Today’s Premieres
MTV: RuPaul’s Drag Race at 8p
Netflix: Pressure Cooker
OWN: Ready to Love at 8p; All the Single Ladies at 9p
Prime Video: The Rig; Cosmic Love France
Showtime: Boys in Blue at 8p
Starz: BMF at 8p

Today’s Finale
HGTV: Ugliest House in America at 9p

Saturday’s Premieres
HGTV: Rico to the Rescue at 9p
ID: Killer Attraction at 9p
Nat Geo Wild: Going Fur Gold at 10p
Oxygen: Floribama Murders at 9p

Sunday’s Premieres
AMC, BBC America, IFC, WE tv: Mayfair Witches at 9p
CNN: Giuliani: What Happened to America’s Mayor? at 9p
Fox: Alert: Missing Persons Unit at 8p
Fox Nation: A Year on Planet Earth
MSNBC: Love & the Constitution at 10p
PBS: Miss Scarlet and the Duke at 8p; All Creatures Great and Small at 9p; Vienna Blood at 10p
Univision: Quien es la Mascara? at 8p; Tal Para Cual at 10:30p

Sunday’s Finale
Showtime: George & Tammy at 9p

IN THE NEWS

There are notable differences in the media lifestyles of 18-24 year-old Gen Zers compared to their younger counterparts 13-17 years old, according to Horowitz Research study FOCUS Generation Next. While older Gen Zers spend 52% of their viewing time on TV content versus non-TV (e.g. user-generated) content, those in the younger demo spend 47% of their time on TV content. But engagement with short form does not totally cannibalize long-form viewing, said Adriana Waterston, Chief Revenue Officer and Insights & Strategy Lead for Horowitz. “Young people today are still watching professionally produced TV content, just less of it compared even to older audiences within their generational cohort. And these data suggest that part of this is because they have less agency over what they can gain access to. As young people’s lifestyles change, as they enter new life stages, and as they develop different interests and needs, deeper engagement with long-form content across a range of genres will follow.”

Ad spend on Twitter fell almost 50% year-over-year in November, after Elon Musk acquired the company, according to Standard Media Index. Spend that had previously been prebooked for Twitter was pulled back out in November, mainly from commitments that were meant to run in November and December 2022. For November, those dollars pulled back out amounted to almost 31% of the total dollars that came in for Twitter in November.

Eighty-six percent of advertisers say addressable played an essential role in 2022 Upfront negotiations, according to a report from DirecTV on the rise of addressable. Other findings include:
· 64% of respondents say economic conditions will have the greatest impact on media spending over the next two years
· 55% say inconsistent measurement and lack of reliable third-party measurement validation will impact their media spending over the next two years
· 80% of advertisers are satisfied with results from their addressable TV initiatives
· 83% say buying addressable has increased their ability to meet campaign objectives
“Addressable offers the best of TV and digital across screens and services,” says the report. “Distributors like DirecTV, programmers like Paramount, and digital video suppliers like YouTube all made it possible for advertisers to reach audiences whenever and wherever they are watching across linear and CTV.”

Fox Corp. and News Corp. inked deals to extend their leases for their NYC headquarters at 1211 Sixth Avenue through 2042. The deal, signed in 2022 but not revealed until this week, includes plans to renovate the space.

Amazon plans to lay off 18,000 employees, revealed CEO Andy Jassy in a message to staff that cited the uncertain economy. “We typically wait to communicate about these outcomes until we can speak with the people who are directly impacted,” wrote Jassy. “However, because one of our teammates leaked this information externally, we decided it was better to share this news earlier so you can hear the details directly from me.” Impacted employees are expected to be informed starting January 18. The majority of eliminations will be in Amazon Stores and PXT organizations.

Also implementing layoffs is video hosting platform Vimeo, which is cutting its staff by 11%. “This was a very hard decision that impacts each of us deeply,” wrote CEO Anjali Sud in a blog post. “It is also the right thing to do to enable Vimeo to be a more focused and successful company, operating with the necessary discipline in an uncertain economic environment.” The company eliminated 6% of its jobs back in July.

