12/15/17: HBO renews Curb Your Enthusiasm

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM FOX NEWS CHANNEL

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CYNOPSIS

Good morning. It’s Friday December 15, 2017 and this is your first early morning briefing. Happy holidays from Cynopsis! Heads up, there will be no editions published the week of December 25. The first edition of 2018 will come out bright and early on January 2.

Tonight’s Premieres:

PBS: Lidia Celebrates America at 10p

Tonight’s Finales:
Bravo: Don’t Be Tardy at 9p

Fox: The Exorcist at 9p

Great American Country: Hawaii Life at 9p

Nat Geo Wild: Savage Kingdom at 9p

Syfy: Z Nation at 10p

Saturday’s Premiere:

Aspire: Idols, Icons + Influencers at 8p

Saturday’s Finales:

Reelz: Copycat Killers at 10p

Science: Secrets of the Underground at 10p

Sunday’s Finales:

E!: Wags LA at 10p

Food: Guy’s Grocery Games: Last Judge Standing at 8p

HGTV: Hawaii Life at 9:30p

TBS: Search Party at 10:30p

TLC: Unexpected at 10p

TNT: Good Behavior at 10p

IN THE NEWS

The FCC voted to repeal the 2015 net neutrality rules calling for broadband providers to treat all of their web traffic equally. FCC chairman Ajit Pai said in a speech before the as-expected 3-2 vote that the action would help consumers and promote competition. “Broadband providers will have more incentive to build networks, especially to underserved areas,” maintained Pai. The vote was a victory for the telecom industry, which had fiercely opposed the Obama-era regulations. Mignon Clyburn, one of the 2 Democrats to vote against the reversal, argued, “I am among the millions outraged. Outraged, because the F.C.C. pulls its own teeth, abdicating responsibility to protect the nation’s broadband consumers.” Net neutrality advocates have argued that telcos will now be able to slow or block certain web traffic, or create paid “fast lanes” for consumers and publishers.

Disney is cutting off a significant slice of 21^st Century Fox, in deal valued at $66.1 billion that would give it Fox’s FX and National Geographic cable channels, regional sports networks, European pay-TV provider Sky, India’s Star, Fox’s movie studio (The Simpsons, Modern Family) and Fox’s stake in Hulu. 21^st would spin off a new company made up of Fox broadcast network, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and Fox Sports 1 and 2.

With Disney gearing up to compete with streaming giants Netflix and Amazon, the massive deal adds content and production capabilities, and control of Hulu that will allow the company to “greatly accelerate” the service, said Disney chairmen and chief exective Bob Iger in an investor call. It also offers more international exposure, with Fox’s 22 regional sports networks a boost to ESPN. “Growing our global presence is another of Disney’s strategic priorities that is extremely well served by this acquisition, especially enhancing ESPN’s position as the world’s greatest sports media brand,” said Iger. “The addition of Fox’s global sports platform, which includes 22 regional sports networks in the U.S. as well as a rich portfolio of sports rights in Europe, India and Latin America, nicely complements ESPN’s existing business and creates exciting new avenues to grow this brand far beyond the U.S.”

Disney said it expects it will take 12 to 18 months to close the deal, given the layers of regulatory approval. Though with Iger’s contract extended through 2021, it appears the speculation about a 2020 presidential can be put to bed. “I’m sticking around until the end of 2021, so you do the math,” Iger said on Good Morning America yesterday.

Tavis Smiley announced that he intends to “fight back” after PBS canceled his talk show distribution deal, claiming the network’s investigators only agreed to interview him after being threatened with a lawsuit. PBS suspended Smiley on Wednesday, after looking into allegations of sexual misconduct. “Following receipt of a complaint, PBS hired an independent law firm to conduct an investigation and we stand by its integrity,” said PBS in a statement. “The totality of the investigation, which included Mr. Smiley, revealed a pattern of multiple relationships with subordinates over many years, and other conduct inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.”

The 44^th People’s Choice Awards makes its inaugural telecast on E! on November 11, 2018. The ceremony, which moved from CBS, will see Den of Thieves’ Jesse Igniatovic and Evan Prager serve as EPs.

