 IN THE NEWS |
| Pretty, pretty, pretty good! HBO has greenlit a sketch comedy show from Larry David and President Barack Obama. The untitled half-hour limited series, created by David and longtime collaborator Jeff Schaffer, will take a humorous look at American history in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Featuring cast members from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “notable guest stars,” the series is produced by Obama’s Higher Ground.
Netflix has renewed “Virgin River” for a 10-episode season 8, making it the streamer’s longest-running scripted series.
The nominees for the 41st Annual TCA Awards were announced, with shows including “Severance,” “The Pitt,” “The White Lotus,” and “The Bear,” and Kathy Bates (“Matlock), Seth Rogan (“The Studio”) and Harrison Ford (“Shrinking”) making the list. Winners will be revealed later this summer across TCA’s social media. |
 Nominees for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmys, which will be held on October 17 in Pasadena, CA, include “Days of our Lives,” “General Hospital,” and “The Young and the Restless” vying for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and “The View,” battling for top honors as Outstanding Daytime Talk Series. Other categories include Outstanding Entertainment News Series and Outstanding Culinary Host. The ceremony is set for October 17 in Pasadena.
EDO released its list of the most effective national TV ads from the first half of 2025, highlighting the campaigns that drove the strongest consumer engagement across 15 categories. Based on behaviors predictive of future sales, standout performers included Levi’s Beyoncé-backed spot in Apparel, Cadillac’s Escalade IQ in Luxury Auto, and Dove’s confidence-driven messaging in CPG Beauty. Noom led the Diabetes & Weight Management category with GLP-1-focused ads, while Red Lobster and Taco Bell dominated in Restaurants with celebrity-led and product-driven spots. |
 Roku and Warner Bros. Discovery have teamed to launch a campaign focused on the theatrical release of the new “Superman” film. Elements include:
· A “Superman” logo next to the Search tab on the home screen, and a branded row pinned on the Search homepage. Additionally, Roku’s home screen will feature a branded theme for the film.
· A “Superman”-branded row will appear in Roku’s search results triggered by relevant user queries like “Look Up,” directing fans to a dedicated destination on Roku featuring trailers and behind-the-scenes content.
· Viewers can say “Look Up” via Roku’s voice-enabled remote to jump directly to the promoted search.
YouTube is retiring its Trending page and Trending Now list, shifting instead to category-specific charts that reflect how users engage with trending content today. The update replaces the single, all-purpose list with focused rankings like Trending Music Videos, Weekly Top Podcast Shows and Trending Movie Trailers. YouTube says this move better captures the platform’s evolving landscape and plans to introduce additional content categories over time.
A reboot of “Scrubs” scored a straight-to-season order from ABC. Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke have joined Zach Braff to reprise their roles from the 2001-10 series, which launched on NBC and moved to ABC for its final two seasons. |
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| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
 HGTV has greenlit “Junk or Jackpot,” a six-episode series hosted by designer and “Queer Eye” alum Bobby Berk and executive produced by John Cena. Premiering in late 2025, the show helps collectors uncover the value of their items. “The idea for ‘Junk or Jackpot?’ was born out of a conversation I had with friends,” said Cena. “People often wonder if their collections are trash or treasure, and this show will help them find out.”
“The Great Food Truck Race” returns with a high-stakes Atlantic coast road trip as host Tyler Florence challenges nine food truck teams to compete for a $50,000 grand prize. The eight-city journey, titled “Truckin’ Awesome,” kicks off in Savannah, Georgia. The new season premieres Sunday, August 3 at 9p on Food Network.
“Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?”, a new three-part true crime documentary series for Hulu, will examine the mysterious death of Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher who was found dead on her kitchen floor in 2011, and her family’s quest to discover the truth about what happened. The series will drop later this year. |
 Prime Video has set the release date for “Built In Birmingham: Brady & the Blues.” The five-part docuseries, launching Friday, August 1, follows football legend Tom Brady and Birmingham City FC’s new ownership as they attempt to transform the storied, often struggling club into a winning force.
