Flex - The micro reality series that isn't as micro as it boasts
Size matters. For a media release.
Maybe it is my perception, but it doesn’t really seem like there has been a lot of local interest in the microdrama format here in Australia. But then, I’m also skeptical that there’s much interest in the US or UK outside of trade media and enterprising producers jumping on a format that has gotten some traction throughout Asia.
Regardless, Australia’s Nine has announced the launch of Flex, which it is billing as Australia’s first micro-reality series. It debuts from Friday April 24.
Don’t be mistaken for this being Nine throwing itself deep into the micro format – it is playing things as safe as possible for this reality show focused on “seven young, good-looking strivers navigating the “fake it till you make it” reality of Bondi and its high-life coastal surrounds.”
Nine is dropping 1-2 minute daily micro-episodes “with zero filters” on Instagram and TikTok (@FLEX_the_series). But where that may be the home of micro programming, the real show Nine is pushing is the standard-length weekly reality show that runs 22-25 minutes. The innovation, I guess, is that this is being made for its ad-supported streaming service 9Now.
Experimenting with new release patterns is a smart idea for networks in the current moment, as is promoting these shows in new and different ways. If chopping shows up and releasing them in vertical video short-form environments is the current experiment, that’s fine. But the show isn’t exactly what the media release headline suggests.
News Desk
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is formally investigating the Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery merger, seeking comments from interested parties. Read: Deadline
Damon Lindelof, whose Lanterns debuts on the Warner Bros Discovery-owned HBO, says Hollywood’s blue collar working class is “about to get f*cked” following the Paramount-WBD merger. He has signed an open letter opposing the deal, which has also been signed by fellow HBO creatives Noah Wyle (The Pitt) and David Chase (The Sopranos). Read: Deadline
Paramount has responded to the open letter saying that the merger will lead to “more avenues for their work, not fewer.” Sure Jan. Read: Deadline
RIP the legendary TV producer Sid Krofft. He died on Friday aged 96. Along with brother Marty Kroft (who passed in 2023), he produced shows including Land of The Lost, H.R. Pufnstuf, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, The Donnie & Marie Show, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (!!!), and many more. Read: Variety
Maybe SNL UK has found its ratings floor, with only a 10,000 viewer drop for episode four (with 120,000 viewers watching). It is down around 40% from its launch. Read: Deadline
Fremantle has taken global production and distribution rights on the Holey Moley format and forged a hub in Portugal from which it will make international versions of the show. How much life can there still be in that format? Read: Deadline
ABC has renewed Will Trent and The Rookie for their fifth and ninth respective seasons. Read: thefutoncritic
Josh Charles is joining the cast of Netflix’s The 99’ers limited series. One would imagine it isn’t a huge role on the show, with Charles leading Fox series Best Medicine. Read: Deadline
Following the fallout from the Rust trial, Alec Baldwin says he is interested in retiring. Meanwhile Dan Barrett considers the sliding doors question of what Baldwin’s life would be like if he had just agreed to do Tina Fey’s 30 Rock spin-off that evolved into Mr Mayor starring Ted Danson. Read: THR
The Daily Show has posted its best ratings in eight years, leading late night in the 18-49 demo. Read: Variety
Trailer Park
Little House on the Prairie launches on Netflix July 9.
They left everything they knew for a new life on the prairie. Meet the Ingalls family as they discover what "home" really means.
The Boroughs debuts on Netflix May 21.
In a seemingly picturesque retirement community, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don't have - time.
That’s the newsletter for the today.
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