New research published by Ampere Analysis reveals that a combination of strike action and a downturn in the original content boom saw scripted US series releases fall to 481 in 2023. This figure is below the 510 of COVID-hit 2020 and means 2021 and 2022 are the high watermark of 633 – the pinnacle of…

Disney has formalized the promotion of ABC Signature EVP Production and Post-Production Carol Turner, officially naming her head of Production for Disney Entertainment Television. Turner assumed the role last spring as part of the consolidation of production operations across Disney TV Studios, Hulu, Freeform and FX under her in the wave of layoffs at the…

On January 18, 2004, Showtime made history with “The L Word“: a spaghetti-strapped melodrama about twiggy lesbians living (“…talking, loving, breathing, fighting, fucking, crying…”) against a golden-filtered backdrop of mid-aughts Los Angeles. The stroke of entertainment genius from creator/executive producer Ilene Chaiken premiered that Sunday night in two parts, introducing a revolutionary cast of LGBTQ characters…

Governors Mary Lou Belli and Anya Adams, along with their Peer Group Executive Committee, invite members of the Directors Peer Group to The Visual Effects Process Behind Big Budget Television Join the Emmy-nominated Visual Effects Supervisor and 2nd Unit Director Chris MacLean for a virtual presentation to discuss workflows on visual effects-heavy projects. Special focus paid…

A new report suggests Peak TV may be coming back to earth: In a year of dual labor strikes and ongoing industry belt-tightening, there was considerably less programming for viewers to consume in 2023 than in the recent past. Data firm Luminate’s inaugural year-end film and TV report shows that a total of 1,784 TV…

Bowling Center Television, a digital Out-Of-Home/Connected TV network, has launched across multiple American markets, including New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, according to a press release. Jan. 18, 2024 Bowling Center Television, a digital Out-Of-Home/Connected TV network, has launched across multiple American markets, including New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, according to a…

While in many TV series poverty might feel like a very unpleasant condition, Paul Abbott’s Shameless (2011-2021) provided a distinctive perspective on this theme. Over its decade-long run, the show garnered acclaim for its entertaining depiction of a working-class family in the outskirts of Chicago. Originating in the UK, Shameless later served as the inspiration…

A multi-part docuseres about Jimmy Hoffa is in development at Village Roadshow Unscripted Television, Variety has learned. News of the show comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of Hoffa’s disappearance, which occurred on July 30, 1975. The series is being made with the full cooperation of the Hoffa family, including the assistance of his son…

By Sarah Osman Mocking the wealthy with a homicidal intrigue tossed in doesn’t always make for a fun watch. Violett Beane and Mandy Patinkin in a scene from Death and Other Details. Photo: Michael Desmond/Hulu Satirical takedowns of the 1%, when done well, have garnered the affection of critics and audiences. But lampooning the rich…

The nation’s No. 1 owner of broadcast radio stations has received notice from the Mechanical Licensing Collective of the organization’s intent to audit its records over royalty payments. The audit will examine the accuracy of payments from the iHeartRadio app for the first three years of the MLC’s blanket license. The process will focus on the…