Friday April 2, 2021

Saturday’s Premieres
Discovery: “Pit Bulls & Parolees” at 8p
discovery+: “Passport to Love”

Sunday’s Premieres
Adult Swim: “Birdgirl” at 11:59p
AMC: “Gangs of London” at 10:14p
PBS: “My Grandparents’ War” at 8p, “Atlantic Crossing on Masterpiece” at 9p
Science Channel: “If We Built It Today” at 10p

Sunday’s Finales
AMC: “The Walking Dead” at 9p
HBO: “Q: Into the Storm” at 10p

IN THE NEWS

ViacomCBS has joined the list of companies expressing opposition to Georgia’s new voting bill. “We unequivocally believe in the importance of all Americans having an equal right to vote and oppose the recent Georgia voting rights law or any effort that impedes the ability to exercise this vital constitutional right,” said ViacomCBS in a statement. “Increasing voter access and civic engagement is one of ViacomCBS’ core social impact pillars and we will continue to educate the public on the importance of an open and fair voting system through our programming and extensive partnerships with grassroots organizations that promote and increase participation in elections.”

In a unanimous decision that favors large broadcasters, the Supreme Court ruled that the FCC was within its rights in 2017 to relax restrictions on media ownership rules, including ditching a rule that barred a single company from owning a radio or TV station along with a newspaper in a single local market. In 2019, a court vacated the FCC’s order, on the grounds it “did not adequately consider the effect the sweeping rule changes would have on ownership of broadcast media by women and racial minorities.” To the contrary, wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh: “The FCC considered the record evidence on competition, localism, viewpoint diversity, and minority and female ownership, and reasonably concluded that the three ownership rules no longer serve the public interest.”

CBS picked up to series comedy “Ghost,” following a young couple played by Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar, who inherit a country house inhabited by deceased previous residents. Developed through Lionsgate’s deal with BBC Studios, the show is based on a British series of the same name.

CBS also signed a two-year deal with NATAS to air the Daytime Emmy Awards, set for June 24. CBS also aired last year’s virtual ceremony.

Snoop Dogg will serve as Mega Mentor on season 20 of NBC’s “The Voice.” The rapper/producer/performer will help teams prepare for the Knockouts, beginning Monday, April 19 at 8p.

Fox News extended the deal of anchor and executive editor of Fox News’ “Special Report,” Bret Baier through 2025. “Bret has masterfully covered some of the most consequential news stories of our time and we’re thrilled to have him continue his extraordinary journalism career at Fox News for many years to come,” said Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media. Baier has anchored “Special Report” since 2009.

Magnolia Network renewed “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines” for two more seasons. New season two episodes will be available starting April 9 on discovery+, while season three will launch on July 15, when the network officially launches on discovery+ and the Magnolia app. The Magnolia Network linear launch, delayed due to the pandemic, is slated for January 2022.

The New York Giants and Univision New York (serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) are expanding their partnership through a series of multiplatform initiatives designed to reach Latino fans. To kick things off, Univision will search for a Spanish-language “Team Correspondent” to join the Univision New York “Giants en Español” broadcast team. The correspondent will provide stories and analysis across Univision’s television and digital platforms during the 2021 NFL season.

MASN and NBC Regional Sports Networks have been taken off Dish TV and Sling TV, affecting ten states and Washington D.C. “The current RSN model is fundamentally broken,” said Brian Neylon, Group President, DISH TV. “This model requires nearly all customers to pay for RSNs when only a small percentage of customers actually watch them. As the cost of these channels continues to escalate, we no longer think it makes sense to include them in our TV lineup.” Neylon added that Dish has proposed allowing customers to subscribe to RSN channels on an a la carte bases, but the idea was not accepted by MASN and NBC.

MTV Entertainment Group is launching Mental Health is Health, an initiative aimed at harnessing the power of storytelling to destigmatize mental health, and drive behavioral and cultural change that normalizes mental health conversations. Based on a content audit and in consultation with leading mental health experts, MTVE has committed to the following:
* 2X the number of mental health storylines that represent the diversity of its audiences and their mental health experiences
* Ensure that mental health storylines in its portfolio are portrayed in an authentic and nuanced way
* Provide training for all content creators, from writer’s rooms to showrunners to all external production partners“We all know the power of storytelling and how narrative can frame the way we look at an issue, which is why we’re doing our part to reimagine the role that content can play to demystify and destigmatize mental health, because it’s a crisis that’s rapidly on the rise and not enough people are talking about,” said Chris McCarthy, President of MTV Entertainment Group.

Celebrate the women who looked 2020 in the face with grit, perseverance, and hard work to rise above the challenges to crush their goals. Nominate a leading lady who inspires you, or nominate yourself!

Cynopsis wants to celebrate the women in media who make things happen.
The Cynopsis Top Women in Media Gala is coming up this fall!

Nominate the women who are innovating and inspiring while navigating the day-to-day of our industry.

