The great shake-up in cable TV continues, with Warner Bros. Discovery’s TruTV the latest channel to be overhauled.
The channel, best known for its comedy and reality shows, will shift its primetime lineup to a new sports slate beginning this coming Monday, March 11.
Moving forward, TruTV will be home to exclusive live games (including games in the upcoming March Madness college basketball tournament and MotoGP races) as well as alternative broadcasts of NBA, MLB and NHL games on TNT and TBS. It will also simulcast some of those games, as well.
Alternative telecasts (like ESPN’s Monday Night Football “Manningcast” or Amazon’s Dude Perfect Thursday Night Football option) have become quite popular in recent years, as sports broadcasters seek to bring in new, younger fans to their live events. Leagues, likewise, support having more coverage of their games.
In addition, TNT Sports will produce a slate of sports studio programming,...
The channel, best known for its comedy and reality shows, will shift its primetime lineup to a new sports slate beginning this coming Monday, March 11.
Moving forward, TruTV will be home to exclusive live games (including games in the upcoming March Madness college basketball tournament and MotoGP races) as well as alternative broadcasts of NBA, MLB and NHL games on TNT and TBS. It will also simulcast some of those games, as well.
Alternative telecasts (like ESPN’s Monday Night Football “Manningcast” or Amazon’s Dude Perfect Thursday Night Football option) have become quite popular in recent years, as sports broadcasters seek to bring in new, younger fans to their live events. Leagues, likewise, support having more coverage of their games.
In addition, TNT Sports will produce a slate of sports studio programming,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mega media merger mania is once again afoot in Hollywood with very, very early talks between Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav and Paramount Global’s Bob Bakish about a potential merger of the two companies.
Analysts and industry sources have already raised a number of questions about what a Wbd-Paramount combo would look like and the effect it could have on the larger TV and film landscape.
The first piece of the puzzle in any serious integration plans would be sorting out what’s to be done with Wbd and Paramount’s U.S. cable networks, MoffettNathanson’s team of media analysts wrote in a research note Thursday, after news of the merger talks broke Wednesday afternoon.
“We think any regulatory review of a Wbd/Para combo would likely start with Wbd’s domestic cable portfolio, which already accounts for a greater share of linear time viewed than that of any other company,...
Analysts and industry sources have already raised a number of questions about what a Wbd-Paramount combo would look like and the effect it could have on the larger TV and film landscape.
The first piece of the puzzle in any serious integration plans would be sorting out what’s to be done with Wbd and Paramount’s U.S. cable networks, MoffettNathanson’s team of media analysts wrote in a research note Thursday, after news of the merger talks broke Wednesday afternoon.
“We think any regulatory review of a Wbd/Para combo would likely start with Wbd’s domestic cable portfolio, which already accounts for a greater share of linear time viewed than that of any other company,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery cable warrior Kathleen Finch is heading into her Super Bowl: the holiday season at Food Network.
“Fans come and we supersize them and super serve them with all this holiday content, daytime content, and primetime stuff,” Finch told Variety. “We have four big returning series this year, and that’s just talking about Christmas. We start with Halloween, and we started early and had a lot of really great stuff that worked really well and kicked off our strong ratings early in September.”
More than 63 million total viewers watched Food Network in the fourth quarter of 2022, and Finch is anticipating year-over-year growth for this season’s slate, which includes new series “Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays” and “The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown.”
This year, Food Network celebrated its 30th anniversary in a humble fashion, by continuing on with its regularly scheduled programming and...
“Fans come and we supersize them and super serve them with all this holiday content, daytime content, and primetime stuff,” Finch told Variety. “We have four big returning series this year, and that’s just talking about Christmas. We start with Halloween, and we started early and had a lot of really great stuff that worked really well and kicked off our strong ratings early in September.”
More than 63 million total viewers watched Food Network in the fourth quarter of 2022, and Finch is anticipating year-over-year growth for this season’s slate, which includes new series “Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays” and “The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown.”
This year, Food Network celebrated its 30th anniversary in a humble fashion, by continuing on with its regularly scheduled programming and...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Guy Fieri has signed a new three-year deal with Food Network, which sources tell Variety is valued at more than $100 million.
This fresh pact means that Fieri retains his title as the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned cable channel’s highest-paid talent and bests his most recent multiyear deal, which closed in 2021 for $80 million.
Food Network and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment on the financial figures.
Under the new agreement, which will take Fieri to the 20-year mark with Food Network, the Mayor of Flavortown will continue to produce more of his Emmy-nominated “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” as well as more episodes of “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Tournament of Champions.”
Fieri will also keep developing and producing projects with Food Network through his Knuckle Sandwich production banner.
“Recognized everywhere he goes, there is only one Guy Fieri,” Warner Bros. Discovery head of food content Betsy Ayala said. “Guy’s love of food,...
This fresh pact means that Fieri retains his title as the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned cable channel’s highest-paid talent and bests his most recent multiyear deal, which closed in 2021 for $80 million.
Food Network and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment on the financial figures.
Under the new agreement, which will take Fieri to the 20-year mark with Food Network, the Mayor of Flavortown will continue to produce more of his Emmy-nominated “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” as well as more episodes of “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Tournament of Champions.”
Fieri will also keep developing and producing projects with Food Network through his Knuckle Sandwich production banner.
“Recognized everywhere he goes, there is only one Guy Fieri,” Warner Bros. Discovery head of food content Betsy Ayala said. “Guy’s love of food,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Selena Gomez is back in the kitchen, seemingly for an upcoming holiday-themed episode of one of her cook shows, however it’s unclear which series.
On Thursday, the actress and food enthusiast shared a set of photos on her Instagram Story, including one of her in a kitchen decked out in holiday decor, including Christmas garland featuring pinecones, red berries and twinkling lights, and nutcracker dolls.
In the pic, the mega-star is dressed up, appearing camera-ready, as she donned a white dress complete with a full face of makeup. Lighting and audio equipment are also seen in place throughout the set.
Read More: Selena Gomez Shares Pink Bikini Pics While Having Fun On A Boat
Photo: Instagram/ @SelenaGomez
In a follow-up mirror selfie, Gomez, 31, showed off her cute outfit while a Christmas wreath is seen hanging on a window in the background.
However, it’s unclear whether Gomez is shooting...
On Thursday, the actress and food enthusiast shared a set of photos on her Instagram Story, including one of her in a kitchen decked out in holiday decor, including Christmas garland featuring pinecones, red berries and twinkling lights, and nutcracker dolls.
In the pic, the mega-star is dressed up, appearing camera-ready, as she donned a white dress complete with a full face of makeup. Lighting and audio equipment are also seen in place throughout the set.
Read More: Selena Gomez Shares Pink Bikini Pics While Having Fun On A Boat
Photo: Instagram/ @SelenaGomez
In a follow-up mirror selfie, Gomez, 31, showed off her cute outfit while a Christmas wreath is seen hanging on a window in the background.
However, it’s unclear whether Gomez is shooting...
- 8/4/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Warner Bros. Discovery’s global head of corporate research Tania Missad is leaving the company amid discussions of departmental restructuring, two individuals familiar with the matter told TheWrap.
According to one individual, Missad is leaving after engaging in discussions about restructuring the research department and considers the exit ahead of any potential changes a mutual decision between her and Wbd.
That individual told TheWrap that Wbd is still in discussions about the departmental restructuring and that no decisions have been made.
Though, a second individual with knowledge said the restructuring would effectively “wipe out” the cable research department, which tracks with the lessening importance of linear TV to the future of the industry.
A Wbd representative declined to comment for this article.
Missad joined Warner Bros. as a VP in 2016 from Mattel as the company was expanding its research department. She went on to become SVP of global research at...
According to one individual, Missad is leaving after engaging in discussions about restructuring the research department and considers the exit ahead of any potential changes a mutual decision between her and Wbd.
