It’s way past time to revamp this monthly posting to better reflect the content people are seeking across HBO’s platforms. Yes, we are removing some headings, but if the need warrants, they will return. Bear with us as we refocus our look to include more content from the HBO Max service. It leads me to somewhat question why they just can’t leave things more simplified; don’t fix what’s not broken. Keeping an eye on HBO content was so much easier before, but now with the added increase of content under the HBO banner, both new, original work and older content, it is more unwieldy. We more than likely will not be able to cover anything & everything that the service now has to offer. We will however do our utmost and best to that end. Wish us luck and enjoy exploring what’s on.
A few quick points:
- HBO Still Featuring International Content
- GENERA+TION Debuts on HBO Max
- Tina Turner Biography Arrives
- HBO Latino’s A TINY AUDIENCE Returns
- Looking for a film of gigantic proportions? Look no further.
Original Series: We continue will International Content on both HBO & HBO Max plus introduce two new works this month. Note, all of HBO’s content can be found on HBO Max but that there is programming exclusive to HBO Max as well. We make it clear below.
Based on executive producer and #1 New York Times bestseller Fredrik Backman’s novel of the same name, BEARTOWN, a five-episode Swedish-language limited drama series from HBO Europe continues. It picks up with the second episode MONDAY, MARCH 01, at 9:00pm ET. Last month we just gave you a teaser, here is the full trailer.
–Episode 2
Debut Date: MONDAY, MARCH 1 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT)
With the financial future of the arena at stake, Peter (Ulf Stenberg) does everything he can to coach his juniors to a semi-final win. Facing pressure from everyone in town to perform, Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) turns to the only person who expects nothing from him: Maya (Miriam Ingrid). Later, a celebratory evening goes awry after a horrific act of violence occurs. Written by Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson; Directed by Peter Grönlund
–Episode 3
Debut Date: MONDAY, MARCH 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
With the finals rapidly approaching, Peter (Ulf Stenberg) pushes his team and coaching staff to their limits. Meanwhile, as Maya (Miriam Ingrid) attempts to work through the assault, Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) does everything he can to forget. Later, Peter must choose between his family and the big game. Written by Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson; Directed by Peter Grönlund
–Episode 4
Debut Date: MONDAY, MARCH 15 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
While Maya (Miriam Ingrid) and Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) provide their statements to the police, the junior team is forced to take on the final without their coach and star player. Meanwhile, news of the allegation threatens to tear Beartown apart, and later, Amat (Najdat Rustom) grapples with a loaded offer. Written by Linn Gottfridsson and Antonia Pyk; Directed by Peter Grönlund
–Episode 5
Debut Date: MONDAY, MARCH 22 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
The entire hockey community gathers for an emergency meeting to decide Peter’s (Ulf Stenberg) future with the program. Facing increased hostility from the town and harassment at school, Maya (Miriam Ingrid) reaches her breaking point. Later, after the police close their investigation, Maya and Kevin (Oliver Dufåker) square off in a chilling confrontation. Written by Linn Gottfridsson and Antonia Pyk; Directed by Peter Grönlund
With two installments to go HBO wraps up THE INVESTIGATION as well. It explores the complex real-life investigation surrounding the 2017 murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, making international headlines around the world as one of the most notorious criminal cases in Danish media history. Based on the internationally followed “submarine case,” the series closely follows Jens Møller (Søren Malling), the Head of Homicide, and his team in the pursuit of the truth. With the hope of being able to provide the prosecutor (Pilou Asbæk GAME OF THORNES’ Euron Greyjoy) solid evidence in order to create a convincing case and give the relatives the certainty they deserve, the team enlists the use of methodical, unusual and technical work tactics. The series was made in close cooperation with the real-life Jens Møller and Kim Wall’s parents, Ingrid and Joachim Wall. The series on the sites and also on the HBO channel. It fifth episode debuts MONDAY, MARCH 01 at 10:00pm ET.
–Chapter 5: “A Whole Person”
Debut date: Monday, March 1 (10:00pm ET/PT)
The case is slowly coming together, but Jens (Søren Malling) and his team still lack conclusive evidence. Chief Prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen (Pilou Asbæk) emphasizes that they must determine the motive and cause of death in order to bring charges against the accused – and if they’re unable to dispel any reasonable doubt, there’s no case. Jens calls a surprise press conference in hopes of encouraging the accused or his acquaintances to talk, while a more thorough search of the suspect’s computer reveals some gruesome secrets. Written and directed by Tobias Lindholm.
