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‘A Snowy Day in Oakland:’ Nicole Ari Parker Stars in New Dramedy From ‘Sister, Sister’ Creator Kim Bass

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A Snowy Day in Oakland

A Snowy Day in Oakland is heading into theaters this week. The magical-realism comedy starring Nicole Ari Parker is gearing up to be introduced to the world on Friday, March 17. Hollywood Melanin sat down with the leading star to explore some of the critical issues addressed in the film.

At the center of the story is LaTrice (Parker), the successful psychologist from San Francisco who longs for a more purposeful life. Leaving her unfaithful, high-profile psychiatrist boyfriend and business partner behind, she establishes her practice in a vacant office space on a small commercial block across the bay in Oakland. Surrounded by minority-owned businesses, LaTrice is determined to provide support and gently guide the residents of this predominantly Black neighborhood to embrace the importance of communicating one’s feelings through therapy.

Nicole Ari Parker as LaTrice/ ‘A Snowy Day In Oakland’

“I think there is an issue of trust in the Black community where we just keep our problems close to our chest,” Parker expressed while discussing mental healthcare in minority groups. “It’s also an expense. It’s an investment. So, when you are trying to make ends meet and prioritize your income, it feels like a luxury. But I think that that’s an expense worth taking.”

Helmed by Sister, Sister creator Kim Bass, the film was initially shot six years ago. Parker says she attributes her involvement in this project not just to the powerful and relevant script but also to “Kim’s vision, his magical realism, his playing with time, and his saturation of color,” she added, “We don’t really get to have that kind of whimsy in most independent Black films.”

'A Snowy Day in Oakland' cast
‘A Snowy Day in Oakland’ cast

Produced by Planet 9 Productions and distributed by People of Culture Studios, this dramatic comedy also explores other meaningful themes like navigating complex relationships and struggles of entrepreneurship. Those conversations are explored through the town’s biggest personalities, Davis (Deon Cole), Jeanette (Loretta Devine), Theona (Kimberly Elise), and Rodney (Evan Ross). The star-studded cast also includes Keith David, Marla Gibbs, Michael Jai White, Tony Plana, Arden Myrin, and others.

A Snowy Day In Oakland
Kimberly Elise as Theona, Deon Cole as Davis, Loretta Devine as Jeanette / ‘A Snowy Day In Oakland’

Watch A Snowy Day in Oakland in selected theaters on Friday, March 17. Watch the trailer below.

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Film & TV

‘Paradise’ Renewed for Season 2 at Hulu: Everything You Need to Know

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Paradise season 2

Hulu’s gripping political thriller Paradise has officially been renewed for Season 2, an exciting new for the fans of the Sterling K. Brown-led series. With its mix of high-stakes drama, unexpected twists, and a stellar cast, the show has quickly become a standout hit for the streaming platform. The news came on February 20, 2025, just ahead of the Season 1 finale. Here’s everything you need to know about Paradise Season 2, including what’s next for the series, its performance so far, and how you can catch up.

Why Did ‘Paradise’ Get Renewed For Season 2

Paradise season 2
Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden in “Paradise” (source: Disney)

Since its debut on January 26, 2025, Paradise has become a fan favorite with its intricate storytelling and genre-blending narrative. Created by Dan Fogelman—known for the emotional powerhouse This Is Us—the series follows Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he unravels a web of secrets following the mysterious death of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). What started as a political thriller quickly became a dystopian territory, revealing a world of underground cities and hidden truths.

The renewal comes as no surprise, given the show’s impressive performance. Paradise launched with 7 million global views in its first week across Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally, outpacing even The Bear Season 3’s debut numbers. Its consistent presence on Hulu’s Top 15 list and critical acclaim have cemented its status as one of 2025’s must-watch shows. With Season 1 still unfolding—new episodes drop every Tuesday, culminating in the finale on March 4, 2025—Hulu’s early renewal reflects strong faith in the series’ staying power.

What to Expect in the upcoming season

Sterling K. Brown with his on-screen children, played by Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV

While specific plot details for Season 2 remain under wraps, Fogelman has hinted at a grand vision for the series. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed that he has a three-season arc planned, with Season 1 designed to answer key questions while setting the stage for bigger mysteries. The Season 1 finale promises to resolve the question of “who killed the president,” which launches a fresh journey for Xavier and the residents of the titular underground city.

