|
|
| Tuesday November 12, 2024 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| Bobby Flay has signed a new exclusive multi-year deal with Food Network and will continue to take an active role in the development and production of his own series through his Rock Shrimp Productions. “Bobby Flay’s long standing relationship with Food Network is immeasurable. He captivates our audience with his incredible culinary skill, fierce competitive spirit, and the ability to convey his deep passion for food,” said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food for Warner Bros. Discovery. “Bobby generously shares his food philosophy while inspiring everyone to enjoy their time in the kitchen. Continuing this creative relationship with such an extraordinary talent is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.” With the new deal, Flay fans can count on new episodes of his primetime culinary competition series, “Beat Bobby Flay,” “BBQ Brawl” and “Bobby’s Triple Threat.” |
 Sony Pictures Television launched “Jeopardy! Bar League” a new way for fans to experience the iconic quiz show in a social and live setting. “Jeopardy! Bar League” offers an experience that combines “Jeopardy!” with the laid-back atmosphere of a favorite local bar trivia night. A limited first-run will begin this December to conclude Sony Pictures Television’s Diamond Celebration Campaign honoring the show’s 60th birthday this year and will roll out nationally in 2025. Sony Pictures Television has partnered with bar trivia operator Geeks Who Drink and interactive entertainment tech company TimePlay to allow teams of quizzers to engage with the game in real time, using their mobile devices to respond to clues, track their scores, and see live leaderboards within their bar, and subsequently across the nation next year. |
 CBS has ordered a new singing competition series from executive producers Blake Shelton, Taylor Sheridan, Lee Metzger and David Glasser, tentatively titled “The Road,” for fall 2025. The docu-follow format trails a headlining superstar (to be announced) on their journey to discover the next big artist. Singers will join the headliner on tour, performing as opening acts in venues across the country. They will compete to win over local fanbases to secure a spot in the next city and remain on the tour. The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Glasser’s 101 Studios with Shelton and Metzger’s Lucky Horseshoe Productions. Taylor Sheridan and David Glasser serve as executive producers. Blake Shelton and Lee Metzger serve as executive producers for Lucky Horseshoe Productions. “I’m a big fan of Taylor’s incredible work, and I’m excited to team with him and my long-time collaborator, Lee, on ‘The Road,’” said Shelton. “I know a thing or two about singing competitions and what it’s like to chase a music dream and live life on tour. I’m looking forward to discovering new talent and giving them this platform.”
Winners of People of Play’s (POP) Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (TAGIEs) included: Toy Innovator of the Year – Yair Shilo and Nextoy; Game Innovator of the Year – April Mitchell; Rising Star of the Year – Hasbro’s Ava Garfinkel; Most Innovative PR & Marketing Team of the Year – LEGO and Disney; Most Innovative Art and Design Visuals of the Year – Brady Lang and Brittney Hassinger; Most Innovative Supplier of the Year – Product Counsel; Most Innovative Retailer of the Year – Hilary Key, The Toy Chest; Most Innovative License of the Year – BBC Studios and Moose Toys; and Young Innovator of the Year – Evelyn Halbach. |
| DECK THE HALLS! |
| Weigel networks have a robust holiday slate, with programming ranging from “Meet Me in St. Louis” on MOVIES!, to Christmas episodes of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” on MeTV and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” on Catchy Comedy. Neal Sabin, Vice-Chairman, Weigel Broadcasting, talked to Cynopsis about Santa-themed strategy.
What audience reaction do you get for this programming, and how does it differ from one network to another?
The Weigel Networks are feel good entertainment networks, offering comforting escapes from the everyday, with a variety of programming that celebrates nostalgia. Whether viewers are tuning in for the timeless classics of MeTV, or the engaging procedurals on Start TV, the laughs on Catchy Comedy or the films on Movies!, we provide a curated lineup to lift spirits and create feel-good moments, especially now for the holiday season. Across all our networks, our holiday-themed episodes and programming events bring a double dose of joy and comfort. For example, shows like “The Andy Griffith Show” feel even more welcoming with their holiday episodes. Same for the Christmas episodes of our Westerns and other classic fare on MeTV, as well as “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and other comedies on Catchy Comedy. All our networks are programmed to celebrate the holiday season and we lean into favorite series to amplify the warm and heartfelt viewing experience.
