Wrapping up its most watched season in seven years, The CW Network presented its 2015-16 broadcast schedule today to advertisers, affiliates and national media at New York City Center in New York City. The indie-pop band Of Monsters and Men kicked off the presentation with a live performance of their latest single “Crystals,” and their international hit song “Little Talks.”
“This has been a terrific season for The CW, and is a result of a strategy we set in motion a few years ago to broaden out and grow our audience,” said Pedowitz. “We had our most watched season, and our highest-rated season among men, in seven years. We launched The CW’s most watched series ever with THE FLASH, and with THE FLASH and JANE THE VIRGIN, we received more critical acclaim than ever before.
“The CW is heading into next season with incredible stability and strength, and continuing its strategy of adding more original programming all year long. Our new fall series CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND is original and hilarious, and will work as a perfect companion for JANE on Monday nights, while at midseason we have the much-anticipated DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW, and the tense action of CONTAINMENT. These three new series are a terrific complement to our already strong schedule, and allow us to keep building on our momentum in 2015-16.”
The CW will launch its 2015-16 broadcast season in October, with premiere dates to be announced later.
Monday night is back-to-back comedy night with CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND at 8:00-9:00 p.m., starring Rachel Bloom as an unhappy lawyer who quits her job and moves across the country in search of love, with her inner monologue providing irreverent musical interludes, followed by Golden Globe-winner Gina Rodriguez starring in JANE THE VIRGIN returning at 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Grant Gustin returns as the Fastest Man Alive in The CW’s smash hit THE FLASH at 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by the brainy zom-com iZOMBIE, starring Rose McIver at 9:00-10:00 p.m.
ARROW, starring Stephen Amell as Starling City’s masked hero, is back on Wednesday in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. time slot, followed by the monster-hunting Winchester brothers in SUPERNATURAL at 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Thursdays will be fang-tastic, with Damon and Stefan returning in THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by the first family of vampires, THE ORIGINALS at 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Mary, Queen of Scots will face off with Queen Elizabeth this season on REIGN, moving to Fridays at 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by Cycle 22 of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, which will move from Wednesdays in the Summer to Fridays in the Fall.
The new series DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW and CONTAINMENT will premiere in midseason, and THE 100 and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will return with new seasons in 2016.
Following is The CW’s 2015-16 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs. All times ET/PT.
THE CW’s 2015-2016 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM JANE THE VIRGIN
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE FLASH
9:00-10:00 PM IZOMBIE
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM ARROW
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
9:00-10:00 PM THE ORIGINALS (New Night)
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM REIGN (New Night)
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND”
Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) is a successful, driven, and possibly crazy young woman who impulsively gives up everything – her partnership at a prestigious law firm and her upscale apartment in Manhattan – in a desperate attempt to find love and happiness in that exotic hotbed of romance and adventure: suburban West Covina, Calif. (it’s only two hours from the beach! Four in traffic). From CBS Television Studios, CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND stars Rachel Bloom (“Robot Chicken”), who also serves as executive producer along with Aline Brosh McKenna (“The Devil Wears Prada”); and Marc Webb (“500 Days of Summer,” “The Amazing Spider-Man” films).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “JANE THE VIRGIN”
Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez) has always lived by the rules. She is studying to become a teacher, working her way through school by waitressing at a hot Miami hotel, and she has never forgotten the lesson her grandmother Alba (Ivonne Coll) taught her long ago about the importance of saving herself for marriage. But when Jane was accidentally artificially inseminated (!) her life became as dramatic and outrageous as the telenovelas she grew up watching. Adding to the drama, the donor is reformed playboy Rafael Solano (Justin Baldoni), the owner of the hotel where Jane works, and her teenage crush. Although Jane is engaged to her long-time love, Michael (Brett Dier), a detective with the Miami Police Department, and Rafael is married to the scheming Petra (Yael Grobglas), she and Rafael are drawn closer by the pregnancy and begin to fall for each other. The tension proves too much for Jane and Michael, and they call off their engagement… and Jane and Rafael begin seeing each other. But happily ever after is interrupted by murder and mayhem, by scheming exes and maniacal criminal masterminds. Oh, and then there’s the fact that Jane learns her long lost father is Rogelio De La Vega (Jaime Camill), her favorite telenovela star! And now he’s back in her life… with a vengeance. But amidst all the crazy, there are the Villaneuva women – Jane, her mother Xiomara (Andrea Navedo), and her grandmother, Alba, who band together to support each other always, no matter the twists and turns thrown their way. And ultimately, Jane gives birth and a new Villanueva enters the world. And believe it or not… the drama is just getting started. JANE THE VIRGIN is produced by CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television, in association with Electus, with executive producers Jennie Snyder Urman (“Emily Owens, M.D.”), Ben Silverman (“The Biggest Loser”), Gary Pearl (“10.5: Apocalypse”) and Jorge Granier (“Que el Cielo Me Explique”).