The latest episode (Episode 6, “You Asked for Miracles,” released February 18, 2025) dropped a bombshell: Xavier’s wife, Teri, presumed dead in the surface cataclysm, might still be alive. This revelation, coupled with Xavier’s rebellion against the controlling Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond (Julianne Nicholson), sets up a Season 2 filled with personal stakes and societal upheaval. Will Xavier uncover the whole truth about Paradise’s elite? Could the habitable surface, a secret kept from the citizens, play a larger role? We shall see.

The ensemble cast—including Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi and Nicole Brydon Bloom as the enigmatic Jane Driscoll—will likely return, with potential new faces joining to expand the story. Fogelman has teased “big moves ahead,” suggesting a pivot that keeps the narrative fresh yet “follow-able” for viewers.

How to Watch ‘Paradise’ Season 1—and Season 2 Prep

Hulu

Now’s the perfect time if you haven’t jumped into Paradise yet. Season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu in the U.S., with new episodes airing Tuesdays at midnight ET. Internationally, Disney+ subscribers can follow along, making it a global phenomenon. ABC will air the entire first season starting April 7, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET/PT for those without Hulu, a rare move that broadens the show’s reach.

When Will Season 2 Premiere?

Paradise season 2
Hulu

No official release date for Season 2 has been announced, but fans might expect it in early 2026 based on typical production timelines. Season 1’s rapid renewal suggests Hulu is eager to keep the series rolling, and Fogelman’s clear roadmap could streamline the process. Stay tuned for updates as production ramps up post-finale.

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Will Smith Teases ‘Hancock’ Sequel & Collab with Zendaya

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Will Smith Teases Hancock Sequel With Zendaya

Will Smith hinted at the long-awaited sequel to his 2008 superhero film, “Hancock,” and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Zendaya during his recent appearance on xQc’s live stream on Twitch.

Fans and industry insiders have discussed the prospect of a sequel for years. The original film grossed over $624 million worldwide—the fourth highest-grossing film that year. Now, it seems that the project may finally come to fruition.

Will Smith Teases 'Hancock' Sequel

“There’s a really cool Hancock 2 idea,” Smith said during the stream. “We haven’t even talked about it.”

Smith added, “I’m going to give you one little piece. Zendaya [is] being approached for a role in Hancock 2.”

The original film, helmed by Peter Berg, follows Hancock (Smith), a scruffy superhero who protects the citizens of Los Angeles while leaving horrendous collateral damage in the wake of every well-intentioned feat. The movie also starred Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie Marsan.

In 2012,  Berg told Comicbookmovie there was an ongoing conversation about the sequel, but the schedules needed to align.

“We’ve been talking about the sequel between us, Will Smith, [producers] Michael Mann and Akiva Goldman, and myself. We’re all interested, but we literally just have trouble getting into the same room at the same time,” the director explained. “We did have a series of meetings last year and started to hash out an idea for sequel — and Will Smith actually had the idea — so I think it will happen, it’s just a question of timing.”

Stay tuned for more updates!

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‘Surface’ Season 2 Moves Its Setting From San Francisco to London

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Surface

Gugu Mbatha-Raw returns as Tess Caldwell, a woman suffering from amnesia after mysteriously jumping off a ship, in the sophomore season of Apple TV+ psychological thriller ‘Surface.’

From Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, the first season of the mystery series was set in San Francisco but shifts across the pond for its forthcoming episodes.

While in season 1, Caldwell spent time remembering her real identity, as she had been referring to herself as Sophie Ellis, in season 2, she is ready to find out more and return to where it all started. To do that, she must immerse herself in elite British society. There, she reconnects with an heiress who may know more about her than she lets on. However, Caldwell’s investigation is sidetracked when a journalist seeks her assistance exposing the scandals of those she’s gotten close to. As much as she still has to discover, staying alive proves half the battle.

The returning cast includes Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Millie Brady. Phil Dunster, Gavin Drea, Rupert Graves, Tara Fitzgerald, Nina Sosanya, Joely Richardson, and Freida Pinto are joining the cast this season. 

‘Surface” will return Friday, February 21, with eight new episodes. Watch the trailer for Season 2 below.

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