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John Leguizamo is the latest star to join the cast of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” He will appear alongside previously announced cast members Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie and Jon Bernthal.

Universal shared last month that the film “is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time.”

Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem “The Odyssey” remains one of the oldest pieces of literature still read by modern audiences. It chronicles the story of Greek hero Odysseus during his tumultuous journey home following the Trojan War.

“The Odyssey” is due in theaters on July 17, 2026. Nolan is set to write and will produce with Emma Thomas under their Syncopy banner.

As Variety exclusively reported this week, the film will be partly filmed in Sicily,...

Exclusive: I Also Do This is an occasional look at the surprising creative outlets of members of the Hollywood community. The series began with producer Denise Dinovi’s pandemic plunge into painting after the shocking death of her husband

After bursting on the scene as Friday Night Lights’ hellraising fullback Tim Riggins, Taylor Kitsch tried the fast lane to stardom and found it wanting, with John Carter and Battleship sinking. Kitsch regrouped and found a far more interesting path, playing film and TV roles that captured the heartland sensibilities and vulnerabilities that made the Dillon Panthers’ #33 so appealing, the rough-and-tumble Texas kid with a heart of gold.

Those roles, many of them done in collaboration with director and Fnl exec producer Peter Berg, have ranged from playing the late Patchogue legend Navy Seal Michael Murphy in Lone Survivor; a tragic opioid-addicted everyman in the series Painkiller; and cult leader David Koresh...

There are several other movies and shows similar to Netflix's epic period Western series American Primeval. American Primeval was written by Mark L. Smith, who co-wrote the screenplay for The Revenant with Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Peter Berg directs all six episodes of American Primeval. Taylor Kitsch leads an ensemble cast as Isaac Reed, which features Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Shea Whigham, Lucas Neff, and Kim Coates as Brigham Young. In addition to Young, American Primeval alters several real-life historical details and figures.

American Primeval uniquely blends brutal and violent elements of the horror genre with the classic Western. Despite its 59% Rotten Tomatoes score, it earned an 86% audience score and has been in Netflix's Top 10 TV Shows in the United States since it was released on January 9, 2025. Kitsch previously starred in the Peter Berg film Lone Survivor alongside Mark Wahlberg and Berg's classic television series Friday Night Lights.

Long before Taylor Kitsch played Isaac in Netflix's new gritty Western drama series, American Primeval, he first gained popularity with his portrayal of the broken yet soulful playboy, Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights (back in 2006-2011). He has since shown his range in projects such as John Carter and True Detective. However, one role of Kitsch's has been one of the best representations of his immense talent. In 2018, Kitsch played a real-life cult leader named David Koresh who became tied to a deadly (and now infamous) siege. The series, called Waco, originally aired on Showtime and is a thrilling look at the events surrounding one of the most memorable cults in history.

Taylor Kitsch could have been a one-note actor. He was handsome, and could have delved into making a bunch of Hallmark films and been just fine. Instead, the British Columbian decided he wanted to stretch himself. He still got pigeonholed a bit.

He tends to get roles that show him as a bit rough around the edges. He plays the roles well, though one might want to see Kitsch get a chance to do something else. Maybe that time will come soon.

In the series below, Kitsch plays a lot of the same types of characters, but he is talented enough to bring some nuance to each role. The shows might not be perfect, but that is no fault of the actors. And his new series on Netflix, American Primeval, might rank as one of his best.

Ranking from worst to best each series that Taylor Kitsch has starred inNo.

The potential dangers are boundless in the limited series American Primeval, now streaming on Netflix Jan. 9.

Starring Taylor Kitsch, the raw, adventurous exploration of the birth of the American West comes to life in the six-episode series. Here’s everything you need to know so far about the grueling journey West.

This is America, 1857. Up is down, pain is everywhere, and innocence and tranquility are losing the battle to hatred and fear. Peace is the shrinking minority, and very few possess grace — even fewer know compassion. There’s no safe haven in these wild lands, and only one goal matters: survival. American Primeval is a fictionalized dramatization and examination of the violent collision of culture, religion, and community as men and women fight and die for control of this world. The ensemble tells a story of the sacrifice all must pay when they choose...

Peter Berg is masterful at storytelling on the small screen with Friday Night Lights and on the big screen with Lone Survivor. He returns behind the directors’ chair, teaming with writer Mark L. Smith to deliver the first big series of the new year on Netflix, American Primeval. The six-episode limited series sees Berg re-team with Friday Night Lights star Taylor Kitsch, who stars alongside Betty Gilpin and Dane DeHaan.