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “THE FLASH”
Until recently, 25-year-old Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) lived a normal life as a perpetually tardy C.S.I. in the Central City Police department. Barry is secretly in love with his best friend, Iris West (Candice Patton), daughter of Barry’s surrogate father, Detective Joe West (Jesse L. Martin). Joe adopted Barry fourteen years ago after Barry’s mother was murdered and Barry’s father, Henry Allen, received a life sentence for the crime – though Barry maintains that a mysterious “Man in Yellow” was responsible. Nine months ago, the S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator exploded, creating a dark matter lightning storm that struck Barry – bestowing him with super-speed and making him the fastest man alive. But Barry wasn’t the only person who was given extraordinary abilities that night. The dark matter also created meta-humans, many of whom have wreaked havoc on the city. With the help of his new scientist friends at S.T.A.R Labs, Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker), Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes), and Dr. Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanaugh), Barry begins a journey as The Flash to protect the people of Central City from these powerful new threats. However, Barry’s mission gets sidetracked when he comes face to face with the Man in Yellow. Barry isn’t fast enough to catch him but in a shocking revelation the team figures out their beloved mentor, Harrison Wells, is in fact the Man in Yellow and the man responsible for killing Barry’s mother. Harrison Wells reveals his true identity as Eobard Thawne, a man from the future who traveled back in time to kill Barry. When Barry is finally forced to confront Wells, will he be fast enough to catch him? Or will Wells be successful in killing Barry and returning home to the future? Based on the characters from DC Comics, THE FLASH is from by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” upcoming “Pan”), Andrew Kreisberg (“Arrow,” “Eli Stone”), David Nutter (“Arrow,” “Game of Thrones”) and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” upcoming “Pan”).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “IZOMBIE”
Throughout the riveting first season of iZombie, television’s only zom-dram-rom-com, Liv Moore (Rose McIver) learned to embrace her undead life and use her zombie powers for good. As an intrepid, zombified medical examiner, Liv ate the brains of the morgue cadavers and, under the guise of being a psychic, used her visions to assist Detective Clive Babinaux (Malcolm Goodwin) in solving murder cases. While Liv’s boss and sole confidante, Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti (Rahul Kohli), worked on a cure for her unthinkable condition, Liv battled the evil, zombie-making, brain-dealing Blaine (David Anders) and struggled to protect her loved ones and all of Seattle from a potential zombie apocalypse. Standing directly and unwittingly in the path of the oncoming zombie train is Liv’s ex-fiancee Major Lilywhite (Robert Buckley), whose life spiraled out of control when he began investigating forces beyond his understanding. In our final episodes of the debut season, those closest to Liv are thrust into mortal danger and Liv will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice to save them. There will be heartbreaking consequences and as the dust settles we’ll see that nothing in Liv’s partially dead life will ever be the same. In season two, Liv will face new and even more powerful enemies and old enemies in surprising new forms. Unlikely alliances will be struck, relationships will be challenged, and the line between good and evil will blur for both zombies and the fully living. Based upon characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, and published by DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, iZOMBIE is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Spondoolie Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “ARROW”
After a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific. He returned home to Starling City, bent on righting the wrongs of his family and fighting injustice. To do this, he created the persona of the Arrow and allied himself with former military man John Diggle (David Ramsey), computer-science expert Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards), billionaire inventor Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh), lawyer-turned-vigilante Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy), and his sister Thea (Willa Holland). Uneasy alliances and rivalries will shift as Oliver faces his most difficult challenge yet. Based on the characters from DC Comics, ARROW is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“The Flash,” upcoming “Pan”), Marc Guggenheim (“Eli Stone,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters”), Andrew Kreisberg (“The Flash,” “Eli Stone,” “Warehouse 13”) and Sarah Schechter (“The Flash,” upcoming “Pan”).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “SUPERNATURAL”
