The schedule is big, big, big! HBOWatch is ready for it, are you? It is a time of big changes too. We know that WBD will have big changes soon; we keep our fingers crossed it will be for the better. In anticipation of it, you may have noticed we’ve made some changes also, with more to come. We welcome our new CEO Jon Khaykin who, for starters, has given us a new look around here. We are excited about all that is ahead including what is on the slate for the month of April so, let’s get at it. Enjoy.
A few quick points:
- Big HBO Originals Return to the Schedule
- A new Limited Series Arrives
- So do Music Box and Magnolia Content
- Plus, a DC series Ends
- and look for a 100 FOOT WAVE and a 100th Anniversary!
HBO Original Series: Okay, the rule of thumb around here is to address new series first followed by returning series and conclude with continuing series at the end. Well, no new series launch in April, but that’s okay because there is still plenty of strong content to get your attention. We lead off with the return of
the fourth and final season of Bill Hader’s BARRY. See, got your attention, right? The Emmy-winning dark comedy series offers an eight-episode run with two new episodes SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (10:00-11:00 pm ET/PT). A new episode will debut every following Sunday, leading up to the series finale on May 28. Of course, what exactly goes down will just have to play out, but by the looks of the teaser out there, Barry Berkman is pissed and in prison! The tagline says – Cousineau (Henry Winkler) is hailed as a hero as Barry’s (Bill Hader) arrest has shocking consequences. It’s all been leading up to this – the explosive and hilarious final chapter of Barry.
The cast is all there. There is Stephen Root as Monroe Fuches; Sarah Goldberg as Sally; Anthony Carrigan as Noho Hank; Emmy and Critics Choice winner Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau and Robert Wisdom as Jim Moss. Returning recurring guest cast includes Michael Irby as Cristobal, Fred Melamed as Tom Posorro, Andrew Leeds as Leo, Patrick Fischler as Lon Oneil, and Jessy Hodges as Lindsay. This last hurrah going to be good!
–S4 Episode 01 “Yikes”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (10:00-10:30 pm ET)
Are you mad at me?
–S4 Episode 02 “Bestest Place on the Earth”
Debut Date SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (10:30-11:00 pm ET)
Here It Comes.
Starting one week later, SUNDAY, APRIL 23 (10:30-11:00 pm ET/PT), to be precise the critically acclaimed HBO Original comedy series SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, starring and executive produced by comedian and singer Bridget Everett, returns for its seven-episode second season. Season two reminds us that families are hard, even the fun ones. If you follow the show, you recall that Sam is amid a slow grieving process for her deceased sister; is part of a love/hate relationship with her other sister; coping with an alcoholic mother going into rehab and trying to be there for her dad who is just trying to process it all. However, despite all that Sam (played by Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller) have settled into a comfy routine. But nothing stays the same forever. Her one saving grace is her love of music. You must watch the series to see how it helps this particular somebody…or just watch this S2 Teaser to see how it works.
We are not done with the returning faves. We give a holler out to A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW too because it is a hot, topical show that really cracks with the wit. The narrative sketch comedy series features a core cast of Black women living relatable and hilarious experiences in a magical reality that subverts traditional expectations. Returning core cast members include Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, and Skye Townsend. Season 4 stars three new featured players: DaMya Gurley, Tamara Jade, and Angel Laketa Moore, and more than 20 celebrity guest stars. It is always fun to see the celebrities that come to play. To be honest, I still remember Angela Bassett & Lavere Cox making me laugh in the very first episode. More hilarity like that please, plus returning characters like Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman and Trinity and we’re set for another great run. It returns for its fourth season FRIDAY, APRIL 14 (11:00-11:30 pm ET/PT). The six-episode season will air on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. Oh, look there is Dr. OA-Y!
