Amazon has revealed the full cast for LOL: Qui Rira Le Dernier?, its Quebec spin-off of the Last One Laughing comedy series.
The series, which got a Jay Baruchel-hosted Canada-wide version earlier this year, follows a group of 10 comedians as they try to make each other laugh without cracking up themselves. As previously confirmed, Patrick Huard (Good Cop, Bon Cop) is hosting LOL: Qui Rira Le Dernier?, and we now know it will feature the following comedians:
LOL: Qui Rira Le Dernier? will premiere on Prime Video in early 2023.
It’s one of several Canadian original titles in the works at Prime Video, including the Three Pines mystery series starring Alfred Molina, a Jamie Lee Curtis-produced comedy series about The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist and a Mike Downie-directed film about The Tragically Hip and his late brother, Gord Downie.
Netflix has launched a new feature called ‘Profile Transfer’ to make it easier for people who share accounts to set up those of their own.
With Profile Transfer, you’ll be able to keep settings like personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List and saved games when signing up for your own Netflix membership.
The feature has begun rolling out to all users worldwide, and you’ll receive an email once it becomes available on your account. From there, hover over your profile icon, select ‘Transfer Profile’ and follow the instructions. Profile Transfer can be turned off in account settings at any time.
While Netflix’s official blog post frames this “much requested” feature as being useful for “life changes” like moving or ending relationships, it’s clear the streamer has an ulterior motive with it: to further crack down on password sharing.
In any case, the company estimates that more than 100 million additional households are sharing passwords. Therefore, it’s clear that Netflix is offering Profile Transfer in an effort to turn some of these people into paying subscribers.
In addition to tackling password sharing, Netflix is looking to curb losses through a new low-cost ad-supported tier, which it’s launching on November 1st in Canada.
‘Basic with Ads’ features access to the majority of Netflix’s catalogue, but there are “a limited number of movies, and TV shows that won’t be available due to licensing restrictions.” Meanwhile, an average of four to five minutes of ads will run per hour, both before and during a movie or TV show. They’ll last for 15 or 30 seconds.
This new low-cost membership only supports up to 720p (HD) streaming quality, and you won’t be able to download content.
To compare with the current options:
Netflix Basic — $9.99/month, up to 720p (this is now the standard quality for Basic, up from 480p), can only stream on one screen at the same time
Netflix Standard — $16.49/month, up to 1080p, can stream on up to two screens at the same time
Netflix Premium — $20.99/month, up to Ultra HD (4K HDR), can stream on up to four screens at the same time
What do you think of Netflix’s new ad tier are you interested in switching over on November 1st? Let us know in the comments below.
Netflix’s ad-supported membership tier, ‘Basic with Ads,’ will launch in Canada and Mexico at 9am PT/12pm ET, two days before it rolls out to the U.S. and other countries.
At a cost of $5.99, Basic with Ads offers access to the majority of the Netflix catalogue, although Netflix says “a limited number of movies and TV shows won’t be available due to licensing restrictions.” In a press briefing, Netflix COO Greg Peters said the exact number of excluded titles will vary by country, per licensing agreements, but it will generally be in the “five to ten percent range.” Peters added that Netflix is working with companies to make more of these titles available through Basic with Ads.
Ads, meanwhile, will run every four to five minutes per hour on average, both before and during a movie or TV show. They’ll last for 15 or 30 seconds.
Here’s an example of what an ad on Netflix will look like:
In addition to ads, the new low-cost membership only supports up to 720p (HD) streaming quality, and there will be no option to download content. You’ll be able to stream on one screen at the same time, just like the current entry-level ‘Basic’ subscription. For context, here’s how Basic with Ads stacks up to Netflix’s other memberships in Canada:
Netflix Basic — $9.99/month, up to 720p (this is now the standard quality for Basic, up from 480p), can only stream on one screen at the same time
Netflix Standard — $16.49/month, up to 1080p, can stream on up to two screens at the same time
Netflix Premium — $20.99/month, up to Ultra HD (4K HDR), can stream on up to four screens at the same time
Netflix has been working on ads over the past six months, with Microsoft helping to power the ad-subscription technology. The streamer says advertisers will have “broad targeting capabilities” by country and genre, as well as the ability to prevent ads from running on titles that may be “inconsistent” with their values (i.e. due to sex or graphic violence). Netflix adds that it won’t run any political ads or those that promote smoking or guns.
In addition to ads, Netflix has been testing a paywall on password sharing in a few international markets, estimating that more than 100 million additional households are sharing passwords, including 30 million in the U.S. and Canada. However, the company has not yet confirmed if and when this paywall will launch in Canada.
