News

Organized by Italy’s Audiovisual Producers Association (APA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Siae (the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers), the Italian Global Series Festival (Igsf) is designed to welcome international productions and talent while establishing globally oriented frameworks for the domestic industry.

The initiative marks a major step forward for the Italian television sector, building on the momentum generated since the last edition of RomaFictionFest in 2016.

“Italy has finally moved beyond viewing television as cinema’s poor cousin,” says Chiara Sbarigia, president of both APA and Cinecittà. “The quality of our series deserves cultural recognition, which is why the Igsf has been reborn. The festival will play a crucial role in putting Italian TV production in the global spotlight.”

To that end, the inaugural edition will feature two competitive tracks: international productions will vie for jury-awarded prizes across comedy, drama, and limited series categories, while...

Italian director Francesca Archibugi will direct sex-trafficking drama “Illusion” toplining Jasmine Trinca as an intrepid magistrate investigating a prostitution ring with links to the European parliament and Michele Riondino (“Young Montalbano”) as a psychologist.

Shooting is set to start next month in central Italy on the roughly $8 million film that will reunite Archibugi with Trinca who played the lead in the director’s feminist fascist-era saga “La Storia” that was Italy’s biggest TV event of 2023. Italy’s Fandango is co-producing “Illusion” with Rai Cinema and Belgium’s Tarantula.

Fandango sales is launching pre-sales on “Illusion” at the European Film Market.

Trinca (pictured) is an A-list Italian actor who was on the Cannes jury in 2023. In “Illusion” she will play judge Cristina Camponeschi who pursues a prostitution ring with ties to Eastern Europe and to the European Parliament. The investigation kicks off after a 16-year-old named Rosa Lazar “dressed like a Dior supermodel,...

The challenge of crafting a list of the best performances of the year never lies in thinking of people who deserve to be on it. It’s always, always in agonizing over which ones to include in the limited slots we have.

That is why, as usual, we’ve restricted ourselves here to shows that aren’t on either of our individual top 10 lists or on our list of favorite episodes (and why we further kept our ourselves to only one actor per show). It’s not that we don’t know how good Andrew Scott on Ripley or Jessica Gunning on Baby Reindeer or the entire casts of Shogun and Somebody Somewhere and My Brilliant Friend are. We do! We just really want to spread the love when we can, given the sheer amount of excellence on display during the past 12 months.

… And even then, if we’re being honest,...

Exclusive: Fans of Israeli TV were handed an early Chanukah gift on Wednesday when broadcaster Yes and Fremantle revealed they had cooked up a prequel to hit drama series Shtisel.

Just as crucial a cog in the Kugel machine is Izzy, an Israeli streaming platform that has taken rights to the prequel and will air the show from early next year outside of Israel.

“Everyone wanted to keep this brand alive,” said Nati Dinnar, an Israeli TV vet who founded Izzy in 2020 and has since landed global rights to both Kugel and Shtisel.

Kugel has already launched locally on Yes and yet the majority of its global fanbase and industry only learned of its existence 48 hours ago. Set several years earlier than Shtisel, Kugel moves to Antwerp, Belgium, where Shulem Shtisel’s brother Nuchem and his daughter Libi are making their way in life, with plenty bumps along the way.

Italian producer Mario Gianani has revealed his pleasure at reuniting with Lorenzo Mieli in their new Rome-based company Our Films in a talk on his career at the Les Arcs Film Festival in the French Alps.

Gianani was at Les Arcs with actor-director Paola Cortellesi, who received the festival’s’ Prix des Femmes and attended a screening of her Italian 2023 box office hit There’s Still Tomorrow.

The movie, which has grossed $50M worldwide ($40M of which was at home), is Gianani’s most successful production at the box office in a career spanning more than 85 film and TV credits which also include HBO hit drama My Brilliant Friend and EPing Conclave.

The Les Arcs talk was one of Gianani’s first international appearances since officially announcing in August that he was jumping ship from Fremantle-owned Wildside to set up new Rome-based company Our Films with long-time collaborator Lorenzo Mieli and...

