IN THE NEWS

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging the tech giant uses money it collects from advertisers to pay mobile phone manufacturers, carriers and browsers to make its search engine a preset default, thereby locking out competition. Google, which accounts for about 80% of search queries in the US, unlawfully prohibits rivals’ search applications from being preloaded on phones, claims the government. The lawsuit is “deeply flawed,” responded Google. ““This lawsuit would do nothing to help consumers,” said Google’s SVP of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, in a blog post. “To the contrary, it would artificially prop up lower-quality search alternatives, raise phone prices, and make it harder for people to get the search services they want to use.”

Netflix has canceled Away after one season. The space drama starring Hilary Swank was released on September 4. “Love and hope will always remain my ‘North Star’,” posted Swank on Instagram. “It was an incredible journey my compadres.”

Lifetime has teamed with lifestyle expert (and Andrew Cuomo ex) Sandra Lee to host and create custom holiday content for the net’s annual It’s a Wonderful Lifetime slate, kicking off Friday, October 23. The lifestyle pieces will launch Thanksgiving week. “For decades Sandra has helped time-starved homemakers everywhere make delicious meals, give thoughtful gifts, and create beautiful homes,” said Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming, Lifetime and LMN. “As the authority on all things home and lifestyle, Sandra is the foremost trusted go-to source for simple, doable ideas with beautiful, attainable results. She’s the perfect addition to the Lifetime family and will provide incredible ideas with easy tips ensuring It’s a Wonderful Lifetime for all our viewers this year.”

AMC Networks has teamed with Adopt-a-Pet.com for AMC’s annual horror marathon FearFest, to raise awareness for pet adoption with FurFest. AMC, AMC+, and Shudder are encouraging viewers to support Adopt-a-Pet.com’s mission to help pets find loving forever homes through custom spots airing across linear, digital, and social channels. The spots encourage viewers to find their perfect watch buddies through adoptions – and especially raise awareness for black cat and black dog adoptions.

As viewership habits increasingly shift to OTT, advertisers must combine TV & OTT together in their media mix in order to maximize their reach and drive campaign effectiveness/impact. On Nov. 17 at 3:10pm ET, this session will provide an insider’s look at the latest methods & technologies being used to deliver the real-time actionable data needed to move beyond impressions, to impact – at massive scale.

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HBO handed a series order to The Son, starring executive produced by Nine Stories’ Jake Gyllenhaal. Denis Villeneuve will direct and executive produce; writer Lenore Zion will showrun and executive produce with Kilter Films’ Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. Nine Stories’ Riva Marker and Kilter Films’ Athena Wickham will also executive produce the limited series, based on the tale of vengeance by bestselling author Jo Nesbo.

Kristen Bell is in a good place with Netflix. The streamer has ordered The Woman in the House, a dark comic thriller starring and exec produced by Bell. The limited series, following a heartbroken woman who may or may not have witnessed a gruesome murder, comes from Will Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez Productions.

Acorn TV and Channel 5 have commissioned new detective drama Dalgliesh, with Acorn Media Enterprises and all3media international and additional funding from Northern Ireland Screen. Adapting three of P.D. James’ Inspector Dalgliesh Mysteries, the new series will star Bertie Carvel (Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell) as Inspector Adam Dalgliesh and consist of three two-part films.

Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) is set to direct the pilot of George Lucas’ Willow for Disney+, and will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot for the fantasy adventure. Ron Howard, director of the 1988 film, returns as executive producer.

Bravo is adding to its Top Chef menu with Top Chef Amateurs, a competition for home cooks hosted by Gail Simmons and produced by Magical Elves. Each amateur chef will compete in challenges from the Top Chef archives.

Entertainment One, Hasbro’s entertainment studio, has enlisted producer and director Jonathan Entwistle to shepherd new film and television adaptations of Power Rangers. eOne will develop and produce the projects with Entwistle set to direct across both formats.

Courtney Lilley will serve as EP/showrunner on ABC comedy cousins black-ish and mixed-ish as part of a new overall deal with ABC Signature. “It’s all under the same umbrella, it’s a Kenya Barris show,” said Lilly. “I’ve worked on black-ish since season one, I know Kenya’s voice… a lot of it made sense and the timing of it made it easier.”

