Prime Video Canada prequel revisits ‘The Lord of the Rings’
The size of streaming series has gotten ever bigger, but that’s about to take a major leap forward with one of fiction’s best-known brands.
Author J.R.R. Tolkien’s saga is revisited as the new series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” begins streaming eight weekly episodes Friday, Sept. 2, on Prime Video Canada. Filmed in New Zealand, the epic production uses appendices from the Tolkien work to unfold thousand of years before the events in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” as the Second Age of Middle-earth sees widespread evil prompt a final alliance between elves and men to defend the world.
Boasting huge physical sets rather than relying principally on computer imagery, the fantasy-drama boasts a large cast, as the “Rings” feature films have. Lloyd Owen’s character, Elendil, is a sailor and warrior who becomes the leader of exiles – split into two Realms, Arnor and Gondor – from the island kingdom of Numenor.
“Especially with something as broad as this, which is trying to match Tolkien’s vast imagination, I think part of the absolute joy of this series is the level of skill and work and dedication and attention to detail that went into it,” Owen reflects. “That was so present once we got to the set for Numenor, which is where much of the action is based.”
Owen’s own familiarity with “The Lord of the Rings” dates back to his youth. “I was given a paperback edition, and it’s got one of Tolkien’s own drawings on the front cover. I remember seeing a friend at school reading a monster-sized book, which actually was the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy in paperback, and he was about 10 pages from the end.
“I said, ‘Well done! Congratulations on getting so far into such an enormous book.’ And he said, ‘Yeah! I can’t wait to finish it, because then, I’m going to read it all over again from the beginning.’ And I remember thinking he was insane, but that gave me an inkling of the effect that Tolkien’s writing was having.”
Also an accomplished stage actor, Owen – whose previous TV work includes “Monarch of the Glen” and “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” – allows that he hasn’t been involved before with anything on the scale of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” (which moves to England for production of Season 2).
“I just feel so privileged and excited to be a part of it,” he concludes. “And with my own interest in Tolkien as well, it was just an opportunity impossible to turn down ... despite the fact that I had to go to the other side of the world to do it.”
Saturday Movie: Warming Up to You 8 p.m. on CHBC, GLBBC
Kate Wolfe (Cindy Busby), a fitness instructor, takes a job at her best friend’s wellness retreat, where one of her first clients is Rick Steele (Christopher Russell), an A-list actor training for a new movie. As they work together to make athletic progress, they begin to click romantically as well. That blossoming relationship is threatened, though, then Rick’s co-star, Liza Calhoun (Caitlin Stryker), arrives to train as well. Devon Alexander, Latonya Williams and Al Miro co-star in this 2022 romance.
Movie: Game, Set, Love 8 p.m. on W
Former pro tennis player Taylor (Davida Williams) agrees to coach her former doubles partner Ashley (Jennifer Khoe) and her new partner Will (Richard Harmon), who needs to repair his reputation and career. Although Taylor and Will clash, she’s surprised to discover a different side to him in this 2022 romance. Even more surprising, she finds herself entering the tournament with Will after Ashley is sidelined by an injury. As they get ready to compete, the pair learns they just may be a perfect match. Former U.S.Open and Wimbledon champion Tracy Austin also stars.
Sunday 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? 5 p.m. on TLC; 9 p.m. on TLC
Six fan favorite couples are coming back for the Season 7 premiere episode “Suddenly Everything Has Changed,” as they navigate their relationships into uncharted waters. Everything from emotional affairs to immigration issues and disapproving family members — and actual war — are just some of the issues that pop up this time around. The returning couples are Angela and Michael, Elizabeth and Andrei, Jovi and Yara, Ed and Liz, Jenny and Sumit, and Kim and Usman.
