The results of turning a hit TV series into a franchise can be hit-or-miss, to say the least. However, for every ill-received or mostly forgotten TV spin-off, there are many that managed to reach, or even exceed, the success of their predecessors. Take a look at some of our favorite examples below.

Frasier (Cheers)

Despite being added later in the series, Frasier Crane was one of the most beloved Cheers characters and right after it ended in 1993, Kelsey Grammer led the Frasier cast in his psychiatrist’s role’s self-titled spin-off. Like its parent series, it also lasted 11 seasons, won multiple Emmy Awards, and became one of the most acclaimed sitcoms of its time before being revived on Paramount+ in 2023.

Family Matters (Perfect Strangers)

Jo Marie Payton was on two seasons of Perfect Strangers as elevator operator Harriette Winslow before starring in the Family Matters cast in the same role for nine seasons. What initially began as a conventional family sitcom when it premiered in 1989 became a wildly successful cultural phenomenon with the addition of Jaleel White as Steve Urkel. 

Angel (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

David Boreanaz stole the show from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast as a good-natured bloodsucker named Angel and, eventually, earned his own series set in the same creature-infested universe. From 1999 until its 2004 cancellation, Angel followed the Boreanaz’s title character and other Buffy vets helping Los Angelenos with otherworldly problems.

Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad)

While he could have easily been viewed as merely the comic relief of the Breaking Bad cast, Bob Odenkirk — a former SNL writer and sketch comedy performer — experienced a career 180 by playing Saul Goodman. His performance as the shady lawyer only grew stronger when he became the center of the prequel series, Better Call Saul, which surpassed its predecessor in seasons (six) and Emmy snubs (53 nominations with zero wins, much to fans’ chagrin).

The Good Fight (The Good Wife)

The Good Wife was a CBS drama chronicling the personal and professional struggles of litigator Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies in a two-time Emmy-winning role) after a scandal lands her state attorney husband (played by Chris Noth) behind bars. Christie Baranski’s Diane Lockhart was the central focus of the sequel series, The Good Fight (exclusively available with a Paramount+ subscription), which earned two Emmy nominations during its six-season run.

The Facts Of Life (Diff'rent Strokes)

When Diff’rent Strokes debuted in 1978, Charlotte Rae’s Edna Garrett served as the Drummonds’ housekeeper. The following year, Rae reprised the role as the lead of The Facts of Life, in which she served as the housemother for boarding school students Blair (Lisa Whelchel), Tootie (Kim Fields), Natalie (Mindy Cohn), and Jo (Nancy McKeon).

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Star Trek)

While it was canceled after three years in 1969, Star Trek launched an out-of-this-world cultural phenomenon that lives on in several ongoing TV shows and even quite a few big-screen hits, as well. However, for some Trekkies, the best installment of the franchise is the multi-Emmy-winning Star Trek: The Next Generation, which was led by Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard for seven seasons.

The Punisher (Daredevil)

The first installment in a shared universe of Marvel TV shows originally exclusive to Netflix was Daredevil, which introduced Jon Bernthal in the role of Frank Castle in its second season. While the vengeful vigilante’s own spin-off only lasted two seasons, The Punisher was highly acclaimed, and Bernthal will continue playing the role into the future. 

Laverne & Shirley (Happy Days)

The long-running nostalgic sitcom Happy Days was the parent series of several well-known spin-offs, including Mork & Mindy and Joanie Loves Chachi, but easily the most successful of the bunch was Laverne & Shirley. Cindy Williams reprised her role as Shirley Feeney alongside Penny Marshall as the titular duo on the sitcom that became one of the most popular TV shows of its time and ran from 1976 to 1983.

Benson (Soap)

The most notorious scene-stealer from the cast of Soap — an acclaimed parody of daytime soap operas — was the late Robert Guillaume in the Emmy-winning role of Benson DuBois. The future Lion King voice cast member won his second Emmy when he reprised the character in his self-tilted spin-off, which saw him promoted from the Tates’ butler to working for a bumbling state governor. 

Xena: Warrior Princess (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys)

The Kevin Sorbo-led Hercules: The Legendary Journeys begat two spin-offs — a prequel series called Young Hercules (starring Ryan Gosling in the title role) and Xena: Warrior Princess. The latter would run longer than its parent series (six years) and skyrocketed New Zealand-born Lucy Lawless to geek goddess status.

Boston Legal (The Practice)

James Spader originated the role of Alan Shore on Season 8 of The Practice before becoming one of the central figures of the legal drama’s direct continuation, Boston Legal. The series ran for more than 100 episodes and earned five Emmy Awards, including two for Spader and one for William Shatner as Denny Crane.

Melrose Place (Beverly Hills, 90210)

Among the the most popular ‘90s TV shows, two of the biggest titans of the serial drama category were Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place. Both series were created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling and existed in the same universe, with Grant Show’s Jake Hanson being the main connection.

Maude (All In The Family)

Before Bea Arthur joined the Golden Girls cast, she was best known for her Emmy-winning performance as the title role of Maude from 1972 to 1978. The late actor originated the outspoken character on an episode of All in the Family in which she visits her cousin, Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton), and butts heads with Edith’s husband, Archie (Carroll O’Connor).

Mayans M.C. (Sons Of Anarchy)

Two years after Sons of Anarchy had its final curtain call in 2014, FX debuted another tale of outlaw bikers, set near the California-Mexico border, called Mayans M.C. While led by a new character named Ezekiel "EZ" Reyes (portrayed by J. D. Pardo), the series — which ended after five seasons in 2023 — also featured a few Sons of the Anarchy cast members, including Katey Sagal portraying Gemma Teller in the pilot.

House Of The Dragon (Game Of Thrones)

Even though many fans were disappointed by the Game of Thrones finale, that did not stop them from tuning into HBO’s prequel series. In addition to the stellar House of the Dragon cast, including Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy, the fantasy epic’s stirring writing and gorgeous production design earned it rave reviews, multiple Emmy nominations, and a Golden Globe win for Best Television Series - Drama after its first season.

NCIS (JAG)

Very rarely has a spin-off show outran its parent series, but that is the case with NCIS. Not only would the series last at least twice as long as JAG, which saw the debut of Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in its eighth season; but it also inspired multiple spin-offs of its own, including the long-running NCIS: Los Angeles.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Law & Order)

Before its revival in 2022, the initial run of Law & Order ran a whopping 20 seasons on NBC. The only subsequent installment in Dick Wolf’s franchise of crime dramas to last as long is Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which was anchored by the chemistry between Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay as Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson.

Lou Grant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

One of the most successful examples of a spin-off that was almost nothing like the original show is Lou Grant. Following the end of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ed Asner earned his sixth and seventh Emmys for reprising the TV news producer on this more dramatic series in which he becomes a Los Angeles newspaper editor.

The Jeffersons (All In The Family)

After stealing the show on All in the Family as the Bunkers’ neighbors, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise “Weezy” Jefferson (Isabel Sanford) would “move on up to the East Side” in their own show. The Jeffersons only earned two Emmy Awards, but lasted an impressive 11 seasons and, in the process, became almost as influential as its parent series.

The Simpsons (The Tracey Ullman Show)

As the longest-running animated series of all time, The Simpsons has been around long enough that most modern audiences might not even remember (or were ever informed) about its origins. The dysfunctional family gained traction as a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show before creator Matt Groening developed a half-hour program based around them.

Batman Beyond (Batman: The Animated Series)

Most fans would agree that the all-time best Batman-related TV show is Batman: The Animated Series, but its futuristic follow-up, Batman Beyond, is not so far behind on that list. What started as a “terrible idea” (in the words of producer Bruce Timm to IGN) to reimagine the Dark Knight as a teenager evolved into an intriguing and inventive Neo-noir following an older Bruce Wayne (voiced by the late Kevin Conroy) mentoring his young successor, Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle).

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (The Andy Griffith Show)

Charmingly naive mechanic Gomer Pyle became a fan-favorite character on The Andy Griffith Show following his introduction in Season 3. Jim Nabors went on to reprise the role on another hit sitcom called Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., in which the character becomes a marine. 

The Colbert Report (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart)

Few Daily Show correspondents made as grand an impact during host Jon Stewart’s legendary stint than Stephen Colbert as an over-the-top conservative version of himself. He went on to host his own, arguably funnier late-night Comedy Central original, The Colbert Report, before retiring the character for good when he was chosen to replace David Letterman on CBS’s Late Show.

Rhoda (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

The first spin-off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, revolved around Valerie Harper in the title role returning to her native New York City, where she meets and marries Joe Gerard (David Groh). The latter seasons of the sitcom’s five-year run saw Rhoda becoming one of TV’s most iconic divorcees when she and Joe split.

CSI: Miami (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation)

The CSI franchise involves two series set in Vegas, another set in New York, a short-lived version dedicated to cybercrime, and is even set in the same universe as Without a Trace and Cold Case. Perhaps the one installment with the most cultural impact is CSI: Miami, with much credit due to David Caruso’s iconic performance as quip master, Lt. Horatio Caine.

Emergency! (Adam-12)

The pilot episode of Emergency! featured Martin Milner and Kent McCord as their respective characters from Adam-12, officers Peter Malloy and Jim Reed — establishing it as a spin-off of the police procedural. However, as MeTV.com recalls, a later episode featured some of Station 51’s firefighters watching an episode of its parent series, which is just one strange continuity error from an otherwise exciting and grounded drama.

The Flash (Arrow)

The CW’s shared universe of DC TV shows is collectively referred to as the “Arrowverse,” with Arrow being the one that started it all in 2012. One might argue that the best of these spin-offs (and one of the best modern superhero TV shows in general) is The Flash, starring Grant Gustin as a version of lightning-fast Barry Allen who was first introduced in Arrow’s second season.

Empty Nest (The Golden Girls)

A follow-up to The Golden Girls called The Golden Palace, in which the characters (sans Dorothy) manage a hotel together, was far less successful than Empty Nest, which was branched off from a 1987 Golden Girls episode. Notably, however, the series that came to be, and lasted seven seasons, merely borrowed the concept of the original backdoor pilot (a middle-aged couple with “empty nest syndrome”). It employed a whole new cast and characters, but still established the Golden Girls characters as their neighbors.

Justice League Unlimited (Justice League)

One of the most acclaimed DC TV shows is Justice League, which saw Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others coming together amid an extra-terrestrial threat. The hit animated series continued in the form of Justice League Unlimited, which saw the crew expand to an innumerable quantity by employing even some of the most obscure and underrated characters from the comics.

The Parkers (Moesha)

After four seasons on the Brandy Norwood-led sitcom Moesha, Countess Vaughn left the show after UPN greenlit a sitcom focusing on her own fan-favorite character, Kim Parker. The Parkers lasted more than 100 episodes and featured a scene-stealing performance by future Oscar winner Mo’Nique as Kim’s mother, Nikki.

Knots Landing (Dallas)

Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford) and Valene Ewing (Joan Van Ark) from the blockbuster primetime soap opera, Dallas, were given a series of their own in 1979. Knots Landing turned out to be a blockbuster itself, lasting 14 seasons, much like its parent series.

Next time you see a spin-off to your favorite hit series, don’t be quick to judge. It could end up being as successful as any of these.

For over five decades audiences have enjoyed the work of Edward James Olmos on the stage and screen in roles such as William Adama on Battlestar Galactica, Felipe Reyes on Mayans M.C. and Selena’s father Abraham Quintanilla in the biopic of the Tejano music star played by Jennifer Lopez. But behind the scenes, Olmos was fighting a battle his fans didn’t know about. The science fiction show alum recently revealed undergoing a harrowing battle with throat cancer that he said nearly killed him and which has left him totally changed.

The 76-year-old actor, who won a Primetime Emmy for Miami Vice in 1985, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1988 for Stand and Deliver and  earned a Tony Award nom in 1979 for Zoot Suit, spoke for the first time about his fight with cancer. And he didn't hold back (via the Mando & Friends podcast YouTube page): 

Edward James Olmos, who played one of the best POC sci-fi characters, recalled extensive chemo and radiation on his throat, pointing out that the part of his body that was getting battered by the aggressive cancer and subsequent treatment was where you eat, swallow, breathe and talk. He was shocked when the doctors told him they didn’t know what his voice would sound like afterward, which is understandable for an actor whose career has included plenty of voice work. 

However, that was the course of action he had to take to save his life, as he said friends of his have not survived their own battles with cancer. He continued:

What he went through sounds frankly awful, as he apparently lost the ability to swallow. Doctors wanted to put feeding tubes in to get him nutrients, and he had to take water intravenously because he couldn’t drink. He said it was “ridiculous” and “so hard,” recalling that there were times his body gave up. 

In the months since his last treatment, the Battlestar Galactica star said he’s been working out — swimming and rowing — to regain his muscle and some of the 55 pounds he lost through treatment. He said the ordeal has altered how he sees life, telling the podcaster: 

What a scary and painful experience that must have been for Edward James Olmos. We at CinemaBlend wish the actor the best in his continued recovery, and if you’d like to see more of him in what is arguably his most famous role, you can check out Battlestar Galactica, available to stream with a Peacock subscription.  

Mayans M.C. is in the midst of a pummeling fourth season on FX, with Alvarez and the rest of the club caught up in a war against their rivals in the Sons of Anarchy. Regardless of what happens in the rest of the episodes, the biker drama dropped a heartbreaking mega-shock on viewers by killing off Richard Cabral's troubled fan-favorite Coco. While we'll never be able to fully get over that turnout, which fans felt rivaled Sons of Anarchy's most depressing death, everyone can take comfort in knowing Cabral has already landed a sweet (tooth) of a follow-up project, as he'll be a recurring star in the upcoming small screen adaptation of the Twisted Metal video game series.

In the same way that Mayans M.C. was packed with acting talent, Richard Cabral isn't exactly missing out on that front by joining Twisted Metal, which will be an exclusive for anyone with a Peacock subscription. The action-packed dark comedy will be fronted by the likes of the MCU's current Captain America, Anthony Mackie, along with Brooklyn Nine-Nine vet Stephanie Beatriz and recent Spider-Man: No Way Home guest star Thomas Haden Church. And it'll be Beatriz's character that Cabral is most connected to, as he'll play her brother. 

Within Twisted Metal's over-the-top world of vehicle-driven chaos and destruction, Stephanie Beatriz is playing a car thief named Quiet who isn't the kind of person whose instincts can be thwarted easily, with a problematic past that caused her to fall into silence. Now on a journey of revenge alongside Anthony Mackie's John Doe, Quiet will likely also be able to depend on the help of Richard Cabral as her sibling Loud. And this apparently isn’t an ironic kind of name like Robin Hood’s Little John.

As Loud, Cabral will be…well, a loud guy. Shouldn’t be hard for the actor, whose work on Mayans M.C. often involved dialogue scenes over loud music, revving motorcycles and beer-swilling bikers. It’s not clear from the character’s brief description whether he’ll have his own vehicle within the show, or if he’ll possibly be a key passenger during Quiet’s crimes. Any way it goes, it’ll probably rock. 

Because really, as awesome as Coco was on Mayans M.C. across 3+ seasons, the character’s quality of life dipped more and more with each year. Coco was plagued with addictions, a traumatic family history, and other issues that understandably didn’t allow Richard Cabral to lean as heavily into charisma and good vibes. While I fully expect Loud to also go through some violent motions within Twisted Metal, I do hope the actor gets to have a lot of cathartic fun in his new role. 

Richard Cabral joining the show isn’t the only big Twisted Metal news, as the show added several other actors to close out its initial casting process. Soon after Arrested Development vet Will Arnett was revealed to be the voice of the game’s most iconic character, the flame-headed Sweet Tooth, Peacock announced that former WWE superstar and current AEW wrestler Samoa Joe (Joe Seanoa) will be responsible for the character’s physical performance. 

Filling out the Twisted Metal cast will be The Tomorrow War vet and Doughboys podcast co-host Mike Mitchell and P-Valley’s Tahj Vaughans as Stu and Mike (respectively), who are dubbed the “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern” of this universe, as they tend to be on the outskirts of the action rather than in the middle of it. Finally, A Million Little Things vet Lou Beatty Jr. will play the grizzled and world-weary  cartographer Tommy.

Fans can get ready to see Richard Cabral back in a fast-moving series, just one without as many motorcycles, when Twisted Metal hits Peacock likely in 2023. While waiting for more updates, head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what’s on the way soon. 

Major spoilers below for the latest episode of Mayans M.C. for those who haven’t watched, so be warned!

Mayans M.C. fans enter each season knowing very few characters are truly safe, and that just about anyone can be killed off at any given moment. Not everyone lives as easy as E.Z., as it were. Showrunner and co-creator Elgin James hyped up Season 4 as being especially tumultuous for the titular club, with a war set to wage between the Mayans and the Sons of Anarchy, despite the former’s rampant infighting clearly still an issue. Now, with the episode “Death of the Virgin,” the FX drama revealed the latest major war-inciting incident, with Richard Cabral’s beloved character Coco seemingly getting shot to death, a tragic shocker that fans were quick to compare to Sons of Anarchy fave Opie Winston’s brutal exit.

Viewers wouldn’t be judged too harshly for thinking Mayans M.C. was setting up Vanessa Giselle’s Hope for an exit, considering her emotional, egg-smashing breakdown over a grocery store cutstomer’s criticisms. Especially after she and Coco had their tearful phone convo where she admitted she needed help, and they expressed their love for one another, with his last word to her bein But no, that fireworks-laden conversation was immediately followed by a group of Sons of Anarchy members arriving and shooting up the post-memorial gathering, seemingly killing off quite a few Mayans patches in the process. And in the final seconds, Coco was revealed to have suffered at least two shots to the back, and he was laying in a puddle with his eyes open, heavily implying he won’t be coming back from this the way he barely survived Meth Mountain.

The way things played out, there’s still a minor chance that Coco could be saved in the next episode, “When I Die, I Want Your Hands on My Eyes,” but it’s not extremely likely. Perhaps the most telling clue here is that the episode went into its end credits without any music playing, with only the sound of the popping fireworks accompanying viewers’ utter shock.

Arguably more so than any of the prior deaths and tragedies on Mayans M.C., Coco’s death is a massive blow, both because of the character’s fan-favorite distinction, and because of his fairly vital role within the group itself, given what he means to the other brothers. In that respect, fans drew comparisons between Coco’s murder and the pipe-infused massacre that brought Ryan Hurst’s run as Opie to a halt during Sons of Anarchy’s fifth season.

Since we've had several years to sit with Opie's death, and not even a full day to comprehend Coco's, I have to think that the Sons of Anarchy tragedy still hurts worse. But then again, the SoA episode "Laying Pipe" set things up in a way that, in hindsight, made Opie's bludgeoning seem destined to occur, while Mayans M.C. barely featured Richard Cabral's Coco throughout the majority of the episode's runtime. Regardless of expectations, though, the resulting feelings were still the same.

Even though Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter isn't invovled with Mayans M.C. anymore, Coco's death felt like a crushing set-up straight out of his narrative playbook. Which isn't to say Elgin James is guilty of being a copycat or anything, but rather than he knew exactly which character to use to twisting the metaphorical knife in viewers' chests.

As much as it sucks that Coco is almost definitely a goner, the death definitely isn't a passive or needless one, as it will almost definitely inspire a quick and exceedingly deadly response from various factions of the Mayans M.C., which will either help to evaporate all the bad blood between the Sons and the Mayans, or it'll just exacerbate things until the only people left standing are those not wearing cuts. As one Twitter user points out below, Coco's death compares to Opie's not just as a depressing setback, but also because of what it means to other main characters.

For now, fans can anticipate vengeful acts on the way, but for now, it's probably best just to let the tears flow as the curse words fly, while taking comfort in the fact that at least Coco probably died quickly without seeing it coming, instead of facing death head-on like Opie did. 

I'm not sure if there's comfort to be found in this, but fans can rest assured that Mayans M.C. star Vanessa Giselle was also feeling all the feelings both while filming "Death of the Virgin" and while watching it again on FX.

Mayans M.C. airs Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m., with episodes streaming the next day for those with Hulu subscriptions. Be sure to pour one out for Coco before heading to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what new and returning shows are on the way.

As opposed to suffering through the extended hiatus between Season 2 and Season 3 of Mayans M.C. on FX, fans didn't even have to wait a full year for Season 4 to arrive. Granted, any amount of waiting is somewhat torturous considering how the latest finale capped things off for the Santa Padre crew. It seemed like the entirety of the Mayans M.C. would implode through in-fighting, but the Season 4 teaser seen above makes it clear that the quasi-civil war will be expanding to include SAMCRO when the drama returns. 

While the Mayans M.C. video above is more of an aesthetic-setting promo, as opposed to a footage-filled trailer, the implications being made are pretty huge for anyone who’s been watching this franchise since Sons of Anarchy’s earliest days. Clearly, the connections between the two clubs have never been 100% smooth, for plenty of reasons, and things only got more complicated throughout the run of Mayans so far. Still, nothing has happened yet that made it seem like Bishop’s crew would be destined for head-smashing war against SAMCRO, since co-creator and showrunner Elgin James has been so keen on keeping the story tied to more diverse characters and cast members, while distancing itself from being in Sons of Anarchy's shadow.

I mean, sure, it seemed like an easy bet to make overall, since the epitome of all storylines for this universe is “Mayans vs. Sons,” but I might not have necessarily expected it to go down in Season 4. I hope this doesn’t mean that FX is feeling antsy about keeping the universe going, what with Mayans M.C.’s live nightly ratings starting off below a million viewers with its giant Season 3 premiere, and never rising above that. But that’s downer talk, and I’m too hyped up for all that now.

I love the idea of this teaser taking place during a thunderstorm, since rain hasn’t exactly been a routine sight on either Mayans M.C. or Sons of Anarchy. It’s like the most violent iteration of a muddy high school football game, just with trash can fires instead of stadium lighting. Clearly from a high school in The Warriors universe.