Change is in the wind at The E.W. Scripps Company, as it readies for a reorg. “With the acquisition of ION and the creation of Scripps Networks two years ago, Scripps became a major U.S. television enterprise, able to capitalize on opportunities in the national and local television marketplaces,” said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson. “We see the next phase of our growth coming from a focus on news and sports, over-the-air and connected TV viewing and new ways to monetize our spectrum.” Lisa Knutson, who served as President, Scripps Networks, will assume the role of COO; the leaders of Local Media and Scripps Networks will report to her.

Merger-related content write-downs like the axing of series and the film “Batgirl” are over, said Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels at the Citi 2023 Communications, Media & Entertainment Conference. While the write-offs drew “a lot of public noise,” acknowledged the exec, he said they were “a reflection of an industry that went overboard and went on a spending frenzy. There was a lot of thinking of, ‘let’s do more, more, more,’ not necessarily ‘let’s do the exact right things, let’s do what works.’” WBD stock rose 4.67% after the comments.

Shudder special “Joe Bob’s Ghoultide Get-together” on December 16 raised over $208,000 for charity, through an auction of props, memorabilia and the sale of Ghoultide items.

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PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to commission over 4000 hours of content across its portfolio of networks, announced Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, WBD in a release that noted her group’s offerings delivered more than 138 million total viewers on average per month in 2022, closing out the year with six of the top 10 cable networks. “This strong performance is a testament to the power of our stellar brands, our unique content and our loyal fans who come to our networks because we have the content and the talent that fuels their passions,” said Finch. “We are well positioned to keep our momentum going.”

Music video network Vevo has partnered with TikTok to create “Trending on TikTok,” a weekly Vevo show rounding up the music videos of the top trending songs on TikTok, alongside clips of the creators utilizing the songs in their content. The show will be a staple TV premiere on Vevo’s FAST channels, with consecutive airing during peak viewing hours throughout the week.

Toonz Media Group has partnered with India’s ELE Animations to co-produce “Drac and Skeletons.” The comedy series for kids 4 to 7 years old will have an international version in English and Indian version in Hindi.

Kamie Crawford has signed an overall talent deal with MTV Entertainment Studios that includes hosting MTV unscripted series “Are You the One?”, “Ex on the Beach,” along with “Catfish: The TV Show,” for which she is currently a co-host. “As a huge fan of reality TV centered around dating and working in the relationship advice space, it’s an absolute dream to now be hosting three shows based on finding love and making lifelong connections,” said Crawford. “It’s an honor to continue working and growing with my MTV and Paramount+ family.”

Casting notes: Nicole Kidman has joined the cast of Paramount+’s “Lioness,” based on a real-life CIA program. Kidman had been attached as an executive producer for the Taylor Sheridan drama….Ruth Negga (“Preacher”) will star in Apple TV+ limited series “Presumed Innocent,” from David E. Kelley, Bad Robot and Warner Bros. TV.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

“The Real Friends of WeHo,” a reality show following LGBTQ+ personalities in West Hollywood, makes its debut Friday, January 20 at 9p on MTV.

WWE on A&E returns Sunday, February 19 with the season three premiere of “Biography: WWE Legends” at 8p followed by the season two kick-off of “WWE Rivals” at 10p. Airing back-to-back each Sunday, the series explore the lives and careers of WWE Superstars.

Season four of TLC’s “90 Day Fiance: The Other Way” premieres Sunday, January 29 at 8p. After-show “The Other Way: Pillow Talk” kicks off a 11p.

Dana White’s slap-fighting competition, “Power Slap: Road to the Title,” has been postponed from its scheduled Wednesday, January 11 premiere date on TBS. The reality show was pulled from the lineup after UFC President White was caught on camera slapping his wife of 29 years, an incident for which is apologized.

Six part docuseries “A Year on Planet Earth,” filmed in more than 60 locations across the world, premieres Sunday, January 8 on Fox Nation.

“Murder in Big Horn,” a three-part documentary about the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, follows a January 22 premiere at the Sundance Film Festival with its Showtime debut on Sunday, February 5 at 10p.

Louie, “The Gunfather” Tuminaro and the Custom Shop team return for another season of “Gunfather: Restorations” on Outdoor Channel, in September 2023.

JOURNY is premiering two series this month: “Ben Fogle: Starting Up, Starting Over” and “Operation Unplugged,” both under the New Year, Better Planet banner.

