October has traditionally been a big premiere month for HBO. Here we go with the biggest they can offer at this time.
A few quick points:
- We get chomped by MEG 2
- Paul Giamatti Frightens Us
- We take a trip to Larrimah, Australia
- The Van Rhijn/Russel rivalry continues
- and we become SCAVANGERS this Halloween.
HBO Original Series: THE GILDED AGE is upon us once again this October. The American Gilded Age 
was a period of immense economic change, of great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and of huge fortunes made and lost. Season two begins on Easter morning 1883, with the news that Bertha Russell’s bid for a box at the Academy of Music has been rejected. Through the eight episodes of the season, we watch as Bertha challenges Mrs. Astor and the old system and works to not only gain a foothold in Society, but to potentially take a leading role in it. George Russell takes on his own battle with a growing union at his steel plant in Pittsburgh. In the Brook House, Marian continues her journey to find her way in the world secretly teaching at a girls’ school while much to everyone’s surprise Ada begins a new courtship. Of course, Agnes approves of none of it. In Brooklyn, the Scott family begins to heal from a shocking discovery, and Peggy taps into her activist spirit through her work with T. Thomas Fortune at the NY Globe. This season will also see the return of the official companion podcast hosted by TCM’s Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers from The Bowery Boys. Each week, they are joined by some of the cast and crew as they share exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and dive deeper into the captivating storylines, intricate characters, and scandalous secrets that define this lavish era. Find it beginning SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 (9:00–10:00 pm ET/PT).
Season Two of the HBO Original drama series 30 COINS debuts MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT). The eight-episode season of the acclaimed horror series, produced by HBO Europe in Spain, is directed by Álex de la Iglesia and co-written by Álex de la Iglesia and Jorge Guerricaechevarría. The series will air on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
In the second season, most of the people of Pedraza have lost their minds, confined to a psychiatric hospital. Elena (Megan Montaner) lies in a Madrid hospital bed in a coma; Paco (Miguel Ángel Silvestre), shattered by remorse, tries to take care of her. As horror grows around them, our group of heroes must face a new enemy named Christian Barbrow (Paul Giamatti). Someone so perverse that even the devil fears him. But what about Father Vergara (Eduard Fernández)? Has he died, along with his archenemy, Cardinal Santoro? Where do they hide, the tortured souls? What evils will be invoked? How many people have possession of the sacred thirty coins of Judas? Can they, can we, handle the horrors to come?
Original Series Exclusive to Max: A new animated series starts this section off. Max had ordered the adult animated sci-fi drama SCAVENGERS REIGN to series, after seeing a film short at the Annecy Animation Festival in 2022. That short, co-created and executive produced by Joe Bennett and Charles Huettner for Titmouse (a big contributor for WBD’s Adult Swim), now makes it to the streamer. It debuts with three episodes THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 followed by three episodes weekly through November 9 on Max. It follows several groups of survivors as they attempt to navigate a way off this strange planet where the laws of physics as we know them do not apply. In this surreal sci-fi story, the remaining crew of a damaged interstellar freighter ship find themselves stranded on a beautiful, yet unforgiving alien planet where they must survive long enough to escape or be rescued. As the survivors struggle to locate their downed ship and missing crewmates, their new home reveals a hostile world allowed to thrive without human interference. Cast: Wunmi Mosaku (Azi), Bob Stephenson (Sam), Sunita Mani (Ursula), Ted Travelstead (Kamen), Alia Shawkat (Levi). Guests: Pollyanna McIntosh (Kris), Dash Williams (Barry), Freddy Rodriguez (Terrence), Sepideh Moafi (Mia), Skyler Gisondo (Charlie). Intrigued?
Next is a returning favorite. The eight-episode second season of the Max Original comedy series OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH, from creator-showrunner David Jenkins, Emmy-nominated executive producer and star Taika Waititi, and Emmy-nominated executive producer Garrett Basch, debuts with three episodes THURSDAY, OCTOBER 05 on Max. The season continues with two new episodes weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, October 26.
The series is based (very) loosely on the true adventures of 18th-century would-be pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby). After trading the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede became captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes changed after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). To their surprise, the wildly different Stede and Blackbeard found more than friendship on the high seas…they found love. Now, they have to survive it.
Season 2 cast: In addition to Darby and Waititi, season two stars returning cast members Samson Kayo, Vico Ortiz, Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher, Kristian Nairn, Con O’Neill, David Fane, Samba Schutte, Nat Faxon, and Leslie Jones. New additions joining the ensemble cast include recurring guest stars Ruibo Qian, Madeleine Sami, Anapela Polataivao, and Erroll Shand, and guest stars Minnie Driver and Bronson Pinchot.