2022 MTV Video Music Awards 5 p.m. on MUCH; 8 p.m. on CW; 9 p.m. on MUCH
Last year Lil Nas X cleaned up at the VMAs and he’s poised to keep the momentum flowing with seven nominations. But he’ll have competition from Jack Harlow and Kendrick Lamar who also have seven. But if there is a must-watch category this year it’s Video of the Year with Harry Styles, Doja Cat, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift all nominated. Nicki Minaj receives the Video Vanguard Award for career achievements.
Animal Kingdom 6 p.m. on DRAMA; 1:30 a.m. on DRAMA
So this is how it ends. The Codys have never been what you’d call a traditional family, and in the series finale “Fubar,” the Cody boys embark on their most dangerous job yet — and things don’t go as expected. Meanwhile, Pope (Shawn Hatosy) commits the original sin that destroys the family and leaves gravediggers busy. After all, those holes aren’t going to fill themselves.
WWE Rivals 7:01 p.m. on A&E; 11:04 p.m. on A&E
The on-screen rivalry between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio was a true battle between two of the most dynamic and successful luchadores in sports entertainment history. From their revolutionary matches to the intense plot line involving Rey’s son Dominick, both Rey and Eddie pushed the envelope when it came to storytelling inside and outside of the ring.
Monday Roswell, New Mexico 5 p.m. on SHOW; 8 p.m. on CW; 12 a.m. on SHOW
Just when you think this town can’t get any more stressful. In the new episode “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” Liz (Jeanine Mason) is pulled in multiple directions as she faces an impossible decision regarding her friends. Meanwhile Max (Nathan Dean) agrees to join sister Isobel (Lily Cowles) on a mission to save Bonnie (guest star Zoe Cipres), who’s come into town to rob a few banks. Michael Vlamis, Tyler Blackburn, Heather Hemmens, Michael Trevino and Amber Midthunder also star.
Farmhouse Fixer 6 p.m. on HGTV; 9 p.m. on HGTV
New Kids on the Block star Jonathan Knight returns in the Season 2 premiere to help the Kuprycz family, who recently purchased a 1798 farmhouse in New Hampshire. The family, who live on the West Coast, needs Jonathan and designer Kristina Crestin to transform the cramped, mismatched house before they arrive. Undaunted by the long-distance renovation, Jonathan will step in to make the ramshackle old house into a gorgeous family home.
Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine 6 p.m. on DISC; 10 p.m. on DISC
It’s been a rough go recently, but in the new episode “Cowboys & Dreamers,” world-class prospector Dave Turin gets the call from Rob Towner for a once-in-a-lifetime prospect opportunity at Gravely Ranch, Mont. There he uncovers the best gold-bearing ground he’s ever seen in the lower 48. But in order to mine it he must earn the trust of a ranching family wary of miners.
Seeking Sister Wife 7 p.m. on TLC; 11 p.m. on TLC
In the new episode “No Kiss Friends,” the Merrifields have a problem when Roberta learns the truth about Garrick and Lea. Then the Epps talk about the many pros and cons of Bina and Janae. Meanwhile, the Foleys seem ready to ask April to move in, the Jones kids finally meet Arielle, and Danielle defends her devotion to the Davises.
Tuesday Steal This House 7 p.m. on HGTV; 10 p.m. on HGTV
Cristy Lee (“All Girls Garage”) hosts this new Detroit-based home renovation series, in which she helps clients find inexpensive and unimpressive properties with dream-home potential. Next, she creates a renovation plan that will give them the biggest bang for fewer bucks. In the premiere, Lee meets a frustrated couple who have been house-hunting for three years without finding a property in their price range that checks off everything they’re looking for.
My Big Fat Fabulous Life 7 p.m. on TLC; 11 p.m. on TLC
When Babs is released from the hospital after suffering a stroke and getting COVID, Whitney, Glenn and Hunter must scramble to find a place for her to live where she’ll feel comfortable. And with their wedding quickly approaching, tensions between personal trainer Jessica and her fiancé heat up in the new episode “A New Home for Babs.”
