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The head of HBO just dropped a big clue about Lanterns season 2 β€” and his 'not right now' comments have worried me about the popular DC comic-book show's future

16 September 2026 at 11:00
  • The People v Gorilla Grodd is the only DCU TV show in active development
  • HBO's boss recently confirmed as much at the 2026 Emmys
  • His comments have got me fearing for Lanterns' future

The boss of HBO has revealed that only one DC Universe (DCU) TV show is officially in the works β€” and now I'm afraid for the future of Lanterns.

Speaking to Deadline, Casey Bloys confirmed that The People v Gorilla Grodd (TPvGG), aka the recently announced Superman TV spin-off, is the only TV series in active development at DC Studios.

Asked for a status update on DC's myriad television productions, Bloys replied: "People read about development, and they assume that those are greenlit shows and they're [already in] development. And everybody knows that development is just that β€” you're trying things, you take big swings, [and] not everything comes through.

"I would say our track record in DC, from Watchmen to Peacemaker to Penguin and now Lanterns, is pretty good. We're very selective. We're careful about what we do, nothing has changed. You'll read about development, but focus on what we're greenlighting."

Pressed on whether any other show was in active development, Bloys added: "No, not right now, obviously you've got [The People v] Gorilla Grodd, which I'm very happy about, [they're] doing something different, and I think it's a really fun idea. They just started shooting."

Why I'm fearing the worst for the fate of HBO's Green Lantern TV show

Hal Jordan wearing glasses and holding up his fist with his Green Lantern ring activated in Lanterns

Fans have fallen in love with the abrasive Hal Jordan since Lanterns premiered in mid-August (Image credit: DC Studios/HBO Max)

For fans who've immersed themselves in the DCU since day one, Bloys' comments will be of concern.

Indeed, when DC Studios co-head James Gunn revealed the official lineup for DCU Chapter One in January 2023, six small-screen projects were unveiled as part of the rebooted cinematic franchise's initial slate.

Since then, four more series have been added to the list of potential TV candidates, but only one β€” The People v Gorilla Grodd β€” has been greenlit. Meanwhile, some shows that were named as part of Gunn's initial announcement, including Waller and Paradise Lost, have reportedly been shelved. Others, such as Booster Gold, have been trapped in development hell.

John Stewart carrying a rucksack and Green Lantern in Lanterns

John Stewart has also won a whole new army of fans in HBO's Green Lanterns TV show (Image credit: HBO)

With Bloys outright confirming TPvGG is all that DC Studios' TV division is actively working on, it's not surprising that fans β€” myself included β€” are fearing for Lanterns' future.

The Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler-led sci-fi crime drama, which has seen its audience share seemingly grow week-on-week amid positive word of mouth, is one of the most popular shows on television right now. With three more episodes of its debut season yet to air (at the time of publication, anyway), I'm convinced that its viewership will increase in the weeks to come, too.

Considering that HBO's Green Lantern TV show has been such a hit, it's inevitable that a second season will be made, right? Not if we believe Bloys. After all, there are numerous examples of hugely successful shows β€” on HBO, HBO Max, and otherwise β€” that haven't returned for another round. There's no guarantee, then, that Lanterns season 2 will be a thing.

That said, DC Studios has assembled a writers room for Lanterns season 2 to kick around potential story ideas. That doesn't mean DC and HBO have pledged to make another season of the DCU Chapter One program, but it does offer hope that, if the right story angle can be found, another eight-part installment might be *ahem* constructed.

As I said at the start of this article, though, I am worried for Lanterns' fate. Bloys is likely playing it coy, but I'm of the opinion that he would've had something positive to say about Lanterns' future if a sophomore season was more likely to happen than not. Right now, then, I'm reluctantly confident that it'll be a one and done scenario.

Mind you, that doesn't mean we won't see Pierre's John Stewart β€” and, potentially, Chandler's Hal Jordan β€” again in the DCU. Pierre's Stewart is already set to play a role in Man of Tomorrow, aka next July's follow-up to Gunn's Superman sequel. Meanwhile, there are unsubstantiated rumors floating around that a DCU Green Lantern movie might be fast-tracked because of how popular Lanterns has proven to be.