Ads are relatively new in the Canadian streaming market. While U.S. streamers like Hulu, HBO Max and Peacock all have ad options, Canada’s major streaming platforms have traditionally not offered these. Whether people will adopt Netflix Basic with Ads remains to be seen, but the company is reportedly expecting to hit 40 million unique viewers by Q3 2023.
Paramount Global is reportedly looking at restructuring Showtime and its future. As Showtime CEO David Nevins plans his exit later this year, Showtime may end up merging with Paramount+. If so, the Showtime merger could impact the catalogue on Crave, which is owned by Bell.
Showtime has long been treated as a premium cable network. Over the years, the network has seen the likes of the hit series Dexter, Weeds, Homeland, Billions, and Yellowjackets. It’s long been a success for Paramount. However, its future as an independent network may be numbered.
Recently, Paramount Global announced that Showtime’s network business is being handed to Chris McCarthy, who oversees MTV, Comedy Central, and Paramount+. This exchange in leadership also comes with the plan to merge Showtime with Paramount+. In doing so, Paramount Global can help utilize Showtime’s catalogue to leverage its streaming service better.
As content continues to be an asset in the streaming wars, Showtime can help Paramount reach its goals. According to those familiar with the matter, the company has its eyes set on becoming one of the fifth-biggest streaming services around the globe. This would see Paramount+ next to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.
If Showtime does indeed merge with Paramount+, this could leave Crave users with less programming. Although Crave offers many original series as well as a substantial amount of HBO content, Showtime’s catalogue is well-supported.
Currently, Crave offers many Showtime originals like the aforementioned Dexter and Homeland. Additionally, Crave subscribers can keep up with weekly episodes of American Gigolo, Let the Right One In, and more. Showtime also offers many documentaries and one-off specials.
Paramount has not made a final decision regarding Showtime’s merger with Paramount+. Therefore, there’s no telling how it may affect Crave. However, given that the streaming service is available in Canada, Showtime’s content may be lifted from Crave and placed on Paramount+ once any contractual agreements run their course.
Crave offers plans for as little as $9.99 per month. However, to access all of Crave’s content on any device, the $19.99/month Crave Total plan is required.
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 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Catherine Called Birdy [Amazon Original]
In the 13th century, a teenager rebels against her father when he tries to marry her off to a wealthy man.
Based on the 1994 novel of the same name, Catherine Called Birdy was written and directed by Lena Dunham (Girls) and stars Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones), Andrew Scott (Sherlock), Billie Piper (Doctor Who) and Joe Alwyn (The Favourite).
Amazon Prime Video Canada release date: October 7th, 2022 Genre: Medieval comedy Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Mat Whitecross (Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond) directs this documentary on the history of iconic music in the James Bond film series, starting with the theme of 1962’s Dr. No and going all the way up to Billie Eilish’s song for 2021’s No Time To Die. James Bond stars like Daniel Craig and Rami Malek are also featured.
Amazon Prime Video Canada release date: October 5th, 2022 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1 hour, 28 minutes
The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
The Problem with Jon Stewart [Apple Original]
Comedian Jon Stewart (The Daily Show) takes a look at a new set of issues, including facing off against Arkansas’ attorney general about trans rights.
Apple TV+ Canada release date: October 7th, 2022 (first episode, new episodes every Friday) Genre: Current affairs, comedy Runtime: Six episodes (around one hour each)
The full list of what’s coming to Apple TV+ Canada this month can be found here.
Crave
Prince Andrew: Banished
Through a slew of interviews, Jamie Crawford (The Hunt for Ted Bundy) unpacks the fall of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who disgraced the British Royal Family by getting involved in a sex trafficking scandal.
Elmo’s new adopted puppy, Tango, joins the Street, while special guests include tennis star Naomi Osaki, poet Amanda Gorman and singer-songwriter Billie Eilish.
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+
Werewolf by Night [Disney+ Original]
This first-ever Marvel Cinematic Universe “Special Presentation” takes the franchise in a darker, black-and-white direction with a story about a secret group of monster hunters who are thrust into a deadly game.
Notably, prolific composer Michael Giacchino (who scored four Marvel movies, the MCU Spider-Man trilogy and Thor: Love and Thunder) serves as director of Werewolf by Night. Gael García Bernal (Old), Laura Donnelly (The Nevers) and Harriet Sansom Harris (Frazier) star.
Disney+ Canada release date: October 7th, 2022 Genre: Horror special Runtime: 53 minutes
The full list of movies and shows hitting Disney+ Canada this month can be found here.