COMING UP

Comedy Central announced dates for five of the previously announced guest hosts for “The Daily Show.” Taking over Trevor Noah’s former seat the week of January 17 is Leslie Jones, followed by Wanda Sykes the week of January 23, D.L, Hughley the week of January 30, Chelsea Handler the week of February 6 and Sarah Silverman the week of February 13.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” starts streaming February 1 on Disney+. The film joins 16 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies on the service.

“No Straight Lines,” a film that follows the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in comics and features interviews with pioneers of underground newspapers and queer comics like Alison Bechdel (“Fun Home”), premieres January 23 on PBS.

“Stand,” a feature-length examination of the life of social justice activist and basketball prodigy Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, will premiere Friday, February 3 at 9p on Showtime.

TECH TALK

European Union regulators ruled that Meta illegally forced users to accept personalized ads, fining the company $414 million. The decision follows the enactment of EU’s data privacy law in 2018, which restricts the ability of companies from collecting information about users without their consent. Meta was given three months to outline how it will comply with the ruling.

Xumo, a streaming platform joint venture between Comcast and Charter, and Element Electronics are launching a new line of 4K Ultra HD smart TVs in 2023. The new Element Xumo TVs will offer consumers an affordable smart TV with an integrated interface and voice remote. “Element and Xumo share a common vision of delivering consumers premium, innovative entertainment experiences at a tremendous value,” said Marcien Jenckes, President, Xumo. “With the addition of Element to the lineup of Xumo-powered streaming devices and smart TVs later this year, we will provide consumers across the country another great, affordable way to enjoy all their favorite entertainment.”

DoubleVerify has won accreditation from Media Ratings Council for DV Authentic Attention. The attention-based advertising analytics and performance product includes an engagement index, which analyzes user-initiated events that happen while a creative ad is displayed; an exposure index, which evaluates an ad’s presentation, quantifying intensity and prominence; and attention benchmarks that allow advertisers to understand, measure and optimize campaigns against others in the industry.

STREAMING

Roku has passed 70 million accounts globally in 2022, up from 60.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to preliminary data from the company. Streaming hours hit 23.9 billion in 4Q22. “Roku is laser-focused on delivering affordable, easy-to-use products and an operating system that makes streaming accessible to all,” said Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood in a release announcing the numbers. “We look forward to continuing to bring innovative and delightful experiences to more and more viewers this year.” This week Roku also announced the launch of Roku Select and Roku Plus Series televisions, the first TVs to be designed and made by Roku.

Paramount+ and Delta have struck an exclusive partnership to bring the streamer to Delta SkyMiles Members. Starting this spring, Delta loyalty members on planes originating in the US will have access to a free trial of the Paramount+ Premium service.

Paramount+ is not the only one flying high. Genius Brands International has partnered with Spafax Inflight Entertainment to offer Kartoon Channel on British Airways, Qatar Airways and International Airline Group’s partner airlines, Aer Lingus and Iberia.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Injured NFL safety Damar Hamlin is still in critical condition and on a ventilator but showing significant signs of improvement after suffering a cardiac arrest and collapsing on the field Monday night. During a news conference, Dr. Timothy A. Pritts and Dr. William Knight of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center credited the medical staff of the Bills and Bengals for a quick medical response that likely saved Hamlin’s neurological function. While Hamlin is unable to speak with his breathing tube still in, he is able to communicate by writing – and asked if his team had won the game. “When he asked did we win, the answer is, yes, you know, Damar, you won, you’ve won the game of life,” said Pritts. Viewership of “Monday Night Football” the day Hamlin was injured reached 23.8 million over ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 from 8:30p until 10:09p as the tragedy was covered, and Hamlin’s Chasing M Foundation topped $7 million (and counting) on GoFundMe.

The New World TV Group (NWTV) has secured the exclusive Pay TV rights to broadcast the Emirates FA Cup exclusively in 17 countries across Western and Central Africa, and non-exclusively in Chad. Under the agreement, NWTV will broadcast live French language coverage from the next two seasons of the annual competition, alongside highlight programming.

Warrior Sports has signed a multiyear agreement to continue its support of the US Men’s National Team Program as an official partner/equipment supplier. The partnership will include the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego, the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships and other team training activities.