The thrilling and terrifying journey of the Winchester brothers continues as SUPERNATURAL enters its eleventh season. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) have spent their lives on the road, battling every kind of supernatural threat. Over the years, after countless bloody adventures, they have faced everything from the yellow-eyed demon that killed their mother to vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, angels and fallen gods. With the help of allies — both human and supernatural — they’ve discovered that every victory comes with a price. In the show’s tenth season, the Winchester brothers faced their most personal threat yet. The all-powerful Mark of Cain threatened to consume Dean, turning him into one of the monsters he has spent his life hunting. Meanwhile, a formidable witch, Rowena (Ruth Connell), rose to power to claim her position at the right hand of the King of Hell, Crowley (Mark Sheppard). Once Rowena revealed herself to be Crowley’s mother, the King was forced to choose between his family and the Winchesters. All while Sam, with the help of Castiel (Misha Collins), Crowley, and some unlikely allies, wages a desperate battle to save Dean from the Mark of Cain. Will Sam be able to find a cure for the Mark in time? Will it be enough to save his brother? And a more frightening prospect – does Dean want to be saved? SUPERNATURAL is produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Jeremy Carver (“Being Human”), Robert Singer (“Midnight Caller”) and Phil Sgriccia. Eric Kripke created the series and serves as executive consultant, along with McG.
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “THE VAMPIRE DIARIES”
Season six of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES began with our heroes mourning the devastating loss of Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Bonnie (Kat Graham), who turned out to be trapped in a 1994 prison world by a sociopathic magic-siphon named Kai Parker (guest star Chris Wood). Unable to cope with the loss of her love, Elena (Nina Dobrev) compelled away all of her memories of loving Damon, which meant that when he finally returned to Mystic Falls, he had to win her over again. Meanwhile, Caroline (Candice Accola) had to come to terms with her feelings for Stefan (Paul Wesley) in light of her mother’s heartbreaking battle with cancer. That battle ultimately proved fatal, sending both Caroline and Stefan down a dangerous path as humanity-free vampires. Bonnie returned from the prison world with a surprise for Damon, the cure for vampirism, which he ultimately chose to give to Elena. Damon and Stefan came face-to-face with their mother Lily (guest star Annie Wersching), who they long since believed to be dead. As the season built to a wedding between Alaric (Matt Davis) and Jo (guest star Jodi Lyn O’Keefe), Damon used the ceremony to profess his dedication to Elena, but not without a catastrophic event that left lives hanging in the balance. In the wake of Elena Gilbert’s goodbye, in season seven, some characters will recover while others falter. As Lily tries to drive a wedge between the Salvatore brothers, we’ll still hold onto hope that Stefan and Caroline’s love story is strong enough to survive. Based on the series of books by L. J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment, Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. The series was developed by Kevin Williamson (“The Following,” “Scream”) & Julie Plec (“The Originals,” “Kyle XY,” “Wasteland”), who serve as executive producers along with Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Pretty Little Liars”) and Caroline Dries (“Melrose Place,” “Smallville”).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “THE ORIGINALS”
The Mikaelson family tragedies and triumphs continue as THE ORIGINALS enters its third season. The Original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) and his brother Elijah (Daniel Gillies) have spent one thousand years fighting to protect their dysfunctional family, but now that Klaus and the hybrid Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) share an infant daughter, Hope, the stakes are higher than ever. In the second season, Klaus and Elijah united against their resurrected mother, Esther, who tortured them with demons from their pasts in an effort to persuade them to surrender their vampire bodies and become mortal. Esther, however, was only the harbinger, as Klaus learned that a long-standing curse had marked Hope for a life of isolation and terror at the hands of Esther’s sister, the witch Dahlia, whose defeat came at great cost to the family. Season 3 finds Klaus