Upcoming DVD Releases





COMING ON 8/3:
Couples Therapy – Season 2 (Showtime/ViacomCBS)
$24.99 SRP DVD MOD

—–Hope and heartache comes to light in the acclaimed docu-series COUPLES THERAPY. Distinguished clinical psychologist Dr. Orna Guralnik combines empathy with insight to guide a new group of couples facing a diverse set of issues. Together they take on the difficult challenge of confronting their deepest individual fears and talk candidly about what has brought them to these crossroads…and where to go from here. 2-disc set.
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COMING ON 8/17:
* A Discovery of Witches – Season 2 (RLJ/Image)
$34.99 SRP DVD; $34.99 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: The Story of A Discovery of Witches; Can Love Survive; Creating Elizabethan London
—–After narrowly escaping the Congregation of vampires, witches, and daemons, Diana (Teresa Palmer) and Matthew (Matthew Goode) are hiding in time, in the fascinating and treacherous world of Elizabethan London. Here, they must find a powerful witch teacher to help Diana control her magic and search for the elusive Book of Life. Enemies are everywhere, the threat to witches is growing, and Diana and Matthew’s romance faces a barrage of new threats – from within, as much as without. They must overcome deep personal fears and jealousies, baring their darkest secrets to one another if they are to stay alive, stay together, and find a way back to the present day. While Matthew and Diana hide out in Elizabethan London, back in present day, Diana’s beloved aunts, Sarah (Alex Kingston) and Em (Valarie Pettiford), must take shelter with notorious witch hunter Ysabeau de Clermont (Lindsay Duncan) at her ancestral home, Sept-Tours. Meanwhile, in Oxford, Marcus (Edward Bluemel) and Miriam (Aiysha Hart) take on Matthew’s mantle to protect daemons Nathaniel (Daniel Ezra) and Sophie (Aisling Loftus), whose pregnancy is advancing. And Gerbert, Knox, Satu, and Domenico are determined to hunt down every clue they can to Diana’s and Matthew’s disappearance, and the secrets their allies are keeping from them. 2-disc set in either format.
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COMING ON 8/24:
* Prodigal Son – The Complete 2nd Season (Warner Archive)
$29.99 SRP DVD MOD; $29.99 SRP Blu-ray MOD

—–Malcolm Bright is a criminal profiler who gets inside the minds of killers because his father, Dr. Martin Whitly, was a notorious serial killer. Now he’s using his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve murders. Season 2 picks up with Bright “taking care” of his sister after her shocking actions and protecting his mother from a secret that could tear the family apart. 3-disc set in either format.
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COMING ON 9/21:
* Resident Alien – Season 1 (Universal)
$39.98 SRP DVD; $44.98 SRP Blu-ray

—–A comedic sci-fi drama based on the Dark Horse comic book series of the same name, Resident Alien follows a crash-landed alien (Alan Tudyk) who must take on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor and somehow find a way to fit in with the local human population. While attempting to complete his secret mission on Earth, he is forced to consider the possibility that humans might be worth saving after all. 2-disc set in either format.

* The Blacklist – Season 8 (Sony)
$55.99 SRP Blu-ray MOD

EXTRAS: Deleted Scenes; Blooper Reel; Liz’s Farewell
—–With his back against the wall, Raymond Reddington (James Spader) faces his most formidable enemy yet: Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). Aligned with her mother, infamous Russian spy Katarina Rostova, Liz must decide how far she is willing to go to find out why Reddington has entered her life and what his endgame really is. The fallout between Reddington and Keen will have devastating consequences for all that lie in their wake, including the Task Force they helped to create. 5-disc set.
NOTE: the DVD version of this same title will be available in stores on the same date; see the Roundup from 7/9

* Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Series (ViacomCBS)
$67.99 SRP DVD; $90.99 SRP Blu-ray

—–All four thrill-packed seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise are yours to explore as Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) pilots the Earth’s first Warp-5 capable ship, Enterprise NX-01, on a long-range mission of research and discovery beginning in the year 2150. During his command, Captain Archer and his crew will face life-threatening challenges from the Xindi, an enemy bent on annihilating humanity via a planet-destroying super weapon, and from Terra Prime, a human terrorist group – as well as a host of problems stirred up by the ever-present Romulans. From suspiciously watchful Vulcans to the mysterious Sphere-Builders, a trans-dimensional species, these are the adventures found in four thrilling seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Series! 27-disc set on DVD; 24-disc set on Blu-ray.
NOTE: this title was previously released in early 2017 on each format, but had been discontinued; it is now being re-released for fans who missed it previously (timed to coincide with other 55th anniversary Star Trek releases/re-releases)
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COMING ON 9/28:
* Whitstable Pearl – Series 1 (RLJ/Acorn)
$39.99 SRP DVD