That individual told TheWrap that Wbd is still in discussions about the departmental restructuring and that no decisions have been made.
Though, a second individual with knowledge said the restructuring would effectively “wipe out” the cable research department, which tracks with the lessening importance of linear TV to the future of the industry.
A Wbd representative declined to comment for this article.
Missad joined Warner Bros. as a VP in 2016 from Mattel as the company was expanding its research department. She went on to become SVP of global research at...
- 8/2/2023
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Layoffs are underway at HBO’s public relations department, TheWrap has learned.
The Warner Bros. Discovery brand is facing new cuts to its communications and PR teams, with several veteran staffers and execs impacted by the cost-cutting measures, according to two knowledgeable insiders. Layoffs among the legal and production division also landed earlier this week, an insider with knowledge of HBO told TheWrap.
While the exact number of layoffs was not known, the insiders said the cuts “decimated” the corporate PR team, which is well known for a veteran staff that has been successively eliminated or exited in the past year.
On Tuesday, the entertainment giant announced the departure of streaming communications SVP Chris Willard, who exited the company after 14 years to pursue other interests. During his tenure working primarily with the HBO team, Willard shepherded the communications strategy for both Max and Discovery+ and recently oversaw the PR associated...
The Warner Bros. Discovery brand is facing new cuts to its communications and PR teams, with several veteran staffers and execs impacted by the cost-cutting measures, according to two knowledgeable insiders. Layoffs among the legal and production division also landed earlier this week, an insider with knowledge of HBO told TheWrap.
While the exact number of layoffs was not known, the insiders said the cuts “decimated” the corporate PR team, which is well known for a veteran staff that has been successively eliminated or exited in the past year.
On Tuesday, the entertainment giant announced the departure of streaming communications SVP Chris Willard, who exited the company after 14 years to pursue other interests. During his tenure working primarily with the HBO team, Willard shepherded the communications strategy for both Max and Discovery+ and recently oversaw the PR associated...
- 8/2/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Trio to work alongside Warner Bros. picture group co-heads Mike De Luca, Pamela Abdy.
The imbroglio at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) appears to have been resolved as it emerged on Wednesday that Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson will help curate films under the creative oversight of Warner Bros picture group co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy.
Senior vice-president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, who had been at TCM for more than 25 years and was among several senior executives laid off earlier this month, will now return to the channel.
In a heartening development the new roles for Spielberg,...
The imbroglio at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) appears to have been resolved as it emerged on Wednesday that Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson will help curate films under the creative oversight of Warner Bros picture group co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy.
Senior vice-president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, who had been at TCM for more than 25 years and was among several senior executives laid off earlier this month, will now return to the channel.
In a heartening development the new roles for Spielberg,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros motion picture group co-heads to work alongside Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson.
The imbroglio at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has been resolved as it emerged on Wednesday that Warner Bros picture group co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy will assume creative control of the channel working alongside Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson.
The three filmmakers called a meeting last week with David Zaslav, CEO of TCM parent Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd), amid fears the channel might close down after several senior executives were laid off under ongoing cost-cutting at Wbd.
Senior vice-president...
The imbroglio at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has been resolved as it emerged on Wednesday that Warner Bros picture group co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy will assume creative control of the channel working alongside Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson.
The three filmmakers called a meeting last week with David Zaslav, CEO of TCM parent Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd), amid fears the channel might close down after several senior executives were laid off under ongoing cost-cutting at Wbd.
Senior vice-president...
- 6/28/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros Discovery has finalized the creative-side structure at Turner Classic Movies, a week after directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson called an emergency meeting with Wbd chief David Zaslav about restructuring plans at the channel.
A new plan is now being implemented that will see Spielberg, Scorsese and Anderson actively work alongside Warner Bros Motion Picture Group toppers Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who were handed creative control of TCM late last week amid word of the director trio’s concerns.
Those concerns came after Wbd revealed layoffs earlier last week that included network EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh, VP of Brand Creative and Marketing Dexter Fedor, VP of Enterprises and Strategic Partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, and VP of Studio Production Anne Wilson.
Under the new structure, Tabesh will remain at TCM. On the business side, the...
A new plan is now being implemented that will see Spielberg, Scorsese and Anderson actively work alongside Warner Bros Motion Picture Group toppers Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who were handed creative control of TCM late last week amid word of the director trio’s concerns.
Those concerns came after Wbd revealed layoffs earlier last week that included network EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh, VP of Brand Creative and Marketing Dexter Fedor, VP of Enterprises and Strategic Partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, and VP of Studio Production Anne Wilson.
Under the new structure, Tabesh will remain at TCM. On the business side, the...
- 6/28/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
TCM Reborn: Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Martin Scorsese to Guide Channel Programming
Filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson will help guide programming decisions and curation at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) as advisors after IndieWire first reported that the trio called Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav about their concerns at the network after a string of recent layoffs.
The guidance of TCM will be a collaboration between the three titan filmmakers, and they’ll also provide guidance on the interstitial programming, such as the host intros and outros in between the films. A source also says Scorsese, Spielberg, and Anderson have a formal arrangement as volunteers with the company but will not be taking a salary.
TCM vet Charles “Charlie” Tabesh will remain at the network and will report to Warner Bros. executives Michael de Luca and Pamela Abdy, who were previously reported to be overseeing programming and creative content at TCM. The two film chiefs are filmmaker-friendly and...
The guidance of TCM will be a collaboration between the three titan filmmakers, and they’ll also provide guidance on the interstitial programming, such as the host intros and outros in between the films. A source also says Scorsese, Spielberg, and Anderson have a formal arrangement as volunteers with the company but will not be taking a salary.
TCM vet Charles “Charlie” Tabesh will remain at the network and will report to Warner Bros. executives Michael de Luca and Pamela Abdy, who were previously reported to be overseeing programming and creative content at TCM. The two film chiefs are filmmaker-friendly and...
- 6/28/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
In a cinematic twist, Turner Classic Movies programming executive Charles Tabesh will remain in his post following Warner Bros. Discovery’s public relations black eye over layoffs and dramatic cost-cutting changes at the beloved cable network. Additionally, Wbd has set a partnership with filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to help curate content for TCM.
Tabesh, a 25-year TCM executive who had been slated to leave as part of the downsizing of the network’s staff, will now stay in his post and report to Warner Bros. film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, who Variety previously reported were slated to take oversight of the operations at the network. Now, they will have an enviable brain trust of some of the most storied names in movies to tap — a group whose credits include “Jaws,” “Raging Bull” and “Boogie Nights.”
“We have already begun working on ideas with Mike and Pam,...
Tabesh, a 25-year TCM executive who had been slated to leave as part of the downsizing of the network’s staff, will now stay in his post and report to Warner Bros. film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, who Variety previously reported were slated to take oversight of the operations at the network. Now, they will have an enviable brain trust of some of the most storied names in movies to tap — a group whose credits include “Jaws,” “Raging Bull” and “Boogie Nights.”
“We have already begun working on ideas with Mike and Pam,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Film executives Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy will oversee programming and creative content for TCM while directors Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese will provide guidance on curation and programming scheduling, Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Wednesday.
“TCM is a cultural treasure, and we are honored to help steer the future direction of this beloved brand with the partnership of three of the most iconic filmmakers of our time, Steven, Marty, and Paul. David Zaslav led the charge, driven by our shared love of storytelling, to bring us together for a project about which we are so passionate. Over the last year, we have meaningfully increased our content investment in TCM, and intend to further enhance TCM’s on-air programming and engagement with fans,” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement.
In a reversal, TCM’s long-time senior vice president of programming and content strategy, Charles Tabesh,...
