A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY

ON SUNDAY, 4/17, WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY HAD A
52 SHARE OF A25-54 ACROSS ALL OF CABLE

DRIVEN BY HIT PROGRAMMING INCLUDING:
The NBA Playoffs on TNT
90 Day Fiancé on TLC
Tournament of Champions on Food Network
Home Town on HGTV
Naked and Afraid on Discovery
The Big Bang Theory on TBS
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Today’s Premieres
Amazon: Bang Bang Baby
HBO Max: Made for Love
Netflix: The Seven Lives of Lea; Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles
OUTtv: Ruckus in Dutchess; OUT for Laughs
Paramount+: The Offer
Peacock: Smother
Shudder: Creepshow

IN THE NEWS

Charter and Comcast have formed a 50/50 joint venture to develop and offer a next-generation streaming platform. The partnership will offer a flex streaming platform that includes voice search on a variety of branded 4K streaming devices and Smart TVs through national retailers. It will offer app developers, streamers, retailers, operators and hardware manufactures the opportunity to reach customers in major markets across the country.

Peacock has given a straight-to-series order to Pete Davidson’s “BUPKIS.” Written, starring and executive produced by the “Saturday Night Live” cast member, the half-hour live action comedy is a heightened fictionalized version of Davidson’s real-life. SNL’s Lorne Michaels is also serving as an executive producer.

“The Last O.G.” will not be back for a fifth season. The Season 4 finale on December 21, 2021 is now the series finale, too. The decision was reportedly made months ago and is not connected to the pullout from original scripted programming on TNT and TBS following WarnerMedia and Discovery’s merger.

iSpot.tv has signed an agreement with Goldman Sachs Asset Management for a $325 million investment. Since being founded in 2012, iSpot has raised $58 million and now generates over $100 million in annual recurring revenues.

CBS News vet Al Ortiz has announced his retirement later this summer. Ortiz has been serving as interim executive producer on “CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell” since Jay Shaylor’s departure last year. On an editorial call on Wednesday, Ortiz said, “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished on the broadcast over the past year. I’m proud of the awards we’ve won under Norah’s leadership, proud of the steady progress in the ratings and demos.”

GLAAD will honor actor, producer and activist Wilson Cruz with the Vito Russo Award during the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Friday, May 6. As previously announced, Emmy and Tony winner Judith Light will be honored with the Excellence in Media Award.

TelevisaUnivision Inc. has launched Asi Studios, a Spanish-language brand studio aimed at connecting marketers to U.S. Hispanics through premium video. ASI Studios will produce films that shine a light on inspiring stories from across the country that speak Hispanic viewers.

Cartoon Network Studios and Outlook Company are teaming on a new content development initiative designed to discover emerging artists and storytellers. Founded by former NFL star Trevor Pryce, Outlook Company is an animation studio that specializes in elevating underrepresented creators and artists in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

NBA all-star Carmelo Anthony has boarded “Lil’ Heroes,” an animated series based on the NFT collection. Anthony and his producing partner and co-founder of Creative 7, Asani Swann, will serve as executive producers on the project from Exile Content Studio and Spanish artist Edgar Plans. Anthony will also voice one of the characters in the series.

Showtime and Paramount Television Studios have halted production of upcoming series “American Gigolo” for four days. The move comes after severing ties with the series’ developer, writer, director and executive producer David Hollander, following an investigation into allegations of misconduct.

The overhaul of HBO drama “The Idol” continues, according to Deadline. The day after director Amy Seimetz exited series comes word that Suzanna Son (“Red Rocket”) is one of the cast members not expected to return.

Melissa McBride, who’s starred as Carol on the “The Walking Dead” since the series debut, will not be part of the spinoff slated for 2023. “Melissa McBride has given life to one of the most interesting, real, human and popular characters in The Walking Dead Universe. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to participate in the previously announced spinoff focused on the Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier characters, which will be set and filmed in Europe this summer to premiere next year. Relocating to Europe became logistically untenable for Melissa at this time. We know fans will be disappointed by this news, but The Walking Dead Universe continues to grow and expand in interesting ways and we very much hope to see Carol again in the near future,” AMC said in a statement.

HBO Max is developing “NOONAN’S” (wt), a ten-episode adult-animated spinoff of DC series “Harley Quinn” centered on Kite Man (voiced by Matt Oberg). Delicious Non-Sequitur and Yes, Norman Productions are a producing the project in association with Warner Bros. Animation.

UCP, a division on Universal Studio Group, is developing a true-crime story about the Murdaughs. Michael D. Fuller (“Locke & Key”) and Erin Lee Carr (“Britney vs Spears”) are set to create, write and executive produce the series, which is based on journalist Mandy Matney’s popular “Murdaugh Murders Podcast.”