Prime Video sci-fi comedy series “Upload” will return for its fourth and final season on Monday, August 25, with all four episodes
Apple TV+’s “Murderbot,” a sci-fi thriller/comedy, was renewed for a second season ahead of its first season finale. |
Today’ Premieres
Apple TV+: The Wild Ones
HBO Max: Rage
Netflix: Aap Jaisa Koi; Almost Cops
Paramount+: Dexter: Resurrection
PBS: The Great American Recipe at 9p
Prime Video: One Night in Idaho
Saturday’s Premieres
History: Mysteries From Above at 9p
Nat Geo: Sharks of the North at 10p
Oxygen: Buried in the Backyard at 8p
Sunday’s Premieres
Bravo: Kings Court at 9p
CNN: Billionaire Boys Club at 10p
MGM+: The Institute at 9p
Peacock: Love Island: Beyond the Villa |
| ADVERTISING |
Audiences under 35 aren’t rejecting ads; they’re rejecting friction, in the form of heavy ad loads, limited control, and rigid formats. Findings from a Samsung Ads study that looked at what younger viewers want from live and on-demand TV include:
· Viewers under 35 are more likely to avoid live TV due to the perception of heavier ad loads and outdated formats that don’t reflect their viewing habits.
· Younger audiences, especially men aged 18–34, are using TVs primarily for internet-based video, showing a preference for platforms like YouTube where they can watch exactly what they want.
· Viewing experiences with tailored recommendations and perceived ad control significantly outperform traditional, one-size-fits-all models.
Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing business has partnered with The Brandtech Group to establish a generative AI operating model and governance system to build a content supply chain powered by AI. At the heart of the partnership is Unilever’s Beauty AI Studio, an end-to-end global content engine that leverages Brandtech’s Gen AI platform, Pencil Pro. Built to enhance marketing effectiveness, efficiency, and creativity at scale, the Beauty AI Studio integrates Pencil Pro AI for content generation and optimization; multi-dimensional AI training programs; and agile sprint operations for faster market delivery. “We are building a next-generation content supply chain that drives desirability and growth for Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing brands by being faster and more connected to insights and culture,” said Unilever Global VP & Head of Marketing Transformation, Beauty & Wellbeing, Selina Sykes. “We’re in an era where AI is becoming accessible, and tools like these are pivotal to driving the marketing transformation we’re creating for Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing.”
The US Joint Industry Committee has completed the audit of certified currencies to validate transactability of new data for the upcoming broadcast season, and Comscore, iSpot and VideoAmp have each passed the audit and maintain certification. Comscore has now met the JIC’s benchmark for transactability in personified demographics as part of the audit, joining iSpot and VideoAmp to offer the market three solutions that have been verified as transactable across personified demographics, households and advanced audiences.
Fyllo, a data and advertising partner for regulated industries, announced its relaunch, following the purchase of its media solutions business arm from Samba TV. The buyback was led by former and current executives James Ramelli and Travis Moyer, who now serve as partners. “Brands in regulated industries have been underserved for years. Most platforms weren’t built with their compliance, targeting, or data needs in mind,” said James Ramelli, Partner, Fyllo. “This next chapter is about meeting a growing need for accountability, precision, and real results in a space where none of that is optional anymore.” |
| COMING UP |
| Fremantle’s Original Productions has partnered with Web3 platform Stuff.io to debut “How The World Went Ape$h!t,” a feature-length documentary exploring the rise and fall of NFTs, told from the perspective of the NFTs themselves. The film will premiere exclusively on Stuff.io later this month, marking Fremantle’s first major US release as a fully ownable digital film.
Season 4 of UP Faith & Family’s “Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith” debuts Thursday, August 7, with new episodes every Thursday. Hosted by Faith Broussard Cade, the series features inspiring stories of faith, resilience and redemption and is produced by Four Eyes Media in partnership with HarperCollins. Guests include Julie Chen Moonves, Andrea Bocelli and Dionne Warwick.