“TCM is a cultural treasure, and we are honored to help steer the future direction of this beloved brand with the partnership of three of the most iconic filmmakers of our time, Steven, Marty, and Paul. David Zaslav led the charge, driven by our shared love of storytelling, to bring us together for a project about which we are so passionate. Over the last year, we have meaningfully increased our content investment in TCM, and intend to further enhance TCM’s on-air programming and engagement with fans,” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement.
In a reversal, TCM’s long-time senior vice president of programming and content strategy, Charles Tabesh,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
It wasn’t that David Zaslav wasn’t cautioned. He was, explicitly, in a December 2022 conversation with CAA’s Bryan Lourd, who said that damaging the relatively small but beloved Turner Classic Movies would lead to backlash from “a lot of important people” — people whom Zaslav most admired and wanted to be admired by, such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson.
But while Zaslav repeatedly declared and continues to declare his love for TCM, by the time that conversation took place, the channel had been undergoing months of layoffs and budget reductions that ultimately led top executives to depart on June 20. Among them: Charles Tabesh, the longtime programmer considered by many to be the heart of the network.
In the aftermath of the predicted backlash, Wbd is announcing today that creative oversight of the channel will move from the division that imposed those cuts, headed by Wbd...
But while Zaslav repeatedly declared and continues to declare his love for TCM, by the time that conversation took place, the channel had been undergoing months of layoffs and budget reductions that ultimately led top executives to depart on June 20. Among them: Charles Tabesh, the longtime programmer considered by many to be the heart of the network.
In the aftermath of the predicted backlash, Wbd is announcing today that creative oversight of the channel will move from the division that imposed those cuts, headed by Wbd...
- 6/28/2023
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
News kept on churning this week — from Sunday morning until end of Friday — on the Warner Bros. Discovery front.
Headlines included big changes at TCM; The Flash‘s disappointing box office; discussions with Netflix for potential HBO streaming license deals; more chatter around the fate of CNN; renewed talk of a music publishing sale; and a glum industry report on cost cutting.
The flurry, which touched virtually every corner of the Wbd universe, came as the company announced it will reveal quarterly financial results on August 3. The report will be the first to provide almost entirely apples-to-apples year-to-year comparisons since the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger closed, ushering in a period of nearly non-stop flux. There have been cost cuts, layoffs and content write-downs in the service of a promised $5 billion-plus in savings. There have been industrywide shifts in the ad market, the box office and the pay-tv ecosystem. And...
Headlines included big changes at TCM; The Flash‘s disappointing box office; discussions with Netflix for potential HBO streaming license deals; more chatter around the fate of CNN; renewed talk of a music publishing sale; and a glum industry report on cost cutting.
The flurry, which touched virtually every corner of the Wbd universe, came as the company announced it will reveal quarterly financial results on August 3. The report will be the first to provide almost entirely apples-to-apples year-to-year comparisons since the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger closed, ushering in a period of nearly non-stop flux. There have been cost cuts, layoffs and content write-downs in the service of a promised $5 billion-plus in savings. There have been industrywide shifts in the ad market, the box office and the pay-tv ecosystem. And...
- 6/24/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Kohn’s Corner is a weekly column about the challenges and opportunities of sustaining American film culture.
Shame was never high on Warner Media Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s priority list: Over the past 12 months, he buried “Batgirl,” yanked close to 100 titles from its streaming service, and threw a lavish party at Cannes in the middle of the WGA strike.
Yet in January, when I devoted this column to questions about the prospects for Turner Classic Movies at Wbd, the company did its best to project a bright future. Zaslav loved TCM, the company’s general manager Pola Changnon told me. “We feel fortunate that in this new world, at the top, someone cares about us,” Changnon said.
That affection has its limits. After a handful of layoffs earlier this year, TCM lost its five senior executives this week, including Changnon and VP of programing and strategy Charles “Charlie” Tabesh,...
Shame was never high on Warner Media Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s priority list: Over the past 12 months, he buried “Batgirl,” yanked close to 100 titles from its streaming service, and threw a lavish party at Cannes in the middle of the WGA strike.
Yet in January, when I devoted this column to questions about the prospects for Turner Classic Movies at Wbd, the company did its best to project a bright future. Zaslav loved TCM, the company’s general manager Pola Changnon told me. “We feel fortunate that in this new world, at the top, someone cares about us,” Changnon said.
That affection has its limits. After a handful of layoffs earlier this year, TCM lost its five senior executives this week, including Changnon and VP of programing and strategy Charles “Charlie” Tabesh,...
- 6/24/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Turner Classic Movies will lean on Warner Bros. film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy for library curation and editorial vision, sources told Variety, in wake of the exit of network head Pola Changnon this week.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav had been considering bringing in De Luca and Abdy for some time, insiders said, to rely on their cinephile instincts and shape the best possible programming slate for the channel — one beloved by Hollywood titans and film fans for showcasing of film history.
TCM will still exist with the U.S. Networks Group run by Kathleen Finch. While De Luca and Abdy will advise, a senior executive in charge of operations is expected to be named in the future. Warner Bros. Discovery had no comment on the matter.
The exit of Changnon, along with other key TCM employees, caused an outcry from the film community — including top directors Steven Spielberg,...
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav had been considering bringing in De Luca and Abdy for some time, insiders said, to rely on their cinephile instincts and shape the best possible programming slate for the channel — one beloved by Hollywood titans and film fans for showcasing of film history.
TCM will still exist with the U.S. Networks Group run by Kathleen Finch. While De Luca and Abdy will advise, a senior executive in charge of operations is expected to be named in the future. Warner Bros. Discovery had no comment on the matter.
The exit of Changnon, along with other key TCM employees, caused an outcry from the film community — including top directors Steven Spielberg,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Matt Donnelly and Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Pictures heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy are taking oversight of Turner Classic Movies, an individual with knowledge of the matter confirmed Friday to TheWrap.
The leadership change follows the exit of TCM chief Pola Changnon and layoffs of several other members of the network’s top brass. The departures came amid cuts of 100 staffers across Warner Bros. Discovery’s U.S. Networks Group this week, led by chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch.
Following Changnon’s departure on Tuesday, Finch said in a memo to staff that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang who had previously run TCM on an interim basis for eight months in 2019 and 2020, would take oversight of the network.
Just hours later, TheWrap exclusively reported that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson,...
The leadership change follows the exit of TCM chief Pola Changnon and layoffs of several other members of the network’s top brass. The departures came amid cuts of 100 staffers across Warner Bros. Discovery’s U.S. Networks Group this week, led by chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch.
Following Changnon’s departure on Tuesday, Finch said in a memo to staff that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang who had previously run TCM on an interim basis for eight months in 2019 and 2020, would take oversight of the network.
Just hours later, TheWrap exclusively reported that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is attempting to calm the waters after stirring up a storm over Turner Classic Movies earlier this week. Zaslav is moving oversight of the channel to Warner Bros. Pictures bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, sources with knowledge of the situation tell The Hollywood Reporter.
The move is meant to reassure the film community after Wbd announced a restructuring this week that saw TCM chief Pola Changnon exit after 25 years, along with key team members.
The move worried cinephiles and sparked an outcry, culminating with Zaslav having a call with filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson. On June 21, the trio released a joint statement, which read in part, “Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected. We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to...
The move is meant to reassure the film community after Wbd announced a restructuring this week that saw TCM chief Pola Changnon exit after 25 years, along with key team members.
The move worried cinephiles and sparked an outcry, culminating with Zaslav having a call with filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson. On June 21, the trio released a joint statement, which read in part, “Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected. We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to...
- 6/23/2023
- by Kim Masters and Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have joined forces to keep Turner Classic Movies from becoming the next “Batgirl.”
After it was revealed that veteran executive and TCM general manager Pola Chagnon was leaving Warner Bros. Discovery ahead of planned layoffs – and that other top TCM leaders were on the way out as well – many fans of the network grew concerned that the beloved channel would cease to exist. “Turner Classic Movies has been a fixture in my life for as long as I can remember. It’s a holy corner of film history — and a living, breathing library for an entire art form. Please don’t fuck with TCM,” Ryan Reynolds wrote on Twitter.