As awesome as it would have been for the Sons of Anarchy members here to be revealed as all the familiar peeps we haven’t seen since Jax’s death, that understandably wasn’t the case. Elgin James and FX wouldn’t want to spoil any of that already. I'm waiting for

Fans have seen several SAMCRO members popping up on Mayans M.C. in the past, from David LaBrava’s Happy to Tommy Flanagan’s Chibs, though the latter made it sound like he wouldn’t be back on that front now that he landed a role on Starz’s Power Book IV: Force. And there hasn’t been much noise about potential cameos in Season 4 from other actors, so we’ll just have to wait and see how much this season will bring crossover energy to the club war front. 

Mayans M.C. Season 4 will kick off on FX with a Teller Tuesday premiere on April 19, with the first two episodes airing back to back for what’s sure to be an action-packed return. And for those with a Hulu subscription, the new episodes will be available for streaming the next day. While waiting to see how that will go down, head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what new and returning shows are on the way.

As we march into the future of 2022’s streaming landscape, the old has seemingly become new again. Hulu’s April 2022 lineup has me feeling a bit nostalgic, as quite a few throwbacks are headed to the platform in the month to come. All four Twilight movies, Looper, and plenty more old favorites are coming online to brighten the day of lucky viewers that find them.

However, don’t count out the new shows on the block, as The Kardashians is set to make its big debut, and The Dropout is set to close its limited series run in the same month. If you need to catch up with March’s additions to the Hulu library, you can divert to that listing for a moment. Otherwise, it’s time to jump into the April 2022 titles that’ll have you checking whether or not your Hulu subscription is current. 

New On Hulu Available April 1: The Twilight Movies, Love Actually, And More

It may not be the holidays, but Love, Actually is heading to Hulu. It's OK, we won't tell if you flip this one on in the near future, as it's too lovely to ignore. Then again, all four Twilight movies are freshly migrating to a new streaming home, as well as Jack Nicholson's Wolf. If that's not a crossover we'd pay money to see, I don't know what is.

ALL INCLUSIVE (2008) - 4/1/22
ANTZ (1998) - 4/1/22
ARMORED (2009) - 4/1/22
AUSTENLAND (2013) - 4/1/22
BATTLESHIP (2012) - 4/1/22
BLIND DATE (1987) - 4/1/22
BLUE STREAK (1999) - 4/1/22
BOYS ON THE SIDE (1995) - 4/1/22
BRIGSBY BEAR (2017) - 4/1/22
CASESE QUIEN PUEDA (2015) - 4/1/22
CASPER (1995) - 4/1/22
CHEECH AND CHONG'S NEXT MOVIE (1980) - 4/1/22
CHEECH & CHONG'S GET OUT OF MY ROOM (1984) - 4/1/22
CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997) - 4/1/22
COPYCAT (1995) - 4/1/22
CRANK (2006) - 4/1/22
DEATH AT A FUNERAL (2010) - 4/1/22
DEFINITELY, MAYBE (2008) - 4/1/22
THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (2005) - 4/1/22
EYES WIDE SHUT (1999) - 4/1/22
THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT (2012) - 4/1/22
FLY AWAY HOME (1996) - 4/1/22
GET HIM TO THE GREEK (2010) - 4/1/22
GLEE THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE (2011) - 4/1/22
HANNA (2011) - 4/1/22
HOT SHOTS! PART DEUX (1993) - 4/1/22
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK & LARRY (2007) - 4/1/22
IN THE ARMY NOW (1994) - 4/1/22
INSOMNIUM (2017) - 4/1/22
INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED (2013) - 4/1/22
THE INTERNATIONAL (2009) - 4/1/22
JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES (1998) - 4/1/22
JUST MY LUCK (2006) - 4/1/22
KNOWING (2009) - 4/1/22
KUSAMA: INFINITY (2018) - 4/1/22
LADRONES (2015) - 4/1/22
LOOK WHO'S TALKING (1989) - 4/1/22
LOOPER (2012) - 4/1/22
LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) - 4/1/22
MADE IN AMERICA (1993) - 4/1/22
MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS (2010) - 4/1/22
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S DIRTY MOVIE (2011) - 4/1/22
THE NEGOTIATOR (1998) - 4/1/22
NIGHT RAIDERS (2021) - 4/1/22
OPEN RANGE (2003) - 4/1/22
PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED (1986) - 4/1/22
PHANTOM (2013) - 4/1/22
POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (1990) - 4/1/22
THE POWER OF ONE (1992) - 4/1/22
PRACTICAL MAGIC (1998) - 4/1/22
RADIO (2003) - 4/1/22
RAMONA AND BEEZUS (2010) - 4/1/22
RUNAWAY JURY (2003) - 4/1/22
THE RUNAWAYS (2010) - 4/1/22
SCOOBY-DOO (2002) - 4/1/22
SCOOBY-DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED (2004) - 4/1/22
SHREK (2001) - 4/1/22
SHREK 2 (2004) - 4/1/22
THE SIEGE (1998) - 4/1/22
SINGLE WHITE FEMALE (1992) - 4/1/22
SNAKEHEAD (2021) - 4/1/22
STAY (2005) - 4/1/22
THE TAILOR OF PANAMA (2001) - 4/1/22
THAT'S MY BOY (2012) - 4/1/22
THINK LIKE A MAN (2012) - 4/1/22
THREE FUGITIVES (1989) - 4/1/22
TWILIGHT (2008) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON (2009) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (2010) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, PART 1 (2011) - 4/1/22
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, PART 2 (2012) - 4/1/22
VERTICAL LIMIT (2000) - 4/1/22
WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY (2007) - 4/1/22
WATCHMEN (2009) - 4/1/22
WOLF (1994) - 4/1/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 3: The Dropout: Limited Series Finale, Let The Right One In, And More

The limited series run of The Dropout is set to end this week, concluding the much buzzed about drama starring Amanda Seyfried. Meanwhile, if you're still hung up on the subject of vampires, Let The Right One In offers a slightly more sinister take on the bond between a boy and the night stalker he's befriended. Blood seems to be a binding thread on the Hulu platform at the current moment, so do with that as you wish. 

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: Complete Season 2 (DUBBED) - 4/3/22
Madagascar: A Little Wild: Complete Season 7 - 4/4/22
The Croods: Family Tree: Complete Season 2 - 4/5/22
MONSTER FAMILY 2: NOBODY'S PERFECT (2021) - 4/5/22
The Hardy Boys: Complete Season 2 - 4/6/22
The Dropout: Limited Series Finale - 4/7/22
Platinum End: Complete Season 1 (DUBBED) - 4/7/22
AGNES (2021) - 4/7/22
Woke: Complete Season 2 - 4/8/22
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (2008) - 4/8/22
AMERICAN SICARIO (2022) - 4/9/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 10: The Kardashians: Series Premiere, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Complete Season 11, And More

Reality TV fans, rejoice! This week in April brings a bounty of two heavy hitting titles returning that hemisphere, starting with the complete Season 11 run of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Though if you've been missing The Kardashians and their antics in front of the camera, the family's new Hulu original series will take its first bow only a couple days later.  

THE HATING GAME (2021) - 4/10/22
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Complete Season 11 - 4/11/22
The Family Law: Complete Season 1 - 4/13/22
To Tell The Truth: Season 8 Premiere - 4/13/22
The Kardashians: Series Premiere - 4/14/22
BLACK DEATH (2010) - 4/15/22
COMPLIANCE (2012) - 4/15/22
DRUNK STONED, BRILLIANT, DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON (2015) - 4/15/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 17: Mayans M.C.: Season 4 Premiere, In The Heart Of The Sea, And More

The adventures of Mayans M.C. continue to roll out on FX, as the Sons of Anarchy prequel series enters its fourth season. Undoubtedly ready to drop more dark cliffhangers like the ones seen in Season 3, the road ahead only promises to get rougher as time goes on. At least it takes place on dry land, which cannot be said about the harrowing true story that inspired Moby Dick, told in director Ron Howard's seafaring epic In The Heart of the Sea.

Mayans M.C.: Season 4 Premiere - 4/20/22
CAPTIVE AUDIENCE (2022) - 4/21/22
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (2015) - 4/23/22

New On Hulu The Week Of April 24: Holey Moley: Season 4 Premiere, And More

Finally, if you're looking for some big-time escapism on the Hulu streaming platform, you're going to be able to find it in a big way. Returning for its own fourth season is the ABC mini golf competition bonanza Holey Moley, which trades in ridiculous sportsmanship and even more outrageous commentary.

Holey Moley: Season 4 Premiere - 4/27/22
Under the Banner of Heaven: Series Premiere - 4/28/22
CRUSH (2022) - 4/29/22
PERMANENT (2017) - 4/29/22

Vampires, motorcycles, and outrageous plays at glory. It’s all waiting for you on Hulu in the month of April 2022. If that’s not enough, then maybe you should check next month’s complete lineup again, as you’ll find movies like Crank, Watchmen, and both of the James Gunn scripted Scooby-Doo movies are also on the way. Until next time, remember that these titles are subject to change and availability, and that you should always stream responsibly.

CinemaBlend participates in affiliate programs with various companies. We may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via links.

Fearless. That’s FX’s slogan for how they describe their shows, and honestly, I completely agree. As someone who has grown up watching several FX drama shows, fearless definitely defines the limits of where they are willing to go in terms of subject manner, from some of the most grotesque horror imagery on TV in American Horror Story, to gritty and intense dramas like Sons of Anarchy.

But, with so many amazing dramas under their belt, which ones are the best that you should consider watching right now? Are any of them going to pop up on the 2021 fall TV schedule? That’s where this list comes in handy, so be sure to check out some of these awesome picks.

American Horror Story (2011 - Present)

American Horror Story is a popular anthology horror series that covers a new terrifying tale each season, from the murders that occurred in a centuries old home to witches down in New Orleans, and cults to the literal apocalypse.

I won’t lie and say this isn’t my favorite series that FX has to offer, because truly, it is. As a fan of horror, who has spent plenty of time watching the best horror movies, rewatching the Halloween franchise, and enjoyed many other scary media properties, American Horror Story never fails to impress me with its stories, effects, costumes, and everything else. Plus, with stars like Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Finn Wittrock and more rounding out the casts for many of the seasons, you know it’s going to be a hit.

Stream American Horror Story on Amazon Prime.

Stream American Horror Story on Hulu.

Sons of Anarchy (2008 - 2014)

The popular crime drama, Sons of Anarchy, follows the lives of a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club, who operate out of a fictional town in California’s Central Valley.

What makes Sons of Anarchy so great is the pure chemistry between its stars and the whole Sons of Anarchy cast. After watching this show for years and years, sometimes you forget that these are just actors and they’re not actually a real-life motorcycle gang. The way they talk, interact, and work together is astounding and very believable. What makes it even more entertaining is the action that usually comes in each episode.

Stream Sons of Anarchy on Hulu.

Mayans M.C. (2018 - Present)

In this spinoff of Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C. takes place two and a half years after the events of the original show, set hundreds of miles away in another fictional California town, focusing on Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes, a possible prospect in the charter of the Mayans M.C.

While I do suggest watching Sons of Anarchy prior to this, if you liked that series, this one is just as good. Created by the same man who made Sons of Anarchy, this version has just as much action and crazy motorcycle moments that you would expect, if not with more wild twists and turns.

Stream Mayans M.C. on Hulu.

American Crime Story (2016 - Present)

Have you ever wondered about the trial of O.J. Simpson? Or maybe the murder of Gianni Versace? How about the impeachment of President Bill Clinton? Luckily for you, American Crime Story dives deep into these literal real-life American crime stories, recounting the real tales that caused the world to stop and watch.

American Crime Story, created by American Horror Story's Ryan Murphy, is definitely one of my favorites on this list. As someone who was never really exposed to these cases when I was younger, it’s really interesting to learn about them, while also being entertained by the dramatization. While only the first two seasons are available on Netflix, American Crime Story: Impeachment is currently airing on FX, so it won’t be long before you get delve into another crime.

Stream American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson on Netflix.

Stream American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace on Netflix.

Nip/Tuck (2003 - 2010)

In this medical drama, yet again created by Ryan Murphy, we follow two Miami-based plastic surgeons who are in a practice together, but when one of them starts to expand his work with less than stellar characters, their partnership and friendship is put to the test.

Nip/Tuck is definitely one of those medical dramas that keeps you on your feet. If you’re into shows like Grey’s Anatomy, this one is perfect for you - if only because it's even more thrilling. There are so many moments where you’ll be holding your hand up to your face in shock, unable to even believe what's happening. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s so good - especially if medical shows are your go-to.

Stream Nip/Tuck on Hulu.

A Teacher (2020)

In the FX on Hulu miniseries A Teacher, we follow Claire Wilson, an English teacher who ends up engaging in an illicit sexual relationship with an 18 year old student, Eric Walker.

I know from the premise that it might not sound that enthralling, but A Teacher handles its materials well, with two very believable leads in Kate Mara and Nick Robinson. The story definitely has interesting and complex characters, and the pacing is very good for a miniseries. It’s definitely worth a shot if you haven’t seen it already.

Stream A Teacher on Hulu.

The Shield (2002 - 2008)

In this popular FX drama, The Shield follows the activities of an experimental division of the LA Police Department with several corrupt members, in a district that is rife with gang-related violence, drug trafficking, prostitution, and more.

The Shield was definitely one of those shows that really blew the crime drama genre out of the water, because it was so good. The stories were genuinely intriguing and captured your interest almost instantly, and let’s not even get started about The Shield cast. While there were plenty of series regulars, big names in Hollywood would often take on extended roles, such as Glenn Close, Forest Whitaker, Laurie Holden, and more. It was truly awesome.

Stream The Shield on Hulu.

Pose (2018 - 2021)

In this popular series - again, created by Ryan Murphy - Pose is all about the African-American and Latino LGBTQ and gender-nonconfroming underground ball culture in New York City during the 1980s and 1990s, featuring several characters from all over the city.

Pose is such a fun yet serious show. While it has its musical and dance moments that will make you want to get out of your seat and shake your butt with the cast, it’s also not afraid to talk about real issues that surround their culture, such as homophobia, sexism, and so much more. It only just ended in 2021, but with three seasons, it’s the perfect show to binge.

Stream Pose on Netflix.

Fargo (2014 - Present)

In this black comedy crime drama, Fargo is based on the 1996 film of the same name, in an anthology format, where each season is set in a different time and location with a new story and new characters, as we watch a new case unfold.

Fargo is definitely one of those TV shows that I think everyone has heard of at least once, just because of how big it became, but hasn’t actually watched. I’m here to tell you that it’s certainly worth the time and effort to stream. The crime cases are super interesting to get invested in, and the casts that they pick for each season are really talented.

Stream Fargo on Hulu.

Justified (2010 - 2015)

In this neo-Western-style crime drama, Justified follows Raylan Givens, a deputy U.S. Marshal, who is enforcing his own brand of justice when reassigned to the area near the Appalachian mountains in Kentucky.

I’m usually not the biggest fan of Western TV shows, just because that’s never been my type of drama, but Justified stands out above the rest, creating a truly riveting story that often will have your eyes glued to the television. The art direction of this series is amazing, too, with some fantastic shots that really make it look like the old wild West.

Stream Justified on Hulu.

Mrs. America (2020)

In this miniseries, Mrs. America tells the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Right Amendment, and the unexpected backlash that it received, led by a conservative woman named Phyllis Schlafly.

What I love about Mrs. America is that it tells a story that hasn't really been explored. We all know about the Equal Rights Amendment from school, but hearing about it from a new perspective really opens up your mind and teaches about the parts of history no one talks about much. Plus, the cast for this miniseries is star-studded, with Cate Blanchett leading, and actresses like Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth Banks, and so many others joining along.

Stream Mrs. America on Hulu.

Damages (2007 - 2010)

Damages is a legal drama that follows ruthless lawyer, Patty Hewes, and her newest protégé, recent law school graduate Ellen Parsons. Each season features a major case that Hewes and her firm take on, while also creating another chapter in the complex relationship between Ellen and Patty.

I’m not one usually for legal dramas, just because I always think that court cases can sometimes get boring. However, Damages spares nothing in producing an entertaining, enriching experience for anyone, even if you have never watched a legal drama in your life. This, paired with the excellent chemistry between Glenn Close and Rose Byrne, makes it a brilliant TV show.

Stream Damages on Hulu.

The Americans (2013 - 2018)

In this spy thriller, The Americans focuses on the personal and professional lives of the Jennings family, a married couple who are secretly Soviet agents and undercover in Washington.

First off, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are the stars of The Americans. The way these two work together is wonderful, and I would pay money to see them in a film or something together again because they work perfectly. Secondly, not only is the story of The Americans very compelling and full of action, the set pieces are super interesting too, considering that a good majority of this show takes place in the 1980s. It’s an awesome period piece, filled with some exceptional acting.

Stream The Americans on Amazon.

With all these awesome shows, it might be hard to pick just one to binge, but I’m sure that there’s a choice for whatever genre you like the most. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to binge-watch all of American Horror Story again. Have to get ready for spooky season.

Spoilers below for the latest episode of Mayans M.C., so be warned if you haven't yet watched!

Things are getting extremely twisted for the titular brotherhood on Mayans M.C., with J.D. Pardo's EZ trying to balance club life with a love life, and with Bishop still trying to figure out how to thrive as a club without burning everything down around him. Little does he know that Richard Cabral's Coco is holding both a lit match and gasoline, and with veins full of narcotics. Of all the characters that reached points of no return in "What Comes of Handlin' Snakeskin," Coco is the one whose fate was arguably left up for debate when the credits started rolling.

In case anyone thought that Coco spending an entire episode outside of Meth Mountain meant that he was on the up and up, this episode went hard on proving that is not the case. Even with fairly minimal screentime, Richard Cabral has convincingly made Coco feel forever bogged down in the murky depths of addiction, which was an important element of this season's narrative for showrunner Elgin James, so it was only a matter of time before he unwittingly overdosed. That eventuality came into existence in Episode 307, with Emily Tosta's Leti finding her father limp and unresponsive hours after telling him to his face that she hoped he would OD. Speaking with EW about Coco's dark journey, Cabral shed what little light he could on his character's future.

While there's also no real indication for how Vanessa Giselle's Hope is faring while also passed out next to Coco, I think we can all agree which character viewers are more invested in. Though contrary to what Richard Cabral stated, I don't think Coco is capable of making any real decisions at this point that don't boil down to "Which cushion should I sit on to get high?" He definitely doesn't seem to understand how relatively close he is to death by his own design, since he still only sees his addiction as a means to heal pains both genuine and heightened.

If he does make it back to the land of consciousness, Coco absolutely needs to take inventory of the truly important things in his life - i.e. Leti - and then come up with a plan for how not to continue ruining every relationship in his life. If he can reflect back on his troubled childhood that eventually led to him murdering his own mother, Coco should also be able to recognize that he's essentially setting Leti up to follow the same path. Below, Richard Cabral reflected on his last "conversation" with Leti before he overdosed.

Admittedly, it's somewhat easy to view Coco's story from truly harsh and judgmental perspective, since being a heroin-stealing, needle-popping, mommy-killer isn't exactly a textbook definition for heroism. But his patterned behavior is sadly quite relatable to many people across the country who can sympathize with Coco feeling like he doesn't have a light to aim for at the end of his tunnel. And Richard Cabral pointed out that his character didn't exactly enter his parenthood role through the traditional means, and that it isn't helped out at all by Coco's own arrested development.

So while it doesn't sound like Coco is beating down death's door just yet, it sounds like he'll need to make some massive changes if he wants to survive this explosive season. Or even if he wants to survive the ass-whupping that Bishop is going to rain down on him for not showing up for the club's brawls with other charters.

Mayans M.C. airs Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m. ET, with episodes streaming on Hulu the day after they premiere.

Major spoilers below for the latest episode of Mayans M.C., titled "Our Gang's Dark Oath," so be warned!

Mayans M.C. Season 3 just hit new levels of tension in and around the central club with its fourth episode, thanks in large part to that very noticeable and very dead body laid out ever so carefully across the motorcycle of Raoul Max Trujillo's Taza. And not for nothing, either. Taza's past with the Vatos Malditos continues to haunt him, with Riz's murder leading to the birthday party ambush, the death of the mystery Sons of Anarchy character and now the death of Jacob Vargas' Allesandro Montez. Naturally, Gregory Cruz' Palo is the true villain here, but Taza's guilt is irreversible.

While it was expected that more characters would start dropping with each episode of Mayans M.C., I certainly didn't expect another SAMCRO member to take the fall. But that kind of domino effect is precisely what showrunner Elgin James wanted to continue bringing to Taza's story, as well as to other characters. When CinemaBlend spoke with James ahead of Episode 4 premiering on FX, I asked him what kind of repercussions would come from Taza discovering Montez's body. While he excitedly bounced around in delivering his answer, giving props to co-creator Kurt Sutter in the process, his all-around implication was that Taza's sins will continue to haunt him as this explosive season goes on. In James' words:

To that end, Elgin James is saying that every consequential action someone makes in the Mayans M.C. universe is going to be met with consequences. Even if it doesn't all come out equally to eye for an eye, no good or bad deeds go unrewarded, so to speak. The best thing Taza can probably do right now is find a way to tell Michael Irby's Bishop just enough of the truth to warn him about Palo while still hiding enough of the truth to keep himself from getting annihilated by his brothers. Considering how far down the path to addiction Richard Cabral's Coco is right now, Taza would be smart to start putting everyone's attention on Coco.

Speaking of, Elgin James used Coco's post-matricide situation as an example of these characters' actions not going down inside a vacuum. He continued:

Just because Taza is probably going to do some hardcore suffering in the near future doesn't mean that he's definitely going to die or anything. In fact, it sounds like viewers may still have a lot to learn about Taza in the remainder of Season 3. Here's how Elgin James put it:

It will definitely be an interesting to see which way the reaper's scythe swings throughout the remainder of Mayans M.C. Season 3, especially if SAMCRO and the Mayans both learn everything that's been happening behind their backs and under their noses. Until then, R.I.P. Montez. You should have just killed Palo at any point when the opportunity presented itself.

Mayans M.C. airs Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Spoiler warning for anyone who hasn't yet watched the Mayans MC episode titled "Overreaching Don't Pay."

