Over the past couple of months, you might have heard some buzz about a movie called Tetris. As the name suggests, it’s based on the iconic decades-old block-stacking video game.
But unlike HBO’s The Last of Us, Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehogor even Netflix’s Arcane, Tetris isn’t an adaptation of an existing gaming universe. Instead, the Tetris film is actually inspired by the real high-stakes legal battle surrounding the rights to the massively popular game. Directed by Jon S. Baird (Filth), the film stars Taron Egerton (Rocketman) as Henk Rogers, the Dutch game designer and entrepreneur who helped bring Tetris to gaming consoles.
So far, the movie has garnered positive reviews as it’s screened at film festivals and the like. The trailers have also given the movie an amusing Cold War, political thriller-style vibe.
With all of this in mind, you might be wondering when and where you can watch it for yourself. Thankfully, it’s quite simple. As an Apple Original film, Tetris will begin streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ worldwide, including Canada, on March 31st. Apple TV+ is available on several platforms, including iPhone, Apple TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs and more, for $8.99/month.
Given all of the video game movies and shows in recent months, it’s interesting to get a title that offers more of a behind-the-scenes at the medium instead. It’s also not the only movie taking this kind of approach. On August 11th, Sony will release a film called Gran Turismo — based on a fan of its popular PlayStation racing game franchise — that follows a gamer who tries to become a real race car driver.
Apple is planning to spend $1 billion USD (about $1.36 billion CAD) per year on theatrical movies, according to Bloomberg.
The goal, says the outlet, is for Apple to grow its presence in Hollywood and bring in more subscribers to Apple TV+.
To date, Apple has reportedly spent billions on original programming, but it’s primarily been focused on streaming TV shows for Apple TV+. This includes buzzworthy series like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show and Severance. The service’s catalogue offers a handful of original films, like Greyhound, Finch and the Oscar-winning CODA, but otherwise, it’s all about shows.
Apple has also only given some of these films a small, limited theatrical release — just long enough to make them eligible for awards like the Oscars, which require movies to play in cinemas. As part of this new $1 billion annual investment, Apple will seek distributors to bring its original films to thousands of theatres. So far, these plans include Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Argyle from Kingsman director Matthew Vaughn.
Bloomberg notes that Apple is spending hundreds of millions on Killers of the Flower Moon, in particular, so it wants to turn that into a “cultural event.” The company’s film ambitions have also reportedly only expanded after CODA won Best Picture last year, beating out Netflix to become the first streamer to take home the Oscars’ top honour.
Currently, Apple is said to only be having discussions with distributors, as it still needs to work out fees and other specifics. As Bloomberg points out, these distributors will all have their own cuts to take; for instance, Paramount will release Killers of the Flower Moon in theatres for a 10 percent fee. Apple will also have to spend on promoting these movies, since theatrical releases require more expansive marketing strategies than smaller, streaming-only titles.
Apple’s expanded theatrical approach would be quite distinct from Netflix, which has historically only released select movies in cinemas for a limited time. Last year, the company made the rare move to play Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in a small number of theatres one month before it came to Netflix, but that was the exception rather than the rule.
“There [are] all kinds of debates all the time, back-and-forth, but there’s no question internally that we make our movies for our members and we really want them to watch them on Netflix,” he added.
It remains to be seen how, exactly, Apple will approach theatrical movies. The company hasn’t yet commented on this report, and we also don’t yet know when films like Killers of the Flower Moon will even release.
8BitDo has released a new firmware update, opening up the compatibility of its wireless controllers on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and even Mac. Now, players can use a number of 8BitDo controllers for gaming natively or via the cloud.
According to the company, the most recent firmware update adds support for six wireless controllers. These include the following:
8BitDo SN30 Pro
8BitDo SN30 Pro for Android
8BitDoSN30 Pro+,
8BitDo Pro 2
8BitDoUltimate 2.4G
8BitDo Lite SE
If you’re an Apple user and are looking to use an 8BitDo controller, all you need to do is ensure you’re running the latest firmware. To do so, ensure you’ve installed the 8BitDo firmware updater on a Mac or PC. This tool will help identify which controller is running the appropriate firmware.
After installing the latest firmware, you can connect the aforementioned controller to an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac. This can be a great option when playing a mobile title. Additionally, those running a game via Xbox Cloud Gaming may want to opt for a controller over touch controls. 8BitDo’s hardware can be a great alternative to other Bluetooth controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and DualSense.
On top of additional support, 8BitDo users can also use the company’s app to better customize their experience. Whether on iOS, Android, or PC, players can use the app to remap controls, set custom profiles, and more.
Ted Lasso sort of came out of nowhere during the pandemic, taking people by surprise with its winning blend of humour and feel-good optimism.
