|
|
| Thursday September 18, 2025 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| ABC has pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air “indefinitely” after the host made controversial comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” said Kimmel in his monologue. During an interview before ABC’s ban, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr suggested ABC’s broadcast license was at risk, then Nexstar said its stations would preempt the show. On social media, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized Carr’s stance. “An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship or control,” wrote Gomez. “This Administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression, not because it glorifies violence or breaks the law, but because it challenges those in power or reflects views they oppose.” |
 After taking a break – its last new episode was August 20 – Comedy Central’s “South Park” will continue with new episodes every other Wednesday starting September 24. As far as the episode that was scheduled to air last night, “Apparently when you do everything at the last minute sometimes you don’t get it done,” said creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. “This one’s on us. We didn’t get it done in time. Thanks to Comedy Central and ‘South Park’ fans for being so understanding. Tune in next week!” |
|
About 63% of total NFL viewers, especially multicultural NFL viewers (66%), engage with live social media content by viewing real-time posts or sharing reactions related to a show they are watching, according to Horowitz Research’s State of Media, Entertainment and Tech: Viewing Behaviors 2025. Gaming is becoming a central part of the viewing experience, with nearly half (48%) of multicultural NFL viewers and 43% of total NFL viewers engaging with TV content through video games or other interactive gaming features related to live sports events. “Major investments in sports rights by major streamers over the past few years are changing the game when it comes to where fans will watch,” said Adriana Waterston, EVP and Insights & Strategy Lead for Horowitz Research, a division of M/A/R/C Research. “What we are keeping close tabs on is how new interactive advertising and shopping capabilities are transforming the NFL experience altogether.”
 The NBC News/MSNBC split starts October 6, when NBC News staff that will be joining MSNBC transition to their new roles. MSNBC will also stop using NBC News correspondents and crews for all coverage outside of Washington, DC on that date. On October 20, MSNBC will stop relying on NBC News’ DC staff as well. Versant is expected to officially spin off from NBCUniversal in January.
Ho ho ho! Cynopsis is gearing up for our annual Holiday Programming Guide – dropping November 3 and delivered straight to all Cynopsis subscribers. If your network has holiday programming airing from November 3 through January 1, please send your listing to janetdilauro@gmail.com and Lynn@Cynopsis.com no later than October 22 with the subject line: “Holiday Guide”. To be included, programs must be listed by date, title of program, and start times, in the following format: “Thursday, November 19: Network Name: My One Christmas Wish at 9a, Paper Angels at 11a, 12 Days of Giving at 1p”. Holiday-related programs only! A confirmation email will be sent following each submission (if you don’t receive a confirmation email, please resubmit).
|
 |
CYNOPSIS SCREENSHIFT
Your afternoon just got better.
Experience ScreenShift, Oct. 14 in NYC, with the Roundtables & Reception Pass. Join after 3PM for conversations, connections, and our awards celebration.
Save now—prices increase 9/26.
Learn more and register |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Season three of BritBox police drama “Blue Lights” launches Thursday, November 13. Season one was the #2 new series to premiere on BritBox in North America in 2024.
“The Sisters Grimm” debuts Friday, October 3 on Apple TV+. The animated adventure series is based on Michael Buckley’s books about two orphaned sisters navigating a town full of people torn from fantasy and fairy tales.
A new USA travel series follows WWE legend Braun Strowman as he visits local eateries. “Everything On The Menu with Braun Strowman” premieres Friday, October 24 with back-to-back episodes at 10p following WWE Smackdown.
Allen Media Group is launching “Storm of Suspicion” in first-run broadcast strip syndication for fall 2026. The series, produced by AMG’s team at The Weather Channel, will be distributed in a one-hour block.
BillboardTV, a 24/7 streaming channel covering music culture, breaking news, red carpet moments, and live performances, is now available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus. “With BillboardTV, we’re advancing our vision of Samsung TV Plus as a home for live exclusive content and cultural experiences,” said Salek Brodsky, SVP & Global Head of Samsung TV Plus. “This new channel brings the full weight of Billboard’s influence into our ecosystem, giving fans direct access to the moments that matter, and is a powerful step in expanding our leadership as the go-to destination for premium entertainment.” |
Today’s Premieres
HBO: The Case Against Adnan Syed at 9p
HBO Max: Bea’s Block
Hulu: Reasonable Doubt
Netflix: Black Rabbit; The Ba***ds of Hollywood; Platonic: Blue Moon Hotel |
| CYNOPSIS TOP WOMEN IN MEDIA
An Evening of Impact & Inspiration.
The Top Women in Media Awards Gala returns Oct. 8 in NYC. Celebrate 2025’s honorees—executives, innovators, and creators from across the industry. The list is out—don’t miss it.
GET TICKETS |
| PRODUCTION |
| MGM+ has acquired “Federation Stories,” a four-part drama adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale Of Two Cities. Shooting for the show commences in October and will air on MGM+ in the US and the BBC in the UK.