and Elijah estranged from each other, even as both brothers adjust to life with their long-lost sister, Freya (Riley Voelkel). Hayley suffers mightily at the hands of Klaus’s petty vengeance, while Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) and Davina (Danielle Campbell) rule the city under a new status quo. Meanwhile, Cami (Leah Pipes) and Vincent (Yusuf Gatewood) find themselves caught up in a surprising mystery involving the newest resident of New Orleans — the first vampire ever sired by the Mikaelsons a thousand years ago. THE ORIGINALS is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with My So-Called Company, Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. Julie Plec (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Kyle XY,” “Wasteland”), Michael Narducci (“The Vampire Diaries,” “The 4400,” “Medium”), Diane Ademu-John (“Body of Proof,” “Medium”) and Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl”) are executive producers.
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “REIGN”
The second season of REIGN begins with marriages and allegiances torn asunder, as well as the rise of enemies and political unrest. Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane), and her husband the King of France, Francis (Toby Regbo) lived through the birth of the King’s, but not the Queen’s, son, the plague, and a nation divided. Catherine de Medici (Megan Follows), realizing her limited power now that her daughter-in-law wears her crown, made a bold move to align herself with Mary’s ultimate enemy, Queen Elizabeth (Rachel Skarsten) of England. Bash (Torrance Coombs), wounded from his failed marriage with Kenna (Caitlin Stasey), sought refuge with an ethereal woman with mysterious powers, while Greer (Celina Sinden) was ousted from favor and took up a surprising occupation, where she flourished. REIGN begins its third season with Mary and Francis realizing that they are more powerful together than apart, believing there is hope for them to move forward, leaving behind the anger and hurt. It also introduces us to another Court, that of Elizabeth, “Virgin” Queen of England. Still early in her reign, Elizabeth faces opposition on all sides, particularly from men who doubt a woman’s ability to rule. Like Mary, and Catherine de Medici, she struggles to hold onto power, and love; the women have much in common, and Mary and Elizabeth are reluctant foes, but foes nonetheless, each positioned by birth and fate to destroy all the other holds dear. REIGN is produced by CBS Television Studios and Whizbang Films/Take 5 Productions with executive producers Laurie McCarthy (“The Ghost Whisperer”), Frank Siracusa (“Beauty And The Beast”), John Weber (“Beauty And The Beast”), Brad Silberling (“Moonlight Mile”), Gretchen Berg, and Aaron Harberts.
9:00-10:00 P.M. “AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL”
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns with an all-new cycle of guys and girls competing for the TOP MODEL title on Wednesday, August 5 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET), and the series will move to Fridays in the Fall. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company. The executive producers are Ken Mok (“Making the Band”), Tyra Banks, Dana Gabrion, and Laura Fuest Silva. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Tyra Banks also hosts the series. Currently, “America’s Next Top Model” is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 international versions in production. ”America’s Next Top Model” and the “America’s Next Top Model” format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International.
MIDSEASON
“DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW”
When heroes alone are not enough… the world needs legends. Having seen the future, one he will desperately try to prevent from happening, time-traveling rogue Rip Hunter is tasked with assembling a disparate group of both heroes and villains to confront an unstoppable threat — one in which not only is the planet at stake, but all of time itself. Can this ragtag team defeat an immortal threat unlike anything they have ever known? DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW stars Victor Garber (“The Flash,” “Alias”); Brandon Routh (“Arrow,” “Superman Returns”); Arthur Darvill (“Doctor Who”); Caity Lotz (“Arrow”); Ciarra Renee (“Pippin”); Franz Drameh (“Edge of Tomorrow”); with Dominic Purcell (“The Flash,” “Prison Break”); and Wentworth Miller (“The Flash,” “Prison Break”). Based on the characters from DC Comics, DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” upcoming “Pan”), Marc Guggenheim (“Arrow,” “Eli Stone,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters”), Andrew Kreisberg (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Eli Stone,” “Warehouse 13”) and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” upcoming “Pan”).
