#TheRoundUp By Enzer - No. 71

HOT ON TV 

Kaley Cuoco (Cassie) returns to our small screens in a role that has definitively elevated her status as a Hollywood actress and encapsulates all the good qualities we believe are associated with her persona as a celebrity. 

Her character tries to grapple with the shocking reality of waking up next to her dead one-night-stand (slit throat, sheets covered in the reddest blood – errrthing!) whose death begins her spiral.

So what’s this new series that has me falling in love with Kaley Cuoco all over again like that teenage high school kid who's infatuated with his cover-model-lookalike teacher? 

...oops…*hides*

It’s called The Flight Attendant (USA).

Yes, we are all familiar with the pretty ladies (and gentlemen) donned in colorful regalia that take care of passengers onboard flights all year round. But are we familiar with a flight attendant who is passably alcoholic, possesses an insatiable libido, whose self-proclaimed best friend is involved in Korean espionage, has daddy and gay sibling issues, and is about to be framed for the murder of a wealthy heir (her one-night-stand)? 

#ILiveForTheApplauseToo

Another new stream-worthy series that I believe has placed Gay-Straight Alliance (High School) Clubs on several maps (#LOL) is Generation, stylized genera+ion (USA). Though the series is similar to Netflix (USA)’s Grand Army (USA), it does offer a nuanced portrayal of our beloved Generation Z teens making it less of a Grand Army carbon copy and more of an intriguing drama. 

Oh, and the cast ensemble is memorable. 

#NotToBePassed
 
 
 
 

HOTTER:

The 2021 Grammys (USA) producers knocked it out of the park! Trevor Noah hosted the well-attended shindig in central L.A. which had millions witness the awarding of the crew behind one of Taylor Swift’s albums as the best of 2020. 

I did not miss a moment. Hopefully, the next ceremony will keep it up. 

Shameless (USA, Showtime) recently concluded its eleventh and final run on TV. And yes, I got to live-tweet during the series finale live TV premiere! I couldn’t miss it for the world.

View all of the tweets by simply typing in: 

‘#EWLiveTweet #Shameless #ShamelessFinale’ 

...into your Twitter Search Bar and all of the tweets will appear on your screen. 

Now, the finale was...average. 

I was expecting fireworks galore (in the form of Gallagher insanity onscreen) but all I got were somber moments for the most part. But I get it, it was the SERIES FINALE! They had to bow out gracefully or at least try to. *winks*

As mentioned before, I do not expect a reboot or a continuation. The writers had lost their touch and were crying out for an end, which is what they eventually got, so...hopefully, it was a done deal. 

Though the eleventh season was probably the least enthusing, I am still happy with how the show ended. Enzer’s World (E.W.)’s two-time E.W. Recognitions Winner for Outstanding Fictional Series will forever be that, an outstanding series. 

The 2021 Oscars (USA) were a bit dull for my liking. I was expecting a spectacular event from L.A.’s Union Station, but all I got was a second-rate telecast. The 2021 Latin AMAs (USA, Telemundo) were equally disappointing.

Maybe next year.

The 2021 SAG Awards (USA) and the 2021 Kids’ Choice Awards (USA) both impressed in my book. Both productions were world-class and a great salute to all of the nominees. 

Speaking of world-class productions, it seems like HBO Max (USA)’s entry into the Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) Market is one to take note of considering the exceptional content the service is offering. 

This new service is (definitely) THE ONE giving Netflix a run for its money.

Series to catch on HBO Max:
- The Flight Attendant (USA),
- genera+ion (USA),
- Raised By Wolves (USA),
- The Nevers (USA),
- Lovecraft Country (USA).
 

