WebProNews

Tag: Television

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including Sons Of Anarchy: Season 6)

    Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including Sons Of Anarchy: Season 6)

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    This week’s list isn’t a huge one, but there are some noteworthy titles. This includes the return of Django Unchained, Netflix’s original E-Team documentary, and finally, the previous season of Sons of Anarchy.

    Available on10/24:

    Darknet: Season 1

    A macabre web site called Darknet links the tales in this chilling anthology series whose protagonists face a range of unnameable horrors.

    E-Team (2014)

    This arresting documentary profiles four human rights investigators who’ve dedicated themselves to combating criminal abuses around the globe. The team’s challenges include the atrocities committed by oppressive regimes in Syria and Libya.

    R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: Season 2

    These terrifying tales for kids feature a creepy scarecrow, an insect uprising, the Grim Reaper pursuing a ghost on an airplane flight and much more.

    Available on 10/25:

    Adventure Plant (2014)

    Jane Lynch, Brooke Shields, Danny Glover, Bailee Madison, J.K. Simmons
    Meet super-siblings Jorpe and Norva: nature experts, martial arts wonders and eco-heroes with a mission to save the planet from global warming.

    The Carrie Diaries: Season 2

    AnnaSophia Robb, Austin Butler, Ellen Wong, Katie Findlay, Stefania Owen, Brendan Dooling

    Before bylines, the Big Apple and Mr. Big, Carrie Bradshaw was a teenager of the ’80s. In this prequel to “Sex and the City,” she navigates high school while harboring dreams of becoming a writer.

    Django Unchained (2012)

    Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson

    Accompanied by a German bounty hunter, a freed slave named Django travels across America to free his wife from a sadistic plantation owner. Quentin Tarantino directs this modern-day spaghetti Western.

    Sons of Anarchy: Season 6

    Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates, Tommy Flanagan

    After seizing control of its town, gun-running motorcycle club the Sons of Anarchy soon butts heads with rival biker gangs, racist groups and the law. Meanwhile, young Jax Teller finds himself torn between protecting his son and loyalty to his gang.

    Available on 10/28:

    30 for 30: Playing for the Mob (2009)

    Ray Liotta, Henry Hill
    Mobster Henry Hill, who was immortalized in Goodfellas, reveals how he orchestrated the fixing of Boston College basketball games in the late 1970s.

    Bound by Flesh (2012)

    Lea Thompson, Nancy Allen, Timothy Stack, Blake Boyd

    Perhaps the most famous conjoined twins of all time, the Hiltons became a vaudeville sensation before falling on hard times and dying in poverty. This absorbing documentary follows their unique life, which was fraught with exploitation and hardship.

    Salem: Season 1

    This drama series set in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, explores what really fueled the town’s infamous witch trials, uncovering some dark truths.

    Available on 10/29:

    Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond (2014)

    Dominic Cooper, Lara Pulver, Samuel West, Anna Chancellor, Rupert Evans, Lesley Manville, Pip Torrens, Annabelle Wallis, Camilla Rutherford

    This is the real story of the man behind the greatest Spy on the screens: James Bond. The themes of Fleming are very much about masculinity in a time of war, and Ian Fleming’s own journey towards understanding what a man is. His view was essentially polarized men were either charming, educated and “impotent”, or active, violent, and very much “potent.”

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Announces New Original Series ‘Between’

    Netflix Announces New Original Series ‘Between’

    Netflix, along with Canadian TV provider City and subscription video service shomi (a joint venture between Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications), announced a new partnership and original “survival thriller” drama series called Between. The companies say the deal is the first of its kind in Canada for the creation of a new, original series.

    The show was created by writer/director Michael McGowan, and stars Jennette McCurdy of iCarly and Sam & Cat. It will premiere on City and shomi in Canada, and on Netflix in the rest of the world. It will also hit Netflix in Canada a year after the premiere.

    The first season will have six one-hour episodes. The release date hasn’t been announced, but they’re beginning principal photography immediately. Here’s a description of the show:

    Between is the story of a town under siege from a mysterious disease that has wiped out everybody except those 21 years old and under. The series explores the power vacuum that results when a government has quarantined a 10-mile diameter area and left the inhabitants to fend for themselves.

    Between stars Jennette McCurdy and was created by Michael McGowan, who executive produces along with Don Carmody (Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Goon, Chicago), David Cormican (The Tall Man, Faces in the Crowd), and Naveen Prasad, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elevation Pictures Corp. Emmy award-winning director Jon Cassar (24, The Kennedys) will direct the first two episodes. The series is produced by Don Carmody Television, Mulmur Feed Co. and in association with Elevation Pictures Corp. Prasad, along with Jayme Alter (Denton’s Canada) for DCTV negotiated the deal. Elevation will oversee worldwide distribution. From Rogers Media, Nataline Rodrigues is Director of Original Programming, Hayden Mindell is Vice President of Television Programming & Content, and Navaid Mansuri is Interim Vice President of Broadcast.

