This week, TDS TV On Demand brings you the blockbuster “Insurgent,” the comedy “Hot Pursuit” and the critically acclaimed “Far From the Madding Crowd.” On the tube, don’t miss the final week of the long-running “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”
New on TDS TV On Demand
The Divergent Series: Insurgent
The second episode in the “Divergent” series has Tris (Shailene Woodley) continue to fight the powers that would destroy her. The film features a strong cast and first rate action, which overcomes the sometimes clunky story. Available August 4.
A La Mala
Spanish-language film about an aspiring actress who hires herself out to women who want to test their partner’s fidelity. Trouble occurs when she falls for her latest mark. Available August 4.
Far From the Madding Crowd
Carey Mulligan shines in this Victorian era drama (based on the famous Thomas Hardy novel) about an independent woman who is wooed by three very different suitors. Available August 4.
Hot Pursuit
Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara star in this fun road-trip comedy about a by-the-book cop who has to protect the widow of a drug lord. The two stars make the routine story worthwhile. Available August 11.
Unfriended
Six high school friends receive a Skype message from a classmate who died exactly one year ago. “Unfriended” is a horror film that wraps nice doses of creepiness and humor into its recipe. Available August 11.
TV Highlights
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
After 16 years, the brilliant Jon Stewart departs late night TV. Expect a week of powerhouse guests. The final show will be Thursday, August 6, on Comedy Central.
JFK & LBJ: A Time for Greatness
This documentary tracks the work of LBJ as he fought to enact John Kennedy’s landmark 1964 civil rights act. Tuesday, August 4, PBS.
Mr. Robinson
The affable Craig Robinson stars as a funk musician who becomes high school teacher to make money. Robinson is game, but the material is lacking. Still, there’s some hope due to Robinson’s engaging – and often hilarious – persona. Wednesday, August 5, NBC.
Difficult People
Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner play caustic New Yorkers who’s life is one long snarky comic routine. The narcissistic leads aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they are brutally funny at times. Series premiers Wednesday, August 5, on Hulu.
Project Runway
Tim Gunn and crew return for another season (the 14th!) of the best fashion reality show on the tube. Thursday, August 6, Lifetime.
Republican Debate
Let the 2016 presidential race begin! The leading Republican contenders square off in Cleveland for the first debate of the upcoming race. Thursday, August 6, Fox.
True Detective
Thing haven’t quite reached the heights of the original incarnation, but there’s been lots to mull over in the drama’s second season. Catch the season finale Sunday, August 9, on HBO.
News
Starz has announced that “Da Vinci’s Demons” will wrap after the upcoming third season.
TV legend Norman Lear is looking to reboot two of his classic sitcoms, “One Day at a Time” and “Good Times.”
“Black Sails” is getting a fourth season. Starz has picked up the pirate show for 10 more episodes.
HBO is reportedly looking to wrap “Game of Thrones” after the eighth season.
NBC will produce “The Wiz Live” this December. Mary J. Blige will play the Wicked Witch of the West while Queen Latifah will take on the title role.
