Year: 2023

Paramount+ to be rebranded sometime in 2023

Dan Uff January 31, 2023 1

Various reports say that Paramount+ will be rebranded sometime in 2023 as “Paramount+ with Showtime” combining the two services into one complete package. This may mean that current subscribers of Paramount+ will have ShowTime included in their subscription price.

Per Deadline, Bob Bakish, President of Paramount Global, said the following about the move in a company memo:

Team,

Almost one year ago, we announced that ViacomCBS would become Paramount — harnessing the power of our combined portfolio to become one, integrated company. Since then, I have been tremendously proud of the many ways we have worked together across platforms, brands, and continents to consistently deliver as global leaders in the future of entertainment.

In that same spirit, I’m thrilled to share the next step in our company’s evolution. Today, we’re announcing that we will be fully integrating SHOWTIME into Paramount+ across both streaming and linear platforms later this year — providing even more popular franchises and hit originals for viewers to enjoy. To reflect this change, both our premium streaming tier on Paramount+ and the SHOWTIME linear network will become “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME” in the U.S.

SHOWTIME has captivated audiences for decades with ambitious original series that defined premium content and fandom. Its name will always stand for critically acclaimed, groundbreaking entertainment and creative excellence. Now, with SHOWTIME’s content integrated into our flagship streaming service, and select Paramount+ originals joining the linear offering, Paramount+ will become the definitive multiplatform brand in the streaming space — and the first of its kind to integrate streaming and linear content in this way.

This new combined offering demonstrates how we can leverage our entire collection of content to drive deeper connections with consumers and greater value for our distribution partners. This change will also drive stronger alignment across our domestic and international Paramount+ offerings, as international Paramount+ already includes Showtime content. And, very importantly, this integration will unlock operational efficiencies and financial benefits across our broader portfolio.

Chris McCarthy will continue to lead the SHOWTIME studio and oversee network operations for the linear channel. In tandem, he will work closely with Tom Ryan, who will oversee the “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME” streaming business.

While we are confident this is the right move for our company, our consumers, and our partners, we know this change brings uncertainty for the teams working on these brands and businesses. We are committed to being as transparent and thoughtful as possible throughout this process, and we expect to share additional details in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, I would ask for your continued focus. Because of your hard work, dedication and collaboration, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME is set up for success. Thank you, as always, for all that you do.

Best,

Bob

Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime, also spoke about the change:

From the office of McCarthy:

Hi everyone,

I wanted to follow up on the great news Bob just shared about the further integration of SHOWTIME and Paramount+ to create one powerful streaming service, and explain why I am so excited about this big step forward.

There are many benefits for Paramount+ and SHOWTIME on both the streaming and network sides, in three key areas:

Complementary and Differentiated Brands

Redirecting Increased Investment into SHOWTIME Strengths

Integrated Platform – Greater Focus on Content

I am sure you will have lots of questions, and to that end we are planning a Town Hall in L.A. the week of February 23 to go into the details and the highlights, which include:

Complimentary and Differentiated Brands

The SHOWTIME brand has always attracted audiences that prefer content that has more edge and more mature themes, and that focuses on complicated characters and layered worlds. SHOWTIME content appeals to metro-minded viewers that are more culturally diverse with a higher concentration living in cities vs. the population at large. These audiences and themes are complementary to the Paramount+ brand, which is much broader, appealing to the entire family and general market audiences across the country.

Redirecting Investment into SHOWTIME Strengths

As a part of Paramount+, we can put more resources into building out the lanes that have made the SHOWTIME brand famous, as well as turning our hit shows into global hit franchises. To do this, we will divert investment away from areas that are underperforming and that account for less than 10% of our views. We have already begun conversations with our production partners about what content makes sense moving forward and which shows have franchise potential.

