Saturday, January 31, 2015
CK Sales
Peter Kakfa is impressed by how well Louis CK's latest comedy special is selling online despite little marketing or buzz.
Amazon Exclusivity
Bryan Bishop reports that Amazon is dropping Doctor Who and other BBC programming because it demands exclusivity, rather than sharing with Netflix or other services.
Friday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: Undercover Boss (CBS), Shark Tank (ABC), Hawaii Five-O (CBS), Blue Bloods (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Constantine (NBC), Hart of Dixie (CW), Glee (Fox)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
- Winners: Undercover Boss (CBS), Shark Tank (ABC), Hawaii Five-O (CBS), Blue Bloods (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Constantine (NBC), Hart of Dixie (CW), Glee (Fox)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Super Bowl Ad Magic Gone
Jason Lynch says the excitement around Super Bowl ads is now dissipated because they're all posted early online.
The Americans on Whisper
Michelle Castillo highlights a branded content campaign on the Whisper platform tied to The Americans.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS), “Mom” (CBS), “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Scandal” (ABC), “How To Get Away With Murder” (ABC)
- Honorable Mention: “Two and a Half Men” (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): “Backstrom” (Fox), “Reign” (CW)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Final ratings. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
- Winners: “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS), “Mom” (CBS), “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Scandal” (ABC), “How To Get Away With Murder” (ABC)
- Honorable Mention: “Two and a Half Men” (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): “Backstrom” (Fox), “Reign” (CW)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Final ratings. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Good TVeets
Scientists have identified 93 distinct Feels, all of which are present in tonight's PARENTHOOD finale. It is a Periodic Table of The Feels.
— James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) January 30, 2015
If you want to fear that 1/2 of your family died simultaneously I highly recommend calling your mom the minute after the #Parenthood finale.
— Eric (@Power_Lloyd) January 30, 2015
Just enjoying the finale of #Parenthood. pic.twitter.com/cw5xfSxMPF
— Kristen Bell (@IMKristenBell) January 30, 2015
Warning: Parenthood finale spoilers at the end.
Al Jazeera English Leaks
Al Jazeera English is dealing with memo and email leaks, but the news director says the outlet has nothing to hide.
Super Bowl Alternatives
Andrea Morabito thinks TV needs to quit it with all the Super Bowl counter-programming.
Nightly Boost
Brian Steinberg considers how The Nightly Show has helped recharge Comedy Central's efforts to retain viewers.
Parenthood Finale
Jason Katims wrote a farewell column about Parenthood yesterday and has done post-finale interviews with BuzzFeed and TVInsider.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Snapchat Discover
Snapchat has debuted a platform for brands, with CNN, Comedy Central, and ESPN among early adopters.
HBO Tech Exits
Liana B. Baker reports on the exits of technology execs at HBO as the outlet determines its online strategy. This doesn't make HBO look in great shape for the launch of the standalone HBO.
Cable & Internet Bills
Zachary M. Seward explains what the rise of internet bills has to do with cable TV.
Empire's Ratings
Empire's ratings rose again this week. Brian Stelter and Frank Pallotta look at the impact of African-American viewership on a number of shows this season. And Michael O'Connell highlights the effectiveness of Fox's targeted marketing for Empire.
Wednesday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: American Idol (Fox), Empire (Fox)
- Honorable Mention: The Mentalist (CBS), Criminal Minds (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Marry Me (NBC), About a Boy (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
- Winners: American Idol (Fox), Empire (Fox)
- Honorable Mention: The Mentalist (CBS), Criminal Minds (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Marry Me (NBC), About a Boy (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
Family Drama Goodbye
Alan Sepinwall wonders if the family drama is going out with Parenthood tonight. Also, Sara Stewart argues that the series was "stealthily feminist." Merrill Barr praises Parenthood for being uniquely risky for broadcast TV.
Peering Plan
While everyone is focused on the FCC's coming net neutrality announcement, Jeff John Roberts looks at what decisions could be made about peering and interconnection.
The Americans' Look
Todd VanDerWerff performs visual analysis on the opening ten minutes of The Americans. Also, you can look like Elizabeth Jennings thanks to a new line of lingerie tied to The Americans.
Teen Girls in Dramas
Jenni Maier questions why numerous prestige dramas feature annoying teen girls.
Truth of News Claims
PolitiFact's latest truth claims scorecards reveal a predominance of falsehoods on Fox News, whereas the truth fares much better on CNN.
Schlamme on Directing
Sonia Sariya talks to Thomas Schlamme about his directing work on The Americans and Manhattan.
