Entertainment Inside Us (Insidus)

Monday, April 5, 2021

Cartoon Network Is Doing Live-Action Again To Appeal Viewers And Further Boost The Content For Streaming

In February, Warnermedia unveiled a vast slate of kids’ programming bound for Cartoon Network and HBO Max. The slate spoke of a growing commitment to preschoolers and families — a new preschool programming block called Cartoonito will launch this fall.

The linchpin of this drive to appeal to more children is Tom Ascheim, Warner Bros.’s president, global kids, young adults, and classics. Installed in the role last summer, Ascheim heads up Cartoon Network. He also has oversight of Adult Swim, Boomerang, the Turner Classic Movies channel, and the studios of Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, and his unit is responsible for kids’ and family programming at HBO Max.

After Warnermedia announced its slate, Ascheim elaborated on his unit’s strategy in an appearance at Kidscreen Summit’s virtual edition. Here are six takeaways from the session:

Cartoon Network is getting back into live action, with the blessing of audiences. The network has made live-action shows in the past (never with huge success), but Ascheim said it is committing to the medium under his leadership.

For some of his colleagues, he added, producing anything other than cartoons “felt like a bump.” But when they ran the idea of live-action shows on Cartoon Network by viewers, they embraced the idea “without a blink.”

Live action is partly a way to reach more girls. Ascheim’s data shows that girls “age out of animation earlier than boys” before returning to it as young adults. Live-action shows like the recently announced Family Mash-Up (from Hannah Montana creator Michael Poryes) were greenlit with that in mind. Animation that “does a stronger job of showing girls” is also on the cards.

American programming may get more multilingual. In North America, “we speak more English than we should,” says Ascheim. In pre-school content, his unit will work on “emphasizing more languages, even interstitially…You learn language so easily when you’re little.” He’s keen to use Cartoonito to represent a wider diversity of languages and cultures, even as English will remain the programming block’s primary language.

Cartoon Network is still creator-driven. Ascheim insisted that it’s “always” important to have this approach. “Our studios in particular are a great on-ramp for new creators,” he said, “because we surround them with more experienced talent.” The network considered adopting the tagline “Hello Weirdos.” The intent behind it was “to emphasize this idea that we all feel weird inside,” says Ascheim.

Instead, they opted for “Redraw Your World.” Ascheim added that the network has a ‘“Hello Weirdos’ Culture Committee,” which works to make its programming and employment practices more inclusive.

“We’re all struggling,” Ascheim said of finding ways to keep working in the pandemic. After noting that his unit has hit all its targets in that time, he spoke of a “collective sense of exhaustion” after “sprint[ing]” from spring to winter. Ascheim said he and his colleagues are now looking to “build for a more sustained way to do this in home, and maybe eventually in home and in office, and maybe one day only in office again.”

Meanwhile, HBO Max is picking up steam after a slower launch than that of its rival Disney+. Parent company AT&T has forecast 120–150 million global subscribers by 2025 — a rise from the target of 75–90 million it set out in October 2019.

In January, AT&T disclosed that HBO Max had nearly 40 million subscribers, although that metric includes those who can access the service through a promotion or HBO cable subscription; the number of “activated” subscriptions was around 17.2 million. The streamer’s international rollout begins in Latin America in June.

Friday, April 2, 2021

OUTtv Expands To The United States With A Bold New Look And A Slate Of Fresh Programming

OUTtv Media Group (OMG) is partnering with Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), to launch OUTtv USA, an SVOD service dedicated to premium LGBTQ+ content. OUTtv marks the first LGBTQ+ Apple TV channel and is now available on the Apple TV app.

OUTtv debuts today and is available for a seven-day trial on the Apple TV app. Subscriptions will be $2.99 per month. OUTtv is expected to launch across other marquee SVOD platforms later this year.

“We are delighted to deepen and evolve our relationship with PEG further by bringing OUTtv to America”, said Brad Danks, CEO, OUTtv Media Group. The real potential and impact will come from the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ content that we will develop, produce and distribute together.”