—–With her son grown, single mum Pearl (Kerry Godliman, After Life) pursues her lifelong dream and starts a private detective agency, which she runs from her family restaurant in the coastal town of Whitstable. Drawn by her caring nature, locals soon flock to her with all kinds of cases. But when a friend dies suspiciously, Pearl finds herself in conflict with gruff new cop in town DCI Mike McGuire. 2-disc set.
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COMING ON 10/5:
* The Nevers – Season 1, Part 1 (HBO/Warner)
$24.98 SRP DVD; $29.98 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: Digital Copy (Blu-ray only)
—–August, 1896. Victorian London is rocked to its foundations by a supernatural event which gives certain people — mostly women — abnormal abilities, from the wondrous to the disturbing. But no matter their particular “turns,” all who belong to this new underclass are in grave danger. It falls to mysterious, quick-fisted widow Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and brilliant young inventor Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) to protect and shelter these gifted “orphans.” To do so, they will have to face the brutal forces determined to annihilate their kind. Cast also includes Rochelle Neil, James Norton, Tom Riley, Denis O’Hare, Ben Chaplin, Zackary Momah, James Norton, Olivia Williams, Pip Torrens, Amy Manson, Eleanor Tomlinson, Anna Devlin, Elizabeth Berrington, Kiran Sonia Sawar, Viola Prettejohn, Ella Smith, Vinnie Heaven, and Nick Frost. 2-disc set in either format.

* Clarice – Season 1 (ViacomCBS)
$33.99 SRP DVD

—–Clarice is a deep dive into the untold personal story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field in 1993, one year after the events of The Silence of the Lambs. Brilliant and vulnerable, Clarice’s bravery gives her an inner light that draws monsters and madmen to her. However, her complex psychological makeup that comes from a challenging childhood empowers her to begin to find her voice while working in a man’s world, as well as escape the family secrets that have haunted her throughout her life. 4-disc set.
NOTE: as of this writing, Amazon shows a different release date for this title, but the studio’s official information shows October 5th

* The Stand – The Limited Series (ViacomCBS)
$33.99 SRP DVD; $39.99 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: AN APOCALYPTIC EPIC: ADAPTING THE STAND – Go inside the creative process of bringing all facets of King’s beloved epic to life on screen; GAG REEL
—–When a killer plague wipes out 99% of the world’s population, the embattled survivors struggle to make their way in a post-apocalyptic reality. This 2020 adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand frames the eternal battle between good and evil, as embodied by the peaceful prophet Mother Abagail (Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg) and the menacing presence Randall Flagg (Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård), and closes with a new coda written by Stephen King himself. The all-star cast also includes James Marsden and Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear, with guest stars Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons and Heather Graham. Delve deeper into this epic reimagining of King’s iconic novel with exclusive special features. 3-disc set in either format.

* The Stand – The Definitive 2-Series Collection (ViacomCBS)
$39.99 SRP DVD; $44.99 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: 1994: Audio commentary from Stephen King and director Mick Garris & full-length featurette; 2020: Exclusive gag reel & behind-the-scenes featurette
—–The Stand: The Original Mini-Series (1994): In Stephen King’s epic vision of an apocalyptic future, the few survivors of a plague-ravaged world must choose sides in the ultimate battle of good vs. evil that will decide the fate of humanity. As the followers of demonic Randall Flagg plot to rebuild the world in his dark image, a courageous foursome embarks on a heroic mission against Flagg and his minions. Fighting overwhelming odds, they will risk more than their lives as they take one desperate last stand against evil. The Stand (2020 Limited Series): THE STAND is Stephen King’s apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg) and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg (Alexander Skarsgård), the Dark Man. THE STAND will close with a new coda written by the famed author himself. 5-disc set on DVD; 4-disc set on Blu-ray Disc.

* ER – The Complete Series (Warner)
$219.99 SRP DVD

—–The lives, loves and losses of the doctors and nurses of Chicago’s County General Hospital. 45-disc set.
NOTE: this title was released years ago, as a 90-disc long box collection of the 15 separate season sets; it is being re-released (with half the number of discs, somehow!)…and no Blu-ray Disc version has been announced as of this writing
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COMING ON 10/12:
* The Haunting of Bly Manor – The Limited Series (ViacomCBS)
$31.99 SRP DVD; $39.99 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: Home for the Haunted: The Ghosts of Bly Manor – Featurette; Welcome to Bly Manor – Featurette; Audio Commentary by Director/Creator Mike Flanagan; Audio Commentary by Director Liam Gavin; Audio Commentary by Director Axelle Carolyn
—–From The Haunting of Hill House creator Mike Flanagan and producer Trevor Macy comes THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR, the next highly anticipated chapter of The Haunting anthology series, set in 1980s England. After an au pair’s tragic death, Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) hires a young American nanny (Victoria Pedretti) to care for his orphaned niece and nephew (Amelie Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) who reside at Bly Manor with the estate’s chef Owen (Rahul Kohli), groundskeeper Jamie (Amelia Eve) and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose (T’Nia Miller). But all is not as it seems at the manor, and centuries of dark secrets of love and loss are waiting to be unearthed in this chilling gothic romance. At Bly Manor, dead doesn’t mean gone. 3-disc set in either format

