From the future of the Emmys to legal battles, deadly art-world grudges, and a terrifying creature lurking beneath the ice, this week’s TV Corner Notes has plenty to talk about. Plus, I’ve got a packed week of premieres, finales, and new releases to help fill your watchlist!
Hey there, and welcome back to TV Corner Notes, my weekly roundup of the biggest—and not-so-big—things happening in the world of television.
This week, we’re talking about the Emmys’ move to Prime Video and what it means for the future of awards shows on broadcast TV. I’m also sharing my thoughts on three very different shows in What I Watched This Week: HBO’s legal drama War, AMC+’s stylish thriller Kill Jackie, and Netflix’s deep-sea creature mystery Below. And if your watchlist needs a refresh, there’s no shortage of new premieres, returning favorites, documentaries, and even an early dose of holiday romance coming your way. So, let’s get into it!
The Emmys Are Leaving Broadcast TV for Prime Video
It was probably inevitable, but I’m still disappointed. The Primetime Emmy Awards are moving to Prime Video in 2027, ending a seven-decade tradition on broadcast television. The Television Academy and Amazon have signed a six-year deal covering the 2027–2032 ceremonies.
The good news? You won’t need a Prime Video subscription to watch. The ceremony will stream live for free in more than 240 countries and territories while retaining its usual September spot on the calendar. Prime Video will also carry additional Television Academy programming, including the Hall of Fame and Television Academy Honors.
The deal ends the long-running rotation among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, with NBC’s September 2026 ceremony serving as the last under that arrangement. The Oscars are also heading to streaming, with YouTube taking over globally in 2029. I understand why these deals make sense, but it still feels like the end of an era. What do you think? Are you ready for awards season to move to streaming, or would you rather keep it on broadcast? Leave a comment.
What I Watched This Week
This week’s viewing took me from a high-stakes divorce battle to a deadly art-world conspiracy and a mysterious creature lurking beneath the ice. HBO’s War delivers another engaging legal chess match, Kill Jackie raises the stakes with a shocking reveal and a growing list of enemies, and Netflix’s Below offers an entertaining mix of sea-monster thrills and supernatural mystery. All three have something to offer, even if some work better than others. Here’s what I thought of each one.
War Episode 2 Review: A High-Stakes Legal Chess Match
HBO’s War shifts into high gear with “No More Nasty Surprises,” centering on a three-day mediation between tech entrepreneur Morgan Henderson (Dominic West) and film star Carla Duval (Sienna Miller). Their bitter divorce becomes a legal chess match as both sides pursue favorable outcomes while protecting their reputations. The episode’s greatest suspense comes from the lawyers’ maneuvering—and the growing risk that Morgan’s affair with Flora will be exposed.
The supporting cast drives much of the episode as rival firms Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne navigate the financial dispute, a complicated prenuptial agreement, and a potential hush-money scandal. Junior lawyer Johnny (Alfie Renaux) appears to solve Carla’s problem by arranging a £20,000 payment to Flora’s mother in exchange for an NDA. However, evidence of the bribe reaches Morgan’s legal team, giving it damaging leverage. When mediation ends with Morgan and Carla choosing arbitration over a settlement, Flora messages Morgan, asking to see him and threatening both sides’ carefully constructed strategies.
Dominic West and Sienna Miller ground the legal suspense with strong performances as a couple whose public smiles conceal deep hostility. War is at its best when the legal teams outmaneuver one another, and this episode delivers an engaging mix of strategy, secrets, and personal drama. With Flora back in the picture and Johnny’s loyalties exposed, the next episode has plenty to untangle. Overall, I give Episode 2 an 8/10.
Kill Jackie Episode 2 Review: A Shocking Reveal and a Dangerous New Game
After two episodes, AMC+’s Kill Jackie is shaping up to be a fun, stylish thriller. “Invaders Must Die” reveals that wealthy American Sean Harper ordered the hit on Jackie Price (Catherine Zeta-Jones) after she refused to sell him a painting—a surprisingly petty motive for a deadly contract. That revelation adds an absurd dimension to Jackie’s ordeal: She is running for her life because of an art-world grudge.