While the old saying goes, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," it would appear as if Mayans M.C. showrunner Elgin James follows the modified adage "If you can't beat 'em, just keep on swinging until they join you." Season 3 is something of a crossroads for the FX biker drama, which is sidestepping its way out of Sons of Anarchy's bloody shadows all while putting SAMCRO's characters in the crosshairs. Oh, and also by hilariously blaspheming against Charlie Hunnam's Jax Teller.

In the episode "Overreaching Don't Pay," SAMCRO's Happy (David Labrava) and Montez (Jacob Vargas) showed up to pass on the overtly stern "advice" that the Mayans need to give the Sons a heads up when they're passing through. When Montez mentioned not wanting to disrespect Jax Teller's last wishes, it sparked the following exchange between new prospect Steve (Momo Rodriguez) and Gilly (Vincent Vargas).

That the scene went right back into Bishop and Happy's tense exchange makes this epic bit of trolling all the more enjoyable and hilarious, especially since the pratfall-centric Steve remains clueless about what is arguably this franchise's most important character. There's a rare beauty in the way Elgin James& Co. are able to approach spotlight callbacks like that, in that off-screen respect is paid through on-screen disrespect. And can you bet that even without Kurt Sutter around for Season 3, showrunner Elgin James absolutely still has a lot of love and admiration for Sons of Anarchy's characters and creator. When I recently spoke with James, I brought up how much fun it was to hear such a barbed Jax Teller name-drop, and here's how he responded:

I love that reasoning, both because of its general boldness, since TV spinoffs very seldom get to take shots at flagship series, and because of how practical it is. It's not like Jax, Chibs, Tig and the rest of SAMCRO only ever spoke highly of Marcus Alvarez when his name came up on Sons of Anarchy, so it would be weird if the current Mayans members only ever talked about Jax like he was an angel martyr that hadn't totally fucked with the motorcycle club scene in huge ways. I'm sure the stipulations surrounding his death make a ton of charter members angry in various ways, and Gilly's "Who the fuck cares?" is a perfectly catty distillation of that viewpoint.

Mayans M.C.'s separation from Jax Teller isn't just about the always appreciated Sons of Anarchy crossover scenes, either. It's also about making damned sure audience know that J.D. Pardo's EZ Reyes isn't just a re-skinned version of Charlie Hunnam's character. While there are obviously comparisons to be made on a macro level, as well as on a "boyish grin that can make anyone swoon" level, EZ has definitely become his own character at this point. Elgin James wants everyone to know that's not going to change, either, as Season 3 will take EZ down some dark and personal roads. Just in case his happiness in the Season 3 premiere had anyone fooled, here's how the showrunner described EZ's current arc.

Hearing that kind of talk makes me feel very worried about Edward James Olmos' Felipé Reyes, especially since he's been in such a funk over learning the truth about his wife's murder, and with EZ having killed Ada Maris' Dita Galindo. Sure, it would be heartbreaking if he lost Gaby in some way, considering how well they've bonded thus far, and EZ would definitely be devastated if something awful happened to Clayton Cardenas' Angel. But if we're talking about souls being on the line, I don't think there's a more direct way to EZ's soul than through his father. I really don't want to have to say "R.I.P. Felipé" at any point this season, or any other season.

So remember, even though things aren't looking so grim for EZ at the moment, Season 3 is still only getting started, and there are many bumps in the road yet to come. (And I'm sure it won't just be EZ paying the mental and physical costs.) Be sure to tune in Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m. ET, with episodes hitting Hulu the next day.

Spoilers below for Mayans M.C.'s double-episode Season 3 premiere, so be warned!

When Mayans M.C. returned to viewers for its long-awaited third season, it came without co-creator Kurt Sutter, whose planned exit was usurped by his eventual termination. Now, showrunner Elgin James is riding solo at the head of the creative pack as EZ, Bishop, Felipé, Miguel and so many other characters suffer through the aftermath of their violent acts at the end of Season 2. And fans can be absolutely sure that knows just how important this season is for Mayans M.C.'s future, with Richard Cabral's storyline as Coco standing out as a more personal tale for James to tell.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Elgin James after the battleground-setting Season 3 premiere aired, with some of that conversation is too spoilery to share now, and he talked about this being something of a make-or-break season for Mayans M.C. now that it's no longer living in the direct shadows of Kurt Sutter and Sons of Anarchy. To that end, James had the show's cast and crew go all out in case Season 4 doesn't come to fruition. In his words:

While Mayans M.C. will possibly always be compared to Sons of Anarchy to a certain extent, the follow-up series continues to set itself apart from the flagship drama, even as it builds upon connections to SAMCRO members in Season 3, which J.D. Pardo previously hyped as the best one yet. I'm as guilty of anyone viewing Pardo's journey as EZ through a Jax Teller-shaped prism, though without ever thinking the two characters are overtly similar in personality. It's hard to tell whether Mayans M.C. is working with an advantage, a disadvantage or otherwise by releasing at this point during the pandemic, considering TV audiences have been shifting so much, usually in negative directions.

For everyone who keeps tuning in, though, either on FX or on Hulu, Elgin James promises that Season 3 will bring a lot of reckoning for many Mayans M.C. characters, saying:

Viewers have already witnessed some of the mental toll that Edward James Olmos' Felipé is dealing with in the wake of EZ favor-murdering Dita, while Clayton Cardenas' Angel is using rebound sex to bury his sorrow regarding his child with Carla Baratta's Adelita. Danny Pino's Miguel is having his own emotional reaction to Dita's presumed suicide, which involves murdering anyone close to her who didn't see it coming, which is everyone, since she didn't actually kill herself. Then there's Michael Irby's Bishop, who is eagerly burning bridges before he even has time to cross them, and the list goes on and on. Which brings us to Coco...

Why Coco's Story Is So Meaningful To Elgin James

In the first two seasons of Mayans M.C., Richard Cabral's Coco went from something resembling comic relief to one of the biker drama's most fractured characters. That dissolution is absolutely on full display in Season 3, too, as Coco is extremely deep in the throes of addiction to Oxycontin (among other things), which is affecting both his behavior and his physical appearance in pretty heinous ways. And it's through that character's twisted storyline that showrunner Elgin James is able to work out some of his most volatile personal demons, in part because he and Cabral have similarly dark pasts. James explained:

To be sure, Coco came to some pretty overwhelming realizations in Season 2 that sent him down a drug-abusing path, though by the end of Episode 2, it didn't seem like he'd be able to go down any paths in the near future. Coco made the completely irrational choice to attempt a robbery from the assumed top dog within a drug community known as Meth Mountain. Nobody should be doing anything at Meth Mountain besides "getting the hell out," but Coco went and probably made himself a new set of enemies by trying to impulsively hijack a bunch of Oxy and other pills. Of course, desperate times call for desperate measures.

While Coco's storyline might come off as too much in another actor's hands, Richard Cabral really plays into Coco's depravity and addiction-fueled desperation in completely humorless ways, to the point where he's not even able to have functional shit-talking conversations with other members of the M.C. The actor was intent on bringing the authenticity to the performance, regardless of how likable Coco was throughout, and Cabral's dedication to the role in Season 3 actually had Elgin James worried about his health and safety. According to the showrunner:

One can presumed that Coco isn't dragged into a swamp and eaten alive by cannibal meth-heads, but it'll be interesting to see how the character's suddenly hectic journey in Season 3 plays out, considering how far down the rabbit hole he already is with his pill fixations. Can he possibly make it over the hump and into a recovery state without Bishop or any of the other Mayans discovering his transgressions? I doubt it.

With a lot more mayhem and excitement on the way for the Reyes brothers and beyond, Mayans M.C. airs Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m. ET. It's probably time to start putting bets down on which main character will be the next one to be killed off.

Spoilers below for both Mayans M.C.'s Season 3 premiere and Episode 2, so be warned!

After an extremely long wait between Mayans M.C. seasons, with Season 3's renewal coming back in November 2019 on the day before its Season 2 finale, the FX hit finally returned to audiences with a super-sized double-episode premiere. While the show didn't kill off any major characters in those two installments, showrunner Elgin James and his creative team definitely set the stage for tons of (mister) mayhem to come for just about all the main characters, from J.D. Pardo's EZ Reyes to Danny Pino's Miguel Galindo to Michael Irby's Bishop.

Let's rev up our brains to talk about all the biggest takeaways from Mayans M.C.'s "Pap Struggles with the Death Angel" and "The Orneriness of Kings." What better place to start than with the connective tissue that started it all, Sons of Anarchy.

We Still Don't Know Which Sons Of Anarchy Member Died

Mayans M.C. featured a wild twist in its Season 2 finale when viewers saw there was a Sons of Anarchy club member who was killed at the birthday party the Mayans shot up. But anybody hoping to discover it was a big important character in the Season 3 premiere was shit out of luck. It sounded like Montez referred to a "Tommy" going missing – the screeners I watched did not have subtitles – but there aren't any obvious characters that went by that name in SAMCRO. Unless, of course, he was referring to Jax Teller's son Thomas, but that seems more than a little ridiculous.

Coco Done Lost His Damned Mind

It was clear that Richard Cabral's Coco had drug problems around 0.0001 seconds after he first showed up in the premiere, but he dove off the fucking deep end both mentally and physically in Episode 2 by single-handedly attempting to rob the leader of Meth Mountain. Unsurprisingly, he got his ass beat down for such a baffling transgression, but Mayans M.C. went into zombie-movie mode in that sequence, having all the meth-heads attacking Coco's car and pulling him out of it. I can't imagine he gets fully clean in Episode 3.

Bishop And EZ Are Fully Clay And Jax 2.0

While some comparisons between Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. are clearer to make than others, the Season 3 premiere definitely lined up Bishop and EZ to take the generational baton from Ron Perlman's Clay Morrow and Charlie Hunnam's Jax Teller. Bishop's chest is getting a little too puffy for his cut as he sets his eye on bigger prizes, and he's getting scheme-friendly advice from the smarter-than-everyone EZ, which is very much how the Clay and Jax dynamic worked before it completely rotted away.

Miguel Will Soon Run Out Of Scapegoats To Murder

Miguel Galindo isn't making any friends in Season 3 of Mayans M.C. His mother's death is gnawing at his brain and causing him to blame others, to the point where he's straight up murdering people that didn't actually have any direct influence on Dita's fate. Plus, he's blaming her psychiatrist and her driver for things that he himself would also be guilty of, had Dita actually killed herself. But it's not like she hung around tons of people, and he soon won't have anyone left to bear the brunt of his anger. Which I guess means he'll end up somehow discovering that they Reyes family was involved, which will obviously create major complications for EZ and Edward James Olmos' Felipé, as well as Clayton Cardenas' Angel. Hopefully his golden gun will continue to jam up and save potential victims some time.

Gaby And EZ Are Almost As Cute As Gaby And Felipé

While Season 3 doesn't start off strong for EZ and Felipé's relationship, Sulem Calderon's Gaby is there to fix everything. Not only does she bring a lightness and a certain amount of mental levity to EZ's life, but she's also selfless, adorable and eager to keep happy thoughts present in those around her. Case in point: even though Felipé's depression keeps him in bed and away from life, Gaby helps out by cleaning and cooking for him, eventually inspiring Felipé to come out of his shell, if only during the moments where EZ isn't around to remind him of Dita's death. Part of me is instantly fearful that Mayans M.C. will kill Gaby off, but I really hope she's around for the long haul.

Taza Needs To Get Popped By Somebody

After previously proving himself to be something of a double agent, Raoul Trujillo's Taza committed the ultimate M.C. sin by killing off one of his club brothers, Antonio Jaramillo's Riz. And while he may have had his reasons for doing so, I'm hoping those reasons will soon be discovered by Bishop and the other Mayans, so that they can deliver justice in ways only this franchise can.

Emily Is Probably About To Snap On Miguel

Much like everyone else in Miguel's life beyond those he's actively sleeping with, Sarah Bolger's Emily is another target for him to rule over with a traumatized iron thumb. He's not physically romantic with her anymore, he leaves her to tend to their screaming child on a daily basis, and to add familial insult to injury, Miguel called upon Emily's impulsive sister to temporarily stay with them to help out with childcare. Emily can only suffer through so many tearful mornings, afternoons and evenings before she puts a big dent in Miguel's offensive front, either with an argument or with her car.

Alvarez Appears Ready To Call It Quits

Emilio Rivera's Marcus Alvarez is treated with much respect in the world of Mayans M.C., having previously served as the Oakland charter president on Sons of Anarchy before shifting allegiances and paychecks over to Miguel Galindo's cartel. But from the few moments Alvarez factors into the first two episodes, it appears as if he might be losing his enthusiasm for this dark and dangerous world. I wouldn't be surprised if Alvarez has transitioned once more to a less hectic home life by the time Season 3 comes to a close, which would likely mean he's also going to die, since nobody truly leaves this life for good.

Everyone Should Be Afraid If Adelita Can't Readjust

Carla Baratta's Adelita certainly isn't an innocent party within the murky political waters of Mayans M.C., though she seems to be suffering more than other characters whose actions are far more selfishly malicious. (Lookin' at you, Miguel.) Thankfully for her sake, Adelita was traded off to a less horrifying living situation, where viewers witnessed just how traumatized she was by her imprisonment, as well as losing her child, so to speak. Of course, she's still Adelita, so it wasn't so surprising to learn that she'd already made a big escape. Where will she show up next, though? I'm guessing she'll find a way to reconnect with Angel, although he might want to curb the promiscuousness before that happens.

Mayans M.C. definitely gave viewers other things to think about, such as "What the fuck, Steve?" But for those most part, the points above are all the big topics we'll be thinking about until another new episodes pops up on FX next Tuesday night at 10:00 p.m. ET.

A lot has happened in the world since we last saw Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (J.D. Pardo), Angel Reyes (Clayton Cardenas) and the rest of the members of the Mayans M.C. in the shocking and explosive final moments of the FX series’ second season, but at long last the Sons of Anarchy spinoff is finally coming back to our television screens in short order. And as we look toward the return of the gritty crime drama, some may have some serious questions as to what Mayans M.C. Season 3 will be about and what we can expect.

With not much time between now and the return of Mayans M.C. and so much to go over, let’s go ahead and ride through this world of what we know about about the show’s third season, which includes when it airs (and other ways to watch it), where things will pick up, and other details that are making us even more excited for its return.

Mayans M.C. Season 3 Debuts March 16 On FX

The first two seasons of Mayans M.C. debuted in September 2018 and 2019, respectively, and so when Season 3 didn’t return at the normal time in the fall of 2020, some may have wondered when they would experience the fallout from the events that went down a year earlier. Well, fret no more, as Mayans M.C. Season 3 will debut at 10 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, March 16 on FX. Each chapter of the 10-episode season will then become available on Hulu the day after it airs on traditional television outlets, giving you multiple ways of keeping up with all the action.

Mayans M.C. Season 3 Picks Up Months After The Explosive Season 2 Finale

Despite nearly a year and a half passing since we last caught up with EZ and Angel Reyes in the Mayans M.C. Season 2 finale, only a few months have passed for those in the FX series. During a February 2021 interview with EW, series executive producer and showrunner Elgin James revealed that the show will pick up just a few months following the attack on the Vatos Malditos, murder of Dita Galindo (Ada Maris), and head games played by Lincoln Potter (Ray McKinnon). To catch viewers up with the Mayans, especially the Reyes brothers, James stated:

By the sound of it, all of the major storylines from the final moments of Mayans M.C. Season 2 will be continued and perhaps take new directions when the show returns, especially for the Reyes brothers, who are becoming more and more like Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) with each passing season.

The Mayans M.C. Will Have To Deal With The Fallout Of That SAMCRO Death

The Mayans M.C. and Sons of Anarchy have had a tight history throughout the duration of both shows, but that relationship will be put to the test in Mayans M.C. Season 3, considering the fact that the body of a Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original was found in the rubble of the club’s attack on the Vatos Malditos party in the Season 2 finale.

It remains to be seen which member of SAMCRO met their fate at the hands of the Mayans (who didn’t know the mystery ally was there), but you can guarantee there will be some kind of fallout once it's discovered who is responsible.

Mayans M.C. Season 3 Will Be About Reckoning For More Than Just The Reyes Brothers

The Reyes brothers aren’t the only characters in Mayans M.C. who will find themselves at the crossroads when the show returns on March 16. Several other key members of the motorcycle club will be forced to make difficult decisions, as revealed during Elgin James’ EW interview:

Going off Elgin James’ words, it sounds like Mayans M.C. Season 3 is going to prove to be a pivotal chapter in the ongoing saga of the motorcycle club, and hopefully is indicative of the show continuing for years to come.

Expect A Raw And Heartbreaking Story In Mayans M.C. Season 3

With the direction the show seems to be heading in for Season 3, it should come as no surprise that Mayan M.C. won’t hold back with the emotion as EZ, Angel, and the rest of the motorcycle club and their associates find themselves on a path of no return. Shortly after the first teaser trailer dropped in February 2021, J.D. Pardo revealed on Instagram that this season will be “cinematic, raw, and unfiltered” and will include a story that will touch your soul and break your heart at the same time.

Mayans M.C. Season 3 Will Be The First With Elgin James As Sole Showrunner

One of the biggest changes experienced by the cast and crew of Mayans M.C. in the past couple of years has been been the departure of co-creator and co-showrunner Kurt Sutter, who was fired in late 2019. For the first time in the series’ history, Elgin James will be serving as the sole showrunner moving forward, per Variety. At the time of the announcement, James expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had been given as well as having the chance to continue with the series.

Prior to his October 2019 dismissal, Kurt Sutter (who also created Sons of Anarchy) revealed that he would be stepping down as co-showrunner if Mayans M.C. was renewed for a third season.

Mayans M.C. Season 3 gets underway at 10 p.m. (EST), Tuesday, March 16 on FX with episodes appearing on Hulu the following day. The first two seasons can be streamed in their entirety on the streaming service. For the latest on other shows returning this year, check out CinemaBlend’s 2021 TV schedule.

Following a pretty lengthy period of radio silence after Season 2 concluded back in November 2019, FX's down and dirty hit drama Mayans M.C. finally started making some long-awaited noise with the recent announcement that Season 3 will debut in March. That excellence led to star JD Pardo giving fans a big ol' boast about what we can expect from the show in its third outing, basically calling it the best season yet!

JD Pardo hit up Instagram to share a colorful shot of his character EZ "Don't Call Me Jax Teller" Reyes, and paired that visual with some major hype for Season 3 of Mayans M.C.

For one thing, JD Pardo makes it clear that Mayans M.C. didn't let COVID-centric safety precautions get in the way of anyone on the creative team delivering a high-quality product. He gave a general shout out to all the main factions that go into bringing a TV show to life, and then pinpointed his praise to showrunner and co-creator Elgin James, who tackled this season without fellow co-creator Kurt Sutter, who stepped down from his co-showrunner role shortly before he was fired from the show altogether over workplace conduct.

JD Pardo shared a bit more in his post, reflecting on how the show is able to go on such an emotional journey while not exactly telling the glitziest tale.

Mayans M.C. certainly went to some interesting places as Season 2 came to a close, making some big and deadly connections with Sons of Anarchy characters, and not exactly in ways that could go well for all involved. When it comes to more heartbreaking topics, the subject of Angel's supposed kid with Adelita could lead to some emotional moments, as well as the relationship between EZ and Edward James Olmos' Felipe. Check out JD Pardo's full post below.

Catch a hectic and danger-filled ride with EZ and the rest of the club when Mayans M.C. returns to FX for Season 3 on Thursday, March 16, with episodes available the next day through FX on Hulu. Now the big question is how many Sons of Anarchy drinking games can I play before March 16 gets here...

Like many of you, Sons of Anarchy was one of my favorite shows at one point. I would watch it every week with either my dad or a group of buddies and we'd discuss everything that went down and what we thought would happen the following week. And oftentimes, we'd try to find other shows and movies that we thought compared to the FX crime drama.

Now, all these years later, I have found myself doing that very thing — finding shows and movies that share characteristics with the story of SAMCRO. Surprise, surprise, there are a lot of movies and shows out there that either inspired the series or took inspiration from it over the years. So I've put together a list of films and series you can watch if you are a diehard fan of Sons of Anarchy who needs a break from watching the show for the millionth time.

Mayans M.C. (2018 - Present)

Set in the same universe as Sons of Anarchy, the FX crime series Mayans M.C. follows the exploits of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, one of SAMCRO's fiercest rivals-turned-allies.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: SOA fans looking to stick around the world of the successful series will be right at home with Mayans M.C., because not only do several characters from the original series make appearances here, the show continues the legacy of Kurt Sutter's biker series with plenty of family drama, intense action, and plenty of badass motorcycle scenes.

Stream it on Hulu here.

The Shield (2002 - 2008)

Before Kurt Sutter went on to create Sons of Anarchy, the television writer/producer helped get The Shield off the ground. Centered around an elite group of mix-matched LAPD detectives , the show was known for his bleak view of police corruption and loads and loads of violence.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: When The Shield, which was considered one of the grittiest shows on television at the time of is 2002 debut, helped lay the groundwork for much of what viewers came to love in Sons of Anarchy. And with many of the actors from SOA appearing on the police thriller, you can have a great time finding them all.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Hell Or High Water (2016)

Written by Taylor Sheridan (Deputy Chief David Hale on Sons of Anarchy), the 2016 modern-day western Hell or High Water follows brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner Howard (Ben Foster) as they go out and commit a series of bank heists to pay off a large debt. Little do they know but Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) is hot on their trail.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: Much like on Sons of Anarchy, Hell or High Water provides dynamic and fleshed-out characters that go beyond good and evil. And much like the FX series in which the film's screenwriter starred, the movie is heartfelt, engaging, and extremely violent. Also, SOA fans who became drawn in by handsome outlaws hearts of gold will be right at home in this Academy Award-nominated picture.

Stream it on Netflix here.

The Sopranos (1999 - 2007)

The HBO classic crime epic The Sopranos examines New Jersey Mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he tries to find his place as the leader of a crime organization as well as in his very own family. Over the course of six seasons, this groundbreaking series became one of the most well-regarded shows of all time.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: When talking about shows like the ones we're discussing here, there are, no doubt, some fans who enjoy both series. However, there are probably some out there who missed the boat with The Sopranos ending its run more than a year before Sons of Anarchy rolled into the picture. For those fans I say watch this HBO series immediately. It has the humor, violence, and familial drama found in everyone's favorite biker show and then some.

