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Tubi offers hundreds of television shows and movies that are available to stream for free. (Courtesy graphic)

The majority of American consumers say they feel streaming services should offer a commercial-free experience if they are expected to pay a fee to access shows and movies on those platforms, according to a report published on Tuesday.

The report, from Fox-owned Tubi and The Harris Report, said 79 percent of consumers expect to come across no advertisements at all if they’re paying for a streaming service. That affirmation comes at a time when premium video services are getting more expensive, with the average streamer paying around $129 per month for their premium video subscriptions, including pay television like cable or satellite.

In the past, one way streamers used to cut down on costs was by sharing their password with friends and family. But, as costs climb, streamers are getting stingier with the practice:...

Screenlife movies and producer Timur Bekmambetov go together like wine and cheese. An off-shoot of found footage, films in this category take place entirely on computer and/or phone screens, a formal premise that, in its brief history — since the 2002 experiment “The Collingswood Story” — has evolved in remarkable ways. Bekmambetov has produced horror (“Unfriended”), dramatic thrillers (“Searching”) and even Shakespeare (“R#J”) in this mode, and with the Ronan Corrigan-directed “LifeHack,” the genre now moves dauntlessly into heist movie territory. Your mileage may vary, but for fans of the format, it’s an absolute treat.

Traditionally, heist films involve slick, seasoned professionals moving through space, towards one defined target, like the vault in “Ocean’s 11.” However, the age of cryptocurrency and digital wallets allows the debuting Corrigan to flip these expectations on their head, via a tale of four lonely teenagers with something to prove. There’s a remarkable...

Channel 4 viewers will have one less TV show to look forward to as the channel has officially canceled Generation Z, the comedy horror series created by Ben Wheatley (Meg 2). Like Wheatley's most recognized works, the series blends horror and satire, examining topics like Brexit while addressing the challenges faced by teenagers today. Widely deemed as an odd, The Walking Dead spin-off, Generation Z's unfortunate fate is, sadly, no true reflection of its quality. The series drew plaudits from audiences, with many praising the writing, gore and its brilliant infusion of British humor. However, while many did love it, Channel 4 explains that it failed to "win over everyone."...

Back in 2019, it was announced that Ben Wheatley would be writing, directing, and executive producing Generation Z, a “hilarious, frightening, and political” series that would consist of six hour-long episodes that would “mix flesh-eating zombies into a story that satirizes how Brexit has divided the UK.” That project didn’t make it into production when it was originally supposed to because of the pandemic shutdown… but after making Meg 2: The Trench (you can read our review at This Link and check out our interview with the filmmaker Here), Wheatley circled back around to Generation Z. The show started airing on Channel 4 last October… and now, it has been confirmed that it will not get a second season.

Deadline broke the news that Generation Z has been axed because, while the network was “understood to have had high hopes for the show and it was touted at the Edinburgh TV Festival,...

Channel 4 has axed Ben Wheately’s zombie comedy horror Generation Z after one season.

The network is understood to have had high hopes for the show and it was touted at the Edinburgh TV Festival, but it garnered middling reviews and failed to break out.

Starring British heavyweights like Sue Johnston and Robert Lindsay and produced by The Forge, the comedy horror started with an army truck overturning outside a care home in the fictional town of Dambury. The subsequent chemical leak seems to turn the old residents into zombies, who attack younger people from the town. Intended as something of a rumination on modern times, Channel 4 had described Generation Z as “about intergenerational justice and community breakdown that boldly satirizes a world where truth is stranger than fiction, exploring not just the political fault lines in our society but also the very real issues facing teenagers today.”

Channel...

Channel 4’s zombie drama, Generation Z, will not be getting a second series. The show, which blended teen angst with a flesh-eating outbreak, has been cancelled despite being described as a success by the broadcaster. Here’s the Lowdown: Generation Z was set in the fictional, dull town of Dambury. A chemical spill from an overturned […]

Generation Z Axed: Channel 4 Cancels Zombie Drama After One Series...

A road trip among childhood friends turns into a long drive through hell — or a glaring metaphor for the existential dread of post-college life — in director Alexander Ullom’s tense feature debut, It Ends.

Making the most out of one location, one vehicle and four actors, the film milks as much as it can out of a far-fetched scenario that keeps the suspense level relatively high, although it doesn’t amount to much once the gas runs out.