If, and it's a big if, we get a big-screen Lanterns follow-up to the hit comic book-inspired show, you certainly won't hear me complaining about the decision not to make a second season.

For now, find out everything we know so far about Man of Tomorrow, get the full lowdown on The People v Gorilla Grodd, and learn all there is to know about Clayface.

Superman spin-off show The People v Gorilla Grodd reveals absurd first look at the titular ape β€” and DC fans are calling on James Gunn to keep his 'George of the Jungle' form

10 September 2026 at 11:00
  • DC fans have received their first look at The People v Gorilla Grodd
  • Multiple images and videos of the Superman spin-off have appeared online
  • They show The Flash villain attending university and as part of an A Cappella group

The first images and videos for The People v Gorilla Grodd (TPvGG) have appeared online β€” and they've sparked something of a fierce fan debate over the titular, hyperintelligent ape.

Billed as a mockumentary show, the forthcoming Superman spin-off will see Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) re-examine a case against Grodd (voiced by Jimmy Tatro) to determine whether the latter was wrongly convicted of his father's murder. And, based on the set leaks we've seen thus far, it seems some fans are already convinced that Grodd is innocent.

Their evidence? The numerous behind-the-scenes pictures and footage of the HBO Max TV series shared online yesterday (September 9) that indicate Grodd is nothing more than a popular, intellectual, and fun-loving ladies' man.

New Looks At Gorilla Grodd In The People Vs Gorilla Grodd(πŸ“Έ@Tris10KnowsBall) pic.twitter.com/fFunu697UASeptember 9, 2026

For one, in videos shared on X/Twitter, Grodd is seen as part of an A Cappella group at Metropolis University. Further footage shows Grodd trying to woo a fellow student with his singing abilities and β€” I kid you not β€” singing LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem' on campus with the rest of his A Cappella group.

But wait, there's more. In images uploaded to the same social media platform, Grodd is also seen graduating from university. A separate shot shows the DC comic book character is pictured wearing a shirt, waist jacket, and trousers (see below), too. It's unclear if this is Grodd wearing his college uniform or if he's dressed smartly for his murder trial.

EXCLUSIVE: First Look at Gorilla Grodd in The People Vs Gorilla Grodd pic.twitter.com/EX2fGv7ANnSeptember 9, 2026

Regardless, it appears that most DC Universe (DCU) fans are happy with what they've seen of Grodd. Various threads on r/DC_Cinematic, r/DCULeaks, and the ResetEra forums are full of comments from people saying they're coming around to the prospect that The People v Gorilla Grodd will actually be good. In fact, some even want the Grodd stand-in to be kept for the final product, rather than see him replaced by a CGI version.

That said, there are those who aren't enamored with how the supervillain looks. Others don't like that he isn't being used in a movie starring his archnemesis in Barry Allen/The Flash, and/or that he's being disrespectfully reduced to a caricature of his comic book counterpart. We'll see how the DCU's portrayal shakes out when TPvGG is finally ready to go.

Comment
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Confirmation that filming has begun comes just two weeks after The People v Gorilla Grodd's official title, cast, and plot were revealed and almost 10 months after reports first emerged that a Superman off-shoot was in development at DC Studios. There's no word on when TPvGG will be released but, with the cameras now rolling, it's possible we could see the DCU Chapter One program before the end of 2027.

For more ahead of its eventual debut on HBO Max, aka one of the world's best streaming services, find out everything else we know so far about The People v Gorilla Grodd.

What is the release date for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 4 on HBO Max?

The Big Bang Theory's Bernadette as a demon is something I didn't think I'd ever see in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe β€” but, now that I have, it somehow makes complete sense.

Last week's episode saw us meet her in a wizarding world but, in this week's entry we're swapping the magical action for something a little more One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest-coded.

But who, if anyone, really is crazy? And when does Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 4 arrive on HBO Max?

What time can I watch Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 4 on HBO Max?

