Latest news with #TheAnti-KidnappingUnit
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LA Screenings Independents Bounces Back
It's set to be a banner year for the LA Screenings Independents this year, which has noted a 30% uptick in registered buyers and up to 60 exhibitors filling up the rooms of the legendary Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the trade show's new venue. 'More people are coming this year, which is great to see – last year was a bit tough, maybe because of hotel prices or how long the event lasted,' says Isabella Márquez, president of Events TM, who has pared the screenings to two instead of three days, May 15 and 16. More from Variety Brazilian Major Streamer Globoplay Bets on Global Reach of True Crime By Bringing Fourth Season of 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' to LA Screenings The Rise of 'Like Water for Chocolate' Producer Endemol Shine Boomdog Dori Media Group Launches 'Young Suchard' Series About Acclaimed Mentalist Lior Suchard at LA Screenings (EXCLUSIVE) These are followed from May 17–21 by slate presentations at studios across Los Angeles, some of which are conveniently closer to the landmark hotel than the trade show's previous Century City location. 'The LA Screenings are a key hub for content sharing and building industry connections. This year's move to the iconic Roosevelt Hotel is about bringing everything into one central location, creating a more intimate and focused atmosphere,' says Lisette Osorio, Caracol TV's VP of International Sales, adding: 'It's also a strategic shift to help manage costs at a time of big industry changes.' Among Caracol's highlights is dramatic series 'La Venganza de Analía – A Second Round for Justice,' leading a robust slate of entertainment formats and documentaries. 'Personally, I've always greatly appreciated and enjoyed visiting our traditional Century City location, which has been an integral part of our lives for many years. However, times change, and we maintain a positive outlook moving forward,' EO Media's Eze Olzanski concurs, who adds that he hopes to see a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre across the street. 'If it's true that Marilyn Monroe's ghost haunts the hotel, it would be a pleasure to meet her and share a mate with her,' Olzanski quips. 'Being at the LA Screenings with such a diversified slate reinforces our positioning to deliver stories that connect with audiences around the world,' says Pablo Ghiglione, Globo's head of co-productions and international sales, of the Brazilian company's diverse lineup led by a new season of high-octane series 'Anti-Kidnapping Unit' from Globoplay Originals as well as telenovelas and adaptable formats for local productions. 'The market has become more dynamic with a renewed sense of enthusiasm surrounding the LA Screenings, given there are more buyers returning in person post-Covid,' notes Lionsgate's Tania Jacobson, SVP, alternative programming, international, who remarks that it would be the first time Lionsgate Alternative Television is presenting as an international distributor. 'In unscripted television, we're seeing a shift domestically toward greater collaboration between producers and buyers, allowing producers to retain more rights and maintain ownership of their IP,' she says, adding: 'By leveraging the combined strength of Lionsgate Alternative Television's top-tier non-scripted groups and the studio's best-in-class television distribution team, we are fortunate to be well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.' Highlights of Lionsgate's unscripted lineup includes 'The Las Culturistas Culture Awards,' a special on cultural milestones of the year, hosted by SNL regular Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers; 'Princess Diana's Dress' (working title), a new docu tracing Princess Diana's transformation from shy teacher to fashion icon; 'Bocelli: Because I Believe,' an all-access doc following Andrea Bocelli behind the scenes, and the second season of 'Married to the Game,' which delves into the personal lives of Premier League footballers' partners. For Mike Wald and Jason Spivak, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) co-presidents of distribution & networks, the LA Screenings is 'still a very robust point in time' and a perfect opportunity to meet most of SPT's business allies in one venue. 'The structure of the Screenings in terms of timing of what's available has changed, but the impact remains very strong. Over the past two years, we have launched two of the biggest shows in the industry, 'Twisted Metal' and 'Doc,' at the LA Screenings and they continue to be top performers around the world,' they note. This year's SPT crop includes 'American Hostage,' starring Jon Hamm; Scotland-set 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood'; the series adaptation of William Golding's classic 'Lord of the Flies' by 'Adolescence' writer Jack Thorne; supernatural thriller 'Playing Gracie Darling' and drama 'The Lady.' 