Poker Face Season 2 continues Rian Johnson's Peacock mystery series, a loving throwback to the case-of-the-week detective shows of the 1970s. Natasha Lyonne returns as Charlie Cale, the wisecracking drifter with an uncanny, infallible knack for telling when someone is lying, a gift that keeps dragging her into murder after murder as she travels across America.
Back on the road in her battered Plymouth Barracuda, Charlie stumbles into a fresh set of standalone whodunits, each stocked with a rotating roster of guest stars. Season 2's lineup is loaded, featuring the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Awkwafina, Katie Holmes, Kumail Nanjiani, Giancarlo Esposito, John Mulaney and Melanie Lynskey, with the series' signature howcatchem structure showing the crime before Charlie unravels it.
The second season drew generally positive reviews, with critics again crediting Lyonne's magnetic lead performance and the show's inventive, star-studded standalone episodes, even as some felt the formula had grown familiar. Streaming on Peacock.
"The Case Against Adnan Syed" is a true crime documentary television series that premiered on HBO in March 2019. The show investigates the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, a high school student from Baltimore County, Maryland, and the subsequent conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed.
The series offers a detailed look into the case, featuring interviews with individuals involved in the investigation and trial, as well as friends and family members of both Lee and Syed. It also examines new evidence and developments in the case that have arisen since Syed's conviction in 2000.
"The Case Against Adnan Syed" raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of the trial, highlighting issues such as racial bias, ineffective legal representation, and the reliability of witness testimony. The show offers a nuanced and comprehensive perspective on the case, exploring the various factors that led to Syed's conviction and the ongoing efforts to appeal his sentence.
"The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" is a true crime documentary miniseries that aired on HBO in 2015. The show investigates the life of real estate heir Robert Durst, who was suspected of involvement in several murders over the course of several decades.
The series features interviews with Durst, as well as with investigators, journalists, and friends and family members of the victims. It also examines evidence and developments in the cases, including Durst's 2003 acquittal for the murder of his neighbor, Morris Black, and his subsequent arrest in 2015 for the murder of Susan Berman, a friend and confidante.
"The Jinx" is notable for its dramatic ending, in which Durst is heard muttering an apparent confession to the murders while still wearing a live microphone. The show has been widely praised for its gripping storytelling, innovative use of audio and visual effects, and in-depth exploration of the complex and disturbing life of Robert Durst.
"Edge of the Earth" is an HBO documentary television miniseries that follows elite athletes as they undertake extreme sports expeditions in remote areas. The series showcases the outdoor sports of snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing. The athletes witness the impact of climate change and industry on the landscape and society during their travels. The show was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the athletes and filmmaking crew undergoing regular testing.
The series was created and directed by brothers Todd Jones and Steve Jones, founders of Teton Gravity Research (TGR). Talks to develop the series began between TGB and HBO in the summer of 2019. The show was originally planned to be filmed in China, but this did not occur due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The production team consisted of more than 60 people in total, with each location's cinematography being handled by experts in their respective sports.
The pandemic posed logistical challenges, as the team navigated areas with travel bans. However, the show's crew and athletes were regularly tested to ensure safety. "Edge of the Earth" showcases the skill and determination of the athletes and sheds light on the effects of climate change and industry on the environment. The series has received positive reviews for its stunning visuals and inspiring stories.
State of Play is a unique series on HBO that focuses on topics or individuals that have made a significant impact on the world of sports. The show takes a deep dive into their stories, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of their influence on contemporary sports.
The show's innovative approach to storytelling, combined with high-quality production, has made it a favorite among sports fans. Each episode provides an in-depth look at a specific topic or individual, using interviews, footage, and expert analysis to provide a well-rounded perspective.
Overall, State of Play is a must-watch series for anyone interested in the world of sports. It offers a fresh perspective on the most influential people and topics in sports today, and its high-quality production values make it a pleasure to watch. Whether you're a casual sports fan or a dedicated enthusiast, State of Play is a series that is sure to captivate and inspire.
"Being Serena" is a documentary series that follows the life and career of Serena Williams, a professional tennis player. The series provides an intimate look at Williams' personal and professional life, including her pregnancy and return to tennis after giving birth. Throughout the series, Williams shares her thoughts and feelings about her life and her experiences on and off the court.