Stream it on HBO Max here.

Brotherhood (2006 - 2008)

Set in Providence, Rhode Island, the Showtime series Brotherhood centers around two Irish brothers on opposite sides of the law played by Jason Isaacs and Jason Clarke as they both fight survival in the hardened neighborhood in which they were raised.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: Fans of Sons of Anarchy's Season 3 diversion to Belfast, Ireland, will enjoy the familiar sounds of Irish accents and longtime criminals in Brotherhood. Add in a touch of the family members finding themselves at odds with one another with Annabeth Gish (Sheriff Althea Jarry from SOA Season 7), and you have yourself a perfect combination for any fans looking for a quick three-season show to binge.

Stream it on Hulu here.

Triple Frontier (2019)

The incredibly stacked Netflix original action film Triple Frontier centers around a group of former soldiers from the elite U.S. Army Delta Force who get back together and try to pull off an incredible heist in the jungles of South America.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: For starters, Jax Teller himself, Charlie Hunnam appears as William "Ironhead" Miller one of the former soldiers-turned-thieves who attempts to pull off the nearly impossible heist. And then you have the whole tried-and-true concept of a plan going horribly wrong, just like pretty much every plan in Sons of Anarchy. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have some of the most intense action sequences featuring the likes of Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, and Pedro Pascal featured heavily throughout.

Stream it on Netflix here.

Animal Kingdom (2016 - Present)

Based on the critically-acclaimed Australian drama of the same name, the 2016 TNT series Animal Kingdom follows Joshua "J" Cody (Finn Cole) as he tries to find his place with a group of his crime-ridden surf-obsessed family members following the death of his mother.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: Like Sons of Anarchy before it, Animal Kingdom explores what it's like to be a part of a family so entrenched in crime, seedy operations, and violence, as well as the effect it has on someone who didn't grow up in that lifestyle. With a large ensemble cast and some fairly shocking twists and turns, this series is right up there with SOA.

Stream it on Amazon here.

Peaky Blinders (2013 - Present)

Set just after the events of the First World War, the BBC period crime series Peaky Blinders is one of the most talked about shows on television, and it's not just because of the characters' signature style and sharp haircuts. With a cast that includes Cillian Murphy, Sam Neil, Tom Hardy, Finn Cole, and loads of other famed actors and actresses, this exploration of the formation of the Peaky Blinders urban street gang is one of the best of its era.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: At the very center of it, Peaky Blinders is anchored by its lead actor Cillian Murphy in his portrayal of Thomas Shelby. Much like Charlie Hunnam during his time on Sons of Anarchy, Murphy steals every single one of his scenes with his magnetic charisma, unique style, and propensity for explosive bursts of violence. On top of that, you have the inner-politics of the Peaky Blinders gang as well as how its seen by the outside world, much like SAMCRO.

Stream it on Netflix here.

The Highwaymen (2019)

The story of Bonnie and Clyde is one of the most well-known tales about American outlaws from the 20th Century, and the 2019 Netflix original movie The Highwaymen explores the other side of the fight that ended the couple's reign of terror in the 1930s. Starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as two former Texas Rangers on the hunt for the couple, the movie recounts the investigation that ended bloody shootout in Louisiana.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: Fans of Sons of Anarchy who enjoyed the show's back-and-forth between the criminals and law enforcement will feel right at home with this retelling of the bloody piece of American History. With outlaws, lawmen, shaky relationships, and plenty of deception, The Highwaymen explores the very foundation of the outlaws and the men who cut them down that would go on to inspire films and television series like SOA.

Stream it on Netflix here.

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966)

Considered one of the most important films of all time, Sergio Leone's 1966 classic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is what most people picture when they think of the western genre. Centered around a mysterious stranger played by Clint Eastwood as he hunts down $200,000 buried somewhere in the desert of the American Southwest, the violent and strikingly beautiful movie is one for the ages.

Why It's A Good Option for Sons of Anarchy Fans: At the very core of it, Sons of Anarchy is a modern-day western with motorcycles replaced the steeds of outlaws past. What better way to follow up the long-running biker gang drama than by watching one of the quintessential westerns, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. You can in Charlie Hunnam's facial expressions throughout the series that he drew inspiration from Clint Eastwood's Man with No Name.

Stream it on Amazon here.

Well, hopefully that's more than enough to hold you over now that you've finished all seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy. But don't feel like you're limited it this movies and television shows, as there are countless others that either inspired or took inspiration from Kurt Sutter's biker gang epic. And we've got you covered if you want to know how Charlie Hunnam looked so good in The Gentlemen here on CinemaBlend.

Kurt Sutter made headlines this fall when he was fired at FX, despite Sons of Anarchy and now Mayans M.C. becoming huge hits for the network. His explanation of what happened suggests that he believes he knows what led to his firing, and now he has come out with an even more shocking claim than that it was a joke that got him booted from the network. Sutter says the ending of Mayans M.C. Season 2 was changed after he no longer had any say. Take a look:

If Kurt Sutter's statement via tweet is the whole story, then the original cut of the Mayans M.C. Season 2 finale (which he evidently approved of) must have been dark indeed. The finished product as aired on FX didn't exactly end on what anybody would likely call a family-friendly note. Sutter didn't go into detail about what he suggests was changed from his original vision and the final cut, but he's clearly not happy about what hit the airwaves.

Considering some of Kurt Sutter's comments about FX since the deal that brought it under the Disney umbrella (including the joke about Walt Disney that he believes got him fired), it's not surprising to learn that he still has issues with the changes to the way he felt the network operated.

The mention of a "WGA violation" could be a sign that he doesn't intend to let alleged changes slide without doing more than posting a shocking tweet. Then again, Kurt Sutter may have just been attempting to impress on his followers just how serious he considers this move by those who would have signed off on the episode as it aired.

It should be interesting to see if FX has any response to Kurt Sutter's claim that the episode as aired was "dumbed" down and "safe." The statement via tweet comes more than a week after the Season 2 finale aired to follow up on the big death in the second-to-last episode of Season 2. There was a lot of violence due to that death in the penultimate episode, as well as another death that was teased without showing the identity of the person who went down.

Whatever does or doesn't happen as a result of Kurt Sutter's tweet, the future of Mayans M.C. shouldn't be affected. The show was renewed for Season 3 before the Season 2 finale even aired. The second season proved that the excellent ratings for Season 1 weren't a fluke, and Mayans M.C. clearly has what it takes to hold on to an audience from year to year, even with the long hiatus between seasons.

Mayans M.C. returns to FX for its first Kurt Sutter-free season in fall 2020. Some further changes are in store on the FX front due to the deal with Disney, as FX's shows will stream exclusively on the Disney-owned Hulu in the future.

Spoilers below for the Season 2 finale of Mayans M.C., so be sure to watch before reading on.

Without a doubt, the most celebratory moment within the Mayans M.C. season finale was E.Z.'s acceptance as a full patch member of the Mayans club, but watching the Reyes brothers put Ray McKinnon's Lincoln Potter in his place was also pretty magical. However, Potter had a wildcard to pull in the form of Adelita's newborn baby, which audiences were driven to believe is Angel's biological offspring. But is it?

In the episode's final moments, just before that mystery Sons of Anarchy death reveal, Potter called Angel with an antagonizing mini-threat, telling the M.C. member that "his" baby was born. Considering Potter has his own love child out there in the world, the government agent's purpose was to make Angel feel as bad as he does about not having ready access to a child's love. But warning bells likely rang loudly for some viewers, considering the episode never truly confirmed that Angel was the father of Adelita's baby.

Guess what? Star Clayton Cardenas, who portrays the elder Reyes sibling, also isn't wholly convinced by what the Season 2 finale laid out there for fans. Here's how he put it:

After Adelita gave birth in the finale, it was clear that Potter had some ideas in his head about how that child could be used to further his own ends. But it was extremely curious when Potter's partner revealed that she had DNA results, yet never clued audiences in on what those results were. And it wasn't exactly clear from Potter's face what the news was, either.

Beyond Angel, the biggest candidate would be Miguel Galindo, who hasn't outwardly seemed like the kind of person who would cheat on his wife Emily – especially while in the midst of a trust war with her – but his efforts to keep Adelita safe are definitely more than just empathy in action. Plus, the storyline about Dita and Felipe already set the seeds for infidelity to be in the family's DNA.

If that baby would have a mustache already, determining the father would depend on how thick the mustache was. Thinner = Miguel. Thicker = Angel. Twirled up at the ends = Gomez Addams.

I'm almost surprised that Potter didn't also try and come after Miguel using Adelita's baby as leverage, but I guess he had his hands full with E.Z. and Angel's threats. Those wounds were probably still too fresh for him to think about how to keep his influence stretched out over everyone he's going after. But once he feels like he's fully got the upper hand again, we can probably expect to see Potter's frustrated efforts continuing in Season 3.

Speaking of, the baby daddy mystery sets up some interesting angles for where Season 3 could start up, and it sounds like Clayton Cardenas wants Mayans M.C. to reveal that Angel is the father. It would certainly shake things up for the Reyes family, who'd just gone through some serious trauma confrontation in figuring out how matriarch Marisol was murdered. (I suppose "strangling the vindictive motherfucker who hired the hitman" counts as something more than trauma confrontation.)

That mystery will likely stay unanswered throughout the entirety of Mayans M.C.'s between-seasons hiatus, as well that other mega-mystery: which Sons of Anarchy member got killed in the ambush at Palo's? As it turns out, not even Clayton Cardenas himself is fully aware. Here's how he explained it to EW:

Just in case anyone thought that hounding the Mayans M.C. stars might help shed some light on the Season 2 finale SAMCRO death, co-creator Elgin James apparently set things up so that no one would be fully aware of who it is. Possibly a smart move, since there are likely going to be millions of fans who get pissed off over Mayans M.C. killing any of the flagship series' characters. Even the ones who might arguably deserve it in the Mayans universe, like Happy.

But for real, if Tommy Flanagan's Chibs is the one lying dead on that floor, it will be a strange move on the creative team's part, considering the character only just made his first franchise return since Sons of Anarchy ended. Though I guess it making it Chibs would be more ideal than making it a beloved character that didn't get to fully come back yet, such as Kim Coates' Tig. I really just hope it's someone we never met before.

Whose baby is it, everybody? And which SAMCRO member got killed? Answer our poll and hit up our comments with your answers. Even though Mayans M.C. has wrapped things up for Season 2, FX has already sated worries by giving the biker drama a Season 3 renewal, even though co-creator Kurt Sutter won't be back for it. Even though Sutter was already stepping down from the showrunning position for Season 3, he was recently fired by FX for unconfirmed reasons. (Though Sutter says it's because of a harsh Disney joke he wanted to use.)

This poll is no longer available.

Mayans M.C. raised the stakes for the second season by dealing out a game-changing death in the penultimate episode, and fans had every reason to expect an intense finale that could definitely end on a cliffhanger. Well, now there's no need to fear that Mayans won't have the chance to pay off on the ending of Season 2. FX has officially renewed Mayans M.C. for a third season. Riz may not be back, but the aftershocks of how he died could well be felt into Season 3!

Although it's early to be thinking about what the beginning of Season 3 will bring, FX has already released some details to keep fans engaged during the post-Season 2 hiatus. Mayans M.C. will return to the airwaves after the Season 2 finale on November 5 with Season 3 in fall of 2020. Stepping into Kurt Sutter's shoes as showrunner, which was a necessity after Sutter was fired back in October, will be Mayans M.C. co-creator and executive producer Elgin James.

There is no news at this point of the episode count for Mayans M.C. Season 3, but if it follows the pattern set by the first two seasons, then it will likely run for ten episodes. All things considered, the renewal for Season 3 is far from a surprise, and not just because its continuation means the ongoing possibility of characters from the parents series returning to the in-show universe.

Kurt Sutter Thinks A Mayans M.C. Joke About Walt Disney Got Him Fired From FX

The first season of Mayans M.C. was the most-watched new series of 2018 for the 18-49 demographic on cable TV, which is no mean feat. The show continued to do well into its second season, and it ranks as #6 in the 18-49 demo when it comes to cable scripted series in 2019. While that doesn't sound quite as good as its ranking from 2018, it's worth noting that a whopping 172 cable scripted series were in the running for 2019. #6 is pretty great!

Additionally, Mayans is in the top 10 in all other key demographics in Live+7 day calculations. When accounting for viewers from linear and non-linear platforms, Mayans M.C. averages 4.6 million viewers per episodes. The violence, rough language, and deaths may not be for everybody, but Mayans M.C. is a big enough hit with enough people that it would have been shocking if FX didn't order a third season.

The very good news for fans who watch new episodes of Mayans M.C. live is that the renewal news comes shortly before the Season 3 finale is set to air. That episode is tasked with revealing the aftermath of Riz's death, as everybody except his friend (who killed him) thinks he died as a result of the surprise attack, and all signs pointed toward a bloody quest for vengeance in the final episode of the second season.

There's still plenty to worry about with regard to the episode, but whether or not the season finale will double as the series finale isn't one of those things! The final episode of Mayans M.C. Season 2 airs Tuesday, November 5 at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Mayans M.C. never fails to deliver the intensity as it tells the stories of rival motorcycle gangs, with violence, guns, drugs, and betrayals on the agenda on a regular basis. The penultimate episode of Season 2 raised the stakes even further with the unexpected death of Riz, played by Antonio Jaramillo. After being seriously injured in the attack by the Vatos Malditos, Riz seemed like he could pull through... until he was murdered by a friend.

Before we get into exactly what happened on that front, take heart in the knowledge that Antonio Jaramillo isn't showing any bitterness that his character was killed off a hit FX TV show. The official Mayans M.C. Twitter account posted a video of Jaramillo saying goodbye, and Jaramillo followed it up with a message from his own account. Check it out!

Not everybody would be so gracious and positive right after their character was killed off, so kudos to Antonio Jaramillo for seeing the sunny side of the situation and embracing the experience. It's worth noting that Jaramillo said "if it is goodbye" at one point, so perhaps there's the chance that Riz could return!

He seemed pretty dead after the events of Season 2's penultimate episode, but Mayans M.C. has played with flashbacks in the past, and could do so in the future. Antonio Jaramillo could theoretically return as an alive-and-well Riz in scenes set before his death!

It's especially good to see Antonio Jaramillo looking so upbeat considering how Riz's death went down. Just when it seemed he was rallying and would survive the attack, Taza took matters into his own hands. The vote about whether or not to seek revenge against Vatos Malditos was not going Taza's way, as the others were leaning toward letting it go because neither he nor Riz had died.

Kurt Sutter Thinks A Mayans M.C. Joke About Walt Disney Got Him Fired From FX

Well, Taza couldn't let that happen, so he killed Riz in the hospital, then put on a convincing performance of begging the nurses to save him after they came rushing to help. Taza's act of murder did the trick, and it looks like the M.C. is heading for war to avenge Riz.

The official description for the Season 2 finale, which airs Tuesday, November 5 at 10 p.m. ET on FX, doesn't give away a whole lot in the way of details. In the finale, the Reyes brothers and the M.C. are going to face some tough decisions is the face of the need for justice. Take a look at the promo for the first episode of Mayans M.C. following Riz's death:

Mayans M.C. has not yet been renewed for a third season, so unless fans get some good news ahead of the November 5 Season 2 finale, they may have to deal with suspense about whether the show will continue. I'd personally be shocked if Mayans gets the axe, and hopefully news of a renewal breaks sooner rather than later. Be sure to tune in to FX on November 5 at 10 p.m. ET if you want to watch the Mayans M.C. Season 2 finale live.

A couple of weeks after Kurt Sutter was fired from FX, the Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. creator is speaking out. Sutter doesn't know all the circumstances behind his abrupt exit from FX, though he does think a slight directed at Disney did play a part.

For those who aren't up on Season 2 of Mayans M.C., the joke that Disney had taken issue with was intended to appear in the Season 2 premiere. Now that the situation has come and gone, Sutter has admitted the joke may not have been worth the price paid.

For those a bit confused, the joke touches on the accusation that Disney founder Walt Disney was an anti-Semite. Historians, celebrities, and the masses have gone back and forth on that accusation for decades, though many who knew Disney maintain that is not true. Despite that, the accusation remains a popular point of speculation, and has even been referenced by other shows like Family Guy that are now under the Disney umbrella.

Even so, Family Guy's riff was long before it was a part of the Disney family, while Kurt Sutter's line was written after the deal had been struck. Obviously, the chances were much higher someone up the company ladder would have a problem with the line, which is what Sutter told Deadline he was expecting.

Those who think that only made the problem worse are correct, as Disney again took issue with the way Mayans M.C. was portraying its brand. As mentioned, Sutter knew this, and has since stated it was more strategy in an attempt to ensure the show can continue to run with the same guidelines and not a more restrictive atmosphere.

Thus began the war of sorts between Kurt Sutter and Disney, in which he continued to keep the pedophilia line in drafts of the Mayans M.C. script. While he didn't immediately recognize it at the time, Sutter now realizes that battle may have been when discussions began about removing him from the FX family.

Kurt Sutter may not have put in the line to begin with, but claimed that the new legal department for Mayans M.C. had already been far more restrictive with the show than during Season 1. Sutter said the new legal team requested various changes to the script that had nothing to do with the Disney brand, and in his view, hurt the show's authenticity. While the story may seem like a case of Sutter poking the bear, the creator could argue he was poked first.

Mayans M.C. Star J.D. Pardo Talks Working With 'Legend' Edward James Olmos

Mayans M.C. airs on FX Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET. Stick with CinemaBlend for more on what's happening with television, and for a look at what's happening with movies this fall as well.

After years of building a reputation as one of the most hard-nosed showrunners in television, Sons of Anarchy mastermind Kurt Sutter has apparently been fired from FX by network head John Landgraf, with the sudden ousting cutting Sutter out of his co-creation Mayans M.C. earlier than expected. While details have yet to be unveiled, it's reported that "multiple complaints" are what led to Sutter's firing.

It's reported that the decision to fire Kurt Sutter came down the Disney and FX pipeline on Wednesday, and that the Sons of Anarchy creator sent out a letter to the cast and crew of Mayans M.C. that explained the situation on Thursday morning. Disney TV Studios and ABC Entertainment Chairman Dana Walden was also behind the dismissal alongside John Landgraf.

It sounds like Kurt Sutter's letter had all of his signature flair attached to it, as THR reports that he referred to himself as an "abrasive dick" within the letter.

Even though Kurt Sutter has been fired from the FX network, which has been his home going back to his days on the iconic crime drama The Shield, it doesn't appear that it will affect his overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV. It's obviously not a great thing for fans to see Sutter and FX to split like this, but there's precedent for complaints being made about Sutter's unprofessional and uncouth behavior in the past. (He got into some trouble during the Sons of Anarchy days with Fox 21 execs.)

It was only a couple of months ago when Kurt Sutter announced he would be stepping down as the co-showrunner for Mayans M.C., which is now in the back half of its second season on FX. This technically shouldn't hurt the show at all, since Elgin James is still set to handle things by his lonesome, but others' reactions could offer a different tale once the waves start to settle.

Kurt Sutter brought a lot of name recognition to the network, and his work on Sons of Anarchy meant that his attachment to Mayans M.C. truly felt like it would be an extension of the universe made so popular on the original series. Of course, with Mayans deep into its second season, the departure of Kurt Sutter isn't likely to hurt the show all that much, if at all.

Mayans has established itself as separate from Sons of Anarchy, despite connections between the two that continue to be made. The spinoff stands alone, and it can presumably stand without Kurt Sutter on board. Still, a lot of eyes may be on Mayans moving forward to see if Sutter's absence is felt. A big question is what kind of projects Sutter will be able to tackle next. If his overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV is intact, then he's not going to be out of a job, but his name attached to a project may not help it for now.

You can return to the Sons of Anarchy universe created by Kurt Sutter when new episodes of Mayans M.C. (potentially with more connections to Sons) air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

When it came to developing a spinoff to FX's standout drama Sons of Anarchy, the team behind Mayans M.C. knew that the pressure was on in finding just the right cast members to lead the latter out of SAMCRO's shadow. As prospect E.Z. Reyes, star J.D. Pardo is working hard to distance himself from from Charlie Hunnam's Jax Teller (who's gotten some name-checks in Season 2) and it helps when he's got a Hollywood icon like Edward James Olmos playing his father Felipe.

Though J.D. Pardo is no amateur within the world of acting, Battlestar Galactica vet Edward James Olmos has 40 years of acting credits to his name across the big and small screen. Acting opposite him in scenes can be intimidating, especially since his character is such a guarded hardass. When I had a chance to talk with Pardo at the Television Critics Association's 2019 summer press tour, I complimented him for holding his own in scenes with Olmos, and here's what he said (while smiling, of course):

To land the starring role on a high-interest show like Mayans M.C., an actor definitely has to have a swath of confidence within his reach in order to play off against all of the other larger-than-life personalities on the screen. And even though J.D. Pardo is playing a booksmart entry-level member of the Mayans club, both he and E.Z. still have to deliver on the boldness and the machismo against Michael Irby's Bishop, Clayton Cardenas's Angel and Danny Pino's Miguel.

But especially against Edward James Olmos' Felipe, who was a former cartel enforcer that is far closer to the criminal underworld than either E.Z. or Angel realizes, though Season 2 has opened things up on that front.

It might be slightly more difficult for J.D. Pardo if Edward James Olmos was playing a character that wanted to kill him, but the actor enjoys the relative closeness that E.Z. and Felipe get to have. In his words:

Like J.D. Pardo said it above, all a director really has to do to capture gripping cinema is set a camera down somewhere in the vicinity of Edward James Olmos, and the actor will deliver on all fronts, just as he did in projects such as Blade Runner, Miami Vice, and Stand and Deliver. (He earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for the latter.)

Now what really, really needs to happen is Jimmy Smits' Nero needs to come around, and he needs to inspire a spinoff where Olmos and Smits go off on adventures together. I'm not against Emilio Rivera being on board, too.

