TV Trailers of the Week: Light and Magic: Season 2, The Sandman: Season 2, Ballard, Conan O'Brien Must Go: Season 2, and More
Take a peek at some of the latest trailers for upcoming TV shows.
“Light and Magic: Season 2” Trailer: Disney's Fascinating Documentary Series Explores the Evolution of Visual Effects and ILM's Pioneering Role in Filmmaking — Now Streaming on Disney+
For anyone interested in the film history of visual effects and the evolution from practical effects and model designs to computer-generated imagery, we couldn't recommend this enough: Disney's documentary series Light and Magic, currently streaming with its new second season on Disney+.
The series primarily focuses on the history of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the famed Oscar-winning visual effects studio founded by George Lucas. The company is celebrated and mostly synonymous with its work on the Star Wars franchise, but because of its esteemed reputation as a groundbreaker in the field, ILM has also worked on numerous historic blockbusters. And due to its long-standing record in the industry, having been one of the leading effects houses for over five decades, it's fascinating to see how the progression of visual effects unfolded—from the earlier days of meticulously detailed model-making and painstaking stop-motion to the revolution of computer-generated effects.
No matter how you feel about the Star Wars franchise, no one can deny its strong influence on the movie business, particularly when it comes to the film's groundbreaking visuals, largely created by a group of 1970s hippie radicals and sci-fi-loving social misfits who came together at the right moment in history. Fast forward to today, and that motley crew of mavericks are the founders of what visual effects have become.
Season 1 chronicles the industry shift from the practical techniques they pioneered for the original Star Wars trilogy to the birth of the computer, as ILM artists wrestled with their revolutionary dinosaur designs for Jurassic Park. Season 2 will continue to follow the computer revolution as the ILM team tackled the Star Wars prequel trilogy, ushering in a new era of digital filmmaking and, for the first time, fully computer-generated characters.
Sure, Light and Magic is a documentary series that largely focuses on the Star Wars franchise and, at times, comes off as a bit of a self-congratulatory pat on the back. But still, we highly recommend it for anyone interested in the history of visual effects—it's a must-watch. Season 2 is out now.
“The Sandman: Season 2” Teaser: The Endless Family Reunites for a Mysterious Gathering in This Long-Awaited Follow-Up to the Hit Netflix Series — Premieres July 3rd (Part One) and July 24th (Part Two)
For anyone raised in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, listening to Tori Amos and dressing up like Robert Smith from The Cure, 9 out of 10, you had a Sandman comic book in your Trapper Keeper as you walked to first-period class. No shame. You were probably a lot cooler than we were back in high school. So, when Netflix announced they were turning the classic Neil Gaiman comic into a live-action series, the excitement was high.
Finally, Lord Morpheus, aka Dream, aka the King of Dreams, aka Oneiros, aka the Sandman, was coming to life like never before. The series debuted with a lot of fanfare, albeit there was a strange aspect ratio that first made us think something was wrong with our TV sets. But for the most part, the series was a success, and fans were excited for a second season. But that was back in 2022, and boy, a lot has changed in three years.
Neil Gaiman, once a beloved comic book legend, is now facing some really disturbing allegations concerning his sexual proclivities, with severe accusations of sexual abuse. This has not only dampened the excitement surrounding the new season of The Sandman but also cast a shadow over any future projects from Gaiman. Even those of us who are able to separate the art from the artist can't deny the black cloud hanging over this new Netflix series, as The Sandman comic has always been one of Gaiman's most iconic and beloved works, likely the one most people recognize him for.
But like they say, the show must go on! And Netflix has a new season to promote. Returning to the lead role as the Sandman is Tom Sturridge, who is joined by Kirby Howell-Baptiste, back as his sister, Death, as well as Mason Alexander Park as their sibling, Desire, and Donna Preston as the other sibling, Despair. The season will center around a family reunion, with each member of the Endless family called to reunite with their youngest sibling, Delirium (played by Esmé Creed-Miles, from The Doll Factory). The reason for their gathering is still unclear, but it most likely has something to do with the future of the kingdom, The Dreaming.
