Who even wants to go digital when you can just decline?

News broke this morning that Fandom Inc has acquired the online assets GameSpot, Metacritic, TV Guide, GameFAQs, Giant Bomb, Cord Cutters News, and Comic Vine in a deal worth $50 million.

The property that jumped out at me there is TV Guide. Yes, the magazine is synonymous with TV listings and telling you where you can watch all the various Lucy programs, but it's a well-known brand name that could very easily have crafted a digital future. But no effort was put in to consider what that might be.

One of the big challenges facing TV viewers is that there are multiple platforms with a lot of new and library titles that viewers don't know. What if there was some sort of, I don't know, TV guide that could help viewers navigate their way through what is available?

Instead of stepping up to the challenge and offering a digital version of a guide, delivering TV fan and industry news, and turning the practical (and beloved) print brand into a practical (and beloved) must-visit destination for enthusiasts, the brand has been allowed to atrophy. Do I think Fandom are likely to do much with the acquired brand? It'd be awesome if they did, but I'm not counting on seeing that happen.

Here in Australia there is the similar TV Week magazine. The fact its digital presence amounted to nothing more than a really poor digital landing page for the annual Logie Awards is hugely disappointing. I remember sitting in a job interview to edit the online presence for TV Week about 6-7 years ago and hearing the silent lack of interest in what I suggested I could bring to the publication. It was all fairly obvious, practical editorial ideas. Needless to say I didn't get the gig and am now just whining about TV Week online.

These TV brands simply deserved better.

(For what it's worth, I rather like the UK Radio Times site, even if it isn't resourced as well as it should be).

What if the big bang was love all along?

On the promo tour for a new Big Bang Theory oral history book, series stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki have spoken to Vanity Fair about their relationship behind the scenes of the show. It's all a bit lovely.

I think we fell a little in love in that elevator shaft.

Tim Apple has his staff working on AR/VR headsets, but doesn't think people will want to spend extended periods in the 'metaverse' - certainly not living whole lives in there. Read: The Verge
The 1996 Doctor Who TV movie was almost directed by Mr Spock himself Leonard Nimoy. It would have been the first time he directed a kids film. Read: Radio Times
Vampire Diaries showrunner Julie Plec had a kidney removed due to a cancer scare. Read: THR
When Firefly Lane returns for season 2 on Netflix, it will also be the final season. Read: TV Insider
Craig Sweeny, a former executive producer on CBS procedural series Elementary, is behind a new CBS series that promises a fresh take on Sherlock Holmes assistant Dr Watson. Fresh. Read: Deadline
Anders Holm from Workaholics is the latest star to join the upcoming Apple TV+ show Godzilla and The Titans. Read: Variety
Marvel is reportedly looking to produce more 'special presentations' for Disney+ a la the upcoming Werewolf By Night and Guardians of The Galaxy specials. Read: Dark Horizons
RIP Sacheen Littlefeather, best known for declining Marlon Brando's Best Actor Oscar on his behalf at the 1973 Oscars. Read: The AV Club
Season 2 of The Rings of Power has commenced in NZ. Read: THR

Apple TV+ is hoping folks are distracted by another scandal before Dec 9 when it debuts the Will Smith Oscar hopeful Emancipation.

Sesame Street returns to HBO Max for season 53 on Nov 3. Guests include Amber Ruffin, Samuel L. Jackson, and every kids favourite personality: Dr Jill Biden.