Aimee Teegarden (“Friday Night Lights,” “Star-Crossed”) has inked an exclusive multi-picture deal with Crown Media Family Networks. “Aimee’s charming performances have resonated with viewers and critics alike, we are thrilled to continue working with her on new feel-good movies,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. ‘

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has solidified its final season cast. Kelly Bishop (“Gilmore Girls”) will return as matchmaker Benedetta. Alfie Fuller and Jason Ralph have been upped to series regulars. Joining in recurring roles will be Peter Friedman (“Succession”), Chloe Kerwin (“Asleep in My Palm”), Austin Bass (“Supernatural”), Jos Grisetti (“Nurse Jackie”), Michael Cyril Creighton (“Only Murders in the Building”), Eddie Kay Thomas (“American Dad!”) and Lucas Kavner (“The Jim Jefferies Show”).

Apple TV+ has unveiled its Season 2 cast for “The Afterparty.” Sam Richardson and Zoe Chao will be back alongside Tiffany Haddish. New additions include Elizabeth Perkins (“Sharp Objects”), Zach Woods (“Silicon Valley”), Paul Walter Hauser (“Black Bird”), Poppy Liu (“Hacks”), Anna Konkle (“PEN15”), Jack Whitehall (“Jungle Cruise”) and Vivian Wu (“Away”).

Casting notes: Jesse Spencer will return to NBC’s Chicago Fire for the Season 10 finale… Emily Osment has been upped to series regular for Season 6 of CBS comedy, “Young Sheldon”… Lexi Underwood has landed a role in the second season of Freeform’s “Cruel Summer.”

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

Ovation TV’s digital channel, JOURNY, premieres “Travel Guides New Zealand” on Sunday, May 1, in honor of Asian American & Pacific Heritage Month. JOURNY will introduce a new travel series every month, supported by a curated lineup of diverse programming, talent and destinations.

Discovery+ debuts “The Book of Queer” on Thursday, June 2. The five-episode series celebrates the history of the LGBTQ+ community and will be narrated by queer game changers including Dominque Jackson (“Pose”), Leslie Jordan (“American Horror Story,” “Will & Grace”), Ross Mathews {“The Drew Barrymore Show,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Alex Newell (“Glee”) and Margart Cho (“The Flight Attendant,” “Fire Island”).

Limited series “This Is Going To Hurt” bows Thursday, June 2 on AMC+ and Sundance Now. The comedy, starring Ben Whishaw (“A Very English Scandal,” “No Time to Die,” “London Spy”) is based on Adam Kay’s international memoir of the same name. It follows Adam (Whishaw), a doctor who is finding his way through the ranks of hospital hierarchy.

Season 3 of “Legendary” returns Thursday, May 19 on HBO Max. Keke Palmer joins MC/host Dashaun Wesley and judges Leiomy Maldonado, Jameela Jamil and Law Roach pm the ballroom competition series.

Sesame Street Mecha Builders premieres Monday, May 9 on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network. The series will be available on HBO Max on Tuesday, May 10.

COMING UP

FOX Nation presents “Who Is Elon Musk?” today, April 28. The special delves into the life of the richest man in the world, from building electric cars and spaceships to buying Twitter and dating Amber Heard.

Planned Parenthood and Fuse Media have teamed up for the premiere of “A Sexplanation,” chronicling health reporter Alex Liu’s journey to uncover the naked truths and hard facts about sex positivity. The documentary bows Tuesday, May 3 at 11p.

American Masters: Joe Papp in Five Acts debuts Friday, June 3 at 9p on PBS (check local listings.) The film tells the story of the street-wise champion of the arts.

The Disney Night tradition continues at “American Idol.” Singer Ben Platt will mentor the remaining contestants from Disneyland Resort in California as they prepare to perform beloved Disney tunes on Sunday, May 1 at 8p on ABC.

“Cyberchase,” the longest running math series for kids ages 6-8, celebrates its 20th anniversary with Arbor Day special, “Buzz and the Tree.” It airs Friday, April 29 at 7p as part of PBS KIDS Family Night.

UPFRONTS UPDATES & CALENDAR
Buzzfeed announced new initiatives for advertisers at its first-ever upfront event.
“Just a few months after going public and acquiring Complex Networks, I’m excited to begin to share BuzzFeed, Inc.’s expanding story with the advertising community: ad solutions for vertical-first platforms like Reels and TikTok, two massive food brands that combine utility and entertainment, world-class news divisions, and unmatched influence and scale,” said BuzzFeed Founder and CEO Jonah Peretti. “We’re beginning to realize the benefits of the strategy we set out to pursue last year, and I’m thrilled to extend those to our advertising partners.”