Mayans M.C. Star On Charlie Hunnam Appearing As Sons Of Anarchy's Jax: 'I Don't See Why' Not

With a lot more to come from Felipe, E.Z. and Angel (and hopefully more Sons of Anarchy characters) in the coming weeks, Mayans M.C. airs (Teller) Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for Mayans M.C. Season 2. Read at your own risk!

In its first season Mayans M.C. showed that while it is a spinoff to hit FX series Sons of Anarchy, it can stand on its own as a great series. Now that viewers are invested in the adventures of the new show, Kurt Sutter and crew seem to be easing up on their hard stance the two shows wouldn't have a ton of crossover.

That was especially evident towards the end of Season 1, when it was revealed the murderer of EZ's mother was none other than SAMCRO hitman Happy Lowman. The most recent episode showed EZ and Angel headed to an area outside of Charming in hopes of finding Happy and exacting some revenge. Their journey took them past a memorial, which pays homage to Sons of Anarchy's Jax Teller and JT's crash site.

EZ and Angel arrived at Happy's home outside of Charming, and had the hitman held up right as Mayans M.C. ended the episode. It's quite the ending considering we're only three episodes into Season 2 and the boys are just a stone's throw away from the primary setting of Sons of Anarchy and the SAMCRO headquarters. Regardless of how things shake out with Happy, it seems the series is in a perfect position to bring back a lot of characters from the original series.

Beyond the fact that he killed EZ and Angel's mother, Mayans M.C. viewers likely have another bone to pick with Happy. When Jax passed on leadership of SAMCRO his idea was that the motorcycle club could go legit, but as the spinoff has shown, the club is still into some shady business. As the club's Sergeant-at-Arms, Happy being a bigger part of the story may explain why SAMCRO went against Jax's wishes, provided he isn't dead and gone at the opening of the next episode.

Regardless of what happens, it definitely feels like EZ and Angel are going to have some trouble with SAMCRO regardless of how this situation shakes out with Happy. The Mayans are about to break their peace treaty, which means more conflict, and potentially more cameos by other former members of the Sons of Anarchy cast. Of course, cooler heads may prevail, and perhaps Happy can convince the Reyes brothers to spare his life with some additional context behind their mother's death?

Mayans M.C. Co-Creator Kurt Sutter To Exit FX Drama As Showrunner For Season 3

The drama in Mayans M.C. Season 2 rolls on at FX Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET. Stick with CinemaBlend for more exciting updates on the season as it progresses, and for all the latest news emerging as fall television is finally getting underway.

Even though most of the big fall TV premieres have yet to make their way to the small screen, FX's sophomore drama Mayans M.C. roared back to life in the first week of September. Thankfully for the network and for fans, that roar was loud enough to echo across all of cable, and Mayans M.C. has already cemented itself as one of the biggest cable premieres of 2019 so far.

The Season 2 premiere, titled "Xbalanque," was initially watched by 1.39 million viewers, which was already a good sign for Mayans M.C. (Granted, the series premiered to 2.53 million viewers in 2018, but every year of TV ratings sings a different tune.) After another couple of days passed, Mayans M.C.'s total viewership had doubled, with its Live + 3 Day audience topping off around 2.8 million.

In fact, when both linear TV viewings are combined with non-linear views – such as people watching on FX's apps – Mayans M.C.'s Season 2 opener pulled in around 4.3 million pairs of presumably eager eyeballs. That's definitely enough to keep the motorcycle drama in the upper echelon of FX's original programming, and if Season 2 gets as hectic as it appears, there could be a definite uptick in those numbers on the long highway to the finale.

When it comes to the show's key demographic numbers, Mayans M.C. kept up appearances with the Season 2 premiere. With the Live + 3 Day numbers accounted for, the FX drama brought in 1.4 million viewers between the ages of 18-34, which slots Mayans M.C. as the third highest-rated scripted cable TV premiere in 2019. That's in both the 18-49 demo and the 18-34 demo, which is a good sign that the show's traffic is fairly balanced across several age groups.

The only two TV premieres that have topped Mayans M.C. to this point in 2019 are very likely the first two shows that anyone would guess if asked: Game of Thrones' Season 7 debut, which was beyond massive in the ratings, and The Walking Dead's Season 9 midseason premiere. So technically, Mayans holds the second spot for actual season premieres for 2019, although The Walking Dead's Season 10 debut will likely earn that spot in October.

With a lot of plotlines to touch upon following that hectic-as-hell Season 1 finale, Mayans M.C. kicked off Season 2 with the place-setting "Xbalanque," which essentially revived EZ's hunt to track down the person that killed his and Angel's mother. Fans were definitely interested to see what happened, though obviously not everyone was as quick to tune in as others were.

Mayans M.C. Star On Charlie Hunnam Appearing As Sons Of Anarchy's Jax: 'I Don't See Why' Not

No matter, though. At a time when network execs are becoming more and more aware of how valuable DVR numbers are, Mayans M.C.'s strong delayed viewer stats are as sure a sign of the Sons of Anarchy spinoff's staying power as anything else. If the series continues to showcase surprise cameos from SAMCRO members and other S.O.A. vets, then FX could possibly look forward to an S.O.A.-friendly burst of viewer surges in Season 2 and beyond.

Check out the trailer for the next episode of Mayans M.C.

Stay tuned for more Mayans M.C. victories, with the vengeance-stricken drama airing (Teller) Tuesday nights on FX at 10:00 p.m. ET.

UPDATE, with clarified quotes: While the initial reports about Kurt Sutter's future with Mayans M.C. didn't fully state much beyond the fact that he was stepping down as co-showrunner, here's a more full version of the quote:

Below is the rest of the story, as written before the updated quotes (via Deadline.)

Minus the time he spent working on the feature Southpaw and the historical FX drama The Bastard Executioner, Kurt Sutter has spent the majority of the past eleven years fully invested in the world of SAMCRO for the FX dramas Sons of Anarchy and its in-progress spinoff Mayans M.C. The creator's fanbase was hit with a blow this week, however, when Sutter announced he will be stepping down as the Mayans M.C. co-showrunner for Season 3, assuming FX puts in the renewal order.

Kurt Sutter dropped that big reveal during a press screening for Mayans M.C.'s Season 2 premiere, which hits FX during the first week of September. Speaking to the fact that the Sons follow-up drama centers on a Latino biker gang and is set near the Mexi-Cali border, Kurt Sutter offered up this big-picture sentiment:

To be sure, Kurt Sutter will maintain his co-showrunner and co-executive producer duties throughout the remainder of Season 2, which will go further into the questions that EZ and the Reyes family have about the death of the family matriarch. But should the season prove to be even more successful than the first, inspiring FX to start the renewal process for Season 3, that's when Kurt Sutter will pull up stakes and get out of Dodge, leaving fellow co-creator and co-EP Elgin James solely in charge of steering this brutal ship.

From the earliest days of the show's development, Kurt Sutter preached about giving Mayans M.C. the proper creative voice from within the Latino community, and the team he and Elgin James put together is presumably at a point when Sutter feels he can make a graceful exit without worrying about the drama's artistic integrity. Knowing how Sutter reacts to situations that are far less amicable than this, I think it's safe to say everyone would be well aware if there were actual behind-the-scenes problems that inspired him to leave.

To be expected, Elgin James isn't exactly sobbing over the notion that he'll be the big man on campus if FX orders up a third season of Mayans M.C. James championed Kurt Sutter for taking such a big chance on him as a "violent ex-felon," and told EW how excited he was to potentially become the solo showrunner in the future.

That chemistry is likely going to get ratcheted up quite a few notches in Season 2, with EZ now going gung ho about his prospect role within the Mayans club, though not in a Jax way. Things are only going to intensify between him and brother Angel, who will presumably find out from EZ about what happened to their mother, and how SAMCRO's Happy was involved. Meanwhile, Lincoln Potter is still slithering around, while Miguel and Emily are stricken by lots of problems, with marital spats an everyday occurrence.

Here's hoping Elgin James enjoys the hell out of dark and uncomfortable storytelling like that, since Mayans M.C. definitely isn't going to lower its guard to become a romance-filled medical drama at any point. Although that would be a most interesting one-off episode.

On the flip side, here's hoping that Kurt Sutter's exit doesn't cause FX execs to rethink any decisions to keep Mayans M.C. on the air for the next foreseeable future. On the contrary, I'm really, really, really hoping that Sutter will take this time to slink off and write up a pilot script for the Sons of Anarchy prequel The First 9, which is an idea that has been bubbling ever since S.O.A. called it quits back in 2014. (For what it's worth, FX Chairman John Landgraf told me earlier this year that the network is still interested in Sutter's prequel idea.)

Feasibly, Kurt Sutter leaving Mayans M.C. shouldn't have any major effects on how often or how majorly the spinoff is able to connect with Sons of Anarchy. And actually, it might be easier to get crossover characters like Jimmy Smits' Nero and more if Sutter isn't around, since he had the biggest issues with bringing in familiar characters just for the sake of fan service. Sutter sees problems in touching upon Sons of Anarchy elements that directly tie back to Jax, since he's wanted Mayans to exist with 98% independence of the flagship series. Will Elgin James keep those principles intact, or are we going to see Jax Teller's grand return before too much longer?

Mayans M.C. is set to kick off Season 2 on FX on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Throughout its first ten episodes, Mayans M.C. proved itself to be a worthy successor – and not a replacement – to the flagship series Sons of Anarchy, delivering all the brotherhood, bikes, bruises and badassery that one would expect from a Kurt Sutter co-creation. The journey will soon continue for the Mayans and the Galindo cartel, with EZ, Angel and Felipe Reyes caught up in the dregs of the struggle. Should fans expect a more castrated and subdued Season 2 in the fall? Yeah right.

The Mayans M.C. The Complete First Season DVD set hit stores on August 20, with a selection of special features included. Below, you can check out an exclusive clip featuring stars J.D. Pardo and Clayton Cardenas talking about expectations for Season 2, which will be making its way to FX in the first week of September. Check it out!

That's right, the Mayans M.C. boys are just as apprehensively out of the loop as viewers are when it comes to what Kurt Sutter and Elgin James are cooking up with the show's writing staff. JD Pardo deserves to have some confidence about where EZ is going in the show's future, since he's being built up as the opposite of Jax Teller in many ways.

Of anything, JD Pardo said he wanted to see EZ's personality come to the surface more, since he's more at peace with his place in life and isn't caught up playing sides against each other. What if Season 2 is when fans find out that EZ has the best breakdancing skills in all of SoCal? (There weren't any breakdancing-related features on the DVD, but I'm looking for clues now.)

Clayton Cardenas, on the flip side of things, might have a bit more to worry about than JD Pardo does. Angel is the more impulsive and less learned Reyes brother, and he has the more strained relationship with Edward James Olmos' Felipe. So if Mayans M.C. is looking for some emotional gut punches, Angel will likely be the one on the receiving end. Unless he ends up becoming as beloved as Ryan Hurst's Opie Winston was on Sons of Anarchy, in which case Kurt Sutter will have hopefully learned from past mistakes.

Law And Order: SVU Vet Danny Pino Compares Nick Amaro To Mayans M.C. Baddie Miguel Galindo

Not a whole lot is known about Season 2 just yet (although CinemaBlend has more exclusive coverage on the way). We know that Marcus Alvarez is now quite chummy with Miguel Galindo and his cartel, who is working with the rebellious Adelita, who is presumably still quite chummy (in a different way) with Angel. But fans no doubt want to know what other familiar and beloved characters might be making their way back to the franchise.

The (already) age-old question: "Will Jax Teller ever show up on Mayans M.C.?" It's not the most likely of circumstances, for all the obvious reasons, but Sons of Anarchy vet Emilio Rivera doesn't think it's impossible. The Season 1 premiere did feature a super-shocking cameo from Katey Sagal's Gemma Teller, so it seems like anything could happen, if Kurt Sutter and Elgin James find the right approach.

For instance, one of the biggest and most promising Sons of Anarchy character returns would involve Jimmy Smits' Nero. Theoretically, Nero would be a natural fit for a Mayans M.C. appearance without the need to keep bringing out SAMCRO members. The show should spread those out, even as it adds to the club's ranks while unraveling the story behind Happy's connection to the Reyes matriarch's death.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Mayans M.C. The Complete First Season DVD set, which is already out in stores and at online retailers. Beyond all 10 episodes of Season 1, fans can look forward to bonus features such as the more comprehensive behind-the-scenes extra "The Creation of Mayans M.C.," the motorcycle-minded featurette "Customizing the Mayans’ Signature Bikes," and "Hit the Ground Roaring," which highlights just how popular Mayans M.C. was during its first season on FX. Though the series' live airings could always use bigger audiences, the cable drama's DVR-driven delayed viewing stats made the spinoff's first season more successful than that of Sons of Anarchy, all things considered.

Mark your calendars for the presumably high-rated premiere of Mayans M.C. Season 2, which will hit FX on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10 p.m. ET.

As soon as Mayans M.C. revealed that surprising flashback cameo from Sons of Anarchy's Katey Sagal in its series premiere, fans were essentially given a carte blanche foundation for theorizing what other Sons stars and characters could return. For many out there, Jimmy Smits' Nero is likely near the top of that fantasy list, but is "more Nero" something that could feasibly happen?

It's very, very real possibility, though it's not the most probable reveal at this point. Let's break down both sides of the decision-making here.

Jimmy Smits Would Love To Reprise Nero For Mayans M.C.

Despite the fact that he had some messy skeletons in his closet, Nero was as close to an angelic presence as Sons of Anarchy had going for it, and Jimmy Smits' killer performances had everything to do with how memorable the character's journey was. And as it happens, the actor sounds extremely down to return, saying this when the subject came up at this year's Television Critics Association summer press tour:

Jimmy Smits delivered that fan-friendly answer to EW at TCA while promoting his new NBC series Bluff City Law, which features quite a different take on justice than Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. The lawyerly series is currently tapped for 16 episodes in Season 1, which will keep Smits busy for the foreseeable future.

However, he presumably won't be so busy that he would already need to rule out a return trip to southern California to touch base with the Mayans crew for an episode or two. Hell, if Kurt Sutter and Elgin James wanted to set Nero's return to the franchise completely indoors, then Smits wouldn't need to travel far at all to make the scene happen. Depending on who else would be involved, of course.

But for all that Jimmy Smits may truly be willing to return to Sutter's world for a cameo or more, it'll take more than just a willing eagerness to make Nero's TV future a reality.

Nero May Be Too Close To Jax Teller's Story To Return

Part of the reason Mayans M.C. exists is because co-creator Kurt Sutter believed that there was more than enough narrative real estate to expand this universe without the need to keep everything tethered to Jax and the rest of the Teller family. So far, Jax has merely been a spiritual influence, with his M.C. ideals loosely being carried on by the Mayans. (JD Pardo is doing his darnedest to keep EZ from being a Jax xerox, too.)

As co-creator Elgin James noted to EW, Kurt Sutter's need to contrast the two shows' worlds may hinder Mayans M.C. from finding a way to bring Jimmy Smits' Nero back into the fold. Here's how James explained it:

Though Mayans has introduced several important and over-arching crossover elements in Season 1, appearances from Michael Ornstein's Chucky and David Labrava's Happy are able to be fully incorporated into the spinoff's storyline without the need or urge to make waves within the Jax Teller mythos. Nero, however, is quite a different story.

Having served as a love interest for Katey Sagal's Gemma in that post-Clay period, Nero also became a father-like influence to Jax in that time. His importance is perhaps signified best by the fact that he is helping to raise Jax's sons Thomas and Abel along with Abel's mother, Wendy (Drea de Matteo).

There are no doubt ways for Sutter and James to write Nero back into this world without needing to reference Wendy and the boys. The character has enough of a criminal history that he can be pulled back into the drama on his own merits. However, it would likely surmount to blasphemy if Mayans M.C. went that far only to then pretend like Thomas and Abel don't exist. That's not how Kurt Sutter would want to handle things.

READ: Mayans M.C. Star On Charlie Hunnam Appearing As Sons Of Anarchy's Jax: 'I Don't See Why' Not

After Sons of Anarchy wrapped up its seven-season run in 2014, Jimmy Smits went on to reprise one of his other most beloved roles, that of Senator Bail Organa for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. On the small screen, Smits stayed just as busy as ever. He took on single-season arcs for Netflix's super-budgeted (for the time) musical drama The Get Down, Fox's spinoff 24: Legacy, and ABC's How to Get Away with Murder. He also showed up for two rocking episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

What does everyone else think? Would you be comfortable with Mayans M.C. bringing Nero back in a way that didn't necessarily go hard on the Jax Teller history? Or is Nero so important that his return would only be understandable if Charlie Hunnam was also able to come back in some way? (Might as well get Katey Sagal involved too, right?)

Mayans M.C. will return to FX for Season 2 starting on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Though many fans expected FX's Mayans M.C. to pay respects to its predecessor Sons of Anarchy through namechecks and other subtle references, I doubt everyone expected to see just how many legitimate Sons crossover moments there were in Season 1. Considering the heated way things ended for all involved, Season 2 will likely be upping the ante in terms of stress-inducing confrontations where Sons of Anarchy characters are concerned.

In fact, Mayans M.C. co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James have opened up a little bit about what viewers will get to enjoy in the biker drama's sophomore season on FX. Here, we'll be talking specifically about the future for some of the most surprising and important Sons of Anarchy crossover characters.

Happy Lowman - David Labrava

Throughout his seven seasons as part of the Sons of Anarchy cast, actor David Labrava turned the loyal (if perhaps somewhat disturbed) Happy into a fan-favorite member of the SAMCRO ensemble. That distinction meant that his big introduction into Mayans M.C. was all the more shocking when it occurred in the Season 1 finale, as JD Pardo's EZ Reyes discovered that Happy was largely responsible for the death of EZ and Angel's mother, who has yet to get an introduction.

Speaking with EW at this year's Television Critics Association summer press tour, co-creator Elgin James joked about Happy meeting a quick end in Episode 3, and then revealed fans will be seeing quite a bit of him in Season 2.

Very interesting. The way the Season 1 finale left things, it was unclear whether or not EZ was going to tell anyone he could seemingly connect Happy to his mom's murder. We know that Season 2 starts off months after the concluding events of Season 1, which means that information will likely be eating EZ alive if he kept it to himself all that time.

Could Mayans M.C. actually put Sons of Anarchy's Happy in EZ and Angel's vengeful lines of fire when all is said and done? Or will Kurt Sutter and Elgin James find a way to spin this story so that Happy doesn't look like such a devious mommy-killer? At this point, I'm hoping for the latter, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued by Mayans possibly putting Sons of Anarchy's characters under a different kind of scrutiny than what viewers gave them.

Lincoln Potter - Ray McKinnon

One of the most refreshing surprises to go down in Mayans M.C.'s initial season was the re-introduction of Ray McKinnon's Lincoln Potter, who once again has his targets locked on the Galindo cartel, though his scope is now widening to include some other familiar faces. His return wouldn't have been quite as welcomed if Potter was an ordinary by-the-books government villain in this universe, but McKinnon oozes a delightfully odd energy and makes the character's quirks feel more natural than kooky.

Lincoln Potter was something of a fleeting threat on Sons of Anarchy, with his run locked solely into the drama's fourth season. Getting him back for Mayans M.C. has so far been a treat, and Elgin James told EW that there's a lot more to come from Potter, though we pro-o-obably shouldn't expect him to outlive a lot of other characters.

So while Ray McKinnon's Potter may not be around forever, fans should expect him to incite some calamitous moments in Season 2. As we've seen, he's got access to very sensitive information about Edward James Olmos' Felipe, so he's clearly capable of bringing a shit-storm down when provoked. The fun part for fans will be watching to see who provokes who first.

Marcus Alvarez - Emilio Rivera

As the former head honcho within this chapter of the Mayans club (and beyond), Emilio Rivera's Marcus Alvarez was kind of like a guardian angel in Season 1. He made sure club votes and other business got taken care of accordingly, and he made sure to give EZ some mostly good-natured hell as a new prospect. In the season finale, though, Alvarez hung up his cut and took the offer to work for Danny Pino's Miguel Galindo as a higher-up in the cartel.

I got a chance to talk with Emilio Rivera during the TCA summer press tour – where he shared his thoughts about Charlie Hunnam potentially returning as Jax Teller – and he was very excited for fans to check out what's going to happen in Season 2. That said, he was not all that willing to head into spoilery territory. Here's something Rivera said he's learned from his years of working on Kurt Sutter projects.

Though Emilio Rivera wasn't able to go hardcore on teasing anything major for his character's arc in Season 2, he did talk about missing the goofy frat machismo and the feeling of brotherhood that came while filming with the actors playing the rest of the Mayans club members. That said, he's definitely enjoying his time working with a different set of actors. In his words:

What will happen if push comes to shove and a heated war breaks out between Miguel's crew and the Mayans? Would Alvarez side with his current employee, or the group that molded him into such a powerful person to begin with? Here's hoping answers come sooner rather than later.

With more Sons of Anarchy-related surprises no doubt in store, Mayans M.C. will kick off Season 2 on FX on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Landing the lead role in FX's big Sons of Anarchy spinoff had to be a daunting one for actor JD Pardo, previously best known for Revolution and East Los High. In taking the part of Mayans M.C.'s EZ Reyes, Pardo was essentially being set up for and endless line of comparisons to Charlie Hunnam's Sons of Anarchy badass Jax Teller. The actor doesn't take the responsibility lightly, and aims to respect Jax's legacy without any carbon copy performances.

The Mayans M.C. star spoke with CinemaBlend during the Television Critics Association's 2019 summer press tour, and I asked JD Pardo if he thought EZ was filling his own boots this season, as opposed to walking in someone else's. The actor's answer:

His point is entirely germane, even for anyone out there who self-identifies as a karaoke fanatic. There are lots of songs out there that comprise all the right elements for a killer karaoke performance, but that doesn't necessitate an audience of listeners who readily want to hear only the amateur version. There's generally a reason why big-named entertainers rake in the moolah, while second- and third-rate singers are relegated to bars and shower stalls.