For US viewers, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 4 will drop on Thursday, August 13 at 6pm PT/ 9pm ET.

Internationally, you're looking out for these timings:

  • US – Thursday, August 13 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
  • Canada – Thursday, August 13 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET
  • UK – Friday, August 14 at 2am BST
  • India – Friday, August 14 at 6:30am IST
  • Singapore – Friday, August 14 at 9am SGT
  • Australia – Friday, August 14 at 11am AEDT
  • New Zealand – Friday, August 14 at 12pm NZDT

When do new episodes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe come out?

Bert, Kripke, Denise and Stuart are interrogated while wearing military uniform

Me and who being suited and booted for more episodes? (Image credit: HBO Max)

New episodes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will make landfall every Thursday in the US and on Fridays everywhere else. Here are the all-important dates you need to know about:

  • Episode 1: out now
  • Episode 2: out now
  • Episode 3: out now
  • Episode 4: August 13
  • Episode 5: August 20
  • Episode 6: August 27
  • Episode 7: September 3
  • Episode 8: September 10
  • Episode 9: September 17
  • Episode 10: September 24

House of the Dragon season 4: release window, possible cast, story predictions, and more on the HBO Max show's final chapter

10 August 2026 at 20:00
House of the Dragon season 4: key information

- Announced in November 2025
- It will be the show's final season
- Expected to premiere in 2028
- Filming could begin in early 2027
- No trailer or other footage available yet
- Many of the show's cast will return
- Some actors won't reprise their roles
- Plot will pick up after the season 3 finale
- Other story details teased in its source material
- No plans for a surprise fifth season

House of the Dragon season 4 has plenty riding on it. With the high-fantasy show's next chapter set to be its final installment, it'll have to deliver a fittingly fiery conclusion to the Targaryen Civil War, and wrap numerous other subplots and character arcs before its final credits sequence rolls.

All of that, and the final season's 2028 launch, feel a long way off at this stage β€” but that doesn't mean we can't look forward to its eventual release. So, if you want to know more about its possible cast, expected storylines, and more besides, this guide to the Game of Thrones prequel's next chapter is geared towards you.

Hop on, dragonrider, and let's take flight together.

House of the Dragon season 4 release date: what we know

A bloodied and dazed Daemon in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

Daemon will return in House of the Dragon's final season (Image credit: HBO Max)

HBO hasn't revealed next season's official launch date yet. However, as part of a multi-show renewal announcement that confirmed House of the Dragon season 4 was in development, the US TV network's boss Casey Bloys said it would premiere sometime in 2028.

Of course, plans can change, but word is that the cameras will start rolling in early 2027. Should that be the case, I'll be more confident that House of the Dragon season 4 will make its HBO Max debut in 2028.

House of the Dragon season 4 trailer: is there one?

A worried looking Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 7

Any idea when we'll see next season's first trailer, Alicent? (Image credit: HBO)

Unsurprisingly, no β€” and we won't see one for a long time yet. Once a trailer for House of the Dragon season 4 is unveiled, I'll update this section.

House of the Dragon season 4 likely cast

A close-up of Aegon II and Aemond with their faces very close together in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

We'll see Aegon II and Aemond again next season (Image credit: Ollie Upton/HBO)

Full spoilers follow for House of the Dragon season 3, and Fire and Blood, aka the book the show is based on.

Here's who I expect to see in House of the Dragon season 4:

  • Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
  • Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
  • Matt Damon as Daemon Targaryen
  • Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon
  • Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II Targaryen
  • Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen
  • Bethany Antonio as Baela Targaryen
  • Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen
  • Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull
  • Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull
  • Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
  • Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer
  • Tom Bennett as Ulf the White
  • Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Daeron Targaryen
  • Freddie Fox as Gwayne Hightower
  • Jefferson Hall as Tyland Lannister
  • Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers
  • Joplin Sibtain as Jon Roxton
  • Kyrt Egyiawan as Orwyle
  • Archie Barnes as Oscar Tully
  • Annie Shapero as Alysanne Blackwood
  • Dan Fogler as Torrhen Manderly
  • Amanda Collin as Jeyne Arryn

Three big names were taken off the proverbial chess board in last season's finale, meaning they won't return for chapter 4.