So in an attempt to keep TCM thriving, three of the greatest living directors reached out to Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav separately and together to urge the company’s CEO to leave well enough alone.
After it was revealed that veteran executive and TCM general manager Pola Chagnon was leaving Warner Bros. Discovery ahead of planned layoffs – and that other top TCM leaders were on the way out as well – many fans of the network grew concerned that the beloved channel would cease to exist. “Turner Classic Movies has been a fixture in my life for as long as I can remember. It’s a holy corner of film history — and a living, breathing library for an entire art form. Please don’t fuck with TCM,” Ryan Reynolds wrote on Twitter.
So in an attempt to keep TCM thriving, three of the greatest living directors reached out to Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav separately and together to urge the company’s CEO to leave well enough alone.
- 6/22/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Update: On Wednesday evening, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Anderson released a joint statement about their discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav regarding TCM.
After Warner Bros. Discovery announced layoffs at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Tuesday, filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson conferred with Wbd chief David Zaslav about the future of the cinema network.
Variety has learned that the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO convened a call with the trio of top filmmakers on Wednesday for guidance following the departure of top TCM execs, including general manager Pola Changnon, who stepped down after more than 25 years with the network and Turner.
“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been...
After Warner Bros. Discovery announced layoffs at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Tuesday, filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson conferred with Wbd chief David Zaslav about the future of the cinema network.
Variety has learned that the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO convened a call with the trio of top filmmakers on Wednesday for guidance following the departure of top TCM execs, including general manager Pola Changnon, who stepped down after more than 25 years with the network and Turner.
“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been...
- 6/21/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav held a meeting on Wednesday with Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to discuss the future of Turner Classic Movies following news of multiple executive layoffs at the network, TheWrap has learned.
The meeting followed an intense online backlash from classic movie fans upset over the departure of longtime executives at the channel.
A Warner insider said that Zaslav had called the meeting — disputing some reports that the directors had asked for the conversation with the CEO — and discussed giving filmmakers “a bigger hand in programming curating” TCM. The idea was “how do we make this better for the future,” said the insider.
The individual also said that the layoffs were part of a strategy to bring TCM more fully into the U.S. Networks Group so that it can be stronger and benefit from cross-promotion. “The idea is that TCM has been an island,...
The meeting followed an intense online backlash from classic movie fans upset over the departure of longtime executives at the channel.
A Warner insider said that Zaslav had called the meeting — disputing some reports that the directors had asked for the conversation with the CEO — and discussed giving filmmakers “a bigger hand in programming curating” TCM. The idea was “how do we make this better for the future,” said the insider.
The individual also said that the layoffs were part of a strategy to bring TCM more fully into the U.S. Networks Group so that it can be stronger and benefit from cross-promotion. “The idea is that TCM has been an island,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
More top brass from Turner Classic Movies are on their way out as Warner Bros. Discovery layoffs are underway across the conglomerate’s TV networks division, TheWrap has learned.
Individuals at the network with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson, vice president of marketing and creative Dexter Fedor and TCM Enterprises vice president Genevieve McGillicuddy will all exit the company.
The latest departures follow news on Tuesday that TCM general manager Pola Chagnon is leaving the company after more than 25 years.
Also Read:
TCM Head Pola Changnon to Exit as More Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs Hit Networks Team
U.S. Networks Group chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch said in a memo to staff Tuesday that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang,...
Individuals at the network with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson, vice president of marketing and creative Dexter Fedor and TCM Enterprises vice president Genevieve McGillicuddy will all exit the company.
The latest departures follow news on Tuesday that TCM general manager Pola Chagnon is leaving the company after more than 25 years.
Also Read:
TCM Head Pola Changnon to Exit as More Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs Hit Networks Team
U.S. Networks Group chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch said in a memo to staff Tuesday that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery has begun implementing layoffs in its domestic cable group, cuts that will affect about 100 employees across legacy Discovery and Turner outlets.
Amid the shuffle, TCM general manager Pola Changnon is leaving the classic movie channel after more than 25 years with TCM and Turner. Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, will oversee TCM, as he did prior to the Warner Bros.-Discovery merger in 2022.
The plan for layoffs across Warner Bros. Discovery’s major divisions were signaled late last year when the company faced extreme financial pressure amid rising losses from its streaming operations and the weakening macroeconomy. Wbd’s domestic cable channels — including Discovery, TNT, TBS, TLC, HGTV, Food Network and CNN — were once the envy of the industry in terms of viewership and profitability. But the fast-changing pay TV marketplace and the rise of on-demand streaming has upended the reliable...
Amid the shuffle, TCM general manager Pola Changnon is leaving the classic movie channel after more than 25 years with TCM and Turner. Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, will oversee TCM, as he did prior to the Warner Bros.-Discovery merger in 2022.
The plan for layoffs across Warner Bros. Discovery’s major divisions were signaled late last year when the company faced extreme financial pressure amid rising losses from its streaming operations and the weakening macroeconomy. Wbd’s domestic cable channels — including Discovery, TNT, TBS, TLC, HGTV, Food Network and CNN — were once the envy of the industry in terms of viewership and profitability. But the fast-changing pay TV marketplace and the rise of on-demand streaming has upended the reliable...
- 6/20/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Turner Classic Movies general manager Pola Chagnon is leaving the company after more than 25 years, as Warner Bros. Discovery layoffs are underway across the conglomerate’s TV division.
While Chagnon — who had been leading TCM since 2020 — opted to leave the position herself, the news comes as other reported exits impact the company’s cable television operations starting Tuesday.
Chairman and chief content officer, US Networks Group Kathleen Finch said in a memo to staff Tuesday that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, will take oversight of TCM. Ouweleen previously ran TCM.
“His vast experience with the brand and its mission will help to ensure a seamless transition. Michael shares our passion for classic films and believes strongly in TCM’s essential role in preserving and spotlighting iconic movies for the next generation of cinephiles. He has full support across Wbd, and we look...
While Chagnon — who had been leading TCM since 2020 — opted to leave the position herself, the news comes as other reported exits impact the company’s cable television operations starting Tuesday.
Chairman and chief content officer, US Networks Group Kathleen Finch said in a memo to staff Tuesday that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, will take oversight of TCM. Ouweleen previously ran TCM.
“His vast experience with the brand and its mission will help to ensure a seamless transition. Michael shares our passion for classic films and believes strongly in TCM’s essential role in preserving and spotlighting iconic movies for the next generation of cinephiles. He has full support across Wbd, and we look...
- 6/20/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
Pola Changnon, who runs Turner Classic Movies (TCM), is the latest executive to leave as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery shakeup.
Changnon, who was EVP and Gm of the cable network, has been with the company for more than 25 years. She took over the new role in 2020.
Michael Ouweleen, the President of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, who previously oversaw TCM, will once again take charge of the network.
Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, revealed the news in a note to staff, see it below.
It comes after Deadline revealed that a number of executives across the cable networks group including Amy Introcaso-Davis, who was EVP, Development and Production, Factual Programming, Discovery. are leaving.
Here is Finch’s note to staff:
Dear TCM Team,
As you know, Pola has decided to step down after more than 15 years with the network and...
Changnon, who was EVP and Gm of the cable network, has been with the company for more than 25 years. She took over the new role in 2020.
Michael Ouweleen, the President of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, who previously oversaw TCM, will once again take charge of the network.
Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, revealed the news in a note to staff, see it below.
It comes after Deadline revealed that a number of executives across the cable networks group including Amy Introcaso-Davis, who was EVP, Development and Production, Factual Programming, Discovery. are leaving.
Here is Finch’s note to staff:
Dear TCM Team,
As you know, Pola has decided to step down after more than 15 years with the network and...
