Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Friday, February 25th, 2021
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Friday, February 26th, 2021. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by caramel and cheese popcorn.
THE STORY OF 'CRIMINAL MINDS'
It probably got lost in the other "Hey, we're doing a reboot!" news from Paramount+ this week, but the soon-to-launch streaming service has announced it is doing a spin-off/reboot of the series. Not many details yet, other than the fact it will be a ten-episode season that focuses one case.
But if you want to know why Paramount+ is bringing back the show, one reason can be found in this graph from Evolution Media Capital, which shows the growing popularity of the series since the beginning the year. Netflix has the rights to seasons 1-12 and those seasons have had a steady popularity. But Hulu added seasons 13-15 on January 1st and that seems to have led a lot of Hulu subscribers to watch the earlier seasons on Netflix. The show made regular appearances on Netflix's Top Ten lists in January, which is another indirect confirmation of the trend.
BBC CHILDREN IS LOOKING FOR A 'FAMILY-FRIENDLY SIMPSONS'
Broadcast (sub required) has a great interview with BBC Children’s and Education, Patricia Hidalgo, in which she lays out the new direction for BBC Children. She says she wants to shift the percentage of British-produced animation on the channel from 70% to 90% in the next few years. And that will inevitably mean fewer live action children's shows:
In terms of the project in the vein of The Simpsons she said it would be routed in UK culture – about “roast beef instead of turkey”.
The former chief content and creative officer at Turner will be calling on her experience in the international markets and background launching animation series The Amazing World of Gumball and The Heroic Adventures of The Valiant Prince Ivandoe.
She also said that while the amount of resources available at the network will remain the same, BBC Children will focus more of its attention on a smaller number of shows, in an effort to create some franchises.
TED SARANOS TALKS ABOUT INCLUSIVITY
There's not an easy way to embed the video, so just go here and an interview that Chief Content Officer and co-CEO Ted Sarandos had on CBS This Morning earlier today. Sarandos is very good with the media and it's tough to catch him off-guard. But Gayle King's question about his wife (who is not white) and whether their marriage has impacted the way he views the issue of representation is quite fascinating
TODAY'S PREMIERES
1) Baby Shark's Big Show Series Premiere (Nickelodeon)
Baby Shark and his best friend, William, embark on fun-filled adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove.
2) Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (Apple TV+)
Teenage singer-songwriter Billie Eilish rises to stardom as she navigates life on the road, on stage, and at home with her family.
3) Bigfoot Family (Netflix)
Bigfoot’s now a big deal. So when he goes missing, his shy but tech-savvy teen son must take on an evil CEO to save his family and a wildlife preserve.
4) Brutal Bridesmaids (LMN)
Jessica as she tries to find out which of the bridesmaids is out to ruin her day.
5) Crazy About Her (Netflix)
After spending a wild night together, Adri discovers the only way to see Carla again is to become a patient at the psychiatric center where she resides.
6) Invincible Series Premiere (Amazon)
Mark Grayson, 17, is just like every other guy his age -- except that his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet, Omni-Man; as Mark develops powers of his own, he discovers his father's legacy may not be as heroic as it seems.
7) The Girl On The Train (Netflix)
A troubled divorcee fixates on a seemingly ideal couple from afar until a shokcing observation sends her spiraling straight into a knotty murder case.
8) The United States Vs. Billie Holliday (Hulu)
The Federal Bureau of Narcotics launches an undercover sting operation against jazz singer Billie Holiday.
9) Tom And Jerry (HBO Max)
A pandemic wasn't the only reason why this animated film makes more sense streaming than being in a theater.
This newsletter is called "Too Much TV" because....well, it's hard to keep track of all the new television premiering everyday. To help you prioritize your viewing, click here to see our list of more than 400 upcoming television premieres, movies and finales. You'll find listings from more than 70 networks, as well as streaming services and web shows.
I'll be back with another one on Monday. If you have any feedback, send it along to Rick@AllYourScreens.com and follow me on Twitter @aysrick.