As a reminder the SHOWTIME brand strengths and content filters are:

Complex Characters: Subversive antiheroes like DEXTER, YOUR HONOR and YELLOWJACKETS

Powerful-Worlds: High-stakes powerful worlds like BILLIONS and HOMELAND

Metro-Cultures: Culturally diverse takes like: THE CHI and the forthcoming FELLOW TRAVELERS.

Integrated Platforms – Greater Focus on Content

Now that SHOWTIME and our content will be integrated as the premium tier of Paramount+, we will reach more people globally across streaming and linear than ever before. On the network side, this will strengthen our offering to those consumers by allowing us to tap into Paramount+ originals in addition to the SHOWTIME originals, as well as Paramount Pictures movies that come to the services.

This is a winning strategy that provides more value to our streaming customers and more reasons for cable subscribers to upgrade to the soon-to-be-rebranded Paramount+ with SHOWTIME network. Most important it allows us to put more of our focus on the things that make the SHOWTIME brand famous: our hit content.

More to come soon but for now, thank you for your help as we work hard together to make Paramount+ with SHOWTIME one of the leading global streaming services!

Thank you,

Chris

How many times do we have to tell you not to put HomePod on wooden surfaces?

Dan Uff January 31, 2023 1

When the original HomePod launched in 2018, owners quickly found that the smart speaker can leave white rings on some wooden surfaces. YouTuber Marques Brownlee has confirmed that the issue continues – albeit to a lesser extent – with Apple’s new second-generation HomePod.

Brownlee conducted a side-by-side test which shows that the white second-generation HomePod left a white ring on the wooden surface on which it was placed, although the 2nd gen. ring was significantly less apparent and did not appear as quickly as those created by the original HomePod.

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Apple TV+ renews hit comedy series ‘Acapulco’ for season 3

Dan Uff January 31, 2023 1

Apple TV+ today announced that it’s checking back in to Las Colinas for “Acapulco” season three! Following its globally acclaimed second season, the hit Apple Original comedy series starring and executive produced by Emmy and SAG Award winner Eugenio Derbez, has been picked up for a 10-episode third season, set to go into production this spring.
“We at 3Pas Studios are thankful to Apple TV+, the perfect home for ‘Acapulco,’ along with our production partner Lionsgate, filmmakers and cast and crew,” said star and executive producer Eugenio Derbez. “We have always believed that the stories we tell about our communities and cultures can resonate with global audiences, so crank up the AC, it’s about to get a lot hotter at Las Colinas Resort.”

“We’ve seen an overwhelming response from audiences all over the world who have fallen in love with ‘Acapulco,’” said Morgan Wandell, head of international programming for Apple TV+. “Eugenio, Austin, Ben, Eric, Kim and the talented cast and crew behind ‘Acapulco’ have created a feel-good show that has a lot of heart, emotion and laughs, and we can’t wait to bring even more of that into season three.”

Season two of the bilingual comedy series was recently hailed as “consistently hilarious,” “a candy-colored neon dream of a show,” and was ranked as one of the top shows for 2022, reaching a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In season three of “Acapulco,” it’s a time of reconciling past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In our present story, older Máximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Maximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

The upcoming third season will be showrun by Sam Laybourne (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” “Black-ish”). In addition to Derbez, the “Acapulco” ensemble cast returning includes Enrique Arrizon (Máximo Gallardo), Fernando Carsa (Memo), Damián Alcázar (Don Pablo), Camila Perez (Julia), Chord Overstreet (Chad), Vanessa Bauche (Nora), Regina Reynoso (Sara), Raphael Alejandro (Hugo), Jessica Collins (Diane), Rafael Cebrián (Hector), Carlos Corona (Esteban) and Regina Orozco (Lupe).

“Acapulco” season two picked up right on the heels of season one, telling the story of 20-something Máximo Gallardo (Arrizon), whose dream comes true when he scores the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco, Las Colinas. In 1985, Máximo must contend with upheaval at the resort, unexpected problems at home and a new love interest who just might rival the girl of his dreams. Under Don Pablo’s guidance, he sets his eyes on one day running the entire Las Colinas operation by becoming the right-hand man of Diane. Meanwhile, in present day, older Máximo (Derbez) returns to Acapulco to make peace with the recent passing of Don Pablo, where he is forced to confront some unfinished business young Máximo left behind.

