Tag Archives: Game of Thrones

Status update #9 on your favorite new and returning shows

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You know the drill by now–here’s a roundup of recently renewed TV series across network and cable stations. Happy to report there are no major cancellations to share.

NBC is clearly a fan of its Friday night genre fare; Grimm will return for a sixth season, albeit a short season order that will produce 13 episodes instead of the customary 22.

FOX, took you long enough! New Girl fans, you can breathe a quiet sigh of relief; the popular sitcom is coming back for a sixth run. Elsewhere on the network, newbies Lucifer and Rosewood have been renewed for second seasons.

FXX made my heart sing when it commissioned a third season of its surreal relationship sitcom Man Seeking Woman. If you’re not watching this one, you’re missing out.

AMC can’t get enough Dead. The Walking Dead‘s companion series Fear the Walking Dead, currently in the middle of its second season run, is confirmed to unspool a third season set to debut in 2017.

HBO, in a move that surprised no one, swiftly renewed its uber-popular fantasy drama Game of Thrones and critically acclaimed comedies Veep and Silicon Valley. It is Thrones‘ seventh, Veep‘s sixth, and Silicon Valley‘s fourth.

Streamer Hulu loves The Mindy Project, just like the rest of us! Mindy Kaling’s sitcom, which moved over from Fox when the network cancelled it after three seasons, is making a fifth season. Also coming back for more is The Path, the buzzy drama about a controversial cult starring Aaron Paul, Hugh Dancy, and Michelle Monaghan.

What to watch this month: ‘Orphan Black,’ ‘Kimmy Schmidt,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ & more

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Winter is coming to television this month. That’s right–Game of Thrones makes its long-awaited return and the world will know the fate of beloved character Jon Snow. With Thrones also comes one-two comedic punch from HBO, Silicon Valley and Veep. Elsewhere, the Walking Dead spinoff takes the high seas, Orphan Black journeys further down the rabbit hole, Kimmy Schmidt begs to be binged, AMC is preparing a miniseries starring Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie. It’s a jam-packed month for new TV. Jump after the break for premiere dates, posters, and previews. Continue reading What to watch this month: ‘Orphan Black,’ ‘Kimmy Schmidt,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ & more →

‘Game of Thrones’ season 6 promotional poster teases Jon Snow’s questionable fate [Update: Teaser trailer]

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It goes without saying, but… spoilers inside.

Jon Snow lives?! Ever since the climactic season 5 finale, Game of Thrones viewers have been up in arms about the fate of fan favorite, Jon Snow. For many reasons it was rough to see him bite the dust during the closing minutes of the episode. He had only recently become the fearless leader of The Night’s Watch and ultimate defender of The Wall. He had unfinished business with the terrifying White Walker nation. And, of course, there’s the lingering curiosity surrounding his birth mother. With so much going for Snow, ripping him away like that seemingly out of nowhere was a very hard pill to swallow.

And now, there’s this. But what does it mean? HBO and numerous members of the show’s cast and crew have publicly stated that Jon Snow is dead as a doornail. Is the poster teasing his presumed resurrection by The Red Woman aka Melisandre who conveniently strolled into Castle Black moments before Snow’s abrupt execution?

Like winter, answers are coming when Game of Thrones returns in April.

Update (1/3): You won’t find any new footage here in the first teaser trailer for Game of Thrones season 6, but there’s plenty of Jon Snow to go around. Is he alive, is he dead? The verdict’s still out. The best part? That’s when Bran ends with clip with, “They have no idea what’s going to happen.” This, of course, is a fun poke at GoT book fans since the TV series has finally caught up with the events unfolding in George R.R. Martin’s novels. It’s true: we know nothing…except for the fact that HBO is torturing us re: Snow’s ultimate fate. Watch the teaser after the break.

[Image via Twitter] Continue reading ‘Game of Thrones’ season 6 promotional poster teases Jon Snow’s questionable fate [Update: Teaser trailer] →

Comic Con: You Know Who was not resurrected at the ‘Game of Thrones’ panel, and other highlights (Audition reel inside)

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This post contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season 5.