Last up, a concluding DC title. The Max Original series DOOM PATROL will continue its fourth and final season with two new episodes THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, followed by one new episode weekly through November 9. In the series’ gripping final episodes, the Doom Patrol meet old friends and foes as they race to defeat Immortus and get back their longevities. Battling between saving the world and each other, the Doom Patrol are forced to face their deepest fears and decide if they are ready to let go of the past in order to take their future into their own hands… and away from the zombie butts. Season four stars Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer, Diane Guerrero, April Bowlby, Joivan Wade, Michelle Gomez, Skye Roberts, Riley Shanahan, and Matthew Zuk.
HBO International Titles: HBO International Titles: What kind of cinematic curios can we come up with in international fare? Well, uploading on Max FRIDAY OCTOBER 06 is a reality series from Thailand! Who 
would have thought? The reality series (according to THR) called DEANE’S DYNASTY follows local Thai celebrity power couple Lydia and Matthew Deane as they attempt to navigate the dramas of fame and family. Lydia Deane, also known as Lydia Sarunrat, began her career as a pop singer, before transitioning to acting and becoming a fitness influencer. Matthew Deane is a well-known Thai-Australian singer, model, actor, and television presenter. The series — which looks to be something like a Thai version of The Kardashians — is produced by 247 Pictures. Some of you might like it but I’ll pass. FRANKELDA’S BOOK OF SPOOKS (Los Sustos Ocultos de Frankelda) is a Mexican stop-motion animated television series created by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz Rendón. Frankelda, a mysterious ghostwriter, tells tales of terror with the 
assistance of her grumpy enchanted book Herneval, which primarily focuses on children encountering supernatural entities such as gnomes, witches, sirens, and the like. Trapped in a sentient haunted house for 150 years, telling stories allows the two an opportunity to gradually regain their strength and make an escape plan to leave their prison. All five episodes of the series upload on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12. There is a comedy series from Mexico on the way too. It is CANDY CRUZ. All we know is that Candy Cruz (Cassandra Sanchez Navarro), a woman with a natural gift for cooking participates in a TV contest that could be her route to fame. It uploads THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19. Also from Mexico is a teen drama entitled TEENAGE KISS: THE FUTURE IS DEAD. What happens in the elite communities of one of the most emblematic cities in Mexico: Monterrey, Nuevo León. Through the perspective of the Parras, a family of lineage, it will be shown that not everything is as it seems, while they do everything possible to maintain the appearances of their own “paradise” of life. It too arrives on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19. The last title we’ve got here is one called CUQUIN, which comes to the streamer on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 and like the above title is total kids’ fare. It’s billed as an animated series that will make families delve into the fun stories of three incredible friends: Cuquín, Clementina, and Cyan. This incredible trio is bound to have awesome times playing their made-up games thanks to their limitless imagination and will go on a number of fantastic adventures in which they’ll overcome big challenges through teamwork. It hails from Spain.
HBO & Max Theatrical Movies: There is a theatrical movie debuting for October that actually slips on the schedule on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. You’ll be ready to catch this big-catch-of-the-day – MEG 2: 
THE TRENCH, and you know that’s short for megalodon, right? You know that means Jason Statham, right? Dive into uncharted waters with Statham and global action icon Wu Jing as they lead a daring research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers, our heroes must outrun, outsmart, and outswim their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.
That actioner is a wet & wild thriller but being October, you know there are a plethora of horror chills & thrills as well. Seek and ye shall find Beetlejuice (1988), Critters 3 (1991), Dark Shadows (2012), Final Destination (2000), Final Destination 2 (2003), Final Destination 3 (2006), Final Destination 5 (2011), The Final Destination (2009), Pet Sematary (1989), Pet Sematary II (1992) and on and on. Explore to find more.