“Demand for premium, authentic queer content is at an all time high, said Jacob Slane, Partner, Producer Entertainment Group. “We’re proud to join OMG to bring their long standing history of serving the LGBTQ+ community with programming that’s both entertaining and inspiring to the U.S. market. Our door is now open to creatives with diverse, high-quality concepts and leading-edge talent. We look forward to bringing the next wave of inclusive content to our viewers.”

Jacob Slane will serve as senior domestic executive overseeing the venture from Producer Entertainment Group’s headquarters in Burbank, CA. At launch, the library includes over 75 titles and 2,000 hours of content. Additional original series and library titles will be announced in the coming months.

Check out OUTtv USA’s programming slate below — which includes a lot of familiar faces from the RuPaul’s Drag Race universe.

From Katya with Love – The eight-episode unscripted dating series follows everyone’s favorite bi-sexual Russian drag hooker, Katya, as she looks for love among a diverse group of singles.

The Sherry Vine Show – Drag legend Sherry Vine fronts a modern, gay sketch comedy series that only her twisted mind could produce. One part Carol Burnett and the other John Waters, The Sherry Vine Show will include six 30-minute episodes and feature guest stars Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Candis Cayne, Jackie Beat, Varla Jean Merman, Nadya Ginsburg and Mario Diaz.

Translation – The first talk show on a major network hosted by an all-trans cast, the series is fronted by Peppermint, Carmen Carrera, Jiggly Caliente and Sonique. Join these powerful women as they speak truth on topics of love, sex, dating and more. Season One is currently available on OUTtv Canada and Amazon Prime in the US. Season two will be available exclusively on OUTtv USA.

Nubia – A supergroup of drag entertainers including BeBe Zahara Benet, Bob the Drag Queen, Monique Heart, Peppermint and Shea Coulee, Nubia was formed to amplify and uplift Black drag voices. After a sold-out run of live shows in New York last year, the group released a one-hour standalone TV special as a partial response to and exploration of percolating race issues in America. OUTtv has committed to funding a live concert special and additional talk specials to come.

The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special – Star of stage and screen Alaska Thunderf**k is proud to present The Alaska Thunderf**k Extra Special Comedy Special. Featuring some of Alaska’s greatest musical hits, exciting special guests, and a series of comedic jokes, join Alaska for a one-night-only engagement filmed in pre-pandemic Hollywood, California. But in a rapidly changing world, does the comedy go too far? Are the jokes too risqué? Is the glamour too glamourous? Premiere date is April 15.

Cam Boy – The new scripted series, which includes eight 30-minute episodes is created by award-winning writer and director Thom Fitzgerald (Sex and Violence, The Hanging Garden, Forgive Me). When Ashton finds himself left to his own devices with bills to pay while his boyfriend is in New York, he turns to camming to make ends meet.

Boy Boy Montreal – Boy Boy Montreal documents a contemporary portrait of gay pornography in Montreal, sharing insight into the industry through international actors, cult filmmakers and other specialists. The series includes ten 30-minute episodes.

Additionally, OUTtv has set a first-look development deal with Drag Race season 8 winner Bob the Drag Queen’s production company, Purse First Productions. As part of the deal, OUTtv will be producing a second season of his scripted digital series Besties.

Read Also:
- Europe's Cartoonito comes to the United States
- WarnerMedia EMEA on Cartoonito
- 80 projects in development on Disney+, some might have aired already
- Update on the 4 pop-up channels on DStv
- R.I.P. FOX, long live Star, will other markets follow?
- Utsav branding takes affect on Vijay TV, will StarPlus and Star Life follow in Africa
- Will Paramount+ lead to the shutdown of several linear channels?
- Several titles coming to Discovery+

SABC 3 Rebrands With A Large Slate Of New Shows To Better Accomodate Mobile Users

The premiere blitz comes in the wake of the channel's official relaunch, which was marked at an event in Joziburg on Wednesday night (31 March).

The channel's new logo was revealed, along with the news that the channel's changing its name. It will now be known as S3:

To put you in the picture we've compiled a blow-by blow of what to expect from the new line-up, with a complete list of new and returning titles.