James Norton's Ormund Hightower and Tommy Flanagan's Roderick Dustin were both gravely injured as part of their Tumbleton duel. The pair were then burned alive by Ulf and his dragon Silverwing in the final throes of said conflict.

Meanwhile, Phia Saban's Helaena committed suicide by throwing herself from a window in Maegar's Holdfast as a way out of being Rhaenyra's perennial prisoner. This trio, then, won't be back for another round.

Helaena lying dead in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

So long, Helaena (Image credit: HBO Max)

There are bound to be a few returning faces, including Jamie Kenna's Ser Alfred Broome, while individuals like Ser Marston Waters and an unhinged, so-called prophet known simply as The Shepherd, who are yet to appear in House of the Dragon, might also show up.

In Fire and Blood, Broome and Waters play integral roles in the Fall of Dragonstone and/or other late-game events. Meanwhile, The Shepherd is responsible for instigating the Storming of the Dragonpit, a hugely significant event that was teased as part of Helaena's dream sequence in season 3 episode 7. I have a wild theory about the identity of The Shepherd, though, which you can read more about in my season 3 ending explained article in this guide's plot section.

That all said, House of the Dragon has taken some creative liberties with its source material, so there's no guarantee that this triumvirate will be part of proceedings. Hopefully, it won't be too long until HBO confirms season 4's full cast roster, and we can say with certainty that they, plus other returnees and newcomers, will take part.

House of the Dragon season 4 story speculation

A shot of Rhaenyra Targaryen wearing her crown and armor as she looks down in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

Rhaenyra has fully committed to her tyrant queen persona (Image credit: HBO Max)

Full spoilers follow for House of the Dragon season 3. Fire and Blood spoilers are also discussed.

Season 4's story synopsis hasn't been revealed yet, but we've got a good idea of what'll happen next

My House of the Dragon season 3 ending explained piece contains some clues about where things will go from here. Meanwhile, those who've read Fire and Blood will definitely know what's in store for Rhaenyra, Aegon II, and everyone else moving forward.

I'm about to dig into some aspects of the latter, so this is your one and only warning: potentially big spoilers immediately follow for House of the Dragon season 4. Skip to the next section if you don't want any major story beats ruined ahead of time.

Corlys Velaryon standing outside of the town of Tumbleton in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

What'll become of Corlys Velaryon next season? (Image credit: Theo Whiteman/HBO)

Still here? You'll already know β€” or want to know β€” that there are many more deadly events yet to be played out in the Dance of the Dragons.

Indeed, the Fall of Dragonstone and Storming of the Dragonpit notwithstanding, we should also see live-action depictions of the Battle Above the Gods Eye, the Second Battle of Tumbleton, and the final showdown between Rhaenyra and Aegon II.

Other moments, such as the Moon of the Three Kings, Battle of the Kingsroad, the False Dawn, and Hour of the Wolf could also be adapted. However, House of the Dragon season 4 already has plenty of destructive and life-threatening ground to cover, so I'd be surprised if the latter pair are shown in any great capacity, if at all.

Addam looking at Alyn in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

There could be further ructions in the Velaryon household in season 4 (Image credit: HBO)

That said, the series could end on an unexpected note. Asked by Business Insider about how he planned on concluding things, Condal replied: "We've talked about this being kind of a World War II movie: There are plenty of World War II movies that exist where you tell the story within this greater war, but the curtain drops at some point in the story, and it's not necessarily with Japan's surrender or Hitler dying in the bunker β€” these big kind of endpoints where you could say World War II truly ended. You're telling the story within the story.

"So, in no way to comment at all on how we're planning on ending this, but I think that was the trick," he continued. "Because Fire & Blood is a decades-spanning history, the question is really more 'Where do you drop the curtain on this particular story?. We're telling the story of the Dance of the Dragons... at what point do you drop the curtain on this, [in a way] that feels satisfying and like you've told a complete story, but also that leaves certain things open-ended? [By] telling the audience, intentionally, that history marches on."