Pixellot has teamed up with sports technology company Playermaker to provide teams with faster and more in-depth analytics. By incorporating Playermaker’s technology, Pixellot’s platform will allow teams to track and analyze every aspect of a player’s performance, from passing and kicking to speed and distance travelled, on one video platform.

In the interest of fostering a respectful, safe environment, the Premier Hockey Federation announced partnerships with Respect Group and RealResponse and has introduced mandatory background checks with National Center for Safety Initiatives for all league and team staff. “As leaders who are deeply invested in growing the game, it is our responsibility to develop a culture that exemplifies our values, and one where we continue enacting positive change by prioritizing training, education, prevention, reporting, and accountability,” said Reagan Carey, PHF Commissioner

Synovus Bank announced a three-year partnership with four-time PGA Tour winner Russell Henley and artist, entrepreneur, and author Teil Duncan Henley. The couple, natives of Georgia, will highlight the partnership through storytelling content. In addition, the Synovus logo will debut on Russell’s left chest beginning with the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions on January 5 in Maui, Hawaii.

Dink about it: 14% of adult Americans (36.5 million people) played pickleball at least once in the 12-month period August 2021 to August 2022; and 8.5 million people playing pickleball eight times or more in the same period, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals’ 2023 Pickleball Participation Report. The rapid rise looks set to continue, with 45% of the 36.5 million total players saying they plan to play pickleball more often in the next six months than the previous six-month period. The 2023 report was compiled by YouGov.

GOING GLOBAL

Armoza Formats, part of ITV Studios, announced that “Who’s Asking?” has renewed been for season eight in Switzerland. The game show will also begin airing an eighth season of over 200 episodes in Switzerland on RTS.

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RATINGS

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Tuesday, January 3
Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49)
ABC: The Rookie 4,69 (0.6), The Rookie: Feds 3.80 (0.4), Will Trent 3.61 (0.)
CBS: FBI 7.59 (0.6), FBI: International 5.48 (0.4), FBI: Most Wanted 4.40 (0.3)
CW: The Winchesters 0.,27 (0.1), Mysteries Decoded 0.26 (0.0)
FOX: The Resident 2.53 (0.3), Fantasy Island 0.93 (0.2)
ION: Chicago Fire 0.91 (0.1), Chicago Fire 0.97 (0.1); Chicago Fire 0.92 (0.1)
NBC: Americas Got Talent: All-Stars 3.40 (0.,5), New Amsterdam 2.37 (0.3)
Telemundo: Exatlon Estados Unidos: All Stars 0.99 (0.3), La Reina del Sur 0.90 (0.3), Amor Y Traicion 0.74 (0.2)
Univision: Vencer La Ausencia 1.46 (0.4), Mi Camino Es Amarte 1.48 (0.4), La Madrastra 1.42 (0.5)
Source: Nielsen live + same day time period averages

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Christian Vesper has been elevated from President to CEO of Global Drama at Fremantle. The promotion gives Vesper oversight of the company’s drama and film slate.

The Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement has appointed Tameka Kee as Deputy Managing Director. Kee was most recently Director of Marketing & Communications at Black Innovation Alliance.

Magical Elves has tapped Noah Livingston to serve as SVP of Development. Livingston joins from Batterie Pictures, a company he founded.

Teads has promoted Monique Pintarelli to President, North America. In her new role, Pintarelli will expand her purview from commercial leadership to full P&L responsibility for US and Canada.

Skillshare has named Susan Agliata as Vice President of Business Development. Agliata joins from Samsung, where she was Director of Business Development for Media Ecosystem Partnerships.

This Day in History
1929 – Mother Teresa arrived in Calcutta to begin her work with India’s poor.

Friday Fun Fact
If you open your eyes in a pitch-black room, the color you’ll see is called “eigengrau.”

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which state do the Millers move to in “Ginny & Georgia” (2021-)? Massachusetts. Kudos to: Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Paul Blutter-Walk and Talk Production Rentals/Burbank; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank

Today’s Trivia Question
Which series featured guest appearances from Meghan Markle, Snoop Dogg, Mark Cuban and Larry David? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.)

Cynopsis Team