- 6/20/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The executive vp and general manager of Turner Classic Movies, Pola Changnon, has opted to exit Warner Bros. Discovery.
Changnon has led TCM since 2020, but has been with the company for more than 25 years. She announced her decision to leave the company in a memo to TCM staff Tuesday.
In another note to staff Tuesday, Wbd TV networks chief content officer chief Kathleen Finch said that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, will assume oversight of TCM. Ouweleen previously ran TCM.
Ouweleen will segue to the new position in the summer after serving as interim head of Warners’ kids, young adults and classics division, which included oversight of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Ouweleen had held the interim post since November, when 15-year Warner Media staffer Christina Miller announced her departure. She previously oversaw all three brands as well as Turner Classic Movies.
Changnon has led TCM since 2020, but has been with the company for more than 25 years. She announced her decision to leave the company in a memo to TCM staff Tuesday.
In another note to staff Tuesday, Wbd TV networks chief content officer chief Kathleen Finch said that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, will assume oversight of TCM. Ouweleen previously ran TCM.
Ouweleen will segue to the new position in the summer after serving as interim head of Warners’ kids, young adults and classics division, which included oversight of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Ouweleen had held the interim post since November, when 15-year Warner Media staffer Christina Miller announced her departure. She previously oversaw all three brands as well as Turner Classic Movies.
- 6/20/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Arthur series creator Marc Brown is bringing his next kids show to Max. The streaming service has given a series greenlight to new animated preschool series Hop. The series order is part of a return by Max, the company behind the Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera libraries, to the kids space.
The series also marks Brown’s first television show following last year’s finale of the beloved Arthur series following its 25-season run on PBS.
Co-created by Brown and Arthur alums Peter K. Hirsch and Tolon Brown, Hop hails from producers Epic Story Media and Loomi Animation. Epic also has brought on board RespectAbility – the advocacy nonprofit organization fighting stigma and advancing opportunity for people with disabilities – to consult on the series.
Hop follows an eclectic group of besties whose comedic adventures teach preschoolers about embracing their own uniqueness. Led by Hop, an enthusiastic, empathetic frog with one leg shorter than the other,...
The series also marks Brown’s first television show following last year’s finale of the beloved Arthur series following its 25-season run on PBS.
Co-created by Brown and Arthur alums Peter K. Hirsch and Tolon Brown, Hop hails from producers Epic Story Media and Loomi Animation. Epic also has brought on board RespectAbility – the advocacy nonprofit organization fighting stigma and advancing opportunity for people with disabilities – to consult on the series.
Hop follows an eclectic group of besties whose comedic adventures teach preschoolers about embracing their own uniqueness. Led by Hop, an enthusiastic, empathetic frog with one leg shorter than the other,...
- 6/12/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery will target cable TV staffers in its next round of layoffs, an individual with knowledge confirmed to TheWrap.
The layoffs, which are anticipated to kick off this summer, are expected to impact the cable news division, which is headed up by U.S. Networks Chairman and Chief Content Officer Kathleen Finch and includes Discovery-branded cable networks. Cable networks operated by Warner Bros. Discovery include Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel, Animal Planet, former Scripps networks Food Network and HGTV, as well as Turner-branded networks such as TNT, TBS and truTV.
The news comes just one day before the media conglomerate launches its new streaming service, titled Max, which will combine the libraries of HBO Max and Discovery+ as a part of the continued Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
The streaming service will offer three pricing options to consumers: a $9.99 per month Max Ad Lite tier,...
The layoffs, which are anticipated to kick off this summer, are expected to impact the cable news division, which is headed up by U.S. Networks Chairman and Chief Content Officer Kathleen Finch and includes Discovery-branded cable networks. Cable networks operated by Warner Bros. Discovery include Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel, Animal Planet, former Scripps networks Food Network and HGTV, as well as Turner-branded networks such as TNT, TBS and truTV.
The news comes just one day before the media conglomerate launches its new streaming service, titled Max, which will combine the libraries of HBO Max and Discovery+ as a part of the continued Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
The streaming service will offer three pricing options to consumers: a $9.99 per month Max Ad Lite tier,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Warner Bros. Discovery is set to undergo another round of layoffs in its television business.
Deadline understands that the company is expected to cut some roles in its cable TV business, which includes the Discovery-branded cable networks.
It’s been described as “pockets of refinement” rather than wholesale cuts and sources have told Deadline that cable staffers have been bracing themselves over the last couple of weeks.
The timing is yet to be confirmed. Sources originally told Deadline that the cuts were expected over the next few weeks, but it’s more likely later this summer.
Warner Bros. Discovery operates cable networks including Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel and Animal Planet as well as the former Scripps networks such as Food Network and HGTV. It also operates the former Turner-branded networks such as TNT, TBS and truTV.
The division is run by Chairman and Chief Content Officer,...
Deadline understands that the company is expected to cut some roles in its cable TV business, which includes the Discovery-branded cable networks.
It’s been described as “pockets of refinement” rather than wholesale cuts and sources have told Deadline that cable staffers have been bracing themselves over the last couple of weeks.
The timing is yet to be confirmed. Sources originally told Deadline that the cuts were expected over the next few weeks, but it’s more likely later this summer.
Warner Bros. Discovery operates cable networks including Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel and Animal Planet as well as the former Scripps networks such as Food Network and HGTV. It also operates the former Turner-branded networks such as TNT, TBS and truTV.
The division is run by Chairman and Chief Content Officer,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
Conan O'Brien has landed a TV series on HBO Max.
Conan O'Brien Must Go is described as a new international travel series.
The four-episode series is currently in production and will feature O'Brien visiting new friends he's met through his podcast, "Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan," where he dives deep with listeners from across the country and the world.
It's certainly a different direction for O'Brien and we're sure his fans will be thrilled.
"My fans around the globe never asked me to visit them, so I did," he said in a statement.
Nina Rosenstein, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming added: "Conan is a national treasure…at least that's what he keeps telling me. It's been an absolute dream to work with him, Jeff, and the whole Conaco team."
"They're everything you'd hope for – insanely smart,...
Conan O'Brien has landed a TV series on HBO Max.
Conan O'Brien Must Go is described as a new international travel series.
The four-episode series is currently in production and will feature O'Brien visiting new friends he's met through his podcast, "Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan," where he dives deep with listeners from across the country and the world.
It's certainly a different direction for O'Brien and we're sure his fans will be thrilled.
"My fans around the globe never asked me to visit them, so I did," he said in a statement.
Nina Rosenstein, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming added: "Conan is a national treasure…at least that's what he keeps telling me. It's been an absolute dream to work with him, Jeff, and the whole Conaco team."
"They're everything you'd hope for – insanely smart,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
TBS is revisiting Dinner and a Movie, its classic cooking and entertainment show that ran for 16 years on the network.
TBS is reviving the show, in which two celebrity hosts show a movie and prepare a dish related to the film. Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery’s U.S. Networks Group, announced the remake Wednesday during the company’s Upfront presentation in NYC.
There are few details, but the remake will again feature celebrities watching and commenting on movies and making a dish that is somehow thematically connected to the film.
The original Dinner and a Movie aired on TBS from 1995-2011. Each episode included a movie and the preparation of a creative dinner to go with its theme. One previous episode featured the film Drumline with a recipe titled “The Beets Go On”, a reference to the Sonny & Cher single “The Beat Goes...
TBS is reviving the show, in which two celebrity hosts show a movie and prepare a dish related to the film. Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery’s U.S. Networks Group, announced the remake Wednesday during the company’s Upfront presentation in NYC.
There are few details, but the remake will again feature celebrities watching and commenting on movies and making a dish that is somehow thematically connected to the film.
