Sunday, June 22, on HBO and streaming on HBO Max. In the upcoming season, love is in the air, or at least the Russells’ matchmaking schemes are floating around 61st Street, and families are finding fault with suitors all over the city.
“Happiness is a byproduct of a well-ordered life,” Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon, “The White Lotus”) opines over the official trailer for the new season. “Marriage is a real opportunity. You can influence politics, shape events. You can have powerful, interesting lives,” the new money queen of the Upper East Side says from experience.
Last season, after her relationship with publisher T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones, “Elsbeth”) became devastatingly complicated and her controversial article helped halt the educational board’s quiet closure of Black schools, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton, “UnREAL”) made the emotional decision to part ways with The Globe.
With those challenges behind her, Peggy is about to jump
gy’s ambition. Following a devastating loss in the battle of the operas and a long-running feud with the new money across the street, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski, “Nine Perfect Strangers”) faces conflict even closer to home this season — from inside the house, to be exact. Threatened with financial ruin from a woeful decision her son, Oscar (Blake Ritson, “The Crown”), made, Agnes prepared for the worst last season until a hidden letter changed everything.
There is a new lady of the van Rhjin house. Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon, “And Just Like That...”), Agnes’ sister, discovered that her recently deceased husband had left her complete control of his untouched inherited fortune, allowing the widowed sisters to keep their home with their niece Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson, “Materialists,” 2025). Though everyone technically answers to Ada now, that doesn’t mean that Agnes has to accept it.
Monk (“New Amsterdam”) as Armstrong; Taylor Richardson (“The Time Traveler’s Wife”) as Bridget; Harry Richardson (“Poldark”) and Taissa Farmiga (“American Horror Story”) as Larry and Gladys Russel; Ben Ahlers (“The Last of Us”) as Jack Treacher; and Morgan Spector (“The Plot Against America”) as railway tycoon George Russell.
Joining the cast this season are Victoria Clark (“Almost Family”) as Joan Carlton; Jessica Frances Dukes (“Earth Abides”) as Athena Trumbo; LisaGay Hamilton (“Will Trent”) as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper; Andrea Martin (“Evil”) as Madame Dashkova; Brian Stokes Mitchell (“Up Here”) as Frederick Kirkland; Hattie Morahan (“Outnumbered”) as Lady Sarah Vere; Paul Alexander Nolan (“Hudson & Rex”) as Alfred Merrick; Leslie Uggams (“Fallout”) as Mrs. Ernestine Brown; Merritt Wever (“Nurse Jackie”) as Monica O’Brien; Bill Camp (“Zero Day”) as JP Morgan; and Phylicia Rashad (“Empire”) as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland.
Horoscopes
The luckiest signs this week:
LEO, VIRGO AND LIBRA
ARIES
When planning your vacation, even if it’s a long trip, remember to include some downtime at home. You’ll have a long phone conversation with a true friend who values your company.
TAURUS
You may have to ask for a refund or a price adjustment after a specific purchase. This summer, you’ll sign up for a short training course that will boost your professional development.
GEMINI
Your friends and loved ones will need your help and support this week. As you inevitably devote yourself to helping them, they’ll express their gratitude and appreciation for your kindness.
CANCER
In the upcoming weeks, you’ll focus on a professional or personal project. You’ll work alongside a talented team that can help turn your visions into reality.
LEO Your week will be marked by ups and downs in your energy levels. You’ll celebrate excellent news regarding a family member’s health, leading to a spontaneous gathering.
VIRGO
Time is precious and limited. You’ll have to be extremely organized to complete all your projects. You’ll participate in joyful festivities that will recharge your energy and prepare you to tackle your goals.
LIBRA
If you’re looking for a job, someone close to you may guide you to an unexpected career opportunity. You’re about to launch an exciting venture, whether it’s organizing a trip or starting a business.
SCORPIO
Plan yourself a well-deserved vacation this summer. You have all the tools you need to grow your business. You’ll receive support from knowledgeable experts.
SAGITTARIUS
Bring peace back into your life and resolve any conflicts within your circle. Solutions will be offered to you to settle your debts or start renovation work.
CAPRICORN
You’ll find yourself leading important negotiations or finalizing a lengthy business deal. Don’t be afraid of change; welcome it with confidence. It will benefit you in the long term.
AQUARIUS
You’ll be surprised to find yourself in the spotlight this week. Prepare to be recognized for a heroic deed, even if only for lending a listening ear to a person in emotional distress.