* The Haunting – 2 Series Collection (ViacomCBS)
$39.99 SRP DVD; $39.95 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: HOHH: Extended Director’s Cut + Commentary by Director Mike Flanagan (Episodes 101, 105, 110); HOBM: Featurettes (x2) + Director Commentaries by Mike Flanagan (Episode 201), Liam Gavin (Episode 205) and Axelle Carolyn (Episode 208)
—–THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE is the critically acclaimed, modern reimagining of Shirley Jackson’s legendary novel about five siblings who grew up in the most famous haunted house in America. Now adults, they’re reunited by the suicide of their youngest sister, which forces them to finally confront the ghosts of their pasts… some of which lurk in their minds… and some of which may really be lurking in the shadows of the iconic Hill House. For the first time, experience even more thrills with three extended Director’s Cut episodes featuring never-before-seen footage and go deeper inside Hill House with four exclusive commentaries from Creator and Director Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep). THEN, from The Haunting of Hill House creator Mike Flanagan and producer Trevor Macy comes THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR, the next highly anticipated chapter of The Haunting anthology series, set in 1980s England. After an au pair’s tragic death, Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) hires a young American nanny (Victoria Pedretti) to care for his orphaned niece and nephew (Amelie Bea Smith, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) who reside at Bly Manor with the estate’s chef Owen (Rahul Kohli), groundskeeper Jamie (Amelia Eve) and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose (T’Nia Miller). But all is not as it seems at the manor, and centuries of dark secrets of love and loss are waiting to be unearthed in this chilling gothic romance. At Bly Manor, dead doesn’t mean gone. 7-disc set on DVD; 6-disc set on Blu-ray Disc.

* Kolchak: The Night Stalker – The Complete Series (Kino Lorber)
$99.95 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: NEW Interview with David Chase, the Creator of The Sopranos and Co-Writer of Eight Kolchak: The Night Stalker Episodes; NEW Interview with Dana Gould, the Creator of Stan Against Evil; NEW Booklet Essay by Mark Dawidziak, the Author of The Night Stalker Companion and Kolchak Novel, Grave Secrets; NEW Audio Commentary for THE RIPPER by Mark Dawidziak, the Author of The Night Stalker Companion and Kolchak Novel, Grave Secrets; NEW Audio Commentary for THE ZOMBIE by Author/Historian David J. Schow; NEW Audio Commentary for THEY HAVE BEEN, THEY ARE, THEY WILL BE… by Novelist/Critic Kim Newman and Writer/Journalist Barry Forshaw; NEW Audio Commentary for THE VAMPIRE by Film Historian Tim Lucas; NEW Audio Commentary for THE WEREWOLF by Filmmaker/Historian Constantine Nasr; NEW Audio Commentary for FIREFALL by Author/Historian David J. Schow; NEW Audio Commentary for THE DEVIL’S PLATFORM by Filmmaker/Historian Constantine Nasr and Screenwriter/Producer Rodney Barnes; NEW Audio Commentary for BAD MEDICINE by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani; NEW Audio Commentary for THE SPANISH MOSS MURDERS by Film Historian/Screenwriter Steve Haberman; NEW Audio Commentary for THE SPANISH MOSS MURDERS by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Screenwriter/Producer Cyrus Voris; NEW Audio Commentary for THE ENERGY EATER by Mike White and Chris Stachiw of The Kolchak Tapes Podcast; NEW Audio Commentary for HORROR IN THE HEIGHTS by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani; NEW Audio Commentary for MR. R.I.N.G. by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Screenwriter/Producer Cyrus Voris; NEW Audio Commentary for PRIMAL SCREAM by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Screenwriter/Producer Cyrus Voris; NEW Audio Commentary for THE TREVI COLLECTION by Film Historian/Author Amanda Reyes; NEW Audio Commentary for CHOPPER by Novelist/Critic Kim Newman and Writer/Journalist Barry Forshaw; NEW Audio Commentary for DEMON IN LACE by Novelist/Critic Kim Newman and Writer/Journalist Barry Forshaw; NEW Audio Commentary for LEGACY OF TERROR by Film Historian/Author Amanda Reyes; NEW Audio Commentary for THE KNIGHTLY MURDERS by Filmmaker/Historian Michael Schlesinger; NEW Audio Commentary for THE YOUTH KILLER by Novelist/Critic Kim Newman and Writer/Journalist Barry Forshaw; NEW Audio Commentary for THE SENTRY by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani; THE DEVIL’S PLATFORM – TV Spot (New 2K Master); BAD MEDICINE – TV Spot (New 2K Master); THE SPANISH MOSS MURDERS – TV Spot (New 2K Master); THE ENERGY EATER – TV Spot (New 2K Master); HORROR IN THE HEIGHTS – TV Spot (New 2K Master); MR. R.I.N.G. – TV Spot (New 2K Master); PRIMAL SCREAM – TV Spot (New 2K Master); THE TREVI COLLECTION – TV Spot (New 2K Master); CHOPPER – TV Spot (New 2K Master); DEMON IN LACE – TV Spot (New 2K Master); LEGACY OF TERROR – TV Spot (New 2K Master); THE KNIGHTLY MURDERS – TV Spot (New 2K Master); THE YOUTH KILLER – TV Spot (New 2K Master); THE SENTRY – TV Spot (New 2K Master)
—–Kolchak: The Night Stalker, the uniquely eerie mystery series that paved the way for The X-Files, finally comes to Blu-ray with all 20 episodes digitally restored to capture every shiver, every scream and every bump in the night. Emmy nominee Darren McGavin reprises his role from the popular television movies The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night Strangler (1973) as Carl Kolchak, a headstrong investigative reporter on the trail of the paranormal: zombies, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, succubi and even aliens. No matter how unnatural or unbelievable, Kolchak is there to uncover the truth…one supernatural threat at a time. Join the hunt in the dark alleys and creepy hidden lairs of Chicago with such sensational guest stars as Scatman Crothers, Antonio Fargas, Tom Skerritt, Dick Van Patten, Jamie Farr, Phil Silvers, Jim Backus, William Smith, Julie Adams, Cathy Lee Crosby, Carolyn Jones, Tom Bosley and many more. Kolchak: The Night Stalker co-starred Simon Oakland (Bullitt) and Ruth McDevitt (The Birds). 4-disc set.
NOTE: our thanks to longtime reader John Cerone for making sure we saw this info!
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COMING ON 10/19:
* Smallville: The Complete Series 20th Anniversary Collection (Warner)
$179.99 SRP Blu-ray; $154.99 SRP DVD