Allure of Dark TV
S.E. Smith explores why viewers are drawn to dark, violent shows like Hannibal and The Killing.
AutoHop the Super Bowl
Dish Network's AutoHop DVR will allow fast-forwarding of the Super Bowl game, but not the ads.
Nickelodeon OTT
Nickelodeon is the latest pay TV outlet to announce a stand-alone subscription channel online. It will be available next month. Allison Keene considers what this means for the future of TV. Phillip Swann says people may balk at paying a subscription fee for shows they've been getting via other streaming services already.
Showtime in Canada
Emily Steel reports that Showtime programming will now be available in Canada as part of a global push, as a block of programming rather than a whole channel, though.
Ad Clutter
Brian Steinberg reports that ad load on cable grew last quarter due to declining viewership. David Lieberman also reports.
Super Bowl Sold Out
If you were hoping to advertise during the Super Bowl, you're too late. But Will Richmond says the Super Bowl collection is missing ads with engagement value.
Good TVeets
Women make better Ghostbusters than men because we are used to caring about invisible problems no one else believes in.
— Stacey Nightmare (@STACEYNIGHTMARE) January 28, 2015
Looking: Sex is fun
Girls: Sex is silly
Togetherness: Not now
Mad Men: Is this really what you want?
The Americans: You will die
— Brandon or (the unex (@bnowalk) January 29, 2015
The importance of using italics: pic.twitter.com/fiX1gVMOyl
— Keith Phipps (@kphipps3000) January 28, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
The Americans
The Americans is back tonight. Andy Greenwald says it's the best show on TV, and Todd VanDerWerff wonders why it isn't more popular. And you can find more links to The Americans content on TVTattle's new home at TVInsider.com.
Target Viewer
Jim Romenesko shares the story of a South Carolina newsroom using a cardboard cutout of a white mother as a reminder to staffers of their target audience.
Merger Uncertainty
Meg James says approval of the Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger isn't looking so certain now.
CBSN Live Viewing
Mike Snider has stats on viewership of the CBSN online news channel, which show a preference for live viewing over on-demand.
Ratings Battle
Toni Fitzgerald reports that NBC and CBS are neck-and-neck in the 18-49 season ratings race.
Blacklist Bet
Bill Cromwell analyzes NBC's strategy in putting The Blacklist on after the Super Bowl.
Italian TV Show
Beppe Severgnini considers the representational implications of Italy's most popular TV show, which focuses on a crime family.
LGBT Representation in Kids' TV
Laurence Barber has launched the first in a series of posts on queer representation in children's TV.
ESPN's Studio
David Pierce takes us inside ESPN's expensive new studio and its multi-platform strategies.
Latino Presence
NPR's Eric Deggans talks about the disproportionately low number of Latina/o characters on US TV.
Comics Adaptations
Derek Kompare tells us what we need to know about the trend in comic book adaptations.
Agent Carter's Ratings
James Hibberd notes that Agent Carter's ratings decline is a concern, especially for those optimistic about female-led comics properties.
Empire's Value
Josef Adalian considers what Empire's success means to Fox and the network TV business.
Netflix Secrecy
Merrill Barr questions how much longer Netflix's data secrecy strategy could remain viable.
Tuesday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: NCIS R (CBS), The Flash (CW), NCIS: New Orleans R (CBS), CSI (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Marry Me (NBC), About a Boy (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Final ratings. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
- Winners: NCIS R (CBS), The Flash (CW), NCIS: New Orleans R (CBS), CSI (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Marry Me (NBC), About a Boy (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Final ratings. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
Good TVeets
WINTER STORM JUNO IS NOT THAT BAD EXCEPT FOR THE PILES OF MICHAEL CERAS LYING EVERYWHERE THAT BLINK & UM WHEN YOU STEP THRU THEM
— Aparna Nancherla (@aparnapkin) January 27, 2015
People having trouble imagining women as Ghostbusters, just think of them as "cleaning" the ghosts out of the city.
— Kristy Grant (@KristyGee) January 28, 2015
So the new Ghostbusters film will feature women. It doesn't sit right with me, Bill Murray and co hunting down women. Keep it as ghosts.
— John Fidler (@johnfidler) January 28, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Empire Analysis
Emily Steel and Ben Sisario consider how crucial Empire's success is for Fox. And Mary Mitchell sees Empire as part of the blaxploitation genre, while Anne Helen Petersen positions Empire and Jane the Virgin as family melodramas with important racial elements.
