As streaming services compete for audiences, the fragmented landscape continues to challenge viewers looking for something to watch. According to Hub Entertainment Research’s annual “Conquering Content” study, while viewers love choices, there’s work to be done to help them find new, relevant programs to watch. Key findings in the report include:
· 46% of viewers say streamer recommendations deliver shows they like, while the other 54% say streamer recommendations are simply promoting new shows, regardless of their viewing preferences.
· 60% of “new favorite shows” that viewers discovered this past year are older shows that already have multiple seasons.
· Viewers 16-34 are even more likely (65%) to be watching a favorite show that first came out well before 2025.
· Nearly 8 out of 10 YouTube users say they frequently or sometimes turn to YouTube when they can’t find something else to watch – even higher (90%) among younger viewers 16-34.

France’s Havas is reportedly in high level talks with UK’s WPP about a potential deal, reports The Times of London. WPP, which saw an 8.3% decline in revenue in 3Q25, announced a turnaround plan last month that includes a focus on AI. And Havas in on the hunt – in September, the company launched a joint venture with Horizon Global aimed at bolstering global media pitches.

Newsmax reported broadcast revenues rose 10.1% for 3Q25, and cable affiliate fees were up 22% year over year. “Our performance this quarter reflects the strength of our diversified revenue model, the growing reach of our cable and FAST channels and the continued engagement of audiences across all of our platforms,” said CEO Chris Ruddy. The network expanded distribution via an agreement with a hospitality provider; a partnership that brought it to the Taxi TV platform; and a deal that made it available on the Truth+ streaming platform.

Bravo is celebrating the 20th anniversary of “The Real Housewives” franchise with “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip” (w/t), set to debut in 2026. “For two decades, ‘The Real Housewives’ has amplified women’s voices, spotlighted their ambition, humor, and strength, inspiring millions with their unapologetic authenticity,” said Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo and Peacock Unscripted. “’The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip’ is a love letter to the women who turned a reality television show into a cultural phenomenon – and the fans who’ve been there for every laugh, gasp, toast, and table turn.”

Banijay Branded Entertainment has partnered with presenter and producer Aidy Smith (“The Three Drinkers”) and Electric Robin to co-develop a slate of branded and non-branded entertainment formats. Smith will serve as executive producer alongside Electric Robin.

UK-based Particle6 has been commissioned to make an AI-led series for Hearst Networks. “Straten van Toen” (Streets of the Past), a 10-episode, short-form history series, commissioned for The HISTORY Channel in the Netherlands, has Dutch historical investigator and reality star Corjan Mol (“The Curse of Oak Island”) transported back in time, with the help of AI, to tell stories associated with some of the Netherland’s most famous streets, squares and canal sides.

Pulse films (“Gangs of London,” “The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann”), the production company owned by Vice, is getting out of the film and TV business to focus on commercials, music videos and branded entertainment. Vice Studios will produce scripted projects.

Lifetime has partnered with Vaseline and reality TV stars and real-life cousins Justin Glaze (“The Bachelorette,” “Bachelor in Paradise”) and Marshall Glaze (“Love is Blind”) for an original scripted social short. The campaign supports Lifetime’s “Love of a Lifetime” romance movie stunt in November, as well as Vaseline’s “New Vaseline Lotions Don’t Play – They Perform” campaign.

Hallmark Media announced the next class of creatives chosen to participate in Make Her Mark, its women’s directing mentorship program. Angie Nolan, Hannah Michielsen, Huriyyah Muhammad, and Sarah Wilson Thacker were elected to begin the mentorship phase of the program and shadow a director on set of a Hallmark movie. Also joining the program is Hallmark actor and writer, Nikki DeLoach.

BBC World Service is launching BBC Global Women, a commitment to highlighting women’s storytelling. Alongside new commissions, the initiative will elevate the editorial offer for women by starting conversations, building connections and challenging misinformation. The first commissions under Global Women include exclusive interviews with KPop Demon Hunters’ Arden Cho and the First Lady of Sierra Leone, and an investigation into how sexual violence is being used as a weapon in conflict in Ethiopian.

Chelsea Handler will host the annual Critics Choice Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Four new categories have been added: Best Variety Series for TV, and Best Stunt Design, Best Casting/Ensemble, and Best Sound for movies. The show will air for the second year on E!, as well as on USA Network this year, on Sunday, January 4 at 7p.

A “My Next Guest With David Letterman” special featuring Adam Sandler will air Monday, December 1 on Netflix.

Josh O’Connor (“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”) makes his debut as “Saturday Night Live” host on December 13, joined by Lily Allen as musical guest. The next week sees Ariana Grande taking her third turn as host, joined by musical guest Cher, who last held that role back in 1987.

HBO Original documentary “Music Box: It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley,” from the “Music Box” series created by Bill Simmons, debuts Thursday, December 4 at 9p on HBO. The film had its theatrical release in August.

FOX News Media will present its sixth annual “All-American Christmas Tree Lighting” on Friday, November 21 at 5p during a special edition of “The Five.”

Special “Killing Cancer: The Power Within,” exploring the latest breakthroughs in cancer research, airs Tuesday, November 25 at 10p on NewsNation. Hosted by anchor Chris Cuomo, the one-hour program will feature an in-depth conversation with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, physician, medical innovator, and billionaire entrepreneur, whose research is transforming cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

Today’s Trivia Question
Which actor starred in a reality show spinoff that flopped, then joined the original series as a recurring host? (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.)