Keely's Korner

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (THURSDAY 4/8/21)
ABC: Rebel (Premiere) at 10pm
COOKING:  Fire Masters (Premiere) at 9pm
CRACKLE: Going From Broke (Premiere)
FOOD NETWORK: Chef Boot Camp (Premiere) at 10pm
FREEFORM: Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (Premiere) at 10pm
NETFLIX: The Way of the Househusband (Premiere)
PARAMOUNT+: No Activity (Premiere)
UP: Bringing Up Bates (Premiere) at 9pm
HBO: Exterminate All the Brutes (Finale) at 10pm
WE tv: The Ts Madison Experience (Finale) at 10pm

YouTube remains the most prevalent social media platform in the US, according to a new Pew study – and it’s still growing. Eighty-one percent of adults surveyed said they use YouTube, up from 73% in 2019. Facebook was number two, with 69% of Americans citing its usage (unchanged from 2019). Instagram (40%) and Pinterest (31%) each rose three percentage points YoY, while LinkedIn (28%), Snapchat (25%) and Twitter (23%) rose 1%. Reddit rose seven points, to 18%. TikTok joined the ranking for the first time, with 21% of US adults citing usage. “Despite a string of controversies and the public’s relatively negative sentiments about aspects of social media, roughly seven-in-ten Americans (72%) say they ever use any kind of social media site,” noted the report.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Peter Dunn, President of the CBS Television Stations, and David Friend, SVP of News for the Stations group, “will not return to their positions and will be leaving the Company,” said CBS. Dunn and Friend had been placed on administrative leave in January, following allegations of abusive workplace behavior. CBS added that its external investigation into CBS Television Stations management is “ongoing.” Bryon Rubin will continue to run the Stations group on an interim basis, while Kim Godwin will continue her oversight of Stations’ news operations until new leadership is in place.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group and Verizon are partnering for a new diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative to increase media spending with US Black-owned media companies. The summit event will occur next month. “Increasing our financial commitment to Black-owned media companies and partnering with Allen Media Group to host a summit that will provide these companies with resources to help enable long term growth is a crucial part of our responsible marketing action plan,” said John Nitti, Chief Media Officer, Verizon. “It is also an important step in creating the equity the industry needs.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

With France in lockdown due to the pandemic, Cannes Lions announced the advertising and marketing event will once again go virtual, from June 21-25. “Over the last year, we’ve been consulting with our customers and working on our plans, including the development of Cannes Lions Live as part of the new Lions Membership platform,” said Cannes Lions Chairman Philip Thomas. “We are now able to move fully to this format for 2021 – which will have all the celebration, inspiration and participation of Cannes Lions – to unite the global community virtually during Cannes Lions Live this June.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC is bringing back game shows “The Chase” and “The Hustler” for second seasons this summer, along with reboots “Celebrity Family Feud,” “To Tell the Truth,” “Press Your Luck,” “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Holey Moley” and “Card Sharks.” Also returning will be “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise,” as well as “Emergency Call” episodes carried over from last summer. New series premiering include “The Celebrity Dating Game” (Monday, June 14 at 10p); “When Nature Calls” (wt; Thursday, June 17 at 8p); and “The Ultimate Surfer” (Monday, August 16 at 10p).