What is the selection process for programming? Is there a strategy for time of week or time of day?
Understanding that our viewers look forward to their favorite shows at familiar times, we weave holiday episodes into our regular schedules, along with special weekend events. For example, on Catchy Comedy, we’ll program weekend “binge” marathons of holiday episodes from beloved series. Each Sunday on MeTV, “A Very Merry MeTV” scheduling will bring festive holiday programming, including our animated Charlie Brown movies in November and December. Movies! will spotlight Hollywood’s best musicals and fan-favorite family films like Shirley Temple classics in December. This year, we’re also launching our first holiday celebration on MeTV Toons, our newest network, with a lineup of nostalgic holiday episodes of classic animation from “The Flintstones,” “Yogi Bear,” “Inspector Gadget” and Sonic the Hedgehog” and others, including some titles that haven’t aired on free TV in decades!
What benefits does the programming offer to advertisers?
The benefits of advertising on these programs reflects the unique appeal of Weigel Networks’ programming overall – a welcoming, family-friendly environment where beloved shows resonate even more with the added warmth of the holiday season. Advertisers enjoy the advantage of placing their message within the content that elevates warm emotions, creating a feel-good atmosphere. This holiday programming fosters nostalgia and joy, encouraging audiences to stay tuned during commercial breaks, which are kept minimal to sustain engagement. It’s truly a win-win: advertisers reach an attentive, happy audience, while viewers enjoy conflict-free, heartwarming and entertaining content as a refreshing escape from everyday worries. It’s the gift of memorable entertainment we are so pleased to be able to share with everyone across the country.
For a list of Weigel networks holiday programming, go here.
The Cynopsis Holiday Guide is here. |
 |
| CES Daily Wrap-Up Newsletter
Gear up for CES 2025 with the Cynopsis Daily Wrap-Up—your essential source for the latest insights and breakthroughs from the world’s most influential tech event. From January 7-11, stay informed with concise, high-impact recaps covering everything from AI and sustainability to the next wave of automotive tech. With 85,000 opt-in subscribers, four banner ad spots, and exclusive editorial mentions, sponsoring this newsletter gives your brand 100% Share of Voice (SOV) to maximize visibility. Don’t miss out on the chance to position your brand at the center of CES 2025 excitement!
Contact Albert Nassour to reserve your premium placement. |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
| HBO Sports Documentaries, Ringer Films and Words + Pictures are currently in production on multi-part documentary “Celtics City,” about the 18-time National Basketball Association champion Boston Celtics. The series will debut on HBO and be available to stream on Max in 2025. The documentary includes never-before-seen archives and more than 80 interviews with past and present Celtics legends from Bob Cousy and Larry Bird to Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown. |
| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
Today’s Premieres
NBC: St. Denis Medical at 8p
HGTV: Christina in the Country at 9p
AETV: Road Wars at 9p; Extreme Road Ragers at 10p
History: The Curse of Oak Island at 10p
Discovery: Moonshiners at 8p
Food: Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown at 9p
ID: Operation Undercover at 10p
Netflix: Rhythm and Flow: Brazil
Apple TV+ will premiere a new 10-part docuseries “The Secret Lives of Animals,” narrated by SAG Award winner Hugh Bonneville (“Paddington,” “Downton Abbey”) on December 18. The series highlights 77 unique species in 24 countries over three years, revealing never-before-seen animal behaviors and highlighting the intelligence of the natural world and is produced for Apple TV+ by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, with Matt Brandon (“Planet Earth III”) serving as showrunner and Roger Webb (“Mammals,” “Big Cats 24/7”) as executive producer.
Top canine athletes will be jumping, diving and competing for Best in Show over the holidays on ESPN2 and ABC via 19-hours of American Kennel Club Dog Sports. Kicking off the broadcasts is the “AKC Agility Invitational” at 2p on Christmas Eve, followed by the “Toyota Flyball CanAm Classic” and “AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup” from 2:30p-6:30p on Christmas Day. The schedule culminates on December 29 with the premiere of the “AKC National Championship Dog Show Presented by Royal Canin” on ABC from 2p-5p. |
| COMING UP |
 HBO said its six-part documentary series on media mogul, sports team owner, philanthropist and Americas Cup winner Ted Turner, “Call Me Ted,” will premiere November 13 on Max, just days ahead of his 86th birthday. The documentary series chronicles Turner’s life and legacy in his own words, including the launch of CNN (the first 24-hour news network) and creation of the Goodwill Games. The series also delves into his philanthropic efforts, environmental advocacy, and decorated sailing success. Featured interviews include Jane Fonda, John Malone, Christiane Amanpour, Alan Horn, his children, and others. |
 FETV prepares for the season to be jolly with “Holiday Hustle,” an all-day marathon of Christmas episodes on Black Friday (November 29) and Christmas Eve (December 24) from its classic series including “Leave it to Beaver,” “Adam-12,” “Barney Miller” and more, leading up to seasonal movie favorite “Holiday Affair” at 7p, starring Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh.
