#TheRoundUp By Enzer - No. 76

HOT ON TV

Oh, how nifty television execs are! 

Giving How I Met Your Father (USA, Hulu) the green light made me view that clique with increased wonderment. 

The cast is led by Hilary Duff as Sophie, a New Yorker who is central to the story. 

The story is narrated by her (older) future self (played by Kim Cattrall), who provides accounts of the events leading to her (Sophie) crossing paths with the father of her son. 

She narrates the story to her son, throughout.

Yep, the series sorta serves as a continuation of the hit sitcom, CBS’ How I Met Your Mother (USA, Syndicated) - a sitcom with multiple Enzer’s World (E.W.) Recognitions. 

And yes, I have no problem with the writers tapping into the viewer’s nostalgic nature (I heard a critic had a problem with that).

Oh, and the cast, is just great.

The release of the second season shall not be missed. #Totally

*How I Met Your Father is E.W.’s Outstanding Series – Sitcom (Fictional) for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022. The series also won the Recognition for Outstanding Couple (Fictional Series) for the coupled characters Charlie (played by Tom Ainsley) and Valentina (played by Francia Raisa).

Uncoupled (USA, Netflix), a series by Darren Star and Jeffrey Richman, follows a middle-aged gay male who struggles to stay put after he is unexpectedly dumped by his lover of seventeen years. Yep, the ex-lover packed his things, from their immoderate New York apartment, on his birthday, and just left. 

That may give off the impression that this is a sad story, right? 

Nope, it’s a comedy.

And yes, you guessed it: Neil Patrick Harris plays the lead, Michael. 

Queer as Folk is back! Queer as Folk is back! 

Queer. As. Folk. Is. Back!

Peacock (USA) picked up the series for a reboot over a year ago. It initially seemed like that decision had occurred centuries ago until the release of the trailer redeemed the franchise. The trailer didn’t give off much, so most of us waited for the release of the official episodes.

And what a QUEER event it was! *Poof*

I love how everything has been rejigged. We have new characters (that are a far cry from the original British version), the homage to the original story arcs (of course), the modern touch on the QUEER lifestyle, and the highlight of the season – the odd pairings that we never saw coming. 

Nifty you are TV execs. Just don’t forget to renew the series for a second season, please. 

*Queer as Folk is E.W. Queer’s Outstanding Fictional Television Series for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022 (a well-deserved mention).

And now to more informative/educational content.

The Book of Queer (USA, Discovery Plus) is a well-produced series that delves into the past by highlighting QUEER (or those rumored to be QUEER) people that left an indelible mark on society.

The series examines the life of Abraham Lincoln (former U.S. president, unionist, and abolitionist), King James (the guy credited for the King James Version of the Bible), Alan Turning (the guy who pretty much invented the modern computer), revered artist Leonardo da Vinci, amongst many more remarkable individuals. 

That should be enticing enough, right? 

*The Book of Queer is the 10th E.W. Recognitions’ Outstanding Series – Informative/Educational (Reality). The category had two winners this year: the wildlife series, Serengeti (UK, BBC One) won the Recognition too. 

Sex/Life (USA, Netflix) is an exciting series about a married woman who, after having two kids, suddenly begins to reminisce about and yearn for her pre-marital escapades featuring her dearest bestie.

Starring Sarah Shahi (Billie), Mike Vogel (Cooper), Adam Demos (Brad), and Margaret Odette (Sasha), this new series has some of the most daring plot lines/writing imaginable. 

The Game (USA, Paramount Plus) reboot isn’t so bad. The show is a great refresher to what we last watched in 2015 such that it feels like the show has found a permanent home on Paramount Plus (hopefully).

*The Game is the 10th E.W. Recognitions’ Outstanding Series – Dramedy (Fictional). 

HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls (USA, Syndicated) is ridiculously funny. 

Creators Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble knocked it out of the park! 

The character development side of things, the amazing cast, the setting: I mean, what more can be reiterated? 


*You (USA, Netflix) is the 10th E.W. Recognitions’ Outstanding Fictional Series. 

HOTTER:

In case you missed it, The CW (USA) has new major shareholders. The new major shareholders influenced a flurry of cancellations in the name of cost-cutting, resulting in some fan (E.W.) favorites getting the boot. Shows such as Dynasty (USA) and Riverdale (USA), to name a few, will not make it to The CW’s 2025 schedules. 