“CONTAINMENT”
When a mysterious and deadly epidemic breaks out in Atlanta, a vast urban quarantine is quickly enforced, forcing those stuck on the inside to fight for their lives while local and federal officials desperately search for a cure. Trying to keep the peace on the streets is police officer Lex Carnahan, who has quickly risen through the ranks of the Atlanta PD. But Lex’s job becomes even harder when he learns that his longtime girlfriend, Jana, and his best friend and fellow officer Jake, are trapped within the cordoned area. Also quarantined in viral ground zero is 17 year-old Teresa, who is eight months pregnant and now separated from her boyfriend on the other side; Katie Frank, an elementary school teacher now placed on lockdown with her entire class, including her young son; and CDC researcher Dr. Victor Cannerts, the doctor who initially made the controversial call to quarantine the area and is now racing to find a cure for the virus. On the outside, Dr. Sabine Lommers is leading the government efforts to contain the outbreak, and has asked for Lex’s help in enforcing the cordon – which grows increasingly difficult as the public trust deteriorates. And the public has reason to be wary, as journalist Leo begins unraveling a conspiracy, finding that something doesn’t add up in the official story being told. Torn apart from their loved ones, the survivors trapped within the cordon are fighting against not only fatal infection, but also isolation, fear, and the disintegration of society around them. But as they begin to gain each other’s trust, hope remains, and on either side of the cordon unlikely heroes will rise. CONTAINMENT stars David Gyasi (“Interstellar”); Christina Moses (“Starship: Apocalypse,” “Starship: Rising”); Chris Wood (“The Vampire Diaries”); Kristen Gutoskie (“Beaver Falls”); Claudia Black (“The Originals,” “Farscape”); George Young (“Casualty”); Hanna Mangan Lawrence (“Spartacus: War of the Damned”); and Trevor St. John (“One Life to Live”). Based on the original Belgian series created by Carl Joos for Eyeworks, CONTAINMENT is produced by My So-Called Company in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Julie Plec (“The Vampire Diaries,” “The Originals”) and David Nutter (“The Flash,” “Arrow”).
“THE 100”
For two seasons, the refugees of The 100 sent to Earth have been at war. First with themselves, then with the Grounders, and finally with Mount Weather. Many have lost their lives along the way. All have lost their innocence. They have learned the hard way that in the fight for survival, there are no heroes and no villains. There is only the living and the dead. But now the war is over. The battle against Mount Weather has been won. The prisoners have returned home to a world seemingly at peace, but can they find peace within themselves after what they had to do to escape? And is there more to life than just surviving? Unfortunately, their newfound sense of normalcy will be short-lived, and their lives will be changed forever, as threats both old and new test their loyalties, push them past their limits, and make them question what it truly means to be human. First, they fought to survive. Then, they fought for their friends. Now, they will fight for the human race. Based on the book series by Kass Morgan, THE 100 is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, with executive producers Jason Rothenberg and Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries”).
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical, soars as a dazzling spectacle that captivates audiences with its lush visuals, heartfelt performances, and rich storytelling. The film, the first in a two-part series, delves into the origins of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring their unlikely friendship and the events that transform them into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) lead the cast with exceptional performances. Erivo’s powerful vocals and nuanced portrayal of Elphaba’s internal struggles bring depth to the character. Grande, in her most notable film role to date, is both hilarious and heartfelt as Glinda, perfectly capturing her charm and comedic timing. Supporting performances by Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard) add layers to the narrative, enriching the world of Oz with compelling subplots.
Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, brings his signature style to Wicked, blending vibrant visuals with emotional resonance. The production design by Nathan Crowley is stunning, vividly rendering Oz with grandeur, from the Emerald City to Shiz University. Paul Tazewell’s costume design is equally striking, updating the Broadway look with cinematic flair. The score, by Stephen Schwartz and John Powell, retains iconic musical numbers like “Defying Gravity” while incorporating new arrangements that heighten their cinematic impact.
Critics have hailed Wicked as one of the best musical-to-film adaptations in decades, rivaling Chicago and Mamma Mia. Chu’s decision to split the adaptation into two parts allows for a deeper exploration of the story, giving audiences time to connect with the characters and their journeys. Fans of the Broadway show will appreciate its faithfulness to the source material, while newcomers will be enchanted by its universal themes of acceptance, ambition, and friendship.
With Wicked, Jon M. Chu has delivered a masterpiece that sets a new standard for musical adaptations. The film is a visual and emotional triumph, showcasing unforgettable performances and a meticulously crafted world. Whether you’re a fan of the original musical or new to the story, Wicked is a must-see cinematic event.
Rating: 3.5/5
Devara Part 1 dives deep into the heart of coastal India, merging high-stakes action with rich, emotional storytelling. Directed by Koratala Siva, this movie delivers both visually arresting cinematography and a gritty, dramatic narrative that examines the impact of power, loyalty, and revenge. The film stars Jr. NTR as Devara, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, both in pivotal roles. With its mix of action, suspense, and drama, Devara has quickly become a must-watch on Netflix.
The film is set in a fictional coastal region, where Devara, played by Jr. NTR, emerges as a man caught in the crossfire of a world rife with ambition and betrayal. The narrative pivots around land issues and the power struggles within the community, which expose Devara’s journey from a common man to a feared figure within his circle. Saif Ali Khan’s antagonist is a complex and calculated character whose machinations add depth to the storyline, setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict with Devara.
The film uses classic Bollywood tropes of revenge and honor but explores them through a modern lens. Devara’s journey is marked by his raw emotional drive and relentless courage, and the character’s depth makes him a gripping protagonist. Janhvi Kapoor adds a softer, more vulnerable counterbalance as Devara’s love interest, providing relief amid the film’s intensity.
Jr. NTR shines in the title role, embodying Devara with both intensity and vulnerability. His transformation into this hardened figure is subtle and believable, allowing viewers to empathize with his struggles. Saif Ali Khan, as the antagonist, is charismatic yet menacing, bringing layers to his role that make him much more than a standard villain. Janhvi Kapoor, while not the primary focus, delivers a grounded performance, effectively conveying the emotional depth needed in a film as intense as this.
One of the strongest elements of Devara Part 1 is its cinematography. Siva and his team bring the coastal setting to life, with expansive shots that capture the rugged beauty of the region. Each scene is meticulously crafted to capture the landscape’s natural colors and textures, lending authenticity to the story. The high-quality production value, along with the tight pacing and impressive action sequences, ensures that the audience remains engaged from start to finish.
Korotala Siva’s direction keeps the narrative’s emotional core intact while focusing on action and drama. The way he layers tension and reveals character motives adds a degree of realism rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
At its core, Devara is about the moral complexities that arise when survival and loyalty collide. It tackles themes of power, corruption, and revenge, all within a tightly woven plot that never strays too far from the human element. The film also dives into social issues, shedding light on the systemic corruption affecting the lives of ordinary people in coastal India. Devara’s journey is one of self-discovery and confrontation with societal norms, and this depth keeps the film compelling beyond its action sequences.
The film also sets up exciting possibilities for Devara Part 2, hinting at an even deeper exploration of these themes, as the stakes rise and alliances shift.
Devara Part 1 combines strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a gripping storyline. While it does lean on some familiar tropes, the story’s authenticity and Siva’s nuanced direction make it a worthwhile watch. The movie’s pacing, engaging plot twists, and character-driven drama make it hard to turn away.