Also, is everyone else also now picturing Charlie Hunnam and JD Pardo facing off in a literal karaoke contest? Perhaps with each singing Curtis Stigers' "This Life," which served as the Sons of Anarchy theme song.

Moving away from the musical side of things, JD Pardo spoke to how he was able to approach the role of EZ Reyes from a different place than where Charlie Hunnam was coming from when entering Jax Teller's life. Pardo sees EZ's life as perhaps a part of Jax's history that went unseen on Sons of Anarchy's TV show, given its lack of flashbacks. Here's how the Mayans M.C. star put it:

With his time on Mayans M.C., JD Pardo aims to give viewers an insight into how how hard certain club members, especially those with dark skeletons in their closets, have to work in order to rise up the ranks. The prospect life is not just about washing and waxing Bishop's bike, or making sure the clubhouse is cleaned up. (As much as those things can suck in general.) It's about EZ proving both to his brothers and to himself that he's got what it takes to wear the Mayans cut, among other goals.

Mayans M.C. Star On Charlie Hunnam Appearing As Sons Of Anarchy's Jax: 'I Don't See Why' Not

JD Pardo spoke to that point in our conversation, saying that Season 2 is where EZ gets to really start proving himself to the MC, without Kevin Jimenez's DEA agent on his back anymore. Sure, Lincoln Potter's chaos is no doubt imminent, but he won't specifically be EZ's biggest headache, so the younger Reyes brother will have time to think about getting back in Angel's good graces as they unravel their mother's murder. Here's Pardo talking about EZ's journey, and his hopes for it.

JD Pardo was definitely referring to Charlie Hunnam's Jax Teller there, at least in part. Even though Jax was already the Vice President of SAMCRO whenever Sons of Anarchy started, and even though he was led by Ron Perlman's less-than-virtuous Clay Morrow, he was only a shadow of what he would become. Jax was more of an organized criminal in those early days, and only later (d)evolved into someone capable of permanently clipping the family tree's most poisoned branches.

In contrast, EZ has only gotten his feet wet within the Mayans' criminal dealings. (Granted, they're completely soaked and bloated and will never be dry again.) So fans will get to watch his complete immersion into the club life, and that's exactly the kind of thing that JD Pardo is excited to dive into with Mayans M.C. In his words:

It's a ride that a lot of audience members are pumped to go on, too. Mayans M.C. earned some solid ratings in its first season, often doubling its viewership numbers when going from Live + Same Day stats to Live + 3 and Live +7 tallies. It was often a top performer in cable in delayed viewing, and its live airings were also in the Top 5 cable telecasts for each night new episodes went live. And if Mayans is anything like Sons of Anarchy, that crowd is only going to get bigger with each season.

Law And Order: SVU Vet Danny Pino Compares Nick Amaro To Mayans M.C. Baddie Miguel Galindo

Tune in to watch JD Pardo's EZ Reyes continue making his mark on Mayans M.C. when Season 2 kicks off on FX on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10:00 p.m. ET. While waiting, check out what another Mayans M.C. star had to say about filling the shoes of former Sons of Anarchy characters.

The line between good and evil on FX's Mayans M.C. is weathered and threadbare, as evidenced by that wild Season 1 finale, but co-creators Kurt Sutter and Elgin James have generally tipped their hat to who the protagonists and antagonists are. One of Mayans' so-called bad guys is cartel leader Miguel Galindo, as portrayed by Danny Pino, who spent years as the mostly justice-minded Detective Nick Amaro on Law & Order: SVU. Not exactly the most substitutional characters.

Danny Pino and many others from the Mayans M.C. cast, along with the co-creators, were on hand at this year's Television Critics Association summer press tour. I had the pleasure of speaking with Pino and Sarah Bolger, who plays his on-screen wife Emily. Among other questions directly related to the chaotic second season premiering in September, I asked the actor for his thoughts on Miguel and Amaro coming face-to-face, and how that would go. First, his more amusing take:

It would truly be a scene straight out of Twin Peaks, as co-revised by Kurt Sutter and Dick Wolf. Which itself sounds like a David Lynch creation.

Danny Pino followed that surreal scenario with a more genuine take that speaks to Miguel Galindo and Nick Amaro perhaps being on opposite ends of the same tempered coin.

At that point, Sarah Bolger joked about it turning into a buddy comedy between the cartel leader and the (now-former) detective. Clearly, that idea would interesting enough for at least a limited series' episode count. Call it Amaro & Galindo: SVUMC. (Note to self: that title is probably perfect enough.)

Mayans M.C. Star On Charlie Hunnam Appearing As Sons Of Anarchy's Jax: 'I Don't See Why' Not

All joking aside, though, Danny Pino likely has more appreciation for his place in life than either Nick Amaro or Miguel Galindo do with theirs. Amaro's impulsive anger blocked him from ascending the police ranks, while Miguel has just enough of a moral code to keep him from fully reveling in his criminal enterprises. He's not exactly crying about living in a super-dope house, but the life is weighing on him going into Season 2.

Here, Danny Pino talked about the graciousness he feels:

Another comparison can be found here. Both Law & Order: SVU and Mayans M.C. are spinoffs to two of the most popular dramas on broadcast networks and cable, respectively. Now, if only FX, Kurt Sutter and Elgin James could find ways to keep Mayans on the air for 21 seasons like SVU. If It's Always Sunny can go 14 seasons, it's at least looking into keeping Mayans around that long, assuming the characters could stay alive that long.

Judging by the show's first trailer for Season 2, survival may be extremely hard to maintain.

Get ready to watch Danny Pino (and Sarah Bolger and the rest of the cast) get even more down and dirty when the mud starts flying in Season 2, which will debut on FX on (Teller) Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Each year that passes is another nail in the fictional coffin of Sons of Anarchy's Jax Teller, but fans' hope has never died surrounding the potential for Charlie Hunnam's fallen (anti)hero to make a return in the hit spinoff Mayans M.C. Such hopeful fans have a likeminded friend in series star Emilio Rivera, whose O.G. Sons of Anarchy character Marcus Álvarez is heading down quite a different path in Season 2. Because yes, Rivera is definitely down to welcome Hunnam's Jax back.

Speaking with CinemaBlend at the Television Critics Association's 2019 summer press tour, an energized Emilio Rivera had nothing but great things to say about what's coming to Mayans M.C. in its second season on FX. The actor maintained his his enthusiasm when I asked what he thought about the show bringing Charlie Hunnam back for a scene (or however much they wanted him back for). In Rivera's words:

While several of Sons of Anarchy's various narratives were indeed steeped in tainted family legacies and characters with problematic pasts, most of that information was imparted to viewers through present-day conversations, journal-writings, photographs and more. As Emilio Rivera put it, S.o.A. creator Kurt Sutter just didn't want to use and/or rely on flashbacks when telling the story of SAMCRO's leadership changes over the years.

In fact, Sons of Anarchy's avoidance of flashbacks allowed for Kurt Sutter to entertain the idea of doing a presumably short-living prequel drama focusing on The First 9, the group of bikers that initially started the Sons of Anarchy MC. So, clearly, Sutter knows his way around Sons' history, and I would love it if he and Mayans M.C. co-creator Elgin James could find the perfect way to allow Jax Teller just ONE more scene to live and breathe and very likely doom another character. (That prequel could still happen, too.)

Continuing, Emilio Rivera said he's a fan of dipping back into characters' pasts:

Obviously, Emilio Rivera's Marcus Álvarez wasn't part of SAMCRO proper, since he long held the title of president of the Mayans MC, but he's the biggest crossover character connecting Mayans and Sons of Anarchy. His storyline will only get deeper and bloodier as his relationship with Danny Pino's Miguel Galindo and Sarah Bolger's Emily Galindo becomes more complicated. (Among other things that will get complicated.) Had Álvarez been the only crossover character, then the hypothetical conversations about Charlie Hunnam's Jax would be that much more far-fetched.

But, Kurt Sutter and showrunner Elgin James designed the core Mayans M.C. tragedy – the death of EZ and Angel's mother – in a way that very directly looped back around to SAMCRO, and kept the clubs tied together in other ways, also. Which meant a surprising amount of other Sons of Anarchy cameos and recurring appearances from Morchael "Chucky" Ornstein, Robert "Les Packer" Patrick, Ray "Lincoln Potter" McKinnon, and David "Happy" Labrava. (He might not be so happy by the end of the second season, amirite?) They even introduced a new prospect.

The point is, Mayans M.C.'s flashback sequences aren't the only element that allows a sensible route for Charlie Hunnam to reappear as Jax Teller. It'd be silly to think Sutter and James would reverse course and wholly refrain from using Sons of Anarchy characters and references, so let's hope the web connecting these two shows snowballs and eventually does welcome Hunnam back to his signature franchise. (You know, since he's not in the 50 Shades flicks.)

Of course, this is all even assuming Charlie Hunnam would want to do it, since he already said goodbye to Jax before, and it might not be the easiest thing to return to. But, hopefully, it could be if they nail the flashback, which would have to bring Katey Sagal back for a second Mayans cameo as Gemma Teller.

Since it might be an extended wait for that to happen, take comfort in knowing Mayans M.C. Season 2 will be returning to FX in the very near future. Check out the premiere episode on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10:00 p.m. ET.

The summer TV season is currently in full swing, though still with many big premieres yet to capture our attention spans. That hasn't stopped all the big broadcast and cable networks from setting up their fall schedules, and FX just announced the dates for an exciting foursome of original series: Mayans M.C. Season 2, American Horror Story Season 9, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 14, and Mr. Inbetween Season 2. Let's take a closer look below.

When Does Mayans M.C. Season 2 Premiere?

Strange as it is to consider, FX's Mayans M.C. hasn't been around on TV since Season 1 closed out at the beginning of last November. Considering it closed things out by making a huge connection to its franchise predecessor Sons of Anarchy, and in a way that will make life hell for the motorcycle-riding E.Z. Reyes.

The hard-living FX drama will make its big Season 2 premiere on (Teller) Tuesday, September 3, at 10 p.m. ET. Not a lot of details have come out about what fans can expect to see following the Season 1 finale's aftermath. But it does look like Mayans M.C. will be digging into Sons of Anarchy mythos in tracking E.Z. and Angel's arcs in Season 2. Here's hoping David Labrava's Happy is a permanent fixture in the future.

When Does American Horror Story: 1984 Premiere?

For fans who can't wait to see what the next chapter of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's American Horror Story anthology will be like, the wait will finally come to an end on Wednesday, September 18, at 10:00 p.m. ET. (Though we'll hopefully find out a lot more about the setting and thematic forces well before then.)

We're still waiting to see exactly what 1984 will bring to the American Horror Story franchise. We're betting it's something slightly more ghoulish and spooky than Hall & Oates' success and Apple commercials, and the slasher-focused teaser put us in mind with horror classics like Halloween, Friday the 13th and possibly even the Ryan Murphy produced remake of The Town That Dreaded Sundown.

When Does It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia Season 14 Premiere?

FX soothed a lot of fans' hearts whenever it employed a multi-season renewal for FXX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, giving the ribald comedy's creative team an open door for whenever time allowed them to reconnect as a full group, complete with Glenn Howerton. (Admittedly, had the show fully wrapped after the Season 13 finale, it might have been justified.)

We knew Season 14 was in development, thanks to some timely social media posts in the aftermath of A.P. Bio's cancellation at NBC, but I still didn't expect the new season to debut this fall. But that's exactly what it will do when it premieres on FXX on Wednesday, September 25 at 10 p.m. ET.

When Does Mr. Inbetween Season 2 Premiere?

The darkly comedic Australian drama Mr. Inbetween took U.S. audiences by force when it premiered on FX last fall, and the network didn't take long to order up a second season, to the delight of many.

For those with calendars already out, mark down the premiere date of Mr. Inbetween Season 2 as being on Thursday, September 12, at 10 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned for more information about what audiences can expect from each of these shows' new seasons on FX and FXX, since nobody has been entirely forthcoming about plotlines just yet.

Curious about what major shows on television are already coming back for another season? Don't stress! We've got all the major entries in this list below, so scroll through and breathe easy that good television will continue into the distant future.

The Masked Singer - Fox

Television's weirdest singing competition was a quick hit for Fox, and even if the internet was crazy good at predicting the entrants under the mask, audiences still can't get enough of it. That's not a huge surprise considering what a hit the original series has been throughout Asia, and it appears America will be yet another successful spinoff. It'll be back for Season 2.

The Entire Arrow-verse - The CW

The CW bet big on the Arrow-verse this year, and renewed each and every one of its shows ahead of its most ambitious crossover to date. Yes, fans are in for Arrow Season 8, Legends of Tomorrow Season 5, The Flash Season 6, and Supergirl Season 5. We're pumped for "Crisis On Infinite Earths," although also incredibly worried about what's happening with some of the heroes afterward. And while technically not in the Arrow-verse, Black Lightning scored a renewal for Season 3!

The Good Doctor - ABC

ABC's medical drama is coming back for Season 3, which means Shaun and the San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital crew will be back for another season. With Season 2 still underway it's hard to say exactly how the new season will play out, but we're hoping Dr. Glassman holds on for at least another season for Shaun's sake!

Modern Family - ABC

After much speculation over the past few months that Modern Family would be ending, ABC President Karey Burke finally confirmed the upcoming Season 11 will be the final season. It's sad, but better the show go out still popular than stagnate and die a slow death years down the road.

Criminal Minds - CBS

News arrived earlier this year that Criminal Minds will be coming to an end, and that Season 15 will be the final season. The good news is that the final season will follow up on a cliffhanger for Season 14, and will resolve in the ten episodes in Season 15.

Suits - USA

After a few high-profile exits from the cast, Suits is going to hang things up following its upcoming Season 9. On the bright side, more episodes to finish the story is always better than outright cancellation, and there's plenty of episodes to revisit while waiting for the final stretch.

The Simpsons - Fox

Apparently, three decades isn't enough for one of television's longest-running series. Fox didn't only ensure The Simpsons will return next year, but the year following as well. If only one of the show's writers had predicted this in a past episode, we may have seen this coming. Seasons 31 and 32, here we come!

The Good Place - NBC

NBC's afterlife comedy will return for yet another season, which is great because fans still can't get enough of the seemingly endless twists the program is known for. We can only guess what surprises they'll have up their sleeve for Season 4. Is it too crazy to wish for a Blake Bortles cameo?

New Amsterdam - NBC

Ryan Eggold's spinoff of The Blacklist didn't gain much traction, but the actor found another home in the medical drama New Amsterdam. The program's ratings made NBC's early renewal for Season 2 a no brainer.

God Friended Me - CBS

Another freshman series from CBS, God Friended Me scored a Season 2 renewal from the network. Perhaps the next season will feature Miles discovering who is behind the "God" account? We're not so sure about that, but it wouldn't be the first time a series subverted expectations and went in a different direction.

FBI - CBS

It shouldn't be that surprising that everything Dick Wolf touches turns to gold, but somehow the famed television producer makes it amazing time and time again. Honestly, how many shows are so successful in their first season they get a spinoff? The answer is not many, which really shows how impressive this new series is.

A Million Little Things - ABC

A Million Little Things captivated its audience in Season 1, and it looks like its primed to do the same in Season 2. Right now all we know is a new mystery is coming, but ABC's Karey Burke couldn't spill the details as to what's going on.

Mom - CBS

It took a bit of doing, but CBS finally managed to work out a deal that convinced Anna Faris and Allison Janey to commit to two more seasons on Mom. Here's to Seasons 7 and 8, and more years on television for these two talented actresses.

Supernatural - The CW

There's some shows that television wouldn't be the same without, and Supernatural is certainly one of them. The show will return for Season 15, and maybe that season will feature something that can finally be made into a spinoff! Is it too soon to be making those types of jokes?

The Walking Dead - AMC

As expected, The Walking Dead will return for Season 10. What wasn't expected is that Danai Gurira will be the next high-profile cast member to exit, yet again cutting into the remaining long-term stars still on the program. Who needs a Daryl spin-off when he could be the only major character remaining in a couple seasons?

Fear The Walking Dead - AMC

Fear the Walking Dead is returning for Season 5, and if the picture above isn't enough indication, things could get a bit wild. Dwight will be the second big character from The Walking Dead to cross over, but what will he bring with his arrival?

Shark Tank - ABC

Business owners and inventors best be ready with their best pitches, as the Sharks are back for Season 11. The ABC series has long been a proving ground for the next big business ventures of America. Will this season transform another obscure product into a mainstream success?

Jersey Shore Family Vacation - MTV

Jersey Shore Family Vacation is coming back for Season 3, even though everyone seems to be tied up in different life events at the moment. What drama will unfold on television this season? We have some clues, but the rest is a mystery.

Bachelor In Paradise - ABC

The Bachelor spinoff is back again for another season, bringing its grand total to 6. Chris Harrison will return to host another exciting season, which is sure to end in some raw emotions and broken hearts. Hey, at least these folks get a free vacation out of all of it.

Riverdale - The CW

Riverdale could very well burn to the ground at the end of Season 3 with as crazy things are getting, but that doesn't mean it won't return for Season 4. No, it appears The CW is ready and willing to give the Archie drama another shot to up the crazy yet again, and at this point, we're certain it won't disappoint.

Doctor Who - BBC America

Doctor Who has been renewed for Season 12, but unfortunately, its premiere date is a ways away. The new season isn't supposed to premiere until 2020. Is it possible there could be a surprise Christmas special in the works that no one knows about yet? Fingers crossed!

Charmed - The CW

Charmed may have some franchise fans divided on whether it's on par with the original, but apparently not so many that The CW balked at giving it the green light for Season 2. Perhaps another season will sway others who originally said no to this series?

Mayans M.C. - FX

The Sons of Anarchy spinoff did well in its inaugural season, so it's not a surprise FX renewed it for Season 2. After the two show's featured a wild connection in the finale, is it possible the two shows will bleed into each other more than folks were previously led to believe?

Legacies - The CW

The Vampire Diaries spinoff got a renewal from The CW, which isn't a huge surprise given the original series success as was the first spin off The Originals. Really the only question at this point is whether or not this Legacies can pave the way for a spinoff or two of its own!

Preacher - AMC

AMC's Preacher has had a blessed run on television, which is somewhat ironic given how sacrilegious it is. Ratings don't appear to factor into the network's commitment of this show, as Preacher will return for Season 4. Who could have guessed?

Outlander - Starz

Sing us a song of a show that's not gone any time soon! Starz rewarded fans who were stuck in a long hiatus between Seasons 3 and 4 with a huge renewal for Outlander. The time travel drama will be back for Season 5 and Season 6! The Frasers have at least two more seasons of trouble to find themselves in.

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. - ABC

The last couple months of 2018 were brutal on the Marvel TV front with the cancellations of Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and then Daredevil, but Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. got some great news. Months before the sixth season (which felt unlikely for a while itself) would hit the airwaves, S.H.I.E.L.D. was renewed for Season 7.

Renewals of major television shows happen all the time, so stick with CinemaBlend for the latest information. For a look at what's new and returning, head on over to our midseason premiere guide.

FX revved up a lot of viewers' motors in 2018 with the second TV series within the Sons of Anarchy franchise, the location-swapping spinoff Mayans M.C. The new drama delivered a lot of expectedly hardcore narrative threads, and offered up a surprising number of crossover ties to the flagship series. But whatever happened to Kurt Sutter's prequel idea, The First 9?

During this year's TCA winter press tour, I had a quick chat with FX Networks president John Landgraf, and there's no way the SAMCRO fanatic inside me could refrain from asking if it was feasible for the Sons of Anarchy prequel to happen while the Mayans spinoff was still airing. Here was his answer:

First thing's first: Kurt Sutter still hasn't fully put The First 9 pitch out to pasture, and is apparently still bringing it up with enough semi-regularity that John Landgraf still sees it as a viable option for the future. Of course, that future is no more secured or certain than anyone's future was on Sons of Anarchy.

In any case, not only is John Landgraf of the belief that Kurt Sutter still wants to bring the Sons of Anarchy prequel into existence at some point, but the FX head honcho sounds like just the kind of person who would order it to series if it maintained the quality of Sons and Mayans. He doesn't confirm that both would get to air at the same time, but it's the more delightful mindset.

In my completely untrained opinion, developing and ordering The First 9 would be a truly brilliant move for both Kurt Sutter and John Landgraf. Mayans M.C. isn't yet pulling off the kinds of big numbers that Sons of Anarchy did in its prime, but the spinoff is standing out when it comes to DVR numbers. So it's clear there is an audience out there ready to embrace all the motorcycle mayhem FX can afford to throw out there.

There was a point when Kurt Sutter himself had talked about possibly not moving forward with The First 9 after he spent some time reflecting on the violence portrayed .in his shows. Obviously, Mayans M.C. is extremely violent in its own right, even if it does sometimes feel like they're intentionally holding back. As such, it's unclear if that aspect would still have any effect on what he'd want to do with the prequel.

For those who might need a refresher, The First 9 would be about the initial nine members of SAMCRO, which includes Jax Teller's dad John. As well as Opie's pop Piney. (R.I.P. Opie.) The show would take place at a point after J.T. returned home from Vietnam, in the years before Jax was born, and would see SAMCRO's foundation being built upon J.T.'s less criminalistic ideals.

Even if The First 9 just happened as a one-off season that went down between seasons of Mayans M.C., that would be cool. Really, though, FX and Kurt Sutter, do more than just a one-off season.

Don't expect to find Sons of Anarchy or Mayans M.C. on Netflix anytime soon, but you can stream the newest series on FX's own streaming service, FX+. While waiting to hear about Season 2, as well as more about The First 9, put those side-view mirrors on our midseason premiere schedule to make sure you don't miss all the biggest dramas that are on the way.

Sons of Anarchy has officially been dropped from the Netflix library. While Netflix gave no official reason behind the removal of a series that's been a staple of its catalog for some time, some had theories regarding why it was dropped. Kurt Sutter confirmed that speculation on Twitter, bringing any confused parties into the loop on why Sons of Anarchy was removed and Mayans M.C. won't be arriving on the service.