HBO Documentary Films: There is a lineup of interesting titles in this category. Leading off for the month, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 01(9:00-10:35 pm), is THE RINGLEADER: THE CASE OF THE BLING RING. In a candid, first-time interview with Rachel Lee, the so-called teenage mastermind behind a string 
of high-profile celebrity robberies in 2008 and 2009, this documentary examines the motivations of Lee and a group of her friends who broke into celebrity homes in Hollywood to ransack and steal, exploring the possible reasons behind her actions including mental health issues and addictions, as well as the climate of celebrity excess that fueled the teens, recontextualizing the events behind the sensational headlines. On SUNDAY, OCTOBER 08 (9:00-10:00 pm) is our aforementioned trip Down Under for the HBO Original documentary film LAST STOP LARRIMAH, directed by Thomas Tancred and executive produced by Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, and Mel Eslyn of Duplass Brothers Productions. When Paddy Moriarty and his dog Kellie left the local Larrimah pub and vanished in December of 2017, a long history of infighting is unveiled as the remaining residents become suspects in an unfolding investigation that leads to Paddy being declared dead. The documentary shines a light on Larrimah’s quirky history and how the town’s once close-knit and jubilant residents brought about their own fate. It is a five-part story to make you scratch your head, all starting with this trailer:
The HBO Original documentary film NO ACCIDENT, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kristi Jacobson (HBO’s “Solitary”), debuts TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 (9:00-10:40 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. In the aftermath of the deadly Charlottesville, Virginia “Unite the Right” white nationalist rally in 2017, attorneys Roberta “Robbie” Kaplan and Karen Dunn filed a civil lawsuit against 17 white nationalist leaders and organizations on behalf of nine plaintiffs who suffered physical and emotional injuries while peacefully counter-protesting the rally. The lawsuit alleged that the event was not an isolated, spontaneous gathering, but rather a well-planned and coordinated conspiracy to incite racially motivated violence and to advance an anti-Semitic, race-war agenda. And the courtroom drama that ensued put those 
ideas to the test. It looks like one not to miss. The last title for the month comes our way SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 (9:00-10:30 pm). The HBO Original documentary film AKA MR. CHOW, directed by Nick Hooker, details the vibrant and varied life of Michael Chow.(pictured) Born Zhou Yinghua in 1930s Shanghai, he would use creativity to triumph over childhood trauma, personal loss, and systemic prejudice, growing up to become the actor and artist before inventing a new identity, Mr. Chow, when he opens the first of his iconic restaurants. Having found fame and fortune in the West, Mr. Chow celebrates his Chinese roots and finds catharsis by returning to painting, reemerging as the artist M. In this intimate, spirited, and no-holds-barred interview, Michael Chow unveils the irrepressible spirit and personal philosophy.
Max Kids & Family: Here is an exciting tale not to miss – PETER & THE WOLF. Max and Cartoon 
Network have an animated rendition of the beloved classic tale featuring music and narration by Gavin Friday, and artwork based on original illustrations by Bono. The special transforms Sergei Prokofiev’s much-loved symphony into an enchanting and contemporary visual masterpiece that touches on themes of growing up, loss, courage, transformation, and our relationship with nature. Featuring a special juxtaposition of traditional hand-drawn 2D animation combined with a physical set-built world, this reimagined classic tale follows a grieving 12-year-old Peter who is now in the care of his grandfather after enduring the loss of a parent. Upon hearing stories of a wolf on the loose, Peter decides to explore the vast meadow and forest nearby to try and find the wolf himself. Along the way, he encounters creatures who help him on his quest while contending with hunters aiming to win a prize for capturing the wolf. Find it THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19.
Also, for the family, is a Sesame Street Halloween event – OSCAR’S HANDMADE HALLOWEEN. The work stars Oscar the Grouch and Food Network’s Sunny Anderson as they try to find new homes for shelter dogs while turning refuse into Halloween costumes for the canines. Who says Oscar doesn’t have a heart? It 
arrives THURSDAY OCTOBER 05 and DC followers get another movie on MONDAY, OCTOBER 23. It is JUSTICE LEAGUE: WARWORLD. After being kidnapped and transported to a strange world, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman unite to form a resistance and lead the planet to freedom. But back to Halloween fare. Also appearing will be BUGS BUNNY BUILDERS: HARD HAT TIME: HAUNTED GARAGE and TEEN TITANS GO!: HAUNTED TANK.
HBO Sports: REAL SPORT WITH BRYANT GUMBEL offers another installment on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 (10:00-11:00 pm ET/PT).
Other Shows On HBO or Max: For those interested Max will be adding a new tier as of THURSDAY, OCTOBER 05. The Bleacher Report Sports Add-On package will deliver a full slate of premium live sports, including MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, and U.S. Soccer events, The Match, Emmy Award-winning studio shows such as Inside the NBA, live video content from B/R covering a wide array of sports, select live international sports events such as 24 Hours of Le Mans, and extensive VOD content. It will be just in time for MLB Postseason – beginning with the National League Division Series on Oct. 7 — the start of the NHL regular season and NBA Opening Night.
Next Month’s Tease: KaMillion, anybody?
Last month – We singled out some lesser-known works of Julian Fellowes last time. He is, of course, responsible for penning THE GILDED AGE, which returns in October.
Final Clip: Chomp!
Enjoy HBO and HBOWatch