Daniel Fienberg’s Top 10

With the entire entertainment industry in a worrisome lull in the aftermath of years interrupted by Covid and the dual guild strikes, much of the conversation about television in 2024 focused on brands and IP, familiar titles presented to viewers with all of the strategy of an inebriated gnu playing darts.

Did we need TV shows ostensibly based on Dune and The Batman but really emulating Game of Thrones and The Sopranos? Maybe!

Did we need a college-set version of Cruel Intentions comparing fraternity and sorority life to fascism? Nah.

Did we need a new version of Matlock built around the twist that it wasn’t really a new version of Matlock at all? Huh. We did!

It turned out, though, that 2024 might be better remembered as the year that put the “intellectual” back in “intellectual property,” as creators went back to the most venerable source material of all: books!

Alba Rohrwacher made a point to step out of Angelina Jolie’s shadow with her role in Maria.

The 45-year-old Italian actress stars opposite the Oscar winner in filmmaker Pablo Larraín‘s biopic as Maria Callas’ housekeeper Bruna Lupoli. And while Rohrwacher says she already knew plenty about the renowned opera singer “because we are Italian,” it was the woman in Maria’s shadow in all the images she found while researching Bruna that captured her attention.

“I started to discover this incredible, tiny, elegant woman, which was Bruna Lupoli,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter. “What I could find about her was only the things that the other people say about her. And so I slowly built an idea and I started to discover her in all the images of Maria Callas and say, ‘Who is this woman behind her trying to hide herself?'”

So Rohrwacher took her fascination with Bruno,...

Television nominees for the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards were announced on Thursday, and FX’s acclaimed drama Shōgun led the pack with six total nominations.

Shōgun was one of eight shows to earn a nod in the Best Drama Series category, while cast members Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira and Moeka Hoshi all picked up nominations for their work, as well.

More from TVLineShōgun, Baby Reindeer and English Teacher Lead Spirit Awards TV Nominations - Agatha, Diarra Also Score Multiple NodsBillboard Music Awards: Taylor Swift and Drake to Vie for Most Wins EverConan O'Brien to Host...

“I did things, Stephen, and I don’t even know what I think about them.”

This is Dolours Price, in a later episode of the new FX/Hulu miniseries Say Nothing. Dolours (played as a young woman by Lola Petticrew, and as an older one by Maxine Peak) has spent much of her life fighting on behalf of liberating Northern Ireland from British control. Her methods have often been violent, including the 1973 car bombing of London’s Old Bailey courthouse. And she has often been called upon to drive traitors...

The HBO adaptation wrapped its four-season run up this week, but there’s plenty of other shows to watch next.

Six years, four seasons, and four novels later, HBO’s “My Brilliant Friend,” its adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan series, has come to its bittersweet end. The sprawling story follows lifelong friends Elena and Lila (played by eight actors collectively across the four-season run) throughout their 60-plus-year friendship as the elderly Elena recounts their lives together when Lila disappears.

Tackling female friendship and intimacy, class, gender, work, love, motherhood, and political clashes, “My Brilliant Friend” has been in a league of its own since its 2018 debut. While you can return to the epic at any time on Max, if you’re looking for similar stories in tone and scope, check out The Streamable’s recommendations for what to watch next!

My Brilliant Friend November 27, 2018

When the most important friend...

My Brilliant Friend's ending closes the gut-wrenching chapter of Elena (Alba Rohrwacher) and Lila's (Irene Maiorino) friendship in the most impactful way possible. 

HBO's drama series has had its fair share of ups and downs through four seasons, navigating the intertwined lives of two women who started as best friends before becoming strangers who have shown some form of resentment toward the other. 

Despite that, they always find their way back to each other. 

Read full article on The Direct.

My Brilliant Friend Season 4 reveals the ramifications of Tina's (Maria Vittoria Miorin) disappearance from Lila's life. 

The final season of the Italian drama HBO series mainly revolves around Elena and Lila's friendship as they navigate their ups and downs through the years. 

A huge chunk of Season 4's story focuses on Lila's mental breakdown mainly focused on how and why her daughter, Tina, vanished. 