Wild Rabbit, centered on a sports phenom whose life changes after he suffers a career-ending injury weeks before draft day, is in development at Hulu. The sports drama from Randy McKinnon is inspired by his life. McKinnon will write and executive produce; Reinaldo Marcus Green is attached to direct and EP.

Synchronicity Films (The Cry) is developing a limited series based on Andrew O’Hagan novel Mayflies, the story of a lifelong friendship. Mayflies will be adapted for the screen by Andrea Gibb (Elizabeth is Missing).

CASTING

Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos) has joined the pilot of ABC medical drama Triage in a series regular role…Dominic West (The Affair) is in talks to play Prince Charles in seasons 5 and 6 of The Crown, reports Deadline. West would take the reins from Josh O’Connor, playing the prince in season three and upcoming season four…Steven Krueger (The Originals) will recur on season three of CW’s Roswell, New Mexico.

RETURNING SERIES

HBO’s Euphoria will return for two special episodes, as a bridge between season one and a season two delayed by the production shutdown. The first episode, following Rue (Emmy winner Zendaya) as she celebrates Christmas, premieres Sunday, December 6 at 9p.

CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team is back for season 15 on Tuesday, November 24 at 10p. In a first for the organization, auditions were held virtually (you know why), and summer training camp was held inside a “bubble.”

STREAMING

Discovery is rebranding its ad-funded streamer Dplay as Discovery+ in the UK and Ireland, and adding a subscription tier priced at £4.99 a month that will include access to Discovery’s 13 channels; 30-day catch-up; originals; early releases; and box-sets featuring flagship brands.

The Bob Ross Channel, featuring memorable moments and paintings from the public television series, is launching on Pluto TV. As part of its agreement with Bob Ross, Inc., Cinedigm has produced and distributed special messages of support for public television on the channel.

Netflix reported 2.2 million additional subscribers in 3Q20, below a forecast of 2.5 million. The streamer told shareholders it missed the forecast “primarily due to our record first half results and the pull-forward effect we described in our April and July letters… In these challenging times, we’re dedicated to serving our members.”

Hulu picked up domestic distribution rights to holiday romantic comedy film Happiest Season. Originally intended for a theatrical release, the film starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis will instead premiere as a Hulu Original on Wednesday, November 25.

TECH TALK

Instagram is rolling out access to Badges in Live internationally to over 50,000 creators. Badges in Live allows creators to make money while also deepening the connection between creators and their fans. They help fans stand out in the comments by appearing next to their name during a creator’s live video, and unlock special features, including placement on a creator’s list of badge holders and access to a special heart. Instagram will also temporarily match earnings from Badges starting in November. “We want Instagram to be the best place for creators to tell their story, grow their audience and make a living,” said the company. “This is another step forward in our vision to build a suite of tools that help creators make money through branded content, shopping, content monetization, and direct support from fans.”

AT&T introduced WarnerMedia RIDE, a streaming service that works on personal smartphones or tablets connected to in-car Wi-Fi hotspots. The service includes news and sports programming and content from brands including Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS and TNT, and will be available in select Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. “General Motors pioneered the connected car industry and we continue to put our customers at the center of what those connections can offer,” said Santiago Chamorro, VP of GM Global Connected Services. “The addition of WarnerMedia’s library of podcasts, movies and television programming – combined with AT&T’s Wi-Fi connectivity – is just another way we’re enhancing the ownership experience for our customers.” AT&T also plans to offer HBO Max as a “unique premium bundle of connectivity and content” for AT&T connected car data plan subscribers next year.

VidCon, the convention for online video creators, announced a rebrand that includes a new look and new logo, as well as the return of its tentpole US live event to Anaheim, CA in summer 2021. Additionally, after its VidCon Now virtual experience this summer, VidCon is introducing a new hybrid model that extends the digital experience year-round.

COMING UP

E! is holding a Keeping Up With the Kardashians marathon today, October 21, starting at 12p, to celebrate the 40th birthday of Kim Kardashian West. Which “iconic episodes and moments” will be included? Viewers will see Kim’s first cry face, “that time Kim wouldn’t stop taking selfies in the car as Khloe Kardashian was reporting to jail,” and the family’s Bora Bora trip when Kim lost her diamond earring in the ocean and Kourtney said, “Kim, there’s people that are dying!”.