Not coming back to ABC is “Don’t.” The comedic physical game show, hosted by Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”) has been canceled after one season.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Fox renewed “Duncanville” for a third season, ahead of its season two launch on Sunday, May 23. The animated comedy comes from Amy Poehler and her Paper Kite Productions, and “The Simpsons” alums Mike Scully and Julie Scully.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Children’s rights organization Plan International is teaming with Nickelodeon International’s Together For Good to extend Nickelodeon International’s multiplatform interstitial series “Extraordinary Me.” The gender equity pro-social campaign kicked off across Nickelodeon platforms, celebrating girls who are defying stereotypes and excelling in male-dominated disciplines.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly (“Justified,” “Elementary”) inked a deal with Lionsgate for their Timberman-Beverly Productions to produce scripted series for streaming, cable and broadcast networks. They had been under a deal with ABC Signature.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Joel McHale (“Community”) will host “Crime Scene Kitchen,” set to premiere Wednesday, May 26 at 9p on Fox. In the cooking competition, bakers have to use clues to figure out what kind of a dessert was made, then try to recreate it. “It’s a truly original format with amazing baking creations, a brilliant play-along guessing game for the whole family, and Joel at the center of it all bringing hilarity at every turn,” said Rob Wade, Alternative Entertainment and Specials, Fox Entertainment. “Just don’t watch it if you’re feeling hungry!”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Shudder ordered season four of drag competition series “The Boulet Bothers’ Dragula.” The 10-episode season will feature drag artists competing in challenges, with the winner taking home a $100,000 grand prize. The acquisition follows the launch of Shudder Original “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection,” a two-hour film – part horror movie, part documentary and part reality competition – which was one of the service’s most watched premieres of 2020.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Casting notes: Samantha Morton (“The Walking Dead”) will star as Catherine de Medici in Starz series “The Serpent Queen,” from writer and executive producer Justin Haythe (“Revolutionary Road”)…Paul Schneider (“Tales from the Loop”), Angela Sarafyan (“Westworld”) and Jacob Lofland (“Maze Runner”) lead the cast of Epix film “A House on the Bayou,” premiering in late 2021…Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) joins Lily James, Sebastian Stan and Seth Rogen in Hulu’s “Pam and Tommy,” about the theft of Pam Anderson and Tommy Lee’s sex tape.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Apple TV+ current affairs series “The Problem with Jon Stewart” will debut in the fall. Hosted and executive produced by Stewart, the show is the first project to come out of a multi-year partnership between the former “Daily Show” host and Apple.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Tyler Perry’s Sistas” returns for season three Wednesday, June 9 on BET. The scripted series’ season two finale delivered a .617 rating among P18-49 in Live+3 and 1.3 million total viewers.
(Source: Cynopsis)

CNBC’s daily show TechCheck makes its debut Monday, April 12 at 11a, focused on tech-centric stories. The program will be the first CNBC broadcast anchored from multiple locations, including Jon Fortt and Carl Quintanilla on the East Coast, and Deirdre Bosa on the West Coast.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Season eight of “Bar Rescue” premieres Sunday, May 2 on Paramount Network, with host Jon Taffer helping Las Vegas locals this time around, rather than traveling across the country to resuscitate businesses. “This season is very personal,” said Taffer. “This is my hometown, I can’t fail.” The reality show had been slated to move to another ViacomCBS network as Paramount rebranded to Paramount Movie Network, but the rebrand stalled due to the pandemic.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Smithsonian Channel steps back in time with “Murderous History,”making its debut Sunday, April 25 at 9p. The true crime series delves into gruesome murder mysteries over the past 200 years.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Acorn TV landed exclusive SVOD and US premiere rights to the new season of “Midsomer Murders” from all3media international. The long-running mystery series is one of Acorn TV’s top performing franchises. Season 22 two launches Monday, April 19 on the streamer.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Arts net Ovation has acquired US broadcast rights for season two of “Riviera,” set to premiere Saturday, May 8 at 7p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

PBS is teaming with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit for “Life at the Water Hole,” a new three-part series that explores the daily drama of African wildlife at a waterhole rigged with weather-proofed cameras. The series premieres Wednesdays, May 19-June 2 at 8p (check local listings).
(Source: Cynopsis)

“RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” will air in the US on WOW Presents Plus, day-and-date with Stan (Australia) and TVNZ On Demand (New Zealand) local airings, starting Saturday, May 1.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“The Crime of the Century,” filmmaker Alex Gibney’s two-part indictment of Big Pharma, premieres on HBO Monday, May 10. The expose posits that drug companies are largely responsible for the drug crisis they profit from.
(Source: Cynopsis)

E! will mark the end of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” with a reunion special hosted by Andy Cohen. The 20th and final season of the reality show, which launched in 2007, premiered March 18.
(Source: Cynopsis)

National Geographic is holding an Earth Day Eve virtual concert on Wednesday, April 21 at 8:30p, on its YouTube page and online. Hosted by travel expert Jessica Nabongo, the concert will feature performances by Angélique Kidjo, AURORA, José González, Maggie Rogers, Rostam, Valerie June, Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma and Ziggy Marley, as well as a world premiere new music video from My Morning Jacket. The event will also include announcements by the brand and be followed by a virtual afterparty on the new National Geographic TikTok account at 10p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