With Sean’s motive established, the episode follows Jackie as she flees London for Bilbao with her lawyer and boyfriend, Sam, and her assistant, Charlie. But escape offers little safety. The Seven Demons continue closing in, Karenina blows up Jackie’s art warehouse, and the Cuban brutally kills one of Jackie’s trusted contacts. Each attack makes Jackie’s flight feel less like a temporary retreat and more like a tightening trap.
The danger also changes Jackie’s relationship with Sam. He begins the episode terrified for her safety, but after Jackie nearly shoots him while trying to save his life, that fear turns to fury. His reaction adds an unpredictable new dimension to their relationship, especially as he confronts the violent world Jackie has spent decades hiding from him.
Catherine Zeta-Jones brings plenty of attitude to Jackie, while Sam’s transformation adds a compelling dynamic. With Sean exposed as the man behind the contract and the Seven Demons still pursuing her, I’m hooked for Episode 3. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.
Below Review: Netflix’s Deep-Sea Creature Thriller Is Enjoyable, If Uneven
Netflix’s Below combines a familiar creature-feature premise with supernatural mystery, small-town folklore, and environmental dread. Across six episodes, it remains entertaining despite writing that doesn’t always live up to its intriguing setup. Josh Hartnett gives the standout performance as Calvin Penney, a struggling fisherman haunted by childhood trauma, while Mackenzie Davis is effective as Fonda, a marine biologist investigating strange events in their Newfoundland community. The series recalls The Beast, the late-1990s NBC movie about a giant squid terrorizing the ocean, though it sometimes struggles to balance its monster mystery with the town’s economic struggles and family drama.
The story gains momentum when Calvin and Fonda investigate a series of strange attacks and discover that the squid may be connected to a larger mystery beneath the ice. Corporate interests willing to sacrifice the community and its fragile ecosystem for profit add a timely environmental dimension. As Calvin confronts painful memories from his past, he must decide whether to let fear shape his actions or break free from the cycle of trauma surrounding his family.
Below is an entertaining binge for fans of mysterious sea monsters and isolated communities hiding dark secrets. Its eerie atmosphere, compelling performances, and blend of supernatural mystery and environmental themes make it worthwhile. Overall, I give this limited series a 7.5/10.
What to Watch This Week
This week brings a stacked lineup of premieres, finales, documentaries, sports, and holiday movies, but a few titles stand out. The Diplomat and The Lowdown return with new seasons, Tulsa King is back in action, and VisionQuest expands the story established in WandaVision. Add the WNBA Finals and an early wave of holiday romance—including Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story—and you’ll have plenty of reasons to add to your watchlist.
Monday, October 12
Blue Murder Motel Season 1 finale (Acorn TV)
8/7c Below Deck Season 13 premiere (Bravo)
9/8c It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 finale (FX/FXX)
Clown Panic (Hulu): A documentary revisits the 2016 clown panic that spread from South Carolina across the country, triggering school lockdowns, police investigations, and a media frenzy.
Free Leonard Peltier (Netflix): A new generation of activists fights to free American Indian Movement leader Leonard Peltier, who spent decades in prison following a disputed conviction.
Tuesday, October 13
The Good Ship Murder Season 3 finale (BritBox)
Ludwig Season 2 premiere (BritBox)
Agatha Christie’s Tommy & Tuppence Season 1 finale (BritBox)
Tyson (Netflix): This four-part docuseries explores Mike Tyson’s rise from Brooklyn to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history, along with the controversies and personal struggles that followed.
The Varnell Hill Show Season 1 finale (Paramount+)
10/9c Cocktail Wars Season 1 finale (E!)
Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota (Netflix) New stand-up comedy special.
Wednesday, October 14
Helluva Boss Season 3 premieres with three episodes (Prime Video)
Love Is Blind Season 11 premieres with five episodes (Netflix)
9/8c The Lowdown Season 2 premieres with two episodes (FX)
9/8c VisionQuest (Disney+): Paul Bettany returns as Vision in a two-episode premiere that follows his quest to regain his memories and humanity after WandaVision. James Spader, Emily Hampshire, and James D’Arcy co-star.
