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Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show is the kids show we need [Apple TV+ review]

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Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show
Jack McBrayer gets a long-overdue showcase in Apple TV+'s winning new kids show.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s new kids show is another musical extravaganza, this time starring the inestimable Jack McBrayer, a comedy veteran with a heart of gold. Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show, which debuts today, treats us to the sensibility of someone who wants us to know about life’s challenges and meet them head on in classic Sesame Street fashion.

Will McBrayer’s inoffensive brand of comedy catch on as easily as the OK Go songs on the Hello, Jack! soundtrack? (They’re written expressly to get stuck in your head, BTW.) And can McBrayer become a household name like he ought to be? Here’s hoping so, because if anyone’s earned that, it’s Jack.

In Finch, Tom Hanks rides out a totally ordinary apocalypse [Apple TV+ review]

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Finch review: Tom Hanks plays the last man on earth.
Tom Hanks plays the last man on earth in Finch. But don' worry. He's got a dog (and he's building a robot).
Photo: Apple TV+

Though it looks like a fake movie they invented for a throwaway joke on 30 RockFinch — the new movie Apple TV+ movie in which Tom Hanks, a dog and a robot band together to survive the apocalypse –is very real.

The latest in a long string of post-apocalyptic flicks, it premieres Friday on Apple TV+. If by some miracle you’ve never seen a movie about the end of the world, why not start with this one? A lot of reasons, actually….

Will Smith will be Oprah’s next guest on Apple TV+

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Will Smith sits down with Oprah for Apple TV+
Watch it tomorrow, November 5.
Photo: Apple

Apple on Friday confirmed that award-winning actor, rapper and producer Will Smith will be the next guest on The Oprah Conversation. The episode is scheduled to premiere on Friday, November 5 on Apple TV+.

Apple says the conversation will focus on Smith’s memoirs, deepest insecurities, biggest life lessons, and navigating a complex marriage that has become increasingly public in recent months.

Apple TV+ picks up new docuseries based on NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson

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Apple TV+ picks up Magic Johnson docuseries
Johnson enjoyed a glittering NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Photo: Apple TV+

A new documentary series based on NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson was Friday confirmed for Apple TV+.

It will be split into four parts that “explore the remarkable accomplishments and global impact of Johnson’s life, both on and off the court,” Apple said. It doesn’t have a release date just yet.

Exciting sci-fi series Dr. Brain might be Apple TV+’s Squid Game [Apple TV+ review]

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Dr. Brain review: Mind = blown.
Mind = blown.
Photo: Apple TV+

Hooking up with maverick South Korean director Kim Jee-Woon for new sci-fi series Dr. Brain looks like one of Apple TV+’s smartest, and most mind-blowing, decisions.

The energetically unhinged show, which debuts Thursday, centers on a scientist who devises a way to talk to the dead. Can Dr. Brain rival Netflix’s Squid Game, the latest South Korean phenomenon to become a streaming hit? If the exciting pilot is any indication, this could be a wild success for Apple TV+.

Mystery ‘homeOS’ shows up in another Apple job listing [Updated]

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Apple TV plus HomePod equals homeOS? Maybe
A combination Apple TV and HomePod might need a new operating system.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An Apple job listing has people scratching their heads because it mentions an operating system that doesn’t exist. It references “homeOS” alongside iOS, watchOS and other known operating systems.

It’s possible this is something Apple is working on. But there’s a less exciting possibility: if could be another name for something millions of people use every day.

LG gives smart TV owners 3 months of free Apple TV+

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LG Apple TV+ promo
Claim your trial before February 13, 2022.
Photo: LG

LG is giving its smart TV customers three months of Apple TV+ free of charge. Those with an eligible 4K or 8K set made in 2016 or later have until February 13, 2022 to take advantage of the promotion, but there is a caveat …

If you’ve had an Apple TV+ free trial in the past, you’re out of luck.

Upcoming Apple TV+ movies and shows we can’t wait to watch

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Upcoming Apple TV+ movies and shows we can't wait to watch
There’s a lot to look forward to in the third year of Apple’s streaming video service.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Apple TV+ is two years old and there are plenty of new films and series to look forward to in the third year. The streaming service has us eagerly awaiting two comedies, a tragedy, two murder mysteries and an animated movie, all premiering in just the next four months.

Here are the Apple TV+ additions we’re having the hardest time waiting for.

As Apple TV+ turns 2, what’s its vision for the future?

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As Apple TV+ hits two years, it's time to take stock of where the streaming service has been -- and where it's headed.
As Apple TV+ hits two years, it's time to take stock of where the streaming service has been -- and where it's headed.
Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash CC

As Apple TV+ celebrates its second birthday today, it’s time to look back on the highs and lows. It’s been a wild ride filled with some risky but rewarding gambles and a bunch of safe (and ultimately disappointing) bets. We’ve also endured a higher than expected (or recommended) amount of singing.