MeTV’s “The Month of Mayberry” event celebrates series that featured the iconic small TV town and its characters. The stunt kicks off Sunday, May 2, with thefirst episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” and the backdoor pilot of “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”, airing from 5p-6p, followed by a special episode of “The Love Boat” starring Andy Griffith at 6p.
(Source: Cynopsis)

One element of a content partnership between A+E Networks and Land Rover North America airs Sunday, April 18 at 10p on FYI. Documentary “All You Need Know: Overlanding” explores the burgeoning trend of overlanding, an outdoor adventure rooted in travel and exploration. Developed in partnership with the Land Rover brand’s media agency of record, dentsu X, the special features the capabilities of the new Land Rover Defender and is hosted by outdoor enthusiast Christian Murphy. In addition to the 60-minute special, the Land Rover media campaign includes additional short-form content, social assets, on-air promotion, and custom integrations.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Youth Media Alliance is giving its Outstanding Achievement Award to Michelle Melanson Cuperus and its Emerging Talent Award to Rennata and Georgina Lopez of Lopii Productions. The duo will be honored at a virtual gala to be streamed live from Toronto on May 26.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The debut of Fox News late-nighter “Gutfeld!” averaged a strong 1.7 million viewers and 318,000 among A25-54.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Legal analyst Midwin Charles died April 6. She was 47. Charles, the founder of a law firm, made regular appearances on CNN, MSNBC, HLN, TV One and Bloomberg TV. “What a terrific analyst and a kind soul,” tweeted MSNBC anchor Jonathan Capehart. “May she rest in peace.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

CELEBRITY NEWS: APRIL 7, 2021
http://www.imdb.com/news/celebrity

David Otunga (Wrestler, Lawyer, Jennifer Hudson’s Ex-Fiancé) – 41 years old
Tiki Barber (former NFL Player) – 46 years old
Ronde Barber (former NFL Player) – 46 years old
Bill Bellamy (Comedian) – 56 years old
Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”) – 57 years old
Grace Hightower (“Precious”/ Robert De Niro’s wife) – 66 years old
Jackie Chan (“Rush Hour” movies) – 67 years old
John Oates (Hall & Oates) – 73 years old
Francis Ford Coppola (Director) – 82 years old

FIRST LOOK
http://www.eonline.com/news

ON TELEVISION (WEDNESDAY 4/7/21)
ABC: Home Economics (Premiere) at 8pm
BET: American Gangster: Trap Queens (Premiere) at 9pm
CW: Kung Fu (Premiere) at 8pm
HBO: Exterminate All the Brutes (Premiere) at 9pm
NETFLIX: Snabba Cash (Premiere)
NETFLIX: This Is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist (Premiere)
NETFLIX: The Wedding Coach (Premiere)
NETFLIX: The Big Day (Premiere)
TLC: Save My Skin (Premiere) at 10pm
USA: Queen of the South (Premiere) at 10pm
HGTV: Farmhouse Fixer (Finale) at 9pm
PBS: Hemingway (Finale) at 8pm

Newsy isn’t just over the top – it’s going over the air. On October 1, the E.W. Scripps Company’s national news network will be available OTA in at least 80% of US television homes, carried primarily by Scripps-owned ION stations and select Scripps local television stations and those of other station groups. “Amid an increasingly polarized and divided national climate, Newsy will seize upon this opportunity to serve more Americans seeking quality objective journalism,” said Scripps Networks President Lisa Knutson. “As TV viewers ‘self-bundle’ by combining free television with subscription video-on-demand services, Newsy will build on its successes in OTT by joining the other Scripps Networks in the over the air marketplace.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

NBA analyst Paul Pierce was let go from ESPN, after a racy Instagram Live with the former Boston Celtics star was posted that included exotic dancers. Tweeted Pierce, who began at ESPN in 2017, “I can’t lose even when I lose I’m winning.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

What a difference a year makes. IPG Mediabrands has inked a three-year “creator and content” initiative with TikTok, to develop custom campaigns for clients, just a year after ranking TikTok as the least responsible major social media platform, “As TikTok’s growth surged in 2020, the platform demonstrated an ability to take a forward-looking approach to building its platform with the index’s key principles in mind, and the second half 2020 assessment results reflect a marked pivot toward enhanced third-party brand safety partnerships,” said IPG Mediabrands in a statement. “The latest Index results newly introduce TikTok’s increased focus on principle 3: Diverse and Representative – a principle they were not able to provide substantial public data for in 1H 2020. TikTok also saw substantial shifts in their third-party brand safety partnerships and policy enforcement approaches.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