Social Activity Matters
FremantleMedia's head of digital insists that social media engagement now matters more than ratings.
Wilmore's Fresh Perspective
Genetta M. Adams appreciates what Larry Wilmore has brought to late night.
Gender Equality
Alyssa Rosenberg delves into the complexity of attaining gender equality in Hollywood.
Subscriber Figures
Mike Farrell reports that Comcast and Charter have added video subscribers in the past quarter, while the satellite operators have seen declines.
Netflix's Decisions
Tim Wu proposes that Netflix's programming decisions rely just as much on Ted Sarandos as on any data algorithm.
Viewing Habits
Lara O'Reilly covers a new report on video viewing habits, showing millennials prefer watching TV online more than on a TV.
Sweatshop Reality
A reality TV show in Norway has fashion bloggers undergo the horrors of working in a garment sweatshop.
TV & Digital at Sundance
Brooks Barnes looks at the emergence of TV at the Sundance Film Festival. Brian Stelter says digital outlets are also descending on Sundance to look for content. James Poniewozik also covers the topic.
The View Plans
Ramin Setoodeh reports that Rosie Perez was going to be fired from The View, until Variety started reporting it.
Lear Remake Plan
Michael Schneider reports that Norman Lear is pitching a Latina/o-cast One Day at a Time remake.
Monday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials (CBS), The Bachelor (ABC)
- Honorable Mention: Celebrity Apprentice (NBC)
- Improved: Jane the Virgin (CW)
- Losers (excluding repeats): State of Affairs (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
- Winners: Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials (CBS), The Bachelor (ABC)
- Honorable Mention: Celebrity Apprentice (NBC)
- Improved: Jane the Virgin (CW)
- Losers (excluding repeats): State of Affairs (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
The Americans Interview
Alan Sepinwall talks to the showrunners of The Americans about the show's return tomorrow.
Good TVeets
I finally figured out what it is I like about #TheBachelor: it's basically the Stanford Prison experiment with less ethics
— dolly m (@loather) January 27, 2015
#TheGoodWife has stopped filming because of the awful weather conditions. This blizzard just got real, y'all.
— Richie (@RichieOnTV) January 27, 2015
An alien will find this picture amongst our heat blasted, wasted wreckage 2,000 years from now. pic.twitter.com/y4oNOGvZVU
— Fun_Beard (@Fun_Beard) January 26, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
New Flow Issue
Check out a new Flow featuring:
- When YouTube Discovered Craft by Christopher Lucas
- Consumption, Class, and Gender in the Made-For-TV Holiday Movie by Kathleen Battles
- Epic Win: The Guild and Communities of Play by Andrea Braithwaite
- The Prima(u)teur by Chad Newsom
- Text-To-911: Disability Accommodations, Universal Benefits, and Telecommunications Legacies by Elizabeth Ellcessor
- Late Invites to the Party: What’s Still Not Working for Latina/os and TV by Mary Beltrán
- Still Looking For the Great Latino Family Comedy: ABC Tries Again with Cristela by Jason Ruiz
Comcast & Politicians
Spencer Woodman reports that Comcast is ghostwriting TWC-merger letters of support for politicians.
Marvel News
Fox confirms that an X-Men series is in the works, and David Tennant will play a villain in Netflix's AKA Jessica Jones.
Price Interviews
James Hibberd talks to Amazon Studios VP Roy Price about the company's TV efforts and its move into theatrical films, and Brian Stelter has a video interview with Price about the movie move.
Empire Soaring
Joe Flint highlights Empire's strong ratings, including its impressive VOD performance.
Second Season Faith
John Jurgensen looks at the catalysts enabling low-rated series to get renewed for second seasons. (Jason Lynch previously wrote about second seasons.)
NFL on YouTube
Mike Shields looks at how the NFL is finally taking advantage of YouTube with its own channel.
Sunday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: The Miss Universe Pageant (NBC)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Mulaney (Fox), Galavant (ABC), Resurrection (ABC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted.
- Winners: The Miss Universe Pageant (NBC)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Mulaney (Fox), Galavant (ABC), Resurrection (ABC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted.
Sling TV
Reviews of Sling TV have appeared: Richard Greenfield highlights its features, Todd VanDerWerff says it's not a cable killer...yet, while Geoffrey A. Fowler says it's a giant step from cable, Phillip Swan shares what he likes and dislikes about it, and Janko Roettgers has a video showing what Sling TV looks like. Eric Deggans says it's a cord-cutter's dream. Richard Lawler has a review, as does Adam Flomenbaum.