NewsNation will air a special report, “The Plot to Kill Trump: One Year Later,” on Sunday, July 13 at 9p. Hosted by senior national correspondent Brian Entin, the hour-long program revisits the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“A Christmas List of Blessings”, starring Shae Robbins and Christopher Russell, is in production for Great American Media, and will premiere as part of Great American Christmas 2025. Great American Christmas Original Movie Premieres will be available to stream on Great American Pure Flix and GFAM+, the company’s live channel feed, as well as on Great American Family.
Paris Berelc and Asher Angel will star in the Tubi Original YA romantic comedy film, “Kissing is the Easy Part,” based on a webnovel by the same name. “I’ve always wanted to make a classic high school romcom, so it’s a dream to be directing ‘Kissing is the Easy Part’ with Asher, Paris, and our amazing cast and crew,” said director Fawzia Mizra. “I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with ‘Kissing’ and be reminded of the power of the romcom.”
WOW Presents Plus has unveiled its July lineup, headlined by the debut of Kori King and Lydia B. Kollins in a new season of “Binge Queens.” Premiering Monday, July 14, “Binge Queens: Absolutely Fabulous” follows the real-life couple as they react to the first season of the BBC cult hit. Also joining the platform this month are two BBC acquisitions: the comedy “Absolutely Fabulous” and the candid documentary “Elton John: Uncensored.” |
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| Cablefax Voices of Impact & Workplace Culture Awards (Formerly The Diversity & Pride List)
Because ping-pong tables aren’t culture
True workplace culture is about leadership, inclusion, and the people who create space for everyone to thrive. If your team’s making it happen, the Voices of Impact Awards are for you.
Enter by 7/15.
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| TECH |
| Gray Television and CBS-owned stations are upgrading their studio tech with cutting-edge AR graphics, virtual sets and high-resolution LED video walls. CBS News and Stations now uses advanced AR/VR sets in eight markets, following recent launches at KCAL Los Angeles and KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| “Chasing Greatness: The Donald Scott Story,” a two-part documentary that chronicles the journey of two-time US Olympic triple jumper Donald Scott, will premiere on July 17 at 7p, with the second episode airing on Thursday, July 24 at 7p, on NLSE.
For the first time, viewers nationwide will be able to watch the annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game through a national simulcast of Monumental Sports Network’s coverage on both C-SPAN and FanDuel Sports Network. The bipartisan charity event will take place Wednesday, July 16 at 7:35p at Audi Field in Washington, DC, with coverage beginning at 7p.
Scripps Sports has announced its broadcast teams for the upcoming Big Sky Conference college football season, featuring coverage of the Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats. Trey Bender, Jordan Tripp, and Kyle Hansen will call Grizzlies games, while Ben Creighton, Ty Gregorak and Grace Lawrence return for Bobcats coverage. The announcement follows Scripps’ recent five-year extension with the Big Sky Conference, continuing through the 2029–30 season. This fall, Scripps will televise 19 total games, including 10 each for Montana and Montana State, culminating in the highly anticipated 124th Brawl of the Wild rivalry matchup.
Bud Light, the Official Beer Sponsor of the NFL, will serve as a partner for Season 2 of “Quarterback,” the Netflix docuseries produced with Omaha Productions. This season spotlights Joe Burrow, Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins, offering an inside look at their lives on and off the field. Bud Light has also launched a new social series, “Armchair Quarterback,” celebrating the game’s most passionate supporters.
Prime Video announced its broadcast team for the first season of NBA on Prime, featuring play-by-play announcers Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, Michael Grady and Eric Collins. Joining them as analysts are Hall-of-Famers Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade, WNBA legend Candace Parker, Stan Van Gundy, Brent Barry and Dell Curry. Sideline coverage will be provided by Cassidy Hubbarth, Allie Clifton and Kristina Pink.
X Games Salt Lake City 2025, presented by SONIC, marked a milestone in its 30th year with a 12% year-over-year viewership increase across ESPN platforms and a 328% spike among viewers aged 12-17. The event drew over 40,000 fans to the sold-out Utah State Fairpark & Event Center, fueled by breakout stars like 15-year-old Arisa Trew and 16-year-old Gui Khury. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| WPP has tapped Microsoft exec Cindy Rose as its CEO, succeeding Mark Read, who will step down on September 1.