PISCES
One of your children may feel hesitant to leave their friends for the summer. They’ll need a bit of extra attention, potentially requiring you to take time off work. Additionally, an elderly relative may need your presence and support.
New Streaming Movies & Shows
“Marry My Husband” - Season 1 (June 27)
Misa (Fuka Koshiba) is a woman who has always lived her life as a “supporting character”. When betrayal by her husband and best friend leads to her death, she is mysteriously granted a second chance, traveling back in time by ten years. She sheds her former “nice person” persona to pursue revenge. However, her plans take an turn when she meets Section Chief Wataru Suzuki (Takeru Satoh), who begins to change her revenge-focused heart.
Word Search
“Survive” (June 24)
A couple celebrates their son’s birthday in the middle of the ocean on their boat. When a violent storm hits, it brings up hungry creatures from the depths, forcing the family to fight for their survival. Émilie Dequenne, Andreas Pietschmann, Lisa Delamar, Lucas Ebel and Olivier Ho Hio Hen star.
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
“Steph Tolev: Filth Queen” (June 24)
Fearlessly filthy comedian Steph Tolev rules the stage with hilarious confessions, unfiltered dating stories and absurd observations.
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Ironheart” - Season 1 (June 24)
Set after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022), this new miniseries pits technology against magic when Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) — a young, genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world — returns to her hometown of Chicago, where she finds herself wrapped up with the mysterious yet charming Parker Robbins, aka “The Hood” (Anthony Ramos). The series also stars Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam and Anji White.
Q: I’m worried about Jules on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Will she be back for the show’s new season?
A: You have good reason for that worry, since the character — played by Adelaide Kane — was on the hospital floor on which an explosion occurred in the recent Season 21 finale. As of this writing, there’s nothing concrete to say about Jules’s fate, or that of any of the other characters who were immediately present for the crisis that set up the big cliffhanger for the ABC and Hulu medical drama.
Executive producer Meg Marinis stayed purposely vague about the outcome in a number of interviews she gave about that episode afterward. It’s quite possible that not everyone might come back, either for creative reasons or for the budgetary purposes that are affecting so many series that have large casts. As with the Dick Wolf-produced shows on CBS and NBC (“FBI,” “Chicago Fire,” etc.), one way around that is to not use every regular player in every episode, but it could take until the fall to find out who is and isn’t returning to “Grey’s.”
‘Backdraft’ set a standard for fiery thrills
BY JAY BOBBIN
Television series such as “Chicago Fire” and “Fire Country” have made the sight of actors near blazes more common, but when director Ron Howard staged it for “Backdraft,” it was still a relative novelty. And a potentially dangerous one.
The involving 1991 movie — which also uses Chicago as the setting for its saga of firefighters — gets several showings this week: Monday, June 23, on MGM+; Thursday, June 26, on MGM+ Drive-In; and Friday, June 27, on MGM+ Hits. If its many scenes of blazes look realistic, they should. Stars Kurt Russell, William Baldwin and Scott Glenn went through extensive training for their roles, and they’re listed among the stunt performers in the picture’s final credits.
The basis of “Backdraft,” which was written by former fireman Gregory Widen, is the complex relationship of two brothers. Stephen McCaffrey (Russell) is a risk-taking veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, which his younger sibling Brian (Baldwin) is also a member of, though with less experience and skepticism from the somewhat legendary Stephen that he’s equipped for the job.
Eventually, Brian becomes an assistant to arson investigator Donald Rimgale (who was a real-life person, played here by Robert De Niro), who’s probing several fires that have the trademarks of an incarcerated pyromaniac (Donald Sutherland). Factoring in are firehouse budget reductions advocated by a politician (J.T. Walsh) who happens to employ Brian’s ex-girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh).
Personal complications also apply to Stephen, who is separated from his wife (Rebecca De Mornay), definitely no fan of the gambles he takes with his life while putting out fires. His seemingly reckless behavior makes him a suspect in the string of arsons, with concerns shared by another longtime fireman (Glenn) who has been close to both McCaffrey brothers.
For all its intricate plotting, “Backdraft” doesn’t skimp on action. Some fire professionals did question how certain scenes were portrayed, but also acknowledged that accurately showing the reality — such as the way smoke can obscure visibility during a search — might not translate well on screen. (“Chicago Fire” has addressed this challenge on numerous occasions.) The picture’s visual effects earned one of its three Oscar nominations, the others being for sound and sound effects editing.