    “Teaming up with Rogers, on Between, is a tremendous opportunity to work with a creative partner in Canada to bring our global viewers top-notch content,” said Erik Barmack, Vice President of Global Independent Content at Netflix. “We’re thrilled to be working with outstanding talent behind the scenes including Canadians Don Carmody, Jon Cassar and Michael McGowan, and in front of the camera with a new generation of actors led by Jennette McCurdy, delivering a must watch event series that millions of Netflix viewers will enjoy.”

    Before this announcement, Netflix said it had nine original series currently in production.

    Image via Netflix

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’)

    Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’)

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    We don’t have a very big list for you this week, but at least it has The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. I hear a few people are into that franchise. Also, be sure to check the links at the end for other recently added titles and others due to hit Netflix this month.

    Available on 10/18:

    Last Man Standing: Season 3

    Tim Allen, Nancy Travis, Molly Ephraim, Kaitlyn Dever, Christoph Sanders, Hector Elizondo

    Mike Baxter likes to think of himself as a man’s man, but after his wife returns to work and her career takes off, he finds himself in charge of parenting their three lively daughters and trying to figure out how to stay afloat in all the estrogen.

    Liberal Arts (2012)

    Josh Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen, Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Reaser, Zac Efron

    A speaking engagement brings 35-year-old Jesse back to his college alma mater, where he’s blindsided by nostalgia and a plucky sophomore named Zibby. Newly single and unfulfilled by his job, Jesse finds Zibby pulling him out of his disillusionment.

    Available on 10/21:

    Wyatt Cenac: Brooklyn

    In his second full length special WyattCenac discusses his thoughts on everything from adults giving each other hickeys to the vast changes in Brooklyn.

    Available on 10/22:

    The 100: Season 1

    Earth has been devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, with the only survivors being the inhabitants of 12 international space stations. Three generations later, 100 young prisoners return to the planet to determine whether it’s habitable.

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

    Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen
    After her triumph in the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen begins a new life and confronts more danger in this sequel to the postapocalyptic fable. As Katniss travels through the districts on a “Victor’s Tour,” a rebellion gathers steam around her.

    Available on 10/23:

    Freakshow: Season 2

    Todd Ray, Asia Ray, Phoenix Ray, Danielle Ray, Ali Chapman

    Todd Ray hosts this unscripted series following his Venice Beach Freakshow, complete with two-headed animals, strange artifacts, and human wonders.

    See more recently added titles here, and some others to look out for this month here.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Is Getting ‘Person Of Interest’ Next Year

    Netflix Is Getting ‘Person Of Interest’ Next Year

    On Wednesday, Netflix announced that it is getting the entire Friends series. It will be available on January 1st. This came as the result of a deal between Netflix and Warner Bros.

    Friends isn’t the only addition Netflix is getting out of that, however. Person of Interest is also coming. Deadline reports:

    Warner Bros boss Kevin Tsujihara told investors this morning that its Worldwide Television Distribution division has also sold the off-network SVOD rights to Person Of Interest to Netflix in the United States. The first three seasons of the series, which currently airs on CBS, will be made available to subscribers in fall 2015, at the same time the series premieres off-network on WGN America.

    Netflix announced its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday with $1.2 billion in revenue. It also reported 53.1 million global subscribers, up 3.1 million from the previous quarter.

    The subscriber growth was not as high as expected, but the company expects to add 4 million more in Q4.

    All of the Netflix news comes as HBO has revealed plans to launch a standalone, cable-free offering next year, which will really start to give Netflix some new competition. Commenting on the matter, Netflix says it believes both services will prosper thanks to their differing content.

    Interestingly enough, Person of Interest’s network TV home CBS just announced its own standalone pay service.

    Netflix has nine new original series in production.

    Image via CBS

  • ‘Friends’ Gets A Netflix Release Date (The Entire Series)

    ‘Friends’ Gets A Netflix Release Date (The Entire Series)

    Netflix just revealed that it will be getting one of the titles customers have wanted most – Friends. That’s the entire series, and it’s coming on January 1st. A spokesperson for the company tells us in an email:

    Netflix is excited to announce that all 10 seasons, 236 episodes and 83 hours of Friends will be available exclusively on Netflix starting January 1, 2015. This marks the first time the iconic series will be available on a streaming subscription service.

    Whether you’re watching for the first time or have been a fan since the beginning, you can experience the complete series however and whenever you want. Who wouldn’t love to spend New Year’s Day with Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey?

    Well, that’s going to make a lot of people happy.

    Also coming to Netflix in 2015 is another show from the creator of Friends called Grace and Frankie. That’s a Netflix Original, and stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

    Back in the summer, we learned that conversations were taking place for Netflix to pick up another 90s NBC comedy hit –Seinfeld. That’s an announcement we’re still waiting to hear.