Now, less than three years after it debuted, it’s already looking like the series is about to end with its third season streaming on Wednesday, March 15th. That’s according to co-creator, co-writer and star Jason Sudeikis, who says he envisioned three seasons for Ted Lasso.
Therefore, you might be someone who’s been clamouring for more Lasso or simply a newcomer who wants to finally catch up with the show. Thankfully, it’s quite easy to do so. The series streams exclusively on Apple TV+ in Canada and worldwide.
In the 12-episode third season of Ted Lasso, Ted (Sudeikis) leads AFC Richmond against West Ham United, which Nate (Nick Mohammed) has since joined. Unlike most Apple originals, new episodes of Ted Lasso will air every Wednesday, starting on March 15th, and currently overlaps with Disney’s The Mandalorian.
Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.
Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video, Crave and Netflix, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ are mentioned when relevant. Premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms are also fair game as movies continue to come to digital early.
Finally, we’ll highlight shows or movies that are made by Canadian companies, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.
Amazon Prime Video
The Consultant [Amazon Original]
Amazon Prime Video Canada premiere date: February 23rd, 2023 Genre: Dark comedy, thriller Runtime: Eight episodes (30 to 36 minutes each)
A mysterious consultant joins a struggling gaming company and seemingly starts taking over.
The Consultant was created by Tony Basgallop (Servant) and stars Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds), Nat Wolff (The Stand), Brittany O’Grady (The White Lotus) and Aimee Carrero (The Menu).
An Amazon Prime Video subscription is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership, which is priced at $99/year.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
Liaison [Apple Original]
Apple TV+ Canada premiere date: February 24th, 2023 (first episode, new episodes every Friday) Genre: Spy thriller Runtime: Six episodes (around one hour each)
Apple’s first French and English language series follows two ex-lover agents who must work together to stop international cyberattacks in the U.K.
Liaison was created by Virginie Brac (Cheyenne & Lola) and stars Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Vincent Cassel (Black Swan).
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy [Apple Original]
Apple TV+ Canada premiere date: February 24th, 2023 Genre: Travel documentary Runtime: Eight episodes (33 to 38 minutes each)
Hamilton, Ontario’s Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek) goes outside of his comfort zone to travel to beautiful locations across the world, including Costa Rica, Italy, Japan and South Africa.
Stream The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy here.
The full list of movies and TV shows hitting Apple TV+ this month can be found here.
Crave
Party Down (Season 3)
Crave premiere date: February 24th, 2023 (first episode, new episodes every Friday) Genre: Comedy Runtime: Six episodes (around 30 minutes each)
Ten years after the end of the cult comedy series, the gang is back to take on more random parties and oddball guests across Los Angeles.
Original cast members Adam Scott (Henry), Ken Marino (Ron), Ryan Hansen (Kyle), Martin Starr (Roman), Jane Lynch (Constance) and Megan Mullally (Lydia), while newcomers include Jennifer Garner (Alias), Tyrel Jackson Williams (Brockmire) and Zoë Chao (The Afterparty).
Crave premiere date: February 25th, 2023 at 8pm ET Genre: Concert special Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Toronto singer-songwriter The Weeknd performs hit songs like “Starboy,” “Blinding Lights” and “Can’t Feel My Face” in front of a sold-out crowd in Los Angeles.
A standard Crave subscription is priced at $19.99/month, with Starz costing an additional $5.99/month. A mobile-only subscription is also available for $9.99/month.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.
Disney+
Bruiser [Star Original]
Disney+ Canada premiere date: February 24th, 2023 Genre: Coming-of-age drama Runtime: 1 hour, 41 minutes
14-year-old Darious turns to charismatic drifter Porter for help after being beaten up, only to discover a dangerous secret that threatens to rip his family apart.
Bruiser was co-written and directed by Miles Warren (Huntress) and stars Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight), Toronto’s own Shamier Anderson (Wynonna Earp) and Jalyn Hall (Till).
The full list of movies and shows hitting Disney+ Canada this month can be found here.
Netflix
Outer Banks (Season 3) [Netflix Original]
Netflix Canada premiere date: February 23rd, 2023 Genre: Teen drama Runtime: Ten episodes (45 minutes to 1 hour, 19 minutes each)
The Pogues head to the Caribbean and beyond as part of a dangerous rival’s hunt for a legendary lost city.
Outer Banks was created by Josh and Jonas Pate (Good vs Evil) and Shannon Burke (Into the Savage Country) and stars Chase Stokes (Tell Me Your Divas), Madelyn Cline (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), Madison Bailey (Black Lightning) and Jonathan Daviss (Do Revenge).
