Skynet returns: Netflix unveils ‘Terminator Zero’ animated series trailer

The Terminator franchise is back with a fresh twist. Netflix has just released the trailer for its upcoming animated series, Terminator Zero. This new addition to the iconic saga dives into the aftermath of Skynet’s rise to consciousness and its relentless war against humanity, a conflict that began in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

A new timeline, a new hero

Set in 2022, Terminator Zero introduces us to Eiko, voiced by Rosario Dawson, a soldier sent back in time to alter the course of history. Her mission? To protect Malcolm Lee, a scientist portrayed by André Holland, who is developing a rival AI system named Kokono, voiced by Sonoya Mizuno. This series, while rooted in the Terminator universe, focuses on entirely new characters, offering a fresh perspective on the age-old battle between man and machine.

Watch the trailer for Terminator Zero

A race against time

The trailer showcases Lee’s desperate attempts to save Earth from Skynet, all while being pursued by a futuristic assassin. The voice cast is rounded out by Timothy Olyphant and Ann Dowd, with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger serving as executive producers for Skydance. The eight-episode series is set to premiere on August 29 on Netflix.

Midnight Family: Apple TV+ unveils medical drama

In other TV news, Apple TV+ is set to debut its new medical drama series, Midnight Family, on September 25. The series will kick off with two episodes, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday until November 20. Directed by Natalia Beristáin, this 10-episode series features an all-Hispanic cast and crew, led by Joaquín Cosío and Renata Vaca.

Watch the trailer for Midnight Family

A story of resilience

Inspired by the 2019 documentary of the same name, Midnight Family follows Marigaby Tamayo, a medical student who spends her nights saving lives in Mexico City using her family’s privately owned ambulance. Alongside her father Ramón and her siblings Marcus and Julito, Marigaby tackles extreme medical emergencies to make a living.

Hallmark Studios appoints new senior VP

Hallmark Studios has announced the appointment of Wondwossen “Wondu” Dikran as its new senior vice president. This newly created division at Hallmark Media aims to be the “nerve center of the production process,” managing relationships with creatives and business partners while seeking new domestic and international opportunities.

A strategic vision

Dikran brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Falkon Entertainment and NBC Universal/Dreamworks TV. He will report to Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP of programming, and will work closely with the development team and the forthcoming SVP of talent strategy.

Investigation Discovery’s new docuseries

Max has announced the release of a three-part docuseries, Taken Together: Who Killed Lyric and Elizabeth?, set to debut on August 8. The series delves into the haunting 2012 double abduction of cousins Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins in Evansdale, Iowa. With seven years of exclusive access and insider interviews, this docuseries promises to be a gripping watch.

Awards season updates

The Hollywood Creative Alliance and GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics are combining their Dorians TV Toast party and Astra TV Awards ceremony into back-to-back events on August 18, 2024, at the Avalon Hollywood. The Dorian Awards TV Toast will start at 3 p.m., followed by the HCA’s TV Astras ceremony at 7 p.m. The organizations will also present a jointly-sponsored Mosaic Award to a TV or streaming series that exemplifies diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Remembering Patricia C. Shea

TV writer Patricia C. (“Patt”) Shea, known for her work on classic series like All in the Family, The Jeffersons, and The Golden Girls, passed away on April 12 at the age of 93. Shea specialized in “Edith-centered” episodes of All in the Family and was a three-time Humanitas Prize nominee. She co-created the All in The Family spinoff Gloria and leaves behind a legacy of influential work in television.

Shea is survived by her children Bill, Michael, and J.J., and six grandchildren.

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