American Primeval Review American Primeval. Irene Bedard as Winter Bird in Episode 102 of American Primeval. Cr. Matt Kennedy/Netflix © 2023

American Primeval is a daunting factionalized look at 1857 and the cultural warfare over the fight for freedom and land. The battles turn ugly, the war turns violent, and the struggle for survival has never been more dire.

“There’s no such thing as safe in this world.”

Peter Berg makes viewers feel that quote from the opening scene with every fiber of our being.

There’s little doubt that the Western genre has been seeing a resurgence as of late thanks to shows like Yellowstone and 1883, and now Netflix is getting in on the action with the six-part thriller American Primeval. Starring Taylor Kitsch, the series reunites the Friday Night Lights alumni with Peter Berg, who directed the 2004 movie, and would go on to develop the 2006 hit series in which Kitsch portrayed fullback Tim Riggins.

The stunning new trailer for American Primeval (seen below) just dropped, giving us our first look at what we can expect from the explosive series, which also features Saura Lightfoot Leon, Betty Gilpin, Jai Courtney, and the always-fantastic Shea Whigham. "What do you think’s out there?" asks the voice of Preston Mota, who portrays Devin Rowell. "Your father," says his mother, Sara (Gilpin). From there, we’re treated to a barrage of beautiful scenery before things take...

Jenn and I have spent the first part of the month dissecting fictionalized adaptations of cults, including Jim Jones and Jonestown (listen), as well as Ti West’s The Sacrament (listen). Then we spent the last few weeks looking at David Koresh and the Branch Davidians (listen), which led to an infamous 51-day stand-off and accompanying siege on Waco.

The Paramount+ series was always going to be biased because it is based on two books written by men involved in the siege: cult survivor David Thibodeau’s A Place Called Waco, as well as Gary Noesner’s Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator.

What frustrates, though, is how their stories wind up being given priority. In our discussion of the first half of the series (listen), Jenn and I hoped that the female “characters” – played by actors like Andrea Riseborough, Julia Garner, and Melissa Benoist – would...

With any true crime story adapted for film or TV, we expect a certain amount of narrative license. Creators may sand off a few here and condense a timeline there to present a coherent and digestible timeline. But what gets lost in this translation? And can we still trust the story we see?

In the newest episode of Bloody FM’s Murder Made Fiction podcast, Joe and Jenn encounter this issue in the 2018 series Waco.

Created by Drew and John Erick Dowdle, this limited series begins with a sympathetic David Koresh (Taylor Kitsch) begging for mercy while a group of soldiers point guns in his face. Early episodes take us back to a burgeoning cult leader building his flock while a government agency struggles to rehabilitate its image.

But what details have been softened in this less-than-faithful retelling and are the story’s real victims getting lost in the shuffle?...

Netflix will be releasing a new Western series on its platform in January 2025, and it's called American Primeval. If you want to know more about this Netflix show, keep reading because we shared all the important details announced ahead of the release date in early 2025.

On Oct. 29, Netflix officially revealed that American Primeval makes its premiere on Jan. 9, 2025. Along with the release date, Netflix dropped a handful of first-look images from the series that show Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Jai Courtney, and other stars in action.

No one survives alone. American Primeval premieres January 9.

Starring Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane Dehaan, Saura Lightfoot Leon, Derek Hinkey, Kim Coates, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, and Shea Whigham. pic.twitter.com/b9q7TEYpCF

— Netflix (@netflix) October 29, 2024

American Primeval is an upcoming limited series that was helmed by Peter Berg from scripts written by Mark L. Smith. Berg is...

Exclusive: Shea Whigham and Will Patton have been tapped for major roles opposite Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen in JonBenét Ramsey (working title), a limited series for Paramount+ from MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.

JonBenét Ramsey explores the tragic unsolved murder of the eponymous six-year-old beauty queen. It follows the Ramsey family, before and after the tragedy as they go through the painful loss of a child while facing intense public scrutiny caused by a media frenzy that caused this case to captivate an entire nation. At the heart of the series, it is the story of Patsy (McCarthy) and John Ramsey (Owen) – exploring the unbreakable partnership of these two complex people – as husband and wife, as mother and father – who had committed themselves and their children to building the narrative of a perfect, privileged life only to have it destroyed one Christmas night in 1996.

Whigham will play District Attorney Alex Hunter,...

Melissa Benoist says her role on Glee prepared her for Supergirl's pressures. Benoist earned five Teen Choice Award nominations and won twice for Best TV Actress (Action). Supergirl's legacy includes an iconic "girl power" portrayal.

Melissa Benoist knew that taking on the role of Supergirl in 2015 for the live-action DC Comics series would bring with it plenty of pressure and high expectations. In an interivew with Collider, Benoist said she was uniquely prepared for the experience of starring in Supergirl, however, because of her role on Glee. She said playing Marley Rose on the hit Fox musical comedy drama gave her the confidence to take on the mantle of the Girl of Steel.