Netflix Canada premiere date: February 24th, 2023 Genre: Family comedy Runtime: 2 hours, 7 minutes
Kevin’s family becomes famous after discovering a ghost in their new home, leading them to become targets of the government.
We Have a Ghost was written and directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day) and stars David Harbour (Stranger Things), Jahi Di’Allo Winston (Queen & Slim), Tig Notaro (Army of the Dead), Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus) and Anthony Mackie (Captain America: The Winter Soldier).
The full list of movies and shows hitting Netflix Canada this month can be found here.
Paramount+
Babylon
Original theatrical release date: December 23rd, 2022
Paramount+ Canada premiere date: February 21st, 2023 Genre: Concert special Runtime: Period black comedy-drama
Several ambitious dreamers experience a rise and fall during Hollywood’s transition from silent to sound films.
Babylon was written and directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land) and features an ensemble cast that includes Margot Robbie (I, Tonya), Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Diego Calva (Narcos: Mexico), Jean Smart (Hacks) and Jovan Adepo (Fences).
Apple services like the App Store, Apple TV+ and Apple Music are currently experiencing outages.
On Thursday afternoon, Apple users took to social media to report being unable to access these services. According to Apple’s official Support page, these services went down at 4:03pm ET for “some users.”
Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.
Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video, Crave and Netflix, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ are mentioned when relevant. Premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms are also fair game as movies continue to come to digital early.
Finally, we’ll highlight shows or movies that are made by Canadian companies, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.
Amazon Prime Video
Carnival Row (Season 2) [Amazon Original]
Amazon Prime Video Canada premiere date: February 17th, 2023 (first two episodes, new episodes every Friday) Genre: Fantasy Runtime: 10 episodes (around one hour each)
In this final season, a series of mysterious killings cause tensions between the Faefolk and humans, leading the denizens of Carnival Row to take action.
Carnival Row was created by Travis Beachum (Pacific Rim) and René Echevarria (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and stars Orlando Bloom (The Lord of the Rings franchise) and Cara Delevingne (Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets).
An Amazon Prime Video subscription is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership, which is priced at $99/year.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
Sharper [Apple Original]
Apple TV+ Canada premiere date: February 17th, 2023 Genre: Psychological thriller Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes
A young man on a path of vengeance cons billionaires in Manhattan.
Sharper was directed by Benjamin Caron (Andor) and stars Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights), Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy), Justice Smith (The Get Down), Brianna Middleton (The Tender Bar) and John Lithgow (The Crown).
Crave premiere date: February 16th, 2023 (first episode, new episode every Friday) Genre: Sci-fi Runtime: 10 episodes (around one hour each)
After receiving a desperate message from a long-lost friend, Picard must embark on his most daring mission yet with old and new friends alike.
Picard is based on Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek franchise and was created by Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind), Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay), Kirsten Beyer (Star Trek: Discovery) and Alex Kurtzman (2009’s Star Trek).
The series features an ensemble cast that includes Star Trek: The Next Generation veterans Patrick Stewart (Picard), LeVar Burton (La Forge), Michael Dorn (Worf), Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Gates McFadden (Crusher), Marina Sirtis (Troi), Brent Spiner (Lore) and Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine).
The new four-part Crave Original documentary series is produced, written, and co-directed by Anishinaabe journalist Ryan McMahon, who is on a quest to uncover the truth behind the deaths of numerous Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, Ontario. #ThunderBay premieres Feb 17 on Crave. pic.twitter.com/ixLIQYJGJv
Anishinaabe journalist Ryan McMahon investigates the deaths of numerous Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Crave premiere date: February 17th, 2023 (first two episodes, final two episodes on February 24th) Genre: True crime documentary Runtime: 10 episodes (around 45 minutes each)
Original theatrical release date: September 16th, 2022
Crave premiere date: February 17th, 2023 Genre: Historical action-drama Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes
In the West African kingdom of Dahomey in 1823, a general trains the next generation of warriors to fight a foreign enemy.
The Woman King was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard) and stars Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder), Thuso Mbedu (The Underground Railroad), Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die), Sheila Atim (The Underground Railroad) and John Boyega (Star Wars series).
A standard Crave subscription is priced at $19.99/month, with Starz costing an additional $5.99/month. A mobile-only subscription is also available for $9.99/month.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.
Netflix
Full Swing [Netflix Original]
Netflix Canada premiere date: February 15th, 2023 Genre: Sports documentary Runtime: Eight episodes (41 to 50 minutes each)
This docuseries follows pro golfers like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka on and off the course during competitions.
Perfect Match [Netflix Original]
Netflix Canada premiere date: February 14th, 2023 (first four episodes, new episodes every Tuesday) Genre: Reality competition Runtime: 12 episodes (around 50 minutes each)
98 Degrees’ Nick Lachey hosts this new dating series bringing together hopefuls from series like Love Is Blind, The Mole and Too Hot to Handle.
