Today’s Premieres
Crunchyroll: X&Y
Disney+: Rennervations; It’s All Right!
Freeform: Single Drunk Female at 10p
Netflix: Smother-in-Law

Today’s Finales
The Africa Channel: SA Inc at 7p
HGTV: The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project at 9p

IN THE NEWS

Unscripted series are on the move at Paramount – specifically, from VH1 to MTV. Season 11 of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” is undergoing a reboot and will premiere in its new home this summer. A “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” clip show premieres Tuesday, May 2 at 7p, kicking off MTV’s Tuesday Night Takeover, which will include “MTV Couples Retreat” (formerly VH1 Couples Retreat”). “Caught in the Act: Unfaithful” moves from VH1 to MTV for season two this summer. The goal, said Nina L. Diaz, Chief Creative Officer and President of Content, Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, is to find new audiences for the shows, produced by Antoinette Media, which was recently purchased by Paramount.

Overwhelmed by the amount of content available to stream? You’re not alone. Nearly half of U.S. households have trouble selecting what to watch, with consumers taking 5.7 minutes to make a decision, according to a new study from LG Ad Solutions. And even if consumers know what they want to watch, 40% are confused on where to find it. Additional findings include:
· Consumers are cutting down on subscription services. Forty-six percent have canceled a streaming service to save money, and 59% of viewers are willing to cancel a subscription after finishing their desired content.
· Consumers continue to want free, ad supported content: Sixty-three percent of consumers prefer to stream free content rather than paying for a subscription. Over the next 12 months, 32% of consumers will remove a subscription CTV service and 21% will add more free, ad-supported CTV services.
· CTV drives outcomes: 39% of viewers have searched online and 37% have visited a website after seeing a CTV ad.
“As consumers increasingly move to free, ad-supported services, this next phase of TV will be defined by both content and experience. This means not only do streamers need to promote their content to lure overwhelmed consumers in, but they also need to have enough to keep them engaged and on the app or channel,” said Tony Marlow, CMO of LG Ad Solutions. “Additionally, advertisers must prioritize relevant ad targeting– as nearly 3 in 4 viewers want ads relevant to their interests.”

In related research, “For Gen Z, Identity Is What They Make It,” a study from Horowitz, Vox Media and SeeHer, found how a brand commits itself to DEI initiatives directly influences Gen Z-ers’ perception, attitude, and relationship with the brand. Six in ten Gen Z-ers believe that the media has had a big influence on the way they think about gender identities and sexuality, and data indicated the demo believes brands have a specific responsibility to shape society’s thoughts about diversity, including race, gender identity, and sexuality.

The final two episodes of Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Picard” will be screened in 10 Imax theaters on Wednesday, April 19, the day before the series finale is available to stream on Paramount+. The screening will be free, and fans can participate in a Q&A with series stars and producers afterward, live from the LA screening.

The Peabodys shared the 27 nominees in the Documentary and News categories for the 83rd Annual Peabody Awards. Winners will be named May 9.

At a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, the judge in Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News warned attorneys to “stay far away” from references to the January 6 attack on the Capitol, saying they would be prejudicial and irrelevant. He also limited what Dominion could tell the jury about threats the company received as false allegations about vote rigging were being reported. In Dominion’s favor, the judge ruled Fox News cannot argue that a defense in the case was the newsworthy value of claims of election rigging, or defend itself by pointing to segments it aired on the network that differed from claims made by pro-Trump allies.

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PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

MGM+ gave a greenlight to docuseries “Hollywood Black,” from Justin Simien’s Culture Machine, Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions, and RadicalMedia. Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, the four-parter chronicles a century of the Black experience in Hollywood. “Hollywood, like many American industries, was built on Black culture and Black talent, even though it excluded Black people from many of its origin stories,” said Simien. “This series seeks to illuminate present-day controversies, from #OscarSoWhite to the almost regular ‘blackface reveal’ of prominent white celebrities, told through the lens of Black individuals throughout Hollywood history.”

Dick Wolf has extended his overall deal at Universal Television through 2027. The prolific producer has nine shows on the air on broadcast, all renewed for next season: the “Law & Order” and Chicago” franchises NBC, and three “FBI” series on CBS. “Whether in the comfort of their home or on the treadmill at the gym, it’s a safe bet that almost every adult in the United States has viewed at least one episode of a Dick Wolf show at some point in their life,” noted said Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group. “Dick is a cultural institution.”