'Audiences also love dramas based on true crime events, 'The Lady' is a great example of this, and one that we are really excited about,' they remark. From 'The Crown' producers, Left Bank Pictures, 'The Lady' is a partly fictionalized account of Jane Andrews, the former royal dresser of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, whose rise from humble beginnings ended when she was convicted of murder. Says Michael Bonner, president, NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution: 'I can say that across all the various sales markets that we participate in throughout the year (i.e.: NATPE, Content Americas, London TV Screenings, MIPCOM, ATF, etc.), LA Screenings continues to be our largest market.' 'While content remains king, the TV landscape is becoming increasingly more complex: a surge in local productions, audience fragmentation, technological advancements, shift from the traditional pilot season to year-round development, global market dynamics, etc.,' he observes, adding: 'That said, we prefer to view challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth.' The key is to remain 'nimble' and adapt to the meet the needs of audiences in an ever-shifting landscape, he notes. 'Year-round development means that we are also selling content on a year-round basis; we continue to work with our longstanding linear and streaming clients, but with audiences looking for new ways to watch content, we also work with new partners, services and business models to ensure that our content is anywhere and everywhere consumers are,' he adds. NBCUniversal's film and TV slate for 2025-26 includes dramas led by 'The Copenhagen Test,' which stars Simu Liu as an American intelligence analyst whose brain gets hacked; 'Amadeus,' a reimagined take on Peter Shaffer's award-winning stage play and movie starring Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany; Matt Smith-led 'The Death of Bunny Munro,' a wild cautionary tale intertwined with a portrait of a father and son's bond, and 'Ponies,' starring 'Game of Thrones' lead Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as two secretaries turned CIA operatives. Among its comedies are 'The Paper,' an offshoot of 'The Office' universe starring Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore and Oscar Nuñez. Additionally, NBCU will be screening trailers of some of its most highly anticipated upcoming films including 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,' 'Wicked: For Good' and 'Jurassic World: Rebirth.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brazilian Major Streamer Globoplay Bets on Global Reach of True Crime By Bringing Fourth Season of ‘The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' to LA Screenings
Now in its fourth season, Globoplay original 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' is a testament to the investment of the major Brazilian streamer in strong national content that can spawn several seasons. Globo arrives at the buzzy LA Screenings with the international launch of the new batch, which continues to trail Detective Carlos Mendonça (Silvio Guindane) and Inspector Juliano Santiago (Erom Cordeiro) as they tackle the violent wave of kidnappings that plagued Rio de Janeiro between the late '80s and '90s. Created by José Junior and José Luiz Magalhães, and directed by Lipe Binder, 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' further consolidates a fruitful partnership between AfroReggae Audiovisual and Globo, a collaboration that has also resulted in other national hits such as 'Living On a Razor's Edge,' 'Dissident Archangel,' and 'The Game.' More from Variety The Rise of 'Like Water for Chocolate' Producer Endemol Shine Boomdog Dori Media Group Launches 'Young Suchard' Series About Acclaimed Mentalist Lior Suchard at LA Screenings (EXCLUSIVE) Knowledgeable Producers and 'Unprecedented' Government Incentives Turn Brazil Into a Burgeoning Co-Production Power AfroReggae Audiovisual CEO José Junior tells Variety that his motivation to continue writing new storylines for the series comes much from the 'love' the public feels for the main duo of Mendonça and Santiago. 'The success of the duo is so big that I had them in the third season of 'Dissident Archangel.'' Does this love for the characters add any pressure to the writing behind a new season? 'Every successful series demands that the writers and producers outdo themselves with each season,' says Junior. 