All the details on each show will be featured in TVSA's daily New Shows and Seasons section so keep your peepers peeled to it.

As you know, the SABC is notorious for making last minute schedule changes so what follows may change. We'll do our best to keep you posted.

Grab your popcorn and tuck in...

WEEKNIGHT MENU

Novelaville from 18h30 to 19h30

At the centre of the revamp is the new nightly local telenovela The Estate, which you know all about because you've seen it right here.

Two international telenovelas serve as lead-ins for it at 18h30: Orphans of a Nation (Mondays to Wednesdays) and The Red Room (Thursdays and Fridays).

Whodunnit at 19h30

The ITV crime drama The Bay also airs weeknights, serving as a lead out for The Estate.

It follows Detective Sergeant Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie), who is called in to investigate when teenage twins go missing in a seaside bay on the West Coast of England.

And now for The News

The first news airs from 18h00 to 18h30 and the second from 20h00 to 20h30.

Yoh's and Hahas for 30-mins

Actuality, current affairs and comedy air at 20h30, with actuality at the start of the week (Unfiltered and Special Assignment) and comedy later ( On the Brink, Sunnyside and Happy Ever After).

International medley at 21h00

This timeslot features:

- reality on Mondays with Survivor 36,

- the critically acclaimed dramas The Night Manager and Mrs America on Tuesdays and Thursdays,

- the HBO documentary Being Serena (about Serena Williams) on Thursdays and,

- the Hulu comedy Woke on Fridays.

NOTABLE SCHEDULE CHANGES

Trending SA moves from 18h00 to 17h00 from Monday 5 April. It continues to air daily.

Afternoon Express moves from 17h00 to 17h30 and will only air two days a week instead of five, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first Tuesday episode airs on 6 April.

It's replaced by:

The Insider SA: Mondays at 17h30,
Pure Action: Wednesdays at 17h30,
Wife Swap USA: Fridays at 17h30.

PS: Expresso retains its timeslot, Mondays to Fridays from 06h00 to 09h00.

NEW AND RETURNING SHOWS

South African dance champ Oti Mabuse, one of the judges on Simon Cowell's
dance talent competition The Greatest Dancer.

The 20 premieres are:

Africa with Ade Adepitan
Premiere date: Sunday 4 April at 19h30

The Mel Robbins Show
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 15h00
New episodes air Mondays to Fridays at 15h00

Orphans of a Nation
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 18h30
New episodes air Mondays to Wednesdays at 18h30
The omnibus airs on Sunday from 09h00 to 10h30.

The Estate
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 19h00
New episodes air Mondays to Fridays at 19h00
The omnibus airs on Saturdays from 10h30 to 12h30

The Estate (local drama) - April 2021

Survivor 36: Ghost Island (Boo)
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 21h00

Pre-Sure
Premiere date: Monday 5 April at 22h00

The Bay
Premiere date: Tuesday 6 April at 19h30
New episodes air Mondays to Fridays at 19h30
The omnibus airs on Sundays at 11h30

The Night Manager
Premiere date: Tuesday 6 April at 21h00

Eating with My Ex
Premiere date: Tuesday 6 April at 22h00
New episodes air in double bills weekly

Science of Stupid
Premiere date: Wednesday 7 April at 18h00

On the Brink
Premiere date: Wednesday 7 April at 20h30

Being Serena
Premiere date: Wednesday 7 April at 21h00

The Red Room
Premiere date: Thursday 8 April at 18h30
New episodes air Thursdays and Fridays.
The omnibus airs on Sundays from 10h30 to 11h30

Sunnyside
Premiere date: Thursday 8 April at 20h30

Mrs America
Premiere date: Thursday 8 April at 21h00

Celebrity Wife Swap 4
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 17h30

Happy Ever After
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 20h30

Woke
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 21h00

Laugh in Your Language
Premiere date: Friday 9 April at 21h30
New episodes air in double bills weekly

The Greatest Dancer 2
Premiere date: Saturday 10 April at 18h30

Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja
(Talk show with Relebogile)
Premiere date to be confirmed

Updated (19/06): Will Timeless Dizi Channel Return To MultiChoice's DStv?