Mainframe Studios has partnered with gaming entertainer and streamer Nick Eh 30 for a new animated series “Endurathon,” to be produced in Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5. The series balances conflict with positive messaging around teamwork, friendship and how the road to winning is paved by practice and determination.

Love Nature announced its slate to date of new original commissions, including eight new titles. The new projects include, “Deep in the Heart,” “Macaque Island,” “Enchanted Forests” (w/t), “Jaguar Journals with Lizzie Daly” (w/t), “Deep Down Under” (w/t), “Animals Like Us,” “Super Shark Highway” and “Beasts of the Big Blue.”

Production has started on season two of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” at Leavesden Studios in the UK. “We are thrilled to be shooting again with members of our original family as well as new talents on both sides of the camera,” said Ryan Condal, co-creator/showrunner/EP. “All your favorite characters will soon be conspiring at the council tables, marching with their armies, and riding their dragons into battle. We can’t wait to share what we have in store.”

Brillstein Entertainment Partners has inked a deal with Paramount Television for its Brillstein Creative Partners to co-develop and co-produce scripted series for Paramount+, Showtime and CBS. “We are incredibly excited about this new venture with Brillstein,” said Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with their managers and stellar roster of clients over the years and look forward to deepening and strengthening those partnerships.”

ITV America has inked an exclusive unscripted overall deal with producer Elan Gale and his “TheYearOfElan Productions.” The “FBoy Island” creator will develop and produce unscripted projects with his signature, character-driven storytelling and idiosyncratic take on traditional reality fare. TheYearOfElan will generate content across unscripted genres, including the dating and relationship space.

Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) will star in Peacock coming-of-age thriller “Hysteria!”, playing the mother of a teenage outcast during the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. The series will be produced by UCP. Matthew Scott Kane serves as writer and executive producer; John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Chris Bender and Jake Weiner will also EP.

Casting notes: The series regular voice cast for Netflix’s animated comedy series “Mulligan,” from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (“30 Rock”), includes Fey, Nat Faxon, Chrissy Tiegen, Sam Richardson, Dana Carvey and Phil Lamarr….Bella Ramsey (“The Last of Us”) has joined the season two cast of BBC prison drama “Time,” with Jodie Whittaker (“Doctor Who”), Tamara Lawrence (“Get Millie Black”) and Siobhan Finneran (“Happy Valley”)….Jaime Camil (“Schmigadoon!”) is onboard the season three cast of Apple TV+’s “Acapulco” as a guest star.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

HGTV’s “Celebrity IOU” returns Monday, May 15 at 8p, with hosts and exec producers Drew and Jonathan Scott ready to bring viewers to tears. Celebs gifting surprise home renovations this go-round include Kristin Chenoweth, Glenn Close, Kristin Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Derek and Julianne Hough, Heidi Klum, Jay Leno, and Emme Roberts. “The celebrities we partner with are incredibly genuine—they really want to do something kind for the people who have given so much to them and others,” said Jonathan Scott. “Their dedication to these special renovations is so moving, and I think that’s why we all ugly cry at every episode.”

“The Lazarus Project” launches Sunday, June 4 at 9p on TNT – finally. The action thriller was originally slated to make its debut in January but was paused as Warner Bros. Discovery tweaked its linear network strategy. The show was acquired from UK’s Sky Max.

CBS has set Friday, June 9 as the start date for game show “Superfan.” The series has contestants competing to prove to they are their favorite artist’s biggest fan. The season features music stars Kelsea Ballerini, Gloria Estefan, Little Big Town, LL Cool J, Pitbull and Shania Twain.

Season two of Paramount+ drama “Joe Pickett” premieres with two episodes on Sunday, June 4. After the initial double shot, new episodes will drop weekly.

“The Family Stallone” premieres Wednesday, May 17 on Paramount+. The reality show follows Sylvester Stallone, his wife and their three daughters.

Cheddar News and tri-state news channel News12 are teaming up to launch “beWell,” a daily news show dedicated to wellness. Debuting April 17, the show will be the first in a series of cross-network programs between the Altice USA-owned networks.