Benoist played Marley Rose through two seasons and 42 episodes of the series, playing a young student with low self-esteem who finds her voice (figuratively and literally) through the McKinley High School's Glee Club. Speaking with Collider's Peri Nemiroff,...

It’s 2024, and cults seem to be a hot topic. Whether it’s a sports team, political affiliation, or even nerd obsession, cults are everywhere. But there’s a certain kind of cult rife in horror films. The Waco kind. And they can provide some of the most interesting narratives. A Sacrifice follows a cult with violent tendencies and the people it affects. But it’s also about a father and a daughter trying to reconnect after tragedy. It’s a bit of a slow burn that will reward the patient. I really enjoyed the film (you can check out my review Here) and am shocked at the little I’ve seen about it anywhere.

I was lucky enough to talk to stars Eric Bana, Sadie Sink, and Sylvia Hoeks about their wonderful performances and the challenges they encountered in their roles. I was particularly giddy to talk with Sylvia,...

Anna Stubblefield served only 2 years of a 12-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault due to a technicality in her defense strategy. The documentary highlights the damage caused by Anna's abusive relationship with Derrick, impacting the audience intimately. Facilitated communication, used by Anna with Derrick, was deemed invalid by organizations, leading to her conviction being overturned.

This post contains mentions of sexual assault.

Netflix's documentary Tell Them You Love Me tells the story of former professor Anna Stubblefield and her complicated prison sentence for initiating a sexual relationship with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal person living with cerebral palsy. They met in 2009 when Derrick's older brother, John, learned about facilitated communication. Anna became Derrick's communicator, which led to a sexual relationship that Derek could not fully consent to.

While the Netflix true crime documentary focuses on the story between Anna and Derrick from the beginning, the documentary only briefly mentions how much time Stubblefield actually served.

I am always on the lookout for TV shows that not only entertain but also offer a peek into real-world mysteries! There’s something undeniably captivating about crime dramas based on true events – they hit closer to home, making us question the thin line between fact and fiction. So, get ready to dive headfirst into the thrilling world of crime dramas that draw inspiration from real-life cases. Trust me, this is a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss.

1. “Mindhunter” (2017-2019)

Peering into the Minds of Serial Killers

Few series have delved as deeply into the psychology of serial killers as “Mindhunter.” Based on real-life FBI agents who revolutionized criminal profiling, this show takes us on a chilling journey through interviews with infamous murderers. It’s a gripping exploration of the minds that defy comprehension.

Personal Note: The uncanny portrayal of notorious criminals in “Mindhunter” had me questioning the...

Michael Shannon is an actor who can shine in both leading and supporting roles. He commanded the screen front and center in movies and shows such as The Shape of Water, Waco, and George & Tammy. He stood out in limited roles against impressive ensembles in titles like Nocturnal Animals, Knives Out, and Revolution Road. He has garnered the recognition he deserves, earning two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor throughout his varied career. However, there is one leading role of his that should be talked about more. His turn in 2011's Take Shelter may not be widely considered his greatest performance but it is the best embodiment of all the expressive subtlety he brings to a project.

John Leguizamo has joined the cast of the upcoming Apple TV+ drama series “Firebug,” Variety has learned. In addition, Kari Skogland has boarded the series as director and executive producer.

Leguizamo joins previously announced cast members Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in the series. It was originally greenlit in December 2022.

The series is loosely based on true events and also draws from events documented in truth.media’s “Firebug” podcast. The official logline states that the show “will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.”

Leguizamo with play Esposito, described as “a former policeman with a lot of bad habits and a lot of good instincts.”

Leguizamo is a highly-versatile performer with a career spanning four decades. He is known for his roles in films like “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (which earned him a Golden Globe nomination), “Romeo + Juliet,...

Exclusive: Reba McEntire’s Untitled NBC Comedy pilot has added three to its expanding cast including Tokala Black Elk (Yellowstone), Rex Linn (Young Sheldon) and Pablo Castelblanco (Alaska Daily).

The pilot follows Bobbie (McEntire) who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew she had.

As Deadline exclusively revealed on Monday, Belissa Escobedo will star as Bobbie’s half-sister and Melissa Peterman will play a bartender at the tavern who wishes she was Bobbie’s sister.

Tokala will play Takoda, a waiter at the tavern with serious handyman skills and probably the kindest person you’ve ever met. Linn will play Emmett, a cook at the tavern who is described as a man of few words. Castelblanco will play Steve, the accountant for the tavern who does his work at the bar. He...

