Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Thursday, September 24th, 2020
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Thursday, September 24th, 2020. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by McDonald's coffee and strawberry waffles.
SCRIPPS BUYS ION MEDIA
The E.W. Scripps Co. said today that it will buy national broadcast network Ion Media for $2.65 billion, combining the business with Scripps’ Katz networks and Newsy "to create a full-scale national television networks business." Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway will make a $600 million preferred equity investment in Scripps to finance the transaction. As part of the deal, Scripps will divest 23 Ion stations.
It appears that these stations will continue to operate as Ion stations, since the unnamed company that is acquiring the 23 stations has agreed to continue to run Ion programming. And it makes financial sense to do so. While ION's programming mix of second-run procedurals isn't sexy, it reaches more than 100 million homes. One interesting sidenote is that the Ion stations don't receive retransmission money. They provide their signals to cable and satellite services for free, which allows them to use the FCC "must carry" clause to force cable systems to carry the station's signal.
The deal is really all about having another place to sell ads.
THE CASE FOR SMALL INDEPENDENT ENTERTAINMENT WEB SITES
Media consolidation is occurring in just about every industry, so I can't say I was shocked by yesterday's announcement of a joint venture between Penske Media and MRC that will bring entertainment news titles like The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, TV Line, Billboard, Vibe and many others under one new combined division. While both companies promise the outlets will all have editorial independence, it's not difficult to imagine a scenario in which some of these titles go away.
I happen to think that the consolidation of voices in entertainment news is a bad thing. And not surprisingly, I have a few thoughts about the subject. Check out the column I wrote very early Thursday morning on the topic & I would be interested in hearing your feedback, positive or negative.
'PRETTY LITTLE LIARS' RETURNS
A remake of Pretty Little Liars is headed to HBO Max. Here is the logline sent out as part of the announcement:
Twenty years ago, a series of tragic events almost ripped the blue-collar town of Millwood apart. Now, in the present day, a group of disparate teen girls — a brand-new set of Little Liars — find themselves tormented by an unknown Assailant and made to pay for the secret sin their parents committed two decades ago...as well as their own. In the dark, coming-of-RAGE, horror-tinged drama Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, we find ourselves miles away from Rosewood, but within the existing Pretty Little Liars universe — in a brand new town, with a new generation of Little Liars.
Here is a rundown of the new television programs premiering today:
1) Bridezillas Season Thirteen Premiere (WEtv)
You know how this works. Monster brides want everything their way, all while being televised. The only difference this season is that Lonnie Love joins as the new narrator.
2) Celebrity Family Feud Season Premiere (ABC)
It's a battle of the legendary daytime show hosts when Kathie Lee Gifford competes against Ricki Lake. In the next game, rappers 2 Chainz and Big Boi go head-to-head to test their skills.
3) Haute Dog Series Premiere (HBO Max)
Celebrity dog groomer Jess Rona leads the judges panel with Emmy nominee Robin Thede, with Matt Rogers serving up comedic commentary as the series host. Each episode features three dog groomers facing off over two rounds with the lucky groomer taking home Best in Show and walking away with $10,000 and a first place rosette. These doggy makeover wizards compete to turn the K-9s into K-10s. Meet some of these fierce competitors ahead of the series premiere this Thursday and tune-in to see the winning transformations.
4) India From Above (NatGeo Wild)
One of the oldest civilizations on the planet... ...will be the youngest country in the world by 2020. with an average age of 29 years. In the 2019, it will experience the largest democratic exercise in world history, where more than 850 million voters will form a government. This is the story of that nation.
5) Match Game Season Premiere (ABC)
Yes, it’s totally random and that’s what makes it BLANK! We are celebrating the way only “Match Game” knows how with Alec Baldwin at the helm and plenty of hilarious hijinks.
6) Press Your Luck Series Premiere (ABC)
Legendary contestants from the original series return 35 years later to try to win those BIG BUCKS!
7) The Chef Show Season Two Premiere (Netflix)
The Chef Show returns for another season as Jon Favreau (Director/actor) and award-winning Chef Roy Choi come back together to continue learning, sharing, and celebrating different flavors, cultures and people. The two friends explore new recipes, collaborate with big names in the culinary world, and connect over their shared passion for bringing people together over a delicious meal.
8) The Murders At White House Farm (HBO Max)
An infamous true crime story. Over thirty years ago, three generations of one family were murdered at their isolated farm. Initial evidence pointed the finger at the daughter of the family who had a history of mental illness, however one detective refused to accept this and delved deeper into the investigation. His determination uncovered new evidence that shed suspicion on another family member. This is a dramatized true crime story based on extensive research, interviews and published accounts, looking at the mystery behind what happened that fateful day.
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.