Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Monday, June 28th, 2021

Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Monday, June 28th, 2021. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by Irish Cream-flavored cold brew coffee.

First, my regular Monday welcome to all of the new subscribers. This free newsletter goes out Monday-Friday, typically between 3-5 pm CT. Although it can sometimes show up a bit earlier, depending on my daily workflow. If you ever have feedback or questions, please reach out to me at rick@allyourscreens.com or via Signal or WhatsApp at 612-207-2108. 

NETFLIX USES YOUTUBE TO BUILD INTEREST FOR UPCOMING KIDS SHOW 'RIDLEY JONES'
Anyone who has ever had kids will tell you that they possess a magical power which allows them to watch their favorite TV shows dozens of times without getting bored. It's a primary reason why all the streaming services are battling over preschool viewers. Once they're hooked on a show, they're all in. And woe to the parent who cancels whatever service they're used to watching.

On the most popular destinations for young viewers is YouTube and Netflix is pursuing an interesting strategy with its Netflix Jr. YouTube channel. The channel has 7.8 million subscribers and while there are the usual trailers, the central feature of the channel is that there are lots of full episodes of children's shows that are available on Netflix. And it makes sense. Gets kids hooked on the shows on YouTube and then move them onto Netflix. 

And Netflix has been extremely aggressive in the way it uses its Netflix Jr. YouTube channel to build interest in new programming. Over the weekend the channel added a second full episode of the new animated series created by Chris Nee (Doc McStuffin). Ridley Jones doesn't premiere on Netflix until July 13th and season one only runs six episodes. So putting a third of that output on YouTube for free might appear to be counterproductive. But the first episode of Ridley Jones has already received more than 10 million views, which means there are lots of kids watching the show multiple times. It's not an approach that would work for a scripted adult show. But it plays perfectly into the way young kids consume media.

A BIT MORE ABOUT PARAMOUNT+
Given that this newsletter now has more than 15,000 subscribers, the typical edition generally sparks a few emails and DMs on Twitter. But my newsletter from last week that focused on Paramount+ sparked an insane amount of feedback and I'm still working my way through it all. But I'll some post updated thoughts in a day or two as I talk to people about the service, including a few more people who work on some aspect of the streaming service. One takeaway? I had no idea so many people had such strong feelings about former CBSI CEO Marc DeBevoise.

One other quick note about Paramount+. I have no idea what contractual restraints discourage Paramount+ when it comes to the question of how quickly it can post new content from the Viacom/CBS linear channels. But that being said, I am perplexed by the inability of Paramount+ to capitalize on the BET Awards, which aired last night on BET. That event is arguably the channel's biggest moment of the year and nearly 24 hours later there is still not a mention of it in the BET silo of Paramount+. Don't have the rights to stream the show? Fine, slap together some kind of video content that will distract subscribers when they come looking for the broadcast. Some original interviews, a video recapping who won (which you could easily do with Getty Images)...something...ANYTHING to address the needs of those fans. Right now, all the BET section includes are a bunch of old shows, laid in an A-Z horizontal section. It's embarrassing. 

YOUTUBE TV ADDS OPTION FOR UNLIMITED STREAMS, DOWNLOADING CONTENT
The good news for subscribers of YouTube TV is that they will soon be able to add a premium option that allows for unlimited simultaneous streams, the ability to download shows offline on your mobile device and 4-K streaming. The downside is that the premium add-on will run an astounding $19.99 per month.  And even worse, the unlimited streams only applies inside your house. It's difficult for me to see how this will appeal to many people and given that the features included in this $20-per-month add-on likely only cost YouTube a few bucks, this seems more like an effort to try and lessen some of the financial hit Google still takes on every YouTube TV subscription.

EYEING EMERGING MARKETS, NETFLIX LAUNCHES PARTIAL DOWNLOADS
Netflix is launching partial downloads, so people can start watching movies or shows before they've completely downloaded. This move should make viewing easier for subscribers in emerging markets, where spotty mobile and internet connectivity can make downloading a challenge:

Whether it’s a long flight or an extended commute, downloaded series and movies can make any moment on the go more entertaining. So we know the disappointment when you realize your download never completed because of unreliable wifi or a maxed out data plan. 

That’s why we’ve improved the Netflix download experience so you can now start watching The Mitchells vs The Machines or the next episode of Luis Miguel - The Series even if it hasn’t completed downloading. Once you’ve regained a strong enough connection, you can choose to finish the download and keep watching — avoiding those surprise notices that you’ve gone over your data limits.