Now to the continuing series that started in March. We lead with the new series RAIN DOGS. In creator Cash Carraway’s own words – “The show centers around Costello’s ambition to be taken seriously as a writer so she can provide for her daughter Iris. But life’s a commotion. Costello is estranged from her family. Iris’ father disappeared before she was born. The cost of living is high, and she can’t hustle the minimum wage, so she relies on her self-made family of Gloria, Lenny, and her soulmate Selby – a rich, gay, recidivist.” Continue the story for four more episodes beginning MONDAY, APRIL 03 (10:00-10:30 pm ET/PT).
–Episode 05 – “Emotional Erection”
Debut Date: MONDAY, APRIL 03 (10:00-10:30 pm ET)
When a visit with her family drudges up old demons, Costello finds the courage to say goodbye to Selby. Allegra arrives to help Selby clean up his act. Gloria receives surprising news.
–Episode 06 – “Jesus Loves A Hustler”
Debut Date: MONDAY, APRIL 10 (10:00-10:30 pm ET)
As he pines for a phone call from Costello, Selby acclimates to his new reality. Meanwhile, Costello has found a safe space to land, but must continue to hustle to make a living. Gloria wavers over a life-altering decision.
–Episode 07 –
Debut Date: MONDAY APRIL 17 (10:00-10:30 pm ET)
–Episode 08 –
Debut Date: MONDAY APRIL 24 (10:00-10:30 pm ET)
PERRY MASON is still playing out its second season and that title character is in the thick of it with a huge murder case. Perry Mason – out for justice; all of us – out for HBO quality content. Find it continuing MONDAY, APRIL 03 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT). The season plays out with a new chapter each Sunday in April. 
–S2 Episode 05 – “Chapter Thirteen”
Debut Date: MONDAY, APRIL, 03 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
As the Gallardos’ trial nears, Perry attempts to negotiate with the DA. Rafael and Mateo recount the real-life consequences of the McCutcheons’ Los Angeles expansion. Later, the pursuit of a lead lands Paul in danger, and Perry makes a convincing demonstration in court.
–S2 Episode 06 – “Chapter Fourteen”
Debut Date: MONDAY, APRIL 10 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
After he’s subpoenaed, Holcomb offers Perry an olive branch. Meanwhile, Della continues to foster her relationships with Camilla and Anita, giving her the confidence to question her first witness – and push the verdict in the Gallardos’ favor.
–S2 Episode 07 – “Chapter Fifteen”
Debut Date: MONDAY, APRIL 17 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
–S2 Episode 08 – “Chapter Sixteen”
Debut Date: MONDAY, APRIL 24 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
The final season of SUCCESSION just got started; we are only one episode in as of this writing. This month gets us back into the story on SUNDAY, APRIL 02 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. Will we actually get to see an heir named before it’s all done? Well, not before a wedding at least.
–S4 Episode 02 – “Rehearsal”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 02 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
After Shiv discovers that Tom is following Logan’s playbook, she, Kendall, and Roman consider backing Sandi and Stewy’s aggressive play on the Matsson deal. Meanwhile, Logan gives an impromptu pep talk to the ATN newsroom… and outsources a tricky conversation with Kerry. Later, Connor tries to make the most of his rehearsal dinner when Willa goes AWOL.
–S4 Episode 03 – “Connor’s Wedding”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 09 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
–S4 Episode 04 – “Honeymoon States”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
–S4 Episode 05 –
Debut Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 24 (9:00-10:00 pm ET)
Both of HBO’s big talking heads have installments in April. REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER rants starting FRIDAY, APRIL 07 10:00-11:00 pm ET and LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER resumes beginning SUNDAY, APRIL 02 (11:00-11:30 pm ET). You got to know that they are going to have fun targeting April fools out there. Look for barbs possibly thrown at De Santis, or Santos, Trump, Taylor Green, Biden, Putin, the UK Royals, and maybe, even their own bosses. You never know what is going to come out of their mouths.