Apple has confirmed that the third season of Ted Lasso will premiere on Apple TV+ on March 15th.
The company confirmed the date in a short teaser in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
In the teaser, a variety of characters make their own version of the “Believe” poster, including Jamie (Phil Dunster), Roy (Brett Goldstein), Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Keeley (Juno Temple). Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and Beard (Brendan Hunt) then pop up at the end to admire the handiwork.
It should be noted that March 15th is a Wednesday, making Ted Lasso the first Apple TV+ series to not drop on a Friday. The first episode will premiere on March 15th, with new episodes dropping every subsequent Wednesday.
Interestingly, Apple is only referring to this as the “third season” or, on the AFC Richmond Twitter account, the “new season.” There’s been speculation that this upcoming season would be the series’ last, especially given comments made by Sudeikis. However, it’s looking like Apple won’t be setting the record straight before the third season actually arrives.
Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.
Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video, Crave and Netflix, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ are mentioned when relevant. Premium video on demand (PVOD) platforms are also fair game as movies continue to come to digital early.
Finally, we’ll highlight shows or movies that are made by Canadian companies, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.
Amazon Prime Video
Shotgun Wedding [Amazon Original]
Amazon Prime Video Canada premiere date: January 27th, 2023 Genre: Romantic action-comedy Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
When their wedding party is taken hostage, Tom and Darcy have to work together to save their loved ones.
Shotgun Wedding was directed by Jason Moore (Sisters) and stars Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers), Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), Sônia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus) and Lenny Kravitz (The Hunger Games).
Amazon Prime Video Canada premiere date: January 27th, 2023 (Citytv+ exclusive) Genre: Mystery-comedy Runtime: 10 episodes (around one hour each)
Armed with an extraordinary ability to determine whether someone is lying, Charlie hits the road in her Plymouth Barracuda to solve mysteries with different casts of characters.
Poker Face was created by Rian Johnson (Knives Out series) and stars Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll), Benjamin Bratt (Star), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer), Adrian Brody (The Pianist), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), recent Oscar nominees Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once) and Hong Chau (The Whale) and more.
Stream Poker Face here. Note that a $4.99/month Citvtv+ add-on is required.
An Amazon Prime Video subscription is included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership, which is priced at $99/year.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
Shrinking [Apple Original]
Apple TV+ Canada premiere date: January 27th, 2023 (first two episodes, new episodes every Friday) Genre: Comedy-drama Runtime: 10 episodes (around 30 minutes each)
A grieving therapist begins to reveal his full unfiltered thoughts to his patients, changing everyone’s lives in the process.
Shrinking was created by Ted Lasso‘s Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein and How I Met Your Mother‘s Jason Segel and stars Segel, Jessica Williams (Fantastic Beasts series), Luke Tennie (Players), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), Lukita Maxwell (Generation), Christa Miller (Cougar Town) and Harrison Ford (Star Wars series).
This documentary tells the story of Canadian-Saint Lucian basketball player Chris Boucher, who grew up in poverty in Montreal and rose to stardom with the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors.
Stream Grind Now, Shine Later: The Chris Boucher Story here.
A standard Crave subscription is priced at $19.99/month, with Starz costing an additional $5.99/month. A mobile-only subscription is also available for $9.99/month.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.
Disney+
Extraordinary [Disney+ Original]
Disney+ Canada premiere date: January 25th, 2023 Genre: Superhero comedy Runtime: Eight episodes (28 to 33 minutes each)
In a world where every adult has superpowers, Jen has to cope with being the only one who doesn’t.
Extraordinary was created by Emma Moran (Have I Got News For You) and stars Máiréad Tyers (Belfast), Sofia Oxenham (Poldark), Bilal Hasna (Screw) and Luke Rollason (Jack).
Two LA professionals from different backgrounds fall in love and have to deal with each others’ parents.
You People was directed by Kenya Barris (black-ish) and stars Jonah Hill (Moneyball), Lauren London (The Game), Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Nia Long (NCIS: Los Angeles) and David Duchovny (TheX-Files).
Enter Shrinking, the latest from Ted Lasso co-creator and writer Bill Lawrence, Ted Lasso star and writer Brett Goldstein (yes, Roy Kent himself) and How I Met Your Father‘s Jason Segel (not to be confused with Ted Lasso‘s Jason Sudeikis).
Segel stars as a grieving therapist who breaches ethical barriers by confessing his true feelings to his patients, leading to massive life changes for everyone. Star Wars legend Harrison Ford co-stars in a rare TV appearance.
Like Ted Lasso, Shrinking will stream exclusively on Apple TV+ when it premieres on January 27th.
