Tag: netflix

Is Network TV Dead?

It’s that time of year, where you find out which of your favorite shows have been axed. This isn’t strictly a network tv thing, but I do feel like it’s less common (or at least more spread out) with streaming services. Don’t get me wrong, I will never forgive Netflix for axing Cowboy Bebop after only one season, but CW has really freed up my tv-watching schedule for next season, It had already canceled Batwoman (which was not a huge surprise) and Legends of Tomorrow (which was much more of a shock), but last night they announced, among other thing, Naomi and the Charmed reboot have both been canceled as well. Add to that Supergirl and Arrow both having left their lineup (although at least they got proper series finales), and that leaves Flash and Superman & Lois are the only things left I still watch of theirs. I *did* see a Supernatural prequel and Gotham Knights series both got picked up for next season, so I might give those a try with my newly found free time, but I’m also kinda hesitant to get too attached to new things, Naomi only got one season before being canceled, so what’s to say these will do any better. 

This leads me to the question, “Is network tv dead?”

I’m not sure I have an answer just yet. This is definitely the biggest clearing of the board I’ve seen a network do that I can recall. And other than the CW superhero stuff, the only thing I watch on “traditional” television is the newly resurrected Law & Order, and Walking Dead with its many spin-offs.. (Side bar: L&O has done a very good job figuring out what to be, with the changing attitude of the police in today’s society.) Most of my tv viewing comes from the many streaming services out there, including all the Marvel stuff on Disney Plus and Star Trek things on Paramount+. I’ve only seen Picard so far, but I’m planning on binging Discovery next. 

What about you? Are you watching anything good on cable? Or does your time strictly go towards streaming services? Let me know in the comments so we can chat.

Jekyll & Hyde

As I mentioned in my post from yesterday, I’ve been binge watching a bunch of shows that Netflix is taking off Instant at the end of the month. Today’s viewing was a marathon of the 6-episode series Jekyll, which was a modern version of the classic Stevenson story as told by a different Steven – Steven Moffat. Usually I am cautiously optimistic when it comes to modernizing classic tales, but I think Moffat did a superb job with his version of the story. Warning: spoilers abound in the next section, so please consider yourself warned…

Jekyll

The story begins by introducing us to the main character, Dr Jackman. Jackman is originally presented in a very mysterious manner. As the viewer I knew what the story was supposed to be based on and made assumptions based on that which turned out to be accurate, but it was still fascinating watching the story unfold as we gradually realize Jackman has his version of Mr. Hyde. The two personalities seem to have a sort of truce where they work out scheduled times each one is allowed to be in control. They each have their own personal lives, although they spend their time in completely different ways. Jackman has a wife and two sons (twins), none of whom know about this alter ego. On the other side of things, Hyde does not realize Jackman has a family, at least not when we first meet him. The story progresses to show the struggle the two sides fight in trying to assume control, until ultimately they are put in a situation where they are forced to join forces for the big finale. It is fantastic the moment you realize Jackman and Hyde can control the transformation and switch between one or the other at will. Moffat does a splendid job spinning his tale and slowly revealing layers until you get to the creamy and delicious center of the show. I definitely recommend giving the series a try while you can, and at just 6 episodes long it should be easy to finish before Netflix takes this gem away from our Instant queues.

Happy 2015!

New year, new possibilities. Unfortunately for us here at News on Shuffle the new year started with our site having to be temporarily taken down, thus preventing me from doing my traditional new years post. Fear not, gentle reader, for we are back now after moving our hosting *blah blah blah insert tech stuff here*. Thanks to the man behind the scenes for taking care of that stuff so I don’t have to.

Moving right along… I have some things I planned for the end of last year that got pushed back due to the fact moving your entire life is really tiring and time consuming and my brain just couldn’t handle that and also being creative and funny and stuff. There are still boxes that are unpacked, but I’m mostly settled in now and hopefully things will go back to what passes for normal around here. I was really proud of the content I put out last year, but I know I can do better. And I shall! So yeah, there are two reviews I still owe you and am ashamed I haven’t gotten around to yet. And a third that was sent to me yesterday and am pretty excited about because of how this person found me. Oh, and I’m following a band on tour for a few days and hopefully will have some awesome pics to share when I get back. Yep, lots of cool things to look forward to…

Not to end this on a bad note, but there is one bit of entertainment news I should report on before I go.

NETFLIX IS TAKING AWAY ALL THEIR BBC STUFF! WHY GOD, WHY?!

*Ahem*

I’m sorry, but I’m rather upset about this news and have been binge watching a ton of stuff on my queue before it goes away. I’m currently wrapping up the last few episodes of Robin Hood, which lasted three seasons. I have to say the first two seasons were AMAZEBALLS but the third one I’m still not sure about. There were a lot of changes at the end of season 2 (don’t worry, no spoilers) that I’m not super happy about. There are some new characters added for season 3, but I only really love one of them and the rest are just a feeble attempt to replace those lost from the season before. Having said all that, I would definitely give the show a try for at least the first two seasons before it goes away and you have to *gasp* rent the DVDs. Also do your last bit of Doctor Who watching and catch that last season of Torchwood you never got around to because those are going away too. And if comedy is more your style, maybe give Fawlty Towers or A Bit of Fry and Laurie a try. John Cleese is great as the owner of a hotel in Fawlty Towers, and Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are great together in Fry and Laurie. The show is mostly just the two of them, but it never feels stale at all. I marathon-ed an entire season in a day. Granted it was just 7 episodes, but still, it’s pretty darn funny and you should give it a try.

That’s all for now. I’ll let you go binge watch some tv and see you again on the other side.

Blockbuster vs Netflix

I track this blog daily, and I know some of you find me via Twitter, which just adds to my ever-growing love for the thing. If any of you follow Whedonesque, you will likely recognize this post from them today.

The Thursday Quote – Topher:”I’m obsolete. This must be what old people feel like.. and Blockbuster. “

After which you probably laughed and thought “It’s funny cause it’s true.” And in my case decided it warranted a blog post about how Netflix changed the movie rental business. You see, Blockbuster was great for its time, but I find more and more people are using Netflix now. The one good thing I can say about Blockbuster was you could rent as many movies as you wanted at one time and my family shared one card. If you want to rent enough movies at once to have an all-night marathon, then Netflix might not be for you. That is not normal consumption though. Normally you want to rent one or two movies at once, which works with Netflix. And if you want to do this process frequently enough, paying a monthly fee becomes a lot cheaper than renting all those movies individually. Add the “instant watching” feature and you have got yourself a great deal. That last point especially made my switch to Netflix money well-spent. I realize Blockbuster also has an online component now, but I compared the two and still found Netflix to be better. Sorry Blockbuster, but Topher was right – you are obsolete.