TLC’s “7 Little Johnstons” returns Tuesday, April 18 at 9p. Prepare for line dancing, a slumber party and (maybe) a first kiss.

Newsmax is launching a new 5p show, “Carl Higbie Frontline.” Higbie is known to Newsmax viewers for hosting the network’s “Saturday Report” from early 2020 to 2022. He has also served as co-host “Wake Up America Weekend” from January 2022 until the present.

Season two of “From” debuts Sunday, April 23 at 9p on MGM+. The series unravels the mystery of a town that traps all who enter it.

STREAMING

Actor, producer and screenwriter Freddie Prinze Jr. has joined Pau Owen, Josh Shernoff and Fred Shernoff as an owner of Premier Streaming Network. “Premier Streaming Network has rapidly established an impressive, user-friendly platform that champions independent promotions and creators and their diverse content,” said Prinze Jr. “I’m genuinely excited by the PSN team’s dedication, their proven success and their in-depth understanding of the streaming industry.”

Cinedigm has launched three FAST channels on Amazon Freevee: anime channel RetroCrush, family-focused The Dove Channel, and true-life channel Docurama. “Each channel has seen major success in building audiences via its linear channel and VOD apps, as well as on social media, and now we are able to expand the reach of these channels to a new audience with this agreement,” said Cinedigm Networks EVP & General Manager David Chu.

TECH TALK

YouTube Premium isn’t just about an ad-free viewing experience. New features for users willing to pony up $11.99/month include higher 1080p HD video quality, an expanded co-watching experience for FaceTime via iOS SharePlay, and improved queuing options for mobile users.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

MLB filed a motion in Texas demanding that the Cleveland Guardians and the Minnesota Twins be paid for their TV rights or released from their Bally Sports contracts. The Arizona Diamondbacks filed a similar motion. All three teams were still on Bally Sports channels when the motions were filed. “The Debtor RSNs made this decision even though they continue to use the Clubs’ valuable intellectual property every day. By continuing to broadcast Guardians and Twins games, they generate post-petition revenue, yet boldly refuse to pay the Clubs,” said the MLB in a statement.

YouTube is offering YouTube TV subscribers a chance to add NFL Sunday Ticket for $249, an early-bird discount of $100, through June 6. A bundle option with NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone will cost $289 for the season during the presale, another launch offer of $100 off the retail price.

FOX Sports announced one of the best players in United States Women’s National Team history, Carli Lloyd, will join the network’s broadcast team as an analyst for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. “With the United States playing for a historic third consecutive title and fifth star above their crest, Carli’s experience just a short time ago as a teammate and competitor on the world’s biggest stage promises to shine across our dedicated coverage of the tournament,” said David Neal, Executive Producer of FIFA World Cup™ on FOX and Vice President of Production for FOX Sports. The event takes place July 20-August 20.

All Sports Television Network will broadcast “The Contenders” beginning in May. The 20-episode series follows the teams and players in the Women’s World Cup, including comprehensive coverage of the host nations Australia and New Zealand. “Featuring this series on the All Sports Television Network is not only a great way of exposing the American public to the event, but it also further illustrates our commitment to showcasing sports from around the world,” said All Sports President Roger Neal Smith.

Aggregate Sports has named former U.S. Figure Skating executive Ramsey Baker to the position of SVP. Baker will work out of Aggregate Sports’ newly established Colorado Springs office, allowing him to develop deeper ties and to better serve the needs of the company’s NGB partners based in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.

NATAS announced the nominees for the 44th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 22 in NYC. Nominations were announced in 47 categories including Outstanding Live Special and Live Series, four Documentary categories, Journalism, Public Service Content and Esports Coverage, as well as Outstanding Studio Host, Event Analyst and Emerging Talent, among others.

COMING UP

Apple TV+ Earth Day offerings include new programming “Jane” (premiering Friday, April 14), a mission-driven series inspired by the work of ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall; a special for the animated series “Sago Mini Friends” (April 14); new docuseries “Big Beasts” (dropping April 21), narrated by Tom Hiddleston, featuring the most massive species on earth; and new kids and family series “Frog and Toad” (launching April 28), based on the beloved books.

Adult Swim’s heavy metal adventure “Metalocalypse” returns with a nationwide tour of the series’ on-screen band Dethklok. A full-length original film, written and directed by Brendon Small, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar,” a companion soundtrack and “Dethalbum IV” will also arrive this year.

