HBO still has content to share and you don’t want to miss it. Somewhere down the line, it is going to get sparse because of the abrupt halt in production as the industry does it part to stay safe, but for right now we are looking pretty solid as this post will prove. Enjoy May the best you can with an assist of HBO content.
A few quick points:
- Note that I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE bumped from April to Sundays in May
- Friday nights debuts a new half-hour with BETTY
- A couple of big Theatrical Movies debut – no joking.
- AXIOS returns
- Plus, HBO Max launches!
Original Series: The big dramatic debut this month was originally slated for May but got moved two weeks taking it into May. It is the limited series I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE starring Mark Ruffalo x 2. From acclaimed writer and director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines) comes this six-part limited drama series debuting SUNDAY, MAY 10 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT), starring Mark Ruffalo (Emmy winner for HBO’s THE NORMAL HEART), who also serves as an executive producer, as identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in a family saga that follows their parallel lives in an epic story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness. The series, set in the fictional town of Three Rivers, Connecticut, shows Dominick and Thomas at different stages in their lives, beginning in their present in the early 1990s with both brothers approaching middle-age, filled in with Dominick’s flashbacks to their young adulthood and childhood. It is based on Wally Lamb’s award-winning New York Times bestseller of the same name.
–Episode One
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 10 (9:00-10:00pm)
After paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Birdsey (Mark Ruffalo) has a violent public breakdown, Dominick Birdsey (Mark Ruffalo) finds himself stepping up to defend his identical twin brother in unexpected ways. As he navigates the fallout of Thomas’ actions, Dominick reflects on their childhood growing up under the tyrannical rule of their volatile step-father, Ray (John Procaccino), and their persistent desire to know the identity of their biological father. Dominick crosses paths with the prickly Nedra Frank (Juliette Lewis) as he attempts to have his grandfather’s manuscript translated from Italian into English as a gift for his ailing mother. Written for Television by Derek Cianfrance; directed by Derek Cianfrance.
–Episode Two
Debut SUNDAY, MAY 17 (9:00-10:00pm)
Tensions rise between Dominick (Mark Ruffalo) and his live-in girlfriend, Joy (Imogen Poots), as the media begins to take an interest in Thomas’ (Mark Ruffalo) case. In his attempt to have Thomas released from the Hatch forensic institute for the criminally insane, Dominick finds a potential ally in social worker Lisa Sheffer (Rosie O’Donnell), but learns that helping his brother may be more difficult than he thought. Dominick clashes with Thomas’ new psychiatrist, Dr. Patel (Archie Panjabi), as she begins to probe into his past. We learn about the shocking tragedy that triggered the dissolution of Dominick’s marriage to Dessa (Kathryn Hahn). Written for Television by Derek Cianfrance; directed by Derek Cianfrance.
–Episode 3
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 24 (9:00-10:00pm)
Sheffer (Rosie O’Donnell) preps Dominick (Mark Ruffalo) for a pivotal hearing with Hatch’s review board that could decide Thomas’ fate. A chance encounter with an old classmate brings painful childhood memories to the surface. Dominick reflects on his and Thomas’ time together at college, during which he met Dessa (Kathryn Hahn) and the signs of his brother’s illness first began to manifest. Joy (Imogen Poots) attempts to remedy the problems in her and Dominick’s relationship. Written for Television by Derek Cianfrance; directed by Derek Cianfrance.
–Episode 4
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 31 (9:00-10:00pm)
Despite the protestations of those closest to him, Dominick (Mark Ruffalo) returns to work before fully recovering from his accident. Heavily medicated, Dominick recalls the disturbing incident that lead to Thomas’ (Mark Ruffalo) first hospitalization while counting down the hours to Thomas’ hearing with the Hatch review board. Written for Television by Derek Cianfrance; directed by Derek Cianfrance.