Kurt Sutter confirmed that the big reason Sons of Anarchy was removed from Netflix was another jab between it and Disney as the launch of Disney+ looms ever closer. Disney's acquiring of Fox programming means it now owns the rights to Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C., so one can expect neither will arrive back on Netflix anytime soon -- if ever.

Sons of Anarchy's removal from Netflix comes after what's been a bloodbath in terms of Netflix shows that are affiliated with the Disney brand. Netflix has canceled three of its Marvel shows, with many speculating the remaining two will be canceled following their new seasons. The moves appear to be mostly motivated by Disney+'s potential as a major competitor for Netflix, as reports have surfaced alleging Daredevil was one of its top 5 shows at the time of cancellation.

Meanwhile, Netflix subscribers are suffering. That said, those with multiple subscriptions to various streaming services may be in luck, as there are outlets for folks to watch Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. on streaming. Kurt Sutter mentioned all the other places cord cutters can catch episodes without Netflix.

Kurt Sutter added a foreboding "for now" to his tweet, which makes it sound as though there will be a point where those outlets lose their streaming privileges as well. One would imagine Disney+ will eventually add Sons of Anarchy and other Fox programming to its library, although it's not been something Disney has made a priority to explain. Instead, the brand has teased two live-action Star Wars series, MCU-related adventures, and a third Sister Act movie.

Even if Sons of Anarchy is a day one add for Disney+, there are still a community of consumers concerned about committing to yet another streaming service to catch their favorite shows. Buying physical copies of seasons is still an option, luckily, which some pointed out in the replies to Kurt Sutter's tweets. That said, it's possible that Sons of Anarchy and other classic Fox shows could go in the "Disney vault" and physical copies become scarce in later years.

As mentioned, Hulu and FXNow are still places where a streaming audience can catch episodes of Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C.. For a look at what else is happening on television in the meantime, head on over to our fall and midseason premiere guides.

Spoilers below for the Mayans M.C. season finale, so be sure to watch before reading on.

Fans expected FX's Mayans M.C. to features important tie-ins with Kurt Sutter's original series Sons of Anarchy, but the Season 1 finale went next-level in connecting the two shows. Beyond looping SAMCRO into the Reyes matriarch's death, "Cuervo/Tz'ikb'uul" also introduced a new S.O.A. club prospect named Hallorann. The beer-seeking character was played by Ray Nicholson, son of Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson. Such star status should cement his place in Season 2, right? According to Kurt Sutter, signs point to yes.

The reason why Kurt Sutter uses "would" instead of "will" is presumably because Season 2's narrative hasn't been set in stone just yet. Speaking with EW, Kurt Sutter says that Ray Nicholson's Hallorann would be around in Season 2 presuming the Mayans club will continue to work with Charming's Sons of Anarchy. So mark this under "likely to happen, but in no certain terms."

As part of the Mayans' deal with the Galindo cartel, SAMCRO will be overseeing one leg of the drug-running process. Logic would dictate the Sons being around in a big way because of that deal, right? Perhaps not so much, and it's all because of Hallorann's connection with David Labrava's Sons of Anarchy fan favorite Happy Lowman.

Viewers learned in the finale that Happy was responsible for killing E.Z. and Angel's mom, so he's the one the younger Reyes sibling has been tracking all season. It was while chasing Happy down that E.Z. was called out to by the cop that he impulsively pulled the trigger on, sending him to prison. As such, there are no guarantees that E.Z. or Angel will want anything to do with Happy or Hallorann in Season 2.

Son of Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard, Ray Nicholson landed the Mayans M.C. gig because of his own connection with Kurt Sutter. And the way the co-creator puts it, the experience might have been an overwhelming one for the burgeoning actor.

Even there, Kurt Sutter didn't quite seem to be solidifying any assertions that Ray Nicholson's SAMCRO prospect will be present and accounted for in Season 2. Maybe that's just Sutter's way of keeping us on our toes when thinking about how E.Z. is going to handle his new look on life.

Having just chosen to remain a Mayan by finding a new sponsor, E.Z. either has to completely ignore the Happy situation, or figure out a way to take care of it in the most clandestine way possible. Which, for all intents and purposes, could mean he'd need to find out some personal information about Happy from a certain curly-haired SAMCRO hopeful.

As one of the more popular new cable shows of 2018, Mayans M.C. will be the subject of much discussion as Kurt Sutter and showrunner Elgin James mold Season 2 into shape. While waiting to hear about when the FX hit will return, familiarize yourself with the rest of the fall TV premiere schedule to find more bangs for your buck.

Warning: many spoilers ahead for the Season 1 finale of Mayans M.C. on FX.

Mayans M.C. finally hit the airwaves in 2018 as the long-awaited spinoff of Sons of Anarchy, and it quickly proved to be a big hit. The show could have a long future ahead of it on FX, and the Season 1 finale guarantees that fans will be dying to find out what happens next for however long the wait is until Season 2. The episode featured some unexpected and shocking ties back to Sons of Anarchy that few probably saw coming.

The most unexpected tie to Sons of Anarchy in the Mayans finale came with the bombshell reveal of who murdered EZ's mother all those years ago. The mystery of her death has been an undercurrent of the series, even when none of the Reyes men were explicitly dwelling on her. After all, if not for EZ's quest to track down her killer, he never would have wound up behind bars. Who could have guessed that the truth would lead to a Sons character?

Yes, the truth behind the big mystery is that none other than Happy Lowman killed EZ's mom. EZ finally learned the truth when the Mayans were joined by some SAMCRO members at a party, in what should have been a joyous event for all. Well, as joyous an event as is possible for a show set in the Sons of Anarchy universe, anyway.

Happy's arrival brought him face to face with EZ, who realized that Happy is the man who killed his mom. His role as an enforcer on Sons of Anarchy put him in the position to get very violent with those who got in his and SAMCRO's way, so it's not shocking that he would kill somebody. The fact that he killed the Reyes matriarch of all people does come as a shock. The episode didn't reveal why Happy killed EZ's mother, but the twist does seemingly promise more crossovers between Mayans and Sons.

Showrunner Kurt Sutter weighed in on the Happy twist, and he revealed that it wasn't the culmination of an arc he'd planned from the beginning. Additionally, Happy as the killer isn't just a Sons of Anarchy cameo for the sake of a cameo. Instead, the inclusion broadens the scope of Mayans M.C. and connects it to the larger mythology already in place thanks to Sons. In a chat with THR, Sutter had this to say about Happy as the killer of EZ's mom:

If the Happy twist wasn't enough of a connection to Sons of Anarchy, there was another. Jax Teller was explicitly mentioned on Mayans M.C. for the very first time. We've known for a while that we shouldn't hold our breath for Charlie Hunnam to somehow reprise the role for Mayans, so the name drop was a nice treat. Here's how it happened.

The Mayans were seated at their table to discuss a new arrangement with regard to supplying the cartel. The Mayans came to the conclusion that SAMCRO would be able to supply the cartel "under the radar," going through the Mayans to keep the feds out of the entire situation. The deal would allow the Mayans to continue their relationship with the Charming chapter of SAMCRO that was the center of Sons of Anarchy.

Marcus Alvarez was the one to mention Jax, saying this:

Sentimentality aside, Bishop did his job as leader and clarified that it would be their chapter to handle the business between SAMCRO and the cartel. Therefore, the entire group had to be on board with the risky arrangement. Unsurprisingly, the Mayans gave unanimous approval, and the stage is set for more Sons of Anarchy crossovers in the future of Mayans M.C.

Only time will tell how far the spinoff will go in touching on its parent show. Mayans has already proven that it can stand on its own without relying on Sons for material, so future crossovers will hopefully only enrich the new show's arcs. We'll have to wait and see.

Mayans M.C. was renewed for a second season back in October, so there's no need to worry that there will never be any payoff on the cliffhanger. The ratings were excellent from the beginning, proving that it has the potential to carve out a niche on FX to last for years. The second season is slated to debut at some point in 2019.

For some viewing options sooner than the new year, swing by our fall TV premiere schedule. If you're in the mood to relive some of the Sons of Anarchy glory days, you can find the series streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

Spoilers below for anyone who isn't current with Mayans M.C.

The best TV spinoffs are able to maintain what made their predecessors beloved while also building up something new and exciting. Mayans M.C. has done just that in continuing Kurt Sutter's motorcycle club saga, honoring Sons of Anarchy while also directly featuring some of its main characters. For Venezuelan star Carla Baratta, who plays Adelita, it's simply not possible to fill the female-lead shoes of Sons of Anarchy's Gemma Teller, as portrayed by the great Katey Sagal.

Carla Baratta spoke with CinemaBlend ahead of Mayans M.C.'s Season 1 finale, and I asked her about taking on a female lead role in the shadow of Gemma Teller.

One thing that Carla Baratta has going for her is that Adelita's personality traits and story arc technically don't match up with Gemma Teller's all that closely. As such, there's less of a reason to try and draw any direct comparisons between the two women, outside of their sheer determination and cutthroat confidence. And the fact that both are attracted to high-ranking members of an M.C.

Aside from that, though, Adelita really is a world away from Gemma in so many ways. Unfortunate nomenclature notwithstanding, Gemma was Clay's "old lady." Even though she was generally aware of all of SAMCRO's dirty deeds and how things went down, she wasn't the leader making it all happen. Granted, she did make some truly horrific judgment calls, but she paid for them in the end.

Adelita, meanwhile, is the fearless leader of a rebel group who destructively muscled a cartel leader into a partnership. She probably wouldn't take "old lady" as affectionately as some Charming residents. In fact, even without a loyal army, Adelita could probably still accomplish her goals alone, driven by her father's memory and a disgust for government leaders in both the U.S. and Mexico. She's into exposing corruption and family secrets, while Gemma was all about covering them up.

Of course, Carla Baratta pointed out that what we've seen of Adelita so far in Season 1 doesn't exactly give away all of the moving parts in the character's story.

Carla Baratta brought up both Sarah Bolger's Emily Thomas and Leticia "Leti" Cruz, who are both completely different from each other, and from Adelita. Having said that, though, there are a few ways in which both Emily and Leti seem like they are two sides of the Gemma Teller coin.

As the husband of Miguel Galindo, Emily started the season off as more of an understanding partner than a power player. (And technically shared a scene space with Gemma in the premiere, thanks to that awesome cameo.) But as the family dealt with Cristobal's kidnapping and various government pursuers, Emily made the conscious decision to get her hands dirty in the cartel's affairs. Meanwhile, Gemma had her nose in everyone's business, whether they liked it or not, and had little problem taking care of things herself.

Meanwhile, Leti is perhaps a reflection of the wild child that Gemma was as a teenager. She's already caused a major trauma by impulsively telling a huge lie, which something Gemma seemed to do on a monthly basis. Of course, Leti also has Coco's twisted DNA coursing through her, and even though Gemma's family definitely wasn't perfect, she didn't have a Coco. Few should, really.

Speaking to Adelita's on-screen magnetism and Carla Baratta's skills as an actress, the rebel leader shared an important scene this season opposite Edward James Olmos' Felipe. Their conversation was wrought with tension, with Adelita believing Felipe to be responsible for her father's murder. She was wrong, even if she wasn't mistaken about Felipe doing horrible things during that time of his life.

When I asked Baratta if filming the scene was as intense as it looked, the actress said it was a humbling and emotional experience. In her words:

I think we can all agree that it would be fabulous if Kurt Sutter and Elgin James figured out a way to dip back into the past to show us a scene with Edward James Olmos' Felipe and Katey Sagal's Gemma opposite one another. If only to see if Gemma holds her ground as well as Adelita did.

Here's hoping Adelita doesn't get bamboozled by Miguel Galindo & Co. in the Season 1 finale, which is airing on FX on Tuesday, November 6, at 10:00 p.m. ET. Be sure to tune in to see all the craziness that goes down. Our fall TV premiere schedule will be a good help when needing something to start watching once Mayans M.C. is on hiatus.

Spoiler warning for anyone who hasn't yet watched Mayans M.C.'s eighth episode, titled "Rata/Ch'o." Only Chucky would be silly enough to keep reading without watching.

Like its predecessor Sons of Anarchy, FX's Mayans M.C. can flip from crude machismo comedy to life-or-death drama in an instant. "Rata/Ch'o," more so than any episode before it, let loose with both the gallows humor and the stress-inducing suspense for a solid mixture of character-developing plot mechanics. Shit got weird in all kinds of ways.

As quickly as the border drama has been escalating, it's been easy to forget that Mayans M.C. only has ten episodes in its first season, which means we're mere weeks away from watching the FX hit ride off for the winter. (Season 2 is coming, though, so no worries.) Without further ado, let's talk about that gob-smack of a cliffhanger.

E.Z. And Angel Got Busted

"Got busted" is perhaps an understatement here. Fully expecting to just blow through a traffic stop cosponsored by club-friendly cop Franky, E.Z. and Angel found themselves unwitting (if not undeserving) targets of a rookie officer's angst. Against my every aching wish, it led to the cops discovering Celia's body in the trunk, which in turn led to the Reyes brothers' hands placed on the back of their heads.

Now, neither one of them can be proven guilty of having murdered Celia, since that was all thanks to Coco's irrational impulses. However, transporting the corpse of someone who hasn't even been reported as murdered will bring the brothers more than just a wrist-slap. For E.Z. especially, given his complicated record. So are E.Z. and Angel really going to jail, or is that rookie cop going to join Celia in the trunk soon?

Lincoln Potter vs. Miguel Galindo

Just last week, Galindo got an olive branch of sorts from Adelita. Now, the cartel kingpin discovered the U.S. government's strong grip was more of a hearty embrace than a cruel throttling. Rather than trying to destroy him from the top-down, A.U.S.A. Lincoln Potter actually wants to keep Galindo's criminal activity up and running for the greater good. At least, it's someone's version of the greater good, though Galindo has his suspicions.

This narrative thread gave Ray McKinnon a chance to provide Lincoln Potter some closure on how his arc ended on Sons of Anarchy, when his hard-labored RICO case fell apart. Witnessing where his efforts led after all these years, and knowing what he went through, viewers could almost sympathize with the legal beagle. But Potter is capable of getting his hands very dirty, and even someone as powerful and non-expendable as Galindo should give him a wide berth.

Emily Knows E.Z.'s A Rat

This episode was not very clandestine in its use of rodents to metaphorically represent various characters' actions in the episode. Still, it all came to a fuzzy head when E.Z.'s transcripted intel became permissible to use as leverage to make Galindo think his entire operation was being spied upon. It was also used in an attempt to get Emily to flip on her husband after reading about his horrible actions.

Emily's never going to flip, that's for sure, but the larger impact of that late-episode moment is clear. She now knows that E.Z. is double-crossing the Mayans and the cartel by feeding info to the cops. Given their past, she probably won't spread the word to Angel, but she'll definitely attempt to get to the bottom of it herself. She should work quickly, now that Potter can also utilize that bit of info. (Incidentally, now that E.Z. has been outed, Kevin Jimenez is almost definitely getting killed off.)

Felipe Visited Father Rodrigo

Admittedly, Edward James Olmos' squinted eyes and thinned lips can make anyone he's looking at feel stressed as hell. Those factors definitely helped to draw out the dread in a solo mission to visit his former friend and ally, whose whereabouts Felipe recently offered to Adelita. (Father Rodrigo is the one who set her father up to be captured and killed.)

The mood during the men's conversation was as simmering as a festive volcano, with Felipe somewhat regretfully warning the priest that the vengeful rebel leader would soon be coming to kill him. The intensity mostly deflated, but in a good way, after it was revealed Rodrigo called up Galindo's enforcer Nestor, claiming he could track Adelita down. That won't work so well for the holy man, will it?

Coco Is Fucking Nuts, Man

Watching Coco strangle-drown his mother was already a dark experience by any stretch. But after it was revealed Leticia had falsely blamed Celia for her self-made injuries, that whole scene now mirrors watching Sons of Anarchy's Tig gunning down Opie's wife. Tig's bafflingly morbid sense of humor was also mirrored in "Rata/Ch'o," with several gross-out jokes thrown around at the corpse's expense.

In any case, nobody ever told Coco the truth. A-a-a-and that's probably a good thing, as evidenced by the twisted "live for the moment" monologue he shared with E.Z. as the two of them passed a joint over Celia's increasingly smelly carcass. Nothing about that conversation involved inherent danger, but I couldn't have been more innately stressed out while watching Richard Cabral's unhinged eyes running at different frequencies than the disturbing viewpoints that were falling out of his mouth.

Riz's Tunnel Situation

At various points, I expect Mayans M.C. to introduce some perturbing and awkward storylines involving things coming in and out of that country-connecting tunnel. Fans likely weren't too worried about Riz losing his patch over a structure that had been in his family longer than he'd been alive. However, it appeared as if the in-club dynamic might've gotten shifted around a bit once Riz called out Angel & Co. for ratting him out. (All these rats!)

Riz bypassed long-winded revenge and instead got into a bare-knuckle brawl with Angel to work out their feelings. I'll be honest, even with all the other club members cheering, I still got small-time stressed watching them duke it out. I wasn't putting it past this show to have on protagonist kill another one off in a seemingly innocent-esque situation like this. But then, I also didn't realize Angel and E.Z. were about to have such a super-shitty evening.

With just two episodes left in Season 1, Mayans M.C. has a lot of story left to cover, so be sure to tune into FX on Tuesday nights at 10:00 p.m. ET. The fall TV schedule's hills and valleys are alive with other sounds besides motorcycle engines, too, so be sure to keep current.

Mayans M.C. appears to be a hit for FX, and it didn't take long for the Sons of Anarchy spinoff to overtake the original show in the ratings. Part of this, of course, is due to the already existing fanbase eager for more motorcycle club-based stories. But the new spinoff has also had other ways of beating out the ratings of SOA's early episodes. Specifically, the show is raking in lots of viewership via delayed viewing, and has boosted its Hispanic audience by a wide margin with this new adventure.

While the live+same day ratings for Mayans M.C. and Sons of Anarchy's premiere episodes were about equal, the live+3 day viewing numbers is what pulled Mayans ahead for the record-breaking premiere. The news that more folks are tuning in to Mayans in delayed viewing than they did Sons of Anarchy is unsurprising, given the popularity of DVR has skyrocketed in the decade since the original series' premiere. The 3-day numbers gave Mayans a 46% boost over in the adults 18-49 demo, and a whopping 64% boost in overall viewership successfully pushing it ahead of Sons of Anarchy.

Part of this boost in viewership is also due to a largely Hispanic demographic tuning into Mayans M.C. Deadline reports 19% of the audience for the premiere was Hispanic, and that the statistic was the highest for Hispanic representation for an FX series premiere. Part of the large viewership is likely tied to the show's predominantly Hispanic cast, as well as co-creator Kurt Sutter and Elgin James' focus on wanting to tell a story that touches on Hispanic culture as well as biker culture. In short, this show was never going to be a series where Jax Teller was suddenly back from the dead, for reasons even beyond the fact that Sutter wants to protect the original show's legacy.

Both of these factors are a large reason why Mayans M.C. is beating out Sons of Anarchy in the ratings, although as mentioned, it may not be the only factor. Mayans has the advantage of starting with the SOA legacy and fanbase. And while Kurt Sutter and crew have stated they're not interested in making this a sequel to the original series, the show has already shown quite a few nods to long-time fans. This is especially true with the re-emergence of some classic characters, some of whom may have a larger presence in Mayans as the series continues.

Mayans M.C. airs new episodes on FX Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET. Catch up with the series before the next episode, or head on over to our fall premiere guide and take a look at what other shows are premiering and returning to television over the next few months.

Kurt Sutter said Sons of Anarchy wasn't going to invade Mayans M.C.'s territory too much, although that didn't mean the series is going to be completely devoid of former characters. That much was proven in Episode 2, when yet another character from the first show's universe showed up onscreen. Chucky is apparently working for the Mayans motorcycle club's scrapyard right now, and actor Michael Ornstein recently shared a bit about how his popular character found his way into the spinoff:

The scene was short, and featured Chucky doing some work with his prosthetic hands at the scrapyard the Mayans operate. Michael Ornstein hung out at the club prior to shooting to get back into the swing of things, and even brought along his gloves he nicked from the set of Sons of Anarchy when the show ended. Ornstein added to EW he shot the scene months ago, and indicated the secret that he was involved with Mayans M.C. had been eating away at him ever since.

That secret was a lot harder to keep than one might realize, as Michael Ornstein said he's frequently recognized out on the street by fans of Sons of Anarchy. Ornstein added he sometimes has difficulty spotting those fans who recognize him beforehand, as the people that approach him aren't always the stereotypical biker types one may expect is the show's core fan base. Ornstein said fan love for Chucky runs deep, despite the fact that his character has some less than savory traits that may or may not be seen in Mayans M.C.

Michael Ornstein was cryptic about whether or not fans would see more of Chucky in later episodes, but Gamespot got Mayans M.C. co-creator Elgin James to confirm the character will have a recurring presence in Season 1. James didn't say exactly how Chucky will be utilized in the rest of the season, but did confirm he and Kurt Sutter were thrilled to bring Michael Ornstein into the spinoff.

Mayans M.C. airs on FX Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET. Find other shows to check out over the next couple of months with CinemaBlend's fall premiere guide.

The premiere of Mayans M.C. marked the arrival of a series that already had a fanbase ready and waiting to tune in. The Sons of Anarchy spinoff was going to take viewers back to the world that had developed over the years of the original series while also taking them to a new location and featuring almost entirely new characters. Mayans was in the works for years, and now that we're in an age of social media and spoilers, secrets seemed bound to get out. Michael Irby, who stars as Bishop on Mayans M.C., recently spoke with CinemaBlend about the series. In addition to sharing how reshoots impacted the Sons of Anarchy spinoff, he had this to say when I asked if the show had taken steps to prevent spoilers:

As it turns out, some members of the Mayans M.C. team were a bit more open on social media than FX and co-creator Kurt Sutter were hoping for. It's so easy to share on platforms like Twitter and Instagram nowadays that it's also easy to overshare, and even the tiniest details could give away significant parts of a series like Mayans M.C. For a show set in a universe already established and filled in by a whole other series, Mayans managed to keep a lot of details quiet, which made footage from trailers all the more exciting and built anticipation for the September 4 premiere.