CBS has ordered seven more episodes of freshman comedy “DMV,” for a total of 20. The series premieres Monday, October 13. |
 “Camp Rock 3” has been greenlit for Disney+ and Disney Channel. Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas will return to their roles. Demi Lovato and the bros will executive produce the movie, which began filming this week in Vancouver. |
 Joe Lando reunites with his “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” co-star, Jane Seymor, in season five of Acorn TV’s “Harry Wild.” Production began this week in Ireland. |
| COMING UP |
| A series finale doesn’t mean the end at Prime Video. Shortly after YA hit “The Summer I Turned Pretty” wrapped its third and final run on Wednesday, the streamer announced a movie will extend the story. “’The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, creating moments of joy, nostalgia and connection that have made it a global sensation,” said Courtenay Valenti, Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios, and Vernon Sanders, Global Head of TV at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We’re proud of the series’ extraordinary success and couldn’t be more excited to partner again with Jenny Han to bring fans an unforgettable next chapter.”
Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” programming event kicks off Friday, October 17, with 24/7 holiday fare. In addition to holiday films like “She’s Making a List,” which reunites “My Secret Valentine” stars Lacey Chabert and Anderw Walker, the season will include partnerships with the NFL and Grand Ole Opry, and a Merry Thanksgiving Weekend.
New animated special “A Paw Patrol Christmas” premieres Friday, November 28 at 8p on CBS. The “Paw Patrol” series airs on CBS sib Nickelodeon.
Artist and horror enthusiast Janelle Monáe (“Glass Onion”) is returning as host of AMC’s annual “FearFest,” featuring over 650 hours of horror films franchises, new series, specials and more, across linear and streaming. Monáe will be featured in the social campaign sharing showcasing her knowledge of the genre.
And if that doesn’t spook you, the Paramount+ Peak Screaming Collection has returned to the service. The Halloween collection includes over 450 titles spanning horror movies, collections of genre-defining franchises, and Halloween-themed episodes of series.
“Access Hollywood” host Mario Lopez will host the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, set for Friday, October 17 in Pasadena. Beginning Monday, October 13, “Access Hollywood” will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony.
Documentary “Ozzie: No Escape from Now” drops Tuesday, October 7 on Paramount+. The film, produced in collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne’s family, follows the last six years of the singer’s life.
Feel-good movie “Sounds of Summer” (Sommartider), the “almost true” story of Swedish pop sensation Gyllene Tider, drops today on Viaplay.
NBCUniversal and Telemundo’s fifth annual “All Together Better. Juntos Imparables” campaign features storytelling across Telemundo, NBC, Peacock, and NBCU digital/social platforms, in addition to on-the-ground and virtual activations. |
| TECH |
| Small budget? No problem. Universal Ads has introduced a new in-platform ad creation tool that allows advertisers to produce commercials with generative AI in minutes. Without the need for pre-existing video assets, businesses of any size can launch ready-to-air campaigns. “We often hear companies say they want to be on TV but don’t have commercials ready to air or the budget to make one,” said James Borow, VP of Product and Engineering at Universal Ads. “Having a native creative feature in platform immediately resolves that concern for brands.”
Amazon Ads is also making it easier for advertisers to create professional-quality ads. Within Creative Studio, advertisers can click “chat” to access a conversational, AI-powered creative partner that conducts product and audience research, brainstorms ideas, develops creative concepts in a storyboard format, and produces video and display ads. “This is about more than speed – it’s about giving every advertiser and agency access to the kind of strategic, high-quality creative support that once only large brands could afford,” said Jay Richman, VP, Amazon Ads. “With our new AI creative partner in Creative Studio, businesses can explore bold ideas, collaborate in real time, and bring professional ads to life – always on, at no extra cost.”
In another budget-friendly development, OpenX announced the launch of a proprietary capability enabling buyers to receive automated discounts from curation and tech partners directly within OpenXSelect™. Buyers can get automated discounts from 80+ directly integrated curation and tech partners. “Buyers today are facing dual pressures: preserving media budgets while demonstrating quantifiable value back to their clients,” said Matt Sattel, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenX. “By automating discounts from trusted curation and tech partners within OpenXSelect, we’re enabling more efficient media buys, better outcomes, and a tangible performance edge – without compromising publisher monetization.”
Don’t tell the boss: Tubi has launched Productubity, a Chrome extension enabling streamers to toggle from Tubi to a fictitious work screen with a single click. “Return-to-office may be back but so is streaming. Productubity is our cheeky nod to fans who sneak in a stream between spreadsheets,” said Deirdre Hesseldieck, SVP of Viewer Product at Tubi. “This tool is our way of helping fans reclaim their time and their tabs. It’s a wink to the modern multitasker who knows how to balance the deadlines with drama.”
