Welcome to the November edition of highlights in cable entertainment and programming news. Here you will find insider information on TV ratings, show renewals, new networks and shows, unique programmer news, show-runner updates and more! Also, for previews of new cable seasons and sneak peeks for shows, don’t forget to check out NCTA’s TV Trailer Page.
Nat Geo's "Killing Kennedy" Breaks Network's Ratings
National Geographic Channel
November 11, 2013 | From HBO’s Behind the Candelabra to History’s “Hatfields & McCoys” to VH1’s “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story,” the biographical documentary specials this year are making history. Most recently, the National Geographic Channel earned record-breaking ratings for its docudrama “Killing Kennedy,” starring Rob Lowe as President John F. Kennedy. “Killing Kennedy” is the second installment to the three part series, including “Killing Lincoln” and “Killing Jesus.” The Sunday evening telecast earned 3.4 million viewers in the 25-49 age group, the most ever for Nat Geo. This kind of raw biographical storytelling is breaking records and is revealing itself to be the go-to historical genre.
Bravo TV Adds Spotify Playlists to Engage Fans
Bravo
November 11, 2013 | Want a workout music mix themed to the crazy events of last week’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?” Or a break-up playlist themed to Stassi and Jax’s latest tiff on “Vanderpump Rules?” Bravo Media and Spotify have entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership to build custom playlists for several popular Bravo TV shows. Playlists will update weekly to reflect the tone of the show or unique themes of particular episodes and will be available for listening on Bravo’s Spotify playlist and on BravoTV.com. This partnership gives fans extra content to connect with the shows they love on a whole new level. “Bravo is the recognized leader in audience engagement and their loyal viewers demand a deeper connection with the shows and characters they love to watch every week,” said Erin Clift, VP, Global Marketing and Partners for Spotify.
Mark Wahlberg + Burgers = The Wahlburgers
A&E Network
November 12, 2013 | Big, bacon-topped, medium-rare news for reality television and it involves Mark Wahlburg and a cheeseburger -- “Wahlburgers,” if you will. A&E is producing a new original series, “Wahlburgers,” following Mark Wahlberg and his family and friends in Boston as the owners of the burger restaurant, Wahlburgers. Brothers Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg join forces with their hometown entourage, including the original Johnny “Drama” – who you may recognize from the Entourage character he inspired. We think this crazy new reality show will pass the taste test, but you be the judge. Episodes begin January 22 on A&E Network after “Duck Dynasty.”
John Oliver to Host New Weekly Comedy Talk Show
HBO
November 14, 2013 | A daily dose of political comedy and satire is heading to HBO. Already accomplished stand-up funny man and raved-about fill-in host for Jon Stewart, John Oliver has now landed his own show. The new Sunday night series will be a weekly topic comedy series beginning in 2014. Similar to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, HBO’s new program will be a satirical take on the previous week’s happenings in current events and politics. John Oliver wants to credit Jon Stewart, the political comedy veteran, with all of his own good fortune. “He taught me everything I know,” Oliver said in a statement. “In fact, if I fail in the future, it’s entirely his fault.”
D'oh! The Simpsons Syndicated to Brand New Cable Network
FXX Network
November 15, 2013 | After being on the air for eight years, “The Simpsons” passed “The Flintstones” as the longest running primetime animated series in history. That was 17 years ago. “The Simpsons” defines the modern sitcom – funny, accessible, sardonic, subversive. It's ability to remain relevant for nearly 25 years is a testament to its writers (a revolving door of Harvard graduates) and the amazing creativity of show creator Matt Groening. But to purists, the ones who grew up with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, there's nothing like the original episodes. So when we heard that every one of the 552 episodes spanning 24 seasons was going to be broadcast on the new Fox-owned cable channel FXX, we let loose an emphatic "Woohoo!" Plus, the show will be streamed online by FXNOW, a mobile viewing app soon to be introduced by FX Networks. This arrangement represents the largest deal in the history of off-network programming and arguably the most dangerous threat to productivity since the invention of the Internet.
The Weather Channel Unveils New Look
The Weather Channel
November 17, 2013 | The forecast is bright, shiny and fresh for The Weather Channel. The network underwent a rebrand and reintroduced themselves as the most comprehensive source of information and inspiration for all things weather. The new look is simple and elegant and includes new weather-related original programming, virtual experiences, and Sunday night documentary specials under the new label “Natural Drama.” In addition, beginning November 12th, the weather forecasts will be fixed on the screen 24 hours a day, even during commercial breaks.