TEGNA has launched Twist, a women-oriented multicast channel featuring lifestyle and reality programming available in 43 of the top 50 Nielsen DMAs. “Reality TV just got much more exciting for over-the-air viewers,” said Brian Weiss, President and GM of TEGNA’s entertainment networks. “Audiences craving lifestyle and reality programming, who have been underserved in the multicast space, now have free access to high quality shows that have never before been available over-the-air.” Programming includes “Dance Moms,” “Tabatha Takes Over,” “Flipping Out,” “Clean House” and more.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Netflix greenlit a documentary from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Productions about the Invictus games. “Heart of Invictus,” part of the couple’s deal with Netflix, follows a group of service members who suffered life-changing injuries, on their path to the 2022 games. “As Archewell Productions’ first series with Netflix, in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, I couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead or prouder of the Invictus community for continuously inspiring global healing, human potential and continued service,” said Prince Harry.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Tyler Perry is bursting the quarantine bubble at Atlanta’s Tyler Perry Studios on April 10, after a mass vaccination event at the studio last Saturday. Perry covered the costs for any members of his crew, their family and friends who had not yet received their shots and chose to do so. Strict health protocols will remain in place.
(Source: Cynopsis)

NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony has launched multi-platform content company Creative7 with his business partner Asani Swann. Original, premium content will include documentaries, scripted TV, film, animation, podcast and more, and champion the narratives and voices of the underserved.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Jim Reynolds is moving from “The Neighborhood.” “I am so happy that the show has found such an enthusiastic audience and that it will live on,” said Reynolds, creator, executive producer and showrunner of the CBS comedy for its first three seasons. “At this moment, in light of everything going on in the world, I had concluded that I am not the right person to continue to tell these stories. I am excited to see the show thrive and wish everyone involved the very best.” The move follows reported complaints about Reynolds’ management style.
(Source: Cynopsis)

MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke and her producing partner, Mervyn Macano, inked an overall deal with CBS Studios to develop content through their Field/House Productions. “In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out. Their drive and leadership as stewards of change bring a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact,” said CBS Studios president David Stapf.“
(Source: Cynopsis)

ABC ordered “When Nature Calls” (wt), based on BBC Studios format “Walk on the Wild Side.” The non-scripted comedy takes a humorous look at what animals do in the wild.
(Source: Cynopsis)

HBO and HBO Max signed director Jean-Marc Vallee (“Big Little Lies”)and his producing partner Nathan Ross to a three-year, first-look deal. For starters, the two will executive produce limited series “Gorilla and the Bird,” based on the memoir by Zack McDermott.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Landmark Studio Group (“Willy’s Wonderland”), a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, is developing a new original drama series, “Heartbeat” (wt), co-created by DJ couple Kiss (Jakissa Taylor-Semple) and M.O.S. (Masud Semple). The story is loosely based on their rise to celebrity DJ status.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Ben Aldridge (“Fleabag”) has joined ITV’s “The Long Call” in the lead role. The four-part crime drama, produced by ITV Studios, is inspired by the novel of the same title from Ann Cleeves(“Vera”). Kelly Jones (“Des and Baptiste”) will write all four episodes.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Tammy Townsend (“K.C. Undercover”) landed a series regular role on season six of OWN’s Ava DuVernay drama, “Queen Sugar,” set to premiere in the fall. The directorial line-up includes Bertha Bay-Sa Pan, Carmen Marrón, Cierra Glaude, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Marie Jamora, Shari Carpenter, Shaz Bennett and Stephanie Turner, with Lisa France upped to serve as producing director. This marks 42 female filmmakers the series has hired through six seasons, 39 of whom were first-time television directors.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Peacock’s “Girls5Eva,” following the former members of a 90s girl group who reunite for another shot at fame, will drop Thursday, May 6. The comedy was created by Meredith Scardino (“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”).
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Let’s Be Real,” which aired last fall as a comedy special, returns to Fox this spring with new episodes beginning Thursday, April 29 at 8:30p. Executive produced and written by Robert Smigel (“Triumph The Insult Comic Dog”), the satirical comedy series, a Canal+ format, will debut new puppets including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senators Ted Cruz, Kim Kardashian and LeBron James. “Let’s Be Real” is produced by Fox Alternative Entertainment and Propagate Content.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Amazon original YA series “Panic” premieres Friday, May 28. The drama, written and created by Lauren Oliver, based on her bestseller, takes place in a small Texas town where graduating seniors compete in a dangerous, winner-takes-all series of challenges.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Life Under Renovation” follows five families from across the country as they tackle a home renovation inspired by a major life event. The self-shot, six-episode discovery+ series launches with two episodes on April 28, followed by one episode weekly on Wednesdays.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Cold War spy thriller “Spy City” premieres Thursday, April 15 on AMC+. Dominic Cooper (“Preacher”) stars in the six-parter.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Best Baker in America” returns to Food Network on Monday, May 3 at 9p, with host Carla Baker putting world-class bakers to the test. This season’s baking challenges focus on creating unique versions of classic American desserts from different states.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Josh Snow, founder of teeth whitening brand Snow, has joined the premiere season of “Going Public.” The reality show, which will enable viewers to invest in companies they see on-screen, starts streaming on Entrepreneur.com this summer.
(Source: Cynopsis)

