Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Monday, January 4th, 2021
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Monday, January 4th, 2021. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by the thought of getting back to work after ten days away from this newsletter.
WELCOME TO 2021
It's the first newsletter of the New Year and I have a couple of housekeeping things before I dive into today's news. Once again, thanks for all of the support in 2020. The newsletter really grew and since you all helped make it happen, I am always open to feedback. Feel free to reach out anytime at rick@allyourscreens.com.
Along those lines, I just wanted to emphasize that both the web site and the newsletter will remain free. I could load the web site up with more ads or begin charging a fee for this newsletter. But I think part of the growth of both in 2020 is due to the fact that it's free and available to anyone.
That being said, I do regularly hear from readers who like to help support my efforts. I'll be adding a donation link to the web site this week when I do some light updating. But you can also help support my work via this BuyMeACoffee link. Which is really just a way to donate a few dollars on a one-time basis.
DISCOVERY+ LAUNCHES IN THE U.S.
The new Discovery streaming service Discovery+ launched this morning in the U.S. and it includes about 55,000 episodes from 19 different networks. My initial take on the service can be found here. And if you'd like more info on the couple of dozen Discovery+ originals premiering today, check out my rundown of the shows on this post.
I'm not a gambler, so I am not going to try and predict subscriber numbers for the service. I will say that if you like watching non-scripted, lifestyle, food or true crime programming, Discovery+ will be a must-have. There is nothing else in the market that has this deep of a catalog in these genres. And while Discovery execs have made a point of saying that they value their current linear TV partners and don't think Discovery+ will encourage people to drop their cable, I suspect they might be wrong. Some of the current programming from the various networks will be available the same or next day on Discovery+. And apparently nearly everything will become available on Discovery+ once the current season wraps. And let’s be real. None of these genres of television are time-sensitive viewing.
So if you spend a lot of your time watching Food, HGTV, Discovery, TLC, Travel, etc., why would you keep your current cable service? An ambitious company such as Roku could create a bundle of basic Hulu, Discovery+, free Peacock, CBS All-Access that would give viewers access to nearly all of the programming from their favorite shows, albeit on a delayed basis. Even without a discount, it would cost less than $25. And if you love Hallmark Networks, you could add Frndly for $6 a month, which includes live feeds of all the Hallmark Networks, along with GSN, the Weather Channel and a few smaller networks.
Not to be glib, but watching Discovery+ makes me wonder if "delayed viewing" could be the new cable bundle.
MOST POPULAR GAMES STREAMING ON TWITCH
Streaming gameplay is one of the bread-and butter uses for Twitch, so this list of 2020's most-stream games from Roundhill Investments is pretty interesting:
Most Popular Games On Twitch 2020
1. League of Legends
2. Fortnite
3. Grand Theft Auto V
4. Valorant
5. Call of Duty: Warzone
6. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
7. Minecraft
8. Dota 2
9. World of Warcraft
10. Among Us
WHAT'S ON TODAY:
Here is a rundown of the new television programs premiering today:
I am not including the couple of dozen Discovery+ shows premiering today. For that info, check out this post:
1) Ellen's Game Of Games Season Premiere (NBC)
Ellen’s Game of Games includes supersized versions of the most popular and action-packed games from DeGeneres’ award-winning daytime talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” as well as some designed especially for the primetime show. Contestants must maneuver massive obstacles, answer questions under crushing time pressure and face gigantic plunges into the unknown – all in a quest to win a big cash prize.
2) Get A Clue Season Premiere (GSN)
It's a new game show...that involves....clues?
3) Gigantosaurus Season Two Premiere (Disney Jr)
In the Season 2 opener, life in Cretacia is pretty good after Termy’s banishment – that is, until the dinos realize her absence is causing an ecological disaster in the lake! Maybe their new buddy Giganto will help them find her. But when they try to rely on him during their search, they begin to wonder whether or not he’s truly their friend!
4) The Wall Season Premiere (NBC)
Hosted and executive produced by actor, comedian, author and TV personality Chris Hardwick, “The Wall” will offer a pair of teammates life-altering cash prizes. The rules are simple: Get a question correct and a green ball will fall down the wall and add the value of the slot to the players’ winning total. Miss a question and an ominous red ball with fall and deduct the value from the teams’ total. Teammates have to work together to build a huge cash prize.
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.
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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.