    Netflix will release is quarterly earnings report later today.

    Image via YouTube

  • Scarlett Johansson: Another Movie Star Headed To TV

    One of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars is headed to the small screen.

    Scarlett Johansson has signed on with Sony TV to executive produce and star in a new series called Custom of the Country. The show is based on Edith Wharton’s 1913 Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name. British screenwriter Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement) is adapting the book for television.

    Custom of the Country is planned as an eight-episode series. The show could possibly appear on a premium cable channel. Hampton reportedly adapted the novel for the big screen twenty years ago as a vehicle for Michelle Pfeiffer. However, the film never came to fruition, instead Hampton published the script as part of a collection of screenplays in 2002.

    Johansson will play heroine Undine Spragg. It will be her first major television role. Here’s the synopsis for the novel:

    First published in 1913, Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country is a scathing novel of ambition featuring one of the most ruthless heroines in literature. Undine Spragg is as unscrupulous as she is magnetically beautiful. Her rise to the top of New York’s high society from the nouveau riche provides a provocative commentary on the upwardly mobile and the aspirations that eventually cause their ruin. One of Wharton’s most acclaimed works, The Custom of the Country is a stunning indictment of materialism and misplaced values that is as powerful today for its astute observations about greed and power as when it was written nearly a century ago.

    Johansson, 29, welcomed a baby girl named Rose into the world in early September. It is the first child for the actress and fiancé Romain Dauriac. Prior to giving birth, Johansson said in an interview that she plans to embrace the aging process. She also claimed to be tired and frustrated with her sex symbol status, “I don’t want to be the ingénue any more. That part I’m happy about. It’s nice to be glamorous, but I don’t want to always have to be trendy and glamorous and an object of desire. I don’t want to be stuck in that forever. Because it doesn’t last.”

    Perhaps taking a role as a ruthless social climber will help change her image?

  • Netflix Spends A Lot On Content Recommendations

    Netflix Spends A Lot On Content Recommendations

    Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt spoke this week at the AMC Conference on Recommender Systems. You can watch the whole thing here:

    The video is over two hours long, but GigaOm’s Janko Roettgers pulled some interesting info out of it, including the fact that Netflix is spending $150 million every year on content recommendations. The company also employs as many as 300 people specifically to maintain and improve this part of its business, which it obviously considers to be very important element in keeping subscribers. Roettgers reports:

    Hunt explained during his talk that Netflix has a very limited window to convince a customer to watch something. The typical user only looks at the Netflix app one or two minutes, he said, and may browse 20 to 50 titles before either choosing something to watch or giving up entirely and doing something else.

    Another interesting tidbit is that Netflix is about to start testing recommendations that take global data into account where it would typically use regional data.

    Recommendations aren’t the only thing Netflix is trying to improve when it comes to getting people to find titles that appeal to them. The company has also recently introduced some search improvements.

    About a month ago, the company unveiled a new “instant search” feature on its desktop site, which shows cover art for titles as you type. Along with that and an upgrade to its mobile search this week, you can also now search for “Netflix” to quickly access any of the company’s “original” titles.

    Image via Netflix

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including That Chelsea Handler Special)

    Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including That Chelsea Handler Special)

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    Among this week’s titles are the new Chelsea Handler stand-up special, which kicks off her relationship with Netflix, which is also set to include a new series. Also on the list are 2013’s Hours, which is one of Paul Walker’s final movies, and Winx Club: The Mystery of the Abyss, which precedes a an original Winx Club series Netflix has in the works. Check out the full list below.

    Available on 10/10:

    Chelsea Handler: Uganda Be Kidding Me (2014)

    UGANDA BE KIDDING ME LIVE is the culmination of Handler’s wildly popular international stand-up comedy tour in support of her fourth New York Times #1 Bestseller, Uganda Be Kidding Me. Using personal photos to enrich her stories and comedy, Handler regales the audience with absurd tales of her global travels and the ridiculous characters in her life, all the while offering her signature unabashed opinions on subjects ranging from her expectations of sexual partners, to the very real problem of dolphin rape.

    Hours (2013)

    Paul Walker, Genesis Rodriguez, Kerry Cahill, Yohance Myles, Christopher Matthew Cook, Nick Gomez, Judd Lormand, Michelle Torres, Tony Bentley, Lena Clark

    After Nolan’s wife dies in childbirth during Hurricane Katrina, his newborn daughter is placed on a ventilator. When the hospital is evacuated, he stays with her, desperate to keep her alive as the storm rages around them.

    Winx Club: The Mystery of the Abyss (2014)

    Vincenzo Alfieri, Federico Aloi, Sabrina Ariganello, Stefania Carrara, Valentina Cocco, Valentina D’Orsi
    Winx Club’s archenemies team with an evil nymph to find the ultimate power source: the Pearl of the Depth. But can it beat the strength of Winx love?