“The Gorka Reality Check” premieres Sunday, April 11 at 7p on Newsmax. Former Donald Trump strategist Dr. Sebastian Gorka “hits back hard against establishment media, Big Tech, and the Washington Swamp.”
(Source: Cynopsis)

“Everlight,” a special standalone season one episode from workplace comedy “Mythic Quest,” will launch Friday, April 16 on Apple TV+, three weeks ahead of the series’ season two debut. The special addresses the practical and emotional difficulties of returning to normalcy. “It’s full of hope and joy and optimism for a bright future,” said co-creator, executive producer and star Rob McElhenney. “Ahead of our upcoming second season, we felt it was the perfect way (and the perfect time) to invite the audience back into the world of ‘Mythic Quest.’”
(Source: Cynopsis)

Showtime’s “Shameless” will offer a virtual farewell event open to all fanson Sunday, April 11 at 10p, immediately following the show’s final episode. The two-part experience, which will take place at GallagherHouse.com, begins with a cast reunion. In addition to executive producer and showrunner John Wells, cast members confirmed for the event include William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan, Christian Isaiah, Noel Fisher and Kate Miner.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Ryan Murphy will receive the Cinematic Imagery Award at the Art Directors Guild Awards, streamed Saturday, April 10 at 4p. Matt Bomer (“Boys in the Band”) will present the award.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Netflix remains the dominant player in the streaming world, but with new entrants in the market, its global share declined from 29% at the beginning of 2020 to 20%, according to Ampere Analysis. Amazon Prime Video’s share declined from 23% 16%, per Ampere. Not that Netflix is hurting – during a year that kept so many people in lockdown, the streamer added a record 37 million subscriptions globally.
(Source: Cynopsis)

Most of the top in shows syndication had a rough time the week ending March 28, thanks to heavy preemptions for March Madness and President Biden’s March 25 press conference. “Jeopardy” (5.2 Live+SD Nielsen rating, down 2% from the week before), which was hosted by Dr. Oz, declined for the third week in a row and marked the show’s worst household number since the session ending January 3. Sister show “Wheel of Fortune” (4.9, down 2%) also dipped, hitting its lowest rating since the week ending December 27. “Family Feud” (5.4, unchanged) bucked the trend, leading the game shows and all of syndication for the second week in a row.
(Source: Cynopsis)

The SAG Awards is the latest ceremony to fall to an all-time low. The pre-taped, one-hour show drew 957,000 across TNT and TBS on Sunday, versus 2.0 million in 2020 and 2.7 million in 2019. The 52% year-to-year drop was on par with the most recent Grammys (-51%) and Golden Globes (-60%).
(Source: Cynopsis)

Discovery Channel had five unscripted series on cable break into the top 10 among M25-54: “Gold Rush” (#2); “Gold Riush: White Water” (#4); Street Outlaws” #6); “Moonshiners” (#8); and “Street Outlaws: Mega Cash Days” (#9). “Gold Rush” completed the first quarter as television’s #1 unscripted show among M25-54 on Friday nights, beating out all broadcast and cable programs in the demo.
(Source: Cynopsis)

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