It’s CompliPlated 7 p.m. on FOOD; 10 p.m. on FOOD
Bestselling author Tabitha Brown hosts this new entertaining cooking show in which determined chefs do everything they can think of to please an insanely picky panel of eaters with the same plate of food. The series is aimed at helping home cooks who want to make some of the favorite dishes everyone seems to love, but also need to accommodate all the various diets, food allergies and simple personal tastes in their group.
Inside Out 8 p.m. on HGTV
Southern California home renovators Carmine Sabatella and Mike Pyle return for Season
2 of this home series, in which Carmine, a real estate agent and interior designer, and landscape designer Mike give their clients a stunning home transformation both inside and out. Here’s the catch: The total budget is set in stone, so each of the guys have to persuade the clients to invest as much of that money into the interior (Carmine) or outdoors (Mike) as they’re willing to.
Devils 9 p.m. on CW
In this new episode, Massimo’s (Alessandro Borghi) growing suspicions about Wu Zhi (Li Jun Li) and Liwei (Joel de la Fuente) are confirmed by Dominic (Patrick Dempsey) and, as a result, Massimo and Dominic work together to sabotage a deal of huge strategic importance to NYL’s Chinese investors. Meanwhile, Oliver (Malachi Kirby) discovers that someone has sabotaged his chance of a future outside NYL and his friendship with Massimo suffers the consequences.
More Power 10 p.m. on HIST; 12 a.m. on HIST
Longtime sitcom colleagues Tim Allen and Richard Karn (“Home Improvement”) reteam for this new 10-episode docuseries that finds the duo — joined by YouTube DIY star April Wilkerson — looking back at the fascinating history of how tools evolved from basic handheld implements to mighty industrial creations that make life easier for society at large. Allen also welcomes some of the most skilled makers in America to his personal home shop, which serves as the main base of operations for this show.
Wednesday Guy’s Ultimate Game Night 6 p.m. on FOOD; 9 p.m. on FOOD
This may become the ultimate food fight as the series premiere episode “Laugh, Rock and Rolls” brings Guy Fieri’s celebrity friends to the Flavortown Lounge for entertaining food-inspired games. This new game show puts a culinary twist on classic party games as the celebrity contestants compete in front of a live studio audience for the chance to win prizes for their favorite charity. Chef Antonia Lofaso assists with all the action of the competition.
Help! I Wrecked My House 7 p.m. on HGTV; 10 p.m. on HGTV
We follow Jasmine Roth in this Season 3 premiere as she helps a homeowner who is struggling to renovate his father’s childhood home. The dream to fully restore the 1960s-style house quickly became a nightmare when burnout and an unreliable contractor came into play. Jasmine steps in to revamp the unfinished rooms, including the kitchen, dining room and living room, transforming the home into a mid-century masterpiece that will be an ideal family home for generations to come.
No Recipe Road Trip With The Try Guys 7 p.m. on FOOD; 10 p.m. on FOOD
The Try Guys finally have their own show. In their series premiere episode “Nashville: Dosas and Wedding Cakes,” the four fearless best friends test their culinary instincts to recreate signature menu items in Music City. In each episode, the guys hit a new city and visit two local establishments where each must attempt to make the restaurant’s best-known dish with no recipe or instruction.
DC’s Stargirl 8 p.m. on CW
The Season 3 premiere episode “Frenemies — Chapter One: The Murder” makes it look like Starman (Joel McHale) might be here for the right reasons after all. While Courtney (Brec Bassinger) hopes there will finally be peace in the valley, The Gambler (guest star Eric Goins) arrives in town looking to make his own amends. But can the team trust him? Meanwhile, Tigress (Joy Osmanski) and Sportsmaster (Neil Hopkins) have been upgraded to series regular status. Luke Wilson, Amy Smart, Anjelika Washington, Trae Romano and Yvette Monreal also star.
