

Coffee Table News
‘The 100’ Showrunner Jason Rothenberg on Fan ‘Expectations’ and ‘Surprise Guests’ Ahead of Series Finale
It all comes to an end this Wednesday, September 30.
This may be a relief for some The 100 fans who have been less-than impressed with the show’s direction in the final season.
Showrunner Jason Rothenberg spoke to TVLine about what he hopes that final hour-long episode accomplishes especially after the penultimate episode left many questions that needed to be addressed and much to be desired.
“We’re going to try and wrap up as many things as we can,” he said. “It’s a finale — and it’s a series finale on top of that — so there will be some surprise guests. Fans can have expectations of a certain scope and scale that I feel we’ve always been able to achieve in these finales.”
The final episode also marks his directional debut.
“This was a difficult season, because we also made a pilot within the season in the middle of everything,” he explained. “And because we shot the pilot so late in the season, I went right from being on the set of the prequel to prepping the finale. … It was definitely a challenge, but I’m glad I did it. I kind of wish I’d done it earlier, so I could have four or five [episodes] under my belt now, but it would have been a regret had I not.”
He even explained that the final scene from the penultimate episode, which saw Clarke deciding to relieve Madi of her pain and suffering, was intended to kickoff the series finale.
“I actually wrote and directed that scene,” he said, adding, “But the finale was too long, so I had to put it at the end of the previous episode. That episode originally ended prior to Clarke making the decision to euthanize her child, so there was going to be a little more time — at least in the audience’s mind — before she got to that decision.”
Rothenberg seems to believe that he’s achieved what he intended for the finale and even promises some “surprise guests.”
“If the finale gets a little trippy, as seems pretty likely if Clarke and Co. are in for a test on top of the war, then all bets could be off and we could see the returns of some dearly (or not-so-dearly) departed characters,” he said.
Here’s the official synopsis for the series finale: “After all the fighting and loss, Clarke (Eliza Taylor) and her friends have reached the final battle. But is humanity worthy of something greater?”
The Santa Clauses
Here’s When ‘The Santa Clauses 2’ Will Return to Bring You Holiday Cheer

Ho ho ho—it’s a Christmas miracle.
Tim Allen is gearing up to jump back into the Santa suit as Disney+ announced the premiere date for the second season of The Santa Clauses.
The Santa Clauses 2 will hit the streaming service on Wednesday, Nov. 8, airing its first two episodes of the six-episode season.
Episodes will then air weekly leading up to the Dec. 6 finale!
While there was some hesitation from fans of the original film franchise when it came to the TV spinoff, the first season of the series was positively received with viewers wanting more Christmas magic from Scott Calvin and his jolly family.
As for what’s to be expected from season 2, Allen’s man in the red suit will face off against a new foe, Magnus Antas, known also as the Mad Santa, played by Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet.
Per the synopsis, Mad Santa reigned during the 14th century and is now trying to reclaim his spot at the North Pole, which we know the Calvins will staunchly protect against any danger, disaster, or threats.
Stonestreet isn’t the only heavy-hitter joining the series, however, as comedian Gabriel Iglesias will star as Kris “Kringle” Moreno, the owner and operator of a Christmas-themed amusement park called Santaland,” while 30 Rock’s Tracy Morgan will bring his comedic chops to the Easter Bunny role. And lastly, Marta Kessler will appear as a “take-no-prisoners gnome” known as Olga, who is also Magnus’ sidekick.
So much for that retirement Calvin dreamt up in season 1, right?
In addition to all the new drama, Calvin will also be training his son, Cal, played by Austin Kane, who is set to take over the family business, though, personally, we’re still on Team Sandra (Elizabeth Allen-Dick).
Also returning in their series regular roles are Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol aka Mrs. Clause and Devin Bright as Noel, while Matilda Lawler, Santa’s chief of staff and Noel’s love Betty, will reappear as a recurring guest star.
Liam Kyle as Gary, Isabella Bennett as Edie, Sasha Knight as Crouton, Ruby Jay as Riley, Mia Lynn Bangunan as Pontoon, and Laura San Giacomo as La Befana, the Christmas Witch will also grace the screen.
If you missed the first season of the series, or simply want to catch up, you can check out all of our coverage here!
Hallmark Gets Into the Holiday Spirit With ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Lineup
Only Murders in the Building
Will There Be a Season 4 of ‘Only Murders in the Building’?

With just a few episodes left in the third season of Only Murders in the Building and the action ramping up, fans are wondering whether we’re about to reach the end of the road with Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short), the dynamic murder-mystery-solving-podcasting trio.
It would be a shame to wrap up a series with a cast that has such a genuine bond and chemistry, however, one has to wonder how many murders three people can endure without it taking a toll on their mental health.
This season alone, it seems like they’re over death taking such a strong hold over their lives, but then again, getting to solve the unsolved mysteries and helping those wrongly incarcerated get out of prison is important work.
As for writing, Hulu has not given word on whether it will renew or cancel Only Murders in the Building. This means Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is not guaranteed, and it can go either way, however, it does have plenty working in its favor. Each season, there’s a better and more star-studded cast, leaving fans wondering how the series can top itself.
There’s also plenty of buzz and interest in the show, along with rave reviews, including Emmy wins and nominations. The writers continue finding new and fresh ways to expand the storyline, with season 3 roping in potential suspects outside of the walls of the Arconia (though the murder does still happen there) through Oliver’s Broadway play.
There are so many reasons for Hulu to give the series a green light, however, we may have to wait a smidge longer as it’s impossible currently due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. The strikes have halted production on most shows, and that extends to any talks of renewals.
Until an agreement is reached between the union and the studios, we likely won’t get any information about the show’s fate, unless there was an agreement for a fourth season in place prior to the strikes.
If there are any developments, we’ll update this post quickly and accordingly.
Christmas
Hallmark Gets Into the Holiday Spirit With ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Lineup

Move over, spooky season—it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Hallmark.
The network is starting the Christmas season in October, unveiling its 40-movie holiday lineup on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Fans will be thrilled to know that 31 of the movies will air on Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” schedule and nine will be available on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Miracles of Christmas.”
The beloved TV movie event that fans look forward to each year will kickoff on Oct. 20—yep, while most networks are still airing all of their Halloween content.
The streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now, will also offer early access by a week to two upcoming premieres, along with other perks like two original films available only for streaming—An Ice Palace Romance and Rescuing Christmas—along with extended versions of two 2022 original fan-favorites, A Holiday Spectacular and Three Wise Men and a Baby.
There’s plenty of familiar faces returning to the network, including Tyler Hynes, Jonathan Bennett, Brennan Elliott, Dan Jeannotte and Bethany Joy Lenz, along with some new exciting faces making their debut like Virgin River’s Mark Ghanimé, Phylicia Rashad, and Bryan Greenberg.
The full lineup is below, so mark your calendars and let the Christmas vibes:
- Featured2 weeks ago
Pat Sajak Kicks Off Final Run on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Season 41
- Netflix2 weeks ago
Who Is Mel’s Father in ‘Virgin River’?
- Featured2 weeks ago
When Will the Holiday Episodes of ‘Virgin River’ Premiere? See the Trailer Now
- Virgin River2 weeks ago
What Happens to Mel and Jack’s Baby on ‘Virgin River’ Season 5?
- Virgin River2 weeks ago
Will There Be a Season 6 of ‘Virgin River’? And If So, When?
- Virgin River2 weeks ago
Virgin River Season Finale Review – Labor Day Carnival (510)
- Virgin River2 weeks ago
Virgin River Review – Angel’s Peak (509)
- Virgin River2 weeks ago
Virgin River Review – Trial By Fire (505)