'It's like being at the Olympic Games and having to beat your record.' 'The public identifies itself with real-life stories,' continues the creative, highlighting the connection between the series and its faithful audience. 'The work of the Rio de Janeiro Anti-Kidnapping Unit is perhaps the only public safety policy in the history of the state that has worked and continues to work today. Telling these stories without any filters allows the public to make their own conclusions on whether or not they think the modus operandi of this unit is right or wrong.' Another key aspect for this identification is AfroReggae Audiovisual's commitment to 'verisimilitude' and 'diversity.' The production company, although independent, was spawned out of AfroReggae, an NGO founded by Junior in 1993 to reduce the use of drugs, disease, and crime in the favelas through artistic education. Junior is 'very proud' of the number of Black creatives involved in all of AfroReggae Audiovisual's projects, many of whom come out of the penal system. 'I believe part of our success is the combustion resulting from working with these casts, which makes all the difference,' he says. 'We also shoot in real places, be it a prison or a favela. This brings great truth to our products and projects and the public finds identification with our propositions much because of that. We work with verisimilitude and you can't do so without diversity, especially when it comes to Black actors.' Junior and AfroReggae Audiovisual have successfully cornered the market of real-life crime stories in Brazilian television/streaming. Asked about the potential of the crime niche, which has proven solid for decades across the world with entire franchises such as 'Law and Order' and 'CSI', the CEO says he and his team are 'very tuned to this demand.' 'We have new projects coming up with Globoplay, on top of several series coming back for new seasons,' he adds. One of their most high-profile projects coming up is 'Na Linha de Fogo,' the first film to come out of the partnership established between Globoplay and Disney. The film, which revolves around the devastating consequences of the territorial fight between drug traffickers and police forces in Rio de Janeiro, is directed by Afonso Poyart ('Solace') and stars Juliano Cazarré ('Neon Bull') and Nathalia Dill ('Pride and Passion'). Speaking about his long-term creative partner, Junior says Globoplay has 'made all the difference in the Brazilian market.' One such difference is the popularization of Brazilian series amongst national audiences, a key victory when taking into consideration that Brazil is one of the top subscription markets of international streaming platforms in the world and has wide access to a variety of global content. 'With the quality of Brazilian series, the public consumes more and more. The diversity brought by streamers worldwide has made us seek a higher degree of excellence.' 'Next year marks 10 years of our partnership with Globoplay, as well as our tenth anniversary,' he emphasizes. 'Everything we have done so far has been within the company, and we feel like true partners.' Junior is also thrilled that Globo is bringing 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' to the international market. 'We have great pride in working within a national platform able to compete internationally. Exporting our work is essential. I believe in Globo as a historic company that has been making a difference for so many years, not only in Brazil, but abroad, too. Also, personally, when a series gets to a fourth season, it means it's a success, and being able to show that not only in my home country but abroad fills me with pride.' In addition to the international launch of the fourth series of 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit,' Globo is also bringing its wide portfolio of formats to L.A., including recent popular novelas such as 'Crazy About You' and 'She's the One' and documentaries like 'Xuxa, A Life on TV,' exploring the life and career of one of the country's biggest TV icons, and 'Robinho Case,' trailing the criminal investigation that led to the famed football star's criminal conviction for sexual assault. 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' is an original Globoplay production in partnership with AfroReggae Audiovisual and A Fábrica. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Globo and Telemundo Studios Sign Co-Production Understanding to Expand Premium Scripted Content