A collage of Ulf wearing his armor and Hugh Hammer walking a destroyed street in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

Ulf White and Hugh Hammer might no longer be affiliated with the Targaryens or Hightowers (Image credit: HBO)

Before things come to an end, there are many subplots and character arcs to tie up. Those include β€” but aren't limited to β€” Rhaenyra potentially losing more allies in Baela, Addam, and Corlys; Aegon and Aemond teaming up to tackle Daeron and Rhaenyra; Alyn having to deal with taking the life of the High Septon under Rhaenyra's orders; and Hugh reckoning with Cat's death, and how that'll impact his loyalty to Rhaenyra.

Furthermore, there will be Alicent learning of Helaena's death and Aegon II's return, Mysaria's possible role in instigating a rebellion against Rhanyera, and Ulf being a dragon-wielding wildcard whose no longer loyal to Team Black or Team Green β€” and that's just dealing with some of the show's expansive ensemble.

Of course, the biggest question of all is: will House of the Dragon be able to give closure to everyone in the eight, 60-minute-long episodes that remain before its final curtain call? That remains to be seen. But, with other popular shows recently failing to stick the landing from a finale standpoint, Condal and company will hope House of the Dragon doesn't become the latest one to under-deliver for its fanbase.

Will there be a fifth season of House of the Dragon?

A hooded Mysaria looking annoyed as she stands in a crowd of people in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 8

Who else pulled this face when they realized there won't be a fifth season? (Image credit: HBO Max)

Right now, no. Speaking to Deadline in January, HBO boss Casey Bloys replied "yes, that is the idea" when asked if the show will end with season 4. In a separate chat with Deadline this June, showrunner Ryan Condal also said "I think I have said what I have to say about Westeros" β€” the implication being that, once House of the Dragon's fourth season has ended, it won't return for another outing.

There's always the prospect of HBO replacing Condal with someone else if it felt that a fifth season was necessary, but it would be bizarre to see another individual helm a single season of it. It would be even weirder if House of the Dragon's story continued after season 4, because the show was only intended to cover the Targaryen Civil War as it's outlined in Fire and Blood.

There's plenty more ground to cover with House Targaryen and Westeros more generally post-The Dance of the Dragons. Those stories are arguably best told in separate Thrones spin-offs, though, rather than being the foundations on which to build a fifth season. In short: don't expect to see House of the Dragon season 5 once the show reaches what's expected to be its natural end with its fourth and final installment.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 1's 'OG death' isn't actually shocking at all β€” in fact, there's an overwhelmingly obvious clue to confirm that it's not even real

Spoilers for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 1 ahead.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe episode 1 has arrived, and is now available to stream worldwide on HBO Max.

In short, our "starting" versions of Stuart (Kevin Sussman), Denise (Lauren Lapkus), Kripke (John Ross Bowie) and Bert (Brian Posehn) live in a reality akin to The Walking Dead, complete with Mad Max-style apocalyptic outposts and wasps that are the size of cars.

Stuart accidentally triggered this multiverse Armageddon after breaking a device supposedly built by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki).

Shortly after Kripke, that universe's leader, is confronted by the rest of the group, we meet our first secret TBBT cameo: Raj (Kunal Nayyar). He's basically become a doomsday prepper, working on plans on a blackboard for how to get the device working and get the hell outta dodge.

But just as quickly as we've met him, Raj is killed while the others safely teleport to... well, hopefully somewhere better. It's a bold move, and one that has shocked fans if social media is anything to go by.

However, we've been so caught up in Raj's death that we haven't considered one major detail... it hasn't really happened at all.

Only one version of Raj is now dead... and it's certainly not the one from The Big Bang Theory

Did you forget? This is just one version of Raj in one universe, meaning there's still an infinite number of Raj's out there to be found.

As none of the versions of the characters we're meeting are actually the ones seen in TBBT, original Raj is safely in California doing some science equations in peace (probably).