The original Dinner and a Movie aired on TBS from 1995-2011. Each episode included a movie and the preparation of a creative dinner to go with its theme. One previous episode featured the film Drumline with a recipe titled “The Beets Go On”, a reference to the Sonny & Cher single “The Beat Goes...
- 5/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America picket line outside the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront Wednesday morning may have been a block away and across the street (owing to construction at Penn Station), but it was felt inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden, where Wbd executives took to the stage in a talent-free presentation.
“What you’re about to see is not exactly the show we expected to do today,” Wbd ad sales chief Jon Steinlauf said to open the show. “We made the decision to only have executives on stage out of respect for our talent, and the WGA.”
Instead, Steinlauf, EVP of Advertising Sales and Inclusive Solutions, Sheereen Russell; CNN CEO Chris Licht; Wbd Sports chief Luis Silberwasser; US networks content chief Kathleen Finch; streaming and games head Jb Perrette; HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys; and chief revenue officer Bruce Campbell addressed a tired crowd of media buyers,...
“What you’re about to see is not exactly the show we expected to do today,” Wbd ad sales chief Jon Steinlauf said to open the show. “We made the decision to only have executives on stage out of respect for our talent, and the WGA.”
Instead, Steinlauf, EVP of Advertising Sales and Inclusive Solutions, Sheereen Russell; CNN CEO Chris Licht; Wbd Sports chief Luis Silberwasser; US networks content chief Kathleen Finch; streaming and games head Jb Perrette; HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys; and chief revenue officer Bruce Campbell addressed a tired crowd of media buyers,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Bay and Investigation Discovery commit to true crime docuseries
A new true documentary series is in the works, with Michael Bay (known for directing the Transformers films and 13 Hours) teaming up with Investigation Discovery. The series is set to launch in 2024 and will explore a “terrifying, yet little-known” event.
The announcement of the deal with Michael Bay to executive produce was made by Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer for the US Networks Group at Wbd, during the company’s Upfront presentation.
“I’m a storyteller at heart; I’m fascinated by the human mind and exploring what makes each of us tick. When you approach documenting real-life crime from that perspective, the end result is always intriguing,” stated executive producer Michael Bay. “Known for the caliber of their programming, Investigation Discovery’s expertise in unscripted true crime is second to none, and I can’t wait...
A new true documentary series is in the works, with Michael Bay (known for directing the Transformers films and 13 Hours) teaming up with Investigation Discovery. The series is set to launch in 2024 and will explore a “terrifying, yet little-known” event.
The announcement of the deal with Michael Bay to executive produce was made by Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer for the US Networks Group at Wbd, during the company’s Upfront presentation.
“I’m a storyteller at heart; I’m fascinated by the human mind and exploring what makes each of us tick. When you approach documenting real-life crime from that perspective, the end result is always intriguing,” stated executive producer Michael Bay. “Known for the caliber of their programming, Investigation Discovery’s expertise in unscripted true crime is second to none, and I can’t wait...
- 5/17/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
WGA members have picketed each of the TV upfronts thus far, and on Wednesday morning, strikers did not miss an opportunity to stick it to David Zaslav at Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation to advertisers. Or more accurately, they did so from an NYPD-controlled pen immediately outside the presentation venue.
Inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden, adjacent to where Zaslav’s beloved New York Knicks play, the chief executive’s immediate underlings shared their respective upcoming slates to the media buyers in attendance. That’s a task normally reserved for celebrities, a thrill for the folks who financially support a program via television commercials. While actors has consistently avoided each upfront event this year in solidarity with their writers, NBCUniversal, Fox, and Disney each had in-person unscripted talent at their presentations; Wbd went fully without.
“We made the decision to only have executives on stage out of respect for our talent,...
Inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden, adjacent to where Zaslav’s beloved New York Knicks play, the chief executive’s immediate underlings shared their respective upcoming slates to the media buyers in attendance. That’s a task normally reserved for celebrities, a thrill for the folks who financially support a program via television commercials. While actors has consistently avoided each upfront event this year in solidarity with their writers, NBCUniversal, Fox, and Disney each had in-person unscripted talent at their presentations; Wbd went fully without.
“We made the decision to only have executives on stage out of respect for our talent,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Selena Gomez is joining Food Network, Warner Bros. Discovery announced as part of their upfronts presentation on Wednesday.
Per the announcement from chairman and chief content officer of U.S. networks, Kathleen Finch, Gomez will debut two new projects on Food Network — one later this year and a second in 2024.
The news comes fresh off Gomez’s much-loved, Emmy-nominated series on HBO Max, “Selena + Chef,” and marks the “Only Murders in the Building” star’s latest expansion in home kitchen programming.
Also Read:
Selena Gomez Opens Up About Her Mental Health Struggles in ‘My Mind and Me’ Trailer: ‘I Am Grateful to Be Alive’ (Video)
The first series will be focused on preparations for celebrations — “just in time for the holidays” — while the second “will have her meeting up with some of the best chefs in the country in a quest to cook their most popular dishes when she visits their kitchens,...
Per the announcement from chairman and chief content officer of U.S. networks, Kathleen Finch, Gomez will debut two new projects on Food Network — one later this year and a second in 2024.
The news comes fresh off Gomez’s much-loved, Emmy-nominated series on HBO Max, “Selena + Chef,” and marks the “Only Murders in the Building” star’s latest expansion in home kitchen programming.
Also Read:
Selena Gomez Opens Up About Her Mental Health Struggles in ‘My Mind and Me’ Trailer: ‘I Am Grateful to Be Alive’ (Video)
The first series will be focused on preparations for celebrations — “just in time for the holidays” — while the second “will have her meeting up with some of the best chefs in the country in a quest to cook their most popular dishes when she visits their kitchens,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery kicked off its 2023 upfront presentation in a no-frills way, with an overall brand sizzle and ad chief Jon Steinlauf giving a few remarks on stage at the Theater at Madison Square Garden Wednesday.
While the presentation covering HBO, Max, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, Discovery and more Warner Bros. Discovery brands was shorter than last year’s show (which was the company’s first since the merger that created it last April) the tight 90-minute presentation still covered each of its key divisions. Albeit, with much less sizzle, with no stars in attendance amid the writers strike.
“Let me just start by saying I am hopeful that a fair resolution is found soon with the writers,” HBO and Max chief Casey Bloys said, adding that he hopes for a return of talent to the stage, “making this a far more entertaining show” compared to “me and my clips.
While the presentation covering HBO, Max, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, Discovery and more Warner Bros. Discovery brands was shorter than last year’s show (which was the company’s first since the merger that created it last April) the tight 90-minute presentation still covered each of its key divisions. Albeit, with much less sizzle, with no stars in attendance amid the writers strike.
“Let me just start by saying I am hopeful that a fair resolution is found soon with the writers,” HBO and Max chief Casey Bloys said, adding that he hopes for a return of talent to the stage, “making this a far more entertaining show” compared to “me and my clips.
- 5/17/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
TBS is reviving The Joe Schmo Show, breathing new life into the reality prank series which aired its third season 10 years ago on Spike. The show’s revival was announced by Kathleen Finch during the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday, May 17. The latest season of the series will be hosted by Cat Deeley, who is best known for So You Think You Can Dance. Season 4 of The Joe Schmo Show will follow another show within a show, taking aim at the absurdity of reality TV by making a regular guy believe he is competing on a reality show, when he’s actually being pranked in an elaborate scheme. Surrounded by a cast of highly skilled improv comedians, the unsuspecting individual’s reactions to their behaviors is where the comedy of it all comes from. (Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images) Originally...
- 5/17/2023
- TV Insider
The Lazarus Project, a British drama series starring I May Destroy You’s Paapa Essiedu, doesn’t launch until next month on TNT.
But the Warner Bros. Discovery network has already picked up the second season. It comes after Sky, which launched the series, renewed it for a second season last year.