It's difficult to picture what the network/channel will look like in a few years (without some of its iconic titles), considering that they want to take the low-cost route. #WeShallAwait

And then there was the merger (with a new name) between HBO Max (USA) and Discovery Plus (USA) that is happening soon. 

It makes sense for both services if their market share is far from trumping Netflix’s dominance (which it is). However, HBO Max (specifically) has done well with its signature titles. 

And taking into account that the streamer received the most 2022 Primetime Emmy Nominations (among-st all television channels/networks/stations/platforms), it may be too soon for both HBO Max and Discovery Plus to call it quits as separate entities. 

*Netflix is the 10th E.W. Recognitions’ Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – Overall, Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform for Fictional Series, Reality Series, and the U.S.A. The platform is also E.W. Steam and E.W. Queer’s Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform.

 

Other shows to catch and/or watch on TV:  

- The MTV VMAs 2022 (USA, Syndicated)

- The MTV VMAs Pre-Show 2022 (USA, Syndicated)

- The BET Awards 2022 (USA, Syndicated)

- The White House Correspondent’s Dinner 2022 (USA, Syndicated)

- All The Queen’s Men (USA, BET Plus)

- American Horror Stories (USA, FX on Hulu)

- Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem (USA, Peacock)

- High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (USA, Disney Plus)

- Love Victor (USA, Syndicated)

- Roswell, New Mexico (USA, The CW)

- NBC’s This Is Us (USA, Syndicated)

- The River (South Africa, 1 Magic)

- HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant (USA, Syndicated)

- The Time Traveler’s Wife (USA, HBO)

- NBC’s Weakest Link (USA, Syndicated)

- Tom Swift (USA, The CW)

- CBS’ The Late Late Show (USA, Syndicated)

- The Kelly Clarkson Show (USA, Syndicated)

- CBS’ United States of Al (USA, Syndicated)

- Upload (USA, Amazon Prime Video)

- HBO Max’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (USA, Syndicated)

- Blood Sisters (Nigeria, Netflix)

- Elite (Spain, Netflix)

- NBC’s Days of our Lives (USA, Syndicated)

- NBC’s America’s Got Talent (USA, Syndicated)

- The Daytime Emmys 2022 (USA, Syndicated)

- ABC’s Claim to Fame (USA, Syndicated)

- Entertainment Tonight (USA, Syndicated)

- Ex On The Beach (USA, MTV)

- Help! I’m in a Secret Relationship (USA, MTV)

- Love Island (USA, Peacock)

- The Anarchists (USA, HBO)

- ABC’s The Bachelorette (USA, Syndicated)

- The Circle (USA, Netflix)

- The Ellen DeGeneres Show (USA, Syndicated)

- Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Dubai (USA, Syndicated)

- The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip (USA, Peacock)

- The Wendy Williams Show (USA, Syndicated)

- Eurovision Song Contest (Italy, Syndicated)

- S3’s Expresso (South Africa, Syndicated)

- Idols (South Africa, Mzansi Magic)

- Love Island (UK, ITV2)

- HBO Max’s Minx (USA, Syndicated)

- CBS’ Big Brother (USA, Syndicated)

- CBS’ The Challenge: USA (USA, Syndicated)

 

 

WEB TV:

Shows to watch online:

- Birth of Stars (South Africa, Youtube)
- Stupid Wife (Brazil, Youtube)
- The Official SA Chart Show (South Africa, Youtube)
- Wireless Festival 2022 (UK, Online)
- Chicken Shop Date (UK, Youtube)

 
Don’t miss out on E.W.’s T.V. Moments on Blogger, Twitter, and Facebook! Use the hashtag #EWTVMoments to find all of the selected videos. 

*The Kelly Clarkson Show won the 10th E.W. Recognition for the Best E.W. TV Moments.

 

A.I. UPDATE:

In an unexpected (LOL) turn of events, Noah Thompson was announced as the winner of the 20th Season of ABC’s American Idol (USA, Syndicated) back in May (2022). 

I say his win was unexpected because he wasn’t one of the contenders I had predicted to win. But, I must admit that towards the end of the 20th Season, he was becoming a top contender for the title. 