    Available on 10/11:

    Breathe In (2013)

    Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones, Amy Ryan, Mackenzie Davis, Matthew Daddario, Ben Shenkman

    Music teacher Keith has his mind focused on the past when he and his wife agree to welcome a foreign exchange student into their household. But the arrival of a British girl who’s the same age as their daughter has a way of shaking up the present.

    Heatstroke (2013)

    Stephen Dorff, Svetlana Metkina, Maisie Williams, Peter Stormare

    On a family trip in the African desert, a research scientist unintentionally travels off course and is brutally murdered by an arms dealer. His girlfriend is put to the ultimate survival test as she attempts to evade the killers and protect his teenage daughter.

    Swelter (2014)

    Lennie James, Grant Bowler, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Alfred Molina, Josh Henderson, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Freya Tingley

    Bishop is a small-town sheriff, making an honest living, with no memory of his criminal past. But when his old crew rolls into town looking for their loot, the perfect getaway threatens to turn into a nightmare of greed, revenge, and retribution.

    Why Stop Now (2012)

    Jesse Eisenberg, Melissa Leo, Tracy Morgan, Emma Rayne Lyle, Sarah Ramos

    On the day piano prodigy Eli is to audition for a famous conservatory, he gets sidetracked by an attempt to stash his cocaine-addled mother, Penny, in rehab. When Penny is denied admittance, Eli enters into a bizarre partnership with her dealer.

    Available on 10/12:

    Iron Man & Captain America: Heroes United (2014)

    Adrian Pasdar, Roger Craig Smith, Fred Tatasciore, David Kaye, Clancy Brown, Liam O’Brien
    While battling to keep the Red Skull and Taskmaster from unleashing a Hydra army, Iron Man and Captain America must learn to work together.

    Available on 10/14:

    Beethoven’s Treasure Tail (2014)

    Jonathan Silverman, Kristy Swanson, Bretton Manley, Jeffrey Combs, Alec Mapa
    After being fired from a movie, Beethoven begins the long journey home with his trainer Eddie. On their way, they become stranded in a small coastal town where the beloved canine befriends a young boy who is searching for buried treasure.

    Venus in Fur (2014)

    Emmanuelle Seigner, Mathieu Amalric

    After a long search, a Parisian writer-director has found the perfect woman to play the lead in a provocative play about masochistic relationships. As he begins to work with her, he finds that she may be a little too perfect, both on and off stage.

    Witching & Bitching (2013)

    Javier Botet, Mario Casas, Santiago Segura, Hugo Silva, Carolina Bang, Carmen Maura

    In this heist film turned horror fest, director Álex de la Iglesia’s love of mayhem is on full display as a gang of gold thieves lands in a coven of witches who are preparing for an ancient ritual — and in need of a sacrifice.

    Available on 10/15:

    All American Christmas Carol (2013)

    Taryn Manning, Lin Shaye, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Eric Roberts, Shiri Appleby, Beverly D’Angelo
    Self-centered, unemployed good ol’ gal Cindy (Taryn Manning) has been popping out kids by different Daddy’s since she was knee high to a grasshopper, but she’s more interested in buying lottery tickets and doing what’s best for herself than parenting. The only thing in Cindy’s fridge is Cheese Doodle, which also happens to be her youngest son’s name. With her reckless ways and loose legs, it’s no surprise she’s about to lose her kids. But when three unlikely ghosts set out to show Cindy the error of her white-trashy ways, she begins to realize she’d better reform or else…

    History of the Eagles (2013)

    Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh

    This sweeping documentary chronicles the evolution and influence of rock legends The Eagles. Stories from band members and music industry insiders paint a vivid picture of one of America’s most successful bands.

    Stay (2013)

    Aidan Quinn, Taylor Schilling, Barry Keoghan, Nika McGuigan, Chris McHallem, Brian Gleeson

    Ex-professor Dermot and his girlfriend, Abbey, are forced to reevaluate their feelings about family when she becomes pregnant. Facing an uncertain future, Abbey revisits her roots in Canada, while Dermot forges a tentative bond with a local boy.

    Tim Minchin And The Heritage Orchestra Live (2011)

    Flanked by a full orchestra, Tim Minchin takes the Royal Albert Hall by storm with a wonderfully witty evening of satirical musical comedy.

    Available on 10/16:

    The Debt (2010)

    Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain, Tom Wilkinson, Jesper Christensen, Marton Csokas

    Rachel Singer is a former Mossad intelligence agent who is forced to relive her 1965 pursuit of a notorious Nazi war criminal after the bold and dangerous fugitive is suspected to have reemerged 30 years later in the Ukraine.