The Girls on the Bus mirrors real-life politics, revolving around female journalists on the campaign trail for a candidate who will hopefully become the first female president. The talented ensemble cast brings authenticity to the characters, including Melissa Benoist as an optimistic young journalist seeking redemption. Viewers can expect drama with Grace, Lola, Kimberlyn, Sadie, Loafers, Felicity, and other striking supporting characters.

The Girls on the Bus is a new Max original series that follows a group of female journalists on the campaign trail that will hopefully end in the election of the first female president. The political drama series was inspired by Amy Chozick’s 2018 memoir Chasing Hillary, which told the story of her time on Hillary Clinton’s bus during her 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns. Chozick created the show along with The Vampire Diaries co-creator Julie Plec. Other experienced executive producers working on Girls on the Bus include Greg Berlanti...

After months of speculation about Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to his critical and box office hit “Oppenheimer,” which won him the Academy Award for best director, Universal Pictures unveiled before the holidays on X that he will be bringing Homer’s “The Odyssey” to the big screen.

“The Odyssey” is a classic piece of literature by Homer that is divided between 24 different books, preceded by “The Iliad.” It tells the 10-year journey story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he travels home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters multiple perils and discovers the death of his crewmates. Telemachus (Odysseus’ son), Penelope (Odysseus’ wife), Athena, Circe, Poseidon and Zeus are all major characters.

Historians and scholars date “The Odyssey” to sometime between 750-650 BC. The first printed Greek version became available in 1488. In the centuries since, it has remained one of the most studied, adapted and parodied stories...

This article contains spoilers for Fargo season 5 episode 10 and No Country for Old Men.

After an underwhelming fourth season, FX’s Fargo found excellence again with season 5. The fifth season of this anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film and created by TV auteur Noah Hawley returned to the “present” (or 2019 at least) for an inspired yarn about family, debt, and the creeping fascistic rot in small town America.

The cast was at the top of their game including Juno Temple (Ted Lasso) as the resourceful Dorothy “Dot” Lyon and Jon Hamm (Mad Men) as “constitutional” sheriff Roy Tillman. Fargo season 5 didn’t need to stick the landing for its 10-episode saga about Dot winning her life back from the abusive Roy to have weight. Still, a good ending would have been one hell of a bonus. That ending arrives in the final episode “Bisquik” and thankfully, it’s a good one.

This Wednesday at 10:00 Pm on CBS, “FBI True” presents a gripping episode titled “Waco: The Deadliest Siege.” The series delves into the harrowing events surrounding the Atf raid on the compound of an armed religious group in Waco, Texas. In this episode, viewers are taken on a dramatic journey as the Atf operation takes a tragic turn, leading to a deadly standoff that puts the FBI in a challenging position.

The narrative unfolds with intensity as the FBI grapples with the complexities of ending the standoff while minimizing further loss of life. “Waco: The Deadliest Siege” offers a chilling exploration of a real-life incident that captured the nation’s attention, bringing to light the challenges faced by law enforcement during critical situations.

Tune in for a night of suspense and true crime storytelling as “FBI True” sheds light on the Waco siege, providing viewers with a compelling and thought-provoking...

Exclusive: 101 Studios has promoted EVP of Production and Development, James Allen, to Head of Scripted Films & Television Programming. The company also upped James Gold to SVP European Operations. From 101’s Beverly Hills headquarters, Allen will oversee and manage deals for scripted television shows, films, and development. He will continue to report to CEO David Glasser, COO David Hutkin and CFO Michele Newman.

“I have worked with James and James for 13 years and I am delighted to elevate their positions,” Glasser said. “They are both integral members of our 101 team’s continued expansion. “David Hutkin, Michele Newman and I are thrilled with all this team has accomplished and we can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

Before coming to 101 Studios in 2018, Mr. Allen served as the Vice-President of Acquisitions & Production at The Weinstein Company where he worked on films that included The Imitation Game, It Follows, Waco,...

"Waco: The Aftermath" is a sequel series that explores the events after the Waco siege, focusing on the trial of Branch Davidian members and its impact on American militias and Timothy McVeigh. The show delves into philosophy, government, and individual rights, but its storytelling could have benefited from more than the five episodes provided. The cast of "Waco: The Aftermath" features talented actors with long and celebrated filmographies and TV credits, including Michael Shannon, Giovanni Ribisi, Keean Johnson, Abbey Lee, and Alex Breaux.

The Waco: The Aftermath cast includes an ensemble of talented actors well-known for a variety of very different TV and film roles. Serving as a sequel to the 2018 miniseries Waco starring Taylor Kitsch, 2023's Waco: The Aftermath depicts the events that occurred after the tragic real-life standoff in Waco, Texas. In Waco: The Aftermath, the United States government is dealing with the aftermath of the disastrous siege...