More conceptual horror than gory nail-biter, It Ends follows in the footsteps of other “It”-titled indie screamers like David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows and Trey Edward Shults’ It Comes at Night — two movies where an unexplained phenomenon transforms our darkest inner fears into deadly abstract threats. Here, the threat is so outlandish that it’s not easy to wrap your head around it, which is why Ullom deserves credit for...

We've a double guest doozy of an episode in store for you on the Pilot TV Podcast this week, folks. First up, British director extraordinaire Ben Wheatley drops by to talk about his satirical black comedy Generation Z, which made its debut on Channel 4 on the weekend, with our very own Boyd Hilton [24:58 — 42:50 approx]. Then, British actor extraordinaire Richard E. Grant joins us on the show to talk about Armando Iannucci and Sam Mendes' Sky superhero satire series The Franchise, which we reviewed on the pod last week, once again with the venerable Mr Hilton [1:04:24 — 1:20:35 approx].

Back in the pod booth, there’s talk of hanging out at Robbie Williams’ house, getting the bejesus scared out of us by Sean Harris, broken penises, interviews derailed by football, and an awful lot of *checks notes* zomzies. Elsewhere, this week's listener question sees us fan casting Warner Bros. new Harry Potter show, whilst...

The fifth episode of “Generation Z” is set to air on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 11:00 Pm on Channel 4. In this episode, Charlie and Steff’s friendship faces a significant challenge. Viewers will see how their bond is tested as they navigate the complexities of their lives in Dambury. This episode promises emotional moments as they confront their differences and the pressures surrounding them.

Billy, always on the lookout for an advantage, spots an opportunity that could change everything. His actions might have far-reaching consequences for himself and those around him. The tension builds as he weighs his options, leaving everyone wondering what his next move will be.

Meanwhile, Gil begins to understand that her task is more complicated than it first appeared. As she delves deeper, she uncovers layers of challenges that could affect the entire community. The residents of Dambury are also feeling the strain, deciding that they...

On Monday 28 October 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Generation Z!

Season 1 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Generation Z” promises to deliver a thrilling mix of horror and humor. Titled “Gory Zombie-Horror Satire,” this episode will air on Channel 4 and is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

In this episode, Charlie and Kelly find themselves in a challenging situation as they have to take care of Kelly’s nan. The dynamic between the characters is expected to bring both tension and laughter, showcasing their attempts to manage the chaos that comes with a zombie apocalypse, especially when it involves family.

Meanwhile, Steff embarks on a dangerous side quest with Finn. This subplot is likely to introduce new challenges and unexpected twists, as they navigate a world filled with zombies. Their adventure could reveal more about their characters and test their friendship in this chaotic environment.

On another front,...

They’re not your usual zombies in Generation Z. When a strange substance spills near a care home, the elderly residents who breathe it in don’t sicken—they rejuvenate. But with this new vitality comes an unexpected craving. Director Ben Wheatley takes familiar fears about aging and twists them into something truly chilling.

We’re quickly introduced to the conflict at the heart of the story. Sue Johnston leads the infected seniors thirsting for human flesh. Meanwhile, young people try to understand this bizarre outbreak and protect their families from the rampaging pack. Wheatley establishes the tense dynamics between generations that will unfold over the episodes.

Viewers may recognize Wheatley’s style from his past cult hits like Kill List, blending comic touches with creeping unease. He’s skilled at using genre thrills to examine real societal issues. Generation Z continues this tradition by mirroring concerns around care of the elderly,...

Kill List Ben Wheatley returns to the small screen this month with Channel 4 zombie comedy series, Generation Z. Here’s a trailer:

Kill List director Ben Wheatley is about to television with this autumn’s Generation Z, which Wheatley has written and directed for Channel 4.

According to the British Comedy Guide, the series is a horror satire which pits a group of small-town teenagers (the gen-z of the title) against a horde of toxin-infected, rabid pensioners. It’s a little bit like Rabid Grannies, then, but with a distinctly political, post-austerity, post hope-for-the-future spin.

As the synopsis points out, it’s about “the increasingly stark divisions between generations,” and depicts “a modern Britain at war with itself. Sounds good!

The cast is itself a platter of multi-generational comedy talent. Elder states-people of telly Sue Johnston (The Royle Family), Anita Dobson (EastEnders) and Robert Lindsay (Citizen Smith) are joined by...