    We should note that while it wasn’t on any of our lists, Netflix has also added Strange Hill High: Seasons 1-2. See more recently added titles here.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Launches New Mobile Search Experience

    Netflix Launches New Mobile Search Experience

    Last month, Netflix launched a new search experience for its website, which included an “instant search” tool to give users quicker access to titles and actors.

    Over the weekend, the company announced a new search experience for mobile and tablets. They already began rolling it out to Android devices, and said an iPhone update would follow.

    The company said in a blog post, “Search is a key feature on mobile and tablet devices and many of our members use search to program their evening entertainment while on the go…With this update, we bring the visual presentation style for search results to mobile and tablet devices, allowing our members to quickly scan search results to discover great content. This concept already has proven successful on game consoles, smart TVs and the website.”

    The new look presents results in a grid of cover art. The company says it reduces cognitive load, and makes it easier to find what users are looking for. You can tap a cover and add it to your list, start playing it, or use Chromecast or AirPlay.

    “Finally this rollout expands the search function on the iPhone by enabling members to search for actors, directors and creators,” Netflix said. “We also now provide suggestions related to the query, which allows members to more easily explore the contents of the Netflix catalog.”

    When Netflix announced the new desktop experience, it included the ability to search for “netflix,” and bring up Netflix Original titles. This also works on the new mobile experience.

    Image via Netflix

  • Netflix Announces Original King Kong Series

    Netflix Announces Original King Kong Series

    Netflix announced a new original kids series in partnership with Arad Animation and 41 Entertainment called Kong – King of the Apes. The show comes from Executive Producer Avi Arad, who has produced numerous Marvel super hero movies from and television shows. He’s the founder of Marvel Studios.

    The new Kong series will begin with a full-length feature film followed by 12 half-hour episodes beginning in 2016. Here’s the official description:

    Set in 2050, this CGI animation is a fresh and modern take on the classic King Kong story. Even far in the future, KONG is still the strongest creature ever born with many human traits that make him the ultimate iconic hero. In KONG, the future looks bright for San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island since its transformation into the most impressive Natural History and Marine Preserve on the planet. But when the star attraction suddenly goes ape and KONG becomes public enemy number one, the villain that framed him is free to unleash an army of gigantic robotic dinosaurs on the unsuspecting world. Ironically, KONG is the only force formidable enough to stop these super-powered dinosaurs and the evil genius manipulating them. But KONG is now the world’s most hunted fugitive. Fortunately, there are three young humans who know the truth and are willing to risk their lives to help KONG evade capture, while he battles to save humankind.

    Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Avi who has made some of the most successful action and adventure franchises today and whose Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventure series has been very popular on Netflix around the world. With 41 Entertainment as our partner on this, we continue to work with some of the finest animation studios around the world to create shows that will appeal to kids of all ages globally.”

    “I always loved King Kong. This is a unique opportunity to introduce him in brilliant CGI animation to kids worldwide with the power of Netflix,” Arad added.

    Netflix is really ramping up its original kids programming. This follows announcements of other originals Winx Club Wow: Wolrd of Winx and Popples.

    This week, Netflix also announced its first original full-length feature film – a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

    Image via PR Newswire

  • AOL Extends Publicis Partnership Into Programmatic Video, Linear TV

    AOL Extends Publicis Partnership Into Programmatic Video, Linear TV

    At Advertising Week in New York City, AOL and Publicis Groupe announced an expansion of their six-year partnership into programmatic video and linear TV advertising.

    As a result, VivaKi and all agencies inside of Publicis Groupe will gain access to AOL Platforms’ premium reserved (including marketplaces) and non-reserved video environments.

    AOL CEO Tim Armstrong said, “Video is fundamentally changing the Internet into sight, sound, and motion and the Publicis Groupe / AOL partnership is the start of enabling global video advertising to scale to global consumers – offline or online. AOL is transforming as a company and as a partner into a programmatic advertising platform, and today’s announcement is another big step in our strategy. Publicis is a global leader in digital advertising and we are excited to advance our global partnership into video and linear TV on the ONE by AOL platform.”

    Publicis Groupe CEO Maurice Lévy added, “We have developed a very strong partnership with AOL under the leadership of Tim Armstrong and are extremely pleased with the outcomes for our clients. This new step will further enhance our ability to better serve our clients in the very important growth area of video. Our clients will benefit first hand from the innovations created by AOL.”

    Armstrong and Lévy will share the stage at Advertising Week on Thursday to further discuss the partnership’s future.

    Image via Twitter

  • Crackle’s ‘Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee’ Season 5 Gets Release Date

    The fourth season only debuted in June, but Crackle has already announced the fifth season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee – its flagship show, which features comedian Jerry Seinfeld driving around in cars and drinking coffee with other comedians. It will debut on November 6th.