Since 2018, creator group RDCWorld has organized an annual event series called Dream Con, which takes place in the group’s home state of Texas. The 2023 edition of Dream Con established several milestones for the yearly gathering: It was the first DreamCon to take place in Austin, and it drew the largest crowd in the convention’s history, with more than 20,000 attendees flocking to the Austin Convention Center.

Dream Con exists on several axes. On the surface, it’s a creator convention that provides a Texan complement to VidCon. For the members of RDCWorld, the three-day event is an opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded creators and entertainment industry notables.

But at its core, Dream Con is a space for Black nerds — or “Blerds” — who love anime, video games, and sports. It’s a chance to hang with other members of that community and meet the people who are sharing Blerd...

There are more than a handful of moments when watching Painkiller that it seems obvious this Netflix miniseries is bound to rack up several Emmy nominations. Director Peter Berg’s (Friday Night Lights) directing is on the mark, as is Geofrey Hildrew’s (Once Upon a Time) exceptional editing, making these episodes move along at a lightning speed pace. Showrunners/creators Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster are at the top of their game, and the overall story, which tracks the rise of OxyContin, and the opioid epidemic that followed, has never been timelier.

Then there’s the delightful Uzo Aduba, who stands out as Edie Flowers, an investigator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office whose relentless quest to uncover the truth about the OxyContin crisis drives this boldly executed endeavor toward must-see status.

Sure, Matthew Broderick chews up scenery as billionaire Richard Sackler, the money-hungry yet flighty (as he’s portrayed...

Rory Culkin has carved out his own path as a character actor, differentiating himself from his famous brothers. He excels in darker roles and has shed his child actor image through chilling performances in thrillers and horror films. Culkin's standout performances in shows like "Under the Banner of Heaven" and "Swarm" demonstrate his ability to leave a lasting impression in limited screen time.

The best Rory Culkin movies and shows have allowed him to step out of the shadows of his more famous brothers, and establish himself as a celebrated character actor. Getting his start in Hollywood as a young child, Rory Culkin had to contend with the reputation of his child star elder brother Macauley who was a superstar in the 1990s thanks to roles in films like Home Alone. Additionally, Rory's older brother Kieran also found great success in films like Scott Pilgrim vs The World and shows like Succession.

A month away from potentially receiving his first Emmy nomination, Michael Shannon is branching out into directing with “Eric Larue,” Brett Neveu’s adaptation of his own 2002 play. Following a mother seeking some semblance of normalcy in a town rocked by the horrific act of violence perpetrated by her son against three classmates, the movie just premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival to significant acclaim for its leading lady, veteran character actor Judy Greer. Considering the subject, comparisons to “We Need to Talk About Kevin” and “Mass” are unsurprising.

Alexander Skarsgård co-stars as Greer’s born-again husband, and Paul Sparks (with whom Shannon has worked on “Boardwalk Empire” and “Waco”), Alison Pill (“The Newsroom”), Tracy Letts (“Lady Bird”), Annie Parisse (“The Following”), Kate Arrington (“George & Tammy”) and Nation Sage Henrikson (“Shameless”) comprise the rest of the main cast. David Rooney (The Hollywood Reporter) calls the acting “uncommonly strong across...

Comcast-owned Sky Studios has added to its drama team, tapping two new executives and promoting others, Variety can reveal.

In a memo circulated today, drama director Meghan Lyvers confirmed that Bad Wolf producer Ellen Marsh has joined the team as head of series development while UTA’s Megan Spanjian is set to join later this summer as senior executive producer.

Sam Hoyle, who joined last year as an executive producer, has transitioned to the role of commissioning editor, reporting to Katherine Butler. Hoyle will work alongside Paul Gilbert, Manpreet Dosanjh and Sholla Caramba-Coker while Tilly Coulson will continue to head up development for commissioning.

And executive producer Adrian Sturges, whose projects include “Gangs of London” Season 3 and “Cobra” Season 3, has been upped to senior executive producer.

At Bad Wolf, Marsh co-produced the 60th anniversary specials of “Doctor Who” among other projects. She previously worked on “Industry” and “Succession” for HBO.

The second episode of the spine-chilling true story of a manhunt for one of the deadliest terrorists, Ghosts of Beirut, was released today. Previously, we’d been introduced to Lebanese local Imad Mughniyeh, who took it to heart to rid his country of Israeli and American presence by orchestrating suicide bomber attacks. After a suicide bomber drove a truck to the US Embassy and killed CIA operative Robert Ames, among others, the US government started taking the Lebanese situation seriously. However, poor decisions and a lack of planning were to lead to far more damage to the mission and CIA’s integrity, as we’re to see in this week’s episode of Ghosts of Beirut.