Netflix also says it will begin testing partial downloads on iOS next month.

MTV PAUSES WORK WITH UK'S GOBSTOPPER TV FOLLOWING MULTIPLE BULLYING ALLEGATIONS
Broadcast Now is reporting (subscription required) that MTV is suspending its work with the UK-based production company Gobstopper TV following multiple allegations that chief executive and founder Ross McCarthy created a highly toxic working environment:

The majority of the allegations against McCarthy relate to incidents said to have taken place during the filming of MTV reality show Just Tattoo of Us, which ran for four series between 2017 and 2019, and other Gobstopper shows including recent MTV prank show Revenge Prank, which was produced in the US.

An MTV Entertainment spokeswoman said: “We take these allegations seriously and have put our projects with Gobstopper on pause until we gather more information."

Despite the number of allegations laid out in the Broadcast Now piece, the statement from McCarthy about the charges is remarkably lacking in any substantive apology or recognition there is a problem other than the optics of how some people responded to his behavior:

We strongly refute the version of events described in these allegations, but are saddened to hear how working at Gobstopper and with me personally has made some people feel.

We fully recognise the need to create a more enjoyable and creatively rewarding working environment for our talented teams and we are already actioning a plan for the business to bring about further meaningful changes.

 We have heard the message loud and clear and we are, and I am, sorry for any unintentional hurt caused.

ANOTHER NETFLIX UX TEST?
Kasey Moore, from the super helpful web site whats-on-netflix.com, is based in the UK, and she posted this screenshot this morning which shows that she is now able to see a description of the title without clicking into it. 

A couple of weeks ago, someone else had posted a similar test from Disney+ that seems to have been limited to their browser interface and only outside the U.S. (this person lives in Brazil). That test has apparently now disappeared.

ODDS AND SODS
* Netflix's grip on streaming-TV audiences is driving other media companies to pursue expensive mergers and takeovers that whiff of desperation. This Bloomberg piece argues Netflix might still beat them all without having spent a single penny to acquire any competitors.

* I have no idea how many subscribers the Martha Stewart TV SVOD has, but are there really that many people willing to pay $9.99 a month or $70.99 a year for access to a bunch of old episodes of Martha Stewart Living?

* HBO Max has renewed Made For Love for a second season.

* Pluto TV has upgraded its web interface.

TUESDAY'S PREMIERES 

1) America's Top Dog Season Premiere (A&E)
"Four police K9 teams, including fan-favorites from the hit series Live PD, and one civilian team will face off for the title of "Top Dog” in three rounds of high velocity, furry competition. The skilled teams will be tested on their speed, agility, scenting ability, and teamwork by completing a series of expert tasks on one of the biggest and toughest K9 obstacle courses ever assembled - designed by experts to mimic real-life challenges that these furry heroes face every day on the beat. Teams will navigate a complex maze to locate scented items and apprehend a suspect in a bite suit with a takedown, among a variety of other challenges. Each week’s winning team will receive $10,000 and an additional $5,000 to donate to the animal charity of their choice. In the final week of competition, top competitors will return to the finale course to battle for the title of “America’s Top Dog” and an additional $25,000 cash prize."

2) Good Bones Season Premiere (HGTV)
"Mina adjusts to caring for two young children while simultaneously taking the reins of the family business and working to make an even bigger impact on more local neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Karen's semi-retirement means she can focus on more of the landscaping, renovation and do-it-yourself projects that she loves the most."

3) StarBeam (Netflix)
"When villains come out to play, second grader Zoey transforms into StarBeam, a pint-sized superhero, to save the day."

4) TMZ Investigates: UFOs-The Pentagon Proof (Fox)
"TMZ will walk viewers through UFO footage, including a never-before-seen video of UFOs from the deck of a USS naval ship, and speak with some of the people who experienced it firsthand. Interviews will feature senators, military pilots, a Harvard scientist, former Pentagon officials and the two people who pushed the government to release information it has held secret for more than 70 years."

5) The Legend Of The Underground (HBO)
"A searing and timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several bold and charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud."

6) Vicious Fun (Shudder)
"Joel, a caustic 1980’s film critic for a national horror magazine, finds himself unwittingly trapped in a self-help group for serial killers. With no other choice, Joel attempts to blend in with his homicidal surroundings or risk becoming the next victim."

If you have any feedback, send it along to Rick@AllYourScreens.com and follow me on Twitter @aysrick.