New ‘Nerdist Channel’ Lineup Includes ‘Doctor Who’, NPH, Bill Nye, and More

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  26 July 2012.

Neil Patrick Harris, Bill Nye, Stephen Hawking, and the cast of Doctor Who may seem like a strange combination but The Nerdist Channel is making it work. In a preview for their programming, Nerdist Industries has managed to find a wonderful geeky balance between fun, science, and hilarious ridiculousness (see learning to tie a bow tie with Bill Nye, the Science Guy). The latter especially refers to Harris' series "Neil's Puppet Dreams," which sounds and looks just crazy enough to be awesome.

Plus, I think NPH has proven that there's really nothing he can't do. Then for all you science lovers there's "Stephen Hawking: The Nature of Black Holes," where the theoretical physicist leads you through the universe. But depending on whether or not you're a Whovian (like Hardwick) the best part of the preview is the news that the cast of Doctor Who will be featured on an episode of "Chris Hardwick’s All Star Bowling.”

Geek and Sundry’s ‘Written by a Kid’ Debuts with Joss Whedon

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  19 July 2012.

We'll be the first to admit that a YouTube series all about stories written by kids sounds both lame and ridiculous. Who would want to watch that? If the first episode, "Scary Smash," is any indicator, the answer is everyone.

Surprisingly awesome and hilarious, Written by a Kid features a child telling a story to two adults (writing and creative team Will Bowles and Josh Flaum). The kid's story is portrayed on-screen as he or she tells it through part animation and part live action. Airing exclusively on the YouTube channel Geek and Sundry, which was founded by Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, Eureka, The Guild), Written by a Kid's episode "Scary Smash" was shown last week at San Diego Comic-Con to roaring applause. Of course, having Avengers director and all around geek god Joss Whedon star in your first episode doesn't hurt either. The series officially debuted on July 18 on YouTube and new episodes will be posted on Wednesdays.

Despite our initial skepticism, it turns out that with a perfect mix of fun, humor, and adorable childishness, Written by a Kid is good (and interesting)  for all ages. But don't just take our word for it. Check out "Scary Smash".

'Legend of Korra' Book Two Coming Summer 2013

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  19 July 2012.

Avatar: The Last Airbender may have ended in 2008 but it left a devoted fan base that has only grown in recent years. Now the sequel to the hit animated Nickleodeon show is poised to become just as popular if the thousands of people crammed into Ballroom 20 at San Diego Comic Con last week were any indication. The cast and creators of The Legend of Korra were on hand at SDCC where they gave out a few hints about what the second part of season one would bring.

Book Two picks up six months after the conclusion of Book One: Air. Team Avatar will travel to the Southern Water Tribe and Southern Air Temple as Korra (Janet Varney) continues mastering the elements. She will also make a trip or two to the spirit world, as hinted at by the Book Two's subtitle, Spirits. But the team will also split apart as Asami (Seychelle Gabriel) takes control of her father's company, Future Industries, Bolin (P.J. Byrne) returns to the Pro-Bending arena and Mako (David Faustino) becomes a Republic City policeman.

Even before SDCC, Nickelodeon had already order three more seasons of Korra, for a total of 52 episodes, and it's easy to see why. The short previews displayed at Comic-Con proved that Korra hasn't lost its superb balance between action, humor, mystery, the supernatural, and romance. If you aren't convinced, just watch the Book One highlights below and be sure to keep an eye out for Book Two: Spirits premiering in Summer 2013.

Legend of Korra: Book One Highlights Get More: Legend of Korra Episodes,Legend of Korra,Legend of Korra Games

First Ten Episodes of Tom Hanks’ Series ‘Electric City’ Available Online

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  18 July 2012.

Yahoo! has released the first ten episodes of Tom Hanks’ new animated, sci-fi series, Electric City. Created by Hanks, the series is accompanied by digital, social, mobile, and gaming media opportunities meant to help immerse and engage viewers. What does that mean exactly? Well, it means games on the site and apps available for mobile devices tie into the series, a 3D map of Electric City is provided, behind-the-scenes videos are available, and much more.