With a music score that includes two Bruce Hornsby songs, “Backdraft” remains a notable example of Howard’s versatility as a filmmaker. Later the same decade, he would make “The Paper” (1994), “Apollo 13” (1995) and “Ransom” (1996) in quick succession — with none of those movies being like the others. He would win Academy Awards for producing and directing “A Beautiful Mind” (2001), which marked yet another creative turn for him. “Backdraft” stands apart for the particular peril it involved in its making, and almost 35 years later, it holds up extremely well.
BY JAY BOBBIN
Best MEL BROOKS MOVIES
“The Producers” (1967): Mention the title “Springtime for Hitler,” and anyone who knows movies should know you’re talking about this one. That’s the name of the Broadway musical backed by partners (marvelously played by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder) who intend to cash in by having the show fail intentionally. Also the director here, Brooks won an Oscar for his screenplay for the picture, which ironically inspired an actual stage hit. Turner Classic Movies presents the comedy Friday, June 27, during the final night of its “The Art of the Con” series.
“The Twelve Chairs” (1970): Not as all-out zany as other Brooks projects, this 1920s-set comedy casts Ron Moody and Frank Langella as seekers of gems hidden inside a chair cushion by Bolsheviks. It’s part of a set of furniture that has been separated and sent to various locations, so the treasure hunters have a lot of territory to cover.
“Blazing Saddles” (1974): The huge success of this politically incorrect Western satire moved director and (with Richard Pryor, among others) co-writer Brooks’s career to a higher level. Cleavon Little plays the new sheriff of Rock Ridge, where most of the population would rather have someone else in the job, despite the sly plans of politician Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman) to make a personal profit off the town. Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Slim Pickens and Alex Karras are featured, and Brooks gives himself a couple of acting roles.
“Young Frankenstein” (1974): The production design, using actual items from the original “Frankenstein” films, is stunning in this Brooks takeoff on one of the most iconic of all horror franchises. Gene Wilder, who also co-wrote this picture with Brooks, is prominent again as the grandson of synthetic-creature-creating scientist Victor Frankenstein; like his ancestor, he tries to bring a deceased man back to life (with Peter Boyle playing the result, and doing a unique performance of “Puttin’ on the Ritz” with Wilder). Madeline Kahn is on hand again, along with Marty Feldman, Gene Hackman (in a surprise cameo) and Cloris Leachman as Frau Blucher ... whose name makes horses rear up in fright.
“Silent Movie” (1976): The title isn’t kidding. Except from one word spoken by an unexpected source at the end, this amiable comedy goes wordless as Brooks, Dom DeLuise and Marty Feldman play pals trying to sell Hollywood executives in making a modern silent movie.
“Spaceballs” (1987): “Star Wars” takes its turn as an object of Brooks’s humor, and the result bears such a strong similarity to its source, Brooks started by making a deal with George Lucas to poach character and premise ideas from the sci-fi milestone. Bill Pullman and (as a half-man, half-dog named Barf) John Candy play intergalactic travelers who set out to save a princess (Daphne Zuniga) from the dreaded Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis).
Under Pressure: L.A. task force prevents further terror in ‘Countdown’
BY JOSHUA AMY
The countdown is on for the next action-packed, adrenaline-pumping thrill ride on Prime Video. Premiering Wednesday, June 25, on the streamer, “Countdown” stars “Supernatural’s” Jensen Ackles and “All Rise’s” Jessica Camacho as high-operating police officers assigned a deadly task that could save millions of innocent lives.
Helmed by Derek Haas, the creator behind hit shows such as “Chicago P.D” and “FBI: International,” as well as the action films “Wanted” (2008) and “The Double” (2011), the flagship season of “Countdown” is a 13-episode thrill ride that brings viewers into the heart of the danger while smoothing the tension with a healthy dose of comedy — something fans of the 15-season CW series “Supernatural” are well acquainted with.
Likewise, those who have dabbled in Haas’s other work will already know that he is no stranger to comedy-punctuated action himself, as he often leans toward gritty heroes who love their jobs — danger and all.
“I grew up loving action movies like ‘Die Hard,’ ‘Lethal Weapon,’ ‘Rush Hour’ and ‘Beverly Hills Cop,’” Haas told Men’s Health magazine during a first-look exclusive interview, adding, “so those wild character-based, set piece-based action thrill-
ers are always in the back of my mind. I like it when the heroes have a bounce in their step and love their jobs, versus the depressed, I’m-hauntedby-what-I’ve-seen type of characters.”