SAG Awards
SAG awards were handed out last night, and black women took home the two top actress prizes for the first time ever. Netflix was a big winner. Michael Schneider highlights how TV's diversity won. Viola Davis gave a powerful speech. Jazmine Hughes laments that the diversity mainly came from only two sources.
Good TVeets
The really special thing about not being nominated for a SAG Award is that it comes from my peers.
— Joshua Malina (@JoshMalina) January 26, 2015
The Good Wife wasn't nominated for Best Drama Series Ensemble because Christine Baranski does not need your shitty statue #SAGAwards.
— itsonlyzach (@itsonlyzach) January 26, 2015
Best cast in a drama: Tatiana Maslany.
— Kate Harman (@bangs23) January 26, 2015
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Spies in Hollywood
Ian Shapira notes that ex-spies are finding a lot of work in Hollywood on espionage shows and movies.
Indie Web Series
Aymar Jean Christian highlights the best of independent web series from 2014 and wonders about the future of the category given the rise of Netflix and Amazon originals.
Netflix Plans
Netflix has big ambitions for scripted series this year, and it is also now in the Duplass movie business. Dorothy Pomerantz expects both Netflix and Amazon to have a tougher time with movies than TV.
RIP Joe Franklin
Talk show legend Joe Franklin has died. David Hinckley looks back on Franklin's unique career.
Serious Ladies Panel
Video is available of a panel at Sundance featuring Jenji Kohan, Mindy Kaling, Lena Dunham, and Kristen Wiig. Jace Lacob highlights topics that came up. Kyle Buchanan also has coverage.
Friday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: Undercover Boss (CBS), Shark Tank R (ABC)
- Losers: Constantine (NBC), Glee (Fox)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted.
- Winners: Undercover Boss (CBS), Shark Tank R (ABC)
- Losers: Constantine (NBC), Glee (Fox)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted.
Good TVeets
bill definitely just held this press conference so he could win his ball joke bet with brady
— Lana Berry (@Lana) January 24, 2015
ME: none of your examples were ironic
ALANIS MORISSETTE: isnt that ironic
ME: holy shit
— jonnifer lopez (@senderblock23) January 24, 2015
wanna feel old? this is what the american sniper baby looks like now. pic.twitter.com/qLqkBXF1pJ
— lawblob (@lawblob) January 24, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Netflix Exception
Comcast and other broadband providers want high-volume users like Netflix excluded from net neutrality regulations.
Pilot Pickups
ABC has ordered a bunch of pilots, as has NBC, including an amnesia drama from Greg Berlanti and a sniper drama.
Good TVeets
DRAMA SHOW (drama): People get brutally murdered. It's super gross. Attractive other people slowly figure out what happened. Guns. 60 min.
— John Moe (@johnmoe) January 24, 2015
oh come onnnn MT @franklinavenue: NBC drama pilot: BLINDSPOT (writer Martin Gero) Naked woman has tattoos that map out crimes.
— maura johnston (@maura) January 24, 2015
Today: OMG I cannot get into this Sundance movie!
October 2015: This Sundance movie is on VOD but I have to move to reach the remote, so no.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) January 24, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Ramos & Politics
Jackie Calmes looks at why Republicans are worried about Jorge Ramos, a Univision and Fusion news anchor.
Predicting Twists
Paul Gulyas explores why it's gotten harder to predict plot twists on TV shows these days.
Netflix Content
Canada's Netflix reportedly has half the content of US Netflix but a few more movie hits.
Wilmore's Week
Todd VanDerWerff says The Nightly Show had an impressive start, while Brian Lowry wonders if Larry Wilmore might have trouble booking future guests given the show's format.
Thursday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: The Big Bang Theory R (CBS), Mom (CBS), American Idol (Fox), Two and a Half Men (CBS)
- Could Be Better/Could Be Worse: Backstrom (Fox)
- Losers (excluding repeats): The Taste (ABC), Bad Judge (NBC), A To Z (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Final ratings. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
- Winners: The Big Bang Theory R (CBS), Mom (CBS), American Idol (Fox), Two and a Half Men (CBS)
- Could Be Better/Could Be Worse: Backstrom (Fox)
- Losers (excluding repeats): The Taste (ABC), Bad Judge (NBC), A To Z (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Final ratings. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted.
Educational Soaps
Sophie Goodchild praises British soap operas for educating audiences about issues like mental health and cancer.
SVOD Momentum
Will Richmond's podcast this week focuses on momentum among subscription video-on-demand services. Colin Dixon also covers this territory.