–Chapter 6: “In Dubio Pro Reo”
Debut date: Monday, March 8 (10:00pm ET/PT)
Jakob (Pilou Asbæk) makes it clear to Jens (Søren Malling) that they need more firm evidence to bring charges against the accused – otherwise, they risk letting him walk free. Meanwhile, Maibritt (Laura Christensen) refuses to drop the case, and after nearly six months of hard work, she finds a potential key to dispelling any reasonable doubt. While Jens appears to have solved an impossible case, he realizes that his time as Head of Homicide is coming to an end. Written and directed by Tobias Lindholm.
REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER had a week off but continues FRIDAY, MARCH 05 (10:00-11:00pm live ET/tape-delayed PT), with a replay at 12:30am. As always it offers a unique perspective on the contemporary issues of the day. Recently Maher hosted Republican congressman from Illinois and founder of the Country First PAC, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, founder and publisher of “The Daily Kos” and co-host of “The Brief” podcast, Markos Moulitsas, co-founder of The Lincoln Project PAC and an MSNBC contributor, Steve Schmidt, journalist and host of “The Megyn Kelly Show” podcast, Megyn Kelly. This week’s in-studio panel discussion will include New York Times opinion columnist and host of “The Ezra Klein Show” podcast, Ezra Klein; and Democratic senator from Montana and author of “Grounded: A Senator’s Lessons on Winning Back Rural America,” Sen. Jon Tester. Returning SUNDAY, MARCH 07 at 11:00pm is LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER. Oliver, from the “white void”, is off and running. One week he gave us “The Next Pandemic” and the following week a lesser-reported topic, “Meatpacking”, but it’s all good. And Now This –
Originals Exclusive to HBO Max: A dramedy series joins the platform on March 11 followed the next night by a three-part miniseries. Here are details:
The Max Original dramedy GENERA+ION debuts on HBO Max with three episodes on THURSDAY, MARCH 11. The series continues with two new episodes on March 18, two episodes on March 25, and one episode on April 1. An additional eight episodes comprising the second half of the season will debut later this year.It is a dark yet playful half-hour series following a diverse group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality (devices and all) test deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love, and the nature of family in their conservative community.
The ensemble cast includes Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell, Haley Sanchez, Uly Schlesinger, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, and Chase Sui Wonders with Justice Smith and Martha Plimpton. Recurring guest stars include J. August Richards, Mary Birdsong, Alicia Coppola, Patricia De Leon, Diego Josef, Anthony Kevyan, Sydney Mae Diaz, John Ross Bowie, Marwan Salama, Marisela Zumbado, and Sam Trammell (TRUE BLOOD). It is co-executive-produced by Lena Dunham (GIRLS).
https://youtu.be/LaW_mdEqwpg
HBO Max has acquired the North American streaming rights to the three-part miniseries from Megamedia Chile called ISABEL from director Rodrigo Bazaes. Based on the life of Isabel Allende, the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author and a tireless fighter for human rights, the limited series premieres on HBO Max on FRIDAY, MARCH 12.
It is a story about forgiveness and overcoming pain to achieve success. At the peak of her career, Isabel receives the devastating news that her adult daughter is on the verge of dying. She abandons everything to become a full-time mother and her daughter dies in her arms a year later. In parallel, viewers will witness the passion and risks taken by a woman who is willing to break all socially accepted standards of her time to pursue happiness. Isabel must leave her native Chile due to political conflicts, abandoning everything for love and immersing herself into literature to heal her wounds. The pain may have bent her, but it never breaks her. It stars Daniela Ramírez (PROFUGOS) as Isabel, Néstor Cantillana (PROFUGOS) as Isabel’s first husband Miguel Frías, Rodolfo Pulgar (La Negra Ester) as Isabel’s paternal grandfather Agustín Llona and Rosario Zamora (Doña Beija y Felicidad) as Isabel’s mother, Francisca Llona. The series was executive produced by Isabel Miquel and Directed by Rodrigo Bazaes. Ms. Allende’s 1982 unforgettable debut novel “The House of the Spirits” became an instant critically acclaimed best-seller catapulting her to literary stardom. Today, after authoring 25 books, which have been translated into 42 languages and have sold in excess of 75 million copies worldwide, she is widely recognized as the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author.