And Ackles’ character, Mark Meachum, certain ly falls into that character category.
Described by Ackles himself as a “rogue L.A. detective, wrong-side-of-the-tracks kind of guy [who] takes risks that most people wouldn’t take,” the trailer shows that Meachum is recruited alongside other edgy and top-performing law enforcement officers to end an imminent terrorist plot that could wipe out a large portion of the city of Los Angeles. Referred to in the trailer as a “Chernobyl-level event” and “another 9-11,” the endgame plan sees many false starts throughout its 13 episodes. The question remains, however: will the team of superstar agents be enough to stop a well-designed attack on one of the U.S.’s largest cities?
View from the Couch
Marry or move on: ‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ returns for second season
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
For some, a walk down the aisle sounds like a dream come true. For others, it sounds like a death march. Season 2 of “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” premieres Wednesday, June 25, on Netflix, putting six queer relationships to the ultimate test.
must decide if they’re ready for the real thing. Will they get engaged to their original partner or pursue a relationship with their first trial spouse? Or will they choose to leave the experiment alone?”
Joining Meachum in a string of metropolitan heroics are Amber Oliveras, a female agent toughened by years of having to prove herself on the force, played by “All Rise” and “Taken” star Jessica Camacho; Keyonte Bell, played by “The Boys’” and “Animal Kingdom’s” Elliot Knight; Evan Shepherd, portrayed by Violett Beane of “The Flash” and Christopher Landon’s 2025 horror thriller “Drop”; Lucas Finau, played by “Young Rock’s” Uli Latukefu; and Nathan Blythe, the leading officer who recruited the other agents based on their track record, portrayed by “Grey’s Anatomy’s” so-called “McSteamy,” Eric Dane. According to Men’s Health magazine, whose online writing team got first access to details about the series, “Countdown” tells the story of the six “undercover agents from across various branches of United States law enforcement” who have “been assembled to investigate the mysterious case of an officer with the Department of Homeland Security who was murdered in broad daylight without any suspects or leads. As they hunt for the killer, they begin to unravel a larger plot that could end with not only one dead victim — but millions of them.”
Written and showrun by Haas, series direction for “Countdown” is provided by Jonathan Brown (“FBI: International”), Lisa Robinson (“New Amsterdam”), Avi Youabian (“All American”), Rashidi Natara Harper (“Hip Hop Uncovered”), Nina Lopez-Corrado (“Perry Mason”), Tess Malone (“Law & Order: Organized Crime”) and Eric Stoltz (“Madam Secretary”).
BY JAY BOBBIN
“A MINECRAFT MOVIE”
One of this year’s box-office powerhouses, this comedy-fantasy-adventure focuses on several ordinary people – portrayed by Jason Momoa, Emma Myers (“Wednesday”), Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”) and Sebastian Hansen –who are drawn into the mysterious Overworld, where imagination is the key to survival. Jack Black (who also worked with director Jared Hess on “Nacho Libre”) plays the master of their journey, who guides them into rediscovering what truly makes them tick, the intended result being to return them to their usual space with fresh inspiration for living their respective lives. Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus”) also appears in the film, which generated many news stories from enthusiastic audience members yelling
out certain phrases associated with the franchise. Some theater owners were concerned by that phenomenon, which well could repeat itself in many living rooms now. ***
(PG: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD)
“SNOW WHITE”
Disney’s live-action version of the classic fairy tale walked a road of controversy almost from start to finish, from the use of computer imagery instead of live actors as the seven dwarfs, to the reactions to certain statements made by some of the stars. In the end, director Marc Webb’s (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) retelling is faithful to the source material, with Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) as the title character who becomes the object of sinister scheming by the evil queen who is her stepmother (Gal Gadot). Andrew Burnap plays the movie’s surrogate for the prince of the original story, with Ansu Kabia as the lethal Huntsman and stage veteran Patrick Page as the voice of the Magic Mirror that declares “who’s the fairest of them all.” DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries; deleted scenes; outtakes; sing-along feature. *** (PG: AS, V) (Also on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and Digital)
“LETHAL WEAPON”
Director Richard Donner’s teaming of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as highly dissimilar Los Angeles police detectives proved massively successful, to the extent that the original, enduringly popular 1987
action tale – coming to 4K Ultra HD for the first time – inspired three movie sequels and a TV series. Weighing retirement, Roger Murtaugh (Glover) isn’t pleased to get loose cannon Martin Riggs (Gibson) as his new partner, but his initial doubts about Riggs fade as the latter shows his resourcefulness when they investigate a drug operation that has ties to an old acquaintance of Murtaugh (Tom Atkins). Gary Busey and Mitchell Ryan make their marks as villains, and singer Darlene Love plays Murtaugh’s wife. The script is by Shane Black, also known for the adventures “The Last Boy Scout” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray) “NOVOCAINE”
Played by Jack Quaid (“The Boys”), a credit-union employee who literally can’t feel pain uses that trait to try to rescue a co-worker he admires (Amber Midthunder, “Banshee”) in this comedy-adventure. He goes into action when she’s taken hostage during a Christmas Eve bank robbery, and others are quite shocked by the results of his genetic disorder, which keep him standing when others would crumble. Co-stars include Ray Nicholson (Jack Nicholson’s son), Betty Gabriel (“Westworld”), Marvel-franchise actor Jacob Batalon and Matt Walsh (“Veep”). DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries. *** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and Digital)
With JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“Sweet Magnolias”) returning as host, this second season follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, joining a group of women and nonbinary individuals — all in prior relationships where one person wants to get married and one does not — as they face a be-all, end-all ultimatum: to get hitched, or break up for good.