    The last season included such stars as Aziz Ansari, Robert Klein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Stewart, and George Wallace. The upcoming guest list includes: Fred Armisen, Colleen Ballinge, Bill Burr, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, and Ali Wentworth.

    Crackle, a unit of Sony Pictures Television, says, “Debuting in July 2012, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee has been established as one of the most popular original series with nearly 70 million streams. The series has garnered rave reviews, and earned Jerry Seinfeld two Primetime Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Special Class – Short-Format Nonfiction Programs category and two recent 2014 Webby Awards for Best Individual Performance (both the Webby and the People’s Voice Award). Additional accolades include a Silver Telly Award in 2014 in Comedy, and two Bronze Telly Awards in 2014 for Branded Content with Acura and Use of Humor; a 2014 Webby Media and Entertainment Honoree and Branded Content Honoree for Interactive Advertising and Media.”

    Others who have appeared on the show in the past include Louis CK, Jason Alexander, Alec Baldwin, Mel Brooks, Larry David, Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Seth Meyers, and Howard Stern.

    Image via Crackle

  • Netflix Adds Another Original To Kids Slate, Expands Partnership With Rainbow Studios

    Netflix Adds Another Original To Kids Slate, Expands Partnership With Rainbow Studios

    Netflix and Rainbow Studios announced a new kids show to be added to Netflix’s original kids programming slate. It’s called Winx Club WOW: World of Winx, and is a spin-off of Italian cartoon Winx Club.

    The show will be available in all Netflix territories. The first season will be available by early 2016, and the second in the autumn of that same year. Here’s the description:

    In Winx Club WOW, the girls embark on an undercover journey all around the world looking for talented kids in art, sports, music and science. These kids have their own kind of magic, and the Winx Club fairies are enchanted by them though it doesn’t take long before trouble sets in, and a new and dangerous mystery for Bloom and the others to solve. Winx Club fans will delight in the new approach to story lines that will be more serialized and designed specifically for the on-demand viewing of Netflix members. The two seasons of thirteen 22-minute episodes are packed full of Winx Club’s famous mixture of friendship, magic and adventure.

    “Winx Club is already a very successful show on Netflix in all our territories; it’s exciting to be expanding our relationship with such a great European animation studio,”” said Erik Barmack, Vice President of Content Acquisition at Netflix. “”Rainbow Studios has created a very popular global franchise and we’re thrilled to become the home of the next generation Winx Club for all of its current and future fans.””

    Rainbow Studios CEO Iginio Straffi added, ““We are very happy to be building a solid and wide collaboration with Netflix, so extending it to include new and original content is fantastic news. “Netflix is an innovative and exciting presence in the field of content distribution and our production teams are busy putting together what will be a brand new and truly magical experience for Winx Club fans across the globe.””

    Earlier this week, Netflix also announced an original kids show based on the Popples cartoon and toys from the 80s.

    Here’s what’s new and upcoming on Netflix this week.

    Image via Netflix

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including More ‘Parks & Rec’ And ‘Walking Dead’)

    Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (Including More ‘Parks & Rec’ And ‘Walking Dead’)

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    This week should make a lot of people happy, as it includes additional seasons of Parks & Rec and The Walking Dead, as well as Comic Book Men. It also includes Netflix original documentary Print he Legend and Peaky Blinders, which Netflix just announced it acquired exclusive U.S. rights to this week. Also, don’t forget to take a look at the end for a glimpse of what’s to come next month (it includes last season of Sons of Anarchy).

    Available on 09/26:

    Print the Legend (2014) – Netflix Original

    Poised to become the most transformative technology since the personal computer, 3D printing is inspiring a generation of inventors, engineers, and entrepreneurs to gamble fortunes in a quest to revolutionize the world. This award-winning documentary tracks startups MakerBot and Formlabs as they compete to bring a radically disruptive product to market first, without “selling out” and losing their anarchic, open-source, hacker spirit.

    Parks and Recreation: Season 6

    This droll comedy focuses on Leslie Knope, a public employee with the Parks and Recreation department in rural Pawnee, Ind. Although Leslie is full of energy and good ideas for community improvements, she finds herself bogged down by bureaucracy.

    Available on 09/27:

    Bad Grandpa (2013)

    Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll, Greg Harris, Georgina Cates, Kamber Hejlik, Jill Kill, Madison Davis

    In-character encounters with real folks provide comic fodder in this franchise featuring Johnny Knoxville in lecherous-gramps disguise. With hidden cameras in tow, Irving Zisman (Knoxville) takes his grandson on an offbeat cross-country tour.

    Available on 09/28:

    Comic Book Men: Season 3

    Set in Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic book emporium, this unscripted series unveils the fanboy culture thriving in a neighborhood comics store. As employees vend various collectibles, customers reveal what makes fans of comic books tick.