I’m guessing he’ll be an Idol Late Bloomer, like Season 19 Winner Chayce Beckham?

*Jimmie Allen is the 10th E.W. Recognitions’ Best Music Act – American Idol. 

 

 

E.W. GLOBAL:

German series, Kitz (Germany, Netflix) is about a girl who infiltrates a circle of wealthy teens believing that she would find answers regarding the death of her brother. 

The splendid shots of the scenery (not sure if it was artificial or not) and the dramatic scenes are the show's best aspects. #Totally

Kitz is E.W. Global’s Outstanding Fictional Television Series for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022. 

*E.W. Global’s Best TV Channel/Network/Station/Platform is Showmax (South Africa).

*A Discovery of Witches (UK, Sky Max) is E.W. Global Plus’ Outstanding Fictional Series for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022.

 

Shows to catch and/or watch:

- Miss South Africa 2022 (South Africa, Syndicated)
- Miss Supranational 2022 (Poland, Syndicated)
- Mister Supranational 2022 (Poland, Syndicated)
- The DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Aw... (South Africa, Mzansi Magic)
- The Comedy Central Africa Roast 2022 (South Africa, Syndicated)
- Miss Namibia 2022 (Namibia, Syndicated)
- Miss Namibia Preliminary Show 2022 (Namibia, Syndicated)
- Short & Scary (India, Eros Now)
- Ayeye (South Africa, Mzansi Magic)
- UBettina Wethu (South Africa, Viu)
- Big Brother Naija (Nigeria, Africa Magic)
- Canada’s Drag Race (Canada, Syndicated)
- Living The Dream With Somizi (South Africa, Showmax)
- Pastor Wants a Wife (South Africa, Mzansi Magic)
- The Bachelor (Greece, Alpha TV)
- The Commonwealth Games (UK, Syndicated)
- The Real Housewives of Cape Town (South Africa, Mzansi Magic)
- The Real Housewives of Lagos (Nigeria, Showmax)
- The World Today (Nigeria, Channels TV)
- 24 Podcast (Slovakia, TV JOJ)
- Diamond League (Switzerland, Syndicated)
- House of Zwide (South Africa, eTV)
- The Queen (South Africa, Mzansi Magic)
- The Wife (South Africa, Showmax)
- Apoy Sa Lingit (Thailand, Syndicated)
- Drag Race France (France, Syndicated)
- The Masked Singer (Australia, Network 10)
- Hollyoaks (UK, E4)
- Letterkenny (Canada, Crave)

 

 

 

THROWBACK:

The TNT (USA) reboot of Dallas (USA) had a three-season long run between 2012 and 2014. 

After averaging around four million viewers in its first season, the series was tipped to be a long stay on television. I guess that can be attributed to the fact that the original CBS (USA) version of Dallas was a huge hit back in the 80s. 

Therefore, binge-watching this series with a leading cast including Josh Henderson (John) and the original Dallas’ most loved stars, is a no-brainer.

#TotallyBingeWorthy

 

 

 

 

 

DAILY INSPIRATION

FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. 

We look at what we imagine to be a strong reason for inertia and allow it to become our reality before we attempt it. 

We maintain our fear by believing the illusion that it is possible to fail, and that failure means that we are worthless. 

It is far better to have acted and produced results that you will grow from than to ignore your inherent qualities and live in fear. 

 

 

 

 

SPEAK OUT

#QUOTES:

“The life that conquers is the life that moves with a steady resolution and persistence toward a predetermined goal. Those who succeed are those who have thoroughly learned the immense importance of planning in life.” – W. J. DAVISON

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” - MARK TWAIN

“See yourself as a factory. The purpose of time management skills is to enable you to increase the quality and quantity of your production.” - BRIAN TRACY

“It takes many inches to make a mile. We can only move by inches, one inch at a time.” - RICK BENETEAU

“Life, like a cathedral, is not so much to be admired for its external appearance and majesty. Life, like a cathedral, is more meaningful because of what goes on in the sanctity within. Seek patiently and persistently to discover true life by looking forward.” - UNKNOWN

“Every man among us is more fit to meet the duties and responsibilities of citizenship because of the perils over which, in the past, the nation has triumphed.” - THEODORE ROOSEVELT