Five years ago, it was announced that Ben Wheatley would be writing, directing, and executive producing Generation Z, a “hilarious, frightening, and political” series that would consist of six hour-long episodes that would “mix flesh-eating zombies into a story that satirizes how Brexit has divided the UK.” That project didn’t make it into production when it was originally supposed to because of the pandemic shutdown… but after making Meg 2: The Trench (you can read our review at This Link and check out our interview with the filmmaker Here), Wheatley circled back around to Generation Z. The show is now ready to start airing on Channel 4 in October, and in anticipation of the premiere, Empire has unveiled two new images. One can be seen above, and the other can be found at the bottom of this article.

The show is described as “a coming-of-age parable for our very...

Comics have been around for a long time, and as such, established heroes like Bruce Waynes Batman, who debuted in 1939s Detective Comics #27 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, have seen their history reshuffled through various events. Still, as long and varied as the Dark Knights comic history is, it lacks the one thing that could truly connect Batman with Generation Z: a fiery and determined desire for change. Scott Snyders upcoming Absolute Batman promises this trait in abundance.

DCs new All In initiative beginning in October 2024 will serve as a jumping-on point for old and new comic fans, with two large universes running side by side: Snyders new Absolute Universe, a different take on old heroes, and the Prime Universe, which will see different creative teams tackling the various lines.

Snyders new Absolute Batman, with art by Nick Dragotta, will run alongside Chip Zdarskys Batman, with art by Jorge Jimnez,...

Ben Wheatley is no stranger to shock and gore (try watching Kill List or In The Earth without wincing), societal satire (High-Rise), genre thrills (Free Fire), and sly humour (basically all of his films – even the bleakest ones). And his next project looks set to combine all of those facets – get ready for Generation Z, a flesh-eating horror-comedy series in which the old are quite literally eating the young. All six episodes of the Channel 4 series are written and directed by Wheatley, taking an initial horror pitch from George Faber and spinning it into a gory tale of generational divide.

For Wheatley, it’s a series set to sit alongside one of his most beloved works – the darkly funny, often shocking, definitively British caravan-dwelling killer romp Sightseers. “I was thinking a lot about my own films, because they tentatively fit together,” he tells Empire on set. “Tonally, [tt29540551 autoGeneration Z...

Channel 4 wants the UK television industry to know: the dark days are over.

The 40-year-old British broadcasting institution has suffered one of the most grueling periods in its history after a dramatic ad market slump brutally exposed its business model.

Content was cut or delayed, more than 200 employees were fired, and Channel 4’s foundational relationship with UK producers was tested to breaking point.

But as the sun comes up on the 2024 Edinburgh TV Festival, Channel 4’s chief content officer Ian Katz is attempting to reassure the industry that better days lie ahead.

Hosting a dinner for talent and journalists on Tuesday night, Katz told the room that the ad market is “wheezing back into life” and the picture is “much brighter.”

The former Newsnight editor was not specific about the extent of advertising recovery, but his message is a welcome one for the UK television business.

If Channel 4 is...

Quick Links Chihiro Needed More Than Just Luck And Direction Lin Is More Than Just A Side Character Lin's Greatest Lesson Is At The Core of The Story Lin Also Has An Important Lesson To Learn

Throughout the decades of Studio Ghibli films, only certain characters remain iconic. These are the most recognizable characters who are given a spotlight from the beginning to the end of the movie. Typically, this doesn't include the side characters. Granted, side characters are given that label for a reason -- it's rare for them to overshadow the protagonist -- but some of Ghibli's side characters carry significant roles that are often overlooked.

While this is already a conversation in various online forums, the most underrated Studio Ghibli character is Lin from Spirited Away. Throughout the film's story, the protagonist Chihiro goes through incredible growth as she survives being trapped in a spirit realm and separated from her parents.

Annette Hess will receive the first-ever Deadline German TV Disruptor Award at Seriencamp next month. Hess has created some of the most memorable German drama series of recent years with work including Weisensee and the Ku’damm series, to Disney+ show The Interpreter of Silence, based on Hess’ novel Deutsches Haus. Ku’damm fans are currently waiting on a new series, Ku’damm 77, which Hess is in the process of writing with production set for early 2026.

As well as being a creative powerhouse, Hess is an outspoken advocate for change at an industry level. Living up to the Disruptor moniker, she has championed efforts to strengthen the role of writers and screenwriters in film and TV, and continues to fight for better representation for women in the business.

Hess will collect the inaugural German TV Disruptor Award at Seriencamp in Cologne, and take part in a fireside chat about her work and career.