The Sandman: Season 2 will be split into two parts. The first part will premiere on July 3rd, with the second part to follow on July 24th, only on Netflix.
“Ballard” Teaser: Maggie Q Takes the Lead in the Latest Spinoff of Amazon's Hit Detective Franchise Bosch — Premiering This Summer on Prime Video
Bosch has secretly become the one reliable television franchise that Amazon Prime can hang its hat on, knowing viewers will be there no matter how many iterations they throw out. Starring Maggie Q as LAPD detective Renée Ballard, this new Prime original series marks the second spinoff cop show in the Bosch universe.
For the uninitiated, Harry Bosch (played by the always gruff but charming Titus Welliver) is an LA homicide detective with a history of bending the rules, yet still plays by a morally justifiable playbook. Bosch ran for seven seasons before spinning off into Bosch: Legacy, where Harry begins his new life as an LA private eye.
Now, Ballard is the latest chapter in the Bosch universe, returning to the LAPD roots, where Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) finds herself grappling with dark waters as the public opinion of the LAPD is at an all-time low.
Based on the Bosch novels by Michael Connelly, this new spin-off series features a strong supporting cast that includes John Carroll Lynch, Michael Mosley, Courtney Taylor, Amy Hill, Rebecca Field, and Victoria Moroles, with Titus Welliver returning as a guest star as Harry F*ckin’ Bosch.
Ballard is coming sometime in the summer on Prime Video, and we can already feel the tension creeping in.
“Conan O'Brien Must Go: Season 2” Trailer: Conan Takes His Hilarious Antics on the Road to Spain, New Zealand, and More – Premiering May 8th on MAX
It's extremely rare for late-night hosts to shift their careers away from the desk and tackle something totally different, but Conan O'Brien has done it successfully with his popular podcast and now his traveling show.
Fresh from his well-received Oscar hosting gig, the red-haired, tall comedian has recorded a couple of new bits for the third season of Conan O'Brien Must Go. This is where Conan travels to different places, spots, and cities around the world, goofing off and having fun with the locals. The jokes are never at their expense; it's more about how he loves to play up the obnoxious American traveler stereotype. He gets to be a loud, overly confident buffoon, yet at the same time, still be somewhat respectful of the culture he's engaging with.
It's Conan being Conan. And we’ve got to say, we like him more in this environment rather than seeing him back behind a desk asking some random celebrity about their latest project. Sometimes, Conan in the wild is the better version of Conan.
So, count Spain and New Zealand as some of the new countries Conan will be traveling to in this new season. They better get ready—Conan’s coming with all the hilarious, goofy energy they can handle!
Conan O'Brien Must Go: Season 2 premieres May 8th on MAX.
“And Just Like That... Season 3” Trailer: Carrie & Aidan’s Romance Faces New Obstacles in the Latest Chapter of the Sex and the City Revival, starring Sarah Jessica Parker – Premiering May 29th on MAX
Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is back for another season of the Sex and the City revival series And Just Like That... This time, her romance with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) faces a new obstacle, putting everything in jeopardy. While the original series focused on Carrie and her friends' dating lives, this revival dives deeper into their personal responsibilities as professional career women, balancing relationships, motherhood, and individual growth—though still with that signature big-city sass and attitude.
So, get ready for more drama, heartache, and self-discovery as Carrie and her friends—Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Anthony (Mario Cantone), and Harry (Evan Handler)—navigate the complexities of love and life in the latest chapter of this iconic series, created by Darren Star and author Candace Bushnell.
Co-starring Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker, and Cathy Ang, And Just Like That... will return with its third season on May 29th, only on Max.
“Tucci in Italy” Trailer: Stanley Tucci Takes His Culinary Passion on the Road in New National Geographic Food Series – Premieres on NatGeo/Disney+ May 18
Stanley Tucci is known as one of the best actors working today. But if you follow him on social media, you'll know he has many talents—most of them involving the kitchen.