Timeless Dizi Channel made its debut on StarTimes (Starsat) in May 2020 and ran until the end of August at least that's what they made the media believe till while MultiChoice launched a pop-up feed of the channel later that year.

During that time, the channel managed to gain much traction with the likes of Karadayi, Black Money Love, Wings Of Love and Red Scarf.

Despite the outcome none of that managed to change it's fate on DStv while others recieved extensions it got culled exactly on its expiration date being March 31st.

What's strange about this development is that the Dizi Channel on StarTimes was kind of discontinued as well or at the Turkish feed.

MultiChoice had the English feed airing repeats from StarTimes Turkish feed so what could have happened was that they wanted to make it a permanent channel but the problem was that they weren't carrying the main feed which led to its dramatic removal even though they're being hush-hush there's signs.

Last year, MultiChoice unveiled another channel TLNovelas which can also be found on StarTimes. What's strange about this is both platforms carry the exact same channel with the exact same shows at the exact same time meaning viewers on DStv missed out on programs so why couldn't they do the same with Dizi.

It couldn't be the language as MultiChoice had no problem rolling out tvN with English subtitles so maybe the problem here was the service provider being StarTimes.

SPI International could have signed an exclusive agreement with StarTimes last year for Dizi and it was annulled before it's termination on DStv which could explain why the channel pointed the finger to them when asked why couldn't they keep it.

Perhaps them RESTARTING the channel on StarTimes was their way of saying they're tired of ordering the same meal in three different restaurants when they can order at one restaurant so MultiChoice was probably doing everyone a favour.

Maybe, they didn't want to bore viewers with repeats that are currently airing on StarTimes. By August or September, the channel would already start airing fresh content so it wouldn't be shocking if Dizi suddenly reappeared on DStv around that period.

In MultiChoice financial statements for the end of March. Dizi is currently listed alongside TLNovelas and tvN it might imply that MAYBE it isn't the end for Dizi on DStv.

7 Days A Week Is UPPED On Telemundo Africa, Is A Rebrand Underway?

In April, Telemundo has two upcoming attractions for their channel the first being the juicy and controversial court drama, Case Closed starring Ana María Polo alongside the second season of Queen Of The South with Kate Del Castillo reprising her role as the Mexican goddess Teresa Mendoza.

Not only that 7 days a week will be at least 10 hours long starting 5 April from 15:20 CAT meaning these two upcoming attractions alongside Husband For Hire and Broken Angel will join Laws Of The Heart and Woman Of Steel will now air new episodes everyday.

El Baron and Close Enemies were the first to inherent this new style and hasn't stopped since then.

It seems they've found ways to take viewer's minds off the repeats with their back-to-back offering. In 2020, you had The Way To Paradise now it's Laws Of The Heart.

This format seems to be the beginning of something bigger. Look at Zee World for instance in 1 year they managed to air over 8 new series.

This could take viewer's mind off the loss of EVA and EVA+ perhaps my theory could become a reality maybe Telemundo will take responsibility for the those channels and offer more content from the markets EVA targeted even go as far as offering content with Portuguese audio which is what the U.S. counterpart has done with the introduction of Turkish dramas.

Friday, March 26, 2021

April 2021 On WarnerMedia Africa | New Movie Alert!: Daisy Quokka | New Series Alert: Monster Beach | Easter Specials | More

Please note that there's no info available for this month on Boomerang

TNT:

AND THE WINNER IS …
With 93 years in the bag, it isn’t hard to see why the Academy Awards, or the Oscars as the world has become to afectionately refer to them, are in a class of their own. This month, TNT celebrates these highly coveted awards in cinema history with a line-up of prestigious movies that have won at least one of these iconic statuettes. This month, the channel will dedicate each Sunday to remind you of the calibre of actors and actresses who have cracked a nomination or award at the Oscars. Starting with none other than Gladiator, with heartthrob Russell Crowe in the lead to Shrek, with its all-star cast starring Mike Myers as the uncouth ogre with a big heart. Don’t miss out on these, and many more award-winning titles on TNT this April!

