Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Monday, March 21st, 2022
What does Universal think about Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law?
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Monday, March 21st, 2022.
PROGRAMMING NOTES
A bit shorter of a newsletter today and there probably won't be one on Tuesday. I'm taking care of some personal stuff and I'm going to be offline quite a bit. Things should be back to normal on Wednesday.
WHAT DOES UNIVERSAL THINK ABOUT FLORIDA'S 'DON'T SAY GAY' LAW?
Disney handling of the corporate reaction to the Florida bill known by many as the "Don't Say Gay" law has been a week-long story in the entertainment press. How is Disney head Bob Chapek navigating the tension between his desire to stay friends with Florida while still keeping Disney's LGBTQ employees and customers happy? Is he really at odds with former Disney head Bob Iger? I'm sure you've read enough stories to know the details.
But one story that is getting a lot less coverage is how the management of Universal Studios Orlando feel about the bill and its potential impact on the company's LGBTQ employees and customers.
That's not an insignificant question, given that Universal Studios Orlando is the second-largest theme park in Orlando, after Walt Disney World Resort. It covers 541 acres and consists of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure), an on-site waterpark (Volcano Bay), an on-site entertainment district (Universal CityWalk), eight Loews Hotels and The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter.
It's a massive business, certainly a true competitor to Disney World. And given that, it should have to navigate the same public relations challenges as its slightly larger rival.
And yet from what I can tell, Universal hasn't commented on the issue. I've been attempting to get some sort of a response - even a canned statement - from the company without success. From a press relations standpoint, I can understand why Universal wouldn't want to make a public statement. Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill is a political minefield for any company and no one is going to wade into it willingly.
Still, this is also the type of issue the industry press should be banging away at until they receive some sort of response. It's not a "gotcha" topic or one that is off-topic for the business. Florida's business climate is changing and it seems unlikely that any large entertainment business is going to be able to dodge controversy forever.
NBC'S NEWEST MUSIC COMPETITION
NBC is premiering American Song Competition tonight, a new live music competition series the network bills as "America's answer to Eurovision." There is a musician or band from all 50 states, ranging from real unknowns to a few ringers such as Jewel and Michael Bolton. It's hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, and if it's something you might be interested in, I'll be doing a bunch of coverage of the premiere will also be interviewing some of the contestants once the live show ends.
All of the coverage will be posted throughout the evening on AllYourScreens.com and I'll link to the pieces in the next newsletter.
'THE PRICE IS RIGHT' 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
The long-running CBS game show The Price Is Right will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with the "Price Is Right Come On Down Tour," which will visit every state beginning with a massive kickoff at the Santa Monica Pier. The show will bring its mobile game show on wheels to iconic spots nationwide, connecting with fans and giving them a chance to play Plinko, spin the Wheel, and compete for a Showcase, as well as enjoy photo ops. Fans will also be able to win prizes supporting beloved local business partners whose history is deeply tied to 1972, the year The Price Is Right premiered.
While the anniversary tour will stop in all 50 states, there are eight "special" stops, which will include the opportunity for fans the opportunity to play games, win prizes, and enter for a chance to win a grand prize of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000*), while supporting local businesses.
Los Angeles, CA – Friday, March 25th
Denver, CO – Friday, April 1st
Dallas, TX – Thursday, April 7th
New Orleans, LA – Friday, April 15th
Nashville, TN – Friday, April 22nd
St. Louis, MO – Thursday, April 28th
Cleveland, OH – Friday, May 6th
New York, NY – Wednesday, May 18th
ODDS AND SODS
* I reviewed the Travel Channel series Expedition Bigfoot, which kicked off its third season of not finding Bigfoot last night.
* Here is the complete list of winners from the 2022 Writers Guild of America Awards.
* The CW's Riverdale was back on Sunday and so was Linda Martindale, who wrote up another fabulous recap for the site.
TWEET OF THE DAY
WHAT'S NEW FOR MONDAY
Here's a quick rundown of all the new stuff premiering today on TV and streaming:
American Song Contest Series Premiere (NBC)
In Good Hands (Netflix)
9-1-1 Spring Premiere (Fox)
9-1-1: Lone Star Spring Premiere (Fox)
Street Outlaws: America's List (Discovery)
Click Here to see the list of all of the upcoming premiere dates for the next few months.
SEE YOU TUESDAY!
If you have any feedback, send it along to Rick@AllYourScreens.com and follow me on Twitter @aysrick.