Our Channel Surfing TV picks this week include a political drama, a Neo-Western, and a mostly true story. A man manipulates government from the shadows for his own gain in Uncle Samsik. A rancher fights to keep his land all while a mysterious void appears in his pasture in a new season of Outer Range. Finally, follow along the implausible journey of man fleeing the country under the guise of a film production in The Big Cigar.
Politics Makes Strange Bedfellows
Uncle Samsik takes place in 1960s Korea where Kim San is hoping to revolutionize his country and turn it into an industrial power. A shady political fixer known as Uncle Samsik plans to exploit San in order to fulfill his own goals. Though the pair may not always see eye to eye, they both want a better future for Korea.
The series stars Song Kang-ho of Parasite and Snowpiercer fame as the titular character while Byun Yohan plays Kim San. It is written and directed by Shin Yeonshick.
The first five episodes of Uncle Samsik launch Wednesday, May 15, on Hulu.
Time Reveals All
One of the biggest mysteries of Outer Range is the presence of a large dark void in the Wyoming wilderness. As teased both in the season one finale and the latest trailer, the void might involve some time traveling properties.
In the new season, not only must rancher, Royal Abbott, cope with the enigmatic void, but his family is still dealing with the sudden disappearance of one of their own. Not to mention, there are even more threats to Royal’s home from different fronts.
The entire second season of Outer Range drops Thursday, May 16, on Prime Video.
An Improbable Escape
One article from journalist Joshua Bearman about a CIA mission during the Iran Hostage Crisis was adapted into the film Argo. Another of his articles involving a fake movie and an escape has been adapted for the miniseries The Big Cigar.
The story follows Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton who flees to Cuba to escape the FBI. Producer Bert Schneider, who is responsible for bringing us The Monkees and Easy Rider, helps Newton by setting up sham production to smuggle the controversial figure out of the country.
Stream the first two episodes of The Big Cigar beginning Friday, May 17, on Apple TV+.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
