It's not Amazon Prime Day, but for TV fans maybe it's even better. Amazon just made a bunch of cool announcements at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. Let's break down some of the highlights:
The Expanse Season 5
The Expanse Season 4 isn't premiering until December 13, but now that Amazon owns the cancelled Syfy show it is already renewing its commitment. Season 5 was just announced, one weekend after San Diego Comic-Con gave fans the first look at a teaser and clip from The Expanse Season 4. Sounds like the move to Amazon was a great idea!
Carnival Row Season 2
Amazon also got ahead of the game for Carnival Row. Season 1 of that new series starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne premieres Friday, August 30. Amazon just announced Season 2 is already on the way, so no worries on getting hooked on the first season and then chewing your fingernails over a renewal. Carnival Row is set in a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures whose exotic homelands were invaded by the empires of man. Check out a teaser, if you're interested.
Jack Ryan Season 2 Teaser
Amazon hasn't announced a premiere date yet for Jack Ryan Season 2, but it did already renew the John Krasinski show for Season 3. Plus, we just got our first one-minute teaser trailer for the second season:
Stay tuned for a premiere date, since "coming soon" isn't very helpful. Amazon's popular Jack Ryan Season 1 premiered August 31, 2018, so keep an eye on August 2019.
Lord Of The Rings On Prime's Fellowship
Amazon's Lord of the Rings series already announced J.A. Bayona's inclusion as a producer/director, among others, but it just introduced the entire "Fellowship" of the creative team in this lovely video:
The Hollywood Reporter also recently announced that Australian actress Markella Kavenagh has been cast in the role of Tyra, whoever that is. She's the first cast announcement of many to come for this prequel to the films, set during the Second Age. I'm pumped for this show, and now I know I'm not the only one.
Modern Love
This romantic comedy anthology series debuts on Amazon Prime on October 18. Each standalone episode explores "love in all of its complicated and beautiful forms." Check out the teaser:
The all-star Modern Love cast includes Anne Hathaway, Sofia Boutella, Tina Fey, Catherine Keener, Andrew Scott, Shea Whigham, John Slattery, Dev Patel, Cristin Millioti, Olivia Cooke, John Gallagher Jr., Julia Garner, Gary Carr, Brandon Victor Dixon, and Andy Garcia.
The Banker's Wife
Amazon has ordered an eight-episode series based on the best-selling novel The Banker's Wife by Cristina Alger. Meredith Stiehm (Homeland) will write all eight episodes, with Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland, Now and Then) directing all eight. According to Amazon's announcement, The Banker’s Wife is a high-stakes international thriller set in the world of global finance, from Geneva to Paris, London and New York, about two women racing for answers when a mysterious plane crash sets them off on parallel pursuits of truth. It's too early to know who'll be cast, but it's one to keep an eye on.
Good Omens Season 2?
Will there be another season of Good Omens? Sounds like that's a creative decision. Amazon is definitely down for whatever Neil Gaiman has to offer. Per Amazon's co-head of TV Vernon Sanders:
We're lucky to have an ongoing relationship with Neil [Gaiman] and we're so excited about how the season has done for us. The notion has come up about whether we can revisit the world. It's in Neil's hands now and we'd love to do it. It just takes a little time. ... Whatever he wants to do, we're interested in.
Good Omens seemed to be a hit with fans and critics, so no pressure, but more would be heavenly.
Fleabag Season 3?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has already said Fleabag was over with Season 2, and since it had a perfect ending, I can't disagree. However, it was a hit, and Amazon boss Jennifer Salke is keeping the door open in case Waller-Bridge reconsiders. Here's what Salke told TCA reporters (via TVLine):
Nothing would make us happier than to have her bring another season of that show [to us], or anything else she wants to do. I mean, I’m forever the optimist, so I remain always hopeful until it’s really over. So I’m hoping. ... I just am, like, basically [Phoebe’s] stalker. [laughs] Anything Phoebe wants to do, we are signed up to do.
Fleabag just picked up several 2019 Emmy nominations, so you can imagine Amazon might want to see it continue, like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
So those are some of the new Amazon updates from TCA 2019. What are you most excited to see?