Nominate by 5/6
(sponsored by TurnkeyZRG)

Filmmaker Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”) and his producing partners

Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak inked a two-year deal that gives HBO and HBO Max first look at TV projects developed by the trio’s production company, PASTEL. Studio A24 will executive produce the projects. PASTEL was previously under a first-look deal with Amazon Studios.

Smart Dog Media founder Craig Plestis is developing “W: Two Worlds” for CBS Studios. The show is based on a Korean hit drama about a heart surgeon who crosses over into the comic book universe created by her father. The original comes from Munhwa Broadcasting Corp. (“The MaskedSinger”).

Lesli Linka Glatter (“Homeland”) and Cheryl Bloch (“Northern Exposure”) have teamed to launch Backyard Pictures, based at Universal Television with a first-look deal. “As a first-time director and first-time producer, Lesli and I met 30 years ago on Steven Spielberg’s ‘Amazing Stories’ on the Universal backlot, and we are thrilled to be returning ‘home,’ ” said Bloch. “Universal Television and its visionary team are an ideal fit for what Backyard Pictures aims to accomplish, as we come together with very extensive and insightful ways to tell stories.”

Docu-series “The 1619 Project,” connecting slavery with enduring racism, has landed a Hulu. The collaboration between Lionsgate, The The New York Times, Harpo Films and journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, stems from a journalistic endeavor started in 2019.

AMC announced the first round of voice casting for its new animated baby doll series, “Ultra City Smiths,” created by Steve Conrad (“Perpetual Grace”) and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios (“Robot Chicken”). Slated to premiere this summer, the series will star Jimmi Simpson (“Westworld”), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“Dolemite Is My Name”), John C. Reilly (“Moonbase 8”), Bebe Neuwirth (“Cheers”), Jason Mantzoukas (“Big Mouth”), Damon Herriman (“Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”), Melissa Villaseñor (“Saturday Night Live”), Kurtwood Smith (“That 70’s Show”), Tim Heidecker (“Moonbase 8”), Chris Conrad (“Patriot”), and Hana Mae Lee (“Patriot”), among others to be announced at a later date.

More casting notes: Dan Stevens (“Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire”) is replacing Armie Hammer in Starz Watergate drama “Gaslit,” joining Jullia Roberts and Sean Penn. Hammer dropped out amid sexual assault allegations…Lori Petty (“Orange Is the New Black”) and Daniel Zovatto (“Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”) landed series regular roles in HBO Max limited drama “Station Eleven.”

Trio TV announced three new shows currently in preproduction. “Tee & a Club” pairs culinary celebrity Chef Roc with golf pro Claude Broussard for a hybrid golf-and-food series; “Pipe Dream Kitchen” explores the world of CBD-infused foods and beverages; and “Eating Hawaii” takes viewers on a culinary exploration of the islands.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

HBO’s “Pray, Obey, Kill” premieres Monday, April 12 at 9p. The docu-series revisits a 2004 Swedish murder case that gained international notoriety.

BYUtv is premiering two interconnected family series – “The Parker Andersons” and sister show, “Amelia Parker” – on Monday, April 19. The series follow events in the life of a blended multicultural, interracial family from two different perspectives. Each comedy will have its own storylines and episodes, but be connected by overarching plotlines. The all-BIPOC writers’ room was led by showrunner Anthony Q. Farrell (“The Office”).

Season 14 of family drama “Heartland” will debut on streamer UP Faith & Family on Thursday, May 6. It will be the season’s only streaming home in 2021.

A new season of “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline” premieres Tuesday, April 20 on discovery+. Partners Josh Harris and Casey McManus navigate rough waters as the pandemic upends their fishing business.

As the winner of discovery+ competition “Design Star: Next Gen,” Carmeon Hamilton won $50,000, and her own show on the streamer. “Carmeon is an incredibly talented designer whose creativity and heart were on full display in ‘Design Star: Next Gen’,” said Jane Latman, president, HGTV. “Plus, in an age driven by clicks, likes, downloads and views, she already has a strong social media presence with thousands of followers and that puts her in an excellent position to inspire and motivate new audiences to follow her on-air, by streams and via her social media platforms. We’ve got a winner.”

COMING UP

Lifetime’s first “Summer of Secrets” programming slate includes six new original movies debuting this June, along with four acquired titles. First up, on Saturday, June 5: “Gone Mom,” starring Annabeth Gish (“The Haunting of Hill House), based on the true story of missing Connecticut mom Jennifer Dulos whose husband committed suicide after he was charged with her murder. “Off the success of our Ripped from the Headlines slate, were are doubling down on what women love on Lifetime,” said Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming, Lifetime and LMN.

Tucker Carlson will interview Piers Morgan for Fox Nation’s “Tucker Carlson Today” at 4p, and “Tucker Carlson at Night” at 8p, on Monday, April 5. It’s Morgan’s first wide-ranging interview since controversial comments about Meghan Markle’s mental health prompted his abrupt exit from ITV’s “Good Morning Britain.”

