What You Need To Know In Entertainment – March 2015
March ushers in the first day of spring to the relief of many, but it's the frenzy of basketball's March Madness, which will be criss-crossing the nation, that many are waiting for. But basketball and sports aren't for everyone. No worries, here are a few other things you don't want to miss out on this month if basketball isn't your thing:
TELEVISION PREMIERES
Battle Creek (Mar. 1)
If you liked "Breaking Bad," then chances are pretty high that you'll love the Vince Gilligan-produced drama "Battle Creek," which follows two mismatched law enforcement officers as they try to solve the crimes of Michigan's city of Battle Creek. Starring Josh Duhamel and Dean Winters, there's also guaranteed to be a good amount of humor too.
iZombie (Mar. 17)
Apparently not all zombies are pale, emotionless, brain-hungry corpses limping around, at least according to the CW's new show "iZombie," which tells the story of a young medial resident who is bitten by a zombie and partially becomes one. Don't worry, there are more laughs than scares, so you don't have to be too worried about nightmares.
The Late Late Show With James Corden (Mar. 23)
Craig Ferguson's successor will take over the late-night talk show at the end of the month along with musical comedian Reggie Watts and his first guest, Tom Hanks. Brit James Corden is prepared to helm a new version of the show that, according to him, will be very warm. "We keep coming back to the word 'warmth,'" Corden said at the TCA Winter Press Tour. "I feel like in this current climate in this time, I want to make a warm show." No worries folks, he also said he wanted "to make a warm show that's really funny."
MOVIES RELEASES
Disney is bringing its animated classic to life with the live-action film "Cinderella," starring Lily James as the titular character. Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother and Academy Award nominee Helena Bonham Carter as the fairy godmother are sure to make the film magical.
Divergent: Insurgent (Mar. 20)
The sequel to the 2014 blockbuster will be released later in the month and will pick up where the former film left off. Shailene Woodley and Theo James return to reprise their roles while Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer joins the cast in a story about confronting your demons.
2015 is quickly becoming Rihanna's year after her giant dress at the GRAMMYs and the possible release of her eighth studio album. The new film "Home" (which features a song that was recently leaked) may be the final thing needed to guarantee her takeover. The Barbadian singer lends her voice to the lead role of Tip in the animated film along with CBS' "The Big Bang Theory's" Jim Parsons as well as Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Matt L. Jones.
FESTIVALS & MUSIC
Madonna – Rebel Heart (Mar. 10)
The queen of pop is releasing her 13th studio album, despite all those leaks that happened late last year. Madonna's "Rebel Heart" will feature that great song she performed at the GRAMMYs this year as well as collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Nas, Chance The Rapper and Mike Tyson (yes, Mike Tyson).
SXSW (Mar. 13 – Mar. 31)
Some love films, some love technology and some love music. SXSW in Austin, Texas makes it possible to love all of them equally. The interactive entertainment festival has gained popularity in recent years as stars flock to the city to premiere new films and promote discussions on technology. SXSW is only rivaled to Comic-Con for some and an influx in police protection should let you know it's kind of a big deal.
Ultra Music Festival (Mar. 27 – Mar. 29)
One of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world is happening at the end of the month with major names like Afrojack, Avicii, and Skrillex slated to hit the stage at Miami's Bayfront Park. Tickets are currently on sale, so don't get left out in the cold; literally.
Shawn Thomas writes Entertainment & Lifestyle content for CBS Local. Follow him on Twitter.