Spoilers Ahead

Who Was William Buckley?

Showtime miniseries have proven that bad decisions have become synonymous with intelligence organization chiefs when faced with threats and terrorists. After Waco, where the Atf and FBI sent...

Holy streaming! In honor of National Streaming Day (May 20), Hulu is offering their Basic subscription with ads at the low cost of $2 per month for three months, in a limited-time deal. Here’s everything you need to know about signing up.

How Much Does Hulu’s Streaming Day Deal Save?

Hulu with ads can be had for just $2/month if you sign up for the Basic plan by Sunday, May 27. Meaning, if you subscribe, you’ll get three months for less than the regular price of just one. When those three months are up, your subscription will automatically roll into...

Not always a show comes along that makes you forget that you’re watching it because your job entails watching it to write a recap afterward, but when it does, you become engrossed in the show, forgetting your duties for a while. Showtime’s Waco: Aftermath is such a show where you stay so invested in the story that after a while, you start hating the characters who are portrayed as evil while rooting for the good guys. However, Waco: Aftermath was not a work of fiction but a dramatization of the trial that happened after the tragedy at Mt. Carmel in Waco, Texas. What you’ll read below is an assortment of my opinions after finishing the finale of Waco: Aftermath, and there’s a chance that you may not agree with some of the opinions I’ve shared. However, you can be the judge of the rights or...

Margo Price and Charley Crockett were among the top nominees when the Americana Music Association announced the nominations for the 2023 Americana Honors & Awards on Tuesday via Twitter.

Price and Crockett are both up for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. For Price, that’d her LP Strays and its song “Change of Heart”; for Crockett, it’s The Man from Waco and the song “I’m Just a Clown.” Both will compete for Artist of the Year with Sierra Ferrell, Allison Russell, and Billy Strings,...

From creators/showrunners Drew Dowdle and John Erick Dowdle, the Showtime original series Waco: The Aftermath, which essentially works as a sequel to the 2018 series Waco, digs into the fallout from the Waco siege by highlighting the trials of the surviving members of the Branch Davidian sect and the parallels with the American militia movement that is still present today. As one of the key figures in the story, FBI hostage negotiator Gary Noesner (Michael Shannon) is coping with Ptsd that he’s experiencing from the Waco failures that led to the deaths of so many individuals, including children and cult leader David Koresh.

The fourth episode of Showtime’s Waco: Aftermath shows that, if done properly, court drama is far more nail-biting and engaging than watching fast action. Brilliant storytelling and skilled actors ensure that the audience feels invested in the court proceedings and keeps their interest secured as more drama unfolds. Giovani Ribisi does a phenomenal job as defense attorney Dan Cogdell, who tries to the utmost to protect the Waco survivors from the cruel bulldozer that’s the government trying to smother voices of protest. It’s a deeply engrossing series, and each week, the show only keeps getting better. Here’s the detailed recap of Waco: Aftermath Episode 4.

Spoilers Ahead

Fan Mails To The Defence

The defense counsel has gathered around in their favorite restaurant and read through some of the hateful letters they’ve received, shaming them for defending the Waco survivors. Dan Cogdell doesn’t want to bother...

John Hoogenakker has made quite a name for himself.

From television (Dopesick) to film and commercials, you've seen his face or heard his voice in various eclectic roles. And his career continues to ascend, with his stunning portrayal of real-life Branch Davidian Clive Doyle in the Showtime miniseries Waco: The Aftermath.

The series covers both the immediate aftermath of the Waco standoff and takes a look into the past, bridging multiple storylines into a captivating and moving series that does as much to teach us about the lessons of history as it does to help us understand the present.

We were fortunate enough to speak with the illuminating Hoogenakker, who was sincere and incredibly nuanced in his responses to our questions about the series.

We could have chatted with him all day. Enjoy this thoughtful conversation with the delightful Hoogenakker.

Why did you feel it important to show Clive's...

Exclusive: Waco: The Aftermath has proved to be a streaming win for Showtime.

The series, which premiered on April 16, has become the third most-streamed Showtime original debut to date, behind only Dexter: New Blood and Yellowjackets. With 1M viewers, Waco: The Aftermath has doubled its audience since opening weekend, according to Showtime.

Yellowjackets recently beat out Dexter: New Blood to become the most-streamed Showtime original debut ever with the premiere of Season 2, which was watched by nearly 2M people across platforms. Showtime doesn’t generally provide specific viewership numbers or break them down by platform.

The Season 2 premiere episode of Yellowjackets has now nearly tripled that original audience, with 5.5M viewers. There has also been a 65% gain in streaming for the Season 1 premiere episode since the second installment debuted.

According to Showtime, the streaming viewership for Season 2 sees double-digit growth each week.