“In just over eight weeks, each couple will either get married or get out after they each choose new potential partners in a life-changing opportunity to get a glimpse of two different futures,” the series’ synopsis reads. “First, the couples split up to date and get to know the other newly single women and nonbinary participants. Then, each must make a choice of whom — besides their original partner — they’d like to enter a trial marriage with. After living together as trial spouses for three weeks, all the participants meet back up at the changeover, where they get back together with their original partners. Following another threeweek trial marriage, each person
“ST. ELMO’S FIRE”
On the occasion of its 40th-anniversary, director and co-writer Joel Schumacher’s generational comedy-drama – which gave rise to a term for its cast that some of its stars really don’t care for, “Brat Pack” — makes its 4K Ultra HD debut. Not long out of college, several friends (and, in some cases, more-than-friends) try to move into the next phase of their respective lives. Among them: emotionally reckless musician Billy (Rob Lowe), who’s greatly admired by socially conscious Wendy (Mare Winningham); aspiring writer Kevin (Andrew McCarthy), who secretly loves Leslie (Ally Sheedy), the girlfriend of self-impressed political worker Alec (Judd Nelson); law student Kirby (Emilio Estevez), who’s romantically obsessed with a medical intern (Andie MacDowell); and unpredictable, free-living Jules (Demi Moore).
A sequel to the 1985 film has long been discussed, and Winningham recently affirmed to us that it’s still a real possibility. Martin Balsam appears as Wendy’s protective, well-meaning father; John Parr’s theme song became a No. 1 hit.
**** (R: AS, P) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray)
“SORCERER”
Director William Friedkin
earned wide critical acclaim for his 1977 version of the story that also inspired the 1953 classic “The Wages of Fear,” with Friedkin dismissing the notion that this was a remake. Available in new
This season, fans are introduced to couples like AJ and Britney, who have been together for five years but can’t seem to agree on their priorities; Haley and Pilar, who have been inseparable for nearly a decade; and Dayna and Magan, a couple navigating different timelines nearly two years into their relationship. With six couples participating, some feel certain in their choice of partner and are ready to say “I do,” while others staunchly believe that a lifetime commitment isn’t necessary for their relationship to thrive.
“We all deserve our happy ending — whatever that looks like,” Swisher told Tudum.
With the executive team including producers Chris Coelen (“Love Is Blind”), Sunny Franklin (“Extreme Weight Loss”), Stephanie Boyriven (“The Real Housewives of Orange County”), Eric Detwiler (“Perfect Match”), Sarah Dillistone (“The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On”) and Christine Loera (“MasterChef USA”), “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” debuts its second season Wednesday, June 25, on Netflix.
Criterion Collection editions on Bluray and 4K Ultra HD, the picture reunited Friedkin with “The French Connection” co-star Roy Scheider, who plays one of several diverse men enlisted to transport trucks filled with dynamite across Central America to the site of an oil-well fire. Taking questionable routes that memorably include a very unstable bridge, the drivers may not reach their destination, since their cargo includes nitroglycerin that could explode at any moment. Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal and Amidou play the others who undertake the mission. The film didn’t make much of a dent at the box office in a summer that also saw the release of “Star Wars,” but it has grown in general stature over the years.
