Too Much TV: Your TV Talking Points For Tuesday, December 8th, 2020
Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Tuesday, December 8th, 2020. I'm writing this from the Twin Cities suburbs, where AllYourScreens HQ is powered by apple juice and a Philly Steak sandwich.
Today's newsletter is a short one, thanks to some virtual press events. Be back to full strength tomorrow.
THE YEAR IN YOUTUBE GAMING
YouTube Gaming posted some 2020 stats for the service and globally it has streamed about 100 billion hours of gaming content so far this year.
The most streamed games this year were:
Minecraft: 201 billion views
Roblox: 75 billion
Garena Free Fire: 72 billion
Grand Theft Auto V: 70 billion
Fortnite: 67 billion
If you're not familiar with Free Fire, it's probably the most popular game most Americans have never heard of. It's a mobile Battle Royale-style game that is exceptionally popular in South America and Asia.
CBS ALL-ACCESS ROLLS OUT MORE VIACOM SHOWS
The streaming service soon to be known as Paramount Plus added a number of Nickelodeon and Teen Nick titles to its catalog today, including Drake & Josh, Jimmy Neutron, The Dude Perfect Show, I Am Frankie, Knight Squad, The Mighty B! and T.U.F.F. Puppy.
REDBOX LAUNCHES AVOD
The news that Redbox is launching an AVOD isn't especially big news. Especially when the offering is not just lightweight but also has an interface that makes it nearly impossible to determine when a movie is ad-supported or just available for rent. No, what fascinates me is the PR effort behind the announcement.
You would presume that this announcement would be a high PR priority for Redbox, but you wouldn't know that at the company's media center, which appears to have last been updated in August. No mention of the new AVOD, not even the press release. Hmm...so maybe we'll reach out to someone in the corporate communications department on the "media contact" page. Which turns out to be a generic contact form that encourages "National and Local Media and Bloggers: For media inquiries regarding Redbox, please submit the contact form below."
Which is certainly a great approach if this was 2003 and my deadline was sometime tomorrow. In a media world where so many companies are vying for attention, I am always fascinated to see how many media-ish companies make it so difficult to reach someone directly.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Here are some of the stories that have been posted on AllYourScreens.com in the past 24 hours:
Apple TV+ Announces Early Season Three Renewal For 'For All Mankind'
Redbox Launches AVOD Platform Redbox Free On Demand
Nigella Lawson’s Bizarre Pronunciation Of 'Microwave’ Lights Up British Social Media
BBC Announces Streaming-Centric Restructuring
WHAT'S ON TODAY:
Here is a rundown of the new television programs premiering today:
1) A Christmas For Mary (OWN)
Vivica A. Fox stars with Jackée Harry and Morgan Dixon ("Being Mary Jane") in a holiday tale of rediscovery and renewal when up-and-coming journalist Lena Jones (Dixon) is tasked with delivering a story by Christmas that will wow her boss, magazine editor Vivian Vaye (Fox), who is dangling a promotion to head writer over Lena's head. Intrigued by a portrait of a mysterious woman painted by her late grandfather, Lena journeys to the small town of Pineville, where with her mother, Deborah's (Harry) blessing and support, Lena uncovers a long-ago forgotten tale of young love that not only uncovers cherished memories of the past, but also inspires Lena to follow her heart and find her own true love ... and her perfect Christmas story.
2) Emicida: AmarElo: It's All for Yesterday (É Tudo Para Ontem) (Netflix)
Between scenes from his concert in São Paulo's Theatro Municipal, rapper and activist Emicida celebrates the rich legacy of Black Brazilian culture.
3) 40 Years A Prisoner (HBO)
The documentary chronicles one of the most controversial shootouts in American history: the 1978 police raid on the radical, back-to-nature group MOVE by the Philadelphia Police Department. Using eyewitness accounts and archival footage of the not widely known confrontation, the film illuminates the story of a city grappling with racial tension and police brutality with alarming topicality and modern-day relevance. Mike Africa Jr., the son of two MOVE members imprisoned for the death of a police officer that day, has committed his life to finding out the truth about what really happened and fighting for the release of the parents that he has only ever known through prison walls.
4) Lovestruck In The City (Netflix)
Heart stolen by a free-spirited woman after a beachside romance, a passionate architect sets out to reunite with her on the streets of Seoul.
5) Mr. Iglesias: Part 3 (Netflix)
As he begins a new relationship, Gabe pushes his students to face their fears, dream big and believe in themselves — lessons he tries to take to heart.
6) Spirit Riding Free: Ride Along Adventure (Netflix)
Join Lucky and her friends on a mission to save Maricela’s beloved mare, Mystery, from greedy horse thieves who've taken her captive with a wild herd.
7) Super Monsters: Santa's Super Monster Helpers (Netflix)
When Santa needs serious help prepping all of his presents, the Super Monsters lend a hand — and some monster magic — to get every gift out on time!
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.