Netflix
Conversations With a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes [Netflix Original]
Directed by Joe Berlinger (Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes), this docuseries features unguarded interviews with infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
Netflix Canada release date: October 7th, 2022 Genre: True crime documentary Runtime: Three episodes (58 to 61 minutes each)
Stream Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapeshere.
Hasan Minhaj: The King’s Jester [Netflix Original]
Comedian Hasan Minhaj riffs on fatherhood, fertility and freedom of speech.
In a hospice for terminally ill teens, one group makes a pact that the first to die must send a sign from beyond the grave.
Created by Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass) and Leah Fong (The Haunting of Bly Manor), The Midnight Club stars Iman Benson (BlackAF), Igby Rigney (F9: The Fast Saga), Ruth Codd (debut role), Vancouver’s Aya Furukawa (The Terror), Adia (debut role) and Heather Langencamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street).
It’s worth noting that like Mike Flanagan’s other Netflix productions, The Midnight Club was filmed in B.C.
Netflix Canada release date: October 7th, 2022 Genre: Teen horror Runtime: 10 episodes (49 to 58 minutes each)
In this documentary, Jon Weinbach (The Last Dance) tells the remarkable comeback story of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball team, featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Carlos Boozer, Mike Krzyzewski and the late Kobe Bryant.
The Trapped 13: How We Survived the Thai Cave [Netflix Original]
From Pailin Wedel (Operation Thailand) comes this documentary spotlighting members of the famous youth soccer team that was trapped in a Thai cave in 2018.
Disney has globally relaunched its Disney+ app on PlayStation 5 consoles to add support for 4K HDR.
It’s available at no additional cost with a Disney+ subscription, priced at $11.99/month or $119.99/year in Canada. The Disney+ app can be downloaded from the PS5’s Media section.
To find out which titles support 4K, head to the ‘4K Ultra HD HDR’ collection on the Disney+ homepage or use the ‘Ultra HD and HDR’ filter on the movies and series pages.
Other streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, already supported 4K HDR on PS5. It should be noted that the improved video quality isn’t available on the PS4 Pro.
Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season one is only partway through streaming, and the series has already started filming its second season.
The second season has entered production in the United Kingdom. In the second season, we’ll meet Cirdan, one of the eldest and wisest elves, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It’s worth noting that Galadriel herself is an elf over 1,000 years old, so Cirdan must be very old.
The first season of the show was filmed in New Zealand over 18 months during the pandemic, but it looks like Amazon has moved production of the second season to the U.K., which is more affordable and where “the company is establishing a multi-show hub,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Season two will feature eight episodes, similar to The Rings of Power’s first season.
The news of the second season comes after the series hit number 1one on the streaming charts and amassed more than 1.3 billion minutes viewed, even though it was only the first two episodes that had been released at the time.
The Rings of Power’s was very expensive to make for Amazon, with season one costing $426 million USD (about $580,275 CAD).
The second season doesn’t have a release date or even a release window yet. Episode seven of The Rings of Power’s airs on October 7th on Prime Video.
October is about to kick off, which means there’s a brand new month of Disney+ content to look forward to.
Across the month, new episodes of anticipated shows, as well as movies, are dropping on the streaming service. Additionally, Disney+ has revealed some Halloween additions, perfect for the spooky season. Andor and She-Hulk continue throughout the month of October. Other highlights include Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night special and all 13 seasons of King of the Hill.
See below for the full list:
October 3rd
Best in Dough (S1 – New Episodes)
Solar Opposites: Halloween Special (S3 – New Episode)
October 4th
The Patient (S1 – New Episode)
Reasonable Doubt (S1 – New Episode)
Reboot (S1 – New Episode)
October 5th
Andor (S1 – New Episode)
King of the Hill: (S1-S13)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (S2 – New Episode)
Zombies: Addison’s Monster Mystery (Shorts): Season 1
Shipwreck Hunters Australia (S1 – New Episode)
The Kardashians (S2 – New Episode)
Reservation Dogs (S2 – New Episode)
The Captain: Season 1
Good Trouble: Season 4
Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers: Premiere
Pink Lie: Season 1
The D’Amelio Show: (S2 – New Episodes)
American Dad (S18 – New Episodes)
American Horror Stories (S2 – New Episode)
Tell Me Lies (S1 – New Episode)
October 6th
She Hulk: Attorney at Law (S1 – New Episode)
The Kardashians (S2 – New Episode)
October 7th
Werewolf by Night (Special)
October 9th
The Simpsons: Season 34 Premiere
October 10th
American Dad: (S18 – New Episode)
Grimcutty (Movie)
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War: Season 1
October 11th
The Patient (S1 – New Episode)
Reasonable Doubt (S1 – New Episode)
Reboot (S1 – New Episode)
October 12th
Andor (S1 – New Episode)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers: (S2 – New Episode)
Broken Karaoke (Shorts) Season 2
Big Shot (S2 – New Episode)
October 13th
She Hulk: Attorney at Law (S1 – New Episode)
Welcome to Wrexham (S1 – New Episode)
The Kardashians (S2 – New Episode)
October 14th
Into the Woods (Sing-Along Version)
Evita (Movie)
Rosaline (Movie)
October 16th
The Simpsons (S34 – New Episode)
October 17th
Dancing With The Stars (S31 – New Episode)
The Paloni Show! Halloween Special!