So, after two years and untold billions of dollars, what has Apple TV+ achieved? What kind of identity does the streaming service have? And where, exactly, is Apple TV+ going?

Eugene Levy will host Apple TV+ travel show The Reluctant Traveler

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You'll be able to travel far and wide with actor Eugene Levy via Apple TV+.
You'll be able to travel far and wide with actor Eugene Levy via Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ said Monday that Emmy Award-winning comedy actor Eugene Levy will host and executive produce a new travel series called The Reluctant Traveler.

You may know Eugene Levy from the recent hit comedy Schitt’s Creek. Or, much earlier in the 74-year-old Canadian’s career, from Second City Television. Or from the American Pie movies.

The point is, the man and his impressively bushy eyebrows have been there and done that. But they’ve never hosted a travel series. Until now.

Two years on: The very best of Apple TV+

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Apple TV+ offers up some real gems.
Apple TV+ offers up some real gems.
Original photo: Paolo Chiabrando/Unsplash CC

When Apple TV+ launched on November 1, 2019, Cupertino had its sights set on creating a serious Netflix rival. Two year on, it may not have conquered the world like fellow streaming newcomer Disney+ did. But Apple TV+ continues to deliver a stream of top-notch shows — and some must-see movies.

With dozens of series and more than 20 feature films, where should you start? Here’s our guide to the best shows and movies on Apple TV+, in no particular order.

tvOS 15.1.1 squashes bugs in Apple TV

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apple tv and siri remote
There’s a bug fix update for your Apple TV.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple TV users can install the tvOS 15.1.1 update for the media streamer. It was introduced for all to download on Monday.

Virtually nothing is known about it now, however. But it’s almost certainly a simple “bug fix.”

A planet-killing ghost ship shakes up Foundation [Apple TV+ review]

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Foundation review: Mysteries and Martyrs
A planet-destroying death machine sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it?
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ space opera Foundation deals with every kind of ghost in this week’s exciting installment. Haunted ships with death wishes, old friends back from the dead, and new powers discovered in the darkest hour.

Brother Day makes a foolhardy decision to outwit a religious order, Salvor Hardin must cooperate with her captors to keep a rescue mission from becoming a suicide run, and Brother Dawn discovers the joys of sex.

The Morning Show goes fully off the rails in Italy [Apple TV+ review]

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The Morning Show review: Steve Carell and Jennifer Aniston really have nothing left to say.
Steve Carell and Jennifer Aniston really have nothing left to say.
Photo: Apple TV+

This week on The Morning Show, veteran anchor Alex Levy tracks down her shamed former colleague Mitch Kessler in Italy and demands an ass-covering statement before she returns to the states.

Of course, nothing is ever simple on Apple TV+’s show about the morning news and the nightmarish people who produce it. COVID-19 is ramping up, and Alex won’t be able to leave Italy even if she wants to. So she’s stuck with Mitch, the last place she wants to be.

This is a fine episode from the standpoint of the performances of The Morning Show’s big stars and the writing that paints their characters as believable human beings. It’s also the single worst episode of television you could hope to air right now — a phalanx of bad decisions that would shame an entire season of The Newsroom.

Invasion finally gets to the aliens [Apple TV+ review]

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Invasion review: Golshifteh Farahani remains the most interesting performer in this sci-fi series.
Golshifteh Farahani remains the most interesting performer in this sci-fi series.
Photo: Apple TV+

Civilization is collapsing, the adults in the room are dying, and the aliens are starting to reveal themselves. Does anyone stand a chance? Apple TV+’s pulp sci-fi series Invasion encounters new hurdles and reaches paranoid heights this week.

Both Monty the school bully and Ahmed the cheating husband near the limits of their likability and desperation, while Caspar, Aneesha and Mitsuki find new stores of courage and resolve to combat their horrible new realities. And everybody’s fates rest upon what happens next.

Kevin Durant’s Swagger looks like a dramatic slam dunk [Apple TV+ review]

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Swagger review on Apple TV+: Isaiah R. Hill, left, and O'Shea Jackson Jr. deliver the swagger.
Isaiah R. Hill, left, and O'Shea Jackson Jr. deliver the swagger.
Photo: Apple TV+

NBA star Kevin Durant turned his experiences as a young basketball player into Swagger, Apple TV+’s highly promising sports drama. The series, which premieres Friday on Apple’s streaming service, follows the trajectory of a rising basketball star as he becomes a legend with help from his community.

Powered by strong acting, kinetic directing and a compelling storyline about life both on the court and off, Swagger scores from the jump. It looks like one of Apple TV+’s strongest series to date.