The third BravoCon, set for November 3-5 in Las Vegas, will include VIP experiences and behind-the-scenes access to Bravolebrities. “BravoCon is about celebrating our Bravoholics, whose impassioned commitment and loyalty continue to raise the bar on what it means to be a fan,” said Ellen Stone, EVP, Consumer Engagement & Brand Strategy, NBCUniversal. “In fact, their invaluable insight and devoted engagement drives us to come back stronger and smarter.”

GOING GLOBAL

Curiosity Inc. announced new partnerships expanding its global footprint in Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Australia. The new relationships incorporating Curiosity Subscription Apps and Channels will help deliver Curiosity’s premium non-fiction films, series and shows to several million new paying subscribers around the world.

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RATINGS

Basic Cable Top 10 for the week of April 3
Network, P2+ AA (000s)
Primetime
Fox News 2358
MSNBC1501
HGTV 884
ESPN 799
History 768
INSP 720
CNN 717
Food Network 688
TNT 669
Hallmark Channel 641
Total Day
Fox News 1429
MSNBC 950
ESPN 605
CNN 586
HGTV 458
INSP 391
Food Network 385
Hallmark Channel 382
History 379
ID 338
Source: Nielsen

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Monday, April 10
Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49)
ABC: American Idol 4.46 (0.6), The Good Doctor 3.40 (0.4)
CBS: The Neighborhood 5.07 (0.5), Bob Hearts Abishola 4.55 (0.4), NCIS 6.83 (0.4), NBCIS: Hawai’i 5.01 (0.3)
CW: All American 0.23 (0.0), The Flash 0.17 (0.0)
FOX: 9-1-1 4.48 (0.5), Fantasy Island 1.55 (0.1)
ION: FBI 0.99 (0.1), FBI 1.05 (0.1), FBI 0.87 (0.1)
NBC: The Voice 4.02 (0.4), That’s My Jam 1.87 (0.3)
Telemundo: La Casa de los Famosos 1.29 (0.4), El Señor de los Cielos 1.20 (0.5), Juego de Mentiras 0.89 (0.3)
Univision: Perdona Nuestros Pecados 1.53 (0.4), El Amor Invencible 1.52 (0.4), Cabo 1.34 (0.4)

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Ashley Hovey has been named Chief Digital Officer at The CW. Hovey had been Senior Director, TRC AVOD at Roku.

Dan Green has joined Semcasting as Chief Revenue Officer, Justin Thompson as General Manager of Identity and Healthcare Services, and Ryan Calabrese as VP of Business Development – Healthcare, Pharma and Financial Services.

Viaplay Group has appointed Gerald Biart as VP, Consumer Sales for North America. Most recently, Biart was Vice President Digital Services Partnerships for wellness app Maavee.

Extreme Reach has named Brian Wallach as its first-ever Chief Digital Officer. Wallach had been GM and head of revenue at FreeWheel.

Thunderbird Entertainment Group has named Hillary Zwick Turner to the new role of SVP, Scripted Content. Most recently, Turner served as EP on Netflix special “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always,” dropping April 19.

19th & Park has added Elisa Peebles as Head of Strategy, and has promoted both Markia Erickson to VP, Client Services, and Leslie Alexander to Associate VP, Client Services. Peebles was most recently Group Strategy Director at Barbarian.

The Home Depot has named Melanie Babcock as VP, Retail Media+ and Monetization. Babcock joined the company in 2013, most recently serving as VP of Integrated Media.

This Day in History
1877 – A catcher’s mask was first used in a baseball game.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which 2003 reality show was hosted by Monica Lewinsky? “Mr. Personality.” Kudos to: Greg West-WATC TV/Atlanta; Kelsey Norton-Liquified Creative/Annapolis, MD; Roger Furman-Sports Marketing Communications/Greentown, PA; JoAnn DiNapoli-DeSales Media Group/Brooklyn, NY; John Kukla-KDFW Fox 4/Dallas; Maggie Takei-DirectDonor TV/Paducah, KY; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank

Today’s Trivia Question
Who played Nancy Reagan in the 2016 TV movie “Killing Reagan”? (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.)

Cynopsis Team