Based on Crystal Moselle’s critically acclaimed feature Skate Kitchen, HBO’s new six-episode half-hour series BETTY, debuts FRIDAY, MAY 1 (11:00-11:30pm ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Starring Dede Lovelace, Moonbear, Nina Moran, Ajani Russell, and Rachelle Vinberg, who all starred in the original film, BETTY follows a diverse group of young women navigating their lives through the predominantly male-oriented world of skateboarding, set against the backdrop of New York City. Opinionated and loyal, Janay (Lovelace) is strong-willed and stubborn in ways that both help and hurt her. Honeybear (Moonbear) is a quiet storm. Her flagrant style is a ruse; an armor she wears to hide her emotional struggles. Kirt (Moran) is a lover (to the ladies), a fighter (to the rest of the world), and a little kid in the body of a woman. She’s the funniest person alive, but even if she knew it, she wouldn’t care. Meanwhile, Indigo (Russell) is a street-savvy hustler trapped in the body of a well-to-do art school drop-out. On the edge of the group is Camille (Vinberg), guarded, perceptive, intelligent and awkward. She wants to be down with the dudes in the skate park and has fought hard for the small space she’s carved out with them, but she needs to realize that cool points don’t actually add up to the sum of anything, especially in the eyes of the other girls.
–Episode 1 “Key Party:
Debut: FRIDAY, MAY 01 (11:00-11:30pm)
When Janay (Dede Lovelace) and Kirt (Nina Moran) attempt to throw an all-girls skate sesh, an unexpected visitor cuts the “festivities” short, chaos ensues, and there’s also a van. Written by Crystal Moselle & Lesley Arfin; directed by Crystal Moselle
–Episode 2 “Zen and the Art of Skateboarding”
Debut: FRIDAY, MAY 08 (11:00-11:30pm)
Donald’s (Caleb Eberhardt) unauthorized shadiness finds Janay (Dede Lovelace) reeling while Kirt (Nina Moran), Indigo (Ajani Russell), and Honeybear (Moonbear) deal with the territorial skater boys. Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) and Bambi (Edmund Donovan) hang under awkward circumstances. Written by Patricia Breen; Directed by Crystal Moselle.
–Episode 3 “Happy Birthday, Tyler”
Debut: FRIDAY, MAY 15 (11:00-11:30pm)
Why do rich girls want broke girl problems? When will Honeybear (Moonbear) stop dodging her crush? And Janay (Dede Lovelace) – are you sure this is how you want to spend your birthday? Written by Moshe Kasher; Directed by Crystal Moselle.
–Episode 4 “The Tombs”
Debut: FRIDAY, MAY 22 (11:00-11:30pm)
It may not be this simple, but… just do the right thing, Janay (Dede Lovelace). Check yourself, Kirt (Nina Moran). And speaking of checks, Tovah, what’s up? Written by Britta Lundin; Directed by Crystal Moselle.
–Episode 5 “Perstephanie”
Debut: FRIDAY, MAY 29 (11:00-11:30pm)
Kirt (Nina Moran) turns to “alternative” medicine to heal her friendships while the rest of the crew struggles with relationship issues of their own. Exactly how desperate for cash are you, Indigo (Ajani Russell)? Written by Naima Ramos-Chapman & Veronica Rodriguez; Directed by Crystal Moselle.
INSECURE is going strong in its fourth season and continues in May. When all is said and done, we will see a ten-episode run as the show which continues SUNDAY, MAY 03 (10:15-10:45pm ET/PT). The following weeks will start at 10:00pm. How will Issa Dee and her homies & hood fare? The episode breakdowns below offer clues:
–-Season 4 Episode 4 – “Lowkey Losin’ It”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 03 (10:00-10:30pm)
The girls get together to help Tiffany (Amanda Seales) with her new baby girl. Later, Issa (Issa Rae) struggles to finalize key details for the block party and turns to Molly (Yvonne Orji) to leverage Andrew’s (Alexander Hodge) connections. Written by Laura Kittrell; directed by Nijla Mumin.
–Season 4 Episode 5 – “Lowkey Movin’ On”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 10 (10:00-10:30pm)
With the block party finally here, Issa (Issa Rae) is determined to deliver a memorable event, despite some surprises. Meanwhile, Tiffany (Amanda Seales) enjoys a break from her baby, Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) entertains a gullible new boo, and Molly (Yvonne Orji) attempts to put a grudge on hold. Written by Syreeta Singleton; directed by Stella Meghie.
–Season 4 Episode 6 – “Lowkey Done”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 17 (10:00-10:30pm)
In need of some positive vibes after the block party, Issa (Issa Rae) goes out of her way to do good for random people across L.A., eventually turning to an unlikely source for comfort. Meanwhile, Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) urges her friends to reconcile. Written by Fran Richter; directed by Lacey Duke.
