A new Star Wars animated series has been announced for Disney+. Star Wars: Bad Batch follows a squad of clones in the aftermath of the clone war. The show is a spin-off from Star Wars: Clone Wars and will be executive produced by Dave Filoni. Jennifer Corbett will be the series lead writer.
Source: Variety
At the end of the week US broadcaster NBC will launch its streaming service Peacock. Technically, it was launched a few months ago, but only to select cable subscribers. This week is it’s actual coming out party.
When it launches it will feature a streaming 24/7 feed of Today.
Today All Day will feature a mix of original video and broadcast programming, with an emphasis on lifestyle coverage like human interest entertainment, advice and cooking topics. The network said that Today personalities Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, Willie Geist, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, Kristen Welker and Peter Alexander will be featured.
It is not yet known how much of the feed will be original content.
I actually think this is a great idea. The biggest problem streaming platforms have is that there’s very few options for background TV viewing. The sort of light content that just plays in the background as people work, do chores, read, scroll phones, etc.
One of the big mistakes made with HBO Max is that it doesn’t have a live feed of CNN which would be perfect for this same background content.
It would increase user time on platform dramatically and, for ad-supported platforms like Peacock, those are eyeballs that can be monetised.
Source: Deadline
The body of Glee star Naya Rivera has been found and officially confirmed to be that of the actress. Source: Rolling Stone
TV and film production is resuming in the UK. BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, STV, and ITN have worked together on guidelines, producing a five-page document on how productions will operate where people need to be in close contact.
“But, if we are to get back to producing the range and quality of programs that the public love which reflect real life interactions, we are going to need to film scenes and shows where people are closer than two metres apart.”
“There will be increased screening for these groups, alongside daily symptom checks and close contact periods would be restricted on set. Close contact groups will be asked to follow social distancing rules during the time between an antigen test and their arrival on set, as well as observing social distancing in their daily life during the filming period.
“We will keep this advice under review if the situation changes.”
You can download the document HERE.
Source: Radio Times
On a similar note, the New York Times has a lengthy feature talking about how US shows returning to production will be handling the issue of sex scenes. Some shows will use mannequin’s, while others will find less weirdo options. The L Word: Generation Q is apparently in a fortunate position where several cast members are already dating or are in relationships with actors who can be substituted in.
Read more: NYT
Amazon Prime Video kick-ass drama Hanna will be back for a third season.
Source: The AV Club
The presented block of kids shows on Channel 10 in Australia, Toasted TV, is, well….it’s gone.
(I wish there was a metaphor for this…)
Produced out of Queensland, the show started in 2012 as a replacement for Cheez TV. The show will conclude in mid-August.
Source: TV Blackbox
ALWAYS BE WATCHING PODCAST
This week on the show:
- Dan watches Hamilton and wonders how to make the filming of a stage performance good - many have attempted it. Hamilton successfully did it.
- Chris flashes back to Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan and marvels that it’s actually pretty good.
- Dan checks out new late night chat show Not Too Late Show with Elmo.
Leave us a voice message: What is your favourite late night show?https://anchor.fm/always-be-watching/message
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