Here’s your November guide to entertainment: On-stage, on-screens, and new music

The holiday season is upon us. Diwali preparations are in full swing, Christmas decorations are popping up left right and centre, and Hanukkah menorahs will be out before we know it. Whether you’re looking to take in some new shows, watch a new blockbuster on your off time, or something to stream (shows or music) in the background while you work from home. There is something to entertain pretty much everyone, coming this November near or available now to, you. From exhibits to concerts to movie and album releases, here’s our new monthly round-up of entertainment for November 2023.

This is your new monthly entertainment digest of what’s available to take in this month:

But make sure to check back regularly as we bring you a monthly digest of what to explore.

On-screens

From blockbusters to big and small screen premieres, there’s a lot coming your way this November. From cineplex theatres to Netflix, Paramount+, MGM+, Amazon, Apple TV and more.

Beyond Utopia

Beyond Utopia opened in Toronto only on November 3, and offers an in-depth look at “defectors trying to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on Earth, 
a land they grew up believing was paradise,” according to the press release.

Premiere: Squealer

Also on November 3, Squealer hits theatres and is also available on demand. The movie stars Tyrese Gibson and Theo Rossi and is a terrifying thriller inspired by real events about young women who start to go missing in a small town.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves

Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the anthology series, premieres on Paramount+ on November 5 and tells the previously untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, who went from enslavement to law enforcement as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi.

The Curse series

The Curse, a genre-bending series co-created by Canadian Nathan Fielder that explores how an alleged curse disturbs a newly married couple, premieres on Paramount+ on November 10.

Premiere: GOOD BURGER 2

GOOD BURGER 2 premieres on Paramount+ on November 22, and is, according to the press release, a “new original movie sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film based on the sketch from the Nickelodeon comedy series All That.”  

Hurricane Season

When a group of kids finds a corpse floating in a canal, the brutal reality behind the perverse crime unravels a town’s hidden secrets. Now streaming on Netflix this month. Watch here.

Locked In

A kindly nurse tries to unlock the secrets of a coma patient’s injuries — and discovers the bitter rivalry, infidelity, betrayal, and murder behind them. Now streaming on Netflix. Watch here.

Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom

Did Jens Soering murder his girlfriend’s parents in 1985 — or was she the killer? This docuseries digs into questions that still swirl around the case. Now streaming on Netflix. Watch here.

Wingwomen

Tired of life on the run, a pro thief decides to retire — but not before one easy last job with her partner in crime and a feisty new getaway driver. Stream now on Netflix. Watch here.

Selling Sunset, Season 7

As cringe as it may be, we all know we’re going to be binging it this month. Set in the world of LA’s high-end real estate, Selling Sunset follows the city’s most successful female realtors who all work under the same roof at The Oppenheim Group, the No. 1 agency in the Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip. They work hard and play harder, as they compete with the cutthroat LA market… and each other. Now streaming on Netflix. Watch here.

Sly

If you didn’t catch it during TIFF, now’s your chance… on Netflix. His love of film began as an escape from a rocky childhood. From underdog to Hollywood legend, Sylvester Stallone tells his story in this documentary. Watch here.

At The Moment

This anthology series set during the pandemic follows 10 unique love stories of passion and heartache. Now streaming on Netflix. Watch here.

Best. Christmas. Ever.

After a twist of fate brings their families together for Christmas, Charlotte sets out to prove her old friend Jackie’s life is too good to be true. Yup, it’s you took a second look, that’s Brandy Norwood (of Brandy & Monica). Streaming on Netflix as of November 16th. Watch here.

The Crown, Season 6, Part 1

If you’ve been following the royal series, get ready for another binge. Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her legacy and lineage as Diana dazzles the public in the final weeks of her life and the monarchy faces a reckoning. Streaming on Netflix as of November 16th. Watch here.

Squid Game: The Challenge

It’s baaaack! 456 real players will enter the competition show in pursuit of a life-changing reward of USD $4.56 million. As they compete in a series of games inspired by the original show — plus surprising new additions — their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while fellow competitors are eliminated around them. Episodes released weekly on Netflix, starting November 22nd through to December 6th. Watch here.

Get the full list of Netflix release updates, on Tudum here.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the one-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake. In theatres November 17. Get your tickets.

Thanksgiving

After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the infamous holiday. In theatres November 17th. Get your tickets.

Napoleon

Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar®-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed. Exclusively in 70mm large format or IMAX theatres November 22nd. Get your tickets.

On-stages near you

We Are Scientists Tour

We Are Scientists kick off their tour at Horseshoe Tavern on November 6 to support the band’s 2023 album release called Lobes.

The Seasons Christmas show

November 10-12, The Seasons Christmas show will be held at the International Centre in Mississauga. It showcases the Makeful Market and offers visitors the chance to partake in seasonal crafts, meet Santa, and take in stage presentations.

Demob

British band Demob Happy stops into Adelaide Hall on November 18 in support of their album, Divine Machines. It’s the band’s first time coming stateside since 2019.

