LA Screenings: Hot Picks to Keep on the Radar

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A dozen or more of series you wouldn’t want to miss, and in a few cases may have well seen. 

“Anti-Kidnapping Unit”

Globoplay

5 x 45’ and 60’

Produced by José Junior, José Luiz Magalhães, and Lipe Binder, the fourth season of gritty crime series “The Anti-Kidnapping Unit” stars Detective Carlos Mendonça (Silvio Guindane) and Inspector Juliano Santiago (Erom Cordeiro). This season explores the rise of kidnappings that plagued Rio de Janeiro in the late 80s and early 90s. The series is another collaboration between AfroReggae Audiovisual and Globo, who have previously produced successful shows like “Living On a Razor’s Edge,” “Dissident Archangel” and “The Game.” To keep things authentic, filming took place in favelas and prisons. Notably, “The Anti-Kidnapping Unit” is an original production by Globoplay in partnership with AfroReggae Audiovisual and A Fábrica.

“The Artist”

Fifth Season

8 x 45’ 

This new series, starring Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland”), Janet McTeer (“Ozark”), Danny Huston, Hank Azaria, Patti Lupone, Zachary Quinto, Clark Gregg and Katherine McPhee, is not just a showcase for its impressive cast. It’s set in the waning days of the Gilded Age, where a murder at an eccentric tycoon’s estate stirs up intrigue. Notably, historical figures such as inventor Thomas Edison, painter Edgar Degas, and actress Evelyn Nesbit also make appearances. As lies, mystery, and ambition intertwine, the truth about their interactions is gradually unveiled in a shocking manner. The series is written and directed by Aram Rappaport, and produced by The Network Studios.

“The Assassin”

All3Media

6×60’

In a tranquil setting of a secluded Greek island, this action-packed thriller is orchestrated, featuring the lead role of Julie, a former assassin played by Keeley Hawes (from “Orphan Black: Echoes” and “Miss Austen”). Her estranged son Edward, portrayed by Freddie Highmore (“The Good Doctor”), also makes an appearance. As they are unexpectedly reunited, they grapple with queries about Edward’s biological father and Julie’s perilous past, leading them to a hasty escape from the island and embarking on a chase. Alongside them in this adventure are Shalom Brune-Franklin, Richard Dormer, Gina Gershom, and Jack Davenport. The production for this series is handled by Two Brothers Pictures, in collaboration with Prime Video (UK and Ireland), ZDF (Germany), All3Media International, and Stan (Australia).

“Celeste,” 

The Mediapro Studio Distribution, 

6 x 30’

Title character Carmen Machi, winner of Series Mania’s International Panorama and a best actress award for her roles in “Piggy,” “La Mesías,” and now “Celeste,” has emerged as one of the finest actors of her generation. In “Celeste,” Machi portrays a dowdy tax inspector hot on the trail of a Shakira-esque Latina pop star suspected of tax fraud. The creator, Diego San Jose, posed himself the challenge: “Can I make an exciting thriller with plot twists, featuring the most boring person in Spain?” What he delivers is a compelling and moving dramatic thriller that explores a woman’s journey towards love when it seems all but lost. Produced by the formidable team of Movistar Plus+ and The Mediapri Studio, under the skillful direction of Elena Trapé.

“Code of Silence”

ITV Studios

6 x 60 mins 

Title character Alison, a deaf catering worker who balances roles in a police station cafeteria and a local tavern while caring for her mother, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a dangerous world when the police enlist her lip-reading skills to decipher conversations of criminal suspects. Her insights prove crucial to the unfolding investigation, yet she becomes intriguingly captivated by one of the suspects. Aware of the risks, Alison struggles to resist this pull. The series, produced by Mammoth Screen for ITVX, has been praised as a “gripping” and “tense” thriller that encourages viewers to view their surroundings with fresh perspective. Starring Rose Ayling-Ellis, Andrew Buchan, and Charlotte Ritchie, the show was penned by Catherine Moulton.

“The Copenhagen Test” 

NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution

8 x 60’ 

In a few minutes from now, the director James Wan and creator Thomas Brandon take us into a story where first-generation American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale (played by Simu Liu) discovers that his mind has been invaded. Now, those who hacked him have control over what he sees and hears. Caught in the crossfire between his secret agency and these mysterious hackers, Hale must continue to act normally to find out who’s behind this and prove where his loyalty lies. In addition to Brandon and Wan, Jennifer Yale, Simu Liu, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett are also executive producers for this concept on Peacock. Alongside Liu, Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien, Kathleen Chalfant, and Sara Amini will also be part of the cast.

“The Couple Next Door – Deadly Attraction” 

Beta Film

6×60’ 

Currently in post-production, the show – directed by Dries Vos and written by David Allison, Aggy Adams, and Hugh Dennis – continues down a mysterious path reminiscent of season 1, which was Channel 4’s most successful streaming debut in the UK. However, this season introduces an entirely fresh narrative and cast. Charlotte and Jacob, who have been together since medical school, have lived up to their expectations with a beautiful home, a fulfilling career, and the freedom to pursue their desires without children. They are indeed a formidable power couple. But when it is revealed that one of Charlotte’s old flames could potentially be an investor at the hospital, Jacob’s long-hidden concerns begin to resurface. Giving into temptation can have dire outcomes, and Sam Palladio (“Nashville”) and Annabel Scholey (“The Split”) are about to discover this firsthand.