Over-the-Air Challenges
Colin Dixon looks at how broadcasters are fighting to maintain position as TV moves online.
Exiting Russia
Leo Barraclough reports that NBCU will pull its pay TV channels out of Russia, part of a wave of international media company exits.
Pro Bowl Efforts
Brad Gagnon points out all the stops ESPN is pulling out to make the NFL Pro Bowl watchable.
Empire Ratings
Spotted compares Empire's ratings success to a previous first-season ratings phenom, Desperate Housewives.
Sports Costs
Wayne Friedman highlights how much sports channels cost in our cable bills. Coming in at a far distant second are movie channels.
Super Bowl Ads
Toni Fitzgerald lists ad spending figures related to the Super Bowl, and in a CNBC video, an analyst talks about the money that goes into Super Bowl advertising.
Stewart's Anger
Aaron R. Hanlon defends Jon Stewart's frequent reliance on dismissive obscenity to address Fox News tactics and explains the place of this strategy in satire.
Multi-Cam Value
Ken Levine defends the honor of the multi-cam sitcom, and the stars of Mom talk about the production method in terms of a recent serious turn for the series (spoiler alert).
Baldwin Controversy
Fans have signed a petition asking for Adam Baldwin to be disinvited from a Firefly convention due to his Gamergate-related behavior.
Tween Sitcom Lament
Speaking of frustration with youth TV, KJ Dell'Antonia objects to a new Nickelodeon sitcom for its depictions of girls involved in sports.
RIP Peggy Charren
Peggy Charren, an activist who fought for better children's TV, has died. Brian Lowry how she successfully battled against the TV-toy industrial complex.
Good TVeets
Sherlock is listening to "Bees," a song on the new Radiohead album. It's just six minutes of buzzing. It won 4 Grammys this year.
— Elementary Writers (@ELEMENTARYStaff) January 23, 2015
What do you call the opposite of an antidepressent? #Parenthood
— Dana Weiss (@Possessionista) January 23, 2015
Tom Brady word cloud pic.twitter.com/iMpzcc7enf
— Jonathan Ellis (@jonathanellis) January 22, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Oliver Effect
Victor Luckerson looks at the real political impact John Oliver has already had with Last Week Tonight. And a video from MoFreedomFoundation explores the power Oliver now has.
Too Much TV
Another cool chart, courtesy of FX research and posted by Josef Adalian, showing the explosion of scripted cable series over the years.
Simpsons Voice Actors
A designer has created a cool chart tying Simpsons characters to their voice actors.
OTT Audiences
Peter Kafka reports on a survey finding that HBO's upcoming over-the-top availability could offer a blow to pay TV. Alan Wolk looks at what audiences Dish Network's Sling TV is targeting. Richard Greenfield highlights how Sling TV is sacrificing broadcast outlets.
Empire's Ratings
Merrill Barr says there are potentially significant cultural ramifications to Empire's huge ratings success.
DirecTV's Name
Phillip Swann questions AT&T's consideration of dropping the name DirecTV from the satellite service if the companies merge.
Viacom Wins Data Suit
Eriq Gardner reports on Viacom's court victory in regard to a lawsuit trying to penalize Viacom and Google for collecting information on what videos kids viewed on Nickelodeon's website.
Super Bowl Ad Tumblr
Todd Spangler highlights a Super Bowl Tumblr from NBC Sports that will feature the broadcast's ads on gameday. Bob Fernandez also notes that Comcast will be all over the event.
Costume Designer
Jenn Rogien explains her professional journey to become a costume designer for Girls and Orange is the New Black.
Backstrom's Cynicism
In his review of Backstrom, Merrill Barr takes note of the series' cynicism, a likely reason why CBS opted not to pick it up.
Streaming Telenovelas
Janko Roettgers highlights Pongalo, an new online video service featuring Spanish-language Venezuelan telenovelas.
Imports Pulled
China has pulled Empire, Agent Carter, and Shameless from streaming sites over content objections.
De La Hoya TV
Oscar De La Hoya is launching a Spanish-language cable channel that will feature combat sports and lifestyle content.
Sorority Sisters Expunged
VH1 seems to have made an attempt to pretend their reality show Sorority Sisters never existed.
Wednesday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: American Idol (Fox), Empire (Fox)
- Honorable Mention: The Mentalist (CBS), Criminal Minds (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): The 100 (CW)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Stunningly, Empire's ratings have gone up in weeks two and three.
