With some of the networks already having their 2014 upfront presentations, March was full of new network products and loads of new series to look forward to. Here, we highlight the cable entertainment and programming news of the past month that includes anything from insider information on TV ratings to show-runner updates. Also, for previews of new cable seasons and sneak peeks for shows, don't forget to check out NCTA’s TV Trailer Page.
EXPECT ANYTHING WITH CARTOON NETWORK'S NEW APP
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network plans to release Cartoon Network Anything, an app designed to capitalize on the short attention span of smartphone users and fans of cartoons. Users will be able to swipe through a random assortment of 15-second videos, activities, trivia and other entertainment. “The idea came from the fact that we are looking at what it means to be a TV network in a very different mobile landscape,” Chris Waldron, VP of Cartoon Network Digital, tells KidScreen. Cartoon Network has experimented in the past with TV Everywhere but now they are taking that a step farther with content generated specifically for the small screen smartphone device, essentially creating a fast-paced randomized mobile mini-network.
ESPN GOES FULL-COURT PRESS WITH EXIT 31
ESPN
ESPN announced plans to combine the Nate Silver-driven blog FiveThirtyEight, ESPN Films, and Bill Simmons’ Grantland.com, into a single property called “Exit 31,” named after the interstate exit in Bristol, CT to reach ESPN headquarters. ESPN has a successful track record of storytelling and analysis across multiple platforms and the newly formed Exit 31 will add to the excitement and engagement of current fans while helping the network attract new audiences. For more, The Connectivist recently wrote about what’s to come at Exit 31.
THE ROYALS CROWNED AS FIRST SCRIPTED SERIES FOR E!
E! Network
Whether its pretty or disturbing, I think we can all agree that E! has mastered the art of unscripted, reality television and live red carpet specials. For the first time, they have green lit a scripted drama series, The Royals, from production company Lionsgate TV (who have built a strong TV resume with hits like Mad Men and Nurse Jackie). E! has nabbed Elizabeth Hurley to star in this one-hour drama about a British Royal family in modern day London. It will take a fictional peek into the untouchable and glamorous lives of the most-watched celebrity family in the world. Sticking to the beloved E! brand, the storyline promises to center around drama, betrayal, romance and luxury.
HAS AMC HACKED THE CODE TO ANOTHER HIT?
AMC Network
Programming nerds unite! AMC Networks’ new upcoming drama, Halt and Catch Fire, follows a group of programmers during the 1980s as they attempt to clone the IBM PC in Texas’ so-called Silicon Prairie. Breaking Bad producers Mark Johnson and Melissa Berstein are behind the project among other notables. Halt and Catch Fire received rave reviews after showcasing its pilot episode at SXSW in Austin and we think this will help fill the void in our lives once we soon live in a world without Mad Men or Breaking Bad.
NAT GEOGRAPHIC CONTINUES TO PUSH ITS "SMARTERTAINMENT" FOCUS
National Geographic Channel
National Geographic Channel had the best year ever; 2013 was its most-watched in history. To continue this trend, this month at their 2014-2015 upfront presentation, the network unveiled six new series and TV special events to support its 10 renewed shows. The channel announced two new science-y shows, Crowd Control and You Can’t Lick Your Elbow and four action-adventure shows, Cabin Fever, Meat Heads, The Primitives and Remote Survival. They will also be extending the last installment of their hugely successful Killing specials, Killing Jesus, to a four-hour miniseries.