“Deal or No Deal Island”

Banijay Entertainment 

The popular game show “Deal or No Deal” gets a unique tropical twist in its new version. Produced by Endemol Shine North America for NBC, this time the action takes place on a private island belonging to the Banker, where unexpected twists lurk behind every palm tree. Contestants are searching for cases containing millions of dollars each, with the goal of using them in a game of “Deal or No Deal” against the Banker. Only one contestant will make it to the final episode, competing for a massive cash prize. Fortunately, Joe Manganiello is there to assist. As Sharon Levy from Endemol Shine North America explained to EbMaster, “The concept of the Banker having a private island and putting his contestants through an extreme game to find one winner is quite crazy, but I think it’s this craziness that we and NBC found appealing.

“Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service”

Fox

Restaurant owners seeking a quick solution or a boost in social media popularity might be taken aback when renowned chef Gordon Ramsay swaps his iconic chef knives for a modern surveillance vehicle and spying tools. In this upcoming unscripted series, he’ll secretly inspect struggling restaurants under the veil of darkness. With the help of an anonymous informant within each establishment, he’ll collect raw evidence and gain a comprehensive understanding of the significant problems each restaurant faces. By the time Ramsay unmasks himself, it will be too late for the staff to hide their kitchen misdeeds. The series is produced by Fox’s Studio Ramsay Global and Fox Alternative Entertainment, with Ramsay serving as an executive producer himself. Bill Langworthy serves as an executive producer and the showrunner.

“The Iris Affair” 

Fremantle

8 x 60’ 

A production collaboration between Sky Studios, Fremantle, and Wildside Italy, this thrilling chase series follows Niamh Algar and Tom Hollander as they navigate a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game. Iris Nixon, a rootless and mysterious genius, swipes a code from a charming philanthropist and embarks on a dangerous journey to decipher its secrets before she’s apprehended. With her formidable intellect and chameleon-like charisma, the clock is ticking for Iris to unravel the code’s potential consequences. Creator Neil Cross, known for “Luther”, describes it as an audacious, humorous, and action-packed show that introduces a unique lead character unlike any we’ve seen on television before. “Iris” will be streaming on Sky, NOW, and various other platforms in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

“It: Welcome to Derry”

Warner Bros. Television

In the unsettling realm of Stephen King’s “It” saga, a forthcoming prequel series is on its way. This chilling television show is derived from his 1986 novel and further explores the universe introduced by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the movies “It” (2017) and “It Chapter Two” (2019). The cast includes Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, and Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown. As earlier mentioned by EbMaster, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane will jointly oversee the series and produce it, along with Andy and Barbara Muschietti. It’s set to premiere on HBO.

“Outlander: Blood of My Blood” 

Sony Pictures Television

10 episodes

Titled “Outlander: Blood of My Blood,” this prequel to the popular “Outlander” series takes viewers on a journey from the battlefields of World War I to 18th century Scotland. The story unfolds around Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp’s parents, who are portrayed by actors in the following roles: Brian Fraser (played by Jamie Roy), Ellen MacKenzie (performed by Harriet Slater), Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine), and Julia Beauchamp (Hermione Corfield). The young couples valiantly resist forces that seek to tear them apart. Executive producers include Matthew B. Roberts (“Outlander”), Maril Davis (“Outlander, For All Mankind”), and Ronald D. Moore (“Battlestar Galactica”).

“Wild Cherry”

BBC Studios

6×60’ 

Lorna (played by Carmen Ejogo) is a thriving black entrepreneur from South London who has made her own way in life. Her childhood friend Juliet (Eve Best), born into the exclusive neighborhood they both inhabit, is the picture of privilege. Their daughters lead lives that most teenagers can merely fantasize about – until they become entangled in a scandalous incident at their private school, forcing Lorna and Juliet to choose allegiances. Known for its “provocative” and “authentic” exploration of mother-daughter dynamics amidst social media, secret apps, and peer influence, the series is produced by Firebird Pictures, one of BBC Studios’ owned production companies, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Nicôle Lecky pens the script, while Toby MacDonald takes on directing duties.

“Young Suchard” 

Dori Media

20 x 30’

The show centered around renowned mentalist Lior Suchard, titled “Young Suchard”, delicately intertwines reality and fantasy, combining humor and drama with a nostalgic ’90s ambiance. This series follows Suchard’s journey alongside his band of eccentric friends, as he discovers and harnesses his mentalist powers to tackle challenges—perhaps even finding his first love in the process. It provides an exclusive look into the hidden workings behind his meteoric rise, allowing viewers to piece together the enigmas surrounding his extraordinary talents.

Developed by Elad Chen, Suchard, Michael Stern, Shlomit Arviv, this production is skillfully guided by Aaron Geva and Mickey Triest. The show delves into the fascinating field of mentalism, a unique blend of expertise in body language, social cues, anatomical knowledge, mathematics, and specially crafted instruments.

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2025-05-15 23:17