10/9c The Ark Season 3 finale (Syfy)
10:30/9:30c Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head Season 4 (Comedy Central)
Love of Your Life (Prime Video): Margaret Qualley and Gabriel Basso star in a romance sparked by a chance encounter that changes everything.
Thursday, October 15
Crystal Lake (Peacock): All eight episodes of this Friday the 13th prequel arrive. Linda Cardellini stars as Pam Voorhees, a grieving single mother whose past resurfaces when two strangers arrive in town.
The Diplomat Season 4 premieres with all eight episodes (Netflix)
Hollywood Arts (Netflix): This 12-episode Victorious spinoff follows Trina Vega (Daniella Monet) as she returns to her former high school as an unqualified substitute teacher.
8/7c 9-1-1 Season 10 premiere (ABC)
9/8c 9-1-1: Nashville Season 2 premiere (ABC)
9/8c Coven Academy Season 1 finale (Freeform)
10/9c Grey’s Anatomy Season 23 premiere (ABC)
Friday, October 16
Tulsa King Season 4 premiere (Paramount+)
10/9c The Rainmaker Season 2 premiere (USA Network)
Heather McMahan: By a Thread (Hulu), New comedy special.
10/9c Kate Berlant: Parmesan (HBO), New comedy special.
The Death of Robin Hood (HBO Max): A new take on the legendary outlaw.
The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable (Netflix): A documentary about an outsider who earns a place inside the Wu-Tang Clan’s inner circle and helps create an album that sparks global controversy.
KATSEYE: Wild Hearts (Disney+): A documentary chronicling the group’s rise from Dream Academy to global pop stardom, featuring interviews and previously unseen footage.
Masterplan (Prime Video): Stanley Tucci stars as a legendary thief who recruits two young strangers to steal the Mona Lisa, then reveals a shocking family connection.
Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald (Netflix): An archival documentary traces the comedian’s life and career, from Saturday Night Live to his lasting influence on comedy.
Sacrifice (Netflix): Chris Evans plays a movie star who is taken hostage at a charity gala by a radical warrior (Anya Taylor-Joy) and her followers.
Tenzing (Apple TV): Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston star in this drama about the historic Mount Everest expedition involving Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.
8/7c ’Tis the Season for Setups (Hallmark Channel) — Amanda Schull stars as a party planner whose work at a ski resort brings her closer to the owner’s son, played by Victor Webster.
Saturday, October 17
3:30/2:30c WNBA Finals, Game 1 (NBC)
8/7c Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story (Hallmark Channel): A reporter profiling a devoted Chicago Bears superfan finds herself drawn to the woman’s grandson, a firefighter and fellow diehard fan. Lyndsy Fonseca, Robert Buckley, Marsha Mason, and Khary Payton star.
8/7c Silver Bells at Christmas (Great American Family): A woman fighting to save her late mother’s Christmas shop must choose between holding onto the past and embracing a new future. Laura Osnes and Ryan McPartlin star.
8/7c Sins of an Amish Husband (Lifetime): After her sister dies in a mysterious barn fire, an Amish woman suspects foul play and investigates her brother-in-law.
With major returns, buzzy premieres, sports, documentaries, and holiday comfort viewing all competing for attention, this is the kind of week that can fill a watchlist fast. My top picks are The Diplomat, The Lowdown, VisionQuest, and Tulsa King, with Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story offering a lighter weekend option.
What’s on Your Watchlist? Which shows, movies, or specials are you making time for? Share your picks in the comments, and let us know what deserves to be on everyone’s watchlist.
And that’s a wrap on this week’s TV Corner Notes! From the Emmys’ move to streaming to three very different reviews and a packed week of television ahead, there’s plenty to keep us busy in front of the screen.
I’m especially curious to see how viewers feel about the Emmys leaving broadcast TV, but I also want to know what’s making your watchlist this week. Are you tuning in for The Diplomat, The Lowdown, or Tulsa King? Or are you looking for something new to binge? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading TV Corner Notes. Happy watching!
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