Other series to catch on TV:  
- Riverdale (USA), 
- This Is Us (USA),
- Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (USA), 
- The Kelly Clarkson Show (USA), 
- The Late Late Show (USA), 
- NBC Nightly News (USA),
- Summer House (USA, Bravo),
- The Voice (UK),
- The Voice (USA),
- Mom (USA),
- Grey’s Anatomy (USA),
- Call Your Mother (USA),
- Good Girls (USA, NBC), 
- Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots (USA, OWN),
- The River (South Africa, 1 Magic),
- The Masked Singer (USA), 
- Rebel (USA),
- Spy City (USA, Magenta TV),
- Everything to Everybody (USA, OWN),
- Shadow and Bone (USA, Netflix),
- Manifest (USA),
- Warrior (USA),
- The Flash (USA),
- Supergirl (USA),
- Royalties (USA, Quibi),
- Room 104 (USA, HBO),
- Paradise City (USA, Amazon Prime Video),
- Lucifer (USA, Netflix),
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (USA, Netflix),
- The Wendy Williams Show (USA),
- The View (USA),
- The Today Show (USA, NBC),
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show (USA),
- The Circle (USA, Netflix),
- Saturday Night Live (USA),
- Ready to Love (USA, OWN),
- Last Week Tonight (USA, HBO),
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (USA),

- Shrill (USA, Hulu),
- Good Morning America (USA, ABC),
- CBS This Morning (USA),
- A Little Late (USA).
 

 

WEB TV: 

The 2021 GLAAD Media Awards (USA), hosted by Niecy Nash premiered on Youtube (USA) a few weeks ago. I enjoyed watching the annual LGBTI+ showcase so much; I’m double stanning. There was just something about this year’s show that just captured my full attention for the duration of the event, and kept me blabbing afterward. #QueerAllDay

Series to catch online:
- ZTN News Blitz (Zimbabwe, Facebook).
 
Don’t miss out on E.W.’s T.V. Moments on Twitter and Facebook! Use the hashtag #EWTVMoments to find all of the selected videos. 
 

A.I. UPDATE:

NEWSFLASH: Idol is still killing it!

The current season’s live shows make for great viewing time. 

The finalists are not bad. They all have good and bad days on stage, though they're a few standouts that I believe could scoop the title this year.

Or maybe just one: Chayce Beckham. 

Yep, a WHITE GUY WITH A GUITAR might win, and that won’t be a shocker.

 #ItMustBeTheHuskyVoiceTheGuitarCoupledWithTheGoodLooksOfCourseAndTheFangirls

I am also loving the judges’ critiques. Who knew they had so much wisdom to dish out to their mentees. #TheBestYet

The new stage design is amazeballs! Even I wanna perform on that stage too. 

This season’s twists are the only aspect that the producers may need to reconsider when planning the next season. The Idol Comeback Episode featured subpar performances by the comeback finalists. And the wildcard thing has become a waste. 

One thing’s for sure though, the finalists do deserve a shot at some big-shot record label. 
 
 
 

E.W. GLOBAL:

It’s the battle of the Big Brothers on TV this season as the Canadian and Australian versions of the franchise go head-to-head for global viewers’ allotted TV time. I am officially a huge fan of Big Brother Canada especially after the show’s dramatic season that kept me glued to my screen all-season-long (literally, #LOL). The Australian version (on Seven Network) is also pretty stirring as it blends both the British and American styles into this captivating Australian series. 

What’s your pick?

*Big Brother Australia is E.W. Global's Outstanding Reality Series - Challenge/Competition/Game for the 8th E.W. Year, 2020.  

Creamerie (New Zealand, TVNZ) is a new fictional series about a time when all men become extinct (sort of) leaving only women in charge. #Haha

I love the setting, I am loving the characters and the actors that portray them, and I believe this show is going to be groundbreaking - at least in the Oceania region. 

The Estate is a new soapie on South Africa’s S3 channel that introduces us to some wealthy guy who owns and runs an upmarket residential estate filled with residents and staff that spell...you guessed it – DRAMA. 

The show screams elegance but the writing is leaning more to the weaker side. 

Another passable but thrilling series that made its return to TV with its fifth season a few weeks ago is, Rockville (South Africa) on Mzansi Magic (South Africa), with the channel’s new telenovela, Diep City (South Africa) winning Enzer’s first impressions rose. 

*E.W. Global's Top Female Celeb for the 8th E.W. Year is Rockville star, Connie Ferguson.
 