American Dad (S18 – New Episodes)
October 18th
Dancing With The Stars (S31 – New Episode)
The Patient (S1 – New Episode)
Reasonable Doubt (S1 – New Episode)
Reboot (S1 – New Episode)
October 19th
Andor (S1 – New Episode)
The Spectacular Spider-Man: Season 1
Spider-Man: The New Animated Series: Season 1
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (S2 – New Episode)
Bear in the Big Blue House Seasons 1 – 4
PB&J Otter Seasons 1 – 3
Black Rock Shooter Dawn Fall: Season 1 Premiere
Damages: Seasons 1 – 5
The Fatal Flaw – A Special Edition of 20/20: Season 1
American Horror Stories (S2 – New Episode)
The D’Amelio Show: (S2 – New Episodes)
In the Soop: Friendcation: Season 1
Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers (New Episode)
Reservation Dogs (S2 – New Episode)
Tell Me Lies (S1 – New Episode)
Soundtrack #1: Season 1
Incredible Dr. Pol (S21 Premiere)
October 20th
The Kardashians (S2 – New Episode)
October 21st
Matriarch (Movie)
Expedition Amelia (Special)
October 23rd
The Simpsons (S34 – New Episode)
October 24th
Dancing With The Stars (S31 – New Episode)
October 25th
The Patient (S1 – New Episode)
Reasonable Doubt (S1 – New Episode)
Reboot (S1 – New Episode)
October 26th
Andor (S1 – New Episode)
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (All Shorts Streaming)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (S2 – New Episode)
Barbarian (Movie)
Boris: Seasons 1-4
Little Demon: Season 1 Premiere
Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t: Season 1
Black Rock Shooter Dawn Fall: (S1 – New Episode)
The D’Amelio Show: (S2 – New Episodes)
Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers (New Episode)
Reservation Dogs (S2 – New Episodes)
Shadow Detective (Season 1)
Tell Me Lies (S1 – New Episode)
Bleach: Seasons 1 – 16
Dr. T, Lone Star Vet: Season 1
In the Womb: Animal Babies: Season 1
October 27th
She Hulk: Attorney at Law (S1 – New Episode)
The Kardashians (S2 – New Episode)
October 28th
Incredible Dr. Pol: A 200th Polapalooza
Saving Giraffes: The Long Journey Home (Special)
Although AMC’s hit series Better Call Saul recently wrapped, Straight Man, a new Bob Odenkirk project is in the works. The series is currently filming and will debut later in 2023 on AMC and AMC+.
Straight Man has no involvement in Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad universe. Instead, the new AMC series is described as a “midlife crisis tale.” Starring Bob Odenkirk, Straight Man focuses on a grizzled William Henry Devereaux, Jr. The series is based on Richard Russo’s 1997 novel of the same name.
AMC has said that Straight Man follows Devereaux’s life and career as the “unlikely chairman of the English department in a badly underfunded college in the Pennsylvania rust belt.” Not only will the series cover Devereaux’s career but his family life and the balancing act that goes along with it.
Alongside Odenkirk, the series stars Mireille Enos as Lily Devereaux, William’s wife. Olivia Scott Welch has also been cast as daughter Julie Devereaux. Additional cast members include Diedrich Bader, Sara Amini, Cedric Yarbrough, and Suzanne Cryer.
Straight Man is currently filming in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s said that filming should wrap by December 2022. The series has been given an order of eight episodes to make up the first season. It’s being adapted by Aaron Zelman and Paul Leiberstein, who is also serving as co-showrunners and directors. Odenkirk is also attached as producer.
While Odenkirk is continuing to work with AMC, former Better Call Saul costar Rhea Seehorn is making her way to Apple TV+ alongside Vince Gilligan. Announced earlier this month, Apple has acquired the untitled “blended, grounded drama” from Gilligan. This project will see Seehorn take the lead.