The series will get a sneak peak after the Stanley Cup finals game on June 3 before launching on June 4. It comes from Giri/Haji creator Joe Barton.
The Lazarus Project follows George, the latest recruit to The Lazarus Project – a secret organization that has harnessed the ability to turn back time whenever the world is at the threat of extinction. George and his colleagues are the few people on Earth with the ability to remember the events that are undone when time goes back. But when a freak accident harms someone close to George, Lazarus won’t let him...
But the Warner Bros. Discovery network has already picked up the second season. It comes after Sky, which launched the series, renewed it for a second season last year.
The series will get a sneak peak after the Stanley Cup finals game on June 3 before launching on June 4. It comes from Giri/Haji creator Joe Barton.
The Lazarus Project follows George, the latest recruit to The Lazarus Project – a secret organization that has harnessed the ability to turn back time whenever the world is at the threat of extinction. George and his colleagues are the few people on Earth with the ability to remember the events that are undone when time goes back. But when a freak accident harms someone close to George, Lazarus won’t let him...
- 5/17/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
As Amazon Freevee’s hoax reality series “Jury Duty” is currently garnering huge amounts of attention, the format originator is staging a comeback. TBS is set to announce Wednesday that it has ordered a revival of “The Joe Schmo Show,” which will air next year on the cabler.
The original “Joe Schmo” premiered in 2003 on Spike TV, with a follow-up in 2004 and then a third season revival in 2013. Created by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, “Joe Schmo” made waves when it first debuted for parodying the then-relatively new and white-hot reality competition genre.
The new “Joe Schmo” will be hosted by Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and once again center on a show-within-a-show in which one non-acting civilian thinks he’s competing on a reality series — when he’s actually in a scripted environment surrounded by improv comedians.
“When ‘The Joe Schmo Show’ launched 20 years ago, it was ahead of its time,...
The original “Joe Schmo” premiered in 2003 on Spike TV, with a follow-up in 2004 and then a third season revival in 2013. Created by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, “Joe Schmo” made waves when it first debuted for parodying the then-relatively new and white-hot reality competition genre.
The new “Joe Schmo” will be hosted by Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and once again center on a show-within-a-show in which one non-acting civilian thinks he’s competing on a reality series — when he’s actually in a scripted environment surrounded by improv comedians.
“When ‘The Joe Schmo Show’ launched 20 years ago, it was ahead of its time,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Investigation Discovery has partnered with Michael Bay, with the filmmaker slated to executive produce a new true crime documentary series for the network. Kathleen Finch, chairman and chief content officer for the U.S. Networks Group at Warner Bros. Discovery, made the announcement Wednesday morning during the company’s Upfront presentation.
The series is set to premiere in 2024 and will “expose a terrifying, yet little known, true crime story.”
“When Michael Bay first approached us to collaborate on a true crime project, we instantly knew we wanted to join forces,” Jason Sarlanis, president of crime and investigative content for linear and streaming at ID, said in a statement. “Michael Bay is an incredibly dynamic filmmaker and producer whose vision and storytelling appeals to audiences far and wide. This partnership will be the perfect addition to our blockbuster nights on ID.”
“I’m a storyteller at heart; I’m fascinated by...
The series is set to premiere in 2024 and will “expose a terrifying, yet little known, true crime story.”
“When Michael Bay first approached us to collaborate on a true crime project, we instantly knew we wanted to join forces,” Jason Sarlanis, president of crime and investigative content for linear and streaming at ID, said in a statement. “Michael Bay is an incredibly dynamic filmmaker and producer whose vision and storytelling appeals to audiences far and wide. This partnership will be the perfect addition to our blockbuster nights on ID.”
“I’m a storyteller at heart; I’m fascinated by...
- 5/17/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Food Network has ordered two new series hosted by Selena Gomez as part of its upcoming programming slate.
The first show from the “Only Murders in the Building” star, who also hosts cooking series “Selena + Chef” at HBO Max (soon to just be Max), will be a “celebration-focused series” debuting during the holiday season later this year. In 2024, Gomez will launch a show that sees her going to other chefs’ kitchens for a change. The untitled project will feature Gomez “meeting up with some of the best chefs in the country in a quest to cook their most popular dishes when she visits their kitchens.”
A source tells Variety these new shows are unrelated to “Selena + Chef,” which has not yet been renewed for a fifth season at Max.
Also making the 2023 season bright for the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Food Network is a new competition based on...
The first show from the “Only Murders in the Building” star, who also hosts cooking series “Selena + Chef” at HBO Max (soon to just be Max), will be a “celebration-focused series” debuting during the holiday season later this year. In 2024, Gomez will launch a show that sees her going to other chefs’ kitchens for a change. The untitled project will feature Gomez “meeting up with some of the best chefs in the country in a quest to cook their most popular dishes when she visits their kitchens.”
A source tells Variety these new shows are unrelated to “Selena + Chef,” which has not yet been renewed for a fifth season at Max.
Also making the 2023 season bright for the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Food Network is a new competition based on...
- 5/17/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
“Aquaman” star Jason Momoa has been named Master of Ceremonies for Discovery Channel’s annual “Shark Week” programming block, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Wednesday.
As the event returns for its 35th year this summer, Momoa will guide fans through the week’s programming, which will include “jaw dropping events, epic journeys, first-time revelations, and groundbreaking scientific findings,” per the network.
As Momoa takes the lead on the week, the network is gearing up to unveil footage of sharks from new and continuously explored destinations captured by Discovery’s science and research field teams. U.S. Networks Group Chairman and Chief Content Officer Kathleen Finch announced the news to advertisers and audience members at the company’s 2023 Upfront presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Also Read:
Serena Williams Docuseries in the Works at ESPN
“As the host of ‘Shark Week,’ I am beyond excited to take you along on this journey,...
As the event returns for its 35th year this summer, Momoa will guide fans through the week’s programming, which will include “jaw dropping events, epic journeys, first-time revelations, and groundbreaking scientific findings,” per the network.
As Momoa takes the lead on the week, the network is gearing up to unveil footage of sharks from new and continuously explored destinations captured by Discovery’s science and research field teams. U.S. Networks Group Chairman and Chief Content Officer Kathleen Finch announced the news to advertisers and audience members at the company’s 2023 Upfront presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Also Read:
Serena Williams Docuseries in the Works at ESPN
“As the host of ‘Shark Week,’ I am beyond excited to take you along on this journey,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Selena Gomez is joining the Food Network.
The multi-hyphenate star is working on two projects for the cooking channel, it was announced Wednesday. The first will be a “celebration-focused series just in time for the holidays,” which will launch later in 2023.
The second will debut in 2024 and will have her meeting up with some of the best chefs in the country in a quest to cook their most popular dishes when she visits their kitchens.
Both projects will be produced by July Moon Productions and The Intellectual Property Corporation (Ipc), a part of Sony Pictures Television for Food Network.
“The holidays are always huge for Food Network, reaching nearly 60M P2+ viewers, and having Selena kicking off the nearly 100 hours of new and returning holiday programming will certainly make this coming season one to celebrate,” said Kathleen Finch, Warner Bros. Discovery Chairman and Chief Content Officer US Networks.
Gomez last...
The multi-hyphenate star is working on two projects for the cooking channel, it was announced Wednesday. The first will be a “celebration-focused series just in time for the holidays,” which will launch later in 2023.
The second will debut in 2024 and will have her meeting up with some of the best chefs in the country in a quest to cook their most popular dishes when she visits their kitchens.
Both projects will be produced by July Moon Productions and The Intellectual Property Corporation (Ipc), a part of Sony Pictures Television for Food Network.
“The holidays are always huge for Food Network, reaching nearly 60M P2+ viewers, and having Selena kicking off the nearly 100 hours of new and returning holiday programming will certainly make this coming season one to celebrate,” said Kathleen Finch, Warner Bros. Discovery Chairman and Chief Content Officer US Networks.