Great American Family will premiere “Christmas on the Farm with Jill Wagner & Family,” an Original Special starring, Jill Wagner (“Christmas Under the Northern Lights,” “Bringing Christmas Home,” “A Christmas Miracle for Daisy,” “Lioness”) and husband David Lemanowicz, an active member of United States Army Reserves, (Executive Producer, “Lioness”) on December 23 at 8p.
The HBO Original documentary Nights is not Eternal”, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang (HBO’s “In the Same Breath” and “Mind Over Murder”), debuts November 19 at 9p on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. |
 ABC has announced its mid-season premiere slate, with the reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” returning to the broadcast network on January 2, followed by season 2 of Hulu original “Only Murders in the Building.” “Will Trent” premieres January 7, followed by the midseason return of “High Potential” and a new season of “The Rookie.” Tim Allen and Kat Dennings star in comedy series “Shifting Gears” premiering January 8, followed by the “Abbott Elementary” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” crossover episode, which kicks off the Emmy Award-winning series’ midseason return. New episodes of “Celebrity Jeopardy!,” hosted by Ken Jennings, and “What Would You Do?” round out the evening. “NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC” returns for select Saturdays beginning January 25. On January 27, “The Bachelor,” returns followed by the exclusive broadcast debut of season one of Hulu’s most-watched unscripted season premiere this year, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” ABC News’ “Scamanda” and Hulu’s “Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini” will air beginning January 30, before drama series “9-1-1,” “Doctor Odyssey” and “Grey’s Anatomy” return to the Thursday night lineup on March 6. “American Idol” premieres March 9, with Carrie Underwood joining Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest. “The $100,000 Pyramid” has been renewed for season eight and will join the Sunday night lineup following “Idol.” The farewell season of “The Conners” will return in March 2025. “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” and “Press Your Luck” will also return in the new year. Airdates will be announced at a later date. |
| STREAMING |
| Despite the Hollywood strikes, the volume of shows produced during the “Peak TV” years has left viewers with a steady stream of new things to watch, according to Hub Research’s annual “Conquering Content” study. While fewer originals are being made, expanded studio content licensing deals are having an impact on ways to watch, with 60% of viewers saying more shows are available in places that differ from where they originally aired. About 60% say their recently discovered favorite show is actually an older show that has been on for several seasons, rather than a new show that just came out in 2024. The result is that viewers are happier – about 79% they are spending more TV time watching shows they really like, up significantly from the COVID days of 2020. “More than ever, viewers are embracing favorite original shows that they may not have seen when they first came out,” says Jason Platt Zolov, Senior Consultant for Hub. “As studios continue to make these shows more broadly accessible, consumers will benefit as long as the streamers can help viewers find those shows with better recommendations and discovery tools.” “Conquering Content” surveyed 1,602 US consumers with broadband, age 16-74, who watch at least 1 hour of TV per week. Interviews were conducted in October 2024 and explored consumers’ favorite shows and how they find and discover that content. |
 |
|
Cynopsis Awards and Events
Holiday Savings Are Coming to All 2025 Cynopsis Awards & Events!
Mark your calendar! In less than three weeks, on December 1st, Cynopsis is launching an exclusive holiday package that unlocks savings of up to $2,500 on all 2025 awards and events. This limited-time offer is a perfect opportunity to stretch your budget and amplify your presence at industry-leading gatherings. Don’t miss your chance to find out more and plan your year with maximum savings!