Read full article on The Direct.

This weekly feature is in addition to TVLine’s daily What to Watch listings and our monthly breakdown of What’s on Streaming.

With over 500 scripted shows now airing across broadcast, cable and streaming, it’s easy to forget that a favorite comedy is returning, or that the new “prestige drama” you anticipated is about to debut. So consider this our reminder to set your DVR, order a Season Pass, pop a fresh Memorex into the Vcr… however it is you roll.

More from TVLineChristmas Time Is Here! Your Guide to 90+ Holiday Movies on Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix and More in...

The final chapter of HBO’s My Brilliant Friend, adapted from Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, arrives with “Restitution,” airing Monday, November 11. This series finale is expected to bring a complicated mix of emotions for longtime viewers as it attempts to wrap up the decades-spanning story of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo. Picking up after Pasquale […]

My Brilliant Friend: Restitution...

Over the course of its four-season run, HBO’s My Brilliant Friend has featured gangland killings, sexual assaults, attacks by political revolutionaries, and other forms of violence. Yet time and again, the Italian drama series, based on Elena Ferrante’s quartet of Neapolitan novels, finds itself at its most savage, and powerful, in conversations between its two central characters, Elena and Lila.

Elena (played at various ages by Elisa Del Genio, Margherita Mazzucco, and most recently Alba Rohrwacher) and Lila (played by Ludovica Nasti, Gaia Girace, and now Irene Maiorino...

When director Paolo Sorrentino’s hit series The Young Pope debuted in 2016, it took the Vatican a year to grudgingly bless his imagined and occasionally blasphemous portrayal of the pope. Not so for Sorrentino’s latest film Parthenope, which has gotten an early thumbs-down from Italy’s Catholic Church.

That has only seemed to pique interest in the film, driving it to the top of the box office here for Italian films since its release in theaters last month.

Set in Sorrentino’s native Naples, the film is a lush meditation on beauty, love and death, drawn from the Greek myth of the siren Parthenope, who throws herself into the sea after she fails to entice Odysseus with her song. Parthenope is closely affiliated with Naples, such that the city is sometimes called “Partenope” and its people “Partenopei” in Italian.

The film is by no means about the church, but toward the end,...

My Brilliant Friend is coming to an end.

The HBO series is airing its fourth and final season right now on Mondays at 9–10 p.m. Et on the network.

Based on the best-selling novels by Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend follows Elena Greco (Margherita Mazzucco) and Raffaella “Lila” Cerullo (Gaia Girace). Their story covers over 60 years, exploring the mystery of Lila — Elena’s brilliant best friend and worst enemy.

Season 4 delves into the adult lives of Elena and Lila, who find themselves entangled in the turmoil of Italy in the late 1980s. Amid motherhood, career demands, betrayals, threats, disappearances, and natural disasters, the two lifelong friends once again reside in the same neighborhood.

Fans are curious whether the show might be extending past Season 4, but we already know the answer.

Keep reading to find out more…

HBO is not renewing My Brilliant Friend for Season 5, and there’s a reason.

The upcoming episode of “My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child,” titled “Episode 10,” promises to be a gripping continuation of Elena and Lila’s journey. Set against the backdrop of Italy in the late 1980s, this episode will explore the complexities of a nation on the brink of change. As political violence and social unrest sweep through the country, the two friends find themselves deeply entangled in the chaos surrounding them.

Elena and Lila have always shared a unique bond, but the pressures of their environment are about to test that connection. With the backdrop of a society in turmoil, viewers can expect to see how the events of the time influence their lives and decisions. This period in Italy is marked by uncertainty, and the emotional stakes for both characters are higher than ever.

As the episode unfolds, the challenges faced by Elena and Lila will not only...

In this week’s penultimate episode of My Brilliant Friend, someone pulls a disappearing act, and it’s not a magician on a Neapolitan street corner. This time, the vanishing of a prominent figure sends shockwaves through the community, igniting suspicion and fueling simmering tensions. The Solaras, never ones to shy away from the spotlight, insert themselves […]

My Brilliant Friend: The Disappearance – Vanishing Act in Naples...

