#SetTheVCR: October 19-25, 2026

Monday, October 19

Tulsa King: Season Four (Anytime / Paramount+)

In Season Four, Dwight (Sylvester Stallone) fights to legitimize his empire and protect his crew as corrupt politicians, dangerous new enemies, and a crushing personal loss hit from every direction. However, every hard-won gain comes with even harder truths: about loyalty, leadership and the cost of ambition. Each move drags Dwight deeper into the street instincts he left behind in New York – turning Tulsa into a battleground and Dwight into the one threat no one can afford to underestimate.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: HEATHER O’ROURKE: SHE WAS HERE (ANYTIME / TUBI-US)

The heartbreaking true story of Heather O’Rourke, the young star of the iconic Poltergeist films, told through the eyes of those who knew her best, revealing the girl behind the role and the tragic events that ended her life too soon.
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Poltergeist. Released on June 4, 1982, Poltergeist is one of the strangest horror movies of all time because…nobody dies in it. Well, the house sorta dies. Still, everyone you meet in the movie makes it, they all survive until the end credits. And so I suspect the Poltergeist curse is rooted in the lazy irony that death stalks the cast. They die in real life but not in a horror movie. One of those notable real life deaths was, of course, Heather O’Rourke, who passed away at the tender age of 12 on February 1st, 1988. In an era before social media and algorithms, the noise―the ugly rumours―got louder than the truth. Reality was rejected and the mythology was accepted. The documentary Heather O’Rourke: She Was Here reframes the cultural conversation — not as a tragedy to dissect or generate vile clickbait, but rather…as a creative life worth remembering. Heather’s joy. Her kindness. And the future that was just starting to unfold: as a young girl but also her future creative endeavours. Who would she have become? This documentary arrives in what would have been Heather’s 50th year. She Was Here is a heartbreaking documentary to watch. Because, you know what’s coming. There is no spoiler alert for real life and real life history. But, gratefully, it weirdly provides closure. If you’re old enough, you can celebrate Heather O’Rourke’s life and work…she had a great run, she enriched our pop culture and it allows you to kind of close the chapter on that book. For this My Summer Lair conversation I’m joined by the doc’s producer and editor of She Was Here, Reese Eveneshen.

Tuesday, October 20

The NBA Tip-Off 2026 (3:00 p.m / NBC & Peacock)

The NBA Tip-Off 2026 will begin on Tuesday, October 20 with an NBC/Peacock tripleheader as the Boston Celtics visit the Detroit Pistons (3 p.m. ET), the defending NBA champion New York Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET) and the San Antonio Spurs meet the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center (9:30 p.m. ET). The NBA’s 81st regular season will conclude on Sunday, April 11, 2027, with all 30 teams in action. Programming Note: Inside the NBA (now on ESPN/ABC) kicks off tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE DISCIPLE: A WU-TANG FABLE (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

The true story of how a determined outsider talked his way into the Wu-Tang Clan to help create their highly controversial, one-of-a-kind album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.
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Welcome to one of the most bizarre and brilliant capers in music history! It plays out more like a high-stakes heist movie than a standard music documentary. The fact that a teenage fan from the Netherlands managed to convince RZA to let him produce a secret Wu-Tang album—only for it to end up in the hands of Martin Shkreli, the most hated man on the internet (many online haters are bots) sounds entirely made up. Yet, every piece of it is real. The documentary traces the decades-long journey of Tarik “Cilvaringz” Azzougarh, a Dutch-Moroccan teenage superfan who used sheer, relentless determination to talk his way into the Wu-Tang’s inner circle during the late ‘90s. So much for Protect Ya Neck. Cilvaringz became the primary driving force and producer behind Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. I’ve never heard this album. And neither have you. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was conceived not just as music, but as a conceptual art piece designed to protest how digital streaming has devalued music. Because: C.R.E.A.M. And that’s where this bizarre story shifts from an artist’s passion project to pure, unadulterated chaos. When the album was auctioned off in 2015 for $2 million, it didn’t go to a museum or a hip-hop purist. It went to infamous pharma-bro Martin Shkreli, setting off a wild chain reaction involving federal seizures, crypto-barons and a high-stakes battle over who actually controls the culture. Directed by Joanna Natasegara, The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable is a wild ride through ambition, obsession and the ultimate fight for artistic value. It proves that when it comes to the Wu-Tang…well: Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit.