Seasons one and two of “Acapulco” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Hailing from Lionsgate Television, “Acapulco” is inspired by 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ box office hit “How to Be A Latin Lover,” and is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company. The series is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman. Winsberg (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) also serves as executive producer on the project. Jay Karas (“Abbott Elementary,” “Ghosts”) serves as an executive producer and director. In addition to starring in the series, Derbez serves as executive producer alongside Ben Odell and co-executive producer Sonia Almanza Gambaro on behalf of 3Pas Studios. Eric and Kim Tannenbaum executive produce along with Jason Wang on behalf of The Tannenbaum Company.

“Acapulco” joins widely celebrated Apple Original series that have recently received renewals including “Bad Sisters,” “Surface,” “Trying,” “Physical,” “Loot,” “Slow Horses,” “For All Mankind,” “Pachinko,” “The Afterparty,” the second season of Emmy and AFI Award winner “Schmigadoon!,” “Swagger” season two, and the second season of 14x Emmy Award-nominated “Severance.”

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 318 wins and 1,396 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

How the creators of Apple TV+’s ‘Shrinking’ landed none other than Harrison Ford

Dan Uff January 31, 2023 1

Editor’s note: This article came from The Hollywood Reporter and may contain some inappropriate language.

“Shrinking,” starring Harrison Ford, an actor of whom you may have heard, follows a grieving therapist (played by Jason Segel) who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks.

Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives — including his own. The series premiered globally with the first two episodes on Friday, January 27th, on Apple TV+. It will be followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday.

Ten episodes into production of the Apple TV+ grief comedy Shrinking, co-creator Brett Goldstein insists the cast and crew were still asking, “How the fuck is Harrison Ford here?” In truth, Goldstein (aka Roy Kent of Ted Lasso) has often wondered it too, incredulous that the Indiana Jones star agreed to make his comedy debut in the small-screen ensemble rolling out Jan. 27. But there he is, playing a gruff shrink opposite Jason Segel’s grieving, widowed therapist in the half-hour series from Segel, Goldstein and his former Ted Lasso showrunner Bill Lawrence. The trio — Segel and Goldstein in person, Lawrence later by phone — joined THR in late January to preview the show that’s as likely to make viewers laugh as it is to make them cry.

THR So, Harrison Ford. What made you even think you could get him?

LAWRENCE I don’t have a lot of epiphanies anymore, but one that I had recently was that people saying “no” doesn’t sting as much as it used to. I used to feel so rejected all the time that when you’d reach out to somebody you idolized or admired and it was a no, and sometimes it was a “Fuck no,” it hurt. But I got to a point that I wish I was at as a kid trying to date and taking chances on things, where I can be like, “Hey, you wanna do this? No? Cool, see ya around.” Here, the only real thing for me was how ill-prepared I was to get anything but a no from Harrison Ford.

GOLDSTEIN I think it was like a joke. Like, “Obviously not Harrison Ford, but someone like Harrison Ford.”

SEGEL Yes, you offer it to someone like Harrison Ford, so that for like a week you can say out loud, “Oh, we’re out to Harrison Ford.” And then you’ll go to the real person. Then Brett heroically got him.

GOLDSTEIN I was in London and he was filming Indiana Jones [and the Dial of Destiny], and I suddenly get a missed call, “Hey, it’s Harrison Ford.” I was like, “What the fuck is happening?” I went to his apartment to discuss it. And the discussion was very, very quick because he wanted to do it. I thought I’d be there to convince him. Nope.

THR And there you were presumably sweating.

GOLDSTEIN Oh yeah, I’m going to meet Indiana Fucking Jones…