This April sees Zendaya cross a milestone it honestly feels like she should have reached ages ago: a legitimate leading role in a theatrical film. The actor has been one of the biggest stars of Generation Z and a much hyped starlet for years now, and yet a quick glance at her Wikipedia page reveals a shockingly short resume.

The Oakland born star’s adult film career, after a childhood in the Disney Channel machine leading sitcoms like “Shake It Up” and “Kc Undercover,” really only started in 2017, with a brief supporting turn in Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Opposite her eventual real-life boyfriend Tom Holland, she only had a scant 10 minutes or so of screentime as the sarcastic teen Mj — hardly a star is born moment, despite what the advertising for the film would have you expect.

Zendaya would reprise her role in future Spider-Man films, and her screentime increased with each installment.

It’s probably an overstatement to call writer-director Ryan Martin Brown’s feature debut, Free Time, a “generation-defining movie.” Shot in 10 days with a cast of relative unknowns, the micro-budget comedy has more or less passed under the radar, premiering at a bunch of midlevel festivals and receiving a limited release in select U.S. cities. (It’s currently playing the Quad in N.Y. and the Landmark Westwood in L.A.)

And yet there’s something very much of the now in this cleverly concocted and occasionally hilarious tale of Generation Z malaise, which follows a disgruntled 20-something office worker who quits his job to join the post-pandemic great resignation, only to realize he has no idea what to do with himself once he’s out of work. Clocking in at a breezy 78 minutes, it’s the kind of down-and-dirty NYC indie we see less and less of nowadays,...

Variety has a first look at “The Damned,” the upcoming psychological horror starring Odessa Young and Joe Cole.

From director Thordur Palsson (“The Valhalla Murders”) and writer Jamie Hannigan, the film, which shot in Iceland last year, follows Eva (Young), a 19th-century widow who is tasked with making an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost in the middle of an especially cruel winter. According to the synopsis, “Eva and her crew must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked and prioritising their own survival. Facing the consequences of their choice and tormented by their guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices.”

Alongside Young and Cole, the cast also includes Siobhan Finneran (“Happy Valley,” “The Stranger”), Rory McCann (“Game of Thrones,” “Slow West”), Turlough Convery (“Killing Eve,” “Belfast”), Lewis Gribben (“Somewhere Boy,...

Editor’s Note: This review was originally published during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Lionsgate releases “Freaky Tales” in theaters Friday, April 4, 2025.

There’s nothing so freaky about “Freaky Tales,” Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s sci-fi omnibus ode to ‘80s cinema nostalgia that takes the definition of “derivative,” packages a bunch of retro cinematic references smugly into winky “you get it, right?” pastiche, and stretches it to its furthest possible event horizon.

The problem with structuring your film around four interlocking chapters, each with its own segueing title card, is if you’re not down with the first, you’ll be counting down the passage of time groaningly until the next. Last time they were behind the camera, Boden and Fleck had decamped their indie roots, including the lovely “Half Nelson” and “Sugar” — films powered by real characters — for the irresistible Faust’s bargain of directing 2019’s “Captain Marvel.” It...

It is fair to say 2023 did not go the way many of us expected, perhaps especially those in the film studio conference rooms. This time last year, the prospect of Greta Gerwig’s curious dance with intellectual property opening on the same day as Christopher Nolan’s talky, three-hour biopic about the Father of the Atomic Bomb seemed like a double-header risk. Yet on the other side of the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Barbie and Oppenheimer stand as the highest and third highest grossing films of the year, respectively. Meanwhile many of the perceived blockbuster sure things in long-running franchises failed to take off.

That is likely the biggest story in the world of cinema circa 2023, but it is far from the only one. The wider industry appears to be in a continued state of upheaval and transition. Original horror movies with fresh concepts (or at least scares) remain the darlings of...

Independent production giant Banijay’s U.K. arm unveiled the acquisition of scripted producer The Forge, the company behind such dramas as Marriage, starring Sean Bean, Help, starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, and Becoming Elizabeth.

Banijay lauded the company’s “well-established reputation for high-quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama.” Financial details weren’t disclosed.

The Forge’s other successes have included the likes of National Treasure (Channel 4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (Channel 4) and Collateral (BBC).

Banijay also highlighted that The Forge currently has multiple, high-profile titles for linear and streaming platforms in production. They include eight-part series The Buccaneers for Apple TV+, due to launch globally Nov. 8, whose plot description says it revolves around “the daughters of America’s new rich — beautiful and untameable, despite the best efforts of England’s finest governesses, they are on their way to London to snare themselves an aristocrat, low in funds...