Sunday, 11 April
16:35 – Shrek (2001)
18:05 – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
20:00 – Back to the Future (1985)
21:55 – The Golden Compass (2007)

Sunday, 18 April
15:55 – Superman (1977)
18:15 – Big Hero 6 (2014)
20:00 – Death Becomes Her (1992)
21:45 – The Color of Money (1986)

Sunday, 25 April
15:20 – Pearl Harbor (2001)
18:20 – Wall-E (2008)
20:00 – Gladiator (2000)
22:35 – Dead Poets Society (1989)

FUN WITH THE FAM
Family: Whether it’s a bond created by blood, or friendship, nothing quite feels like being home and this Easter, TNT makes sure you get closer to your chosen few with some tender, sweet and funny movies. On the 1st of April, TNT brings you the exclusive premiere, Daisy Quokka. In this animated TNT Original Movie, an unbearably adorable Quokka, named Daisy (Angourie Rice), wants to achieve the impossible and enlists the guidance of a washed-up, grouchy Saltwater Crocodile (Sam Neill) to help her win the annual ‘World’s Scariest Animal’ championship. Other titles for the month include Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, Race to Witch Mountain starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, The Waterboy starring Adam Sandler, and South Africa’s very own Charlize Theron taking the lead in Mighty Joe Young.

Thursday, 1 April
20:00 – Daisy Quokka (2021)
EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL PREMIERE

Saturday, 3 April
15:15 – Dreamer (2005)
17:00 – George of the Jungle (1997)
18:30 – Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)
20:00 – The Waterboy (1998)

Sunday, 4 April
14:45 – Joe versus the Volcano (1990)
16:30 – Police Academy (1984)
18:05 – Mighty Joe Young (1998)
20:00 – Twins (1988)

Monday, 5 April
15:10 – What about Bob? (1991)
16:50 – Catch That Kid (2004)
18:20 – Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
20:00 – Life (1999) CHANNEL PREMIERE

WILD, WILD WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays are about to get really, really wild, and you can bet TNT will have its way in giving you a massive dose of things to keep the hairs on the back of your neck standing up! With April’s list of crazy action movies chosen for a combination of bloodthirsty animals, prehistoric mammals, and creepy monsters from distant planets, one will only be left trembling in your seat! The weekly premiere kicks of with titles such as the horror, Jeepers Creepers, the thriller Swamp Shark, the sci-f Tasmanian Devils and the terrorising Lake Placid Legacy. Tune in to TNT for these wild, wild Wednesdays this April at 20:00!

Wednesday, 7 April
20:00 – Jeepers Creepers (2001)
CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 14 April
20:00 – Swamp Shark (2011) CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 21 April
20:00 – Tasmanian Devils (2012)
CHANNEL PREMIERE

Wednesday, 28 April
20:00 – Lake Placid: Legacy (2018) CHANNEL PREMIERE

CARTOON NETWORK:

MONSTER BEACH
BRAND-NEW SHOW
Surf, Sun And Frightfully Fun Monsters!

Surf’s up with Cartoon Network’s brand-new series, Monster Beach. This brand-new Cartoon Network original, launching in Africa as one of the frst territories to début the show, follows the comedic adventures of inseparable siblings Jan and Dean when they stay with their uncle Woody for the summer holidays. On their surfng trip, the two fnd out that things aren’t quite what they seem when it turns out there are frightfully fun monsters trolling the island of Iki-Iki. Together with their new fendish friends, they cruise around in hopped- up hot-rods to unravel the mysteries of a local surf legend and prevent the bad guys from ruining their fun. Monster Beach is much more fun than your typical tropical getaway that will capture Cartoon Network’s 6-12-year-old audience with the themes of friendship, fun and sibling bonds!

Premiere: Monday, 12/04/2021
Tune-In: Monday To Friday @ 17:15 CAT

TEEN TITANS GO!
TEEN TITANS GO! GO BIG!
Cartoon Network is unwrapping an extraordinary Teen Titans Go! holiday package this month!