EXTRAS: The Adventures of Superboy: The original 1961 pilot starring John Rockwell; A Retrospective Look at the Series’ 10-Year Journey – An in-depth, season-by-season look at the creation of this landmark television series…highlights include interviews with Tom Welling, Eric Durance, Michael Rosenbaum, Phil Morris, John Schneider and many more, as well as rare behind-the-scenes footage; A Decade of Comic-Con Featurette; Paley Festival Featurette; Smallville’s 100th Episode: Making of a Milestone – An extended version of the original featurette included in the Season 5 set; Secret Origin: The American Story of DC Comics – A feature length documentary chronicling DC’s 75 years of challenges, creativity, and triumph; Audio Commentaries, Deleted and Extended Scenes,Gag Reels, Behind-the-scenes featurettes and much more from all 10 seasons!
—–After a meteor shower bursts from the heavens, raining destruction on the unsuspecting citizens of Smallville, years pass…and the healing process leaves the town’s inhabitants with scars and secrets. From the ashes of tragedy, a popular-yet-awkward teen attempts to decipher the meaning of his life and his clouded past. As he struggles with the transition from boyhood to adulthood, Clark finds that his strength and strange abilities set him uncomfortably apart from his peers. This wildly popular fantasy series recounts the adventures of Kansas teen Clark Kent, who uses his still-emerging superpowers to fight crime even as he copes with the normal growing pains of adolescence, young love, and family dramas. As he matures during high school and college, Clark falls in love with Lana Lang, accepts his alien origins, and becomes enemies with former friend Lex Luthor. 41-disc set on Blu-ray Disc, and a 62-disc set on DVD format.
NOTE: this title has been available on DVD format since 2011, but this is the first time it will be released on high-def Blu-ray Disc format…Seasons 1 through 4 were not produced in 1080p high-def, and so have apparently been redone in high-def for this long-awaited BD release (and S5 was previously released on high-def disc, but only for the long-defunct HD-DVD format, as well as on DVD)

* Superman & Lois – The Complete 1st Season (Warner Canada)
CA$34.98 SRP DVD; $44.99 SRP Blu-ray

—–After years of facing supervillains, monsters, and alien invaders intent on wiping out the human race, the world’s most famous superhero (Tyler Hoechlin) and comic books’ most famous journalist (Elizabeth Tulloch) come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever: dealing with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.
NOTE: Amazon’s Canadian branch is showing the Oct. 19th release date for this title, but the USA branch is still not showing a firm street date as of this writing (however, this item will PROBABLY be released in both countries on the same date!)

* The Little Rascals – The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 3 (ClassicFlix)
$39.99 SRP Blu-ray

—–Remastered, uncut, and beautifully restored, now you can see The Little Rascals like never before! With restorations so glorious, it will be like watching these iconic shorts for the first time! From 1929 to 1931, Hal Roach’s “Our Gang” series showcasing scruffy but lovable kids was among the studio’s biggest successes in the new era of sound. But in 1932, the franchise would introduce one of the most beloved and durable members of the gang in George “Spanky” McFarland – so named because of his mother’s constant admonitions of “Mustn’t touch! Spanky, spanky!” Director James Horne, having shot a reel’s worth of test footage of the youngster (later recycled in Spanky [1932]), showed it to anyone and everyone on the Roach lot, and shortly afterward, “Spanky” made his modest debut in Free Eats (1932). But Roach, recognizing the cuteness and natural talent of McFarland, immediately promoted the three-year-old to major player status by titling the next short after the tot and using his allure for maximum mirth in classic outings like The Pooch, Hook & Ladder, and Birthday Blues…all made in 1932, and all included in this set. The Little Rascals – The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 3 contains the next 11 Our Gang sound shorts produced by Roach at the dawn of the “talkie era”: Readin’ and Writin’ (1932) to Forgotten Babies (1933) – with each short newly scanned and restored from original Hal Roach 35mm film elements. A must-have for any true Our Gang fan, Volume 3 features the talents of Dickie Moore, Bobby “Wheezer” Hutchins, Dorothy DeBorba, Matthew “Stymie” Beard, Kendall “Breezy Brisbane” McComas, and of course, George “Spanky” McFarland. This volume also includes a special treat with Our Gang alums Mickey Daniels, Mary Kornman, Joe Cobb and Allen “Farina” Hoskins featured in Fish Hooky (1933)!
NOTE: our thanks to longtime reader John Cerone for the heads-up about this item
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DATE NOT YET ANNOUNCED:
* Rick and Morty – The Complete 5th Season (Warner)
$24.98 SRP DVD; $29.98 SRP Blu-ray

—–Hold onto your butts — it’s season five, baby! Rick, Morty and the fam are back with ten all-new episodes that consume unheld butts. Sex, romance, testicle monsters…a guy named Mr. Nimbus… It’s everything you want, get your butt ready!