Oprah Winfrey will be honored with the 2018 Cecil B. de Mille Award at the 75^th Annual Golden Globes Awards. The ceremony, hosted by Seth Meyers, airs live coast-to-coast on NBC on Sunday, January 7 at 5p PT and 8p ET.

Allesia Cara, Alesso, Florida Georgia Line, G-Eazy, Halsey, Portugal.The Man , Bebe Rexha, Hailee Steinfeld, Watt and Zedd have been added to the lineup of performers on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018. Annual event airs Sunday, December 31 at 8p on ABC.

Turner Classic Movies kicks off its 9^th annual TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday, April 26 with a 50^th anniversary world premiere restoration screening of The Producers with director, producer, writer and actor Mel Brooks in attendance. Ben Mankiewicz hosts the festivities.

Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment joined forces on “DC in D.C.,” a pop culture event open to the public at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., during the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend on Friday, January 12 and Saturday, January 13.

Cable and Telecommunication Human Resources Association announced its 2018 board of directors and officers. Seth Feit, Group Vice President of Talent for Charter Communications, will lead the organization. Tom Tooker, Vice President of HR for A+E Networks, will serve as Vice President/President-elect. Dave Crossen, Senior Vice President of HR for NBC Broadcasting and Content Distribution, will be secretary. Michele Parks, Vice President of Talent Management for Cox Communications, will be treasurer. Rounding out the executive committee are Judith Mills, Group Vice President of HR for Mediacom Communications, and Cheryl Middleton Jones, Senior Vice President of HR for Scripps Networks Interactive. New additions to the board of directors are: Katherine Barnett, Vice President of HR for Hearst Television; Julie Neimat, Senior Vice President of HR for Discovery Communications; and Rob Talmas, Vice President of total rewards for Univision Communications.

There’s a lot more to TV ratings than total viewers and A18-49 (though of course, there’s that). In the Cynopsis special report, The Top 100 Ratings of 2017, we look not only at the traditional data, but DVR usage, eyes on screen, median age, niche categories like true crime and more to determine which networks and shows are topping the charts. Get the story here.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

The 4^th Annual Cynopsis Top Women in Digital Awards

Awards Event: March 14^th in NYC

At a time when it is more important than ever to shine a light on the incredible accomplishments of women in every field, we are proud to honor these digital trailblazers. They may be just out of college. Or they may be inventors, tech wizards, or senior-level execs who have helped clear a path in what is still a relatively young industry . Past honorees have been digital-savvy innovators from a wide range of companies ( view past honorees here ).

NOMINATE

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

There’s more Larry David on the horizon. HBO renewed Curb Your Enthusiasm for a tenth season on the heels of its ninth season finale. Production is set to begin next spring.

Food Network picked up a second season of Best Baker in America. Production begins in early 2018 for a spring launch.

Netflix issued a ten-episode order to On My Block. Co-created by Awkward creator Lauren Iungerich and All Eyez On Me writers Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft, the coming of age comedy focuses on four bright and street-savvy friends navigating their way through high school in the rough inner city.

Sports Illustrated TV is collaborating with Mandalay Sports Media’s Mike Tollin and Triple Threat TV’s Gary Cohen on original documentary We Town. Show follows the journey of NBA stars Mo Bamba and Cam Reddish, who chose to go to Westtown School, an elite academic school without a basketball tradition, because they were drawn to Coach Seth Berger.

Issa Rae is pitching dystopian sci-fi series The Awoken to broadcasters and streamers. Project hails from Katelyn Howes, who won a diverse writers’ initiative launched by the Insecure star.

Sonar Entertainment teamed with Like A Photon Creative on Bear & Salmon. The preschool animated series answers life’s big questions from the perspective of young children.

Paramount TV and Anonymous Content teamed with Conde Nast Entertainment for a first-look deal to develop and produce scripted series. CNE’s television division had eight series sold or renewed in 2017, including Netflix’s Last Chance U.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

BET announced its winter schedule. Among the highlights: Black Card Revoked, based on the party game of the same name and hosted by Tony Rock, debuts Thursday, January 18 at 10p; BET’s Mancave from Steve Harvey, featuring candid conversations among men on hot-button topics, immediately follows at 10:30p. The first ever BET Social Awards airs live Sunday, February 11 at 10p, and its first procedural drama, In Contempt, starring Erica Ash, bows Tuesday, April 19 at 10p.