Kicking of with special episodes every morning of the Easter weekend, the Titans do some globetrotting of their own, starting with a mission to fnd the elusive Carl Sanpedro in the brand-new Where Exactly on the Globe is Carl Sanpedro special. From the 10th, you get to tune in to this season’s new episodes, where it’s all in a day’s work for the Titans. And then to wrap the month up, the Teens travel to Tokyo in the Teen Titans: Trouble in Japan movie and then the two Titans teams take each other on in Teen Titans Go! VS Teen Titans! The adventure never ends where the Teen Titans go!

Premiere: Saturday, 10/04/2021
Tune In: Weekends @ 08:55 CAT
Easter Weekend Specials: Friday To Monday
Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo 26/04 @ 08:30 CAT and 11H00 CAT
Teen Titans GO! Vs Teen Titans 27/04 @ 08:30 CAT

APPLE AND ONION
Like Peas In A Pod…

If you thought Apple and Onion have gone a bit stale, think again! Ever so fresh and full of the zest for life, the anthropomorphic food crew is back this April in brand-new episodes. Get ready to see this unlikely pair of bosom buddies in some pretty crazy situations: an interesting encounter on a yacht with their rapper friend, Lil Noodle; holding on for dear life over an active volcano; and in a jungle somewhere hanging with zebras. Rest assured, wherever they go, they go together - so, make sure you also stick closely to them by tuning in to Cartoon Network!

Tune In: Monday To Friday @ 18:25 CAT
Monday, 26/04/2021

WarnerMedia EMEA On The Rebranded Version Of Cartoonito: "We Are Looking Forward To An Even Bigger And Broader Range Of Incredible Content"

Not long ago, their U.S. counterpart had an interview followed by an upfront where they unveiled an expanded kids lineup which included families and girls with Cartoonito handling preschool.

Cartoonito was available in Europe, Middle East and Africa back in 2011 and ran for four years on Boomerang. After it was discontinued, the content remained on Boomerang for the time being.

It makes perfect sense for them to take an existing brand since other countries have it in a form of a programming block and a linear channel so they can just expand from that.

HBO Max (their streaming service)is included in this project which increases it's success rate. Perhaps streaming is another reason, WarnerMedia wants to create content for the whole family and they don't have a stable archive for preschoolers - that answers the 50 preschool series in 2 years goal. Older kids have plenty of content to binge on as opposed to preschoolers.

Getting back to other markets, Cartoonito returned to the Middle East and North African region not only that it was also launched in Turkey but why hasn't it returned to EMEA as yet that's simple, Boomerang.

After the channel's rebrand in 2018, there's been more preschool content added to the channel and less family. The last family based show is Scooby-Doo And Guess Who?

Last year, I did approach someone at WarnerMedia about Boomerang's introduction to the preschool market and they basically told me that it's pretty much a preschool channel at this point.

So if you look at it Cartoonito has more of an affect on Boomerang than it does with Cartoon Network. Boomerang's upcoming shows such as Lucas The Spider and Mush Mush And The Mushables are also confirmed shows for Cartoonito.

You have to wonder how WarnerMedia plans to keep Cartoonito afloat without affecting Boomerang. I can see some markets use Boomerang for reruns again while others which is likely EMEA replace it.

WarnerMedia International has other kids brands which dwell on repeats like Boing and Toonami perhaps those could be swapped for Boomerang.

From the longest I've followed Cartoon Network and Boomerang, they've never clashed with each other when it comes to entertainment and viewership.

After WarnerMedia USA announcement I emailed the EMEA office over the possibility of relaunching Cartoonito and whether it will replace a brand like Boomerang and this was their response:

We are truly excited about our expanded Kids and Family vision and the move into pre-school, girls and family content announced by our WarnerMedia colleagues in the US. In particular, we are looking forward to an even bigger and broader range of incredible content with which to inspire and delight kids and families across our EMEA channels and brands. We look forward to sharing more details further ahead – Vanessa Brookman, Head of Kids, WarnerMedia EMEA.

It seems there's more to be announced by them