Today’s Premieres
TLC: “Dr. Pimple Popper” at 9p
Travel Channel: “Paranormal Declassified” at 10p
Today’s Finales
Bravo: “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” at 10p
Food Network: “Holiday Baking Championship” at 9p
ID: “Twisted Sisters” at 9p
IN THE NEWS
HBO Max renewed “The Flight Attendant” for a second season, the day after season one’s December 17 finale. “The positive response to our show has surpassed all of our expectations,” said executive producer and star Kaley Cuoco. The show’s first season saw week over week growth and ranked as HBO Max’s #1 series during its run.
Amazon YA drama “The Wilds” is also headed for a second run. The cast shared the good news on social media
Locke & Key scored a season three renewal from Netflix. The supernatural thriller is based on the comic books by Joe Hill and Gabrie Rodriguez. Aso renewed for a third season at Netfix is romance drama “Virgin River,” based on the Harlequin book series. Zibby Allen (“The Flash”) has joined the cast as a series regular, while Stacey Farber (“Saving Hope”) will recur.
Several Fox News and Fox Business Network shows aired a segment that debunks claims of election fraud that have been made by some of their hosts. The three-minute segment, featuring an interview with nonpartisan voting technology expert Eddie Perez, first aired Friday during FBN host Lou Dobbs’ show, and came days after voting software company Smartmatic demanded a retraction from Fox News, One America News and Newsmax for “publishing false and defamatory statements” about rigged voting.
TikTok star Charli D’Amelio landed a Hulu reality show. “The D’Amelio Show,” an eight-parter following the influencer and her family (combined social media footprint: 250+ million followers) is slated for a 2021 bow. The Intellectual Property Corporation (“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath”) will produce; “Toddlers & Tiaras” EP Sara Reddy is showrunner and will exec produce with Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman and Esther Frank.
CTV device sales will top 111 million units in 4Q20, up 32% from the previous quarter and a 6% rise year-over-year, according to data from Strategy Analytics. While game consoles are seeing the fastest growth (150%), media streamers will rise 42%, and smart TVs 9%. “For many people, streaming video and TV are increasingly the default option when they switch on the big screen,” said David Watkins, Director, Connected Home Devices. “Smart TVs are fast becoming the first-choice gateway to the fast expanding world of video-on-demand and internet TV services, and streamers and consoles are a great choice for those who want to upgrade on existing TV.”
MIPTV will take place online during the week of April 12-16, and include the MIPDoc and MIPFormats programs. While the decision to go virtual was made due to the pandemic, if conditions improve sufficiently by early 2021, Reed MIDEM will look at holding a small, in-person screenings-based event in Cannes to complement the digital edition. CANNESERIES Season 4 will take place in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from April 9-14.
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H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S
Wishing you a safe & healthy holiday season.
Cynopsis will not publish December 24-January 3.
Until then, past editions, jobs center, special reports, & event information can always be found on our website. |
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PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Realscreen and Everywoman Studios announced that TV and film producer Kelly Sallaway is the first winner of Propelle, their joint female-focused accelerator program. Sallaway’s winning project “Escape to Normal: The Briell Decker Story,” is a docu-series that tells the true story of Briell Decker’s marriage and escape from FLDS cult leader Warren Jeffs and her ongoing work to help other FLDS escapees. Everywoman Studios has committed up to $20,000 in development support to Sallaway’s project bring the project to buyers.
Jessica Lucas (“Gotham”) landed a series regular role on upcoming season four of Fox’s “The Resident.”
COMING UP
All together now: The CW will join MTV, MTV2, PopTV and Logo in simulcasting the season 13 premiere of VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Friday, January 1 at 8p. A marathon of seasons 1-12 will run on Logo starting Friday, December 25 at 9a.
TNT will air the TV premiere of Marvel Studios blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” on Sunday, January 3 at 8p, following an airing of “Avengers: Infinity War at 4:45p.