Richard Pacheco has joined Nielsen as head of global partnerships. Most recently, Pacheco led strategic partnerships and business development across Mediaocean.
Paramount and MTV veteran Jessica Zalkind, former head of talent and development at the network, has joined Wheelhouse Entertainment in the newly created role of EVP, talent and development. |
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This Day in History
1960 – Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was published.
Friday Fun Fact
The Pope can’t be an organ donor – all popes’ bodies belong to the Vatican when they die.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which sitcom family has a goldfish named Klaus? “American Dad!” (2005-25). Kudos to: David Larson-Dish/NYC; Natalie Leff-WBD/Atlanta; Chris Geddis-Nexstar/NYC; Matt Laramee-Southern New Hampshire University/Manchester, NH; Lisi Alpert-Bunim-Murray Productions/Mount Laurel, NJ; Scott Deaner-Horizon Media/Richmond, VA; Lisa Fikeys/Nissan United/Chicago; Craig Waldschmidt-Tower Media Advertising/Chicago; John Kukla-KDFW Fox 4/Dallas; Wendy Holmes/Denver; Suzannah Wells-Back Roads Entertainment/Austin; Bob Telford-Purple Cow Films/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
Which short-lived sitcom focused on an advertising copywriter who quit his job to become an inner-city schoolteacher? (Email your answer to trivia@cynopsis.com and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.) |
EVP, COMMERCIAL & TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
A+E GLOBAL MEDIA/NY(HYBRID): Oversee the three major areas of commercial transactions (comprised of supporting the Distribution, Total Media Solutions and Global Content Sales divisions) and the adjacent areas supported by the attorney teams that principally support those divisions (including vendor management and privacy). Full info HERE
SR. DIRECTOR OF SALES, KSTU & KUPX >>
THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY/SALT LAKE CITY: Leverage our suite of advertising solutions to unlock growth opportunities for local and national businesses. Play a role in driving the station’s revenue goals as well as serving as the home station for Utah’s new NHL team. Collaborate with our production team to create campaigns that connect our clients with their customers in meaningful ways. Full info HERE
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER>>
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DIGITAL MEDIA BUYER >>
FURMAN ROTH ADVERTISING/NY(HYBRID): Plan, launch, and optimize digital marketing campaigns across various paid media channels (including Display, Google products, Paid Social, CTV, and Programmatic, etc.) while managing budgets effectively. Support the execution of media plans across platforms, overseeing targeting, budget allocation, and performance tracking to drive campaign success. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR; CTV BRAND PARTNERSHIPS – MID WEST/WEST COAST
FUTURE TODAY
REMOTE
Build, maintain and expand a pipeline of sales targets, contacts, and sales opportunities leveraging your relationships with a heavy focus on new business revenue. Build/nurture relationships with the investment, strategy, precision and digital agencies as well as clients. Also maintain an ongoing knowledge of the streaming media landscape. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, AD MARKETING & SALES >>
THE SHADE ROOM/REMOTE: Develop and execute a revenue growth strategy to drive direct advertising, branded content, and sponsorship sales as well as lead the development of compelling advertising and branded content offerings tailored for TSR’s audience and cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key advertisers, media agencies, and brand partners. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(REMOTE/HYBRID): Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: required: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience. Wide Orbit Exp a +. Full info HERE
PROFESSIONAL LECTURER OF COMMUNICATION/SPORTS BROADCASTING >>
MARIST UNIVERSITY/ POUGHKEEPSIE, NY: Teach studio and field broadcasting and new media courses in sports media and journalism as well as be able to teach a studio course on producing a newscast and help students live stream a podcast or produce short-form feature content suitable for social media streaming. Also demonstrate through their teaching, professional activity, and service. Full info HERE
SALES LEAD – AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS
UPWAVE
NEW YORK, NY
Build and manage relationships with our agency partners – mostly targeting media buyers and planners – and help them see the value of adding Upwave measurement to The Trade Desk campaigns. You will both leverage your existing network and open new doors to achieve aggressive but achievable sales targets. Full info HERE |
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