“Success is not a place at which one arrives. But rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” - ALEX NOBLE

“There is no future; there is no past. I live each moment as my last. Forget regret or life is yours to miss. No other road; no other way. No day but today.” - JONATHAN LARSON

“The temptation when the path to success gets too bumpy is to leap back into comfort zone. Don’t. Keep pushing forward, always forward. The comfort zone is the land of dreams and wishes. Success is the land of results, where all those dreams come true.” - MARK BURNETT

“Life is an action and passion. Therefore, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of the time. At peril of being judged not to have lived.” - OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

 

#CELEBS:

View all of the recently shared #EyeCandy and many more items on E.W.’s Flickr page at: E.W. on Flickr

 

 

 

MUSIC SPOT

The late Whitney Houston won an E.W. Special Recognition during the 10th E.W. Recognitions Period, 2022. 

Her global success on the charts speaks for itself. 

With timeless hits under her belt and multiple remixed versions of her songs (by trending artists), it's safe to declare that the Whitney pazazz has caught on to younger generations of music lovers. 

 

Songs we like by Whitney Houston as a lead act:

- How Will I Know
- Greatest Love Of All
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)
- Where Do Broken Hearts Go

- Run To You

- I Look To You

- All The Man That I Need
- I’m Your Baby Tonight

- Saving All My Love For You
- I Will Always Love You
- I’m Every Woman
- I Have Nothing
- Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
- When You Believe (with Mariah Carey)
- It’s Not Right but It’s Okay

- Heartbreak Hotel (ft. Faith Evans, Kelly Price)
- My Love Is Your Love
- Could I Have This Kiss Forever (with Enrique Iglesias)
- If I Told You That (with George Michael)
- Million Dollar Bill
- Celebrate (with Jordin Sparks)
- Higher Love (with Kygo)
- How Will I Know (with Clean Bandit)

 

 

 

THIS ALBUM ROCKS!:

Bettie James Gold Edition (Jimmie Allen - This Is Hit, Stoney Creek Records)

SONGS WE LIKE: Pray (ft. Monica, Little Big Town); Freedom Was a Highway (with Brad Paisley); This Is Us (with Noah Cyrus). 
ALBUM NAME: I guess so.
ALBUM COVER ART: 3/5.

 

 
BUZZING MUSIC VIDEOS OF NOW:
1) Shine Your Light (Master KG, David Guetta ft. Akon)

 

 

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.

To find 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’

Listen to all of the recently shared songs, songs trending on E.W., and some of the E.W. Recognitions’ winning songs on E.W. Radio’s Spotify page, right now, at: E.W. Radio Playlist on Spotify

#EWRadio #ListenWhile

Many more playlists including the 10th E.W. Anniversary Playlists, can be found at: E.W. on Spotify

 

FLICK PICK

Movies to watch (soon) include:

- Fire Island (USA, Hulu). The movie is based on the popular queer television series of the same name about the happenings at a gay-friendly resort island (called Fire Island).

- Cinderella (USA, Syndicated). This 2020s remake with Camila Cabello as Cinderella is a fun-to-watch musical, reimagining this classic story.

- A Madea Homecoming (USA, Netflix). The college graduation of Madea’s nephew ignites conflicts, emotions, and a whole lot of dramatic comedy. A serving of that Tyler Perry humor (via Madea) is always a highlight (oh but of course).

- Cheaper by the Dozen (USA, Syndicated). One of my all-time favorites. This remake based on the Gilbreth family is one tale that will never get old to tell. The movie is E.W. Global’s Favorite Movie for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022.
- Days of our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas (USA, Peacock). The Days cast as you’ve never seen them before – in a Christmas Movie!
- Exploited (USA, Syndicated). E.W. Global Plus’ Favorite Movie for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022 is recommended to all lovers of the mystery and thriller genres.
- My Fake Boyfriend (Canada, Amazon Prime Video). Hilarious is all I can say. The movie stars Keynan Lonsdale (Andrew), Marcus Rosner (Nico), Dylan Sprouse (Jake), Sarah Hyland (Kelly) and Samer Salem (Rafi). The film is E.W. Queer’s Favorite Movie for the 10th E.W. Year, 2022.
- Single All The Way (USA, Netflix). This movie received a lot of buzz before its release. Thankfully it wasn’t a MISS.

