Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020

Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee.......

Today's newsletter will be a short one. I'm buried in interviews and screeners.

STREAMING AND THE HOME SCHOOLING MARKET
Even before the pandemic, homeschooling was a growing trend in education. And now with COVID-19, nearly every child is either going to school entirely remotely or is doing some sort of hybrid mix of in-school and remote learning. Given the fact that millions of kids are working from home, I am somewhat surprised that none of the streaming services or linear networks have made an effort to reach these households. Networks such as History, NatGeo, Discovery and others have vast libraries of documentaries and specials that would be of interest to kids learning from home. Much of the stuff isn't streaming right now and it seems like it would be a slam dunk to curate that programming into themed lists and make them available in some sort of AVOD service. Smallers streamers such as CuriosityStream and History Vault also have the opportunity to drop their paywall in some way which would offer young viewers the chance to access relevant documentaries while still working to bring in new paying subscribers.

SPEAKING OF SMALL STREAMING SERVICES:
I've started doing some interviews with executives at small streamers. I'm really interested in this part of the market and I think it doesn't get enough attention from the media. But I have to say that I am surprised at how reluctant some execs are to talk about their service and answer questions about their programming philosophy. If you work at one of those smaller streamers and would like to talk, please reach out at rick@allyourscreens.com.

Here is a rundown of the new television programs premiering today:

1) Agathie Christie's Criminal Games Season Four Premiere (MHz Choice)
Agatha Christie's world-famous mysteries are adapted in a new series of French TV movies - sexy, witty and definitely addictive! Set in the 1950s, these iconic stories introduce new investigators in classic Christie style: Chief Inspector Laurence, a man of class and refined taste, and the young ambitious journalist Alice Avril - along with Laurence's ever-loyal secretary, Marlène.

2) All-Round Champion Series Premiere (BYUtv)
The series assembles ten of North America's most decorated young winter athletes to compete in the ultimate winter sports competition. The catch? They won't be competing in their own sports; they'll be competing in each other's. Scored on skill, sportsmanship and improvement, the athlete with the most points at the end will be crowned the All-Round Champion. 

3) Chico Bon Bon: Monkey With A Tool Belt Season Three Premiere (Netflix)
It's another season of solving problems for monkey mechanic Chico Bon Bon and his Fix-It Force.

4) Frontline: The Choice 2020: Trump vs. Biden (PBS)
Ahead of the 2020 election, Frontline's critically acclaimed series "The Choice" returns with interwoven investigative biographies of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The 2-hour special examines the defining moments that shaped their lives, their approach to power, and their visions for America’s future at this pivotal juncture.

5) Jack Whitehall Travels With My Father Season Four Premiere (Netflix)
Jovial comic Jack Whitehall and his stuffy father, Michael, chronicle more travel misadventures in another season of this unscripted comedy.

6) Kal Penn Approves This Message Series Premiere (Freeform)
Hosted by Kal Penn, the show is a smart, irreverent unscripted comedy series that explores issues relevant to Millennial and Gen Z voters. Each episode will consist of comedic field pieces as well as a sit-down interview with Kal and a featured guest. With topics ranging from voting basics to voter empowerment, the economy to climate change, the series will break down key issues young voters are passionate about and arm them with the tools they need to make an impact and vote.

7) Kiss The Ground (Netflix)
Science experts and celebrity activists unpack the ways in which the Earth's soil may be the keu to combating climate change and preserving the planet.

8) Mighty Express Series Premiere (Netflix)
In a playful world crisscrossed by railway tracks, a team of locomotives and their kid pals keep things moving and get deliveries through no matter what!

9) The Playbook Series Premiere (Netflix)
The Playbook profiles legendary coaches as they share the rules they live by to achieve success in sports and in life. Through emotional and in-depth interviews, each coach reveals the critical moments in their personal lives and careers that ultimately helped form their coaching philosophies. Featured coaches include the Los Angeles Clippers' Doc Rivers; two-time FIFA World Cup-winning coach Jill Ellis, the winningest coach in U.S. soccer history; Premier League’s José Mourinho, one of the most decorated football managers of all time; Serena Williams’ famed tennis coach, Patrick Mouratoglou; and hall of fame basketball player and coach Dawn Staley. The Playbook is produced by SpringHill Company, Delirio Films and Boardwalk Pictures.

TOO MUCH TV REALLY IS A THING
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 tomorrow. If you have any feedback, send it along to Rick@AllYourScreens.com and follow me on Twitter @aysrick.