NBC set the premiere date for new comedy A.P. Bio from Saturday Night Live writer Mike O’Brien, Lorne Michaels and Seth Meyers. Series bows Thursday, February 1 at 9:30p, following Will & Grace. In addition, This Is Us returns from its winter hiatus on Tuesday, January 9 at 9p.

Discovery spinoff Gold Rush: White Water bows Friday, January 19 at 10p. Docu-series centers on miners who dive deep beneath the water’s surface in search of a fortune. The net’s Street Outlaws returns Monday, January 15 at 10p.

The automotive thrills continue when Jay Leno’s Garage returns Thursday, January 4 at 10p on CNBC. Celebrity guests include Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Spin-off RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars launches season 3 on Thursday, January 25 at 8p on VH1.

National Geographic documentary series Chain of Command offers an intimate perspective on what has been dubbed “the war of the generation.” Eight-parter bows Monday, January 15 at 9p with a double episode.

Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern premieres Tuesday, January 23 at 9p. The 7-episode season reveals the food and stories behind notable characters, cultures and mythology.

Sister Wives returns to TLC with a special two-hour episode on Sunday, January 7 at 8p. New series Seeking Sister Wife, exploring three families in their quest to welcome a new wife into their homes, debuts Sunday, January 14 at 10p.

Alone Together bows on Freeform on Wednesday, January 10 at 8:30p. Series centers on platonic best friends, Esther and Benji, who want to be accepted by a vain and status-obsessed culture.

COMING UP

Fusion examines Scott Pruitt and his stewardship in Oklahoma in The Naked Truth: Wasteland. Show debuts Tuesday, December 19 at 9p.

AMC gives fans the chance to relive their favorite Walt and Jesse moments with a Breaking Bad marathon. Every episode of the five-season drams airs in chronological order beginning Sunday, December 31 at 2p.

Mythbusters Mega Merry-Thon features every episode of the Science Channel series beginning Thursday, December 22 at 12a. Stunt culminates with a new episode on Wednesday, January 3 at 9p.

An encore presentation of CMA Country Christmas airs Thursday, December 21 at 9p on ABC.

Fans of The Incredible Dr. Pol can look forward to “The 12 Days of Dr. Pol,” a Nat Geo Wild marathon beginning Monday, December 25. Marathon eads into the show’s new season premiere on Saturday, January 6 at 9p.

CASTING

Catherine Keener was cast as a series regular in upcoming Showtime comedy Kidding… Pitch alum Kylie Bunbury has signed on to star in ABC’s Get Christie Love reboot.

KID STUFF

The Adventures of Kid Danger premieres Friday, January 19 at 6:30p on Nickelodeon. Series follows Kid Danger and Captain Man as they embark on new adventures.

DIGITAL DOINGS

Two documentary series investigating corruption debut on Netflix next month. Zero Point Zero Productions food expose, Rotten, bows Friday, January 5. Dirty Money, centered in the corporate world, premieres Friday, January 26.

The Perfect Fit bows Tuesday, January 9 on PeopleTV. The body-positive bridal series the search by 12 curvy brides-to-be for ultimate wedding gowns.

GOING GLOBAL

Banjay’s All Against 1, an entertainment show pitting one contestant against the entire nation, was commissioned by public broadcaster France 2 in France. Series is also set to launch in primetime on NRK in Norway.

Armoza Format’s primetime singing competition The Final Four was acquired by Shine Iberia in Portugal and Mastiff Sweden.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Woah…

Based off our 2017 salary survey report, the average bonus clocks out at $13,600. See how your specific job function adds up: cynopsis.com/2017-cynopsis-salary-survey

RATINGS

Live + Same Day Viewers AA (millions) Wednesday, December 13, 2017 time period averages

Source: NTI, Galaxy as dated Live+SD

CBS: 5.83 million

Survivor 8.74, SEAL Team 4.73, Criminal Minds 4.03

ABC: 5.14 million

The Goldbergs 6.08, Speechless 4.56, Modern Family 5.89, American Housewife 4.79, Designated Survivor 4.38