Season 1, which earned a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and received seven Emmy nominations,...

In her role as Waystar exec Gerri Kellman in “Succession”, J. Smith-Cameron has a somewhat twisted relationship with Roman Roy, played by Kieran Culkin.

In addition to “Succession”, Smith-Cameron is also starring in Netflix series “Waco: The Aftermath”, about the events leading up to the deadly standoff between federal authorities and Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh.

“We had a fabulous premiere last week,” Smith-Cameron wrote on Twitter, accompanying a photo of herself and the cast.

Read More: Kieran Culkin Kisses ‘Succession’ Co-Star J. Smith-Cameron After Cast’s 2022 SAG Awards Win

She then added a followup, featuring herself posing with her co-star’s brother, actor Rory Culkin, who was part of the cast of the 2018 miniseries “Waco”.

“And who i invited to it.”

And who i invited to it pic.twitter.com/nAJAFMLGzg

— J. Smith-Cameron (@j_smithcameron) April 16, 2023...

This April 19 marks the 30th anniversary of the violent end of the siege of the religious sect, the Branch Davidians lead by David Koresh. Eighty people died in the fire set in their compound outside of Waco by members of the cult after law enforcement had attempted to flush them out by introducing tear gas. The standoff had begun 51 days earlier when Koresh and members of this sect ambushed Atf agents who had arrived at the complex to executed federal warrants on charges of illegal manufacture and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Four Atf agents were killed along with six members of the sect.

Showtime is looking back at the with a new limited series “Waco: The Aftermath.” The five-part sequel to the 2018 miniseries “Waco,”examines the trials of the surviving members of the Branch Davidians and concludes two years later with the Oklahoma City bombing. Several members...

Showtime released a miniseries called “Waco” in 2018 that shows, in rather gruesome detail, the exact events that occurred on the plains of Waco, Texas, in February 1993, when the FBI clashed with a religious group that identified itself as Branch Davidians. At the head of the group was the self-proclaimed prophet David Koresh (Taylor Kitsch), who was a charismatic leader capable of making his congregation follow him into war. However, he was also a very horrible person, not above crimes like child abuse and statutory rape, even though the women of the compound were glad to be Koresh’s partners. When the Atf learned that the Davidians were illegally stockpiling guns and that polygamy was being practiced inside their compound at Mt. Carmel, they began a siege of the area that ended on the 51st day with an all-out war, nay, the slaughter of the Davidians. Ahead of the “Waco: Aftermath” release,...

A new drama series debuts on Showtime this weekend, offering a look into the 1993 events, as well as what came before and after. “Waco: The Aftermath” features five episodes, providing more details about this tragedy and how they have continued to impact the United States today. “Waco: The Aftermath” is both a prequel and sequel to the previously released series titled “Waco.” Don’t miss the series premiere on Showtime on Sunday, April 14 at 10 p.m. You can watch Waco: The Aftermath with a subscription to Sling TV. You can watch Waco: The Aftermath with a 7-Day Free Trial of Showtime. You can also watch with Directv Stream, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.

How to Watch ‘Waco: The Aftermath’ Premiere When: Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 10:00 Pm Edt Where: Showtime, Showtime Stream: Watch with a subscription to Sling TV and 7-Day Free Trial of Showtime. Get 50% Off$40+ / month sling.

There is something that is persistently strange about the very existence of Waco: The Aftermath. The sequel to 2018’s Waco, a dramatization that ended up being engaging enough as a harrowing thriller though abundantly superficial as a retelling of history, never makes a strong enough case for its existence over the course of its five episodes. Telling what are essentially three different stories in the aftermath of the real 1993 standoff, it stretches history far beyond its breaking point when it should have stayed a miniseries. In doing so, even with a talented cast that includes a returning Michael Shannon, it never comes together into anything substantive despite increasingly misguided attempts to grasp for something more. Even those that were taken in by the first season will find that there is a near-complete lack of focus in this forced follow-up that fails to justify its narrative extension.

Thirty years after the deadly standoff between federal law enforcement and the Branch Davidian sect in Waco, Texas, even the most fundamental facts of the tragedy remain contested. Both sides insist the other initiated the initial volley of gunfire that killed four agents and six sectarians. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms insists David Koresh and his followers later set fire to their compound, killing another 48 adults and 28 children in an act of mass suicide. The surviving Branch Davidians maintain that the FBI was the aggressor, and the deadly fire resulted from the Atf’s decision to deploy stun grenades and tear gas.

The decades since have created only tighter knots of recrimination. But you might not get that impression from watching “Waco,” the 2018 Paramount Network miniseries about the nearly eight-week standoff and that fatal inferno. In the hands of brothers John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, who wrote...