Also in the lineup with its 309th installment is a special episode from Cartman and company. SOUTH PARQ VACCINATION SPECIAL uploads on THURSDAY, MARCH 11.
HBO Saturday Night Movies: No new Saturday night primetime movie on the channel but some great classics are featured. Our best example of that is on
SATURDAY MARCH 06, beginning at 8:00pm ET, into 07th with the ROCKY franchise. You know the one; Sylvester Stallone triumphs as Rocky Balboa, a dead-end Philadelphia kid whose grit and determination turn him into “The Italian Stallion,” a world-class boxer. Find 1975’s ROCKY (8-10pm), followed by ROCKY II with Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed, ROCKY III with Mr. T’s Clubber Lang, ROCKY IV with Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago, ROCKY V with Tommy Morrison’s Tommy ‘Machine’ Gunn and 2006’s ROCKY BALBOA. Can’t binge them? Find them on the HBO app and HBO Max in March. You can get another adrenaline rush when SPEED takes the spotlight on SATURDAY, MARCH 13 at 8:00pm. On SATURDAY, MARCH 20 at 8:00pm back-to-back runs of BEVERLY HILLS COP, BEVERLY HILLS COP II and BEVERLY HILLS COP III fill the night. Eddie Murphy makes us laugh as street-smart Detroit cop Axel Foley on the loose in L.A. every time.
Movies Exclusive to HBO Max: How about that movie of gigantic proportions? Well, how about not one movie, but two. Both are highly anticipated and both are exclusive to HBO Max! Which one gets the most buzz? Well, we simply start with the one that premieres first.
Uploading THURSDAY MARCH 18 is ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE. Long story short, he didn’t get to complete the film due to a family tragedy, but a version ended up being released in 2017. Now, Snyder has returned to present a special Director’s Cut. In the revisited work, determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions. Fans are all for Snyder completing what he started and how he intended the picture to be. It only makes sense for it to be on a Warner site, as it owns DC Comic IP.
The other movie is as equally as huge, but for a totally different reason. Debuting in theaters and on HBO Max WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, is GODZILLA Vs. KONG. Legends collide as Godzilla and Kong clash on the big screen in a spectacular battle for the ages. As a squadron embarks on a perilous mission into fantastic uncharted terrain, unearthing clues to the Titans’ very origins and mankind’s survival, a conspiracy threatens to wipe the creatures from the face of the earth forever.
The movie stars Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Eiza González, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, with Kyle Chandler and Demián Bichir. The film will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from its theatrical release in the U.S. included at no additional cost to subscribers.
HBO Documentary Films: Moving onto the non-fiction documentary slate for the month we discover some weighty topics and a legend.
First is the continuation of the four-part documentary event FARROW VS. ALLEN. Its third installment airs SUNDAY, MARCH 07 at 9:00pm and the closing installment airs SUNDAY, MARCH 08 at 9:00pm. In this documentary, Dylan Farrow alleges that her father Woody Allen sexually abused her when she was seven-years-old. This four-part documentary chronicles this accusation along with Allen and Mia Farrow’s custody trial, Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter Soon-Yi, and the aftermath. Debuting TUESDAY, MARCH, 09 (9:00-9:40pm) is COVID DIARIES NYC. It chronicles the lives of five young filmmakers, ranging in age from 17 to 21, who turn their cameras on themselves to tell the stories of their families during the first wave of the COVID-
19 pandemic in New York City. The deeply personal film illuminates the plight of essential workers and their families during the early days of the COVID-19 crisis as they navigate the deadly virus and a country riven by social upheaval. The segments are –
“My COVID Breakdown” follows Aracelie Colón, who struggles with her mental health as her father continues to go to work at the post office every day while the threat of the virus looms.
“When My Dad Got COVID” follows Camille Dianand, who is concerned about her father, a subway mechanic for the MTA. After a coworker dies from the virus, her father contracts COVID-19 and the family faces life and death terror.