Original Series Exclusive to HBO Max: There is a variety of titles coming our way branded as HBO Max Originals. That’s a title we will soon lose, but for now, it will stick. And it does so above LOVE & DEATH coming later in the month. This limited series is based on the true story of Candy (Elizabeth Olsen) and Pat Montgomery (Patrick Fugit) and Betty (Lily Rabe) and Allan Gore (Jesse Plemons) – two churchgoing couples enjoying their small-town Texas life…until an extramarital affair leads somebody to pick up an axe. The Official Love & Death Podcast, in partnership with Texas Monthly, will explore the making of the highly anticipated limited series and dig deeper into the fascinating and devastating murder of Betty Gore and the ensuing trial.
This riveting drama, written by David E. Kelley and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter debuts with three episodes THURSDAY, APRIL 27, followed by one episode weekly through May 25 for a total of seven episodes. The Max Original is co-produced by Lionsgate. Executive producers: David E. Kelley (who is writing the series) through David E. Kelley Productions; Nicole Kidman and Per Saari through Blossom Films; Lesli Linka Glatter (who directs the first four and final episodes); Scott Brown and Megan Creydt through Texas Monthly; Matthew Tinker; Michael Klick and Helen Verno. The limited series is inspired by the book “Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs” and a collection of articles from Texas Monthly (“Love & Death in Silicon Prairie,” Part I & II). Does it capture your interest?
Some adult animation also arrives. First up is something called ROYAL CRACKERS. Okay, technically it is Adult Swim content, but it debuts on HBO Max the very next day so we will slip it in here. A Bakersfield family’s once-successful cracker company dynasty is up for grabs in this one. I bet you though it was about the crazies in those U. K. palaces, right? The first three episodes will debut on Adult Swim on Sunday, April 2, with new episodes premiering weekly Sunday at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series will also debut globally on HBO Max beginning MONDAY, APRIL 03. Created by and starring Jason Ruiz, the half-hour series also stars Andrew Santino (Dave), Jessica St. Clair (VEEP), David Gborie (Exploding Kittens) and Fred Tatasciore (Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal). The other animated title is FIRED ON MARS. An existential and irreverent animated comedy series,
uploading THURSDAY, APRIL 20, explores the precarious relationship between work and self… light years away from Earth. Jeff Cooper (Luke Wilson) has it all: a fulfilling career as the graphic designer for space start-up Mars.ly, a relationship with his soon-to-be Red Planet-bound girlfriend, Hannah, and… well, maybe that’s it. But when his bosses unceremoniously eliminate his role, Jeff finds himself jobless and unable to return to Earth. Adrift aboard the sprawling office colony, Jeff is forced to reinvent himself as he attempts to find meaning in a dangerous, alien, yet all-too-familiar corporate landscape.
Live-action work includes the final episodes of DC’s TITANS. The back half of the final season resumes THURSDAY, APRIL 13. The following is all gibberish to me, but the fans know what is going down. The Titans – with the exception of Gar – are returned to the Temple of Trigon and rush to find Sebastian and Mother Mayhem before Sebastian summons Trigon. Along the way, they come across a prophecy that may require Kory to make a huge sacrifice to save the world. In the final episodes, the Titans enter into an epic battle to save both Kory and the world. Good luck with that!
If you have been following the soccer events that have played out as of late, you are just in time for more action on the pitch. It seems with these upcoming matches you can watch the entire gameplay or just get a highlights reel after the final goal. So, on TUESDAY, APRIL 11 you can watch U.S. WOMEN’s SOCCER VS. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND or look for HIGHLIGHTS: after the game airs. And on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 you have the same options for U.S. MEN’S SOCCER VS. MEXICO and its HIGHLIGHTS: show as well. WHO’S TALKING TO CHRIS WALLACE? offers new interviews when Season Three begins on FRIDAY, APRIL 21.
