Paramount+ and Disney+ have provided a variety of new shows and seasons for their subscribers this week and weekend. A few highly-anticipated series premieres have been released this week, including Andor. Many long-running shows are back with new seasons, including the NCIS and FBI franchises. There are plenty of opportunities for viewers to watch brand-new content this weekend.
New Seasons of NCIS Premieres on Paramount+ on Sept. 19
The NCIS franchise has returned this fall with new episodes of the original series and its spin-off series, NCIS: Hawai'i. NCIS Season 20 continues the iconic storyline of the investigative team without the show's main protagonist, Mark Harmon. Hawai'i is a newer installment to the franchise, with Season 2 premiering this week. The series features Vanessa Lachey as the main protagonist, who leads her team to investigate crimes related to the military and national security. Fans of the franchise will have some new episodes to look forward to over the next few weeks.
The Neighborhood Returns on Paramount+ on Sept.19
The Neighborhood is back with Season 5 of the sitcom television series. The series features a white Midwestern family as they acclimate to the culture of a predominantly Black neighborhood in Pasadena, California. The show stars Cedric the Entertainer as Calvin Butler and Max Greenfield as Dave Johnson. Dave serves as the overly friendly neighbor who can't take a hint while Calvin continues to set up walls to try and keep him out. The show's biggest strength is its cast, which offers a humorous performance of their conflicting dynamic.
New Seasons of FBI Premiere on Paramount+ on Sept. 20
The FBI shows will each have a new season premiere on Paramount+, including FBI Season 5, FBI: International Season 2 and FBI: Most Wanted Season 4. The original series began in 2018 and was quickly expanded with the two spin-off series. FBI focuses primarily on the inner workings of the New York office of the agency, while Most Wanted showcases the Fugitive Task Force. International serves to mirror FBI's initial focus on crime and investigation, but this spin-off series is set in Budapest, and the cast deals with locating and neutralizing terrorist threats. Fans of investigative crime dramas will enjoy having their pick this weekend.
Survivor S43 Returns on Paramount+ on Sept. 21
Survivor has had an amazing run on television as it enters Season 43. Survivor began in 2000 and has released two seasons per year ever since. Season 43 is a shortened season, which spanned only 26 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The large group of contestants spends weeks together in the wilderness, providing food, fire and shelter for themselves while voting each other off the island until there is only one. The "Sole Survivor" wins $1,000,000.
The Amazing Race S34 Returns on Paramount+ on Sept. 21
The Amazing Race is back with a new season, showcasing a fresh cast of 11 teams who travel the globe to win a $1,000,000 cash prize at the end of their journey. The challenges each team of two must overcome throughout their journey provide opportunities for physical and mental growth. These contenders are pushed beyond their limits as they race to finish first and win that large cash prize.
Andor Premieres on Disney+ on Sept. 21
Andor serves as the prequel series to the Star Wars spin-off film Rogue One (2016). The series follows the titular Cassian Andor, expanding on his life before his sacrificial fate. The series premiere includes the first three episodes of the season, and each new episode will premiere on Wednesdays on Disney+. Episode 12 will be the series finale on Nov. 23. Season 2 is already in development and will be the conclusion to the series that leads to the events in Rogue One. This series will serve as additional content for those who wished to see more of the protagonists in the film before their ultimate demise.
New Nat Geo Documentary Series Super/Natural Debuts on Disney+ on Sept. 21
From executive producer James Cameron, National Geographic paired with Disney+ to provide audiences with Super/Natural, a new documentary series that features the interesting "superpowers" of many wild animals. Benedict Cumberbatch serves as the narrator, adding his dramatic flare to the viewing experience. Many animals around the world have secret powers and super senses, which are beyond helpful for their survival and the world.
Cinderella: The Reunion Arrives on Disney+ on Sept. 21
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Cinderella, Disney+ is adding a special edition of 20/20 that focuses on the film, featuring interviews with the cast and fans. The behind-the-scenes content includes clips of Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, Veanne Cox and Whitney Houston. Brandy was the first Black Disney princess to hit the screen and served as a necessary representation for many young girls around the globe. Fans of the film can tune in and catch clips of exclusive behind-the-scenes content while reliving the original magic.
On the Come Up Premieres on Paramount+ on Sept. 23
On the Come Up is a drama about a young female rapper who takes on the battle rap scene, earning her shot in the spotlight. Bri's first hit song goes viral, and she's forced to face the various struggles that come with lifting her family out of hard times. The protagonist's father had been a rap legacy before dying at the hands of gang violence. Bri has a lot to overcome in a field that carries various levels of pain, challenges and success. On the Come Up currently has a 73 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and the film premieres Sept. 23, 2022.
The Call of the Wild Comes to Disney+ on Sept. 23
The Call of the Wild (2020) is an adventure film based on a novel of the same name. Harrison Ford stars as the dog's only friend after being abducted from his home in California. In the wild land of the Yukon, Buck (the dog) learns how to work as a team with the outdoorsman (Ford) in his new phase of life. The two grow together and save each other's lives. Half the film is animated, adding a personification layer to Buck that's sure to entertain the entire family.