Plot: This topical series focuses on the fallout of the Waco disaster: the trials of the surviving members of the Brand Davidian sect, which forces them to explore their own complicity in supporting a young Vernon Howell’s ascent to become their prophet David Koresh; the birth of the militia movement and more specifically a critical look at what happens when a marginalized population, disenfranchised by the federal government gives rise to homegrown terrorist, Timothy McVeigh.

Review: Back in 2018, Showtime’s six-episode series Waco recreated the tragic siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Texas by the FBI. With a stellar cast led by Michael Shannon as FBI negotiator Gary Noesner and Taylor Kitsch as Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh, Waco was met with positive yet mixed reviews. Many felt the workmanlike drama was too sympathetic towards Koresh and his followers but praised Kitsch’s performance and that of the ensemble cast.

Amazon is developing a series version of the Philip K. Dick novel “Clans of the Alphane Moon,” Variety has learned exclusively.

The project is being developed under Electric Shepherd Productions and Patrick Moran’s first look deals with Amazon Studios. Moran, via Patrick Moran Productions, is executive producing the project along with John Leguizamo, as well as as Isa Dick Hakcett, the CEO of Electric Shepherd. Bradley Kaplan will also executive produce.

“Clans of the Alphane Moon” is described as a “a subversive, genre-bending, sci-fi comedy about desperately trying to escape, and ultimately having to embrace our flaws, told through the prism of a Latinx family en route to a new, faraway moon.”

Should the project go forward, it would be the latest project based on Dick’s works at Amazon. The streamer previously aired the anthology series “Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams” as well as the alternative history...

Image Source: Getty / Jamie McCarthy

Kieran Culkin is opening up about growing up with his massive and famous family in New York City. Kieran, who stars as Roman Roy on "Succession," is one of seven kids shared by Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup. The pair never married, though their split in the 1990s and ensuing custody battle became tabloid fodder because Kieran's brother Macaulay had become very famous after starring in 1990's "Home Alone" franchise. Kieran revealed in an interview with Esquire published March 27 that his dad - an actor himself - had all seven try to be actors, though only Macaulay (who his siblings call Mack), Kieran, and Rory pursued it seriously.

The family grew up in the Yorkville section of Manhattan, and Kieran says that even though he was just a kid himself, he felt bad for the way fame affected Macaulay's life. "Poor f*cking guy," he told Esquire of his brother.

Trigger warning! This article contains discussions of real-world murder and death, including young children.

Warning: Contains Spoilers for Waco: American Apocalypse

Waco: American Apocalypse details the brutal siege of the Branch Davidian compound and its leader David Koresh, but the documentary missed some key pieces of information. The siege became known as the Waco siege, located a few miles from Waco, Texas, during which 80 people died. Waco: American Apocalypse provides a comprehensive overview of the events, but has missed some essential details regarding the Branch Davidian's origins, their beliefs, and what really happened at Mount Carmel, Waco.

The documentary from Netflix details the final days of David Koresh and his fanatical religious cult, the Branch Davidians, during the infamous Waco siege. The Waco siege was an attempt to arrest Koresh, along with a selection of his followers, for stockpiling and illegally altering weapons. It began on 28 February 1993 and lasted 51 days,...

Contains mention of abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and real life violence.

Unlike some other survivors, Kathy Schroeder admits in the documentary Waco: American Apocalypse that she doesn't believe David Koresh was a bad guy. Schroeder joined the cult as a married adult with her husband and two children. While survivors like Heather Jones were born into Koresh's cult, Schroeder chose to join because of her belief in Koresh's message. One of the reasons the police were persuing Koresh was for sleeping with minors. In the Waco documentary, Schroeder said she doesn't believe Koresh was wrong because, as she reasons, girls come of age around 12 years old. Schroeder also compared having sex with Koresh, despite being married, to bible study.

Unfortunately, Schroeder's husband was killed during the FBI siege. While she made it out alive, she initially contemplated taking her own life as Koresh ordered her to throw a grenade...

The following article contains mention of abuse and real life violence.

Heather Jones appears in the Netflix miniseries Waco: American Apocalypse showcasing the controversial 1993 Waco Siege, but has since made a new life for herself. Jones was raised by her parents at the Branch Davidians compound of Mt. Carmel Center. Unfortunately, when her mother left, leader David Koresh would no longer let Heather see her father and became her sole guardian. Jones says the girls in the cult would sit around and talk about marrying Koresh when they were older and that he was very affectionate toward the young girls. Jones thinks many would consider Koresh's actions with the young girls as grooming.

However, Jones had a different experience with Koresh. She did not receive any love or affection from the leader. Instead, he was severely abusive toward her. Jones tells a story of how he would physically strike her...