- Winners: American Idol (Fox), Empire (Fox)
- Honorable Mention: The Mentalist (CBS), Criminal Minds (CBS)
- Losers (excluding repeats): The 100 (CW)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Stunningly, Empire's ratings have gone up in weeks two and three.
Fresh Off the Boat's Challenge
Jeff Yang explores the difficulty critics have had talking about Fresh off the Boat.
Facebook Ad Spend
Eric Blattberg says Facebook is trying to get TV ad buyers to shift their money to the social media platform.
Representing the Midwest
Alyssa Rosenberg analyzes how the Midwest is represented in The Bachelor and Parks and Recreation.
Killing Characters
Rob Owen looks at the trend of TV series killing off major characters. (Check the label tags if you know before clicking which shows get spoiled.)
Good TVeets
From now on, when #Empire comes on I’mma say “I’m bout to watch my stories!”
— Auntie Peebz. (@thepbg) January 22, 2015
Shout out to Ryan Murphy for making the latest AHS so shitty that most of gay twitter stopped constantly tweeting about it. Owe you one!
— itsonlyzach (@itsonlyzach) January 22, 2015
I've been watching old seasons of Criminal Minds on Netflix. And you know what? These minds be criminal as hell
— kid gruesome (@smeagolsfree) January 21, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Netflix News
Phillip Swann lists off what we learned today about Netflix from its quarterly report and conference call, and Peter Kafka summarizes. Netflix is ramping up originals production. Growth abroad is speeding up, while the US slows. Netflix could have had Transparent, but passed. Netflix wants to license shows globally rather than country by country.
Better Call Saul
Initial Better Call Saul reviews are coming in and they're mostly positive. Tim Goodman and Alan Sepinwall are on board.
Tuesday Ratings
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
The State of the Union address hit a 15-year low rating.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
The State of the Union address hit a 15-year low rating.
Good TVeets
OBAMA: "My fellow Americans, one hour until 'Justified'."
[*bipartisan standing ovation*]
— Matt Ufford (@mattufford) January 21, 2015
that ‘campaign’ joke was solid, but kind of a letdown when you read the original line #SOTU pic.twitter.com/nOdQWKA2oG
— Dan Abramson (@danabramson) January 21, 2015
Do you think Obama feels more pressure during this speech because an actual founding father is in the audience? pic.twitter.com/vyPrYFecM0
— Ashley Ford (@iSmashFizzle) January 21, 2015
Overstock OTT
Overstock.com will reportedly launch an over-the-top video service later this year. (And if you think I'm joking, you may just be remembering this.)
Broadcast Syndication
A new report finds local broadcast syndication stronger than cable syndication. Kevin Downey looks at broadcast daytime syndication and the possible impact of reality TV.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Jane the Virgin on Immigration
Emily Orley highlights the statement on immigration reform that Jane the Virgin has made.
Netflix Expansion
Netflix intends to complete its global expansion by 2017. Also, Netflix's Q4 subscriber numbers were better than expected.
BBC3 Bid
A pair of production companies have offered a bid to the BBC for BBC3, in an effort to keep it from going online only, but the BBC has declined the offer and said the channel's not up for sale. The BBC trust insists it wants to hear what viewers think about the potential move online.
TV Legislation
TVNewsCheck has a handy guide to all the current legal and regulatory proceedings tied to broadcasting in Washington.
Super Bowl Stream
NBC will stream the Super Bowl, no authentication required. Todd Spangler notes that NBCU is using this to as an opportunity to advertise their TV Everywhere services.
Fox News Mockery
French satirists are mocking Fox News for its reports on Muslims in Europe. There's also word that the city of Paris wants to sue Fox News over this. Fox News thinks a lawsuit would be "misplaced."
Covering the SOTU
Brian Steinberg covers the many available options for viewing tonight's State of the Union address, including on multi-platform outlets.
ISIS TV
Debra Kamin reports that the Islamic State group is planning to launch a 24-hour TV network.
Net Neutrality Plans
Wendy Davis looks at the Republican plan for net neutrality. John Eggerton reports on cable company opposition to the FCC's expected rules and looks at how this all could help shape President Obama's legacy.
Monday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: The Bachelor (ABC), 2 Broke Girls (CBS), Mike & Molly (CBS), Scorpion (CBS)
- Honorable Mention: Gotham (Fox), Celebrity Apprentice (NBC)
- Losers: State of Affairs (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
- Winners: The Bachelor (ABC), 2 Broke Girls (CBS), Mike & Molly (CBS), Scorpion (CBS)
- Honorable Mention: Gotham (Fox), Celebrity Apprentice (NBC)
- Losers: State of Affairs (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Empire & HTGAWM Impact
Merrill Barr says the big success of Empire and How To Get Away With Murder should have a positive impact on 2015's development season in terms of boosting the chances for non-adaptations.
