Netflix launches free version — with a catch
Netflix launches free version — with a catch
And clear out Nov. 12, Disney fans
What to know
Netflix launches free version… in Kenya… for Android users… This probably doesn’t affect anyone reading this — but it’s interesting to see Netflix experiment in subscriber acquisition this way. The Kenya free tier is NOT supported by ads (a la Peacock or Pluto) but instead offers users 25% of the full library. If Netflix offered a free limited plan here, would you try it? 🍿
Disney and Marvel fans, put Nov. 12 “Disney+ Day” on your calendar… The Mouse House is celebrating Disney+’s 2-year anniversary with all the content. Shang-Chi, Jungle Cruise, and Home Sweet Alone will hit the platform, Marvel will give a look at its upcoming slate, and there will be Frozen shorts, Pixar stuff, and more. Surprisingly, none of this will cost extra 🏰
Daniel Craig says James Bond should stay a male character… He justifies this narrow-minded take by saying women should get their own, just as iconic character. But why shouldn’t James Bond be played by a woman? There are so many modern and different places this franchise could go, if the people involved would free their minds just a bit. 🍸
Adam Devine to star in Pitch Perfect spinoff series at Peacock… I’m not sure I would have picked his character to lead a spinoff, especially because last we saw of him, he was heading to Germany to be a pop star. Hopefully this series embraces the more grounded, college-based stakes of the original film. 🎤
Kathryn Hahn is going to play Joan Rivers in a Showtime bio-series… That’s great casting! Get that Emmy, Kathryn Hahn 🏆
Top Chef heading to Houston with all-star mentors… the addition of Top Chef mentors is one of the few good things borne of the pandemic 🔪
You can now get Paramount+ and Showtime in $10 a month bundle… that’s a pretty good deal if you love PAW Patrol AND Dexter 🐶
Mean Girls movie musical finds directors… very fetch 👚
For more pop culture news, discussion, and what-to-watch recommendations subscribe to my pals over on the Kickball Friends podcast. 🎙
Dropping this week:
The Big Leap — Sept 20 Fox drama series | 🍅 100%
Ordinary Joe — Sept 20 NBC drama series | 🍅 55%
Star Wars: Visions — Sept 22 Disney+ animated series | 🍅 100%
The Wonder Years — Sept 22 ABC drama series | 🍅 100%
Foundation — Sept 24 Apple sci-fi series | 🍅
Midnight Mass — Sept 23 Netflix horror series | 🍅 97%
What to watch
TV Trailer: The Problem With Jon Stewart — Sept 30 Apple TV+
Jon Stewart has definitely earned enough equity over the years to make the premiere of his new series a must-watch — but after episode one, we’ll see. This trailer isn’t doing Stewart a ton of favors in explaining what’s urgent about his new show. Stewart made a big deal of leaving political satire television, so you’d think his return would have to really be worth it. So far I’m not convinced by the “why” of it all. This promo has two solid self-effacing jokes and then what seems like a mash up of John Oliver and Bill Maher’s formats. In our vastly oversaturated TV landscape, is that enough? Don’t get me wrong, it will be nice to have Jon Stewart back on a regular basis — but he’s got his own legacy and a changed world to content with. As he wrestles with the big problems, I’m hoping there’s no problem with The Problem with Jon Stewart.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!