The plot is as follows:

The world as we know it has ended and out of the rubble, the Electric City stands as a symbol of peace and security. Yet under the veneer of order lies a world full of secrets and violence.  Secret police, back-alley dealings, daring chases, and murder all find a home in the “Electric City.” Through the lens of a functioning, yet dystopian metropolis, “Electric City” touches upon relevant global issues and themes including energy consumption, freedom of information, crime and punishment and more. 

Lending their voices to this dystopian world are Hanks,  Jeanne Tripplehorn , Holland Taylor , Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Antoon, and more.  The first ten episodes, premiered on July 17, with the remaining episodes being released on July 18 and July 19.  Experience Electric City for yourself at the official website.

SDCC12: Full ‘Psych’ Panel and Details on the 100th Episode

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  15 July 2012.

As always, Psych received a warm welcome at San Diego Comic-Con, packing Ballroom 20 on Thursday. The show about fake psychics but real detectives is fast approaching its 100th episode and the cast and crew are just as excited as the fans.

Some of the tantalizing tidbits about season 7 of the USA Network show include an episode on internet dating, one set in Mexico, a two-part musical episode with all original music, and an episode inspired by Cirque du Soleil. Gus (Dule Hill) also gets a girlfriend this season, newcomer Parminder Nagra of ER and Bend It Like Beckham fame.

But what we really want to know about is that milestone 100th episode. While most of the details are being kept under wraps we do know that the plot will be an homage to the movie Clue. Plus several cast members will be returning including Christopher Lloyd, Lesley Ann Warren, and Garrett Morris. If that wasn't enough, fans will be happy to hear that there's no end in sight for Psych. "We're producers that want to make this show forever," said Executive Producer Steve Franks in an interview.

But just don't expect a wedding in season seven. "We really think Shawn has something to tell Juliette before we ever go down that road," said Franks. Who needs one? Mexico, Clue, the possibility of a Shawn/Gus dance number? Way better than a wedding.

Click the link for the full panel courtesy of USA Network: Psych Comic-Con 2012 Panel

SDCC12: New Clips From ‘TRON: Uprising’

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  14 July 2012.

Whether you loved, hated, or were merely disappointed by TRON: Legacy, the newest installment in the TRON saga should pique your interest. The animated Disney series TRON: Uprising received an incredible reception from fans of all ages at San Diego Comic-Con and it's easy to see why.

Fans looking for the happy place between the updated graphics showcased in Legacy and the enduring storyline of the original movie will find that place in Uprising. Set after the end of TRON but before the sequel, the series, which premiered on June 7, follows a young program named Beck (Elijah Wood).

As the latest light cycle riding, identity disc welding hero of The Grid, Beck becomes the unlikely leader of a rebellion. An apprentice to the legendary warrior Tron (Bruce Boxleitner), Beck earns the name The Renegade as he battles against the villains Clu and General Tesler (Lance Henriksen).

Also starring Mandy Moore (Mara), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Paige), and Nate Corddry (Zed), TRON: Uprising airs Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on Disney XD, with encore episodes on Friday nights at 10 p.m. on Disney Channel.

Check out some new clips here:

Check Out a Behind the Scenes Look at 'Spartacus: War of the Damned'

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  9 July 2012.

It has been a long, and let's face it, bloody road for Spartacus but the end is near. The final installment of the Starz original series about the gladiator turned freedom fighter and his band of bulky buddies will premiere this January. By the looks of the behind-the-scenes trailer, things will end pretty much the way they started: with blood, guts, and shirtless men.

Returning to the series once again are Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). There are some new faces too with Todd Lasance as Gaius Julius Caesar,  Simon Merrells as (Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.

Spartacus: War of the Damned picks up after the defeat of the Roman commander Gaius Caludius Glaber. With several major victories against Rome under his belt, Spartacus is gaining more support for the rebels but more attention from the Romans. Will they find a way to crush the rising hero? Tune in to Starz in January 2013 to find out.