Game of Thrones has finally caught up to the books. What did that mean for its panel at Comic Con 2015? Author George R.R. Martin was a no-show because he’s shackling himself to his typewriter to complete the next book in the Ice and Fire saga. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss also were not present. So who did show up? Director David Nutter, EP Carolyn Strauss, and stars Carice van Houten, Natalie Dormer, Sophie Turner, Alfie Allen, Hannah Murray, John Bradley, Maisie Williams, Conleth Hill, Liam Cunningham, and Gwendoline Christie.

Since Martin, Benioff, and Weiss are keeping season 6 plot details to themselves for now, the cast has absolutely no idea what’s coming next for them. The most tantalizing tidbit? Nutter, who directed the season 5 finale where beloved character Jon Snow is murdered, confirmed the death of the fan-favorite with an entertaining story. Apparently President Obama directly asked Nutter if Snow was really dead, and Nutter replied, “John Snow is deader than dead.” So there you have it. Also dead is Stannis Baratheon; although viewers weren’t privy to Brienne’s Oathkeeper chopping off the True King’s head, Nutter confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that “from the very beginning, and [through] the script process, that was the intent–he’s dead.”

Since there was no fresh intel to share with the crowd, how did they keep us entertained? Well for one thing, the infinitely adorable Maisie Williams shouted out an “Oysters, clams, and cockles” for the crowd when a girl dressed as Arya Stark holding a basket of foodstuffs approached the mic. And John Bradley, who plays Sam, shared this gem: “Before Gilly, Sam thought of sex as most people thought of space.” Moderator Seth Meyers went on to screen an audition reel showing early versions of many Thrones characters including Brienne and Ygritte; watch it after the break. Below, images from the panel; see if you can spot the Sons of the Harpy cosplayer sitting conspicuously close to the fan questioner.

Continue reading Comic Con: You Know Who was not resurrected at the ‘Game of Thrones’ panel, and other highlights (Audition reel inside) →

Coldplay rounds up the cast of ‘Game of Thrones’ for a musical, hilarity ensues

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“Welcome to the crazy wacky world of Game of Thrones,” sings Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin in this behind the scenes documentary following the making of a musical adaptation of HBO’s hit fantasy series. Taken‘s Liam Neeson lends his signature growl to this funny clip, narrating facts like it’ll take 16 songs to be made before the British band can incorporate them into a full Broadway stage production. Things look bleak when only Mark Addy (Thrones‘ Robert Baratheon) and Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Snow/Bolton) contribute to the cause. Eventually, Kit Harington shows up to truly kick the festivities into high gear (watching Chris Martin embrace Harington as “Jon Snow” is so much funnier than it sounds), and many other Thrones actors start pouring in. The parody has loads of fun with the show’s Theon/Ramsay dynamic, among others. Later, Emilia Clarke belts out a respectable Rastafarian rap about her character’s climb to power, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau comfortably imbues Jamie Lannister by singing “the first romantic ballad about incest in Coldplay’s career.” And then there’s Peter Dinklage grooving to lyrics about his character Tyrion “still going strong;” you can watch that riveting performance in full here.

Obviously (and rather unfortunately) this Game of Thrones musical produced by Coldplay is merely a gag, but its intentions are thoughtful. It was put together for Red Nose Day, a fundraising event that raises money for children in need. The special day originated across the pond in the UK and spread to the US for 2015; this clip first aired on NBC during the network’s Red Nose Day telecast. In case you missed it live and you’re feeling charitable, you can still donate today.

HBO renews ‘Veep’ & ‘Silicon Valley’, ‘Game of Thrones’ attracts record ratings

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Not even 24 hours passed after HBO aired the season premieres of Veep and Silicon Valley and yet the premium cable network announced pickups for two of its most high-profile comedies. The Julia Louis-Dreyfus vehicle and Mike Judge’s take on the tech world will return for a fifth and third season, respectively.