On Monday October 28 2024, HBO broadcasts My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child!

Season 4 Episode 8 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child,” titled “408,” is set to air soon on HBO. This episode carries a Tvma rating, indicating it may contain content that is intended for mature audiences. Fans of the series can expect a blend of emotional depth and intricate storytelling that has become a hallmark of the show.

In this episode, viewers will likely see the continuing journey of the two central characters, Elena and Lila. Their friendship has faced many challenges, and the tension between them is expected to rise as they navigate personal struggles and societal pressures. The series has done an excellent job of portraying the complexities of their relationship, and this episode promises to delve deeper into their lives.

As the narrative unfolds, themes of love, betrayal, and...

The upcoming episode of “My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child,” titled “Episode 9,” promises to take viewers on a gripping journey through late 1980s Italy. As the series continues to explore the deep bond between Elena and Lila, this episode finds them caught in the midst of a country grappling with political violence and social upheaval. The backdrop of Italy’s struggles adds a layer of complexity to their already tumultuous lives.

Elena and Lila, who have faced countless challenges together, now navigate a world that is shifting beneath their feet. The tensions of the time will likely impact their friendship and personal decisions. With the weight of history pressing down on them, viewers can expect to see how these events shape their identities and futures.

As the clock ticks toward 10:00 Pm on November 4, 2024, HBO will air this pivotal episode, setting the stage for intense drama and emotional depth.

This week on My Brilliant Friend, Elena (Margherita Mazzucco) uncovers a troubling development: Carmen (Lucia D’Ambra) has been coerced into suing her for slander. In response, Elena and Lila (Gaia Girace) join forces to expose the Solara family’s shady dealings. They’re determined to bring the Solara brothers down, but soon realize their exposé might not […]

My Brilliant Friend: The Investigation...

The 10th edition of Rome’s Mia film and TV market unfolded last week against the backdrop of the 17th-century Barberini Palace in the heart of the Italian capital.

A co-production and sales market as well as a conference programme and content showcase, Mia attracted 2,800 executives from 60 countries for this year’s edition.

Screen captures the interesting talking points among delegates here, including a desire for international distributors to move with the times, appreciation of how US filmmakers are finding niche audiences, and a call for production budgets to come down to attract those elusive investors.

Buyers looking for feelgood...

Since taking over as director of Rai Fiction, the drama section of Italy’s public broadcaster, in 2020, Ammirati has helped Rai get its fiction groove back.

Drawing on her creative expertise as a TV writer, Ammirati has broken new ground with series like the award-winning My Brilliant Friend, the teen drama phenomenon The Sea Beyond and The Count of Monte Cristo, an English-language take on the Alexandre Dumas revenge classic. Well-capitalized global streamers entering the Italian market have forced everyone to raise their game, says Ammirati, but “on the downside, we have experienced a growth in costs… It is a difficult road, but the results have shown that we can make a virtue out of necessity.”

One of THR‘s 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV, Ammirati shared her secrets for revitalizing a public broadcaster in this age of disruption.

What was your first job in the business?

I started...

As THR unveils its annual list of the most powerful women in international television, the global industry finds itself at a crossroads. It’s been a rough year. Layoffs at nearly every studio and major production company have highlighted the overall contraction in the market and signal a broad shift in priorities away from growth at all costs to a laser focus on the bottom line. Against this backdrop, the executives on this list have had to find ways to do more with less, to restructure their business operations, question long-established practices, and create new ways forward — all without abandoning the core principles of equity and inclusion that got them this far.

As the global entertainment industry continues to evolve, the leadership of these powerful women, and their vision, will be crucial in shaping its future. Jane Turton, CEO of production juggernaut All3Media, has this advice for young women entering the business: “Be yourself.

On Monday, October 21, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, HBO presents a gripping new episode of “My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child,” titled “407.” This episode continues the emotional and complex journey of the two lifelong friends, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives. Set against the backdrop of post-war Italy, viewers will witness the evolving dynamics of their friendship and the impact of personal choices on their futures.