Gomez last...
- 5/17/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
The Joe Schmo Show has been in the cultural lexicon in recent months following the successful launch of Amazon Freeve prank show Jury Duty.
The inspiration is now being rebooted by TBS.
The Warner Bros. Discovery network is bringing back the series, which ran for three seasons on Paramount Global’s Spike.
The reboot will launch next year and comes from original creators Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, who went on to write massive feature film hit Deadpool.
The new series will be hosted by British presenter Cat Deeley.
The show within a show takes aim at the absurdity of reality TV by making a regular guy believe he is competing on a reality show, when he is in fact, surrounded by a cast of highly skilled improv comedians.
It was unveiled by Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery at the company’s Upfronts event in New York.
The inspiration is now being rebooted by TBS.
The Warner Bros. Discovery network is bringing back the series, which ran for three seasons on Paramount Global’s Spike.
The reboot will launch next year and comes from original creators Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, who went on to write massive feature film hit Deadpool.
The new series will be hosted by British presenter Cat Deeley.
The show within a show takes aim at the absurdity of reality TV by making a regular guy believe he is competing on a reality show, when he is in fact, surrounded by a cast of highly skilled improv comedians.
It was unveiled by Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery at the company’s Upfronts event in New York.
- 5/17/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
TNT is launching a second night of professional wrestling with Aew: Collision, a live, two-hour, in-ring show, which will debut June 17 and air Saturdays. The announcement was made Wednesday by Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery, during the company’s 2023 Upfront presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Aew: Collision, which had been the the subject of a lot of speculation in the wrestling world over the past week, will feature headliners including Miro, Samoa Joe, Thunder Rosa, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Andrade El Idolo.
Ever since Aew launched in 2019 with Aew: Dynamite on TNT, the brand has expanded its presence on the network and sibling TBS. On TNT, Collision joins Aew: Rampage, which airs Friday nights. Dynamite relocated to TBS at the start of 2022 where it airs every Wednesday, with recent docu series Aew: All Access, also on TBS.
“We’re...
Aew: Collision, which had been the the subject of a lot of speculation in the wrestling world over the past week, will feature headliners including Miro, Samoa Joe, Thunder Rosa, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Andrade El Idolo.
Ever since Aew launched in 2019 with Aew: Dynamite on TNT, the brand has expanded its presence on the network and sibling TBS. On TNT, Collision joins Aew: Rampage, which airs Friday nights. Dynamite relocated to TBS at the start of 2022 where it airs every Wednesday, with recent docu series Aew: All Access, also on TBS.
“We’re...
- 5/17/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A lot of TV companies are judged by how quickly they can introduce new shows. Warner Bros. Discovery thinks it may find some gains by developing new ways to introduce audiences to series and content that already exists.
The strategy has been playing out in open view on some of the company’s biggest cable networks. Audiences watching NBA basketball games have been pushed to sample series such as Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions,” HGTV’s “Rock The Block” and Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch.” And some portion decided to follow the programs back to their original homes for more. According to company research, 12% of TNT sports viewers who sampled “Tournament” went on to watch it on Food Network. Likewise, 10% of basketball fans that tried “Rock The Block” followed it to HGTV while 7% of viewers who tested “Deadliest Catch” watched more of it on Discovery.
“We have an opportunity...
The strategy has been playing out in open view on some of the company’s biggest cable networks. Audiences watching NBA basketball games have been pushed to sample series such as Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions,” HGTV’s “Rock The Block” and Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch.” And some portion decided to follow the programs back to their original homes for more. According to company research, 12% of TNT sports viewers who sampled “Tournament” went on to watch it on Food Network. Likewise, 10% of basketball fans that tried “Rock The Block” followed it to HGTV while 7% of viewers who tested “Deadliest Catch” watched more of it on Discovery.
“We have an opportunity...
- 5/17/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
‘Ghost Adventures’ poster (Courtesy of Discovery Channel’s social media)
Ghost Adventures star Zak Bagans promises the upcoming 2023 season is going to be insane and will feature “mountains” of supernatural evidence. “I can’t wait to share our findings with longtime fans and capture the attention of new viewers. I’m grateful to be able to expand the reach of what Ghost Adventures has always set out to do – build a better understanding of the afterlife,” stated Bagans.
The new season will premiere on Discovery Channel on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10pm Et/Pt.
“Ghost Adventures is one of the many successful franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio and we can continue to help it grow by sharing it with a much larger audience on Discovery,” said Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery. “One of the benefits of having an incredible network ecosystem...
Ghost Adventures star Zak Bagans promises the upcoming 2023 season is going to be insane and will feature “mountains” of supernatural evidence. “I can’t wait to share our findings with longtime fans and capture the attention of new viewers. I’m grateful to be able to expand the reach of what Ghost Adventures has always set out to do – build a better understanding of the afterlife,” stated Bagans.
The new season will premiere on Discovery Channel on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10pm Et/Pt.
“Ghost Adventures is one of the many successful franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio and we can continue to help it grow by sharing it with a much larger audience on Discovery,” said Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery. “One of the benefits of having an incredible network ecosystem...
- 5/9/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The team behind “Ghost Adventures” have a paranormal surprise for viewers of Discovery Channel.
The series, which has been screened on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Travel Channel and then Discovery+,, will get a showcase on Discovery on Wednesday, May 31. at 10 p.m., when the network airs a two-hour special episode that kicks off its 24th cycle. The special stars paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Jay Wasley and Billy Tolley investigating secrets along the Hoover Dam’s Lake Mead.
“’Ghost Adventures’ is one of the many successful franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio and we can continue to help it grow by sharing it with a much larger audience on Discovery,” said Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery, in a statement. “One of the benefits of having an incredible network ecosystem is that we can find new ways to amplify great content,...
The series, which has been screened on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Travel Channel and then Discovery+,, will get a showcase on Discovery on Wednesday, May 31. at 10 p.m., when the network airs a two-hour special episode that kicks off its 24th cycle. The special stars paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Jay Wasley and Billy Tolley investigating secrets along the Hoover Dam’s Lake Mead.
“’Ghost Adventures’ is one of the many successful franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio and we can continue to help it grow by sharing it with a much larger audience on Discovery,” said Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery, in a statement. “One of the benefits of having an incredible network ecosystem is that we can find new ways to amplify great content,...
- 5/9/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The “Ghost Adventures” team – Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley and Jay Wasley – is back with a new season on Discovery Channel this month, Bd has learned today.
The new season of “Ghost Adventures” will get a special showcase on Discovery Channel beginning Wednesday, May 31 at 10Pm Et/Pt. Starring paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Jay Wasley and Billy Tolley, a two-hour episode investigating the deadly secrets along the Hoover Dam’s Lake Mead will kick-off the newest season of the series.
The two-hour special is titled “Ghost Adventures: Lake of Death.”
More than 10 million fans watched “Ghost Adventures” on Travel Channel during its last season and, among Men 25-54, it was cable’s #1 non-sports/news program in its time slot.
“’Ghost Adventures’ is one of the many successful franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio and we can continue to help it grow by sharing it with a much larger audience on Discovery,...
The new season of “Ghost Adventures” will get a special showcase on Discovery Channel beginning Wednesday, May 31 at 10Pm Et/Pt. Starring paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Jay Wasley and Billy Tolley, a two-hour episode investigating the deadly secrets along the Hoover Dam’s Lake Mead will kick-off the newest season of the series.
The two-hour special is titled “Ghost Adventures: Lake of Death.”
More than 10 million fans watched “Ghost Adventures” on Travel Channel during its last season and, among Men 25-54, it was cable’s #1 non-sports/news program in its time slot.
“’Ghost Adventures’ is one of the many successful franchises in the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio and we can continue to help it grow by sharing it with a much larger audience on Discovery,...
- 5/9/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
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