Travis Kelce is expanding his professional portfolio by stepping into the role of a game show host with the new series “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” Additionally, fans can look forward to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Warriors,” a musical concept album inspired by the cult classic 1979 film. These are just a few highlights from the upcoming entertainment schedule that includes an array of TV shows, films, music, and video games.
A selection of new streaming content is also on the horizon, including a gripping film starring Anna Kendrick that explores the chilling true story of a serial killer’s appearance on “The Dating Game.” Furthermore, fans of Nintendo can join in on the fun with “Super Mario Party Jamboree,” and the beloved series “NCIS” will take a nostalgic look back at Leroy Jethro Gibbs in “NCIS: Origins,” which is set 25 years before the original series.
**NEW MOVIES TO STREAM OCT. 14-20**
In 1978, Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer, appeared on the television show “The Dating Game” as one of the contestants, seeking a date with Cheryl Bradshaw. At the time of his appearance, Alcala was already wanted by the FBI and had a history of violent crimes. Streaming on Netflix starting Friday, October 18, the film “Woman of the Hour” features Anna Kendrick (also making her directorial debut) as the woman on the show but shifts focus to honor the victims. The film garnered positive feedback during its debut at the Toronto Film Festival last year.
For those who enjoy a thrilling experience, “MaXXXine” will be available on MAX starting Friday, October 18. This film marks the third installment in Ti West and Mia Goth’s trilogy, following “X” and “Pearl.” The film transports viewers to the gritty underbelly of 1980s Hollywood, where Goth’s character, Maxine Minx, is an adult film actress navigating both her dreams of mainstream success and a menacing threat from a killer. Although it carries a stylized and slightly absurd tone, it promises an entertaining experience with a notable cameo from Lily Collins.
If you’re in the mood for a comedy, look out for the film “Brothers,” coming to Prime Video on Thursday. This action-packed movie features Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage as siblings who previously worked together in crime. As Brolin’s character attempts to live a more stable life, he finds himself drawn back into criminal adventures by Dinklage’s character during a road trip. Directed by Max Barbakow, the film boasts a star-studded cast that includes Marisa Tomei, Glenn Close, Brendan Fraser, and Taylour Paige.
**NEW MUSIC TO STREAM OCT. 14-20**
On Friday, October 18, Lin-Manuel Miranda and acclaimed actor-playwright Eisa Davis will unveil “Warriors,” a musical concept album inspired by the cult classic movie from 1979. The story depicts a street gang’s treacherous journey from the Bronx to Coney Island amidst chaos. This fresh take includes innovative elements, such as gender flipping, and features an impressive cast including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Marc Anthony, and Busta Rhymes. Miranda and Davis stated that their rendition emphasizes themes of unity and peace, while still promising an action-packed experience.
**NEW SHOWS TO STREAM OCT. 14-20**
In a new series titled “NCIS: Origins,” Austin Stowell portrays a younger version of the legendary character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon in the original series. This exciting prequel, which explores Gibbs’ early days as a naval investigator, will premiere on CBS and be available for streaming on Paramount+ starting Monday.
Another noteworthy addition is a docuseries on Peacock about Elizabeth Finch, a former “Grey’s Anatomy” writer who falsely claimed her storylines were drawn from personal experiences with bone cancer. This revealing three-part series unpacks her deceit and features insights from Finch’s ex-wife, who played a critical role in exposing the truth. “Anatomy of Lies” will begin streaming on Tuesday.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will add a game show hosting gig to his repertoire when he presents “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” beginning Wednesday on Prime Video. Contestants will answer elementary level questions while a group of celebrities stands by to offer assistance.
In “Shrinking,” the new dramedy on Apple TV+, Jason Segel plays a therapist dealing with the grief of his wife’s passing while trying to raise his teenage daughter. In the first season, he begins giving unconventional advice to his patients, including inviting one to live with him. The heartwarming series returns for its second season on Wednesday.
Netflix’s “The Lincoln Lawyer” will premiere its third season beginning Thursday. Mickey Haller faces turmoil following the murder of his former client Gloria Days, while he concurrently represents the individual accused of her killing, inspired by Michael Connelly’s book “The Gods of Guilt.”
The “Sheldon-verse” continues with a new show, “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” debuting on Thursday on CBS. Starring Montana Jordan as George “Georgie” Cooper and Emily Osment as his bride Mandy, this sequel to “Young Sheldon” will also stream on Paramount+. It follows the couple’s journey as newlyweds.
Another new series available on Peacock on Friday, October 18, “Hysteria!,” tells the story of high school band members who feign involvement in a Satanic cult for the sake of popularity, only to find themselves caught in a witch hunt by the community. This series features performances by Julie Bowen and Bruce Campbell.
**NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY**
As the holiday season approaches, Nintendo fans are in for a treat with the launch of “Super Mario Party Jamboree,” which features a virtual board game experience allowing up to four players to compete either in-person or online. The game includes 22 characters, seven boards, and more than 110 mini-games that range from racing to cooking challenges, with a unique online mode accommodating up to 20 players in a frantic “Koopathlon.” The festivities kick off on Thursday on the Nintendo Switch.
From Barcelona-based Nomada Studio comes “Neva,” set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch, and PC this Tuesday. This game follows a warrior named Alba and her white wolf companion, Neva, as they navigate a world filled with grief and beauty. Described as “a love song dedicated to our children, our parents, and our planet,” it promises to captivate fans of the studio’s previous work, “Gris.”