“Veep and Silicon Valley are terrific series, and I’m immensely proud that they will return to HBO next year,” HBO head Michael Lombardo said in a statement. “Along with Game of Thrones and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, both of which have already been renewed for 2016, they give HBO a stellar Sunday night like no other.”

When Veep returns next year, it will do so with its creator and showrunner on board. Armando Iannucci confirmed his exit from the show following the season currently being aired.

“‘Veep’ returns Sunday, HBO10.30pm.Our best season yet.Time for me to quit airports. I’m leaving on a high and kissing goodbye to jet-lag,” Iannucci tweeted on April 10.

The unfortunate departure is an amicable one, and the series will go on with new showrunner David Mandel. Per HBO:

“We have had conversations with Armando for some time about the challenges of maintaining his family life in
London and producing a show in the states. Armando is not replaceable, but we are confident that Veep will continue to be produced at the highest levels with new showrunner David Mandel.”

Mandel previously worked with Louis-Dreyfus on Seinfeld (where he was a writer), and again on Curb Your Enthusiasm (where he served as executive producer) along with Seinfeld creator Larry David. Like the network said, it’d be near impossible to replace Ianucci’s signature charm, but if anyone can try his shoes on for size, it sounds like Mandel is the guy to do it.

Moving on to Thrones, HBO had previously renewed the fantasy drama for a fifth and sixth season last April. New we can report today is that the season 5 premiere, which aired this past Sunday, attracted the series’ largest audience to date: a grand total of about 8 million people, according to Variety. “The Wars to Come” garnered about 800,000 more viewers than any other episode that came before it.

[Via THR; Variety]

Seth Meyers invites Jon Snow to dinner, Sesame Street plays ‘Game of Chairs’ in latest ‘Game of Thrones’ parodies

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What would happen if you invited the bastard Jon Snow to a dinner party? Late Night with Seth Meyers answers that question in full in the latest high-profile Game of Thrones parody. Kit Harrington, Snow’ portrayer on HBO’s hit fantasy drama, is totally game here and the laughs are plentiful. But only if you’re properly educated–spoilers abound. As is the case with the best kind of parodies, I wouldn’t want to say any more than I already have for your enjoyment. So with that, have at it!

One more thing. Be sure to jump after the break to watch yet another recent Thrones parody, this one hailing from an unlikely source–Sesame Street! Then again, we all know by now the furry friends can pull off entertaining spoofs; see their previously released House of Cards treatment for proof.

Game of Thrones resumes this Sunday, April 12 on HBO.

Update: Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of Comedy Central’s Key & Peele are getting in on the fun with one outrageous “recap” video featuring the comedy duo’s famously over-excited valet characters. Embedded after the break! Continue reading Seth Meyers invites Jon Snow to dinner, Sesame Street plays ‘Game of Chairs’ in latest ‘Game of Thrones’ parodies →

TV reminder: 10 premieres to look out for in April

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Spring is here! Though we may be nearing the month where most of your favorite TV series wrap up for summer (I’m looking at you, May!), that doesn’t mean this is the end. In fact, there are a whopping 10 series premiering this month, four of which are brand new and demand your attention. Jump after the break for what you need to know. Continue reading TV reminder: 10 premieres to look out for in April →

‘Game of Thrones’ season 5 trailer hints at Dany’s ascension to the throne

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After debuting it to moviegoers who attended the limited-time IMAX presentations of last seasons final two episodes, HBO released the Game of Thrones season 5 trailer online for the masses to watch and obsess over. Here it is, embedded above, in all its glory. The premium cable network manages to pack a whole lot of action inside this two-minute clip. Let’s summarize:

Littlefinger consoles Sansa and tells her to avenge, presumably, the death of her parents. Margaery weds Tommen, and if there’s anything we learned from this show, expect death in this scene. Varys and Tyrion land in what appears to be Dorne (where Oberyn was from), and the two discuss the future ruler of the Seven Kingdoms; sounds like Varys is enlisting Tyrion to help Daenerys “climb those steps and take that seat.” Speaking of the Mother of Dragons, Dany is prepared to make a power move: “I’m not going to stop the wheel. I’m going to break the wheel.” Elsewhere, Melisandre is still playing with fire; Jon Snow leads an army into battle, and Arya–with Needle–finds herself knocking on a giant, mysterious door in Bravvos.