HBO International Titles: Just going chronologically we have three new little international titles hitting the streamer. Uploading FRIDAY, APRIL 14 is #BRINGBACKALICE. In this Polish series, the Tri-City community is shocked by the disappearance of a popular influencer – Alicja Stec (Helena Englert). After a year of intensive searching, the teenager is found under mysterious circumstances but remembers almost nothing. From scraps of information, disturbing flashbacks and fragmentary memories, she tries to reconstruct the past. However, not everyone believes that she has lost her memory. It soon turns out that another teenager – Wera – also disappeared without a trace on the same day. Wera’s brother, Tomek, suspects that Alicja may be the key to finding his sister. Will she or does she have something to hide? It plays out over six episodes. The next title hails from Germany. It is called PARA – WE ARE KING (Para-Wir Sind King). It is the second season of the series and starts MONDAY, APRIL 17. It follows four young women in Berlin searching for happiness in a world, in which light and darkness lie close together. They struggle to repay some dangerous debts. If they get that monkey off their backs, they then truly own their lives. The final title is, catch this title, HEADLESS CHICKENS (Pollos sin cabeza). It is from 
Spain and is from director-writer-producer Alex de la Iglesia. He is the creator of 30 COINS which we watched & reviewed. But this upcoming comedy series is about soccer, believe it or not. It begins a seven-episode stint on FRIDAY, APRIL 28. Hugo Silva, (Witching and Bitching) plays a soccer agent, former player and ex-alcoholic, who loses his girlfriend (Dafne Fernández), and his biggest soccer star at the same time, just when he was hitting his stride. Now what? In the blurb I found to get this little description I found out that even though soccer is huge in Spain Iglesia hates it. I guess he must see all those players as chickens with their heads cut off. Hah! Plus, we can’t forget to mention Season Four of THE DOG HOUSE: UK begins THURSDAY, APRIL 27.
HBO Documentary Films: A favored documentary series returns when 100 FOOT WAVE curls up on us in April. The second season of the Emmy-
winning HBO Original six-part docuseries, directed and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith and executive produced by Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony-winner Joe Lewis debuts SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (8:00-9:00 pm ET/PT) with new episodes premiering subsequent Sundays at the same time on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max. As much a story of personal relationships, longing, fear, and love, the series spans the ‘20/‘21 and ‘21/‘22 big wave seasons which began with the uncertainties of life under COVID-19 and ended with some of the largest swells of the surfers’ careers. Surfer Garrett McNamara and his world-class surfing peers once again face the waves off of Nazaré, Portugal, with stops in Hawaii and California along the way, to make sure viewers get one hell of a water-logged adrenaline rush. Man, I got to find time to review this series.
–Chapter I: “Epsilon”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (8:00-9:00 pm ET/PT)
At the start of the new big wave season in October 2020, Hurricane Epsilon brings huge swells to Nazaré and the biggest names in surfing congregate to battle for the largest wave, including Garrett, McNamara, Andrew “Cotty” Cotton, Justine Dupont, and youngster Tony Laureano. As thousands of spectators line the cliffs, the waters become dangerously choked with surfers and jet skis.
–Chapter II: “The Circus is Burning”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 23 (8:00-9:00 pm ET/PT)
Portugal’s National Health Commission closes down all surfing due to Covid protocols, stranding the surfers for several weeks. Ramon Laureano, Tony’s father and tow partner, watches his son evolve as a big wave surfer. Garrett McNamara leaves town as he and others contend with their inability to surf waves in Nazaré.
–Chapter III: “Jaws”
Debut date: SUNDAY, APRIL 30 (8:00-9:00 pm ET/PT)
Justine Dupont chases a swell in the Pacific at Mavericks, and then at Jaws in Hawaii, where three years earlier she suffered the biggest injury of her career. Returning to Maui, Dupont faces her fears and surprises even herself. Garrett McNamara’s brother-in-law C.J. Macias and superstar Kai Lenny also have successful runs at Jaws, while McNamara is not so lucky.