–Season 4 Episode 7 – “Lowkey Trippin’”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 24 (10:00-10:30pm)
Molly (Yvonne Orji) and Andrew (Alexander Hodge) take off for their first couples’ vacation with Andrew’s brother Victor (Stephen Oyoung) and his wife Lydia (Camille Chen) – and despite their packed schedule, the trip is smooth sailing until a hotel employee steps out of line. Written by Jason Lew; directed by Jay Ellis.
The new reality program WE’RE HERE is still doing its thing in May. Renowned drag queens Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela Laquifa Wadley inspire and teach beginning THURSDAY, MAY 07 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The only destination as of this writing indicated below:
–Episode 3 Debut: THURSDAY, MAY 07 (9:00-10:00pm
In Branson, Missouri, a wholesome showbiz town smack in the middle of the Bible Belt, Bob, Eureka, and Shangela help three locals struggling to be their true selves in a community that prides itself on its traditional, religious values. Among them are Tanner, a young actor questioning whether it’s possible for him to be both Christian and gay; Charles, a classically-trained dancer who wants to show that he’s not just out, but proud; and Chris, a father grappling with mental health issues who’s determined to embrace his emotions for the sake of his daughter. Directed by Peter LoGreco.
Now for the shows concluding in May beginning with WESTWORLD which offers up just one more episode in its Sunday slot. The season finale debuts SUNDAY, MAY 03 (9:00–10:15pm ET/PT). This Emmy-winning one-hour 
drama series is already renewed for Season Four.
–Season 3, Episode 8: “Crisis Theory”
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 03 (9:00-10:00pm)
Time to face the music. Written by Denise Thé & Jonathan Nolan; directed by Jennifer Getzinger.
Based on Elena Ferrante’s second book of her four-part series, MY BRILLIANT FRIEND: THE STORY OF A NEW NAME, following Elena and Lila’s journey, finds it conclusion MONDAY, MAY 04 *(10:00-11:00pm) ET/PT. 
–Season 2 Episode 8 – “The Blue Fairy”
Debut: MONDAY, MAY 04 (10:00-11:00pm. ET/PT)
Written by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanz; Directed by Saverio Costanzo
Written and produced by Vicky Jones, the new half-hour comedy series RUN continues its run beginning SUNDAY, MAY 03 (10:45-11:15pm ET/PT) resuming its 10:30pm start time the rest of the month. Just how far is this crazy pact between Ruby and Billy going to go? As of this writing, we only have two episodes that we can tell you about to help us find out.
-Episode 4 – “Chase” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 03 (10:45-11:15pm ET/PT)
Back on the train, Ruby (Merritt Wever) seeks guidance from a new friend and gets a wakeup call from home that leaves her shaken. Meanwhile, Billy (Domhnall Gleeson) continues to lie about Fiona (Archie Panjabi), who raises the stakes to get what she wants. Written by Georgia Pritchett; directed by Kate Dennis.
–Episode 5 – “Jump” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 10 (10:30-11:00pm ET/PT)
A dramatic detour finds Ruby (Merritt Wever) and Billy (Domhnall Gleeson) in unknown territory as they’re forced to make a life-changing decision. As Ruby tries to keep everything together and get back on course, she and an emotional Billy seek the help of an amiable local taxidermist, Laurel (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Written by Kirstie Swain; directed by Natalie Bailey.
–Episode 6 – “Tell” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 17 (10:30-11:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 7 – “Trick” Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 24 (10:30-11:00pm ET/PT)
REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER continues its 18th season the best way Maher knows how – from his backyard. This next month starts FRIDAY, MAY 01 (10:00-11:00pm) and LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER holds his time slot beginning SUNDAY, MAY 03 (11:00-11:30pm). He films at home as well, but you don’t see one glimpse of it as he sits in front of a white space as that show still manages to do its graphics as well as its “And Now This…” segments. Right now these shows are set up to do weekly installments, but technical errors could put the show at a halt without notice.
Both of these shows attack and break down the big political, social and cultural themes of the day and, of course, the world pandemic and its ramifications are the main story, but for this month’s clip I opt for the humor. Enjoy a sample of that with Bill Maher and Jay Leno.