Rating: 4.3/5 Devara Part 1 is a compelling drama that balances action and emotion, making it a standout in Netflix’s lineup. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a powerful storyline mixed with well-executed action. Highly recommended for fans of Bollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates stories with moral complexity.
Trigger Warning: Discussions of sexual assault and rape.
In a lot of ways Buffy the Vampire Slayer was more than just a TV show…it was a feeling.
No. But it did change the way heroines were written and showed the world how awesome and self-aware supernatural comedies could be. In the mid-’90s to early ‘00s, Buffy influenced everything from fashion trends to the way we speak. The linguistic feature of speakers ending declarative sentences in an upward inflection (like everything is a question). This phenomenon, known as ‘upspeak’, became popular in the mid-90s to the horror of many a boomer.
Buffy was progressive in many ways for its time. A strong (yet at times, admirably vulnerable) relatable heroine. Buffy was cool, independent, and brimming with quippy comebacks. Buffy’s creator, Joss Whedon, may have turned out to be the bad guy but he did create an admirable main character and immerse us in her world. Buffy was one of the first primetime network shows to have a gay main character and a lesbian relationship. Lesbian-identified Willow Rosenberg ushered in a new age of sapphic style that helped generations of queer young people come out.
Throughout the show, Buffy has not one but two hot, badass vampire boyfriends. What’s not to love?
Well, as it turns out; a lot of stuff. Like many shows from that era, Buffy doesn’t always adhere to the morals and values of 2024. I am, and have pretty much always been, a Buffy obsessive (to varying degrees). Even I can admit the main cast wasn’t exactly diverse. There are of course insensitive comments and jokes that wouldn’t fly today, but what I want to focus on is the show’s treatment of sexual assault.
In Western culture, rape is seen as one of the worst that can happen to a woman, perhaps even worse than death. Throughout the series, Buffy (and her female comrades) is assaulted numerous times and threatened with rape even more.
Season 1 Episode 6 – The Pack
In probably one of the weirdest plots, an early ‘monster of the week’ episode. Buffy’s closest male friend is possessed by the spirit of a hyena on a class zoo trip (it happens).
To a lot of modern fans; Xander is the archetypal ‘toxic nice guy’. Identifies as a feminist but regularly slut shames his female friends and has different rules of conduct for them than he does for himself. Regularly treats his romantic partners as less than or infantilizes them. Xander’s questionable behavior aside, this is the first episode where his true nature perhaps shines through.
Up until this point he had been attracted to Buffy. The slayer’s disinterest in anything other than friendship had caused him to act petulant and snidey in ways only a teenage boy can. As loathe as I am to compliment Nicholas Brendon (‘Xander’) the complete personality shift he embodies for possessed Xander is laudable. He’s confident, cruel, and highly sexual. Even vampiric some might say.
Possessed Xander’s newfound animalistic urges lead him to attack Buffy with a strength that matches her own supernatural strength. In an uncomfortable scene, he pins her to a vending machine and tells her: “The more I scare you…(SNIFFS)…the better you smell.”
Buffy escapes by knocking Xander unconscious and remarks to Willow that Xander “tried his hand at felony sexual assault”. It could be argued that Buffy is making light of her trauma by joking about it. However, at the end of the episode, Xander pretends he remembers nothing about his possession but then admits to Giles that he does.
Other more popular recurring characters are forgiven for their horrific behavior due to their lack of souls (being vampires). However, the show never makes clear exactly what a soul is and how it affects a person’s intrinsic goodness. It is unclear what happened to Xander’s soul during his brief possession but the instance is never brought up again.
Season 2 Episode 20 – Go Fish
Yet another ‘monster of the week’ episode; the school’s swim team gets turned into sea monsters (again, it happens). Buffy goes on a date with a member of the swim team when she turns down his advances he locks his car door stopping her escape. When he tries to touch her she breaks his nose on the steering wheel. Buffy is blamed by the school for the way she dresses, almost every woman has heard that at least once!