Thursday No Demo Reno 6 p.m. on HGTV; 9 p.m. on HGTV
Well known for her wildly popular Instagram account, home renovation expert and designer
Jenn Todryk returns for her sophomore season of showing home owners how to achieve a full transformation of their living spaces without resorting to extensive demolition work. Here, Todryk gives a large family a kitchen and living area makeover that suits everyone’s needs, and completes a serene main bedroom retreat with a home office for a couple with six children.
The Midwich Cuckoos 6 p.m. on SHOW; 1 a.m. on SHOW
Well, this is an interesting development. In the series premiere episode of this sci-fi drama “Bad Things,” it seems the child-bearing aged women in the town of Midwich inexplicably fall pregnant. As they give birth, everyone realizes these children are unlike any other. Each child resembles their mother and have their mother’s DNA, but with alien additions. Not surprisingly, the government steps in to watch things a bit more closely. Stars Keeley Hawes, Aisling Loftus, Max Beesley, Ukweli Roach, Synnove Karlsen and Lara Rossi.
Cesar Millan: Better Human Better Dog 7 p.m. on NGC; 10 p.m. on NGC
The Season 2 premiere “Best Friend, Bodyguard” finds Cesar trying to help a human client with a fearful and aggressive Rhodesian Ridgeback named Simba. The latter has some troubling trust issues with his human companion, leading to overprotective hostility that threatens anyone else who crosses his path. Another client needs help with his animal buddy Otto, an anxious and confused mini-Schnauzer.
Bump 8 p.m. on CW
Reema (Safia Arain) and Oly (Nathalie Morris) try to figure out how their friendship works now that they seem to have nothing in common. Meanwhile, an impromptu girls’ night results in unexpected alliances and realizations, and the boredom of Angie (Claudia Karvan) and Matias’ (Ricardo Scheihing-Vasquez) night at a P&C meeting sets off their growing tension. Then Angel (Catalina Palma Godoy) makes a move on Santi (Carlos Sanson Jr.), leaving Oly with questions about their relationship in the new episode “oleema.”
The Princes and the Press 9 p.m. on CBUT
They are arguably the two most popular brothers in the world. Princes William and Harry have been in the spotlight since before they were born, but just as the line of succession diverts to different destinations, so have the two taken different approaches to how they deal with the media. In the docuseries’ premiere episode “The New Generation,” journalist Amol Rajan investigates how the relationship between the British Royal Family and newspapers has changed dramatically in recent years.
Friday Movie: It Should Happen to You 5 p.m. on TCM
This 1954 comedy is not only a delight, it’s a potential springboard for a discussion of our celebrity-crazed culture. Judy Holliday stars as out-ofwork model Gladys Glover, who uses the last of her savings to put her name on billboards around New York. It works; now everybody knows her name, and everybody wants to know her. Jack Lemmon made his big-screen starring debut in the role of Gladys’ boyfriend. Peter Lawford also stars.
Bobby and Sophie on the Coast 7 p.m. on FOOD; 10 p.m. on FOOD
California is a major tourist destination with no shortage of attractions to draw visitors, but Food Network superstar Bobby Flay and his daughter, Sophie, have culinary wonders on their mind as they take an incredible food tour along the California coastline. Father and daughter are looking for interesting restaurants that are lucky enough to have an inspired chef in the kitchen, the kind who knows how to get creative from the best and freshest foods available in that area.
Dynasty 9 p.m. on CW
As Blake (Grant Show) institutes damage control to help Adam (Sam Underwood), Cristal (Daniella Alonso) offers questionable advice. Then Sam (Rafael de la Fuente) finds out about an unexpected presence at La Mirage and he and Culhane (Robert C. Riley) enlist Liam (Adam Huber) to help with the situation. Meanwhile, Alexis (Elaine Hendrix) wants to bond with her daughters, so she goes to great lengths to win over Fallon (Elizabeth Gillies) and Amanda (Eliza Bennett) in the new episode “First Kidnapping and Now Theft.”