Corporate sponsors for the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Telemundo tonight will include Garnier Fructis, Mazda, OREO, State Farm, T-Mobile, Toyota, Verizon and Xfinity. Brand activations underscoring the power of music to bring people together will run across viewing platforms from Red Carpet and Post-Show Livestreams, to Moments and Highlights.

Don Cheadle, Common, Cindy Crawford, Whitney Cummings, Stephen Curry, Zachary Levi and Kelly Rowland have been added to the lineup for the MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon, a two-hour special to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The special streams live on Saturday, October 24 from 8-10p on LOL Network, YouTube, Pluto TV, TikTok, Triller and Twitch.

The results of Nickelodeon “Kids’ Vote” poll will be revealed during a Nick News TV special premiering Tuesday, October 27 at 7p. Kids Pick the President will be hosted by Keke Palmer and simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons, and be available on Nickelodeon YouTube, Nick On Demand, the Nick App and the Nick Pluto TV channel following the premiere.

AXS TV and HDNET Movies are partnering with Movember, the charity foundation dedicated to men’s health, for a month-long lineup celebrating mustachioed movie stars in support of the organization’s efforts to help men improve their physical and mental health. Every Monday in November, HDNET Movies will feature a back-to-back block airing at 8p, while AXS TV airs action epics and comedy classics every Friday at 9p. AXS TV is also presenting an all-day event on Saturday, November 14.

Nat Geo special Virus Hunters premieres Sunday, November 1 at 9p, focused on experts working to avoid another pandemic.

GOING GLOBAL

A+E Networks UK has commissioned a documentary Special, Family Man, for Crime + Investigation. Produced by Off The Fence, the film is about the growing phenomenon of Familicide – the wiping out of an entire family by a father/husband who then commits suicide.

Netflix announced a new original drama series, Midnight at the Pera Palace, produced by Karga Seven Pictures Turkey. The eight-episode Turkish language series has started production in multiple locations in Turkey.

Nelvana has appointed Blue Socks Media as its distribution partner in the continental African territory for series including Babar, Franklin and Max & Ruby, Ranger Rob, The Dog & Pony Show, Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe, Bakugan and more.

VIEW ON DEMAND: Cynopsis’ That Big TV Conference
View the key executive insights, panel by panel, at your leisure.

GET IN THE KNOW

[ Sponsors: Gamut – NY Interconnect – a4 – Vevo – Discovery Engage – Premion – Tubi – Nielsen – a4 – TiVO – 4A’s ]

In its fourth week on the air, syndicated talker Drew Barrymore (0.6 Live+SD national Nielsen rating, up 20% from the week before) notched the largest percentage increase of any syndicated strip for the session ending October 11. Also on the rise was sophomore Tamron Hall (0.8, up 14%), despite numerous news and sports preemptions.

HGTV’s Flip or Flop was the #1 cable program in prime among P25-54, W25-54, upscale P25-54, upscale W25-54, P2+ and households on Thursday, October 15 in the 9p timeslot. The new season’s premiere episode delivered a 1.00 Live+3 rating among P25-54, a +76% lift over the prior six weeks and a +32% increase over year-ago levels.

Hallmark channel’s Sweet Autumn averaged a 2.4 Household rating, 2.2 million total viewers, and 303,000 W25-54, becoming the second highest-rated and most-watched entertainment cable program of the week.

TV Time’s Shows on the Rise for the Week of October 12
La Flamme (Canal+) – 99.8%
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (Netflix) – 94%
Doc In Your Hands (Rai 1) – 92.5%
Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All Access) – 81.4%
Fear the Walking Dead (AMC) – 57.4%
black-ish (ABC) – 51.5%
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (VH1) – 50.3%
To the Lake (THT) – 47.9%
Riverdale (The CW) – 40.1%
The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix) – 36.6%
Methodology: Every week, millions of viewers around the world use TV Time to track their favorite series. “Shows on the Rise” is calculated by determining the week-over-week growth in episodes watched for a given program.