Movies: Have you got the time for a movie? They are everywhere and HBO & Cinemax have plenty, but some of the newest theatrical movies start their life on the home screen with HBO. Theatrical premieres still arrive every Saturday night. In May HBO offers THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, DOWNTON ABBEY, JOKER, READY OR NOT and LUCY IN THE SKY. Here is a look at each:
The least known movie might just be the first one of the month, thus an included trailer, for sure. THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN debuts SATURDAY, MAY 03 (8:00-9:50pm). A wise and witty golden retriever (voiced by Kevin Costner) narrates this heartwarming tale based on the best-selling novel, chronicling the powerful bond 
between a dog and a race car driver as he falls in love, gets married and raises a family. Starring Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole and Kevin Costner. Directed by Simon Curtis; screenplay by Mark Bomback, based on the novel by Garth Stein. .On SATURDAY, MAY 09 (8:00-10:02pm) is the big-screen version of DOWNTON ABBEY. The King and Queen of England are coming to Downton Abbey and it’s all the Crawley family and their dedicated staff can do to keep the visit from going off the rails in this sweeping film that picks up where the beloved TV series leaves off. Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton star. Directed by Michael Engler; screenplay by Julian Fellowes, based on the television series created by Julian Fellowes. Delivering a stunning, Academy Award-winning performance, Joaquin Phoenix is “masterful” (Film Threat) as Arthur Fleck, a spindly, greasy-hired clown and aspiring comedian who begins a slow, dark transformation into Batman’s murderous, maniacal archenemy, Joker. JOKER debuts SATURDAY, MAY 16 (8:00-10:02pm). “A movie that borders on genius” (Rex Reed). Co-starring Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Marc Maron and Douglas Hodge. Directed by Todd Phillips; written by Todd Phillips & Scott Silver, based on characters from DC.
Next up is the horror/ Sci-Fi-comedy hybrid READY OR NOT which debuts SATURDAY, MAY 23 (8:00-9:35pm). In this one, a newlywed is forced by her wealthy and eccentric in-laws to take part in a game of hide-and-seek that turns into a deadly game of survival This terrifying thriller, laced with black humor. stars Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien, Henry Czerny and Andie MacDowell. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett; written by Guy Busick & R. Christopher Murphy. To conclude ther moth is LUCY IN THE SKY. This R-rated drama sees Natalie Portman starring as an astronaut whose transcendent experiences in space leave her unhappy with her dreary life on Earth as she starts to lose her grip on reality. Jon Hamm, Dan Stevens, Zazie Beetz, Pearl Amanda Dickson and Ellen Burstyn co-star in this drama inspired by real events. Directed by Noah Hawley; written by Brian C. Brown & Elliott DiGuiseppi and Noah Hawley. It debuts SATURDAY, MAY 30 (8:00-10:05pm).
HBO Documentary Films: In many ways, acclaimed actress Natalie Wood’s life and career have been overshadowed by her tragic death at age 43 off the coast of Catalina Island. Yet, her extensive circle of family and friends, including daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner, have not forgotten the remarkable life she led and the legacy she left behind. In the intimate and revealing documentary NATALIE WOOD: WHAT REMAINS BEHIND, directed by award-winning filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau and debuting TUESDAY, MAY 5 (9:00 -10:40pm ET/PT) in celebration of Mother’s Day, Gregson Wagner explores her mother’s public life and private persona through personal interviews with those closest to her, including husband Robert J. Wagner, who speaks on-camera about Wood’s death for the first time. This film paints a rich portrait of one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses, a woman deeply committed to her family, whose professional choices were boldly forward-thinking at the time. The film had its World Premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary news series AXIOS returns this month with plans to ramp up production and will now air bi-weekly for the rest of 2020. AXIOS will return MONDAY, APRIL 27 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO and will air new installments MAY 11, and MAY 25. The series will continue with an extended commitment by HBO to bring viewers exclusive documentary-style reporting and interviews with top leaders and decision-makers from a range of industries including politics, technology, and business. The new episodes will kick-off with interviews featuring New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon. The five-part documentary series ATLANTA’S MISSING AND MURDERED: THE LOST CHILDREN wraps up on SUNDAY, MAY 03
–Part 5 (Series finale) Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 3 (7:45-9:00 p.m. ET/PT)
In the mid-1980s, Wayne Williams’ appeals attorney Lynn Whatley anonymously receives shocking new evidence connecting members of the Klan to the murders. An undercover informant and several investigators take the stand as a judge evaluates Williams’ plea for a retrial. Forty years after the murders began, the victims’ family members gather to grieve, discuss Williams’ guilt or innocence, and assert their unwavering commitment to finding out what really happened to their children.