“No Escape From New York” follows Shane Fleming, whose parents lose their jobs, leaving the family worrying about mounting bills, growing debt and their need to move out of New York City. They decide to go on a road trip to escape their problems, but the issues his mother and father face follow them wherever they go.
“Frontline Family” follows Arlet Guallpa, who watches with her family as ambulance after ambulance arrives at their apartment building in Washington Heights to take away residents who die from the virus. Despite their fears, her parents, a bus driver and home care attendant, carry on with work and try to overcome their anxieties about their family’s exposure.
HBO’s Q: INTO THE STORM, a six-part documentary series, charts a labyrinthine journey to unmask the mastermind behind QAnon. During the three-year global investigation, the series chronicles the evolution of “Q” in real-time with unprecedented access to key players, revealing how the anonymous character, known only as “Q”, uses conspiracy theories and information warfare to game the internet, hijack politics, and manipulate people’s thinking. The six episodes also examine the influence of QAnon on American culture and question the consequences of unfettered free speech permeating the darkest corners of the internet. It debuts with two back-to-back episodes SUNDAY, MARCH 21 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT), with new episodes airing back-to-back subsequent Sundays at the same time. Here is a Teaser:
HBO’s TINA, a feature documentary from Academy Award-winning directors Dan Lindsay, T.J. Martin and Lightbox reveals an intimate look at the life and career of musical icon Tina Turner, charting her improbable rise to early fame, her personal and professional struggles throughout her life and her even more improbable resurgence as a global phenomenon in the 1980s. The documentary debuts SATURDAY, MARCH 27 (8:00 PM- 10:00pm ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
This unvarnished, dynamic account features insightful interviews with Tina herself, conducted in her hometown of Zurich, Switzerland, and with those closest to her. It also features a wealth of never-before-seen footage, audiotapes and personal photos, telling a deep and absorbing story about the queen of rock ‘n’ roll in all its complexity. In addition to a stunning amount of archival footage spanning 60 years, the documentary includes interviews with Angela Bassett; Oprah Winfrey; journalist Kurt Loder who co-authored “I, Tina,” which inspired the feature film; playwright Katori Hall, who scribed “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical”; and husband and former record executive Erwin Bach, among many others.
I don’t have much detail for the last documentary for March, but here is what I know. THE LAST CRUISE debuts TUESDAY, MARCH 30 (9:00-9:40pm) and it is a terrifying origin story of the pandemic, as it chronicles the first and largest outbreak of the novel coronavirus outside China: the Diamond Princess cruise liner. Through never-before-seen footage from passengers and crew, we watch class divisions erupt as humanity misses its chance to contain Covid-19. It is only forty minutes? The docu-series AXIOS files a report every Sunday beginning SUNDAY, MARCH 07 at 6:00pm. One main focus for the half-hour program, as of late, is how COVID-19 has affected all aspects of society and what agencies and businesses are doing about it. One such interview was with Dr. Fauci’s boss at the National Institutes of Health, Director Francis Collins.
HBO Max Documentaries: HBO Max has an exclusive documentary of its own in PERSONA: THE DARK TRUTH BEHIND PERSONALITY TESTS. Taking a personality test can provide useful insights into our sense of self, but many may not realize how deeply embedded personality assessments are in everything we do. PERSONA explores the unexpected origin story of America’s great obsession with personality testing, uncovering the intriguing history behind the world-famous Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, while raising a slew of ethical questions and demonstrating how some personality tests may do more harm than good – like impacting online dating matches or job prospects. This eye-opening documentary reveals the profound ways that ideas about personality have shaped our society. You can find it when it uploads THURSDAY, MARCH 04.
HBO Kids: If you want exciting kids programming head over to HBO Max. Of course, there are plenty of adults who enjoy G & PG-rated fare. SUPERMAN: 
THE ANIMATED SERIES just might serve as an example of content the adult might want to watch. It is not new but a show from 1996 uploading to the service on MARCH 14. There are a total of 54 episodes featuring all the iconic heroes and villains from the Superman stories. Also the back half of Season 1 of TIG N’ SEEK, which follows the adventure of Tiggy, an 8-year-old detective, and his cat Gweeseek as they solve cases and retrieve lost items at the Department of Lost & Found, uploads on MARCH 11.