In what is a continuous effort to strengthen their international reach and collaborations, Brazilian media powerhouse Globo has signed a understanding (MoU) to develop and co-produce premium scripted content with Telemundo Studios, a division of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. Under this new signed understanding, Globo and Telemundo will collaborate on the development and co-production of original films and series to be released as Globoplay Originals in Brazil and across Telemundo's broadcast and streaming platforms in the U.S. More from Variety France Embraces Spanish TV, But for How Long? LA Screenings Independents Bounces Back Brazilian Major Streamer Globoplay Bets on Global Reach of True Crime By Bringing Fourth Season of 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' to LA Screenings Currently, titles, formats and production models are still being finalized, but the focus of this new collaboration is to create high-value intellectual property with broad international appeal. Javier Pons, chief content officer & head of Telemundo Studios, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, said that this understanding 'marks an important step in expanding our storytelling reach and building a creative bridge between Brazil and the broader Hispanic world.' The executive added: 'With our unique expertise and ability to produce content that resonates globally, this partnership is going to strengthen our editorial alignment and pave the way for premium scripted projects that connect with audiences across borders.' Manuel Belmar, Director of Digital Products at Globo, highlighted how this co-production understanding 'reinforces Globo's investment in creating scripted IP that captivates audiences worldwide,' a notion that was put on a global stage recently with Brazil's first Oscar for 'I'm Still Here,' a Globoplay original production. 'By bringing together our strengths, we're confident we can develop compelling stories that not only resonate in Brazil and the U.S. but also expand our international reach at a time when global storytelling is more important than ever,' concluded Belmar. The understanding is a big new step on a fruitful collaborative relationship, with Globo and Telemundo having a history of co-producing Spanish-language adaptations of iconic Globo telenovelas, including 'Vale Tudo' ('Vale Todo'), 'O Clone' ('El Clon'), and 'Fina Estampa' ('Marido en Alquiler'), as well as series such as 'Amores Roubados' ('Jugar con Fuego'). Powerhouse Globo produces over 11,000 hours of novelas a year, and has successfully established co-production models with international territories, solidifying their expertise in the format while also cultivating key relationships with global partners. Over 3,000 Globo novelas and series have been translated into 70 languages. Currently, Globo also holds partnerships with other major players such as Gaumont, Beta Film, Fremantle, and Disney. This new deal will see the two giants join forces in this effort, expanding their presence in key markets and shaping the future of international content and collaboration. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LA Screenings: Hot Picks to Keep on the Radar
A dozen or more of series you wouldn't want to miss, and in a few cases may have well seen. 'Anti-Kidnapping Unit' More from Variety Globo and Telemundo Studios Sign Co-Production Understanding to Expand Premium Scripted Content France Embraces Spanish TV, But for How Long? LA Screenings Independents Bounces Back Globoplay 5 x 45' and 60' Created by José Junior and José Luiz Magalhães and directed by Lipe Binder, the fourth season of gritty crime series 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' follows Detective Carlos Mendonça (Silvio Guindane) and Inspector Juliano Santiago (Erom Cordeiro) as they confront the surge of kidnappings that gripped Rio de Janeiro in the late '80s and '90s. New series is another partnership between AfroReggae Audiovisual and Globo, which has produced such hits as 'Living On a Razor's Edge,' 'Dissident Archangel' and 'The Game.' AfroReggae's commitment to keeping it real meant location shoots in favelas and prisons. 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' is an original Globoplay production in collaboration with AfroReggae Audiovisual and A Fábrica. 'The Artist' Fifth Season 8 x 45' Stars align in this new show, led by Mandy Patinkin ('Homeland'), Janet McTeer ('Ozark'), Danny Huston, Hank Azaria, Patti Lupone, Zachary Quinto, Clark Gregg and Katherine McPhee. But not just because of its stunning cast: set in the twilight of the Gilded Age, when a murder strikes the estate of an eccentric and failing tycoon, that era's biggest celebrities make an appearance as well. Inventor Thomas Edison, painter Edgar Degas and actress Evelyn Nesbit butt famous heads as lies, mystery and ambition collide as the truth is shockingly revealed. Written and directed by Aram Rappaport, it's produced by The Network Studios. 