Of course, a social media blackout isn't the most drastic measure a project has taken to keep a lid on spoilers. The casts of Game of Thrones and just about every Marvel and Star Wars installment would probably love to only have to deal with a social media blackout. That said, Mayans M.C. doesn't have a member of the cast notorious for dropping spoilers like Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo.

Michael Irby's comments about the social media blackout indicate that FX was more concerned with protecting the story than keeping every single aspect of production a secret. Would the Mayans premiere have felt as intense and engaging if we'd already known about every character, action sequence, and location?

As surprising as the social media blackout was to Michael Irby, he went on in our chat to explain how effective he believes it was:

The first season of Mayans M.C. has a ways to go, so the cast isn't in the clear to give away all the set secrets just yet. Still, a lot more of the series could have been spoiled even before the premiere if not for the social media blackout in the lead-up to the advertising push. The buzz for Mayans M.C. couldn't be higher nowadays, and that might not have been the case if viewers knew a whole lot of details ahead of time.

To see Michael Irby and the rest of the cast in action in new episodes of Mayans M.C., tune in to FX on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET. It's only one of the thrilling new shoes in the 2018 fall lineup, and there's a lot to look forward to on the rest of the nights of the week as well.

Mayans M.C. was in the works as a Sons of Anarchy spinoff for years before it finally premiered on September 4, and all signs already point towards the spinoff honoring the original series' legacy while still going in its own direction in a whole new location. The first episode only featured a couple of cameos, and Mayans will be able to stand on its own even for viewers who may not know everything there is to know about Sons. The first episode as it aired is actually the product of an entirely reshot pilot with a number of original cast members replaced.

Michael Irby, who stepped in for the reshot pilot to replace John Ortiz of American Gangster fame as club president, recently spoke with CinemaBlend about how entering the show for the reshoots impacted the existing cast of the spinoff, saying this:

When Michael Irby joined the cast of Mayans M.C. for the second pilot, he wasn't stepping in to play a background biker or henchman. He was playing Bishop, who is the president of a club with close bonds, some of blood and some of earned brotherhood. The group of actors who had been together for the first pilot with John Ortiz playing the president had already developed connections and a dynamic. Naturally, another actor playing a tweaked version of the character couldn't just slide into Ortiz's position and the relationships Ortiz had earned. For Irby, needing to earn the loyalty and trust of the rest of the cast was a good thing.

Mayans M.C. might not have worked if the cast couldn't 100% sell the tight bond and investment between the men in the club, and that's not necessarily something that actors can just manufacture with each other. Michael Irby had work to do to fit in as the president of the club, and his co-stars were waiting to see whether or not he would be a good fit. This was clearly a positive for Irby and the cast, as viewers could tell in the footage that has aired so far. The Mayans feel like brothers who have been through hell and back together. They may not always get along, but there's a deep bond there. It feels like family.

Michael Irby went on in our chat to say this about the results of his efforts to earn the loyalty of his fellow stars:

The bond between the Mayans is now strong behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera. Even if the prospect of stepping into an established group to play their president was daunting at first to Michael Irby, he was able to build a beautiful relationship with the other stars. The connection and loyalty between the actors can only serve to make the show more believable as these men go through the fire for each other. We can undoubtedly look forward to even more of the bond being showcased as the first season of Mayans M.C. progresses.

Naturally, viewers may wonder how Michael Irby's Bishop differs from the Mayans president originally set to be played by John Ortiz. When I asked if Irby was told how the character had changed that he was a better fit for the reformed role, he had this to say:

As an actor with credits on shows like The Unit, Taken, True Detective, and SEAL Team, Michael Irby certainly went into Mayans M.C. knowing how to tackle militaristic roles that are heavy on the action as well as the acting. Given that Bishop is a veteran as well as a president, Irby should be uniquely qualified to deliver the ideal performance to bring Bishop to life. Is he exactly the same as Bishop in real life? No. But that's not a bad thing, especially considering some of the lines Bishop will be crossing on Mayans M.C.!

To see Michael Irby in action as Bishop on Mayans M.C., tune in to FX on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET. If you're in the market for some series on the other nights of the week, check out our fall TV premiere guide.

Although The Bastard Executioner didn't work out on FX, Kurt Sutter is still a show creator with an avid fanbase and a lot of ideas. His latest show Mayans M.C. premiered this week and, following the release of the show's memorable first episode, the popular Hollywood man took to social media to thank fans for trying out his latest venture. Here's what he had to say following the Mayans M.C. premiere. (And he shared a cute image of his pup to boot!)

Many of Kurt Sutter's fans are holdovers from the Sons of Anarchy era on FX. Fans of that series had been excited about Mayans M.C. in the months leading up to the new show's release, both because it brings the showrunner back to cable TV (and specifically FX) and because it's another narrative about individuals who belong to a motorcycle club. Motorcycle club programming may not be a specific TV genre, but it's certainly a niche that has very loyal and dedicated fans and in his first post after the new show premiered, Kurt Sutter, who co-created Mayans M.C. alongside Elgin James, took a break to thank people for showing up for the new series. Plus his post also included a look at his adorable dog, which should inspire all the Instagram likes.

Mayans M.C. officially hit FX's schedule on Tuesday, September 4. The show is running positively on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, but more importantly, the opener for the new show scored big numbers for FX. The show did a 1.1 rating and 2.53 million total viewers on its opening night. Now, compared to a big network show like Young Sheldon, those might not be big numbers, but it is a good number for cable, and the show evenly matched the 2.53 million viewers Sons of Anarchy did when it opened in 2008.

This seems to indicate that plenty of fans of the first series have shown back up for the new episodes. (And hopefully some new, diverse faces, too.) Mayans M.C. has smartly figured out a way to tie in Sons Of Anarchy without being too on the nose about it. Earlier this year at San Diego Comic-Con, Kurt Sutter revealed there would be some Sons characters returning for brief appearances (albeit not Jax Teller), and the premiere for the show included Gemma in a flashback scene where she is visiting prison and is a side character in a scene involving EZ and Emily.

The show has nabbed a 10-episode order, so it has quite a few weeks to potentially grow during its run. One thing is for certain: We'll definitely be keeping an eye on how Mayans M.C. is doing in the ratings, and if Kurt Sutter's response this week is any indication, he certainly has his eye on the fans while putting out this brand new series.

Mayans M.C. airs new episodes on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET, only on FX. Check out what other shows are coming this fall with our full schedule.

Warning: major spoilers ahead for the series premiere of Mayans M.C. on FX. If you haven't watched the episode, you may want to check out some of our spoiler-free articles until you get the chance to tune in. Otherwise, read on!

A spinoff of FX's hit drama Sons of Anarchy had been in the works in some form or other for almost two years before Mayans M.C. finally hit the airwaves. The project was changed and retooled a number of times during its development period, and the finished product takes fans away from what they knew on Anarchy and into a different world largely populated by different characters. Yes, Mayans M.C. will be fully capable of standing on its own without constant callbacks to its parent show. That said, the series premiere managed to pack in a couple of characters Sons of Anarchy fans will have recognized. Here's how it happened.

From minute one, Mayans M.C. doesn't pretend to come from a different universe or hide its connection to the super successful Sons of Anarchy. Mayans also isn't so interested in showering its roots with reverence. The very first moments of the series showed a dead crow on a road being eaten. As if that wasn't irreverent enough to the legacy of Sam Crow, Mayans then just went ahead and ran the dead crow over with a vehicle. This new show is a different kind of beast altogether, and fans need not spend too much time thinking about SAMCRO and the characters who came before. Nevertheless, Mayans included some characters that Anarchy fans had to be excited to see. Let's start with the biggest:

Gemma popped up in a scene that few of us could have expected. There was no fanfare or foreshadowing that Gemma herself would make an appearance when she did, so hopefully Sons of Anarchy fans were paying attention in her scene! Gemma's appearance came via flashback when Emily came to visit EZ in prison. The two had been a clearly loving couple earlier in the episode, but EZ wound up in prison and stopped communicating with Emily. She ultimately comes to visit him in prison, where he confesses that he went silent on her because he was facing a possible 20 years in the clink.

Furious that he made a big decision for both of them, Emily slaps a sonogram photo down on the table, declares that she's making a decision for both of them, and storms out. The revelation that Emily is pregnant and intends to do something about it unhinges EZ, and he tries to go after her, only to be restrained by officers while he struggles to go after her. Then, the camera pans over to another table in the visitors area and reveals Gemma sitting there. Katey Sagal only got one line, but she makes the most of it: "Assholes." The scene was a flashback to around eight years before present day, so this quick shot of Gemma may have taken place before the main narrative of Sons.

Mayans M.C. may not have any major female characters just yet, but it was great to see one of the major female characters from Sons of Anarchy! For the other Sons character that popped up on the spinoff, head on over to the next page.

The second Sons of Anarchy character to turn up in the Mayans M.C. premiere wasn't quite as big as Gemma, and fans may want to resign themselves to never getting a bigger character than Gemma, especially given Charlie Hunnam's comments about the series. Nevertheless, Les Packer was a killer character to include in the first episode of Mayans, and Robert Patrick would be a great addition to the cast moving forward, even if only in a recurring capacity. Scorpion did just get cancelled, so maybe it's not out of the realm of possibility!

In the premiere, Packer turns up when the Mayans call for help after a situation arose with the Samoans. That gang was blamed for the violent theft of a drug shipment early in the episode, and a bloody confrontation was bound to happen before the end of the episode. Packer's a good man to have in a fight, but he didn't actually have that much of a role in the episode. It was almost a waste of Robert Patrick, which makes it all the more imperative that Mayans brings him back.

We'll have to wait and see. New episodes of Mayans M.C. air Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET on FX. For some additional viewing options, be sure to check out our fall TV premiere schedule.

In the history of television, there has never been a lead female character quite like Sons of Anarchy's Gemma Teller, who had the backbone of a whale and the ferocity of a rabid lion. (And the vocabulary of a drunken sailor.) A similar standout female role isn't readily available for FX's Sons spinoff Mayans MC, which has been one of the main criticisms aimed at the new action drama. But franchise co-creator Kurt Sutter has an explanation for why Mayans MC doesn't have a Gemma doppelgänger there from the start. In his words:

Understandably, Kurt Sutter was inclined to try and repeat some of the same successes he reached with Sons of Anarchy with the border-crossing new series. Obviously the core group of testosterone-fueled bikers was already a similar hook to the SAMCRO squad, so it probably looked like the only other major missing element was an assertive matriarch to rule the roost. Considering Sutter is married to Sons vet Katey Sagal, he's not lacking for reminders of such awesomeness.

But as he put it to EW, it was in trying to force the issue that Kurt Sutter realized he was actually doing a detriment to the show and the characters, so he and Elgin James strengthened the show's central focus on the three Reyes men -- J.D. Pardo's EZ, Clayton Cardenas' Angel and Edward James Olmos' Felipe -- whose lives were dramatically changed whenever they lost the family's matriarch. And with that as the revised focus, Mayans MC isn't creating any in-house pressure to build up the female characters to be as instantly memorable as Gemma, Maggie Siff's Tara, or Drea de Matteo's Wendy.

At this point, Mayans MC's female candidates for breakout stars are largely limited to Sarah Bolger's Emily and Carla Baratta's Adelita, and there's no clear front-runner without knowing how Sutter and James will play things. As EZ's innocent and put-upon high school sweetheart who moved up to a higher social status, Emily's current situation doesn't take long to get twisted into something harrowing, so it's possible she'll get out of the situation as guided by her inner beast mode. On the flip site, Adelita starts off as something of a badass rebel seeking revenge against the all-powerful Galindo cartel, so she could either continue being developed into a full-fledged lead, or her initial bravado could lead her to a quick demise. And, of course, it's possible that a woman who won't be introduced until Episode 6 will end up becoming the next greatest thing to Gemma Teller. We'll be able to judge her on a scale of one to ten gashes.

For those who weren't aware that the biker spinoff took two tries to land its footing, Sutter and Elgin James got Mayans MC into development at FX back in 2016, and an initial pilot was scripted, cast and produced. However, that pilot wasn't deemed strong enough to run with, which possibly had something to do with the more shoehorned-in elements. So after Sutter and James reworked the script, some of the Mayans roles were recast, and another director was brought in to helm the second effort. That's the one that sealed the deal, and is the one fans will be putting their peepers on first, so get ready.

Put on your most comfortable and least Mayans MC makes its roaring debut on FX on Tuesday, September 4, at 10:00 p.m. ET. To see what shows you'll be able to ride alongside at other points during the week, head to our fall TV premiere schedule.

The Mayans Motorcycle Club has a couple different chapters in the Sons of Anarchy universe, and while the show could've had Mayans M.C. centered in Charming or one of the other locations of the original show, co-creator Kurt Sutter instead opted for a bulk of the series to center on the area at the California and Mexico border. Sutter explained the decision was mainly made to avoid too much interference with the Sons of Anarchy mythos, so that the show's mythology could rest as easy as Jax Teller:

Kurt Sutter once again made his stance known that Mayans M.C. isn't going to be a Sons of Anarchy sequel series, and that's due to him wanting to protect the story of the original series. Sutter knows not every Sons of Anarchy fan will accept that reason, and instead think Mayans M.C.'s location was chosen to reference the current political climate in America. Sutter assured to fans and Variety the premise of the series was laid out years before any political agendas, but that the show will need to address some of current politics to accurately depict life on the border. Sutter indicated to do anything less wouldn't be authentic to the culture and people represented in Mayans M.C., which is a major goal of the series.

Authenticity in storytelling is something Edward James Olmos is concerned with as well, as he stressed the story of Mayans M.C. will do more than introduce a story from a Latin perspective. Olmos said viewers can expect to see more of the inner-workings of outlaw biker gangs, and how these members form a unique bond throughout their various adventures and exploits:

Bonding through criminal operations is something the Mayans M.C. cast knows a little something about, as Kurt Sutter boasted some members of the cast have more "jail time than screen time" on their resumes. Edward James Olmos, who had his own brief run-in with the law in the past, appreciates the added authenticity and thinks the series will benefit from allowing people who lived similar circumstances the chance to tell their perspective in the story.

Mayans M.C. premieres on FX Tuesday, September 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET. For a look at all the shows coming to television this fall season, be sure to visit our fall premiere guide.

With Sons of Anarchy, creator and motorcycle enthusiast Kurt Sutter tapped into the testosterone-fueled brotherhood inherent to fringe-living motorcycle clubs, bringing his TV storytelling skills to the table. With the highly anticipated Mayans M.C., Sutter linked up with Latino filmmaker Elgin James to give the show a more realistic edge, since James' past was a more suitable hunting ground for inspiration. In fact, the show is already so important to James simply for allowing the Latino community to have a voice, both on screen and behind the scenes. In his words:

Indeed. Compared to Sons of Anarchy, in which SAMCRO was a decidedly Caucasian entity, the main cast (and even just the background extras) on Mayans M.C. couldn't look more different. The fast-paced show takes place near the hectic border between California and Mexico, with the Galindo cartel serving as an overall threat, and even though those kinds of stories aren't entirely foreign to TV viewers, we're not always seeing them being told by creators whose personal experiences speak to the material in such straightforward ways. And for James, making those people's stories heard is both a driving force and a celebratory reward.

Elgin James specifically has a unique history when it comes to sticking up for the disenfranchised. Going straight edge in his teens, with strong aversions to alcohol and drugs, James was big in the '80s hardcore punk rock scene, and got into trouble accordingly. He almost had his life cut short at 17 after being beaten in the head with a baseball bat during a gang fight, which left him with brain damage. His recovery left him homeless for a while, though he would later form the group Friends Stand United (FSU), whose members dedicated themselves to excising neo-Nazis and white supremacist hate groups from punk concerts, often with violence as the go-to mode of removal. The controversial group was also known to rob drug dealers and give out some of the recovered money to local charities.

Alas, Elgin James was eventually arrested for extorting money from a band member in exchange for not getting targeted by FSU, and he spent a little over a year in prison. Speaking with Stuff, James says he never initially intended to use his more criminally motivated years to inform his artistic ventures, but later realized that it only made sense to draw from his own experiences, as opposed to trying to pretend none of it happened. And so, through Mayans M.C., the filmmaker is getting to bring out some of those old demons to pass them on to the troubled club members. Especially J.D. Pardo's EZ Reyes, who similarly balances being a criminal with being an intelligent and thoughtful member of society.

Not that fans should go into Mayans M.C. thinking every single incident shown comes straight out of someone's memory banks. But do remember that every episode that airs is the result of many men and women having made the effort to distance themselves from lives of poverty and gang violence. So even if EZ and the Mayans' on-screen activities aren't the most inspirational, just keep in mind what it took for Elgin James to make it happen.

With new characters to introduce and new stories to tell, Mayans M.C. will make its highway-blazing debut on Tuesday, September 4, at 10:00 p.m. ET. To see what other new and returning shows are on the way soon, head to our fall premiere schedule.

There are so many TV reboots, revivals, continuations and spinoffs on the air right now, they could fill up an entire network's scheduling slate. And one of the most anticipated follow-up series of the fall season is FX's Mayans M.C., the high-speeding offshoot of the network's popular drama Sons of Anarchy. It'll be roaring into primetime soon, which means reviews have been popping up across the internet. So we've rounded up multiple hot takes to give you guys a more broad idea of what to expect from Kurt Sutter and Elgin James' _Mayans M.C. _

First up, I'll go ahead and shamelessly kick things off with CinemaBlend's review of Mayans M.C., as written by yours truly. Overall, I really enjoyed what I saw, and found it quite easy to look past the early-series hiccups, knowing that Kurt Sutter's storytelling sweet spot is yet to come. And in other words:

Forbes' review credits Mayans M.C. for getting right "everything all the competition has been getting wrong" when it comes to expanding a fictional TV universe. Merrill Barr believes the spinoff does a fine job of distancing itself from the Sons of Anarchy narrative.

Similarly, Variety's Zack Handlen viewed the initial episodes with enthusiasm, and enjoyed the comfortable camaraderie between the club members. Though his good-naturedness waned when it comes to the backstory for J.D. Pardo's lead character EZ Reyes, and the reviewer missed Sons of Anarchy's blatant riff on Hamlet, not seeing anything similar happening with the Mayans M.C. story. But he's not giving up hope yet.

Several more favorable reviews are out there praising the pleasures of Mayans M.C., but let it be known that the positive vibes were not universal. For instance, Allison Keene says in her Collider review that while the cast is full of winners, the opening episodes fail to give the show's charter a true sense of place and authority in this world, since they're initially used to handle business for the Galindo cartel. And that's not all that was bemoaned.

Over at Vulture, the lack of a strong female lead was also a point of contention, as was the setting, deemed to be flatter and drier than SAMCRO's stomping grounds. And while reviewer Matt Zoller Seitz recognized and enjoyed the more artful flourishes that popped up every so often, he wanted the show to be more of a natural storytelling extension of co-creator Elgin James' tumultuous and powerful real-life history.

On the whole, there seemed to be some subjective difference when it comes to Mayans M.C.'s success with how its storytelling is handled. Some felt that the studious EZ was a nice change of pace from the born-to-misery Jax, while others felt he paled in comparison. Some think the Mayans' specific place in Mexi-Cali relations is a good move, while others think it's only retreading what Sons of Anarchy already did, just worse. All in all, it's not so dissimilar from how that first biker drama was viewed by critics upon release, so don't expect any negative opinions to dissuade fans who need more Teller Tuesdays in their lives.

Mayans M.C. will make its grand debut on FX on Tuesday, September 4, at 10:00 p.m. ET. To see what else is coming to the small screen soon, head to our fall premiere schedule.

When the exhaust-pumping Mayans M.C. kicks off on FX, the biker spinoff won't take long to draw upon influences from the flagship drama Sons of Anarchy, but it's been made abundantly clear that viewers should not expect to see Charlie Hunnam's Jax Teller making any surprise cameos. That said, co-creator Kurt Sutter isn't completely against referencing the former SAMCRO leader on Mayans M.C., and is actually interested in catching up with the youngest Teller offspring, Jax's sons Thomas and Abel. In Sutter's words:

As Sons of Anarchy fans are well aware, Jax Teller is no longer around the land of the living to make any impromptu appearances on Mayans M.C., which takes place around two years after the events of the S.O.A. finale. So already, a flashback would need to happen in order for Charlie Hunnam's tension-stricken character to be around. (Not that the spinoff drama avoids flashbacks or anything.) But instead of that ever happening, Kurt Sutter teases to Stuff that it's a distinct possibility that fans could catch up with Abel and Thomas before Mayans M.C. comes to a close.

Now, Sons of Anarchy played very loose with the age of Jax and Wendy's son Abel, as well as that of Jax and Tara's son Thomas. But if estimations can be made, then it can be assumed that Abel is around 7 or 8 years old when Mayans M.C. starts up, which would put Thomas' age at around 5 or 6. It's likely neither of the two boys would be doing anything too dastardly or Jax-esque at this point in their lives -- such as smoking, getting back tattoos and funding porn studios.

But if Mayans M.C. lasts for six or seven seasons like Sons did, then we could see Abel and maybe even Thomas reaching the teenage years, which is definitely a prime time for puberty and testosterone to come roaring. Wendy and Tara may not have felt an innate thirst for violence to pass on to their kids, but I'm betting Jax had more than enough to pass around. And if Kurt Sutter and Elgin James stumble upon an idea good enough to latch onto, viewers might see at least one male Teller family member on Mayans M.C. in the coming years.

One of the first teasers for Mayans M.C. did pay respects to Jax by way of a roadside memorial, which was more elaborate than the visual marker that identified J.T. Teller's "accident" location. Could it be possible that some of the M.C. will be driving by that memorial in a future season, with Wendy seen showing Thomas and Abel where their dad was killed? Kinda morbid, but definitely not against type for this franchise.

Fans don't have long to wait, as Mayans M.C. will kick off its freshman season on FX starting on Tuesday, September 4, at 10:00 p.m. ET. To see what's coming to the small screen soon, head to our fall TV premiere schedule.