    The Walking Dead: Season 4

    In the wake of a zombie apocalypse that desolates the world as we know it, a group of survivors led by police officer Rick Grimes holds on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a never-ending fight for their own survival.

    Available on 09/29:

    Lullaby (2014)

    Garrett Hedlund, Richard Jenkins, Jessica Brown Findlay, Anne Archer, Jennifer Hudson

    Long after breaking ties with his family, Jonathan learns that his long-ill father has elected to take himself off of life support in two days. Drawn in by the dire news, Jonathan returns to face his kin in an intense emotional encounter.

    Available on 9/30:

    A Night in Old Mexico (2014)

    Robert Duvall, Jeremy Irvine, Angie Cepeda, Luis Tosar, Joaquín Cosio

    After losing his longtime home to property developers, rancher Red Bovie decides to take a road trip to Mexico, accompanied by his grandson. But their adventure turns dangerous after the pair unwittingly drives off with a drug dealer’s money.

    Cabin Fever: Patient Zero (2014)

    Ryan Donowho, Brando Eaton, Jillian Murray, Lydia Hearst, Sean Astin, Mitch Ryan

    A group of friends planned the perfect vacation in the Caribbean, but when they head ashore to explore a remote island, their ultimate bachelor weekend devolves into their worst nightmare.

    Killing Them Softly (2012)

    Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Vincent Curatola

    When a couple low-level crooks make a dumb move by robbing a Mob-protected poker game and unwittingly bringing a recession to the area’s criminal economy, a slick enforcer is hired to track down the offenders and take care of business.

    Peaky Blinders: Season 1 (2013) – Netflix Original

    Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Iddo Goldberg, Annabelle Wallis, Sophie Rundle, Joe Cole, Ned Dennehy, David Dawson, Andy Nyman, Charlie Creed-Miles

    Set in 1919 Birmingham, Peaky Blinders follows the notorious gang, who got their name from sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, a man dead set on moving up in the world, no matter the cost.

    The Monkey’s Paw (2013)

    C.J. Thomason, Stephen Lang, Michelle Pierce, Corbin Bleu, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Charles S. Dutton, Tauvia Dawn, Jessica Garvey
    When Jake Tilton receives a monkey’s paw, a cursed artifact that grants the bearer three wishes, he discovers that there’s a dark twist to the gift. This chilling tale puts a unique spin on the short story by horror maven W.W. Jacobs.

    This Property Is Condemned (1966)

    Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Charles Bronson, Kate Reid, Mary Badham, Alan Baxter, Robert Blake, Dabney Coleman, John Harding, Jon Provost

    When railroad official Owen Legate visits a small Depression-era town to shut down its rail yard, he begins a passionate affair with a local girl. The romance angers her domineering mother and ignites the town’s economic resentments.

    Also coming in October: Chelsea Handler: Uganda Be Kidding Me; Wyatt Cenac: Brooklyn; E-Team; Shane; Tombstone; Cowgirls n’ Angels; Django Unchained; Gilmore Girls; My Father the Hero; Domestic Disturbance; Carrie (Remake); The Vampire Diaries: Season 5; The Originals: Season 1; Supernatural: Season 9; Arrow: Season 2; Sons of Anarchy: Season 6; Romeo + Juliet; Sleepless in Seattle; The Wedding Planner; Liberal Arts; Galaxy Quest; Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius; Shivers; The Phantom of the Opera (Robert Englund); Witching and Bitching; Rescue Daw; Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle; In a World...; and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image via Netflix

  • The Walking Dead: Season 4 Gets Netflix Release Date

    The Walking Dead: Season 4 Gets Netflix Release Date

    Many Netflix subscribers are no doubt anxiously awaiting the addition of The Walking Dead: Season 4, especially as Season 5’s premiere gets closer. You can rest easy now knowing that it should appear on the service on September 28 (Sunday).

    As you may know, we get weekly lists of upcoming title additions from Netflix PR, and while these dates are always subject to change, this week’s has The Walking Dead: Season 4 pegged for that day.

    The description (via Netflix):

    In the wake of a zombie apocalypse that desolates the world as we know it, a group of survivors led by police officer Rick Grimes holds on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a never-ending fight for their own survival.

    I guess that describes the show itself more than the season, but oh well. Here’s a trailer for the season:

    We’re finding out about it later this year, but the season is being added earlier compared to Season 3 in 2013, which was added on October 13.

    Season 5 debuts on October 12 on AMC.

    Image via Netflix

  • Netflix Gets ‘Peaky Blinders’ Exclusively In The U.S.

    Netflix Gets ‘Peaky Blinders’ Exclusively In The U.S.

    Netflix announced that it is exclusively getting the show Peaky Blinders in the U.S. The first season will become available at the end of the month thanks to a deal with The Weinstein Company and Endemol. The second season will become available in November.