As the story unfolds, viewers can expect to see deeper explorations of themes such as identity, love, and betrayal. The characters face pivotal moments that will shape their paths and challenge their loyalties. The tension builds as their relationships become increasingly complicated, revealing the bittersweet nature of growing up and the difficult choices that accompany it.

With its rich storytelling and vibrant cinematography, this episode promises to captivate audiences and draw them further into the world of Elena and Lila.

On Monday’s sixth episode of this fourth season of My Brilliant Friend, Lila (Irene Maiorino) goes into labor while Alfonso confides in Elena. They visit Immacolata at the clinic, and during this emotional time, Elena (Alba Rohrwacher) faces another personal blow involving Nino. Stunned by his actions once again, Elena decides to refocus her energy […]

My Brilliant Friend: The Cheat...

On Monday, October 14, 2024, My Brilliant Friend returns with Season 4, Episode 6, airing at 9:00 Pm on HBO. This critically acclaimed series continues to capture the complexities of friendship, love, and ambition against the backdrop of 20th-century Italy. With a TV-ma rating, viewers can expect mature themes and emotional depth as the story unfolds.

In this episode, the lives of Lila and Elena become even more intertwined as they navigate the challenges that come with growing older. The series masterfully portrays their evolving friendship, filled with moments of joy, tension, and rivalry. Fans can look forward to seeing how their choices shape not only their futures but also their bond with one another.

As always, the stunning cinematography and rich storytelling promise to engage audiences, offering a glimpse into the characters’ personal struggles and triumphs. My Brilliant Friend remains a powerful exploration of the intricacies of female friendship, making Episode 6 a must-watch...

In the fifth episode of My Brilliant Friend’s final season, titled “The Fracture,” Elena gives birth to a daughter, Imma. Lila, in a thoughtful gesture, brings Elena’s mother to visit the newborn baby. However, the joyful occasion takes an unexpected turn when Immacolata suddenly collapses, leading to a rushed trip to the hospital with Nino […]

My Brilliant Friend: The Fracture...

The Rome Film Festival has revealed its meetings programme for its 2024 edition, which will include masterclasses with actor and director Viggo Mortensen, writer Dennis Lehane and actress Chiara Mastroianni.

Mortensen is in Rome to present his second film as a director, The Dead Don’t Hurt, and will talk about the experience of making it and also about his career.

Lehane has written many novels adapted for the screen, among them Clint Eastwood’s Mystic River, Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island, and Ben Affleck’s Gone, Baby, Gone and Live by Night.

Chiara Mastroianni is a guest of the festival for...

On Monday September 30 2024, HBO broadcasts My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child!

Season 4 Episode 4 Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child,” viewers will delve into the lives of Elena and Lila as they navigate the chaotic landscape of Italy in the late 1980s. This period is marked by significant political violence and social upheaval, creating a backdrop that deeply influences the characters and their relationships. As the story unfolds, the challenges of this tumultuous time will put their friendship to the test.

Elena and Lila’s bond has always been complex, but as they confront the realities of their environment, new tensions arise. The political unrest in Italy not only affects their personal lives but also forces them to reckon with their identities and aspirations. This episode promises to explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the search for stability amid uncertainty.

On Monday, October 7th, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child returns with its highly anticipated Season 4, Episode 5. This episode, rated Tvma, continues to delve into the complex and emotional journey of its two main characters, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives.

As the story unfolds, viewers can expect to witness the deepening of their friendship and the strains that come with it. The rich backdrop of Naples, combined with the intricacies of their personal struggles, adds layers to the narrative, making it a compelling watch for fans of the series. This season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with each episode revealing more about their pasts and the choices that shape their futures.

The exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and ambition promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With powerful performances and a gripping storyline,...

In the fourth episode of the final season of My Brilliant Friend, Elena (Alba Rohrwacher) and Lila (Irene Maiorino) spend a day together in the neighborhood. Elena notices the respect Lila has earned from those around them, as well as the danger brought about by Marcello’s (Lino Musella) drug-running operation. Suddenly, an earthquake strikes, forcing […]

My Brilliant Friend: The Earthquake...