Speaking of the IMAX presentation, I just came out of it last night and if you’re a fan of the show I highly recommend you check it out before it vanishes from theatres. Thrones, an already cinematic series, transfers spectacularly to the big screen, both visually and sonically. The epic Battle of Castle Black in “The Watchers on the Wall” and the thrilling fight sequence with Brienne and The Hound in “The Children” are elevated to a whole new level. Click here to see participating theatres.

Game of Thrones returns April 12 to HBO.

Update (3/10): Watch a second trailer after the break! Continue reading ‘Game of Thrones’ season 5 trailer hints at Dany’s ascension to the throne →

TV reminder: 4 premieres to look out for in February

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February is all about quality over quantity in terms of appealing premieres to look out for. The new month packs two specials, one highly anticipated series premiere, and the return of the show that popularized the art of binge-watching. It’s all after the break. Continue reading TV reminder: 4 premieres to look out for in February →

‘Game of Thrones’ comes to IMAX theatres this month [Update: New release date & more participating theatres)

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It’s not Game of Thrones The Movie, but it’s as close as we’ll ever get to that. HBO has partnered up with IMAX to bring a couple episodes of the critically acclaimed fantasy series to the enhanced silver screen. This marks the first time ever that a TV series is being formatted for and screened in IMAX. From January 23 through the 29th, upwards of 150 IMAX theatres across the nation will showcase the final two episodes from season 4. As a refresher, those are “The Watchers on the Wall” (featuring the epic battle in which the Night’s Watch defend Castle Black from the wildlings) and “The Children” (the memorable season finale with deaths galore). In addition to showing these digitally re-mastered episodes, the event will also screen an exclusive trailer including never-before-scene looks at the highly anticipated upcoming fifth season of the series. Stick it here to find out if a theatre near you will host Game of Thrones in IMAX.

“The cinematic brilliance and grand scope of the series is perfect for the IMAX format,” said Pamela Levine, HBO’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We are always looking to provide fans with new and exciting ways to experience the show, and viewing two key episodes, along with the new trailer, on such an impressive platform makes for a great event.”

“IMAX always seeks innovative ways to provide moviegoers a unique and differentiated experience and today’s partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones achieves just that,” added IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond. “This deal also furthers our efforts to offer exhibitors the opportunity to participate in alternative forms of content in a new and exciting way.”

Update (1/14): Switch-up! IMAX has shifted the Game of Thrones limited-time screening event by one week. The two episodes plus the trailer will now hit big-screen theatres on Thursday, Jan. 29 and will extend through Feb. 5. The move was “prompted by extraordinary consumer response that drove online mentions for IMAX to record heights,” says IMAX, and the shift allows for a more expansive rollout; the event will now reach upwards of 200 theatres (that’s up from the previous count of 150). IMAX is also offering up the list of participating theatres now. Preorder tickets starting tomorrow, Jan. 16. And, if you’re one of the first 300 ticket holders you will be gifted a limited edition GoT poster at participating venues; eye them at that link.

Visual reel takes a magnifying glass to ‘Game of Thrones’ digital universe

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So much of the universe featured in HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones is made up of computer generated content you probably didn’t even know it! It’s true; the series has traveled to distant lands like Iceland and Scotland to capture actual vistas of beauty. But not everything is as it seems on screen. Visual effects house Macklevision has released a beefy reel that peels back the layers of what’s real and what’s fake in the televised version of Westeros. So sit back and let the “movie” magic unravel.