Other series to catch: 
- Love Island (South Africa, M-Net),
- MasterChef (UK, BBC One), 

- Isono (South Africa, BET Africa),
- Gogglebox (UK, Channel 4), 
- The Bachelorette (New Zealand, TVNZ 2),
- Date My Family (South Africa, Mzansi Magic), 
- Carte Blanche (South Africa, M-Net),
- Legacy (South Africa, M-Net),
- Heder (Sweden, Viaplay),
- The Bachelorette (South Africa, M-Net), 
- Ethos/Bir Baskadir (Turkey, Netflix),
- Afternoon Express (South Africa, S3),
- Amazing Voices (South Africa),
- Date My Family (Nigeria, Africa Magic Showcase),
- Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion (UK, E4),
- DW Documentary (Germany, DW),
- Ezomgido (Zimbabwe),
- Family Feud (South Africa, e),
- Good Morning Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe),
- Lingo (UK),
- Live Amp (South Africa, SABC 1),
- Love Island: Unseen Bits (South Africa, M-Net),
- Naked Attraction (UK, Channel 4),
- Nigerian Idol (Nigeria, Africa Magic)
- The Voice (Nigeria),
- Our Perfect Wedding (South Africa, Mzansi Magic),
- Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (UK),
- Podcast and Chill (South Africa),

- Showcase (Turkey, TRT),
- The Circle (UK, Channel 4),
- The NAMAs (Namibia),
- Trending SA (South Africa),
- The Real Housewives of Durban (South Africa, Showmax),
- Isibaya (South Africa, Mzansi Magic),
- Scandal! (South Africa, e),
- Innocence/Masumiyet (Turkey, FOX),
- Expresso (South Africa),
- 7de Laan (South Africa, SABC 2),
- BBC News (UK, BBC News),
- ITV News (UK, ITV).
 
 

THROWBACK:

Pan Am (USA).

Though this retro-themed series only lasted for a single season (2011-2012), the writing was close to impeccable. It's also one of those shows on my list of shows that should get a reboot. But in the meantime, binge-watching the only season available will do. #TotallyBingeWorthy
 
 

DAILY INSPIRATION

Life has its challenges, and there are many obstacles in our way to block us from achieving our goals. It seems that the way a person’s potential is best brought out is by testing him or her. Dan Millman says, ‘’Viewing our life’s journey as a mountain path leads to an important discovery: Our life purpose – what we’re here to do – is not what comes easiest.” This statement, suggests that although life itself doesn’t have to involve unnecessary peaks and valleys, this world does involve challenges and adversity. In particular, on the mountain path of personal evolution, as we work to fulfill our life purpose, we engage in a creative struggle with negative or undeveloped tendencies. Climbing up a mountain and rising to greater heights requires courage, commitment, and directed effort. Our climb doesn’t begin at the summit; it begins down at the base, and as we rise through every hour, every day, every week, and every month, we encounter periods of preparation, initiation, and training – including challenges through which we come to recognize, and improve on our weaknesses, and appreciate our strengths. 

There are times when we become disheartened or discouraged and life may feel like an uphill climb. These are the times to remember that a rewarding life is filled with challenges; the effort creates fires that temper us and strengthen our spirit. 
 

SPEAK OUT

#Quotes:

“Good health and a loving family equates to true wealth.” – CHRISTOPHER AMMIRATI

“Respect everyone for their individuality or uniqueness just like the leopard who is respected for its spots for no other cat in the bush has the spots like the leopard.” - XHOSA SAYING

“Many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas.” - STEPHEN COVEY

“Sometimes the only thing we do to avoid success is refuse to be energetic on our own behalf.” - BARBARA SHER

“Those who are fired with an enthusiastic idea and who allow it to take hold and dominate their thoughts, find that new worlds open for them. As long as enthusiasm holds out, so will new opportunities.” - NORMAN VINCENT PEALE

“The most beautiful things I have experienced were seen and heard through my heart.” - KATHLIN L. PANTEAH 

“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.” - J.B. PRIESTLY

“Have a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job...You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.” - MAYA ANGELOU

“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.” - PETER DRUCKER

“Don’t blame the boss. He has enough problems.” - DONALD RUMSFELD
 
 
 
 
 

MUSIC SPOT

From her days as Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel to her wildest moments as the face of MTV, and then to her more mature image and sound that won’t stop trending in this new decade, Miley Cyrus’ evolution to date is hard to ignore.

