Pop Army

Category: Televison

  • Netflix Announces $2.5 Billion Investment in Korean Content

    Netflix Announces $2.5 Billion Investment in Korean Content

    On April 25 KST, Netflix made a groundbreaking announcement that they will be investing over 2.5 billion dollars into Korean content over the next four years, equivalent to about 3 trillion won in Korean currency. The announcement was made by the firm’s co-chief executive, Ted Sarandos, after his meeting with South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol in Washington, D.C. President Yoon is currently on a state visit to the US and is expected to meet with President Joe Biden later in the week.

    This investment comes as no surprise, considering Netflix’s recent success with South Korean productions, most notably the global phenomenon, ‘Squid Game’. This show has not only garnered critical acclaim for its cinematic quality but also skyrocketed in popularity, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series of all time with 111 million users streaming it within the first 28 days of its launch in 2021. In fact, among the top 10 non-English TV content of all time on Netflix, four notable Korean works, including ‘Squid Game’, ‘All of Us Are Dead’, ‘The Glory’, and ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, have secured top rankings.

    Mr. Sarandos expressed great confidence in the Korean creative industry’s ability to continue telling compelling stories, which motivated Netflix’s decision to invest in Korean content. He also acknowledged President Yoon’s unwavering support for the Korean entertainment industry, stating that Netflix was inspired by the President’s love for the Korean wave, which refers to the global popularity of Korean pop culture.

    Netflix has been actively expanding its presence in Asia’s fourth-largest economy, and this massive investment further solidifies their commitment to the Korean market. The funds will be used to create movies and television shows that showcase the talents of Korean creators, with the aim of producing captivating content that resonates with global audiences. A Netflix spokesperson refrained from commenting on potential investments in other regions at this time but highlighted that the world’s interest has expanded beyond just Korean content to the creators behind it, promising exciting projects for viewers to look forward to.

    However, Netflix’s ambitions go beyond just Korean content. With increased competition from streaming rivals such as Amazon, HBO, and Disney, Netflix has been searching for ways to reignite its growth. This includes cutting prices in multiple countries worldwide to attract more subscribers and cracking down on password sharing, which will result in additional fees for subscribers who share accounts with people outside their households. Netflix is navigating a changing landscape in the streaming industry and faces challenges in sustaining its growth in saturated markets.

    In conclusion, Netflix’s announcement of a significant investment in Korean content reflects their recognition of the immense popularity and quality of Korean productions, as well as their confidence in the Korean creative industry. This move further solidifies Netflix’s commitment to the Korean market and sets the stage for the development of compelling content that resonates with global audiences. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix is striving to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a leading global streaming platform.

  • “Florida Man” TV Show Review: A Darkly Hilarious Crime Comedy

    “Florida Man” TV Show Review: A Darkly Hilarious Crime Comedy

    “Florida Man” is a new TV show that recently premiered on the streaming platform Quibi. The show follows the misadventures of Gary Walpole (played by the brilliant Edgar Ramirez), a low-level criminal who finds himself embroiled in a series of bizarre and increasingly dangerous schemes. Along the way, Gary must navigate a host of colourful characters, from drug dealers and strippers to corrupt politicians and shady businessmen.

    One of the standout features of “Florida Man” is its stellar cast. Ramirez is a revelation as Gary, bringing a perfect blend of charm and desperation to the role. His comedic timing is spot-on, and he manages to make even the most absurd situations feel grounded and believable.

    But Ramirez is far from the only talented actor on the show. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from John C. Reilly, as a grizzled detective with a heart of gold, and Kaitlin Olson, as a ruthless stripper with a heart of… well, not gold. Both actors bring a sense of depth and nuance to their roles, elevating the show beyond its pulpy premise.

    Another standout is Travis Fimmel, best known for his work on the hit show “Vikings.” Fimmel plays a shady businessman with a penchant for danger, and he brings a manic energy to the role that is both unsettling and captivating. His scenes with Ramirez are some of the show’s best, with the two actors bouncing off each other in a way that is both hilarious and thrilling.

    Overall, “Florida Man” is a darkly hilarious crime comedy that is sure to delight fans of the genre. With its talented cast, sharp writing, and offbeat sense of humour, it is one of the most entertaining shows currently streaming on Quibi. Whether you’re a fan of Edgar Ramirez, John C. Reilly, Kaitlin Olson, or just love a good crime caper, “Florida Man” is definitely worth checking out.

  • The 10 Most Epic Anime Team Battles You Need to Watch

    The 10 Most Epic Anime Team Battles You Need to Watch

    Anime is known for its epic team battles that can leave viewers on the edge of their seats. From the ninja battles of Naruto to the pirate fights of One Piece, anime has produced some of the most thrilling and intense team battles in entertainment history. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best anime team battles of all time.