WHITSTABLE PEARL ALL EPISODES OF ACORN TV’S COZY MYSTERY SERIES NOW AVAILABLE





WHITSTABLE PEARL ALL EPISODES OF ACORN TV’S COZY MYSTERY SERIES NOW AVAILABLE
“Engaging” – NPR Fresh Air

“Delicious new series of whodunnits” – Daily Mail Weekend

Starring Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais’ After Life) as the titular Pearl Nolan, the new six-part British detective drama Whitstable Pearl made its exclusive worldwide debut this week on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streaming service specializing in British and International television. Based on the much-loved novels The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare by Julie Wassmer (EastEnders), Whitstable Pearl is brought to the screen for the first time by iconic Norwegian filmmaker Øystein Karlsen (Exit, Dag, Lilyhammer). The series also stars Howard Charles (The Musketeers, Shadow and Bone) and Frances Barber (Doctor Who, Silk.)

Whitstable Pearl explores the dark undercurrents of murder and debauchery swirling beneath the surface of the picturesque English seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its native oysters and buffeted by the prevailing winds and spray of the North Sea.

Episode Descriptions

Episode 3: Civil War – Premiering Monday, May 31

When a recently retired DCI is shot dead during an English Civil War reenactment, Mike immediately suspects the victim’s wife, but she hires Pearl to find out if someone could be targeting her, too. Pearl and Mike plan a date, but a miscommunication puts them at odds.

Episode 4: Disappearance at Oare – Premiering Monday, June 7

Pearl agrees to help a woman who received a note claiming her missing husband did not die from suicide. Pearl connects the case to a grief-counseling church group and a drowning years ago. As Christmas approaches, Mike sinks into a depression, despite taking on a new flat in Whitstable.

Episode 5: A Cup O’Kindness – Premiering Monday, June 14

When a mother takes her daughter out for a boat ride despite the father’s wishes, the boat starts taking on water and the two need to be rescued. Was it an accident, or were they targeted? Pearl investigates while Mike tries to enjoy his time off from police duty in the days before New Year’s Eve.

Episode 6: The Man on The Blue Plaque – Premiering Monday, June 21

A 30-year-old skeleton washes up on the shore, and the victim has a very personal connection to Pearl. Pearl’s budding romance with Mike is threatened when he identifies a suspect close to home.

About Acorn TV

Called a “glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter) and “Netflix for the Anglophile” (NPR), AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive new programs every week with a deep library of mysteries, dramas, and comedies with no commercials. In 2021, Acorn TV will feature several commissioned original series including the second season of Miss Fisher spinoff Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, British crime drama Whitstable Pearl, Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh starring Bertie Carvel, as well as Irish crime thriller Bloodlands starring James Nesbitt and co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio, the return of New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder starring Lucy Lawless, popular Canadian period drama Murdoch Mysteries, and a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas that include A Place to Call Home, Detectorists, Jack Irish and Foyle’s War. Recent Acorn TV Original series include Deadwater Fell starring David Tennant, highly-rated BBC One drama The Nest; and groundbreaking BBC One period drama A Suitable Boy from Mira Nair. Acorn TV offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $5.99/month or $59.99/year.



ACORN TV PREMIERES THE FIRST TWO INSTALLMENTS OF SEASIDE MURDER MYSTERY WHITSTABLE PEARL





ACORN TV PREMIERES THE FIRST TWO INSTALLMENTS OF SEASIDE MURDER MYSTERY WHITSTABLE PEARL MONDAY, MAY 24

UK Fan-Favorite Actress Kerry Godliman Stars in Riveting Six-Part Drama From the Producers of ITV series “Marcella”

Based on the Hit Novels by Julie Wassmer,

Adapted by Norwegian filmmaker Øystein Karlsen

The first two episodes of the gripping small-town mystery Whitstable Pearl debut worldwide Monday, May 24, 2021 on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streaming service specializing in British and international television. Starring Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais’ After Life, Save Me), the Acorn TV Original series based on the much-loved novels The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare by Julie Wassmer (Eastenders), Whitstable Pearl explores the dark undercurrents of murder and debauchery swirling beneath the surface of the picturesque English seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its native oysters and buffeted by the prevailing winds and spray of the North Sea. The original is brought to the screen for the first time by iconic Norwegian filmmaker Øystein Karlsen (Exit, Dag, Lilyhammer). New episodes of the six-part British detective drama will roll out on Mondays.

With her son grown, single mom Pearl (Kerry Godliman, After Life) pursues her lifelong dream and starts a private detective agency, which she runs from her family restaurant in the coastal town of Whitstable. Drawn by her caring nature, locals soon flock to her with all kinds of cases. But when a friend dies suspiciously, Pearl finds herself in conflict with gruff new cop in town DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, The Musketeers, Liar, Shadow and Bone). The series also stars Frances Barber (Mr. Holmes, Silk, Doctor Who) as Pearl’s outspoken mother, Dolly.