Sleepy Hollow Location
Rob Owen reports that Sleepy Hollow will move production from North Carolina to Georgia if it gets renewed, due to North Carolina's expiring tax incentives.
Empire v. Black-ish
Nellie Andreeva considers the impact of Empire being scheduled in the same time slot as Black-ish.
Hotel Streaming
Mike Flacey reports that the Marriott hotel chain is testing out adding Netflix and Hulu to its rooms.
Instant Replay Impact
Matt Schiavenza considers how the late Tony Verna's invention of instant replay changed sports forever.
Wilmore Reactions
Critics offer their initial reactions to Larry Wilmore's Nightly Show: James Poniewozik, Tim Goodman, Brian Steinberg, Ed Payne, Robert Lloyd. Eric Deggans looks at what Wilmore is bringing to late night.
Good TVeets
"Hi I'm Rob Lowe."
And I'm Highlander Rob Lowe. (Kills regular Rob Lowe with his sword because there can be only one)
— OhNoSheTwitnt (@OhNoSheTwitnt) January 19, 2015
When Katrina talks all I hear is the charlie brown teacher #SleepyHollow #SleepyHolla
— SallieMaeSux! (@Chicovia_S) January 20, 2015
YO JANE THE VIRGIN HITTING THE AUDIENCE WITH THE REALEST TRUTH BOMB #ImmigrationReform
— Chantal Danh (@ChanyDanh) January 20, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
SVOD as Complement
A new study by Deloitte concludes that SVOD services should be seen as a complement to pay TV, not a competitor, at least for this year.
New Fox Reality TV Head
Fox has another new reality TV chief, with the previous one ousted after only a year on the job.
Cosby Keeps Going
Chandra Thomas Whitfield looks at how Bill Cosby is carrying on with his comedy shows.
Fox News Subscriber Fee
Brian Stelter reports that Fox News is heading toward a $1.50 subscriber fee, likely only behind ESPN and TNT.
Sunday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: NFL Football: AFC Championship (CBS), Scorpion (CBS)
- Losers: Everything else
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
- Winners: NFL Football: AFC Championship (CBS), Scorpion (CBS)
- Losers: Everything else
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers. Cable ratings.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Good TVeets
Billy Crystal says gay sex scenes in movies are being rubbed in our faces. I for one welcome this new technology.
— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) January 19, 2015
THE AMERICANS should up the ante on who Phillip has to seduce. Bea Arthur. Paul Giamatti. Tom Brokaw.
— Matt Zoller Seitz (@mattzollerseitz) January 19, 2015
[/watches season one of Veronica Mars] pic.twitter.com/sCJrSOg1CL
— SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) January 19, 2015
Striving For Boldness
Emily Steel takes away from TCA the impression that networks are turning to more bold and innovative programming to stand out in the crowded landscape.
ComScore Measurements
Emily Steel reports that a new metric is coming from comScore, which will measure audiences across devices.
Biggest Loser Experience
A former Biggest Loser contestant is speaking out about the damaging production methods of the series.
MTV in B&W
MTV will air programming in black-and-white tomorrow to mark Martin Luther King Day and encourage discussion of race and cultural differences.
Nickelodeon Adapting
Brooks Barnes looks at changes Nickelodeon is bringing to its sitcoms in order to better adapt to children's changing tastes and viewing habits.
Netflix & Canadian Content
Kate Taylor defends the use of regulations to nurture Canadian TV content, while Netflix operates under no such demands in the country.
GOP Snubs Univision
The Republican National Committee won't allow Univision to carry any 2016 presidential debates, while Telemundo will get one.
FX at TCA
Today was FX day at TCA. Daniel Fienberg live-blogged John Landgraf's session, as well as panels on The Americans, Justified, and Louie. Lacey Rose covers Landgraf's comments, and Matt Fowler covers his statement that HBO and FX offer the best in quality TV, with charts to prove it. Todd VanDerWerff has another way of looking at that information in in terms of cable TV economics and how profits from syndicated reruns make possible the prestigious originals. More from Jason Lynch and Ed Martin.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Football on CBS
Thursday Night Football will return to CBS next season. Brian Steinberg has details.