Intense Dr. Brain sci-fi K-drama hits Apple TV+ on Nov. 4

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Intense ‘Dr. Brain’ sci-fi K-drama hits Apple TV+ on Nov. 4
Dr. Brain risks madness to discover what killed his family.
Photo: Apple TV+

Dr. Brain will be the first Korean Apple Original when it launches on Apple TV+ in early November. It tells the story of a scientist so desperate to find out how his family was killed that he’s willing to connect his brain to theirs to access their memories.

A trailer released Monday gives a first look at how intense the six-episode series will be. Watch it now!

Foundation hurtles toward galactic war [Apple TV+ review]

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Foundation Apple TV+ review: Lee Pace and Laura Birn face a new challenge this week.
Lee Pace (right) and Laura Birn face a new challenge this week.
Photo: Apple TV+

This week on Foundation, Apple TV+’s space opera is on a collision course with destruction and death. And even if Salvor Hardin can stop the Anachreons, it might be too late to save Terminus.

The sci-fi series speeds toward its endgame this week, with all of its plot threads in free fall and war inevitable.

The Morning Show serves up a fresh scandal [Apple TV+ review]

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The Morning Show review: Karen Pittman finally gets a chance to shine.
Karen Pittman finally gets a chance to shine.
Photo: Apple TV+

This week on The Morning Show, Cory throws everyone a curveball in his attempt to salvage Hannah’s reputation. Bradley, Daniel, Chip, Mia, Yanko, Stella and Laura all go into a panic.

And so, the Apple TV+ show about a morning news show enters crisis mode again. Is it too late to stop the train wreck? Or will Cory’s strategy work?

Truth Be Told season finale mostly satisfies [Apple TV+ review]

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Truth Be Told review: We finally get to the bottom of this season's crimes.
We finally get to the bottom of this season's crimes.
Photo: Apple TV+

The second season of Apple TV+’s first crime series ends with a series of reveals, reversals, betrayals and murders. Truth Be Told fully hit its stride this time out, and it’s been a pleasure spending time with podcaster Poppy Parnell’s family, real and adopted.

The season finale mostly satisfies — and leaves me hoping for more.

Invasion puts humanity to the test even before the aliens arrive [Apple TV+ review]

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Invasion review: New Apple TV+ sci-fi series goes big and broad.
The new Apple TV+ sci-fi series about an alien invasion goes big and broad.
Image: Apple TV+

Right after Foundation took the world by storm and For All Mankind raked in a third season, Apple TV+ is rolling the dice that viewers will get excited about yet another space show. This one’s called Invasion, and it debuts Friday.

The new sci-fi series follows a half-dozen people as an alien invasion force wreaks havoc all over the planet. Can these people get over their foibles and weaknesses to survive? Can this show extend its predecessors’ winning streak on Apple TV+?

Great news, gamers! Apple TV+ renews Mythic Quest for two more seasons

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Great news, gamers! Apple TV+ renews ‘Mythic Quest’ for two more seasons
The dysfunctional but lovable developers of Mythic Quest are coming back for two more seasons.
Photo: Apple TV+

The gamer-themed workplace comedy Mythic Quest has been picked up for seasons three and four on Apple TV+. Not surprising: season two of the show enjoys a 100% critics approval score from Rotten Tomatoes.

The ensemble cast will return for more dysfunctional but somehow warm hearted office shenanigans.

Apple TV+ Snoopy in Space season 2 trailer lifts off in search of life

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Astronaut Snoopy goes where no beagle has gone before.
Astronaut Snoopy goes where no beagle has gone before.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ released its trailer on Tuesday for season two of it Daytime-Emmy-nominated series Snoopy in Space. After the first season’s visits to the moon and the International Space Station, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang get ready for a journey across the universe in search of life.

Season 2 of Snoopy in Space premieres all 12 episodes on Friday, November 12, on Apple TV+.

Foundation flourishes with battles big and small [Apple TV+ review]

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Foundation review: Lou Llobell faces some major flashback action this week.
Gaal (Lou Llobell) faces some major flashback action this week.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s big, shiny space show hits its first set-piece battle this week, but more exciting things are happening in solitude. Foundation hits its stride — and the direction its drama takes proves confident and exciting.

Can the sci-fi show based on Isaac Asimov’s classic continue its upward trajectory toward greatness?

Puppy Place is a big hug from a slobbery pooch [Apple TV+ review]

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Puppy Place
Ready for puppy overload?
Photo: Apple TV+

Puppy Place, the latest kids show to land on Apple TV+, is a parade of adorable dogs and teachable moments, designed to deliver lessons about personal responsibility and social issues.

Will it become a hit with either kids or the parents looking over their shoulders? In case Instagram goes down again and you need dogs in a hurry, here’s your show.