Not to be dismissed, a new documentary in the Music Box series arrives on the schedule before that series starts. On FRIDAY, APRIL 07 (8:00-9:40 pm ET/PT) you can find JASON ISBELL: RUNNING WITH OUR EYES CLOSED. In his own words, renowned singer and songwriter Jason Isbell takes us on an unexpected journey through his musical evolution and creative process as he goes into the studio to record his new album “Reunions” with his band The 400 Unit. With striking candor and honesty, Isbell lays bare his difficult childhood, his struggles with addiction and relationships, and funneling all his pain and private battles into his music.
HBO MAX Original Documentary Films: Press releases have not revealed any new movies for this coming month for HBO, but HBO Max snagged one to mention. It is listed here because it is a documentary film, though not exclusively made for the streamer. It chronicles the career of singer-songwriter and iconic figure that is David Bowie. It is called MOONAGE DAYDREAM, and this 140-minute film uses a montage-style editing format to convey a biography of Bowie, utilizing film clips and interviews from throughout his career. It uploads on SATURDAY, APRIL 29. Note: It is possible that it could appear on HBO’s TV platform also, but nothing indicates that at this time.
You can also celebrate all things WB, which better not be lost in WBD ‘s new streaming plans, with a docu-series called WARNER BROS. 100 YEARS. Warner Bros. was founded by Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack Warner and incorporated on April 4, 1923. Today, the Studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world including Looney Tunes, Wizarding World, DC, FRIENDS, Game of Thrones, Hanna-Barbera and a grand catalog of movies for the ages. A three-part documentary will capture the history when it uploads FRIDAY, APRIL 28.
HBO Max Original Special: Many fans might not know that the Timelord over at the BBC is also present on HBO Max. The 
relaunched seasons of the Doctor Who series, beginning with Christopher Eccleston’s stint in 2005, are on the streamer. In April a special is dropping on SUNDAY, APRIL 23 entitled DOCTOR WHO: POWER OF THE DOCTOR. It is listed as a Special, but it is actually the final send-off of Jodie Whitaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. So, if you have been following the Tardis and its captain through time, it’s time to note her departure from the role.
HBO Max Kids & Family: “Screwy, ain’t it?”, as Bugs would say. Yeah, WBD will purge classic, iconic Looney Tunes content to what, make way for the more recent LOONEY TUNES CARTOONS? Yup, it would and did with Season 5 showing up on THURSDAY, APRIL 06. Wait until TUESDAY, APRIL 18 and you can get more BUGS BUNNY BUILDERS cartoons too. Cartoon Networks’ CRAIG OF THE CREEK uploads new episodes as well, on TUESDAY, APRIL 04. Count on new installments of SESAME STREET too, of course, every Thursday in April, beginning THURSDAY, APRIL 06.
HBO Sports: REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL should have its latest on TUESDAY APRIL 18(10:00-11:00 pm ET). Hey, and we should know who is featured on HARD KNOCKS this coming year soon.
Other Movies & Shows: Imported scripted shows include WALKER: INDEPENDENCE, THE WINCHESTERS, and KUNG-FU. In non-scripted there is 
HOMEGROWN, THE PIECE MAKER, HAPPY TO BE HOME WITH THE BENKOS and DIARY OF AN OLD HOME. But I want to focus on movies, just because the line-up has no big movie release this month. To watch in April are such titles as The Blue Lagoon of 1980, Breathe of 2017, The Circle of 2017, Clean and Sober of 1988, The Cold Light of Day of 2012, Enter The Warrior’s Gate of 2016, Experimenter of 2015, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard of 2009, I Am Love of 2009, Land of the Pharaohs of 1955; The Last Days on Mars of 2013, Letters To Juliet of 2010, Mud of 2013, Rachel, Rachel of 1968 and White God of 2014. If I were to pick one how about…
Next Month’s Tease: Who does “On the Radio” and “Ordinary People” remind you of?
Last month’s answer – Candy & Pat Montgomery and Betty & Allan Gore – two churchgoing couples enjoying their small town Texas life…until what happens? The answer: The murder of one of them in LOVE & DEATH.
Final Clip: You cannot miss BARRY!
Enjoy HBO and HBOWatch