She is undoubtedly a queer icon for the youth (especially) that possesses mad talent (girl can sing!), and whose songs were made for the radio. That edgy synthpop sound meshed with some rock ’n’ roll that she seems to be sticking with these days is working for me. Hopefully, I’m not alone on this one. 

Songs we like by Miley Cyrus as lead act:
- 7 Things
- The Climb
- Party in the U.S.A.
- Can’t Be Tamed
- We Can’t Stop
- Wrecking Ball
- Adore You
- Malibu
- Younger Now
- Mother’s Daughter
- Slide Away
- Don’t Call Me Angel (with Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey)
- Midnight Sky
- Prisoner (ft. Dua Lipa)
- WITHOUT YOU ‘Remix’ (with The Kid LAROI)
 
 

THESE ALBUMS ROCK!:

Dancing with the Devil...the Art of Starting Over (Demi Lovato)

SONGS WE LIKE: Anyone; Dancing with the Devil; Melon Cake; Met Him Last Night (ft. Ariana Grande); What Other People Say (with Sam Fischer); Easy (with Noah Cyrus); I Love Me; I’m Ready (with Sam Smith); OK Not to Be OK (with Marshmello).

ALBUM NAME: I’m interested.

ALBUM COVER ART: 3/5.

 

Music – Songs from and Inspired by the Motion Picture (Sia)

SONGS WE LIKE: Together; Hey Boy; Floating Through Space (with David Guetta); 1+1; Courage to Change; Hey Boy (ft. Burna Boy). 

ALBUM NAME: Oh really?

ALBUM COVER ART: 2/5.

 

evermore (Taylor Swift)

SONGS WE LIKE: willow; champagne problems. 

ALBUM NAME: bleh.

ALBUM COVER ART: 3/5.

 

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (Taylor Swift)

SONGS WE LIKE: Fifteen; Love Story; You Belong with Me; Mr. Perfectly Fine. 

ALBUM NAME: Okay.

ALBUM COVER ART: 2/5.

 

Twice as Tall (Burna Boy)

SONGS WE LIKE: Onyeka (Baby); 23. 

ALBUM NAME: Really?

ALBUM COVER ART: 1/5.

 

Justice (Justin Bieber)

SONGS WE LIKE: Holy (ft. Chance the Rapper); Hold On; Peaches (ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon); Anyone; Lonely (with benny blanco); Loved by You (ft. Burna Boy).

ALBUM NAME: Seems so. 

ALBUM COVER ART: 2/5.

 

Spaceman (Nick Jonas)

SONGS WE LIKE: Spaceman; This Is Heaven; Nervous; Close (ft. Tove Lo); Levels; Jealous; Chains. 

ALBUM NAME: Umm...

ALBUM COVER ART: 4/5.

 

Wonder (Shawn Mendes)

SONGS WE LIKE: Wonder; Monster (with Justin Bieber); The Christmas Song (with Camila Cabello)

ALBUM NAME: Wonder no more.

ALBUM COVER ART: 4/5.

 
 

BUZZING MUSIC VIDEOS OF NOW:

- Shaina (Sabastian Magacha, Herman)

- Show Me Love (Garry Mapanzure)

- deja vu (Olivia Rodrigo)

- Good Woman (Flavour)

- Temptation (Yemi Alade)

- Phone Call 'Ah' (Tamy Moyo)

- Chikwambo (Dereck Mpofu)

- All I Want is U (ZednRay)

 

View all of E.W.’s top music videos right now by simply typing in: 

‘MUSIC SPOT #SongOfTheDay’

…into your Twitter and/or Facebook Search Bar(s) (and then click ‘Search’) and all of the tweets and/or posts will appear on your screen.

For new music videos, cover versions, classics, lyric videos, acoustic versions or live performances type in:

‘MUSIC SPOT #FreshVideo’

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #CoverSongOfTheDay’ 

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #Classic’

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #LyricVideo’ 

Or

‘MUSIC SPOT #Live’

FLICK PICK

The Kissing Booth 2 (USA, Netflix) the sequel to The Kissing Booth (USA, Netflix) movie is a lighthearted comedy that would be a great choice for a date night. The story is not a rom-com cliche and the portrayals are (surprisingly) outstanding. #CantWaitForTheThirdRelease

A Week Away (USA, Netflix) is a Christian film about a delinquent who finds redemption, love, and friendship through a Christian Summer Camp he is forced to attend. The musical performances, the comedic characters, and the setting (Christian Summer Camp) tap into the watcher’s nostalgic side becoming the biggest draw-cards. 