Buffy Revamped + FRIEND, at Lighthouse Artspace

This month, two popular 90s sitcoms are seeing new life on stage. Buffy Revamped premieres on November 22 at Lighthouse Artspace and, according to the press release, “takes veteran and emerging slayers through all seven seasons of the popular TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in 70 fang-tastic minutes as told through the eyes of the person who knows it outside in… Spike.”

On November 24, FRIEND (The One With Gunther) premieres at the same venue and takes Friends fans through the story of the six most famous New York City pals in entertainment from the viewpoint of café employee Gunther.

Six The Musical

DIVORCED, BEHEADED, DIED, DIVORCED, BEHEADED, SURVIVED. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into “a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power.” This new original musical is said to be the global sensation that everyone is ‘losing their head over!” SIX has won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. On for an extended time, playing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre from September 23, 2023 – February 11, 2024. But it will be gone before you know it!

In Dreams Musical

Playing at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre from September 26 to November 12, 2023. From the creators of &Juliet, featuring the songs of Roy Orbison. In Dreams is the touching and surprisingly funny new musical from the creators of the Broadway and West End smash-hit musical & Juliet. In Dreams tells the story of a country-rock singer who invites her old bandmates to join her for “the party of a lifetime,” while keeping her true motivations a secret. Through Roy Orbison’s greatest hits, including I Drove All Night, You Got It, Only The Lonely, Crying, Oh, Pretty Woman, and the title song, this unexpected and moving new musical explores our longing for love and connection.

Jagged Little Pill Musical

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE—everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show— is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin, 1776) with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody (Juno) and Grammy-winning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family. On from October 24 – November 26, 2023 at the Princess of Wales theatre.

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird

Academy award winning, Aaron Sorkin’s new play, directed by Tony award winning, Bartlett Sher, based on Harper Lee’s classic novel. Set in Alabama in 1934, Harper Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence centres on one of the most venerated characters in American literature, small-town lawyer, Atticus Finch. On for a very limited time from November 21st to the 27th at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theathre on Victoria St.

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a ‘mind-blowing’ showcase featuring amazing illusionists. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of some of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. On from November 28th to December 3rd at The Princess of Wales Theatre in off King St. in the Toronto entertainment district.

KISS: End of the Road World Tour

The End of the Road World Tour is the ongoing final concert tour by the American rock band Kiss. The tour began on January 31, 2019, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada and is set to take the stage in Toronto on November 22 at 7:30pm inside the Scotiabank Arena.

AKON Super Fan Tour stop

Grammy award-winning artist AKON announced The Superfan Tour, where he’ll be playing all of the fan favorites from the past 20 years, from “Right Now (Na Na Na)” to “Soul Survivor.” Produced by Live Nation, the 15-city tour kicks off on Thursday, November 2 in Atlanta at Tabernacle, making stops across North America in Nashville, Boston, New York, Toronto and more before wrapping up on Sunday, December 10 in Dallas at the House of Blues. He’s here in Toronto at REBEL on November 15th at 6pm.

Shaggy concert

Here’s a throwback, Shaggy is a Jamaican-American reggae rapper, singer, and songwriter who scored hits with the songs “It Wasn’t Me,” “Boombastic,” “In The Summertime,” “Oh Carolina,” and “Angel.” And he’s taking the stage in Niagara Falls Ontario at the Fallsview Casino OLG Stage on November 16th, 2023 at 9:00 pm.

A Tyler Shaw Christmas Tour

Multi-Platinum-selling artist, music producer, and actor, Tyler Shaw is “coming to town,” literally. The Chinese-Canadian, originally from Vancouver, BC, released his hit song “Kiss Goodnight” in 2012, quickly hitting Platinum sales. That release ultimately set the stage for more than a decade of chart-topping singles and career highlights, cementing Tyler’s role as one of Canada’s most versatile and pre-eminent talents. In 2021, Tyler released his first holiday album A Tyler Shaw Christmas, which was nominated for a JUNO award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year. That year, Tyler toured extensively with The Tenors on their holiday tour, staking his claim as Canada’s (Pop) Prince of Christmas. In 2022, Tyler released “This Christmas,” which spent three consecutive weeks in the #1 spot on Canadian radio. This year, Tyler is set to release new holiday music and embark on a headlining Christmas tour to celebrate the holidays with Canadians, kicking off in Sarnia, Ontario on November 21st.

Mariah Carey’s ‘Merry Christmas One And All!’ Tour Stop

Mariah Carey has announced her Merry Christmas One and All! tour — and this year’s run of holiday-themed shows will be her biggest Christmas-season adventure yet. The 13-date tour is her longest Christmas-season tour yet and her first country-wide trek for this seasonal show since 2019, and in Toronto on November 27th at the Scotiabank Arena. Get your tickets.