HBO Sports: The newest content in the category will be another installment of REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL. Find episode # 287 on TUESDAY, MARCH 23 (10:00-11:00pm). In February they explored the hiring practices of teams across the NFL.
HBO Latino: HBO’s hit music series, A TINY AUDIENCE, is back with an all-new second season debuting FRIDAY, MARCH 19 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT) on HBO Max and available on HBO Latino. Each episode of A TINY AUDIENCE features one chart-topping global Latin artist who performs one of their biggest hits while revealing to the audience something about the track they have never revealed before. Offering viewers an exclusive look, each artist will showcase a never-before-seen moment of a cover, a new song, or a different version of one of their songs.
The second season will feature Cabas, Pedro Capó, Greeicy, Kany Garcia, Lauren Jauregui, Natalia Jimenez, Los Amigos Invisibles, Lunay, Gian Marco, Mau y Ricky, MDO, Ivy Queen, Justin Quiles, Carlos Rivera, Paulina Rubio, Manuel Turizo and Carlos Vives. Interviews will be hosted by Sarah Packiam, Maria Elisa Ayerbe, and Daniel René. It was filmed inside an NBA-style bubble in Miami, Florida with a COVID-safe live audience. The A Tiny Audience Bubble, located at Miami Studios (formerly the home of TV series “Caso Cerrado” in Hialeah, Florida), included roughly 150 people composed of select audience members, crew, and artists who underwent extensive quarantining and rigorous testing prior to entering the bubble and throughout the two-week production. The team executed 17, half-hour specials, and did not report a single case of COVID-19.
Also coming available in March is the following movies. NO MATARAS (Cross the Line) premieres FRIDAY, MARCH 05 (8:00-09:40pm). After the death of his father, a man buys a round-the-world ticket, in this one. But before his journey can get underway, he meets a young girl who leads him into a night that quickly turns into a living nightmare. Starring Mario Casas and Milena Smit. On FRIDAY, MARCH 12 (8:00-9:40pm) the movie NUESTRAS MADRES (Our Mothers) debuts. Guatemala, 2018. With the whole country immersed in the trial of the soldiers who sparked the civil war, young anthropologist Ernesto is tasked with identifying the missing. Believing he has found a lead that might guide him to his father, a guerrillero who went missing during the war, Ernesto flings himself body and soul into the case. The last movie entry is HOTEL COPPELIA on FRIDAY, MARCH 26 (7:10-8:50pm). In this one, the lives of prostitutes at a brothel take a dramatic turn when U.S. troops invade the Dominican Republic during the 1965 civil war. These titles are also available on HBO Max.
Other Movies & Shows: Just about to be added to HBO Max are a few titles from Adult Swim. They include 12 OZ. MOUSE Season 3, BALLMASTRZ 9009 Season 2, THREE BUSY DEBRAS, MESSY GOES TO OKIDO and INFOMERCIALS. Also a few animes launch in March – HUNTER X HUNTER uploads March 03, RE:ZERO – STARTING A LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD – Season 2 (Dubbed, episodes 14-25) om March 05 and YOLO: CRYSTAL FANTASY on March 10. Sorry, but all those titles are lost by me.
Here is a partial listing of some of the movies uploading to HBO & HBO Max: 10 YEARS, A MOUSE TALE, ADVENTURELAND, ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13, both the 1976 & 2005 versions; BANDITS, BAREFOOT, THE BROTHERS GRIMM, BOWFINGER, CESAR CHAVEZ, CHIPS, THE DOORS, ONE MORE TIME, PITCH PERFECT, THE QUIET ONES and RED DRAGON. I’ll single out the movie starring John Cusak as Edgar Allen Poe – THE RAVEN.
Next Month’s Tease: “Touched”
Last month’s answer – We gave you a list of movie titles to see what they had in common – Dawn of the Dead, Legend of the Guardians and Sucker Punch. Well, they were all directed by Zack Snyder. Don’t miss his version of JUSTICE LEAGUE on HBO Max in March.
Final Clip: What can I say – Simply, THE BEST!
Enjoy the month! Discover HBO.