Wednesday, October 21

The Terminal List: Season 2 (Anytime / Prime Video)

From the bestselling novels of the same name, The Terminal List centers on Navy SEAL Commander James Reece (Chris Pratt) as he battles unknown conspiratorial forces seeking to upend the world order. Season Two comes from Jack Carr’s second novel, True Believer, in which he puts James Reece on a journey of violent redemption, finding a new purpose after completing his list. The psychological revenge thriller of Season One opens into a globe-trotting espionage thriller that takes Reece across the Indian Ocean, Southern and Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Reece will uncover a conspiracy that reaches from Moscow to Langley and ties into his own family’s history.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: FROM: SEASONS 1-3 (ANYTIME / NETFLIX-US)

The residents of a small town struggle to find a way out when mysterious unknown forces keep them from leaving.
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On January 10, 2022 Stephen King tweeted: “I just saw the first episode of From. I was absolutely riveted. True edge-of-your-seat stuff, believable and scary as hell.” Later, King added another From tweet: “I’m three episodes in. Wonderful concept, beautifully handled. Is it possible these people are dead and don’t know it?” Oh, see…fascinating theory. At the time Stephen King was writing about Season 1. “The series unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town in middle America that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest – including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down.” Currently From’s fourth season ended on June 28, 2026. From’s first three seasons jump from MGM+ to Netflix-US. This is a perfect horror TV show to consume during October. You know which essential element was wholly missing from Mike Flanagan’s flawed Carrie? Stephen King vibes. You know what horror TV show has loads of Stephen King vibes?

Thursday, October 22

Swipe Right on the Devil (Anytime / Hulu & Disney+ Canada)

When 24-year-old Sydney Loofe disappears after a Tinder date, what begins as a missing-person case quickly spirals into a haunting mystery. As investigators race to uncover her whereabouts, they are drawn into an astounding world of manipulation, witchcraft, mind control and black magic. Each new lead uncovers disturbing revelations, exposing behavior that shocks even seasoned FBI agents. With every answer raising new questions, Sydney’s story becomes a cautionary tale about trust, vulnerability and the hidden dangers that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary encounters, culminating in a chilling case that remains as perplexing as it is unforgettable.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: NOBODY WANTS THIS: SEASON 3 (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

Joanne and Noah take their relationship to the next level amid sibling drama, maternal meddling and one giant leap of faith.
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Actually, three seasons later…turns out everybody wants this. Agnostic sex-podcaster Joanne and her “hot rabbi” soulmate Noah are taking the ultimate leap of faith: moving in together. Hand in hand, they walk down the aisle of “Intro to Judaism.” But of course, their bliss cuts like a briss. And they’re not the only characters struggling with covenants this season. Expect more Oy vey as much as Oh, Yeah!

Friday, October 23

The Cycle (Anytime / AMC+ & Shudder)

When the body of a man missing for thirty-six years is discovered at the scene of a horrific crime, it’s up to his estranged daughter to unravel his dark past. On Twitter Stephen King wrote: “There’s a movie coming on Shudder in October called THE CYCLE. I don’t usually pump up horror movies (unless they are mine, haha), but this is special. Put it on your calendar.” A horror movie recommendation from Stephen King in October. Most excellent.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: YAGA: SEASON 1 (ANYTIME / AMC+ & CRAVE)

It follows Rapp, a private investigator who arrives in the small coastal town of Whittock, to investigate the disappearance of a young heir to a powerful fishery, Henry Park. He finds himself at odds with an apprehensive local detective, Carson, a charismatic university professor with a taste for younger men, Katherine and a labyrinth of enigmatic suspects, secret lives, and ancient magic.
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This horror series Yaga stars the chick from the Matrix and the putz from Heated Rivalry. It’s supposed to be horror but…what’s the point?! Culturally, the only Baba Yaga is John Wick. And that’s it. We ain’t making room, son. Sorry. Try again. Points for making a Canadian TV show that isn’t hockey based, though. And for Yaga Crave is unleashing a companion podcast. Does Crave do that a lot? It’ll be hosted by Carley Thorne and I have Gen X joy not knowing who that is. Those TV podcasts often veer into Hooray for Everything propaganda. Not a fan of hype. It’s way more hype and you don’t score a lot of nutritional information. It’s borderline propaganda too so I don’t understand why there’s so much public enthusiasm for em. They keep making em. Anyways, all that aside…it’s October and it’s the Season of the Witch…