*Scream (USA, Syndicated) is the 10th E.W. Recognitions’ Favorite Movie. 

 

 

IN THE NEWS

Outbreaks that continue to disrupt daily routines. The diplomatic wars that have shaken continents. Inflation and the fall of currencies and how that is slowly becoming the norm. The continued allegations of electoral fraud (DEMOCRACY: ARE YOU A FARCE?). Another (New) Prime Minister, and King for the U.K. And a rattled China after Nancy Pelosi touches down in Taiwan. 

Ah, this crazy world. 

 

 

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Who’s Tagging E.W. on Twitter?:

 

 

THE 10TH E.W. RECOGNITIONS 2022

The 10th Annual E.W. Independent Online Recognitions Period 2022 was the highlight of my calendar, and I’m sure, yours too. 

The July affair recognized what we believe were the best Brands, Content, and Personalities of the 10th E.W. Year in six subjects namely: Television, Websites & Apps, Music, Celebrities, Travel, and E.W.’s Audience. 

In TELEVISION, Netflix won 6 Recognitions in total: 
- Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – Overall; 
- Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – Fictional Series; 
- Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – Reality Series; 
- Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – USA; 
- Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – E.W. Steam; 
- Best Television Channel/Network/Station/Platform – E.W. Queer.

Under WEBSITES & APPS, each Winner scored 1 Recognition. 

For MUSIC, the 2022 Belgian sensation, Stromae topped with 4 WINS: 
- Best Work (for L’enfer); 
- Best Act; 
- Best Song – World Hip-Hop/Rap (for Fils de joie); 
- E.W. Global’s Best Song in French (for Fils de joie). 

Camila Cabello also topped with 4 WINS: 
- Best Act – Live; 
- Best Act – Pop; 
- Best Song – Latin-Pop/Rock (for Hasta Los Dientes with Maria Becerra); 
- E.W. Steam’s Best Act. 

Under CELEBRITIES, 3 each got 2: 
- Tinashe (E.W. Queer’s Top Celeb; E.W. ZIM’s Top Celeb – Female); 
- Freeman HKD (E.W. Global’s Top Celeb - Male; E.W. ZIM’s Top Celeb – Male); 
- Tinopona ‘Tin Tin’ Katsande (E.W. Global’s Top Eye Candy – Female; E.W. ZIM’s Top Eye Candy).

And lastly, in TRAVEL, Dubai International Airport scooped 4 Recognitions this year: Top Destination; Top Airport; E.W. Global’s Top Destination; E.W. Global’s Top Airport.
 
Before the close of the 10th E.W. Recognitions Period the Brands, Content, and Personalities with the most E.W. Recognitions (WINS) and Nominations (NOMS) after a decade of E.W. Recognitions, received honorary mentions.

The FULL LIST OF WINNERS including the 1st Decade Honorees is available at: 10th E.W. Recognitions WINNERS

Watch The 10th E.W. Year in Music: The Playlist at: The 10th E.W. Year in Music: The Playlist

Listen to The 10th E.W. Year in Music: The Playlist at: The 10th E.W. Year in Music: The Playlist

#EWRecognitions

 

 

 

E.W.’s 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The official release of the E.W. 10th Anniversary Playlists happened shortly after E.W. Day 2022, as promised. Find links to both the Youtube and Spotify Playlists at: E.W. 10th Anniversary Playlists

 

Also find the Decade 1 Honorees Presentations at: E.W. 10th Anniversary Best of Decade 1

#EW10thAnniversary #TotallyTEN

 

E.W. DAY 2022

The official E.W. Day 2022/E.W. 10th Anniversary Song is Rule The World by The Wanted! 

The song was picked from a shortlist featuring 16 songs. 

Watch the official music video below:

#EWDay

 

 

NEW ON E.W.

E.W. is now active on Instagram.com! @enzer_grams is the handle at: E.W. on Instagram

The E.W. Day Spotify Playlist is also new and can be found at: E.W. Day Playlist on Spotify

 

Here’s to a buzz-worthy 11th E.W. Year.

 

‘til Next Time

 >>> Totally Unbiased <<<