The series also explores the challenges that Williams has faced as a black woman in the predominantly white world of tennis. Williams discusses the racism and sexism she has encountered throughout her career, and how she has used her platform to advocate for social justice causes.
"Being Serena" is a compelling look at the life of one of the greatest athletes of all time. The series is a testament to Williams' strength, resilience, and determination, both on and off the court. It provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by athletes, especially those who are women or people of color, and the ways in which they can use their platform to create positive change in the world.
"What's My Name: Muhammad Ali" is a documentary TV series that tells the story of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The series shows Ali's life, from his early days as Cassius Clay to his rise as a heavyweight champion, his political activism, and his battle with Parkinson's disease. Using archival footage and interviews with people who knew him well, the series provides an intimate look at one of the most important figures in sports and social justice history.
The series covers Ali's journey from a brash and confident athlete to a more thoughtful and socially aware activist. Ali's stance against the Vietnam War and his vocal support for the civil rights movement made him a controversial figure at the time, but his impact on American society and culture is significant.
"What's My Name: Muhammad Ali" pays tribute to Ali's life and legacy, both in and out of the ring. The series celebrates Ali's accomplishments as a boxer and his contributions to the fight for social justice, while also highlighting the challenges he faced as a black man in a divided society. Overall, the series is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.
HBO Docs Club is a new documentary series by HBO that features a selection of thought-provoking documentaries on a variety of topics. The series aims to highlight important issues and events from around the world, giving viewers an in-depth look at stories that might not otherwise be covered in the mainstream media.
Each episode of the series focuses on a different documentary, covering topics such as politics, social issues, and human interest stories. The documentaries are curated by HBO and feature a mix of established filmmakers and emerging talent, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and styles.
The series is available exclusively on HBO and is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from documentary enthusiasts to casual viewers. With its thought-provoking content and diverse range of topics, HBO Docs Club is sure to become a must-watch series for anyone interested in documentaries and the issues that shape our world.
"I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter" is a two-part documentary series that explores the events leading up to the death of Conrad Roy, a teenager who died by suicide in 2014. The series follows the trial of Michelle Carter, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging Roy to take his own life through a series of text messages.
The documentary examines the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the case, including questions about free speech, mental illness, and the role of technology in modern communication. It features interviews with legal experts, psychologists, and journalists who provide insight into the case and its implications.
"I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking look at a tragic case that captured national attention. The series raises important questions about the responsibility we have to others, both online and offline, and the impact that our words and actions can have on those around us. Ultimately, the series encourages viewers to consider the role that empathy and understanding can play in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
"Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" is a two-part documentary released in 2019 by Liz Garbus. The documentary examines the murder of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in his home in Potsdam, a small town in upstate New York, in 2011. The documentary follows the police investigation that led to the arrest of Oral "Nick" Hillary, an ex-boyfriend of Garrett's mother and a Jamaican man in the mostly white community.
The documentary focuses on the interrogation, arrest, and trial of Nick Hillary, who was accused of second-degree murder. Hillary was a soccer coach at Clarkson University at the time of the murder. The documentary also reveals instances of professional misconduct by the public state prosecutor, Mary E. Rain. It was discovered that Rain withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense, which led to her being banned from practicing law for two years.
Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and legal experts, "Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" provides an in-depth look at the case and the impact it had on the small town of Potsdam. The documentary raises questions about justice, race, and the criminal justice system in America.
"Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall" is a documentary series that investigates the disappearance of journalist Kim Wall. The series is available on Hulu and consists of six episodes, each delving deeper into the case.
Wall disappeared while on board a self-made submarine owned by Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. Her body was later found dismembered in the sea. The series takes a comprehensive look at the case, including interviews with friends, family, and colleagues of Wall, as well as experts in the fields of journalism and criminology.
The series provides a gripping and emotional account of Wall's disappearance, exploring the impact of her death on those closest to her and the wider journalism community. It also sheds light on the risks that journalists face when reporting on dangerous or controversial topics. "Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall" is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or the world of journalism.
