FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news
ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 4/9/26)
HBO MAX: Hacks (Premiere)
NETFLIX: Bandi; Big Mistakes (Premiere)
PEACOCK: The Miniature Wife (Premiere)
SUNDANCE: Original Gangsters With Sean Bean (Premiere)
Jeff Shell is out as president of Paramount Skydance after less than a year on the job. The move comes after the company reviewed allegations from gambler and self-described fixer RJ Cipriani, who claims Shell leaked confidential information tied to Paramount deals. Paramount said in a statement that “the facts demonstrated that these allegations do not establish a securities law violation.” Shell has filed a countersuit accusing Cipriani of defamation and extortion, and Paramount Skydance said he is leaving his roles as president and board member to focus on the case. The exit marks another high-profile departure for Shell, who was ousted as NBCUniversal CEO in 2023 following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.
(Source: Cynopsis)
AMC Networks is rebranding as AMC Global Media, signaling a sharper focus on its evolution into a streaming-led, global content enterprise. “Our new name reflects the ongoing transformation of our business into a global media and studio-driven company, with streaming out front as our leading source of domestic revenue,” said CEO Kristin Dolan. “AMC Global Media produces and curates high-quality content and delivers it to audiences worldwide across a range of platforms and partnerships.” The company’s portfolio includes streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, HIDIVE and All Reality; cable networks AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; film distribution label Independent Film Company; and AMC Studios.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Chatbots are reshaping how Gen Alpha (13–14) discovers entertainment, according to a new Gracenote report. “TV Search and Discovery in the AI Era” found that 49% of this group turn to AI chatbots for TV and movie recommendations – outpacing streaming and cable interfaces (41%) and traditional search engines (11%). The shift goes beyond teens: 57% of all respondents said chatbots are already, or could soon become, their go-to source for deciding what, where, and when to watch.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Paramount is launching its own publishing imprint, Paramount Global Publishing. The imprint – operating under the company’s Products & Experiences division – will develop publishing content inspired by its portfolio of brands and franchises as well as generate new IP. “Stories that originate on the page have a unique power to build immersive worlds, create compelling characters and forge deeper connections with fans,” said Josh Silverman, President, Global Products & Experiences, Paramount. “With the launch of Paramount Global Publishing, we’re expanding the reach of our most beloved franchises while also introducing original stories to audiences around the world.”
(Source: Cynopsis)
It’s a date: The 99th Oscars ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, and the 100th ceremony has been slated for Sunday, March 5, 2028, announced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC. SAG-AFTRA has also set dates for its 2027 and 2028 awards ceremonies, streaming live on Netflix Sunday, February 28 and Sunday, February 20, respectively. And the Producers Guild of America also got in on the action, with its 2027 and 2028 awards presentations scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2027, and Saturday, February 19, 2028.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) announced a strategic partnership with content distributor Merzigo to expand HMPG’s digital presence on YouTube and Facebook. Merzigo will collaborate with HMPG to optimize and scale a curated selection of series and channels from HMPG’s programming portfolio. “HMPG’s content library is uniquely positioned for growth across social and digital video platforms. Through this partnership, we will expand our reach, engage new audiences, and scale our programming in meaningful and measurable ways,” said Frank Biancuzzo, president of HMPG.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Peacock crime drama “M.I.A.” premieres Thursday, May 7. The series follows a woman who, after her family’s drug-running business ends in tragedy, embarks on a journey through Miami’s underbelly.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is partnering with Fuse Media to launch Fluffy TV, a family-friendly FAST channel. Programming will include stand-up specials, comedy films, sketch, series, and originals, starting in June 2026. “Gabriel Iglesias is one of the top, most beloved comics in the world,” said Patrick Courtney, Chief Business Officer, Fuse Media. “Fluffy TV brings that spirit into FAST, creating a widely appealing channel where audiences can come together for comedy that feels inclusive, joyful, and authentic.”
(Source: Cynopsis)
Telemundo will host a fan celebration for its broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Live music special “El Mundial Es Nuestro” airs Sunday, June 7 at 9p.
(Source: Cynopsis)
MeTV stunt The Month of Mayberry kicks off Sunday, May 3 at 2p with “Return to Mayberry,” the 1986 made-for-TV movie that reunited the original cast of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Starting Monday, May 4, the network will present four weeks of back-to-back episodes of the series, Monday-Friday at 8p and 8:30p.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Antenna TV is offering another May stunt – a Mother’s Day marathon of “One Day at a Time.” Episodes of the 1975-84 sitcom will air for 24 hours, starting at 5a on May 10.
(Source: Cynopsis)
The CW’s airing of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Rockingham delivered 1.165 million Total Viewers, up +11% compared to last year’s Rockingham race.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Keely's Korner 