Executive produced and directed by Sam Pollard, Maro Chermayeff, Jeff Dupre and Joshua Bennett, series produced by Saralena Weinfield for Show of Force; Executive producers, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius and John Legend for Get Lifted Film Co. in association with Roc Nation. For HBO: supervising producer, Sara Rodriguez; executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller.
HBO Kids: Now in its 50th season, the award-winning SESAME STREET continues on HBO. For more than four decades, the series has helped children grow smarter, stronger and kinder by providing preschoolers with the gold-standard in quality educational programming. Find it with your younger set starting SATURDAY, MAY 02 (9:00-
9:30am). Here is what you’ll find:
–Season 50 Episode 25 “A Very Special Fiesta”
Debut: SATURDAY, MAY 02 (9:00-9:30am)
Charlie, Grover, Rudy, and Abby help Rosita (pictured) and her abuela plan for a friend’s fiesta. While trying to figure out what they need for the party, they try to guess who Rosita and her abuela’s friend could be. Topic: Spanish
–Season 50 Episode 26 “Back To Nature”
Debut: SATURDAY, MAY 09 (9:00-9:30am)
Abby and Rudy want to bring nature inside Hooper’s so Chris can feel like he’s outside. Abby uses her mom’s magic wand but makes a mistake and fills Hooper’s with too many animals and plants. Abby apologizes for using her mom’s wand without permission and together, with her mom, she learns how to fix her mistake without using magic. Topic: Nature/Growing
–Season 50 Episode 27 “Welcome Baby Chicks”
Debut: SATURDAY, MAY 16 (9:00-9:30am)
Elmo, Abby, Bert, and Ernie have to be patient and wait for baby chicks to hatch. By singing and making arts and crafts together, they learn that time can fly when you’re having fun. Topic: Chickens
–Season 50 Episode 28 “Searching For Letter Y”
Debut: SATURDAY, MAY 23 (9:00-9:30am)
Telly, Elmo, and Abby become knights and go on a quest to help a Letter “Y’ find its purpose in life. Topic: Alphabet
–Season 50 Episode 29 “The Treasure of Yucky Mama”
Debut: SATURDAY, MAY 29 (9:00-9:30am)
Yucky Mama’s old treasure map is discovered during Oscar’s spring dusting. The map shows how Sesame Street used to look 50 years ago. To find the treasure, Oscar, Elmo, Abby, Nina, and Charlie use the map to find their way around Sesame Street, comparing the places that used to be on the Street to the places that are there now, and complete three grouchy challenges. Topic: Maps
HBO Sports: The stalwart still stands. REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL airs a new installment, the 277th one, on TUESDAY, MAY 19 (10:00-11:00pm). In the last session, Gumbel was joined By Jim Nantz, Joe Buck and Mike Breen for a roundtable discussion on the impact pf COVID-19 on sports.
Other Movies and Shows: Tucked away on the schedule in case you’ve missed them are such titles as the documentaries I LOVE YOU NOW DIE and UNITED SKATES & movies like PRECIOUS and LA LA LAND. You just might channel surf, if yo0u still do that, and find them. Smaller movies debuting include BIGGER (pictured). Did I get your attention? It debuts 05.06 Another film is WESTERN STARS. Bruce Springsteen performs songs from his new album “Western Stars,” backed by a full orchestra at his 100-year-old barn in New Jersey, while discussing themes of love, loss and time, in this “gorgeous tone poem” (The Hollywood Reporter). Directed by Bruce Springsteen and Thom Zimny.
Other HBO Platforms: I’ll just throw out a few. HBO Latino: First off, TODXS NOSOTRXS has its season finale on 05.15. In it Rafa’s father demands they return home after their attack, but Rafa uses it as a chance to finally break free. Vini and Maia hatch a plan to uncover the truth behind her failed interview. Vini suffers the consequences of a random hookup. Right before that conclusion is a new movie called EL PACTO (The Pact), After a woman learns that her diabetic daughter is about to die, she takes part in a dark ritual in which a mysterious man offers her a pact to save the girl’s life in this intense psychological thriller. Debuting 05.01 is another movie; LONG GONE BY about a single mother’s life in Nicaragua followed by HER BODY, a 10-minute film about human trafficking. HBO Signature: A talented young hip-hop artist is forced to choose 
between staying true to herself or compromising for a shot at stardom in FILLY BROWN. Medieval moron Danny McBride (HBO’s THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES) undertakes a quest to help save his brother’s betrothed in this screwball sword-and-sorcery tale YOUR HIGHNESS. HBO Comedy: Did you once have the hots for Kelly LeBrock? See her in WOMAN IN RED with Gene Wilder. Also find Michael J. Fox in THE FRIGHTENERS (pictured), HBO Family: THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS gives us a surly teen but for some fun check out THE CLOCKSTOPPERS. What do they do? They freeze time, natch. HBO Zone: Both FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and CRAZY RICH ASIANS are worth another look.