Contact Stephanie Cronk for more details on securing your 2025 Holiday Package. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| Prime Video docuseries “It’s in the Game: Madden NFL” will premiere November 26 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The Thanksgiving week launch honors the legacy of coach John Madden, who as an announcer called 20 Thanksgiving games and created new holiday traditions like the turkey leg and turducken, making him a Thanksgiving guest of football fans everywhere for two decades. The series reveals the never-been-told story of legendary video game series Madden NFL, from its archaic 8-bit origins to its success as an annual must have. Game maker EA SPORTS is opening its vault of rare and never-been-seen footage, allowing cameras to follow along as the team finishes the next generation of the game. |
| GOING GLOBAL |
| French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has picked up the international distribution rights to the 2D animation series “Tuiga.” Targeted at 4-to-7 years olds, “Tuiga” is produced by Copa Studio, Brazil and written and directed by Rodrigo Soldado. The first season featuring is now available, with the second season currently in development.
Boat Rocker said its live action kids & family series, “The Next Step” has been renewed for a tenth season after being commissioned by CBBC/BBC iPlayer. Currently in production, season 10 is set to premiere on CBBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK in 2025.
GRB Media Ranch has licensed seven seasons of its flagship series “Untold Stories of the E.R.” to +SBT (SBT’s streaming platform) in Brazil. The program was also recently licensed as a Format to Khelgejo for production in Africa. |
| RATINGS |
 According to VideoAmp live plus 7-day viewership and internal streaming data for episodes airing through Oct. 21, eight CBS Original programs delivered 10 million or more viewers across linear TV and streaming platforms in the 2024 fall broadcast season to date: “Tracker” (15.2 million), “Matlock” (13.2 million), “FBI” (11.0 million), “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” (10.7 million), “NCIS” (10.5 million), “Elsbeth” (10.5 million), “Fire Country” (10.3 million) and “Blue Bloods” (10.0 million). Three other series generated nearly 9 million or more viewers with seven days of multiplatform viewership: “60 Minutes” (9.3 million), “Survivor” (9.0 million) and “NCIS: Origins” (8.9 million). CBS has eight primetime series posting gains in 7-day multiplatform viewership compared to last season: “Tracker” (+18%), “Matlock” (+55%, from “Elsbeth last” season), “Elsbeth” (+26%), “48 Hours” (+8%), “Fire Country” (+6%), “60 Minutes” (+2%), “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” (+1% from “Young Sheldon” last season) and “Blue Bloods” (+1%). So far this season, CBS’ primetime multiplatform audience is up +2% from last season. |
 ABC’s “High Potential” series premiere achieved a near six-fold increase in Total Viewers (+468% – 20.38 million vs. 3.59 million) and a 12-fold increase in Adults 18-49 (+1,091% – 4.17 rating vs. 0.35 rating) over its initial Live+Same Day audience after 35 days of sampling over ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms. Excluding encores, the “High Potential” series premiere generated 13.96 million Total Viewers and 3.67 rating in Adults 18-49 across platforms – the highest-rated ABC series premiere in nearly four years. The fall finale episode is scheduled for November 12 at 10p.
HBO series “The Penguin,” attracted 2.1 million U.S. cross-platform viewers for its finale on November 10, up 50% from its debut night viewership, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. The prior week’s penultimate episode brought in 1.9 million viewers, WBD said. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Drama production company New Pictures (an All3Media Company) said it has hired three new executives to its leadership team – Clare Batty, Emma Parsons and Brendan Fairweather. Batty joins the company as Head of Development and previously held the same role at Tod Productions, where she was responsible for the producer’s development slate of shows for broadcasters and platforms including the BBC, Channel 4, Sky, and Apple TV+ for whom she developed and co-produced the eight-part crime thriller “Criminal Record.” Parsons was named a Production Executive, and her previous credits include co-producing “Bodies” for Netflix and “The Baby” for HBO/Sky, line producing “Sex Education” (Season 3) for Netflix, “The Split” (Season 2) for BBC1, and “Jamestown” (Season 3) for Sky. Fairweather is Senior Legal and Business Affairs Executive and comes from Sister where he worked in the same role on shows such as “The Power,” “Kaos,” and “Black Doves.” |
 TV and Video measurement company iSpot has named veteran technologist Nipun Dureja as its Chief Technology Officer. In his new role, Dureja will oversee the unified structure of iSpot’s Engineering, QA, Infrastructure, Security and Data Science teams. Prior to his role at iSpot, Dureja was the Head of Product Engineering at cloud-based e-signature company Docusign, and prior to that held senior leadership roles at work management software company Smartsheet, healthcare provider Providence Health & Services, global CRM company Salesforce, and Amazon.
