Showbiz Sandbox 323: Trends From the 2016 TV Upfronts

May 30, 2016

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Each May all the U.S. television networks invite major advertisers and the media to New York so they can pitch all of the new and returning shows on their fall schedules. Known as the upfronts, a good chunk of the prime time advertising inventory is sold during these meetings as promotional buzz about each series commences in earnest. We’ll take a closer look at some of the big trends coming out of this year’s upfronts.

Meanwhile, a much beloved series might be starting a trend of its own by increasing viewership in its 12th season. Usually long-running shows lose audience in their latter years, however “Grey’s Anatomy” is the perfect example of how new technology can boost viewership.

Viacom and CBS are likely to have kept a close eye on the recently completed upfronts, given their dominance in television. CBS was originally a Viacom property, but was spun-off more than a decade ago. Now, amidst leadership turmoil at Viacom, there is speculation the two companies may merge, once more becoming a single entity.

Of course we also cover the week’s top entertainment news including why U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is criticizing Disney, Spotify’s big success in helping subscribers find new music and why the next James Bond film is in search of a director.

comScore Announces Official Worldwide Box Office Results for Weekend of May 29, 2016
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-may-29-2016-300276516.html

Fox Under Fire in Italy Over Postponed ‘Independence Day’ Release
http://variety.com/2016/film/news/independence-day-release-italy-fox-1201784532/

The 5 Buzziest Television Trends That Defined This Year’s Upfronts
http://www.adweek.com/news/television/5-buzziest-television-trends-defined-years-upfronts-171600

Fall TV 2016: The Full Schedule
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fall-tv-2016-full-schedule-895672

Fall 2016 Broadcast TV Primetime Schedule
https://deadline.com/2016/05/tv-schedule-fall-2016-primetime-broadcast-networks-1201759260/

Upfronts 2016: From ‘Hamilton’ To IP Overload – The Week’s Top Trends
https://deadline.com/2016/05/upfront-week-2016-hamilton-hot-topics-cbs-nbc-fox-abc-1201759662/

CBS Wins a TV Season Bankrupt of New Broadcast Hits
https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/cbs-wins-2015-16-season-in-young-adults-other-ratings-categories-1201781529/#comment-list-wrapper

CBS Wins 2015-16 Season in Young Adults, Other Key Ratings Categories
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-wins-a-tv-season-897015

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Stars Negotiating New Contracts
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-stars-negotiating-new-890400

‘The Americans’ Will End in 2018
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/26/arts/television/the-americans-will-end-in-2018.html

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Stars Negotiating New Contracts
https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/bernie-sanders-disney-robert-iger-1201783423/

US Video Streaming Shows First Signs of Saturation But Ultra HD On the Rise
http://www.rapidtvnews.com/2016052642996/us-video-streaming-shows-first-signs-of-saturation-but-ultra-hd-on-the-rise.html

Sam Mendes Won’t Direct the Next James Bond Film
https://variety.com/2016/film/news/sam-mendes-wont-direct-the-next-james-bond-film-1201785031/

‘American Psycho’ to Close on June 5
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/26/theater/american-psycho-to-close-on-june-5.html?_r=0

Spotify’s Discover Weekly Is A Hit: 40M Listeners, 5B Tracks Streamed, Artists Adding Millions Of New Fans
http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2016/05/spotifys-discover-weekly-is-a-hit-40m-listeners-5b-tracks-streamed-artists-adding-millions-of-new-fa.html

What Would It Take To Put CBS and Viacom Together Again?
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-viacom-cbs-merger-20160525-snap-story.html

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