FOX: 5.01 million

Empire 5.91, Star 4.11

NBC: 4.04 million

The Wall 3.67, Golden Globe 75^th Anniversary Special 4.41

Univision: 1.13 million

Rey David 1.24, Mi Marido Tiene Familia 1.24, Caer en Tentacion 0.90

CW: 1.06 million

Riverdale 1.43, Dynasty 0.69

TELE: 0.81 million

Milagros de Navidad 0.82, Sangre de mi Tierra 0.73, Senora Acero 3: La Coyote 0.88

Wednesday A19-49 Analysis: FOX 1.6/6, ABC 1.2/5, CBS 1.1/4, NBC 0.8/3, UNI 0.5/2, TELE 0.5/2, CW 0.3/1

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Scott M. Mills takes on the role of President, BET Networks, effective January 1. He is currently Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Viacom.

Mark Rupp was appointed Managing Director of CineLife Entertainment. He was previously President of SpeciCast.

Adrian Nunez was promoted from Director, Business and Legal Affairs at Ultra Records to Vice President, A&R at Ultra Records/Payday Records and Ultra International Music Publishing.

Newsmax TV appointed Jeff Lewis as Chief Revenue Officer. He joins from Ovation, where he led the ad division.

Friday Fun Fact: Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.

This Day in History: 1993 – Schindler’s List, the film which earned Steven Spielberg his first Oscar, premiered.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question: Which Alabama-set reality show focused on a former heavyweight boxer? Big Law: Deputy Butterbean (2011). Kudos to: Glen Freyer/NYC; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Station, TX; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/Los Angeles, CA

Today’s Trivia Question: What was the Cookie Monster’s name on Sesame Street (1969-present) before he discovered cookies? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four correct answers from each time zone will be selected.)

Answer to Our Travel Show Anagram: Dope So Afraid = Food Paradise. Kudos to: LaKendra Kennedy-Sinclair Broadcast Group/Hunt Valley, MD; Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Deerfield Beach, FL; Paul Blutter-Walk and Talk Productions Rentals/Burbank, CA

School Drama Anagram: Bops Into Clubs (Email [email protected] with your answer; first three respondents with the correct answer who aren’t in trivia will be posted in tomorrow’s newsletter.)

Lynn Leahey Editorial Director @Lynn_Leahey
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JOB OF THE DAY

AD SALES ACCT EXEC
UPTV
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JOB OPENING: SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/WIVB/WNLO TV/Buffalo: Exp’d professional w/min 2-3yrs exp media sales or outside sales exp. Proven track rec developing new business & growing existing business. Able to work successfully in multi-platform envir. Strong knwlg of MS products; Wide Orbit a +. Full info/apply HERE (12/22)

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JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE RECRUITER/JAMES & CO LLC/NYC: Responsible for search execution to include but not limited to developing target list, candidate identification and assessment as well as candidate interviews. Understanding of landscape for talent in our search verticals a must. Full job info/apply HERE (12/20)

JOB OPENING: COORD PUBLICITY & AWARDS/A+E/NY: Assist A+E Studio, Awards, & Corp Outreach with the day-to-day operations of the dept. Manage award submissions, coordinate w/press, interface with talent. Exp working in office environment publicity or mktg pref’d. Excellent comm & writing skills a must. Apply HERE (12/20)

JOB OPENING: LIVE EVENTS OPERATION MGR/NBC Sports/Philadelphia: Work closely w/all depts for multi-platform operational needs. Assist in operational tech workflows. 5+ yrs in production/ops of live TV sporting events. Highly orgnzd, self-sufficient & exc comm skills. Full info/apply HERE (12/20)

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – FRIDAY DECEMBER 15

ABC: Once Upon a Time, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., 20/20

CBS: MacGyver, Hawaii Five-0, Hawaii Five-0

CW: The 86^th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade

FOX: Hell’s Kitchen, The Exorcist [f]

NBC: Blindspot, Dateline NBC

PBS: Washington Week, Washington Week, Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Rolando Villazon, Lidia Celebrates America [p]

Telemundo: Milagros de Navidad, Sangre de mi Tierra, Senora Acero 3: La Coyote Univision: Rey David, Mi Marido Tiene Familia, Caer en Tentacion