Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Wednesday, November 4th, 2020
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by a quart of coffee and a lot of election-related angst.
AMAZON'S USE OF DATA TO GUIDE PRODUCTION PROCESS ON VIDEO ORIGINALS
Amazon’s European originals head Georgia Brown has offered up a peek into the production process at the company and it's a reminder that Netflix isn't the only streamer that relies heavily on data to make decisions on the basic details of their original productions.
Broadcast has a fascinating recounting of the production process on the upcoming reality series The Rig, which began as a pitch from outside producer Wild Mercury:
The Banijay label pitched its idea to Amazon which identified a gap in its catalogue for the show and subsequently tasked the writing team, led by debutante David Macpherson, to create a “creative package” for audience testing. The document typically sets out the tone, some scripts and potential talent attached.
Amazon’s research team then take the package to consumers to gauge whether a show is likely to skew more male or female, and which demographics are likely to respond best.
That data is used to both guide the creative direction of the show as well as to form future marketing of the series. But once the show is in production, all of the creative decisions are made without audience input and that doesn't change until a first cut of the series is finished:
At this stage audiences will be asked a series of detailed questions about a variety of areas including its characters, style and pacing, with the potential to make amends in the final edit.
"We want to make sure that we’re committed to making a show that we think the audience is going to love," said Brown.
She added that the data gathered is invaluable for helping to market shows to the right people.
"Using this research to [inform] our marketing campaign means we stand out against other SVoDs and broadcasters," she said. "It’s a hugely important part of cutting through the market."
ELECTION COVERAGE
So how many people were watching coverage last night? According to Michael Mulvihill, FOX Sports EVP / Head of Strategy, here were the Top Ten Markets for Election Night Coverage, 8:00 pm - Midnight ET:
Nashville - 41.3
West Palm - 38.5
Kansas City - 38.0
Washington DC - 37.8
San Antonio - 36.2
Atlanta - 36.0
San Diego - 36.0
Indianapolis - 35.8
Columbus - 35.8
St. Louis - 35.6
SPEAKING OF THE ELECTION
No matter who you supported for president, you are likely stressed and frustrated today. But you should know that no is more stressed than QAnon supporters, who still haven't seen those mass arrests they were promised:
WHAT'S ON TODAY:
Here is a rundown of the new television programs premiering today:
1) Love & Anarchy (Netflix)
A married consultant and a young IT tech kick off a flirty game that challenges societal norms — and leads them to re-evaluate their entire lives.
2) Nature: Primates (PBS)
Monkey see, monkey do. From baboons facing down leopards, to lemurs exploiting a jungle pharmacy or rhesus macaques charming their way to an easy life, discover the survival strategies used by primates, often in the most unexpected places. Bearded capuchins, counted among the smartest animals in the world, teach their young how to use tools in Brazil’s badlands. A silverback gorilla gives in to his softer side to raise his boisterous offspring in the Congo basin. Bush babies conduct an after-hours raid of a city zoo to find food in the South African winter.
3) Secrets Of The Dead: Abandoning The Titanic (PBS)
Join a team of investigators as they search for the identity of a "mystery ship" that turned away from the "unsinkable" Titanic in its darkest hour.
4) The A Word Season Premiere (Sundance)
In the two years since we left our family, everything has changed once more. Joe is ten, and living in two places at once, processing the seismic change in his life through the filter of his autism. His parents, Alison and Paul, are divorced and living 100 miles apart. His sister Rebecca has returned home from University with a secret that will change everything further. Only Joe’s granddad Maurice is holding it together, and if Maurice is the one holding it together you know you are in trouble.
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.