Acorn TV typically launches a new season of Canadian period drama “Murdoch Mysteries” on Christmas, but since shoots were delayed this fall due to COVID-19, the streamer will instead air a one-hour concert special celebrating the music popular during the series’ turn of the 20th Century era. “A Music Lover’s Guide to Murdoch Mysteries” will premiere in the US and Canada, on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. On Christmas Day, Acorn TV offers a special edition of Britcom “Birds of a Feather,” set during a lockdown holiday. And coming up in 2021 is season two of dramedy “Finding Joy,” starting Monday, January 11.
Litton Entertainment and NBC announced that new series “Wild Child,” featuring baby animals, and “One Team: The Power of Sports,” demonstrating the power of sports to unite people, will join “The More You Know,” NBC’s three-hour Saturday morning programming block.
Year-end “The Royal Beat” special, “Top Ten Royal Moments” (#1 story: Megxit) will be available on True Royalty TV starting today, December 21.
STREAMING
Nextstar Media Group signed a multi-year carriage agreement with Hulu, effective January 19. The move restores its ABC affiliates to Hulu + Live TV, which were dropped in October when the companies were unable to strike a deal, and adds Nextstar’s WGN America. “We are very pleased to reach an agreement with one of the country’s premier live TV streaming services and we’re looking forward to making our entertainment content and ‘NewsNation’ available to 4 million new subscribers throughout the country,” said Sean Compton, President of Nexstar’s networks division.
Starz channels and SVOD library have launched on fuboTV, available as a premium add-on to fubo TV’s bast package. The launch makes Starz available on all major streaming services in the US.
Food Network first podcast, “Food Network Obsessed,” launchesFriday, January 8 . Hosted by food blogger, journalist, TV host and Food Network superfan, Jaymee Sire, the podcast will offer a behind-the-scenes taste of network series.
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| A Cynopsis message from The Lustgarten Foundation
Support the 2020 Lustgarten Foundation Holiday Bash
A month-long virtual benefit in support of our pancreatic cancer research fund
Click here to donate or learn more
Presented by MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports and AMC Networks
100% of your donation goes directly to pancreatic cancer research.
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| RATINGS
The week of December 6, holiday movie “A Christmas For Mary” and drama “The Haves & The Have Nots” made OWN Tuesday night’s #1 cable network among African-American W25-54, W18-49, W18+, HHs, and P2+ in Live+3 Nielsens, while unscripted series “Ready to Love” and “Put A Ring On It” drove OWN to be Friday night’s #1 non-news cable network among African-American W25-54, W18+, HHs, and P2+.
Fox News Channel wrapped the year posting the largest total day and primetime audience among total viewers in cable news history, with 1.9 million viewers in total day and 3.6 million viewers in primetime, according to Nielsen. In primetime, the network also averaged the most-watched year in cable news history in the 25-54 demo, notching 645,000 viewers.
Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Thursday, December 17
Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49)
ABC: “Station 19” 5.563 (1.0), “Grey’s Anatomy” 5.66 (1.1), “A Million Little Things” 3.33 (0.5)
CBS: “Young Sheldon” 6.86 (0.7), “B Positive” 4.60 (0.5), “Mom” 4.59 (0.5), “The Unicorn” 3.36 (0.4), “Star Trek: Discovery” 1.73 (0.2)
CW: “Dogs of the Year” 0.78 (0.1), World’s Funniest Animals 0.58 (0.1), World’s Funniest Animals 0.52 (0.1)
Fox: “NFL Pregame” 7.34 (1.7), “Thursday Night Football 12.96 (3.4)
NBC: NBC Movie Special 3.21 (0.4), Dateline 3.21 (0.4)
Telemundo: “Domo del Dinero” 0.65, “Todo por mi Hija” 1.50, “Falsa Identidad” 0.83
Univision: “Vencer el Desamor” 1.19 (0.5), “Imperio de Mentiras 0.90 (0.4), Dulce Ambicion 0.92 (0.4)
Source: Nielsen live + same day time period averages
EXECUTIVE MOVES
The E.W. Scripps Company has appointed Jeffrey Wolf, who currently runs distribution for the five Katz networks and Brown Sugar, to oversee national distribution for the new division’s television networks, including broadcast, cable, satellite, over-the-top and streaming. Mark Gray, currently head of network operations for Katz, will oversee network and station operations for the new networks business. And Jason Combs has been promoted from VP of Financial Planning and Analysis, to CFO. Combs replaces Lisa Knutson, who will lead the newly combined businesses of ION Media, the five Katz networks and Newsy.
ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group named “PBS NewsHour” producer James F. Blue III as SVP, Head of Smithsonian Channel. Blue will also oversee all Factual Unscripted content for MTV Entertainment’s portfolio of brands.
IN MEMORIAM
Producer Clay Smith died December 18 after battling cancer. He was 69. During his career, Smith was a supervising producer for “Entertainment Tonight” and “Access Hollywood,” as well as a movie critic for “The Insider.”
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This Day in History
1913 – The first crossword puzzle – with 32 clues – was printed, in New York World.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which 1990s animated special featured the voices of Ed Asner and Betty White? “The Story of Santa Claus” (1996). Kudos to: Amarachi Ugonabo-Metro PR/Long Island, NY, Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC, Charles Lore/NYC, Paul Blutter-Walk and Talk Production Rentals/Burbank, Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA, David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA, Barb Throm-Stealth Creative/Saint Louis, MO, Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
In a holiday episode of “The Golden Girls,” (1985-1992), who do Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia find dressed as Santa at a soup kitchen? (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.)
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CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
LA
Collect and track pertinent data and information from production, talent, and license contracts, assist with negotiating terms and conditions of contracts and draft initial contracts and revise as needed. Minimum of two years’ experience in a law firm, network, or studio. Experience with guild agreements and/or Paralegal training and certification a plus. Full info HERE (1/14)
DIRECTOR, DATA SCIENCE >>
NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Seeking a Director of Data Science who will lead a team of Data Scientists that focus on the design and execution of advanced data exploration, data mining, inference and prediction of multiple traditional and non-traditional media measurement data sets. Expert knowledge of R and Python required, additional languages (i.e., Julia, Java, Scala) a plus. Full Info HERE (1/14)
SR DATA ENGINEER >>
NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Looking for a Data Engineer who will be directly responsible for developing efficient data ingestion processes and automated management; develop and operationalize of machine learning models; and building robust data platforms to enable scaling of our products. 4+ years’ experience processing large amounts of structured and unstructured data in a cluster-computing environment required or similar experience in academia. Full Info HERE (1/14)
SR PRODUCER/WRITER, ORIGINAL CONTENT MARKETING >>
NBCUNIVERAL/NYC: Concept, write, produce and execute best-in-class creative launch campaigns for Peacock Originals for use on all platforms. Minimum 7 years of experience in writing, producing and video editing, experience leading 360° Originals creative campaigns in television or entertainment and Expert in digital video file formats. Full info HERE (1/14)
EVP, GENERAL COUNSEL >>
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS/STUDIO CITY, CA
Provide strategic legal counsel to Crown Media executives, on matters of the highest profile, impact, complexity or sensitivity and leads the attorney and legal specialist team members. Substantive experience handling and advising on entertainment network legal issues within a broadcast/cable/digital in-house environment is sought. HERE (1/13)
SR. MANAGER, COMMERCIAL CLEARANCE >>
A+E NETWORKS/NYC: Ensure Ads are compliant with A+E’s policies and federal guidelines during content and advertising review. Liaise with internal Ad Sales executives and external Ad Agencies. 5+ years experience, preferably at a network working in Ad Standards & Practices/Commercial Clearance. Strong familiarity with rules including FDA, FTC and FCC regulations, indecency and trade libel. Full info HERE (1/8)
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR >>