Angelina Jolie is opera icon Maria Callas in the first trailer for “Maria,” Pablo Larraín’s latest biopic. Netflix has debuted the first trailer for the acclaimed film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received an eight-minute standing ovation, launching Jolie and the feature into the awards race.

The actor plays the American-born Greek soprano Callas, who died from a heart attack at the age of 53. As suggested by the time-spanning trailer, “Maria” will cover the life story of the singer. Along with Jolie, the cast also includes Valeria Golino (“Rain Man”), Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”), Haluk Bilginer (“Winter Sleep), Alba Rohrwacher (“My Brilliant Friend”), Pierfrancesco Favino (“World War Z”), Jeremy Wheeler (“The Crown”) and Rebecka Johnston (“Midsommar”).

“Maria” is directed by Pablo Larraín (“El Conde”) and written by “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. The pair previously teamed up on “Spencer,” the Princess Diana feature...

Revered Italian auteur Marco Bellocchio is back behind the camera producing and shooting “Portobello,” a TV series reconstructing one of Italy’s most clamorous travesties of justice.

The show marks the first project out of the gate hailing from Our Films, the new shingle headed by prominent producer duo Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli best known for shepherding “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend.”

The “Portobello” series is lead-produced by Our Films with Bellocchio’s Kavac Film headed by producer Simone Gattoni. It is an Arte France co-production also in collaboration with Fremantle’s The Apartment Pictures. “Portobello” is written by Marco Bellocchio with Stefano Bises (“Gomorrah”), Giordana Mari (“My Love”) and Peppe Fiore (“The King”).

The six-episode Bellocchio series will delve into the true story of popular Italian TV host Enzo Tortora who, among other programs, conducted a primetime game show titled “Portobello” that aired on Italian state...

LeBron James’ and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company shingle has struck a partnership with European indie studio Mediawan with an eye toward bolstering both companies’ presence in their respective territories. Under terms of the deal, Mediawan and SpringHill Co. will develop and co-produce original film and TV projects.

The alliance with SpringHill Co. gives Mediawan another entry point into the U.S. market alongside Plan B (of which it acquired a majority stake in 2022). The Paris-headquartered television and film production group is backed by Kkr and was founded in 2015 by producer Pierre-Antoine Capton, telco billionaire Xavier Niel and financier Matthieu Pigasse.

Going forward, SpringHill Co. and Mediawan also plan to collaborate on adapting their intellectual properties, including on a local basis, and look at potential new international distribution. The partnership already has several projects in the works — including the basketball-themed “Weekend Warriors,” which will be produced by SpringHill Co.

When we first meet Nino Sarratore in the HBO adaptation of “My Brilliant Friend,” based on the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, he’s a young child at a wake for the dead husband of his father, Donato Sarratore’s (Emanuele Valenti) mistress, Melina (Pina Di Gennaro). While it’s clearly not the first time that our narrator, Elena Greco, has met the slightly older Nino, what’s important is that six-year-old Elena is already secretly in love with him. Later, when teenage Elena (Margherita Mazzucco) sees Nino (Francesco Serpico) at high school with his perfectly floppy hair, glasses on his adorable face while smoking a cigarette, she drops a sandwich on the ground at first glance. Her lust for him is palpable. How many of us haven’t felt that feeling for someone we would later learn is a nightmare?

As Elena narrates her life through the lens of...

In the third episode “Compromises,” of the fourth and final season of My Brilliant Friend, Elena takes a trip down memory lane as she visits her old neighborhood after many years. She attempts to bury the hatchet with Immacolata and learns about her mother’s health issues. The story then shifts to Elena’s return from New […]

My Brilliant Friend: Compromises...

On Monday, September 30, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, HBO will present a compelling new episode of “My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child.” In Season 4, Episode 4, viewers will once again be drawn into the lives of Elena and Lila as they navigate the complex and turbulent landscape of Italy in the late 1980s. This period is marked by significant political violence and social unrest, creating a backdrop that profoundly influences their lives and choices.