Tucci is a connoisseur of fine dining and is known to whip up a dish or two with the same finesse he brings to his acting roles. Some might be surprised to learn that he's also written a number of cookbooks and has built a loyal online following for his culinary insights and cooking tips.
After all, one of his most beloved roles was in Big Night, a 1996 film he co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in, where he played an Italian chef trying to launch his own restaurant alongside his brother. The movie, much like Tucci himself, is a celebration of food, family, and the passion that drives both.
So, the next stage for Tucci seems pretty obvious—he’s taking his love for food global by hosting his own traveling food show for National Geographic. In this new series, Tucci heads to Italy, immersing himself in the country’s rich food culture, and talking to leading restaurateurs and chefs. He’s on a journey to dig deeper into the roots of Italy, experiencing the heart and soul of its culinary traditions, all while bringing his signature charm and wit to every bite.
Tucci in Italy is set to premiere Sunday, May 18 on NatGeo and Disney+, but don't get too close to your TV set—you might get the urge to take a bite, and most likely, you'll end up slobbering over your screen!
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“100 Foot Wave: Season 3” Trailer: Emmy-Winning Surf Docuseries Returns with More Death-Defying Swells and Spiritual Highs — Premieres May 1 on MAX.
Considered one of the best documentary series on surfing and its spiritual connection to nature, 100 Foot Wave returns for a third season. Developed by acclaimed documentarian Chris Smith (American Movie, Mr. McMahon, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond), the Emmy-winning series continues to follow the journeys of big-wave surfers as they confront their fears and personal challenges to conquer waves as high as 100 feet. It’s life or death, but for these surfers, it’s everything they ever wanted. Season 3 premieres May 1 on MAX.
“Sitting Bull” Trailer: Leonardo DiCaprio Produces Two-Night Documentary Honoring the Legendary Lakota Leader — Premieres May 27 & 28 on The HISTORY Channel
In this two-night documentary event produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull is honored with a comprehensive look at his enduring legacy. A symbol of native resistance and a fierce protector of his people, Sitting Bull is most remembered for his role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, where he fought against Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer to defend native lands from US expansion. Sitting Bull premieres Thursday, May 27 & Friday, May 28 on The HISTORY Channel.
“Kevin Costner's The West” Trailer: Eight-Part Docuseries Explores the Battle for Land and Legacy in the American Frontier — Premieres Memorial Day, May 26 on The HISTORY Channel
While working on his Old West epic Horizon: An American Saga, Kevin Costner found time to executive produce a new eight-part documentary series exploring the history of the American West. A fitting companion to Costner's Horizon films, this docuseries examines the fierce struggle for land and power, highlighting both the pioneers who shaped the American West and the Native American tribes who fought valiantly to protect their land. Kevin Costner's The West premieres Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, on The HISTORY Channel.
“Turning Point: The Vietnam War” Trailer: New Netflix Docuseries Examines the Conflict That Changed America Forever — Premieres April 30 on Netflix
From acclaimed director Brian Knappenberger, this five-episode docuseries provides an unfiltered look at the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on America’s global identity. The Netflix series explores how the conflict reshaped America, exposed deep divisions, and shattered trust in the government. With rare footage, declassified records, and unprecedented access to archives, the series highlights overlooked perspectives and examines the war's enduring consequences as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. Turning Point: The Vietnam War premieres Wednesday, April 30th on Netflix.
“Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story” Trailer: Netflix’s New True-Crime Docuseries Unveils the Chilling Truth Behind the UK’s Most Notorious Serial Killer Couple — Premieres May 14 on Netflix
This Netflix true-crime documentary series uncovers the shocking events leading to one of the UK's most horrific crimes. The appalling true story of Fred and Rose West, a British couple from Gloucester, reveals how their seemingly ordinary home became the site of multiple murdered bodies buried in their cellar and garden. Recently discovered police recordings and first-person accounts shed light on how Fred and Rose West became two of the UK's most notorious murderers. Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story debuts Wednesday, May 14, on Netflix.