Saturday, October 24

Helluva Boss: Season 3 (Anytime / Prime Video)

Set in Hell, Helluva Boss follows the I.M.P. (Immediate Murder Professionals), a small and chaotic assassination business. At the center of the chaos is the eccentric Hell-born imp Blitzo (the “o” is silent) and his complicated situationship with demon prince Stolas. The I.M.P. employs Moxxie (a by-the-books marksman), Millie (a fiery and skilled assassin), and Loona (their snarky, hellhound receptionist). Alongside his ragtag crew, Blitzo takes on contracts to kill targets in the human world. Balancing work with their personal lives, the team constantly finds themselves in absurd, violent, and darkly comedic situations. Programming Note: The first part of the third season consists of seven episodes, with three episodes premiering on October 14, followed by two episodes weekly through October 28.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: JUST ONE BEFORE I DIE (ANYTIME / TUBI)

Full of heart and humor, the five-part docuseries chronicles Bills Mafia, the most passionate and wild fanbase in sports in their quest for an elusive championship. From legendary tailgates and table-smashing traditions to lifelong rituals, heartbreak, hope, and unwavering loyalty, the series captures the culture that has transformed the Bills Mafia from a fanbase into a phenomenon.
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“Lookin’ for the one that did it But like En Vogue, no, you’re never gonna get it ‘Cause I’m the one with the fat mad skills And I won’t choke like the Buffalo Bills…” Tubi made an NFL docuseries on those classic Ice Cube lyrics. Sigh. “The five-episode docuseries features interviews with Chad Michael Murray, Dion Dawkins, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, Adam Schefter, Nick Wright, and more.” Bills look fantastic this year…maybe it’s their year? Bills Mafia rise up.

Sunday, October 25

The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror XXXVII (8:00 p.m. / Fox)

Joe and Angela’s marriage is on thin ice. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the night spirals into unexpected places. Have they reignited the spark or lit the match that burns it all down?
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: LORD OF THE FLIES: LIMITED SERIES (ANYTIME / CBC GEM)

Lord of the Flies is the story of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island with no adults, following a deadly plane crash. In an attempt to remain civil they organize themselves, led by Ralph and supported by the group’s intellectual, Piggy. But when Jack becomes more interested in hunting and vying for leadership, he soon begins to draw other boys away from the group and, ultimately, from hope to tragedy. Adapted from the 1954 novel by William Golding by Emmy Award-winner Jack Thorne (Adolescence).
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Lord of the Flies is, of course…William Golding’s outstanding 1954 debut novel. So. It simply doesn’t matter if contemporary audiences struggle with any aspect of the novel. Including Piggy. Especially Piggy. Fatty’s real name was never revealed and he was scorned and eventually, bullied to death. Don’t be soft. Don’t be weak. Own that. And stoutly present that, as harsh as it is…to a contemporary audience. If anybody struggles that’s entirely their issue. Learn to deal. Success of this challenging adaptation is rooted in the infectious and undaunted courage of the filmmakers. “Jack Thorne’s adaptation is the first for television. Truthful to the original novel – set in the early 1950s on an unnamed Pacific island – Thorne’s adaptation delves further into the book’s emotive themes; human nature, the loss of innocence and boyhood masculinity. Each of the four episodes is titled after a character at the core of the story – Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack – offering a subtly different perspective on the boys’ collective plight and manner in which they cope with their predicament. The series has been made with the support of Lord of the Flies author William Golding’s family.” That sounds solid so far even though all of that is just marketing. I also acknowledge this is a cheat since we must now prepare and manage expectations for this BBC production finally crosses the pond. It premiered in the UK on February 8, 2026. Programming Note: This begins streaming Thursday, October 22 (broadcast weekly on CBC TV at 9 p.m.) and is paired with Lord of the Flies: Making Of about the shoot in Malaysia.

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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.