As the world around them shifts, Elena and Lila grapple with their personal struggles and ambitions. The friendship between these two strong women becomes increasingly intertwined with the chaos of their environment, highlighting how external factors can impact individual lives. Audiences will witness the challenges they face, from societal expectations to their own aspirations, as they try to carve out a place for themselves amid the turmoil.

This episode promises rich storytelling and emotional depth, showcasing the...

The start of the broadcast television season also marks the return of my favorite broadcast television archetype, the antisocial genius who solves crimes/medical mysteries/legal quandaries by alternatingly squinting or staring off into the middle distance.

We know the best shows in this genre when we see them — let’s see how many times I can reference House in this review — and the worst tend to be so instantly interchangeable that even those who’ve dutifully watched six or 12 episodes might not be able to tell one from the other.

NBC’s new hospital procedural Brilliant Minds is far from that bottom tier. Yet the network is already going out of its way to cause the series to descend into the miasma, rather than achieve clarity as the watchably unremarkable thing that it is.

It all starts with the title, which isn’t to be confused with the Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind,...

“Hey Joe,” a drama in which James Franco plays a U.S. Navy sailor stationed in post-World War II Naples, will world premiere at the Rome Film Festival next month.

The gritty film, directed by Claudio Giovannesi, is produced by Italy’s Palomar in tandem with Rai Cinema and Vision Distribution, which will release the film in Italy. Vision Distribution International is handling international sales.

In “Hey Joe,” Franco plays Dean Barry, an American sailor who in 1944, at age 23, disembarks in war-torn Naples. He falls in love with a young, very poor, local woman named Lucia. A couple of years later, Dean is forced to leave Lucia, alone and pregnant, to go back to New Jersey. He eventually returns to Naples to find the woman and her son, Enzo — but the city has changed a lot and Dean must navigate these challenges leading up to a surprise finale. Franco speaks both...

Oh my goodness, I feel like we haven't gotten an exciting week like this in a long time! There's so many new shows to stream this week, Sept. 16 - Sept. 20, 2024. Lots of series' are either debuting, or there's new seasons as well. Some of these include American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez on FX and Hulu, Agatha All Along on Disney+, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, and so much more. Check out the full list below:

My Brilliant Friend season 4 episode 2 - Sept. 16 on MaxAmerican Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez - Sept. 17 on FX and HuluAgatha All Along - Sept. 18 on Disney+The Circle season 7 - Sept. 18 on NetflixThe Penguin - Sept. 19 on HBO and MaxFrasier season 2 - Sept. 19 on Paramount+A Very Royal Scandal - Sept. 19 on Prime VideoMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story - Sept. 19 on NetflixThe Old Man season 2 episode 2 - Sept. 19 on...

On September 23, 2024, My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child returns for Season 4, Episode 3, airing at 9:00 Pm on HBO. This gripping episode plunges viewers into the turbulent backdrop of Italy in the late 1980s, as Elena and Lila navigate the complexities of a society on the brink of change.

As decades of political violence and social unrest come to a head, Elena and Lila find themselves caught in a web of challenges that test their friendship and resolve. The turmoil around them serves as a catalyst for personal growth, forcing them to confront their pasts and their aspirations for the future. The rich storytelling continues to highlight the deep bond between the two women, showcasing their struggles and triumphs amid a rapidly evolving landscape.

Fans of the series can expect powerful performances, emotional depth, and a vivid portrayal of a pivotal moment in Italian history. This episode promises to...

In the second episode of My Brilliant Friend’s fourth season, Elena struggles with forgiveness. Betrayed by Nino, she relocates to Milan with Dede and Elsa, finding refuge with Mariarosa and Franco. However, a tragic event occurs, leading Elena to make a decision that brings her closer to Nino once again. Elena, now elderly, reflects on […]

My Brilliant Friend: The Dispersion...

HBO is well known for being a reliable source of prestige television, with new and returning series releasing in 2024. HBO's 2023 lineup saw the conclusion of some of their best and most popular shows. Succession and Barry both ended in their fourth seasons. His Dark Materials concluded after season 3 while Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty returned for season 2 but was not renewed for a third. Lastly, The Idol was incredibly divisive and concluded after only one season.