The episode culminates with Buffy being thrown into a sewer with the monstrous swim team by the evil coach. The coach remarks that ‘his boys have already eaten “but boys have other needs”. Threatening our 17-year-old heroin with gang rape. Buffy of course jokes about her predicament and is saved in the nick of time.
It could be speculated that as Buffy is a metaphor in itself that the writers were trying to make a statement about how female victims of young male sports stars are treated.
Season 6 Episode 1 & 2 – Bargaining
Season 6 is extremely controversial within the Buffy fandom. Arguably the most polarising of the seasons. Whether you love it or hate it (I love it, just putting that out there) everyone agrees it’s the darkest season. Fittingly the season opens with Buffy being brought back from the dead and digging herself out of her own grave.
A gang of heavily pierced demons is attacking the town and is torturing the Buffybot (a replacement robot for the erstwhile slayer obviously). The head demon refers to Buffybot as “nothing but a toy, a pretty toy” in a sinister and arguably sexual way before we see her being torn limb from bionic limb.
If that’s not bad enough the head demon threatens Buffy’s friends (Xander, Anya, Tara, and Willow) by saying; “we’re just gonna hold you down and enjoy ourselves for a few hours”. He also brags about his gang’s “anatomical incompatibilities that tend to tear up little girls”. The blatant and graphic threat of gang rape disturbed a lot of fans. Was this a sign of things to come with the new direction the show was going in?
Season 6 Episode 19 – Seeing Red
And here we are. We couldn’t talk about the most controversial season of Buffy without discussing its most controversial episode. Seeing Red has fan favorite Spike (vampire) attempting to rape Buffy in her own bathroom after she is injured while vampire slaying.
Throughout most of season 6 Buffy and Spike kindled a sexual relationship. Despite the writers prefacing the two as a metaphor for a toxic relationship, the couple are championed by fans to this day.
The scene itself is horrific. I can recall watching it when it was aired at the age of 12 hesitantly through my mum’s plants it was that awful. On a recent rewatch I committed myself to watching it again thinking it can’t be as bad as I remember, despite always fast-forwarding that bit on my videos (yes, I’m that old). It was as bad as I remembered.
The scene was heavily choreographed with alternating close-ups of Buffy and Spike (separately) to inspire the audience’s empathy with each character. Along with the being so brightly lit, the scene is extremely disorienting. The choice of lighting makes the actors look all too human.
Encouraging empathy for both victim and perpetrator during a rape scene is an interesting premise. Personally, I liked how multilayered and complex Buffy and Spike’s relationship was for what was billed as a teen drama. But I, like many, was traumatized by this scene. James Marsters, who played Spike, calls shooting the scene; “the darkest professional day of my life” (Marsters J, 2024) and sends him to therapy. Buffy herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar (Gellar S, 2024) is quoted as saying that she skips that particular episode while watching with her young family.
Many conspiracies were discussed after the airing of the episode. Many thought that it was creator Joss Whedon’s way of getting the audience to hate Spike. Whedon made no secret about hating Spike and had to be talked into making the series regular due to his popularity. As tempting as it is to blame Whedon, he was barely involved in the show at the time.
It is commendable that Marsters (outing myself as a fangirl here) is willing to honestly talk about how the episode affected him personally and the fanbase. Unfortunately, the show failed to properly address Buffy’s trauma. Despite showing her having PTSD-like flashbacks to the attempted rape when seeing Spike again in Season 7.
To me, Buffy has always embodied everything that is great about being a woman. She’s strong, resilient, and unapologetically feminine. Her story is one of triumph against all odds while still staying true to herself and empowering her friends along the way. As Buffy is a feminine story perhaps it is appropriate that it shows the unfortunate side of being a female presenting person. Women are assaulted regularly and usually by close friends someone they are on a date with or someone they’ve had a sexual relationship with. Many have argued that the handling of these scenes was clumsy or even irresponsible. This may be true but having someone as inspiring as Buffy Summers overcome and thrive after an assault could prove that anyone can and make victims feel less alone.
Buffy is, as always, a source of strength for many.
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