Alongside lead writer Øystein Karlsen, the rest of the writing team includes Mike Walden (Marcella, The Frankenstein Chronicles, Uwantme2killhim), Rachel Flowerday (Malory Towers, Father Brown, The Moonstone) and Alastair Galbraith (Strike Back, Doc Martin, River City). David Caffrey (The Alienist, Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty) is lead director and will helm the first two episodes.

The producer of the series is Guy Hescott (Agatha Raisin) and the casting director is Rob Kelly. Executive Producers are Tony Wood, Anna Burns, Richard Tulk-Hart and Nadia Jaynes for Buccaneer as well as Øystein Karlsen and Julie Wassmer.

Episode Descriptions

Episode 1: The Free Waters

Restaurant owner Pearl Nolan discovers the body of her friend and oyster supplier chained to the anchor of his ship. The police, led by out-of-towner Chief Inspector Mike McGuire, believe it was an accident, but Pearl, who also runs a private detective agency, suspects foul play.

Directed by: David Caffrey

Written and Created for TV by: Øystein Karlsen

Produced by: Guy Hescott, Brett Wilson

Episode 2: Random Acts

Working with local cop DS Nikki Martel (Sophia Del Pizzo), Mike investigates the death of a diabetic estate agent force-fed marmalade. When a woman hires Pearl to look into a large sum of cash left in her mailbox, Pearl discovers Whitstable may have a mysterious benefactor—but are they connected to the murder?

Directed by: David Caffrey

Written and Created for TV by: Øystein Karlsen

Produced by: Guy Hescott, Brett Wilson

About Acorn TV

Called a “glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter) and “Netflix for the Anglophile” (NPR), AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive new programs every week with a deep library of mysteries, dramas, and comedies with no commercials. In 2021, Acorn TV will feature several commissioned original series including the second season of Miss Fisher spinoff Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, British crime drama Whitstable Pearl, Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgleish starring Bertie Carvel, as well as Irish crime thriller Bloodlands starring James Nesbitt and co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio, the return of New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder starring Lucy Lawless, popular Canadian period drama Murdoch Mysteries, and a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas that include A Place to Call Home, Detectorists, Jack Irish and Foyle’s War. Recent Acorn TV Original series include Deadwater Fell starring David Tennant, highly-rated BBC One drama The Nest; and groundbreaking BBC One period drama A Suitable Boy from Mira Nair. Acorn TV offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $5.99/month or $59.99/year.



ACORN TV ORIGINAL SEASIDE MURDER MYSTERY WHITSTABLE PEARL DOCKS MONDAY, MAY 24





ACORN TV ORIGINAL SEASIDE MURDER MYSTERY WHITSTABLE PEARL DOCKS MONDAY, MAY 24

Starring Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais’ After Life) as the titular Pearl Nolan, the new six-part British detective drama Whitstable Pearlwill make its exclusive worldwide debut on Monday, May 24, 2021 on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streaming service specializing in British and International television. The series will debut day-in-date across Acorn TV internationally in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Based on the much-loved novels The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare by Julie Wassmer (EastEnders), Whitstable Pearl is brought to the screen for the first time by iconic Norwegian filmmaker Øystein Karlsen (Exit, Dag, Lilyhammer). Episodes 101-102 of the Acorn TV Original coastal mystery series Whitstable Pearl are now available to watch on Screeners.com.

Whitstable Pearl explores the dark undercurrents of murder and debauchery swirling beneath the surface of the picturesque English seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its native oysters and buffeted by the prevailing winds and spray of the North Sea.

When local celebrity Pearl Nolan, chief proprietor of the eponymous Whitstable Pearl restaurant and a newly formed detective agency, discovers the body of Vinnie, a close family friend, she takes it upon herself to investigate what she believes to be murder. Standing in the way of her detective work is DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, The Musketeers), the new Kent police chief who has transferred from London in an attempt to escape from his past. Pearl and Mike clash at first, but then Mike becomes the only other person to share Pearl’s belief that Vinnie was murdered. When a second body shows up, Pearl finds herself pulled into the seedy underbelly of this picturesque town. The British seaside holiday will never be the same again.

Set beneath huge skies and amid the lengthening shadows of a picture postcard town just miles from London, the friction between the locals and the moneyed arrivals from the city is palpable as centuries of village tradition grates against the inevitable pressure of money and gentrification.

More about Whitstable Pearl

Pearl Nolan (Kerry Godliman, After Life) has always dreamed of becoming a detective, however an unplanned pregnancy in her early twenties left her police career in tatters before it ever truly began. Instead, Pearl resolved to pour all her energy into raising her son, Charlie (Rohan Nedd, Safe), alongside working with her mum, Dolly (Frances Barber, Mr. Holmes, Doctor Who), to build the family seafood restaurant into a thriving business.