The most popular HBO shows, such as The Sopranos and The Wire, highlight the legacy the network has created. That said, 2024 will see fewer shows released following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. For example, shows like Euphoria, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us are confirmed to be delayed until 2025. Luckily, there's still plenty of great TV coming up on HBO.

HBO/Max series

2024 Release Date

True Detective (Season 4)

Premiered...

September 2024 really got off to a great start when it comes to new shows and seasons coming out on streaming. There's such a wide variety, which is so exciting for us TV lovers. Some of our favorites from the month so far include Tell Me Lies season 2, Slow Horses season 4, and The Perfect Couple.

But, there's still plenty more to come! This past week, there was a number of debuts and the month still isn't over. We have a lot to look forward to. Though let's take it one week at a time. re you looking for something to watch this weekend? We've got your back! Be sure to check out Tulsa King season 2 and 6 other shows on streaming the next couple of days off, Sept. 14-15, 2024. Check out the full list below:

My Brilliant Friend season 4 on Max - final season premiered Sept. 9The Circle season 7 on Netflix - premiered Sept.

My Brilliant Friend Season 4 adds stellar newcomers to its cast, such as Alba Rohrwacher, Irene Maiorino, and Fabrizio Gifuni.

Season 4 of Max's hit Italian drama series is based on Elena Ferrante's novel, The Story of the Lost Child, which chronicles the friendship of Elena and Lila as they endure gut-wrenching twists and turns in their marriage, career, and family. 

My Brilliant Friend Season 4 premiered on HBO and Max on September 9.

Read full article on The Direct.

“My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child” returns for Season 4 with Episode 2 on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 9:00 Pm on HBO. This episode promises to dive deeper into the lives of Elena and Lila as they navigate the turbulent landscape of Italy in the late 1980s. With the backdrop of political violence and social unrest, the two friends find themselves facing challenges that test their bond and beliefs.

As the story unfolds, viewers will witness the impact of societal changes on Elena and Lila’s lives. The political climate of the time adds layers of complexity to their relationship, forcing them to confront their past decisions and future aspirations. The struggles of their community resonate with their personal journeys, illustrating the powerful connection between the personal and the political.

With rich storytelling and vivid character development, this episode invites audiences to explore the intricate dynamics of friendship against a backdrop of historical upheaval.

If you've been a fan of Italian series My Brilliant Friend, you'll definitely want to tune in to the fourth and final season of the show. So when exactly can you start watching? We've got all the details for you so you don't miss an episode!

My Brilliant Friend season 4 premieres tonight, Sept. 9, 2024, at 9 p.m. Et on HBO and Max. That's right. If you'd like to stream the series, then you'll need to wait until later tonight as well since the release time apples to both the television debut and streaming release. One new episode will air/stream on Mondays at that time until the series finale on Nov. 11. Check out the episode release schedule below:

Episode 1, "The Separation" - Sept. 9Episode 2 - Sept. 16Episode 3 - Sept. 23Episode 4 - Sept. 30Episode 5 - Oct. 7Episode 6 - Oct. 14Episode 7 - Oct. 21Episode 8 - Oct. 28Episode 9 - Nov. 4Episode 10 - Nov. 11Episode...

You can’t only feel that the fall season is drawing closer because of the chilly mornings and lower temperatures, but because of how many new and returning shows are streaming. Fall TV is here, folks! And the week of Sept. 9 through Sept. 13 has something for everyone, I’m talking reality drama, comedy, and more.

Do you know what you’ll be watching? We’re here to help! For your convenience, we are providing a list of everything on streaming this week so you don’t miss out.

Alert! This week sees the return of The Circle on Netflix with episodes 1-4 dropping on Sept. 11. The second batch of episodes, 5-8, will arrive on Sept. 18, episodes 9-12 on Sept. 25, and the big finale on Oct. 2. Netflix has always followed this release format for The Circle and it seems to be what works best, though I do wish the finale was...