'The Assassin' All3Media 6×60' This female-led action thriller is set against the idyllic backdrop of a remote Greek island. It's here that retired assassin Julie (Keeley Hawes, 'Orphan Black: Echoes,' 'Miss Austen') and her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore, nominated for a Golden Globe for 'The Good Doctor') find themselves thrown together. As questions around Edward's paternity and Julie's dangerous past catch up with them, the pair are forced to flee the island and go on the run. Hawes and Highmore are joined on that adventure by Shalom Brune-Franklin, Richard Dormer, Gina Gershom and Jack Davenport. Two Brothers Pictures produce for Prime Video, UK and Ireland, in association with German co-production partner ZDF, All3Media International and Stan in Australia. 'Celeste,' The Mediapro Studio Distribution, 6 x 30' Winner of Series Mania's International Panorama, plus a best actress award for Carmen Machi, once a comedian but now with turns in 'Piggy,' 'La Mesías' and now 'Celeste' earning recognition as one of the finest actors of her generation. Machi plays a dowdy tax inspector closing in on a Shakira-style Latina singer for tax fraud.'Can you make an exciting thriller, with plot twists, starring the most boring person in Spain?' creator Diego San Jose asked himself. What he achieves in 'Celeste' is a moving dramatic thriller about a women opening up to love when it almost seems past. Produced by the powerhouse combo of Movistar Plus+ and The Mediapri Studio, elegantly directed by Elena Trapé. 'Code of Silence' ITV Studios 6 x 60 mins Deaf catering worker Alison is juggling two jobs: in a police canteen and a local bar. She's also supporting her Deaf mum, Julie. When the police call on Alison to lip-read the conversations of dangerous criminals, she is plunged into a high-stakes new world. Her assessment of the gang's clandestine meetings quickly becomes key to unlocking the investigation. But she finds herself increasingly drawn to one of the suspects. Alison knows she's putting herself at risk – but she can't let go. Produced by Mammoth Screen for ITVX, this 'riveting, suspenseful' thriller 'will make you look at the world around you with new eyes,' it was stated. Stars Rose Ayling-Ellis, Andrew Buchan and Charlotte Ritchie, it was written by Catherine Moulton. 'The Copenhagen Test' NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution 8 x 60' James Wan and creator Thomas Brandon head five minutes into the future where a first generation-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale ('Barbie's' Simu Liu) realizes his brain has been hacked. Suddenly, the perpetrators gain access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain an ongoing performance to flush out who's responsible and prove where his allegiance lies. Apart from Brandon and Wan, Jennifer Yale, Simu Liu, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett also exec produce this Peacock proposition. Liu is joined by Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d'Arcy James, Mark O'Brien, Kathleen Chalfant and Sara Amini. 'The Couple Next Door – Deadly Attraction' Beta Film 6×60' Now in post-production, the show – directed by Dries Vos and written by David Allison, Aggy Adams and Hugh Dennis – follows into shady footsteps of season 1: Channel 4's best streaming launch ever in the UK. But this time, with an entirely new storyline and cast. Together since med school, Charlotte and Jacob's lives and careers have proceeded as they always expected: a lovely home, happily child free, time and money to do whatever they want. They truly are a high-powered couple. But when Charlotte's old flame is revealed to be a potential new investor at the hospital, Jacob's long-suppressed worries start to bubble to the surface. Giving in to your desires could have deadly consequences, and Sam Palladio ('Nashville') and Annabel Scholey ('The Split') are about to find that out. 'Deal or No Deal Island' Banijay Entertainment Well-known format 'Deal or No Deal' gets a new – and exotic – spin. Created by Endemol Shine North America for NBC, it's now set on the Banker's private island where there are twists behind every palm tree. Hidden on the island are cases with millions of dollars split between the contestants, which they compete to retrieve so they can play a game of 'Deal or No Deal' against the Banker. Only one will survive until the very last episode, where they'll compete for a huge cash prize. Luckily, Joe Manganiello is there to help. 