Coming 2 America (USA, Amazon Prime Video) is another movie worth your time as Eddie Murphy and co. re-imagine Zamunda for fans (and newbie fans like myself) of the original Coming to America (USA) movie first released in the 1980s. The costumes, the musical performances, the writing, the set, and the crop of performers all make for up to two hours of splendor. #Totally

THE EXPLORER

Emirates (UAE) has a newly designed Premium Economy Class cabin that provides all the comfort that should appeal to today's traveler. The extended legroom, the fine leather seats, and the rejuvenated look and feel (fit for these times) are some of the new features that should attract even more passengers to this reputable service.

The upgrade was unexpected, therefore I am going to propose that you expect the unexpected when you do decide to fly Emirates' Premium Economy.

*The UK's Virgin Atlantic is E.W.'s Outstanding Passenger Airline - Premium Economy Class for the 8th E.W. Year, 2020. 

*London, UK is the 8th E.W. Recognitions' Top Destination. 

IN THE NEWS

The corona virus is continuously wreaking havoc in India, parts of Europe and the U.S. as evidenced by the sudden spike in the number of cases, and deaths as a result of the use of some of the COVID vaccines. 

It's clear the pandemic is on steroids and that the pool of solutions is smaller than expected. 

God knows what's next.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Who’s Tagging E.W. on Twitter?: 

 

 

NEW ON E.W.

E.W. is back on Flickr with all the recently shared EYE CANDY and some of the E.W. Recognitions’ Winning Celebrities’ photos available for viewing. Check it out at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/192538196@N02/

Listen to the E.W. Radio Playlist, now available on Spotify featuring some of the current E.W. Recognitions’ winning songs, recently shared music, and the top trending songs on E.W. today, right now by following this link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Q2NDCXKS68Nvf0QnTI2BQ?utm_source=embed_v2&go=1&play=1&nd=1

#EWRadio #ListenWhile

Scroll up to the top right-hand side to sample the playlist.
 

E.W. RECOGNITIONS

The 9th Annual Enzer’s World (E.W.) Independent Online Recognitions Period 2021 is COMING SOON!

Beginning this June, E.W. will take a look back by scanning the 9th SHORT LIST for the best content, personalities, and brands of the 9th E.W. Year (June 23, 2020 – June 22, 2021), culminating with the presentation of the winners, as usual. 

This year’s LIST OF CATEGORIES will include the Recognition for E.W.’s Best Album (Music), E.W.’s Best Live Act (Music), the return of the genre-specific categories in Fictional Television (e.g. E.W.’s Outstanding Fictional Drama Series, E.W.’s Outstanding Fictional Mystery Series), E.W. Xtra’s Most Covered Act (Music), and many more additions (and subtractions). 

Keep following E.W. for all the latest updates. #EWRecognitions 

*Find out more about the E.W. Recognitions at: https://enzerworld.blogspot.com/p/ew-online-awards_2.html
*View the current LIST OF WINNERS at: https://enzerworld.blogspot.com/p/8th-annual-ew-independent-online_10.html
*Learn more about the E.W. Shine! program at: https://enzerworld.blogspot.com/p/ew-shine.html
 

E.W. DAY

E.W. turns 9 this June!

The time has come again for us to celebrate another E.W. milestone. 

Being that it is now close to nine years since the launch of the blog and other E.W. activities, I am forever grateful to you guys for always keeping it E.W. 

This space has become more than just about the funner side of life. It's also become a space to inspire, to be a driver, to be informative and educational, to be relevant, to provide clarity – without losing that engaging quality. 

So I (really) do hope that E.W. has become just that, to you, and that the flame continues to be fueled as you celebrate with us all on E.W. Day, June 23, 2021. 

Happy E.W. Day!

#EWDay
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

‘til Next Time

>>> Totally Unbiased <<<