Intelligence platform Tenetic and Comscore are teaming for a data integration that offers local and national TV buyers/sellers a cross-platform view of consumers in real-time. “This partnership with Tenetic is a powerful demonstration of how local linear television insights can unlock new value when paired with real-time qualitative data,” said Steve Bagdasarian, Chief Commercial Officer, Comscore. |
| RATINGS |
| Fox’s NFL week 2 doubleheader delivered 26.88 million viewers, for the most-watched doubleheader on any network on record. The net’s “NFL Sunday” drew 5.5 million viewers, the most since 2019.
NewsNation special “The Killing of Charlie Kirk” averaged 170,000 total viewers and 44,000 among 25-54, according to Nielsen. NewsNation’s 8p hour was up 300% versus the year-to-date time period average.
Basic Cable Top 10 for the week of September 8
P2+ AA (000)
Primetime
Fox News 3061
ESPN 2495
MSNBC 867
CNN 615
HGTV 551
USA 510
TBS 407
TLC 377
Hallmark Channel 368
INSP 359
Total Day
Fox News 1814
ESPN 903
MSNBC 538
CNN 435
HGTV 305
USA 227
GSN 216
Food Network 214
TBS 205
Hallmark Channel 202
Source: Nielsen |
|
This Day in History
1859 – San Francisco resident Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States. While some considered him insane, locals treated him deferentially.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which 1980s variety show starred sisters? “Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters” (1980-82). Kudos to: Karen Kelly-SPUH/Barnegat, NJ; Mark Prince-denstu Media/NYC; Cory Angerthal-AMC Networks/NYC; Paul Gluck-TUTV/Philadelphia; Julie Martinez-JDA Media/Dallas; Kyle Krebs-FOX 13/Memphis; Creed Heliskov-ImOn Communications/Cedar Rapids, IA; Nellie de Laurier-KMOS-TV/Warrensberg, MO; Beth Tallent-TallentPR/Nashville; Tom Boyd-WGN/Chicago; Alfred Hopton-Capstone Communications/Huntsville, AL; Adam Leston-Wiegel Broadcasting/Milwaukee; Wendy Holmes/Denver; Dan Whitford-WTTW/Chicago; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Justi Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
The first season of which series featured Dustin Hoffman and Brian Cox in the cast? (Email eb@mossappeal.com with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Limit of four answers per time zone.) |
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER>>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC:
Oversee daily sales pipeline operations focused on national sponsorships, integrations, and branded content tied to unscripted programming. Manage and coach the Business Development team, drive outbound activity, shape proposals and pricing, and lead CRM strategy, reporting, and optimizations via Salesforce. Full info HERE
MANAGER, CONSUMER INSIGHTS & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE>>
SESAME WORKSHOP/NEW YORK, NY:
Support the Research & Insights team in understanding the behaviors, motivations, and needs of children, educators, and caregivers—especially as they interact with TV shows, digital content and experiences. This role will help execute research initiatives that inform content strategy, digital product development, marketing, and audience engagement. Full info HERE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
NTD/WASHINGTON, DC:
Pitch story ideas and write scripts/segment outlines as well as research guests and interview topics. Book guests and coordinate interviews. Help with logistics and sometimes field production. Support shoots and ensure production runs smoothly. Review footage and work with editors to shape final episodes. Write headlines, teasers, and social posts. Full info HERE
INTEGRATED MEDIA PLANNER >>
VLADIMIR JONES/DENVER, CO:
Responsible for preparing and implementing client media plans of all types for existing and prospective clients. This includes audience identification, research, development, presentation and purchasing of media plans & buys as well as an expert at understanding emerging trends and best practices across the omni-channel media world. Full info HERE
MOTION DESIGNER (FREELANCE) >>
LONG STORY SHORT/WASHINGTON, DC: Collaborate closely with our creative team to develop high-quality motion graphics for a variety of projects. Deliverables could include lower thirds, kinetic text, full-screen visuals, logo animations, infographic animations, bumper/intro sequences, social media graphics, and event or presentation graphics. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATION >>
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/HOLLYWOOD, CA: Responsible for all HR functions and oversight of administrative and management needs. This strategic role is charged with operating from a customer service driven viewpoint that prioritizes employee satisfaction as well as enforce legally compliant policies, increase efficiency by implementing administrative and record-keeping best practices. Full info HERE
RIGHTS AND CLEARANCE SPECIALIST (FREELANCE) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/GLENDALE, CA: Spearhead rights management for all contracts, including but not limited to network, distribution, acquisitions, production partner, sponsorship, and talent agreements, maintaining a system that streamlines the process of identifying terms, rights, avails, participations, holdbacks, and territories. Input rights information into our software. Full info HERE
SENIOR DESIGNER >>
REELZ CHANNEL/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Responsible for the concept, design and execution of various motion graphics projects for on-air promo and sales presentations. Will be required to design and create graphics for social media, digital and print. Must be able to follow brand guidelines and expand and change the brand look when necessary. Full info HERE
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
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 5 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 |
|
|