This doesn't even rule out Raj appearing again later on in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. Now that we know he's a confirmed cameo for the HBO Max spinoff, it would be silly not to use him again where possible. With the overarching narrative so difficult to predict, the possibilities are endless.

If nothing else, this now means that we're likely to see other TBBT cast members cameo in other episodes, and whether they're killed off or not. However, who these cameos might be is anybody's guess.

What we do know for episodes 2-10 is pretty minimal, but the below preview gives us the faintest idea of what to expect. Strap in, is all I'm saying.

A24's The Drama finally has a streaming release on HBO Max β€” here's the date you need to save for the black-comedy movie

  • The Drama is coming to HBO Max on July 31
  • The movie's streaming release follows a successful theatrical run
  • The Drama received mostly positive reviews from critics

The Drama is finally coming to HBO Max, with confirmation that it will arrive on one of the best streaming services on July 31.

A24's black comedy The Drama caused quite a stir with its dramatic marketing, teasing engagement photos of Robert Pattinson and Zendaya's characters. Even before I knew what it was about, I knew it would be a must-watch.

The Drama follows Emma and Charlie, whose relationship is tested by an unexpected revelation during the week before their wedding. What follows ensures that the movie definitely lives up to its name β€” that's all I'll say.

What did critics say about The Drama?

The Drama received mostly positive reviews, earning a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score, and there was plenty of praise for the two leads.

According to the critics' consensus: "Flirting with complex themes, The Drama walks a tonal tightrope with impressive poise thanks to career-highlight performances by Robert Pattinson and Zendaya."

The audience score is just as favorable, with the verdict being: "Elevated by remarkable performances, The Drama wrestles with questions of trust and forgiveness, drawing out profoundly uncomfortable emotions that linger long after the credits roll."

The movie is joining an impressive line-up of A24 movies from recent releases to the studio's earlier work. If you're a fan of black comedy and drama movies, you won't want to miss The Drama.

Unfortunately, there's still a little while to wait until it arrives. But we've got you covered, as you can check out our best HBO Max movies round-up to get more recommendations for what to watch.

What is the release date for Rick and Morty season 9 episode 6 on Adult Swim, HBO Max, and Hulu?

With Videodrome, Mulholland Drive, and Wild at Heart among my favorite movies of all time, I can't help but be tickled by the David Lynch-themed title of this week's Rick and Morty season 9 episode: Erickerhead.

A clever play on Eraserhead, we could expect the Smith family to turn their typical extraterrestrial adventures into something even more surreal. As the synopsis cryptically hints, "Rick's stomach is mad, broh. But it's all-you-can-eat-and-drink here, broh."

Truthfully, that could mean anything. But when does Rick and Morty season 9 episode 6 arrive on Adult Swim, Hulu, and HBO Max?

What time can I watch Rick and Morty season 9 episode 6 on Adult Swim, Hulu, and HBO Max?

In the US, Rick and Morty season 9 episode 6 will debut on Adult Swim on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm PT / 11pm ET.

Viewers elsewhere, as well as in the US, have two streaming options: Hulu and HBO Max. Episodes should appear on these platforms 24 hours after they've aired on Adult Swim, meaning you can expect episode 6 on Monday, June 29.

These are the timings you need to take note of:

  • US – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • Canada – 12am PT / 3am ET
  • UK – 8am BST
  • India – 12:30pm IST
  • Singapore – 3pm SGT
  • Australia – 6pm AEST
  • New Zealand – 8pm NZDT

When do new episodes of Rick and Morty season 9 come out?

Rick and Morty season 9

(Image credit: Adult Swim)

Rick and Morty season 9 is set to have 10 episodes. As long as there are no unexpected delays, we can expect it to have the following release schedule:

  • Episode 1: out now
  • Episode 2: out now
  • Episode 3: out now
  • Episode 4: out now
  • Episode 5: out now
  • Episode 6: June 28
  • Episode 7: July 5
  • Episode 8: July 12
  • Episode 9: July 19
  • Episode 10: July 26

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