Charles Watson has joined NBC 4 New York/WNBC as a general assignment reporter, starting November 11. A seasoned journalist with previous Tri-State reporting experience, Watson most recently covered breaking news and local stories for Philadelphia-based 6ABC/WPVI-TV. Prior to joining 6ABC/WPVI-TV in 2023, Watson was a national correspondent and multimedia reporter for Fox News Media, covering major news stories in eight southern states. He previously worked as a reporter and multimedia journalist for Westchester-based FIOS1/WRNN-TV. A Philadelphia native, Watson began his professional career as a reporter, morning anchor and producer for WRDE-TV in Rehoboth, DE.
Charter Communications’ Spectrum has promoted Elena Ritchie to Senior Vice President, Video. She will lead the teams advancing Spectrum’s video strategy, including video experience, hardware and software architecture and engineering, product and digital marketplace and will continue to be based in Greenwood Village, CO. Ritchie joined Spectrum in 2017 as Vice President, Video Experience from NBCUniversal’s content distribution group, where she was Vice President, Product. At Spectrum, she played a pivotal role in the 2023 launch of streaming product Xumo and oversaw the continued evolution of the Spectrum TV App. |
|
This Day in History
1990 – The World Wide Web is first proposed by CERN computer scientists Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which TV shrink counted Jerry Seinfeld and Hugh Hefner among her patients? Dr. Elizabeth Wentworth, on “Head Case” (2007-09). Kudos to: Phyllis McQuillan-MSG Networks/NYC; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA.
Today’s Trivia Question
In the original, unaired pilot of “The Munsters,” (1964-66) what was Herman’s wife’s name, and who played her? (hint: it wasn’t Lily or Yvonne DeCarlo). (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.) |
SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN PROJECT MANAGER
BEACON MEDIA GROUP
NY/NJ
Seeking a diligent, organized, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as we manage Integrated Marketing Campaigns for a candy manufacturer. Responsibilities include ensuring client satisfaction, managing project timelines, and optimizing campaign effectiveness. If you’re proactive and enjoy collaborating with teams, we want to hear from you! Full info HERE
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Proven track record of monetizing digital assets on various social media platforms. Work closely with our production team in creating content and comprehensive marketing plans to increase market share. Full info HERE
INTERNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Create and execute sales strategies and proposals- generating new sales from past, current and future leads by networking, building relationships and identifying valuable sales opportunities. Manage existing accounts and excel at identifying clients’ needs. Requires a self-driven individual who is passionate about the sports and media industry. Full info HERE
NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Looking for another self-motivated, highly disciplined National AD Sales Executive that enjoys the sales process from beginning to close. If you bring the enthusiasm and determination we will supply the opportunity to make this the best position you’ve ever had. Full info HERE
LEAD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
CASTIFY.AI/HYBRID: Expand our client base in the digital advertising industry and focus on business development, securing new clients and partnerships, and negotiating contracts with leading advertising brands and agencies as well as experience in the digital advertising sector, showcasing a proven track record of achieving targets and excelling in business development. Full info HERE
TV HOST >>
QVC/WESTCHESTER, PA: Credible while entertaining candidate w/exp hosting TV, digital, radio, spokesperson or live events. Masterful storyteller, enthusiastic & a love for products and shopping a must. Must be quick on their feet w/ability to improv & engage as well as have an elevated sense of style. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT REP: MPT NATIONAL CORPORATE SALES
MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION FOUNDATION
REMOTE
Call on current and prospective sponsors, providing high-quality customer service, in a manner consistent with standard industry practice, for the customer/client accounts for which they have cultivated or have been assigned as well as build sustainable, long-lasting relationships with existing clients. Full info HERE
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AD SALES >>
HAYSTACK NEWS/NYNY, LA, CHICAGO: Responsible for developing large, meaningful partnerships to drive strategic and creative solutions for clients. You relish the opportunity to help advertisers build their brands by supporting the world’s most premium news publishers. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
INTERSECTION
LOS ANGELES, CA
Drive new revenue for our media around Los Angeles and beyond as well as building relationships with prospects and clients. Full info HERE |
|
|
