Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Wednesday, August 14th, 2024
I have a complicated relationship with Netflix.
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, August 14th, 2024:
NETFLIX IGNORES THE TV PRESS (AND HOPES YOU WILL TOO)
There are many things I like about the may Netflix does business and I have a pretty good relationship with some of the company's top executives. But its approach to PR and communications continues to frustrate myself and many of my fellow industry journalists:
But even worse, Netflix has increasingly focused its press coverage on its company-owned in-house publicity outlet Tudum. The site gets "exclusives" on everything from premiere dates to interviews and recently that has extended to Netflix's decision to sometimes time embargoes for reporters that expire just after Tudum has beat them to publication.
And this is one situation where the Bork-like Penske Media outlets aren't faring much better than the smaller independent journalists. With the rare exception, they're left covering Netflix via trailer releases and premiere announcements. Which is just fine with Netflix, which wants to protect its brand and messaging about all else.
But it's a terrible idea for everyone who isn't a Netflix employee. There's a reason why when people decide to purchase a new car, they don't look for suggestions at Ford Rocks! magazine or the Tesla 4-Ever website. Customers value unbiased coverage from reporters who aren't getting paid to repeat the company line. They're not looking to be Tudum'd.
Please go read the entire thing. And pass it along to other people you think might find it interesting.
HALLMARK+ LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER 10TH
Hallmark Media is launching its new streaming service Hallmark+ on September 10th and while it is technically replacing the existing streaming service Hallmark Movies Now, in reality the streamer is a strong move into the branded network space.
The new service will include original content including the drama The Chicken Sisters, the unscripted series Celebrations with Lacey Chabert, three new installments of popular franchise The Jane Mysteries starring Jodie Sweetin, and a Love On The Danube movie trilogy that is set against the picturesque backdrop of a European river cruise.
But the real value for Hallmark and for its dedicated base of fans is the integration of the Hallmark+ subscription into the overall Hallmark brand universe.
According to the company, Hallmark+ benefits include:
All-new and exclusive content featuring your favorite Hallmark stars
Free greeting cards each month, plus unlimited free eCards
Earn more rewards points including a $5 coupon every month
Free annual membership gifts
$400 in annual value for $79.99
Surprise gifts and more!
Membership fees: $79.99 annually or $7.99 monthly
This is a really smart idea. Hallmark is one of the very few linear TV brands that has a distinctive approach that resonates with viewers. Hallmark already runs various promotions and events designed to keep fans interacting with the company. And this is both a way to increase that connection as well as persuade weary streaming customers to sign on to yet another streaming service.
TWEET OF THE DAY
MORE CRIME COMING TO INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY
The true crime TV network ID announced three more projects for September, following the recent addition of the three night Michael Bay limited series Born Evil: The Serial Killer and the Savior.
How (Not) to Get Rid of a Body premieres on September 4th, and according to the network it "explores the lengths killers have taken to get away with murder. Each episode reveals never-before-seen material and recounts tales of criminal masterminds who go to great lengths and efforts to concoct plans to dispose of their victims. However, the country’s top detectives are hellbent on solving these crimes and bringing them to light."
The Real Murders on Elm Street, premieres on September 9th. The series "explores about small suburban towns across America that have been torn apart by murder. It asks how in a single night, these residential streets descend from peace and tranquility into horror, senseless death and tragedy. Each episode will examine a murder investigation that occurred on one of the many Elm Streets across America."
Cabin in the Woods also premieres on September 9th, and it "explores crimes that take place in remote cabins around the country."
WHAT THE TV INDUSTRY CAN LEARN FROM THE HARRIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Semafor has a piece on the concentrated efforts the Kamala Harris campaign is making online, ranging from throwing off quick memes to responding to breaking news stories:
The team has more than 175 staffers who do grassroots fundraising, “digital persuasion and mobilization,” and creative work across the Kamala Harris and KamalaHQ accounts, while also building relationships with creators and influencers inside and outside of politics, according to the spokesperson. They have a Gen Z rapid response team driving daily content, reacting to trends and key moments in real time.
No network or streamer has the bodycount to devote several hundred people to digital promotion and marketing. And to be honest, that would just end up wasting a lot of resources that could be spent elsewhere. But even though this is 2024, the television and streaming industries still lag when it comes to these types of efforts.
There are a lot of people who laugh at this stuff, but an important part of any marketing and promotional campaign is to meet potential viewers where they are. Not just for the immediate ROI, but because to influence viewers online, you need to have an existing relationship with them. That's part of the reason why Peacock's recent attempt to build buzz for the Summer Olympics by flying some influencers to the games fell flat. Not because the influencers couldn't post footage of the event (even though that didn't help). It's because the influencers followers recognized it was mostly a marketing gimmick and treated it as such.
And if you would like to support this newsletter without the commitment of a paid subscription, you can also buy me a coffee.
ODDS AND SODS
* The CW has ordered the new eight-part docuseries The Wranglers, which focuses on the world of professional cowboys and cowgirls on a Montana dude ranch.
* Prime Video has ordered the new animated video game anthology series Secret Level from Love, Death & Robots creator Tim Miller and his Blur Studio team.
* The BET+ original film Brewster’s Millions: Christmas is set to premiere on December 5th.
* Season two of Sherwood premieres in the U.S. Thursday, November 14th on BritBox.
* In the least surprising news of the day, Peacock has renewed The Traitors for a fourth and fifth season.
* Netflix has renewed The Gentlemen for a second season.
WHAT'S NEW TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14TH:
* American Murder: Laci Peterson (Netflix) - [first look video]
* Bad Monkey Series Premiere (Apple TV+)
* Bargain Mansions Season Premiere (Magnolia)
* Daughters (Netflix)
* Expedition Bigfoot Season Five Premiere (Discovery)
* Expedition X Season Premiere (Discovery)
* Good Bones (HGTV)
* Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience (ESPN)
* Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures Season Two Premiere (Disney Jr.)
* The Challenge 40: Battle Of The Eras Season Premiere (MTV)
* The Tyrant Series Premiere (Hulu)
* Worst Ex Ever Series Premiere (Netflix) - [first look video]
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15TH:
* Bel-Air Season Three Premiere (Peacock)
* Emily In Paris Season Four Part One Premiere (Netflix)
* Granite Harbour (Britbox)
* Hop (Max)
* Jackpot! (Prime Video) - [first look video]
* Kengan Ashura Season Two, Part Two Premiere (Netflix) - [first look video]
* Lost Treasures Of Rome (NatGeo)
* My Son's Deception (LMN)
* Rick And Morty: The Anime (Adult Swim)
* Vigilante Series Premiere (Hulu)
* Wisting (Sundance Now)
SEE YOU ON THURSDAY!