New CST
Check out a new issue of Critical Studies of Television:
- Celebrating LGBT Characters in Science Fiction by Lorna Jowett
- The VCR and the TiVo Box: Reclaiming Technology by Christine Geraghty
- Foyle's War -- Urggh? by Toby Miller
- Working Ourselves to Death: Discourses of Attachment and Overwork in the Economy of Academic Labor by Catherine Johnson
Thinking About Shows
Jason Fox sees a correlation between high ratings and shows that don't demand a lot of viewer cognition, whereas "high-cognitive-demand series" are less-watched but breed discussion and committed audiences.
Superfan Impact
A creator of a crowdfunded video game says projects with the backing of passionate fans are the wave of the future in terms of funding.
Muslims Need Hollywood
Andrew Wallenstein argues that Americans would better understand Islam if American popular culture depicted average Muslims more frequently.
NBC Analysis
Jason Lynch considers if NBC can make their weak spots of comedy and Thursday nights work, and Merrill Barr says the move of Hannibal to summer could save the show. Lynch also analyzes the transitional state of NBCU cable channels E!, Bravo, and USA.
Fox News Apologies
Brian Stelter notes that Fox News has apologized for four different incorrect statements made about the presence of Muslims in Europe. But Zack Beauchamp notes that such statements are part of the myth Fox News is trying to perpetuate.
Fox at TCA
Yesterday was Fox day at TCA. Daniel Fienberg live-blogged the executive session. Gary Levin covers the Fox plan to get back on track, Lynn Elber says they're banking on big producer help, and Todd VanDerWerff says their plan for the future looks a lot like the past. There are also plans to fix Sleepy Hollow. Fox announced renewals for Gotham, Empire, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Andy Dehnart covers the MasterChef Junior panel, and Michael O'Connell covers the American Idol panel.
Good TVeets
Incredible @AmazonVideo can make these television pilots. Did you know that, during filming, the boom operator’s packaging customer orders?
— Dan Owen (@danowen79) January 17, 2015
Ray > TLC > Whitney > Gigly > Soul Plane > my uncles's wedding video in 92 > Aaliyah's biopic
— Stephanie Che'von (@iamdefstef) January 18, 2015
How twitter works: you like something and you're enjoying it. Then someone comes & tells you it sucks & expects you to agree. Got it?
— Michael Felder (@InTheBleachers) January 17, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Friday Ratings
Marc Berman's summary:
- Winners: Undercover Boss (CBS), Shark Tank (ABC), Hawaii Five-O (CBS), Blue Bloods (CBS)
- Modest Opening: World’s Funniest Fails (Fox)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Constantine (NBC), Hart of Dixie (CW), Glee (Fox), Masters of Illusion (CW), Dateline (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
- Winners: Undercover Boss (CBS), Shark Tank (ABC), Hawaii Five-O (CBS), Blue Bloods (CBS)
- Modest Opening: World’s Funniest Fails (Fox)
- Losers (excluding repeats): Constantine (NBC), Hart of Dixie (CW), Glee (Fox), Masters of Illusion (CW), Dateline (NBC)
Network numbers from TV By the Numbers.
Analysis from Spotted and Fienberg.
Women's Shows
Lili Loofbourow highlights shows in the "golden age" featuring women: "Shows like Transparent, Getting On and Doll & Em are for the most part created by women and center on female characters. They’re defying what has come to seem like a glib bleakness in highbrow programming."
MIP Report
The Media Industries Project shares its latest report on the Connected Viewing Initiative.
Netflix Availability
Netflix has renewed its BBC contract, though a few shows are still leaving the platform. Some Hasbro/Discovery kids' shows could exit soon too.
Amazon's Pilots Gimmick
Tim Goodman questions Amazon's crowd-sourcing claims about its pilots selection process.
NBC at TCA
Yesterday was NBC day at TCA. Daniel Fienberg had a live-blog of Robert Greenblatt's session. Greenblatt said comedy is a priority, and he had to address the Cosby question. It was announced that Hannibal won't return til summer. Donald Trump was his usual self at the Celebrity Apprentice panel. There were also panels on midseason shows One Big Happy, The Slap, The Night Shift, and Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. Alan Sepinwall live-blogged the Parks and Recreation session. James Hibberd reports that NBC will choose between The Music Man and The Wiz for its next live musical.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Millennial Media Spend
Ricardo Bilton looks into forecasts about what millennials are, and aren't willing to pay for when it comes to media.
Nix on Drama
Burn Notice showrunner Matt Nix believes procedurals are largely contained to network TV now, as cable dramas have gotten more serialized.