A+E NETWORKS/NYC: Creative point in print, promotion, and marketing from concept to development across A&E, History & Lifetime projects. Must be well versed in managing design principles for both print and digital deliverables. Demonstrated hands-on ability to create key art and design projects from conception to completion. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite software and industry standard programs and software. 5 years experience working for network, film or other entertainment outlets. Full info HERE (1/8)
PLAYOUT OP >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Must be able to perform ingest and playback functions during live and pre-recorded programs. Traffics video clips according to shows’ rundowns. Edits content as necessary. Min 3 yrs exp in executing video playback in live control room environment. Plus 1yr exp with Ross Tria or EVS. Full info HERE (1/7)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE>>
TELEMUNDO/SACRAMENTO, CA: Responsible for partnering with local clients, both on the agency level and direct, to create innovative and unique mrktg and adv solutions that target a client’s demos and products/services. AE will also need to deliver quarterly results and meeting individual budget requirements. Min 2 yrs direct sales exp with 3 yrs of media sales exp. Full info HERE (1/7)
DIRECTOR, RETAIL DEVELOPMENT, AMERICAS >>
BBC STUDIOS/NY, NY: Resp for building relationships with key retail accounts at the buyer/mrktg levels. Partner with licensee’s sales teams to pre-sell BBCS franchises and meet the needs of key buyers across retail. Build retail strategies that drive brand strategies set by the franchise/licensing teams. 10yrs exp in licensing or entertainment focusing on retail development. Full info HERE (1/7)
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Directs, co-develops/delivers locally prod programs and PSA for nat and inter’l audiences. Also oversees prod crew that produces regular, special and live shows related to various political, historical and other appropriate topics. Min 3 yrs exp in directing Live television news, studio-based programming or similarly related professional media productions. Full info HERE (1/7)
VIDEO ENGINEER & ROBOTIC CAMERA OPERATOR >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Exp in configuring and setting up all broadcast studio cameras both manned and robotic for daily use. Maintains network-level camera blocking and composition. Monitors/adjusts video signals including cameras, monitors, playback sources, color correction equip/incoming feeds. Min 4 yrs exp. Full info HERE (1/7)
FEEDS MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Resp for managing tech/logistical traffic supporting live news shows. Full knwldge of video and tech workflow throughout all locations. Provide tech guidance to help create better video workflows. Ensure all broadcast feeds are meeting specific tech quality standards. Min 3 yrs tech managing, or equivalent knwldge. 5 yrs in live TV prod. Full info HERE (1/7)
GFX Op >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Must be able to set up and play out all graphic elements which are included in pre-recorded or live programming. Mnge graphic content as it corresponds to live and pre-recorded programs. Satisfy all production req for live and pre-recorded programming under the supervision of the show’s director and technical operations mngmt. Min 3 yrs of exp in graphic and character generation, plus 1yr exp with Ross Xpression. Full info HERE (1/7)
AUDIO TECHNICIAN >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Operate/executes audio mixing/creation for live and taped broadcasts, in the context of orig produced programs and PSAs. Collaborate with News depart and prod crew that produce regular, special and live shows. Generate timely and pertinent broadcast material. Min 2 yrs exp in graphic and character gen in television news, creative services, studio-based prog or related profession. Full info HERE (1/7)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
Newsmax Media/NYC: Responsible for designing and building shows, managing show hosts and production team, identifying and integrating guests, overseeing and executing the production of key video & graphic elements. 3+ yrs EP exp or political news & talk programming. Full info HERE (1/7)
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
Newsmax Media/NYC: Write for fast paced news and opinion show. You are an exceptional storyteller with a command of political news and cultural trends. At least 3 years of national or large market local news experience. Full info HERE (1/7)