Top 10 M-F Syndicated Strip Series for the week of October 5 ranked in order by HH Rtg
Judge Judy (CTD) 5.4 AA
Family Feud (CTD) 5.3 AA
Jeopardy (CTD) 4.6 AA
Wheel of Fortune (CTD) 4.5 AA
The Big Bang Theory (WB) 2.7 AA
Inside Edition (CTD) 2.2 AA
Entertainment Tonight (CTD) 2.1 AA
Dr. Phil (CTD) 1.9 AA
Live With Kelly and Ryan (DAD) 1.9 AA
Last Man Standing (DAD) 18 AA

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Monday, October 19
Show, P2+ 0000s, (A18-49)
ABC: Dancing With the Stars 5.75 (0.8), Emergency Call 2.63 (0.4)
CBS: Big Brother 3.75 (0.9), One Day at a Time 1.36 (0.2), One Day at a Time 1.181 (0.2), Manhunt: Deadly Game 1.407 (0.2)
CW: Whose Line Is It Anyway 0.83 (0.1), Whose Line Is It Anyway 0.75 (0.2), Penn & Teller: Fool Us 0.85 (0.2)
Fox: LA’s Finest 2.28 (0.6), Filthy Rich 1.70 (0.4)
NBC: The Voice 8.20 (1.2), Weakest Link 4.26 (0.8)
Telemundo: Domo del Dinero 0.79 (0.2), Todo por mi Hija 1.38 (0.3), Falsa Identidad 0.85 (0.2)
Univision: Medicos, Linea de Vida 1.50 (0.5), Imperio de Mentiras 1.24 (0.4), Dulce Ambicion 0.94 (0.3)
Source: Nielsen, live + same day time period averages

EXECUTIVE MOVES

ViacomCBS announced a new leadership structure for its global ecosystem of streaming services. Tom Ryan, currently CEO of Pluto TV, will assume the role of President and CEO, ViacomCBS Streaming. Marc DeBevoise will step down from his role as Chief Digital Officer, ViacomCBS, and President and CEO, ViacomCBS Digital, serving in an advisory capacity for the remainder of 2020. Kelly Day, COO, ViacomCBS Networks International, will take on an expanded role as President of Streaming, VCNI, overseeing all ex-U.S. digital and streaming platforms in addition to her COO responsibilities. Pierluigi Gazzolo will step down as President, Streaming and Studios, VCNI to pursue other interests.

Mediaocean promoted Stephanie Dorman to the position of the company’s first global Chief People Officer. Dorman has worked with Mediaocean for ten years and held senior roles in client services and customer experience.

Stand-up comedian Lil Rel Howery has been named Head of Comedy for SVOD kweliTV, featuring Black cinema. Howery and kweliTV founder and CEO DeShuna Spencer will secure new comedy content for distribution as well as other opportunities.

PBS upped Sylvia Bugg to Chief Programming Executive and GM, General Audience Programming. Bugg replaces Perry Simon, who left this summer.

Abacus Media Rights has appointed Hana Palmer to the new position of Head of Sales. Palmer has worked as a consultant at AMR since May.

Refinery29’s Chelsea Sanders has been promoted to VP, Brand Innovation and Strategic Partnerships for Unbothered, Refinery29’s community for and by Black women. Previously, Sanders served as the VP of Communications for Refinery29.

Japan’s Nippon TV announced the creation of a new department within its Business Development division. The launch of the Anime Department will be headed by Kako Kuwahara, who has been promoted to EVP of Business Development.

IN MEMORIAM

Writer/producer Dana Baratta died October after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was 59. Among her numerous credits were Dawson’s Creek, Providence, Private Practice and Good Behavior.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Who played Ruth’s second husband in Six Feet Under (2001-2005)? James Cromwell. Kudos to: Rozan Wrench-Spectrum Reach/Greensboro, NC, William A. King-NBCUniversal/Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton, FL, Charles Lore/NYC, Aaron Paquette-Screen Engine/ASI/Fort Worth, TX, Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station, TX, Cherie Wall-Sandbox Entertainment/Nashville, Coleen Rayman-The Walt Disney Co./Burbank, Dave Sikula-San Francisco State University/San Francisco, Allyson Jaron Haas-Babiekins Magazine/LA, Greg Stewart/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
Which short-lived series had the tagline, “America’s Coolest Hero”? (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.)