'What if the Banker had a private island and decided to put his contestants through an extreme game to find one winner? The craziness of the idea is, I think, what we and NBC rallied around,' Endemol Shine North America's Sharon Levy told Variety. 'Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service' Fox Restaurateurs looking for a quick fix or social media glow-up are in for the surprise when famed Gordon Ramsay trades his signature chef knives for a state-of-the-art surveillance vehicle and spyware. In this new unscripted series, he'll venture into struggling restaurants under the cover of night. With the help of a secret source on the inside, he'll gather unfiltered evidence and get a 360-degree view of the major issues facing each restaurant. By the time Ramsay reveals his identity, it will be too late for staff to cover up their culinary crimes. Produced by Fox's Studio Ramsay Global and Fox Alternative Entertainment, with Ramsay on board also as an executive producer. Bill Langworthy serves as an executive producer and showrunner. 'The Iris Affair' Fremantle 8 x 60' A Sky Studios and Fremantle co-production, with Wildside providing production services in Italy, sees Niamh Algar and Tom Hollander in a chase thriller about a rootless and enigmatic genius, Iris Nixon, who steals a code from a charming philanthropist and goes on the run. Armed only with her lethal intelligence and chameleonic charm, the clock is ticking for her to work out what the code could unleash before she's found. 'All I wanted to do was to make a show I wanted to watch. 'Iris' is an unapologetically exciting, witty, chase-driven adventure show and features a lead character the likes of which I don't think we've ever met before on TV,' said its creator Neil Cross, also behind 'Luther'. 'Iris' will be available on Sky and NOW in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. 'It: Welcome to Derry' Warner Bros. Television He's everything you were ever afraid of. Set in the scary world of Stephen King's 'It' universe, this new prequel series is based on his 1986 novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films 'It' and 'It Chapter Two,' released in 2017 and 2019. Featuring Jovan Adepo ('Watchmen'), Chris Chalk ('Perry Mason'), Taylour Paige ('Zola'), James Remar, Stephen Rider and, obviously, Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown, it's scheduled to be released on HBO. As previously reported by Variety, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serve as co-showrunners and will executive produce along with Andy and Barbara Muschietti. 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' Sony Pictures Television 10 episodes 'Outlander: Blood of my Blood,' a prequel to the hit 'Outlander' series, spans from the WWI battlefields to 18th century Scotland, as it follows the parents of Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp, the lovers in the time travel series. It follows the two young couples who bravely resist the forces bent on driving them apart. Jamie Roy ('Condor's Nest') plays Brian Fraser, Harriet Slater is Ellen MacKenzie while Jeremy Irvine plays Henry Beauchamp and Hermione Corfield is Julia Beauchamp. Matthew B. Roberts ('Outlander'), Maril Davis ('Outlander, For All Mankind') and Ronald D. Moore ('Battlestar Galactica') executive produce. 'Wild Cherry' BBC Studios 6×60' Lorna (Carmen Ejogo) is a self-made, successful black businesswoman from South London. Her best friend Juliet (Eve Best) – a woman born into the privileged gated community they both call home. Their daughters live a life other teenagers can only dream of – that is, until they are implicated in a shocking scandal at their private school and Juliet and Lorna are forced to take sides. Described as a 'provocative and deliciously honest' look at mother-daughter relationships – in a haze of social media, hidden apps and peer pressure – the show is produced by Firebird Pictures, one of BBC Studios' owned production labels, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Written and created by Nicôle Lecky with Toby MacDonald directing. 'Young Suchard' Dori Media 20 x 30' The series about acclaimed mentalist Lior Suchard blurs reality and imagination, blending comedy and drama with a nostalgic '90s vibe. 'Young Suchard' follows Suchard and his band of misfit friends as he uncovers his mentalist powers, using them to solve problems—and maybe even find his first love. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the secrets behind his rise, giving viewers a chance to uncover the mysteries of his extraordinary abilities. Created by Elad Chen, Suchard, Michael Stern, Shlomit Arviv and directed by Aaron Geva and Mickey Triest, the show offers insights into mentalism, which combines a deep understanding of body language, social cues, anatomy, mathematics and custom-designed tools. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