Vaccination special “Roll Up Your Sleeves” airs Sunday, April 18 at 7p on NBC. Presented by Walgreens and created by ATTN:, the hour-long special features former First Lady Michelle Obama, Lin-Manuel Miranda and others educating and encouraging audiences to get a shot in the arm.

TECH TALK

Verizon Media, the ad tech division of Verizon, and shopper data firm Catalina are launching a partnership that has Verizon Media as the 1st DSP to integrate with Catalina’s data. Brands will be able to link in-store and online shopping to digital ads in real-time by matching Catalina’s sales data directly with Verizon Media’s identity graph. “This first-to-market partnership enables marketers to understand media impact in real-time, allowing them to enhance every touch point throughout an integrated, end-to-end shopping experience,” said Brian Dunphy, SVP of Channel Sales & Strategic Partnerships for Catalina.

You may have missed the Esports Business Summit University last week, but you didn’t miss out! The sessions are all available on-demand: unlock access to 13+ hours of content that will give you techniques to build, grow, and monetize your collegiate esports programs.

STREAMING

Hemisphere Media Group Inc. has acquired the remaining 75% stake of Pantaya, the US Hispanic SVOD service from its joint venture partner, Lionsgate. Hemisphere now owns 100% of Pantaya, up from its previous 25% minority stake.

Shaken, not stirred: Pluto TV’s 007 Channel has returned to the Pluto TV platform, along with Pluto TV 007 en español – 24 hours a day, 007 days a week.

GOING GLOBAL

SimpelZodiak will produce a new factual entertainment program for KRO-NCRV at NPO 3. “Table for Two” (Tafel voor Twee) features two people having dinner at a restaurant – but for one of the guests, their dinner companion and why they have been invited is unknown.

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The finale of Univision’s “Vencer el Desamor” reached 2.8 million total viewers 2+ during the one-hour series finale, becoming the No. 1 program on broadcast television regardless of language in primetime with A18-49 (790,000) and A18-34 (383,000).

INSP set a record for its highest-rated quarter ever, according to 1Q21 data from Nielsen Npower. 24/7 HH ratings were higher than every other quarter since the network started receiving Nielsen ratings in 2010. More recently, 24/7 ratings were 8% over 1Q20.

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Wednesday, March 31
Show, P2+ 0000s, (A18-49)
ABC: “The Goldbergs” 3.20 (0.6), “American Housewife” 2.72 (0.5), “The Connors” 3.26 (0.5), “Call Your Mother” 2.29 (0.3) “The Con” 1.63 (0.3)
CBS: “Tough As Nails” 3.03 (0.4), “SEAL Team” 2.06 (0.3), “S.W.A.T.” 1.93 (0.3)
CW: “Riverdale” 0.49 (0.1),“Nancy Drew” 0.38 (0.1)
ION: “Blue Bloods” 1.16 (0.1), “Blue Bloods” 0.98 (0.1), “Blue Bloods” 092 (0.1)
FOX: “The Masked Singer” 5.05 (1.2), “Game of Talents” 2.44 (0.6)
NBC: “Chicago Med” 7.24 (0.9), “Chicago Fire” 7.35 (1.0), “Chicago PD” 6.42 (1.0)
Telemundo: “Exatlon Estados Unidos” 1.02 (0.3), “Suerte de Loli” 0.92 (0.2), “Buscando Frida” 1.04 (0.3)
Univision: “Rosa de Guadalupe” 1.51(0.4), “Te Acuerdas de Mi” 1.41 (0.4), “Hija del Embajador” 1.43 (0.4)
Source: Nielsen live + same day time period averages

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Chet Dave has been promoted to SVP of Comedy Development at 20th Television. Dave had been VP.

WarnerMedia named Asif Sadiq to the newly created role of SVP Equity and Inclusion, International. Sadiq’s career in the diversity and inclusion space includes senior executive roles at adidas, The Telegraph Media Group, EY Financial Services and the City of London Police.

Lightbox has appointed Alexis Gomez-Garcia as VP, Development and promoted Suzanne Lavery to SVP, Unscripted. Gomez-Garcia joins Lightbox from her former role as Senior Director of Development at Critical Content.

Creative agency GUT Miami has added Dean Paradise and Bruno Mazzotti as its newest Creative Directors. The duo comes from FCB Chicago.

This Day in History
1917 – President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
On “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-2019), how did Sheldon and Amy meet? An online dating service. Kudos to: Barbara E. Bevel/Staten Island, NY, Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC, Toni-Ann Yeary-Kroger/Cincinnati, Sandy Spiegel-WTTW/Chicago, Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station, TX, Paul Blutter-Walk and Talk Production Rentals/Burbank, Ken DuBow-Access Entertainment/LA, Alex Petrilli-Nielsen/San Francisco, Michael Goodman-Radio One/Atlanta, Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA, Barb Throm-Stealth Creative/Saint Louis, MO, Joe Swaney-Purchasing Power/Atlanta, John Kukla-KDFW/Dallas

Today’s Trivia Question
The theme song of which 2002-2006 sitcom had the same name as the show? (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.)