Eighteen years have passed since then, and the restaurant has become an iconic feature of their coastal hometown, Whitstable. With Charlie all grown up and making plans for his gap year, Pearl can’t help shaking the feeling that there is more to life than just serving oysters and cava. Determined to rekindle her passion for life, Pearl sets up a private detective agency. Known amongst the community for her caring and compassionate nature, locals soon flock to her with all manner of cases. When a new mysterious client arrives in Whitstable and demands Pearl investigate an old family friend, she is left feeling conflicted over what she should do. Pearl reluctantly agrees to take on the case, believing she can help get her friend out of whatever trouble he’s managed to land himself in this time. However, when his body is discovered under gruesome circumstances, Pearl is unwilling to accept the official verdict that it was a tragic accident.

Pearl’s refusal to believe it pure coincidence, leads her into conflict with DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, The Musketeers), a new arrival in Whitstable. Despite getting off to a bad start, the two investigators find themselves bonding over a shared desire to help those overlooked by the system. Resolving to put their differences aside the two strike up an unlikely partnership that sees them investigate a range of crimes together from an estate agent force fed marmalade to a cold case that proves anything but.

Alongside lead writer Øystein Karlsen, the rest of the writing team includes Mike Walden (Marcella, The Frankenstein Chronicles, Uwantme2killhim), Rachel Flowerday (Malory Towers, Father Brown, The Moonstone) and Alastair Galbraith (Strike Back, Doc Martin, River City). David Caffrey (The Alienist, Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty) is lead director and will helm the first two episodes.

The producer of the series is Guy Hescott (Agatha Raisin) and the casting director is Rob Kelly. Executive Producers are Tony Wood, Anna Burns, Richard Tulk-Hart and Nadia Jaynes for Buccaneer as well as Øystein Karlsen and Julie Wassmer.

Distributed internationally by Cineflix Rights, the series will exclusively premiere on Acorn TV in North America, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom in 2021.

Episode 1: The Free Waters

Pearl Nolan (Kerry Godliman, After Life) has always dreamed of becoming a detective; however, an unplanned pregnancy left her police career in tatters. When the body of a close family friend is found under mysterious circumstances, Pearl suspects foul play and teams up with new arrival, DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, The Musketeers), to learn the truth.

Directed by: David Cafferty

Written and Created for TV by: Øystein Karlsen

Produced by: Guy Hescott, Brett Wilson

Episode 2: Random Acts

After an estate agent is found tied up having been tortured, DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, The Musketeers) is left baffled over what could have driven someone to act so viciously. Meanwhile, Pearl investigates a string of anonymous donations and whether Whitstable has its very own Robin Hood…

Directed by: David Caffrey

Written and Created for TV by: Øystein Karlsen

Produced by: Guy Hescott, Brett Wilson

About Acorn TV

Called a “glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter) and “Netflix for the Anglophile” (NPR), AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive new programs every week with a deep library of mysteries, dramas, and comedies with no commercials. In 2021, Acorn TV will feature several commissioned original series including the second season of Miss Fisher spinoff Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, British crime drama Whitstable Pearl, Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgleish starring Bertie Carvel, as well as Irish crime thriller Bloodlands starring James Nesbitt and co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio, the return of New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder starring Lucy Lawless, popular Canadian period drama Murdoch Mysteries, and a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas that include A Place to Call Home, Detectorists, Jack Irish and Foyle’s War. Recent Acorn TV Original series include Deadwater Fell starring David Tennant, highly-rated BBC One drama The Nest; and groundbreaking BBC One period drama A Suitable Boy from Mira Nair. Acorn TV offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $5.99/month or $59.99/year.



Acorn TV commissions British crime drama WHITSTABLE PEARL from Buccaneer Media





Acorn TV commissions British crime drama WHITSTABLE PEARL from Buccaneer Media
Based on the beloved novels by Julie Wassmer; Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais’ After Life) cast in lead role

London, UK; October 2, 2020 – AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is excited to announce the commissioning of new British crime drama Whitstable Pearl with Acorn Media Enterprises from Buccaneer Media (Marcella). Based on the much-loved novels – “The Whitstable Pearl Mystery” and “Disappearance at Oare” – by Julie Wassmer (EastEnders) and brought to the screen for the first time by iconic Norwegian filmmaker Øystein Karlsen (Exit, Dag, Lilyhammer), the new six-part series (6 X 45’) will feature Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais’ After Life) in the lead role as Pearl Nolan.

Whitstable Pearl explores the dark undercurrents of murder and debauchery swirling beneath the surface of the picturesque 16th century English seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its native oysters and buffeted by the prevailing winds and spray of the North Sea.

Distributed internationally by Cineflix Rights, the Acorn TV Original Series will begin production in Whitstable on October 26, 2020. The series will exclusively premiere on Acorn TV in North America, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom in 2021.

The series follows local celebrity Pearl Nolan, a chef-proprietor of the eponymous Whitstable Pearl restaurant which she runs alongside her son, Charlie, waitress Ruby, and in spite of her mother Dolly. She is also the proprietor of a newly-formed detective agency, finally putting her distant police-training to good use.

When Pearl discovers the body of Vinnie, a close family friend, she takes it upon herself to investigate what she believes to be murder. Standing in the way of her detective work is DCI Mike McGuire, the new Kent police chief who has transferred from London in an attempt to escape from his past. Pearl and Mike clash at first, but then Mike becomes the only other person to share Pearl’s belief that Vinnie was murdered. When a second body shows up, Pearl finds herself pulled into the dark underbelly of this picturesque town. The British seaside holiday will never be the same again. . .