    One of the most famous team battles in anime history is the fight between the Leaf Village and the Akatsuki in Naruto Shippuden. This battle featured some of the most powerful ninjas in the Naruto universe, including Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi. The battle was full of high-stakes moments and epic showdowns that left viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Another great team battle is the Marineford War in One Piece. This battle featured some of the most powerful pirates and marines in the One Piece universe, including Whitebeard, Blackbeard, and Admiral Akainu. The battle was a culmination of several story arcs and was filled with emotional moments and epic confrontations.

    The Soul Society arc in Bleach also features some of the most thrilling team battles in anime history. This arc featured Ichigo and his friends fighting against the Soul Society and included several intense battles that showcased the power and skill of the Soul Reapers.

    The final battle in Gurren Lagann is also an epic team battle that is worth mentioning. This battle features the team of Simon, Kamina, and Yoko fighting against the Spiral King and his army. The battle is full of epic moments and showcases the power and determination of the main characters.

    In conclusion, anime has produced some of the most thrilling and intense team battles in entertainment history. Whether it’s the ninja battles of Naruto or the pirate fights of One Piece, these battles are sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

  • Donald Trump to Host ‘Saturday Night Live, Maybe, Maybe Not

    Donald Trump to Host ‘Saturday Night Live, Maybe, Maybe Not

    trump-3Former Celebrity Apprentice star and Republican Presidential hopeful Donald Trump is scheduled to return to the NBC with a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live on November 7. Well, as of now he is. A coalition of Latino groups and liberal online activist platform MoveOn.org are calling for NBC to disinvite Trump.

    After the candidate disparaged immigrants crossing the border into the U.S. from Mexico as murderers and rapists, many Latino groups welcomed NBC cutting its ties to Trump, but in the world of entertainment and should I say, money NBC has shifted their position with regard to the frequentyl bombastic billionaire.

    MoveOn.org’s petition has climbed to 108,000 signatures as of early Sunday. NBC “is providing a platform for Trump’s insulting attacks on immigrants and calling it entertainment — something we do not find funny.”

    The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda wrote NBC Universal CEO Stephen Burke and SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels that “we are appalled … and ask that you rescind the SNL invitation.”

    The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, which includes 40 national and regional civil rights and public policy groups, is reviewing further action, Sanchez said, including such options as staging protests the night of the telecast or calling for boycotts of the show or network

    Always the promoter, Trump responded saying he is  “doing very well with Hispanics” in polls. This week, new CNN/ORC polls in South Carolina and Nevada showed Trump with growing leads in both states, pushing past what some pundits thought was a plateau in his poll numbers.

    Trump isn’t well received within Republican establishment types and are waiting for his popularity to wane. That is not happening at the moment and in fact his popularity seems to get strangers with every poll that is published.

    Don’t underestimate the power of these groups and it would not be surprising to see NBC fall in line, but at the end of the day, this will come down to money and ratings.

    Trump will bring both, not matter what activists groups think and or the Republican establishment types

  • WGN Explores America’s Slavery Past In Underground

    WGN Explores America’s Slavery Past In Underground

    WGN America’s new drama Underground shows slavery in a different light than history typically shows. The new show follows slaves from the deep south as they use the Underground Railroad to head for freedom. The stars of the show call it an adventure rather than a typical period piece.

    The cast and creators appeared at New York Comic Con this weekend to talk about the show. At the event, WGN screened the first 25 minutes of the pilot episode.

    Aldis Hodge stars in Underground as Noah, a slave that has tried to escape from his plantation many times. After Noah hears about the Underground Railroad, he enlists a group of slaves from his plantation to join him on the journey. The drama showcases the humanity of the slaves and their struggles to achieve their goal of freedom.

    The violence of the era is also on full display in Underground. The slaves must travel for hundreds of miles through inhospitable terrain to make it to where they can be free. The escaped slaves know that the are being hunted by slave catchers day and night and the terrifying repercussions that await them if they are caught.

    Underground tries to stay true to the era. As part of their research for the show, the creators listened to slave narratives held in the Library of Congress and pored over the book “The Underground Railroad” by William Still. The escaped slaves use hanging moss, the position of the stars, and symbols etched into the ground to guide their way.

    The show was filmed in Louisiana on former plantations and their slave quarters. The terrain of Louisiana, full of bayous and swamps, helps the audience see the real struggles that the slaves went through on their quest for freedom. After reviewing the historical accuracy of the script, the Burden Museum in Baton Rouge allowed the show to shoot scenes in some of its historically preserved buildings.

    The music of the show also sets it apart from other historical dramas. The show’s creators tapped Grammy winner John Legend as a music producer for the show and his opinions have a strong impact on the music used for the scenes. A lot of the music used for the show is modern. For example, Underground opens with an image of a slave on the run with Kayne West’s “Black Skinhead” track playing in the background.