May 2: NBCUniversal/Peacock NewFront
May 3: Samsung Ads at 9a (Samsung 837, NYC); Roku at 11:30a (Caldwell Factory, NYC)
May 4: Digitas at 9:25a; Blavity at 9:50a; Revolt Media at 10:05a; Black Enterprise at 10:25a; Diversity in the Creator Community at 10:40a; TikTok at 4:30p; Twitter at 6p (Pier 17)
May 5: A+E Networks at 9a; Nielsen at 9:20a; fuboTV at 9:30; Dotdash Meredith at 9:50a; Comscore at 10:10a; LG Ads at 10:20; Innovid at 10:55a; GSTV at 11:05a; Crackle Plus at 11:25a; Estrella Media at 12:45p; Vevo at 4:30p (Hammerstein Ballroom), Canela Media at 1p (virtual) and CincoDeFront at 5:30p (NYC)
May 10: Screenvision at 6p (Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC)
May 16: NBCUniversal (Radio City Music Hall, NYC); Telemundo (Ziegfeld Theater, NYC); Fox (Skylight, NYC)
May 17: Univision at 11:30a (Javits Center in NYC); Disney (Basketball City at Pier 36, NYC); YouTube Brandcast at 8p
May 18: Paramount (Carnegie Hall, NYC); Warner Bros. Discovery (Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, NYC)
May 19: The CW (New York City Center Theater, NYC)

STREAMING

Jonathan Sposato, co-founder and chairman of GeekWire, has launched JoySauce Network. The new ad-supported multimedia platform is aimed at the “American Asian” and its allies. The site, which went live Wednesday morning, features “multiple channels of vibrant digital programming dedicated to celebrating both new and established American Asian talent.” JoySauce Network explained that the use of “American Asian rather than Asian American” is its way of “shifting the center of gravity, while recognizing that each of us chooses how the pieces of our identities fit together.”

Prime Video has struck a multi-year deal with ONE Championship for exclusive live coverage of martial events in the US and Canada. Prime Video will broadcast 12 live ONE Champion events annually; the first to be announced later this year.

Disney+ released a new trailer and key art for original movie “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.” The hybrid live-action/CG animated action comedy catches up with the former Disney Afternoon television stars in modern-day Los Angeles. It debuts on Friday, May 20.

TECH TALK

Blockgraph has struck a new partnership with Cadent. Through the new integration, companies using Cadent Aperture Platform will be able to match and activate TV audiences using aggregated and de-identified data across addressable households within the footprint of participating distributors using Blockgraph’s Identity Operating System. The agreement enables marketers to more efficiently plan, target and measure campaigns across the fragmented CTV landscape.

GOING GLOBAL

Abacus Media Rights acquired Sky Original feature “The Ghost of Richard Harris” for worldwide distribution. The documentary explores the complex, flawed genius.

FilmRise secured North American digital distribution rights to over 200 films from Full Moon Features library. Titles include the “Puppet Master” and “The Gingerdead Man” franchises, among many others.

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RATINGS

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Tuesday, April 26
Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49)
ABC: Judge Steve Hardy 3.20 (0.4), Judge Steve Hardy 2.58 (0.3), To Tell the Truth 2.10 (0.3)
CBS: FBI 7.27 (0.5), FBI: International 5.94 (0.5), FBI: Most Wanted 5.25 (0.4)
CW: Superman & Lois 0.89 (0.2), Naomi 0.55 (0.1)
FOX: The Resident 2.95 (0.4), Name That Tune 1.33 (0.2)
NBC: Young Rock 2.07 (0.4), This Is Us 4.70 (0.8), New Amsterdam 3.28 (0.4)
TELE: Exatlon Estados Unidos 0.94 (0.2), Hercal: Amor e Venganza 1.19 (0.4), Pasion de Gavilanes 0.86 (0.3)
UNI: Soltero Con Hijas 1.34 (0.3), Mi Fortuna es Amerte 1.52 (0.3), Madre 1.74 (0.4)
Source: Nielsen, live + same day time period averages

EXECUTIVE MOVES

ITV Studios America announced promotions among its executive team. Anuj Goyal was upped to Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, while Neil Forcadela was elevated to Vice President, Production Finance. In addition, Robert Sorkin has been hired as Vice President, Business Development and Strategy.

This Day in History
1965 – One of the most popular musicals of all time, “The Sound of Music,” won five Academy Awards.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
For which product did Tom Selleck appear in an ad for with Farrah Fawcett? Dubonnet, in 1972. Kudos to: Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing, Inc./NYC; Charles Lore/NYC; Phyllis McQuillan-MSG Networks/NYC; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/NYC; Sandy Spiegel/Chicago, IL; Tammy Golub-FOX4 News/Waco, TX; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/Los Angeles, CA; Susie Romano-Tennis Channel/Santa Monica, CA; Ken DuBow-Access Entertainment/Los Angeles, CA.

Today’s Trivia Question
In the series finale of “Adam 12” (1968-1975), which action earned Officer Jim Reed the Medal of Honor? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four per time zone.)

Cynopsis Team