HBONow/Go: A co-production with Gullane and under the general direction of Rodrigo Meirelles, the series HARD is an adaptation of the French comedy of the same name. It tells the story of Sofía, a dedicated housewife who is recently widowed. Elegant and modest, she renounced her career as an attorney in order to take care of her family. After the sudden death of her husband, Sofia watches as her perfect life falls apart upon discovering that he had lied throughout his whole life about his profession and that the inheritance 
he leaves comes in the form of a production company for pornographic films. Now she must adapt to her new life. It debuts on the sites on 05.18. Just a few of the movies coming to the sites are – THE ART OF GETTING BY (2011), BLACKkKLANSMAN (2018), BROKEN ARROW (1996), CAST AWAY (2000), CINEMA PARADISO (Director’s Cut) (1990), COLD MOUNTAUN (2003), CONTAGION (2011), INCARNATE (2016), JAWS (1975), JAWS 2 (1978), JAWS 3-D (1983) and JAWS: THE REVENGE (1987).
HBO Max: It is official. The launch date is May 27 for WarnerMedia’s one-stop location for its content. It is hard to say how it will do. On one hand, the citizenry is still sheltering-in-place and there has been an uptick in streaming services occupying people’s time but, on the other hand, laid-off workers don’t have the money to shell out for yet another service, HBO Max is on the upper end price-wise but has a huge volume of back catalog content and promising original content to offer. As promotional material has lauded “There’s a place where the Witch of the West meets the King in the North, and The Fresh Prince meets The Dark Knight. That place is HBO Max, launching May 27th with 10,000 hours of premium programming.”
https://youtu.be/oMFtbhoFfTE
Each week news drops of something in the works. After the initial launch, Max Originals will continue to premiere on the streamer at a regular cadence through summer and fall including The Flight Attendant, starring and executive produced by Kaley Cuoco, from Berlanti Productions and based on the novel by New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian; the highly anticipated Friends unscripted cast reunion special; all-new original episodes of the critically acclaimed DC fan favorite Doom Patrol; the return of the critically beloved mystery comedy Search Party with a brand new season; the three-part documentary series Expecting Amy, an unfiltered and 
intimate view into comedian Amy Schumer’s life on tour creating a stand-up special during her difficult pregnancy; sci-fi series Raised by Wolves from director and executive producer Ridley Scott, the award-winning creator behind The Martian, Gladiator, and Blade Runner; the adult animated comedy Close Enough, from J.G. Quintel (creator of Cartoon Network’s Emmy-winning Regular Show), a hilarious look at the surreal life of a millennial family living with roommates; and Adventure Time: Distant Lands- BMO, the first of four breakout specials resurrecting Cartoon Network’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning franchise Adventure Time. Here is a link to what to expect on May 27.
Cinemax: Where does that leave the sister channel? It has proved a conundrum on just what is to happen to it. Right now, it sits as a repository of dozens of movies. Supposedly, 
Cinemax was to wrap up on Original Series with STRIKE BACK, which saw its series finale on 04.17. But there is news in the wind of more series forthcoming. We’ll have more on that in a separate posting coming up soon. The channel is showcasing THE FAVOURITE, I, ROBOT, ROBIN HOOD (2018), BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE, THE OLD MAN & THE GUN, THE DEAD DON’T DIE and UNCLE DREW.
Next Month’s Tease: It came as a surprise but we are off to Cape Town South Africa!
Last month we mentioned a craft called Splendour – Natalie Wood, featured in the documentary NATALIE WOOD: WHAT REMAINS BEHIND, was last seen alive on the yacht named Splendour.
Final Clip: Screwy, ain’t it?
Enjoy the month! Discover HBO. Stop back here for more news, reviews and schedules.