Harmonizing Hearts – Music for a Cause

On Monday, November 20th, 2023, Toronto is hosting an evening of music dedicated to supporting the Canadian Foundation For AIDS Research (CANFAR). Renowned tenor Joey Niceforo will headline the inaugural Harmonizing Hearts – Music for a Cause event at the iconic Roy Thomson Hall. Collaborating with extraordinary talents, including the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Sabatino Vacca and the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Paolo Busato on piano and Roy Thomson Hall’s Gabriel Kney Pipe Organ, Niceforo’s incredible vocals will set the stage for a memorable night. The event will also showcase performances by international opera singer Sara Papini and Singing Out, Toronto’s largest 2SLGBTQQIA+ choir. The evening will be hosted by the distinguished Canadian journalist, media personality, philanthropist, and Order of Canada recipient, Jeanne Beker.

New music dropping

Album release: New Blue Sun, by Andre 3000

One-half of southern hip hop duo Outkast, André “3000” Benjamin, is set to release his debut solo album, New Blue Sun, on November 17th, 2023 via Epic Records. Co-produced by Benjamin and lauded multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, and featuring the playing of Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R, Diego Gaeta, Jesse Peterson, and Mia Doi Todd, New Blue Sun is an entirely instrumental album centered around woodwinds; a celebratory piece of work in the form of a living, breathing, aural organism.

The album features a core group of today’s best healing music players: Niño on bells, chimes, cymbals, drums, gongs, plants and percussion; Nate Mercereau on guitar, guitar synth and live sampling; and Surya Botofasina on keyboards and synthesizers. André plays several different wind instruments on this album, including a digital wind instrument, a Maya flute, and others made of wood and bamboo. Pre-order now.

Album release: 11:11, by Chris Brown

Grammy winning singer/songwriter, Chris Brown, releases his 11th solo studio album, 11:11, via RCA Records / Chris Brown Entertainment. This latest project is split into two entities– 11am and 11pm – with 11 tracks in each section, keeping with the theme of this being Brown’s 11th solo studio album. A-list features such as Future, Davido and more, are on this album as well as the previous singles “Summer Too Hot,” ”Nightmares” and “Sensational” that Brown released prior to the album drop.

11:11 signifies yet another top tier era of Chris Brown and what he always does best with his music – delivering hits, upbeat, sultry vibes and undeniably smooth vocals. Listen here.

Album release: Sugar papi, by Marshmello

On November 3rd, world-renowned producer/artist, Marshmello releases his debut album, “Sugar Papi” – a heartfelt and danceable tribute to his love of Latino culture and its rhythms. The Latin GRAMMY nominated hitmaker “travels” throughout Latin American countries with explosive collaborations that fuse his musical signature with sounds and artists from all over the region, spanning from Argentina to Puerto Rico. The concept for the album came as a second nature for Marshmello, who as a child visited various latin countries which influence him to this day. “Sugar Papi” is available on all digital and streaming platforms today.

“Sugar Papi” showcases Marshmello’s uncanny ability to cross all of these subgenres in Latin and produce eleven exceptionally curated tracks and boasts a star-studded lineup which includes: Young Miko, Nicky Jam, Farruko, Anuel AA, Manuel Turizo, Fuerza Regida, Polimá WestCoast, Tiago PZK, ChocQuibTown, Luisa Sonza, Lil Cake, and Brray. Listen here.

New Track: Next To You, by 12AM

Toronto talent, 12AM (who recently joined our Gent’s Talk podcast team in studio) , returns with his rhythmic pop sound on the brand new track, “Next To You.” The single solidifies 12AM’s new sonic direction, fully ushering in his adventure into pop music with the invigorating bounce of the genre. The song was produced by Tyler Dopps (charlieonnafriday, Macklemore, Lil Tjay) and co-written by Maurice Moore (Chris Brown, Justine Skye, H.E.R.). “Next To You” taps into 12AM’s romantic side as he describes the exhilarating feeling of waking up next to ‘your person’ in a love-filled bubble while the outside world casts doubt upon the relationship. The song takes influence from some of his other popular works including “Hollywood” and “come over” that also lean into his pop side.

Album release: Welcome to Collegrove, by 2 Chainz + Lil Wayne

Upcoming collaborative studio album by American rappers 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, Welcome 2 Collegrove. Scheduled for release on November 17, 2023 through Def Jam Recordings. Fans have been patiently waiting for seven years since the first Collegrove project dropped in 2016, which saw the two GOAT rappers linking up to do what they do best: rap their ass off.

While 2 Chainz previously shared that Usher was a standout feature, the project also boasts guest appearances from Rick Ross, 21 Savage, Benny The Butcher, Vory, and Marsha Ambrosius. Of course, if you hear 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, that means they’re spitting over hard ass beats. Production is handled by Bangladesh, Big K.R.I.T., Big Papito, Havoc, Juicy J, London Jae, The LoopHoles, Mannie Fresh, and Nolan Presley. Listen here.

New video: First Person Shooter, by Drake ft. J Cole

Drake releases new music video for his track with J Cole, First Person Shooter, and also teases the release of Scary Hours III set to release at midnight on November 17th.

Originally published on November 1st, 2023.