Set beneath huge skies and amid the lengthening shadows of a picture postcard town just miles from London, the friction between the locals and the moneyed arrivals from the city is palpable as centuries of village tradition grates against the inevitable pressure of money and gentrification.

Julie Wassmer said, “I am absolutely thrilled that the dream team of Buccaneer and Acorn is about to begin shooting the TV series based on my Whitstable Pearl Mystery crime novels and that a wealth of talent is involved in the entire production – in which Whitstable itself will have a starring role alongside the brilliant Kerry Godliman!”

Kerry Godliman said, “I’m over the moon to be portraying Pearl Nolan in ‘Whitstable Pearl’. Her character has such a big heart and I can’t wait to get stuck into bringing Julie’s vision of Pearl’s life juggling Whitstable, murder, seafood and romance to life!”

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises, noted, “Acorn Media Enterprises is excited to commission television adaptations of Julie Wassmer’s popular seaside mysteries. We’re thrilled to have Kerry Godliman in the lead role and are sure our subscribers worldwide will love this character, picturesque seaside setting and intriguing mysteries.”

Tony Wood and Richard Tulk-Hart, joint CEOs of Buccaneer Media said “Building a show with Acorn has been a terrific experience and has led to so many exciting collaborations, behind and in front of the camera. We’re delighted to be bringing Julie’s hugely-loved world to the screen for the first time”.

Alongside lead writer Øystein Karlsen, the rest of the writing team includes Mike Walden (Marcella, The Frankenstein Chronicles, Uwantme2killhim), Rachel Flowerday (Malory Towers, Father Brown, The Moonstone) and Alastair Galbraith (Strike Back, Doc Martin, River City). David Caffrey (The Alienist, Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty) is lead director and will helm the first two episodes.

The producer of the series is Guy Hescott (Agatha Raisin) and the casting director is Rob Kelly. Executive Producers are Tony Wood, Anna Burns, Richard Tulk-Hart and Nadia Jaynes for Buccaneer as well as Oystein Karlsen and Julie Wassmer.

AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in British and international television with well over 1 million paid subscribers in the U.S and Canada as well as subscribers worldwide in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. Acorn TV adds exclusive new programs every week to a deep library of mysteries, dramas, and comedies with no commercials. In 2020, Acorn TV has featured the Irish period mystery series Dead Still, British dramas Deadwater Fell starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, Gold Digger starring Julia Ormond, highly-rated BBC One drama The Nest, BBC One sitcom The Other One, and New Zealand thriller The Sounds; as well as several returning favorites including Acorn TV’s first feature film with Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. Coming up, Acorn TV has the U.S. Premieres of award-winning Australian drama Mystery Road, Series 2 (Oct. 12) and Acorn TV co-commissioned Irish drama The South Westerlies (Nov. 9). Website: Acorn.TV

Acorn Media Enterprises is Acorn TV’s UK-based development arm which works with producers, distributors, writers and broadcasters in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond to commission, co-produce and co-finance the best international, English-language scripted shows. AME has commissioned Agatha Raisin Series 2 and 3, Queens of Mystery, London Kills Series 1 and 2, as well as Keeping Faith, among several other productions.

About AMC Networks

Known for its ground-breaking and celebrated original content, AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX) is the company behind the award-winning brands AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films. Its diverse line-up of popular and critically-acclaimed series and independent films include Killing Eve, Better Call Saul and The Walking Dead, which has been the #1 show on basic cable television for ten consecutive years, as well as Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Love After Lockup, and the films Boyhood, Death of Stalin, and many more. Its original series Mad Men and Breaking Bad are widely recognized as being among the most influential and acclaimed shows in the history of TV. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its production business; AMC Networks International, its international programming business; the subscription streaming services Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now; and UMC (Urban Movie Channel); RLJE Films; and Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business. For more information, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com.

About Buccaneer Media

Buccaneer Media is a London-based international content production company led by joint CEOs Tony Wood and Richard Tulk-Hart.

The company’s mission is to partner with the industry’s best talent, global streaming platforms and broadcasters around the world to create premium scripted content for the international marketplace. Buccaneer currently has projects with partners including ITV, Viaplay, Netflix, Wildbrain, NRK and Acorn.

Buccaneer is currently collaborating with a world-class stable of literary and directing talents including Lars Lundström, Oystein Karlsen, Charley Miles, Ingeborg Topsoe, Harry Wootliff, Irvine Welsh, Dougray Scott, Elizabeth MacNeal, Rose Lewenstein, Baltasar Kormakur and John Brownlow.

Previous productions include ‘Desi Rascals’, the award-winning co-production with Gurinder Chadha (‘Bend It Like Beckham’) for Sky and scripted drama ‘Marcella’ which aired to global critical acclaim and saw Anna Friel winning an Emmy for her lead performance as Marcella Backland. The crime thriller for ITV and Netflix was written and created by Hans Rosenfeldt (‘The Bridge’). Season 3 is currently airing on Netflix worldwide and ITV in the UK and Ireland in Autumn 2020.

Buccaneer Media was formed as a joint venture with Cineflix Media in 2013.