HBO looks to its future. Also: How the International Emmys keep missing its opportunity
Happy World Television Day to all who celebrate
Today is World Television Day. It is a day recognised by the UN, with it officially proclaimed back in 1996.
As per the UN, TV is celebrated as a symbol for communication and globalization in the contemporary world.
Television was thus acknowledged as a major tool in informing, channelling and affecting public opinion. Its impact and presence and its influence on world politics could not be denied.
TV was at its peak in 1996, notably with Baywatch the most watched show in the world and Nash Bridges debuting that year.
TV goes global. The Emmys seems to have missed the importance of that
We all understand that TV is more global nowadays thanks to the access provided through streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. We are now regularly watching shows from lands near and far.
You would think that the International Emmys would do a better job to capitalise on this globalization of TV, but instead the awards seem just as irrelevant as they always have been.
In further evidence of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences missing the moment, today they announced that hosting the 2025 International Emmys will be Live With Kelly and Mark co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.
How very international…
There’s genuinely a great opportunity for these awards to become the global focus of all of the amazing work happening in television outside of the US borders. Instead, the only people who ever recognise that the awards have even taken place are those working in the industry who picked up an award.
These awards need to have internationally-recognised hosts, take place outside of the US (this years show will be staged in New York), and actually get this broadcasted internationally (I believe a stream is available on the Emmys site… we can do better than that, surely…).
HBO looks ahead
HBO held a press presentation in New York where it made a number of announcements regarding renewals and the general state of all things HBO.
Notable announcements included:
Task has been renewed for a second season with Mark Ruffalo returning. Read: THR
Ahead of its series debut, Game of Thrones spin-off A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms has been renewed for a second season. Read: Deadline
I Love LA has been renewed for a second season. Not a surprise as the show has been both buzzy and is doing around 2m viewers an episode. Read: Deadline
Also back for a second season is The Chair Company. Read: THR
DC show Lanterns will see release mid-2026. Read: The Wrap
HBO’s Casey Bloys says he has had conversations about picking up a third season of Poker Face. Read: Deadline
An interesting comment from Casey Bloys in relation to HBO leaning increasingly on pre-existing IP. He says it is to fill the gap of fewer movies available to program:
“We are also leaning into the power of IP to help fill a void,” he said. “In the past, HBO has always had the benefit of multiple studio output deals with a movie guaranteed every Saturday night. This proved extremely impactful with subscribers. Massive Hollywood marketing campaigns brought huge awareness to these titles. So, they became big engagement drivers for us. But as you are all probably aware, most studios are now holding onto these films for their own platforms.”
This leaves HBO with titles from Warner Bros.’ own movie library as well as a pay 1 deal with A24. “While we still have the benefit of the amazing Warner Brothers in A 24 slates, which gives us an extraordinary collection of films. It is nowhere near the same volume that we once had,” he added.
In order to address this “shortage”, Bloys said it would turn to “highly recognized” projects from the DC Universe, Stephen King’s IT: Welcome to Derry, Game of Thrones spinoffs and Harry Potter.
“That affinity and immediate awareness paired with HBO’s singular approach to storytelling has proven very valuable to filling that theatrical void. So, in considering the alchemy of strong HBO programming coupled with Max Originals that increase engagement and beloved Warner Brothers IP that drives attention, you see a recipe that’s led to great success for us over the last year or so,” he added.
News Desk
Australia’s ABC held its Upfronts presentation yesterday afternoon. Nathan Jolly at Mumbrella has a good write-up of what was announced.
Netflix’s The Night Agent has secured a $31.6 million (40%) California tax credit to relocate to Los Angeles, which indicates it will be picked up for a fourth season. Read: Deadline
$21 million has also been granted to support the Baywatch reboot set to debut next year on Fox. It brings Baywatch back to California after the Baywatch movie, which filmed in… Georgia. Wait, what? Read: Variety
And $32m for the season 2 return of Mr & Mrs Smith. You can read in-depth about this and the various shows getting tax credits at THR.
Channel 5 has confirmed that All Creatures Great and Small will return for a 7th and 8th season. Read: Radio Times
The Edinburgh TV festival could be leaving Edinburgh in a bid to ‘broaden access.’ Read: The Guardian
THR has its list of the 50 most powerful TV producers. Read: THR
Gretchen Mol is joining the cast of Tulsa King. Read: Deadline
As a semi-regular Letterboxd user, I often have aspirations to watch a movie, but often once it gets added to my watchlist, I never take the additional step to find it to watch. Letterboxd is about to get a whole lot more of my money now as it launches an online movie rental store in what seems like a very smart move for obvious reasons. Read: Letterboxd
Disney+ in the US streams a linear FAST channel with episodes of The Simpsons. It has announced that episodes will now run in order, which is as the almighty intended. Read: TheStreamable
Two weeks ahead of its debut on Apple TV, the streamer has pulled French espionage drama The Hunt. Read: Deadline
Trailer Park
Saint-Pierre returns for season 2 on CBC Jan 5.
The 30th anniversary special for Everybody Loves Raymond airs on CBS 24th November.
Home For Christmas returns to Netflix for season 3 Dec 12.
Train Dreams debuts on Netflix Nov 21 (that’s today!).
That’s the newsletter for today.
Consider becoming a paid supporter of Always Be Watching.
Connect with Dan on Bluesky. Connect with Dan on Letterboxd. Connect with Dan on Linkedin. Email Dan @ alwaysbewatching.com or just reply to this email.