SENIOR LINE PRODUCER >>
Newsmax Media/NYC: Responsible for the production and execution of live political news programming, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs experience line producing. Full info HERE (1/7)
PRODUCER >>
Newsmax Media/NYC: Responsible for the production of live news & talk show, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs in TV news and/or talk production. Full info HERE (1/7)
COORDINATOR, CONSUMER MARKETING >>
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS/LA, CA: Resp for supporting the implementation of advtg campaigns (on/off-channel), mktg partnerships, promotions, sweepstakes, experiential events, creative adv development & email mktg initiatives. Min 1yr of professional mktg exp within the entertainment industry. Full info HERE (1/6)
MANAGER, TALENT & LEARNING DEVELOPMENT >>
A+E NETWORKS/NYC: Assess company-wide developmental needs and drive the design, development, delivery, evaluation and admin of various training and development programs (including leadership training, coaching, DE&I, etc.). 3-7 yrs of developing eLearning training with strong data analysis skill and excellent communication ability is required. Full info HERE (1/6)
VP, CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT >>
SESAME WORKSHOP/NY, NY: Idea generator in developing and vetting program ideas and genres for creating new programs for in-house development, and identifying the right distributor for each property. Min 8 yrs exp and must be able to share ideas and contribute to the strategic vision/direction of the Workshop. Full info HERE (1/6)
VP, MARKETING >>
BBC STUDIOS/NY, NY: Seeking VP, Mktg for the Americas region, to design/implement an audience-led mktg/media strat to dev/enhance the commercial relationship between BBC Studios and its global strategic customers. Must have proven track record within a global Mktg envir, focusing on customer engagement and strong customer brand relationships. Full info HERE (1/5)
DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR >>
EMERGING NETWORKS, LLC/REMOTE: Responsible for development and growth of web, mobile and social platforms. As well as, all overall support for all digital content efforts and tactical responsibilities as it relates to the website and social media strategy. Full info HERE (1/5)
MARKETING MANAGER (Always-On Show Lead) >>
WONDERY/LOS ANGELES, CA: Responsible for developing marketing strategy aligned to business goals to effectively and efficiently launch and maintain key Wondery shows. Must have 3 years of podcast marketing experience. Full info HERE (1/5)
MEDIA BUYER >>
WONDERY/LOS ANGELES, CA: Responsible for developing and executing media strategy including planning, analyzing and optimizing media campaigns. Must have media-buying experience and a passion for podcasts, audio storytelling and entertainment content. Full info HERE (1/5)
DIRECTOR, OWNED MEDIA >>
A+E NETWORKS/NYC: SME within the Consumer Mktg & Media team. You will develop and manage owned media strategy for the LIFETIME/LMN brands. Partner with Planning, Digital Media and On-Air Scheduling teams. 7yrs exp managing Owned Media within an Entertainment firm with deep knowledge of entertainment landscape, including competitive set and non-linear platform. Full info HERE (1/5)
MANAGER, BRAND MARKETING & STRATEGIC PLANNING >>
NICKELODEON/NY, NY: Hardworking, pro-active and inquisitive Mgr for a newly formed Brand Mktg and Strategy team at Nickelodeon. This role will aid in defining Nickelodeon’s brand mission/values as well as Mktg efforts across series, brand, platforms, emerging media and more. Min 5yrs exp in consumer strategy, digital, mktg or media. Full info HERE (1/5)
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MONDAY DECEMBER 21
ABC: “The Bachelorette,” “CMA Country Christmas”
CBS: “The Neighborhood,” “Bob Hearts Abishola,” “Kid of the Year,” “Bull”
CW: “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” “Greatest Holiday Commercials2020”
FOX: “neXt,” “Cosmos: Possible Worlds”
NBC: “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!”, “Weakest Link”
PBS: “Antiques Roadshow,” “Antiques Roadshow,” “Independent Lens”
Telemundo: “El Domo del Dinero,” “Todo por mi Hija,” “Falsa Identidad”
Univision: “Vencer el Desamor,” “Imperio de Mentiras,” “Dulce Ambicion” |
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