalie Portman.
Bad Moms (‘16) Mila Kunis.
Scary Movi e Shawn Wayans. <++ Sahara
Storage Wars Storage Wars AMC 73 131 254 <++ The Mummy Returns (‘01) Brendan Fraser. <++ The Mummy (‘99, Adventure)Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Brendan Fraser. <++ The Mummy Returns (‘01) Rachel Weisz, John
Delroy Lindo, David Patrick Kelly, Alfre Woodard <++ Night School (2018, Comedy) Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle, Kevin Hart. (P) <+++ Bridesmaids (‘11) Kristen Wiig. (P) BIG10 74 405 610 Basketball Indiana
170
< The Addams Family <++ The Boss Baby (‘17) Alec Baldwin. FriendsFriends FriendsFriends FriendsFriends FriendsFriends Big Bang Big Bang
127 251 Buried "Unlucky Gamble" Buried "One of Our Own " Buried "To Catch a Thief" The Backyard "The Swedish Connecti on" (SP) (N) Snapped "Julene Simko" SnappedBuried in the Backyard PARMT 49 241 241 <++ Grumpy Old Men <++ Grumpier Old Men (‘95)Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon. <+++ The Goonies (‘85) Josh Brolin, Jeff B. Cohen, Sean Astin. <+++ The Goonies Sean Astin. SYFY 160 122 244 <++ The Day After Tomorrow Dennis Quaid. <+++ Cast Away (2000, Drama) Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy, Tom Hanks. <+++ Crawl (‘19) Barry Pepper, Kaya Scodelario. < Operation Fortune: R
TBS 29 139 247 Movie <++ Ocean's Eigh t (‘18) Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock. <+++ Ocean's Eleven (‘01) Matt Damon, George Clooney. <+++ Ocean's Twelve (‘04) Brad Pitt, George Clooney
TCM 501 132 256 <++++ The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (‘43) Roger Livesey. <+++ People Will Talk (‘51) Cary Grant. <++ The Scarlet Empress (‘34) Marlene Dietrich. <+++ The Gangster
TLC 42 183 280 Virgins "Stealing Home" 1000-lb Roomi es 1000-lb Roomi es 1000-lb Roomi es (N) 1000-lb Roomi es (N) My Big Fat Fabul ous Life My Big Fat Fabulous Life 1000-lb Roomi es
TLN 71 - - Pathway to Big Deal Paid Prog. Paid Prog. Liberty/Convoc ationExalted Pacific Garden Mission In GraceMarriageTV4dads Hablemos Gran GozoRealidades Pure Passi
52 138 245 <++ Godzilla vs. Kong (‘21) Alexander Skarsgård. <++ Meg 2: The Trench (‘23) Jacky Wu, Jason Statham. <++ The Meg (‘18) Li Bingbing, Jason Statham. < Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justi TOON 32 176 296 King/Hill King/Hill Burgers Burgers Burgers Burgers Burgers Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Rick Morty Rick MortyTo Be Announced
Imaginary (‘24) Tom Payne, DeWanda Wise. <++ Bones
(‘25) Taz Skylar, Clive Owen, Daisy Ridley. To Be Announced
Get Out (‘17) Daniel Kaluuya. The Gilded Age Movie
Kombat Legends: Snow Blind <
Kombat Legends: Cage Match <+++ Blood Father Mel Gibson. <++ Independence Day: Resurgence <++ Jason Bourne Matt Damon.
Untouchables < The Last Stop in Yuma County <+++ The Nice Guys (‘16) Russell Crowe. < The Comeback Trail (‘20) Robert De Niro. The Chi "A Bet is a Bet"
Dirty Angels (‘24, Act) Maria Bakalova ,Ruby Rose, Eva Green. <++ 1992 (‘22) Ray Liotta, Tyrese Gi bson. To Be Announced TBA <++ Strays (‘23) Will Ferrell.
Day (‘16)
Bacon, Mark Wahlberg. <++ Vanilla Sky (‘01) Penélope Cruz, Tom Cruise. < Parallel (‘24) Aldis Hodge. <+ Halloween Malcolm McDowell.
By Adam Thomlison TV Media
Q: Who voices Ursula in the new “Ariel” series? The voice sounds so familiar!
A: You probably know her from a show that was all about voice, so it makes sense you’d recognize hers: that’s “Glee” star Amber Riley voicing Ursula on the Disney Jr. show “Ariel.”
The show, which debuted in 2024, is a prequel to the beloved animated musical “The Little Mermaid” (1989), centering on a younger Ariel’s (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris, “Cheaper by the Dozen,” 2022) undersea adventures. Riley voices Ursula, who, though she was the villain of the original film, is portrayed here as a kind and beloved aunt to Ariel.
It involves a lot of singing, which is something we knew Riley was capable of thanks to her breakout role in “Glee.” The ‘10s Fox teen comedy followed a group of high school misfits who found a home together in their school’s glee club. Riley played Mercedes Jones, one of the show’s central characters throughout its run.
Her career took off thanks to the show’s phenomenal success, and after it ended in 2015, she went on to plenty of other roles on screen and stage. That includes a Broadway run of “Dreamgirls,” for which she won an Olivier Award for best musical actress.
But she said at first she struggled to prove her range to producers. “I wanted to prove myself as an actor,” she told Broadway.com in 2017, “and get out of this pigeonhole realm of thought that I can only sing, because on ‘Glee’ I was considered a singer.”
She’s getting the chance to show off that acting side a little more in her upcoming telefilm
“Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell,” a Canadian production by Bell Media that’s still working out distribution. She stars as a young woman, per the synopsis, “renovating her life through her soul, body and mind” after a tough breakup.
Q: Does Mandeep Dhillon have anything lined up after “CSI: Vegas”?
A: Mandeep Dhillon has been quite busy since “CSI: Vegas” ended in 2024 — she’s already done one high-profile show and finished shooting a major film.
She appeared on the star-studded Paramount+ gangster drama “MobLand,” which came out in March. She played Seraphina Harrigan, daughter of the show’s central crime boss, Conrad (Pierce Brosnan, “The World Is Not Enough,” 1999).
As for what’s next, she recently finished working on a very different sort of project: “Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie.” This is another ensemble-cast project, putting her opposite Hugh Jackman (“X-Men,” 2000), Emma Thompson (“Sense and Sensibility,” 1995) and more. It tells the story of a devoted shepherd (Jackman) who reads mystery stories out loud to kill time, not realizing that his flock of sheep understand
every word. And it’s a good thing, too, because when he dies mysteriously, the sheep are ready to step in and solve the case.
As you can see, Dhillon’s making the most of her free time now that her full-time gig on “CSI: Vegas” is over. She played Allie Rajan on the three-season show, which brought the CSI franchise back to its Sin City roots.
The cancelation of “Vegas” also meant she could move home: both of her post-CSI projects were shot, at least partly, in her native England.