    Here’s the official description:

    1919. Birmingham, England. In a town overrun with gangs and guns, one opportunistic criminal will attempt to claim his slice of the pie… and only a ruthless police chief will stand in his way.

    Starring Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill, Peaky Blinders traces the enterprising criminals of Birmingham, a city well stocked with quarreling gangs, communist revolutionaries, and relentless authorities — not to mention the IRA. Watch Peaky Blinders exclusively on Netflix, premiering Sept. 30.

    “Peaky Blinders’ captivated audiences in the UK with its compelling storylines, powerful performances and stunningly beautiful imagery, and we cannot wait for our US audience to experience the series for the first time on Netflix,”” said Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos. “”We are thrilled to add this must-see series to our roster of exclusive content in the U.S.””

    “Peaky Blinders is a richly creative, deeply engaging series that will have the perfect home in the U.S. on Netflix,” said Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman The Weinstein Company. “”We’’re sure American viewers will be seduced from the very first moment.””

    ““We are thrilled to have viewers discover ‘Peaky Blinders’ on Netflix in the US, quickly becoming known as the preeminent destination for audiences to find and enjoy quality programming from around the world,”” said Cathy Payne, CEO of Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

    As reported earlier, Netflix also announced a new original Popples series for kids, coming next year. That one is based on the cartoon and toy line from the 80s.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix Announces New Popples (Yes, Popples) Series

    Netflix Announces New Popples (Yes, Popples) Series

    If you’re a child of the 80s, you know what Popples are. They’re adorable little stuffed animal-like things that roll up into balls. I think I was in kindergarten or something when they came out.

    It was also a Saturday morning cartoon.

    Well, they’re back. Saban Brands and Netflix just announced a 26-episode run of a new original series, which will debut next year.

    “We look forward to debuting this new Popples series to children around the world,” said Haim Saban, Chairman and CEO of Saban Capital Group and founder of Saban Brands. “Netflix continues to be a great strategic partner, delivering compelling content that kids can enjoy anywhere and everywhere. With the global reach of Netflix, we know Popples will reach a whole new generation of kids that will love it as much as their parents.”

    “Saban Brands has made history producing iconic and globally recognizable kids shows like Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation and the new Julius Jr. series,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. “We are excited to expand the relationship we enjoy together around the world with the launch of Popples as a new Netflix original series for kids.”

    Now, here’s to hoping Netflix can resurrect the Wuzzles. They do have a pretty solid relationship with Disney.

    Image via PR Newswire

  • Hulu Greenlights Series Based On Stephen King Book ’11/22/63′

    Hulu Greenlights Series Based On Stephen King Book ’11/22/63′

    Hulu announced that it has greenlit a new original series called 11/22/63 based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. It comes from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, writer Bridget Carpenter and Warner Bros. Television.

    Abrams, King, Carpenter and Bryan Burk are all serving as executive producers. Bad Robot’s Kathy Lingg is co-executive producer, and Athena Wickham is producer.

    Here’s the description:

    Based upon the best-selling 2011 novel written by King and published by Scribner, 11/22/63 is a thriller in which high school English teacher Jake Epping travels back in time to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. But his mission is threatened by Lee Harvey Oswald, his falling in love and the past itself … which doesn’t want to be changed.

    It will be a nine-hour series. Carpenter will write the teleplay.

    Hulu head of content Craig Erwich said, “J.J. Abrams and Stephen King are two of the most celebrated storytellers of our time, and we are excited to be working with them and Warner Bros. Television to bring this unique take on one of the most seminal historic events of the twentieth century to Hulu. 11/22/63 already resonated with audiences as a best-selling novel, and we are looking forward to bringing the riveting story to the screen.”

    “If I ever wrote a book that cries out for long-form, event TV programming, 11/22/63 is it,” said King. “I’m excited that it’s going to happen, and am looking forward to working with J.J. Abrams and the whole Bad Robot team.”

    Abrams added, “I’ve been a fan of Stephen King since I was in junior high school. The chance to work with him at all, let alone on a story so compelling, emotional and imaginative, is a dream. We are thrilled to be working with Hulu on this very special project.”

    Hulu will be the U.S. home for the series, and Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution will distribute it globally.

    Image via Wikimedia

  • Netflix Examines Types Of Spoilers

    Netflix Examines Types Of Spoilers

    Netflix shared some new survey results about spoilers today based on a poll by Harris Interactive.

    “Everyone has an opinion about them,” a Netflix spokesperson said in an email. “They’ve existed since the beginning of storytelling but lately they’ve taken on increased stature. In real life and online, viewers, passionate about their shows, couldn’t help themselves from openly talking about them.”

    “We’re in the midst of a new golden era of TV. Our beloved characters are being killed off, not every story has a happy ending, and we are falling in love with villains. TV gives us shocks and surprises that make it almost impossible NOT to talk about it.”

    The survey shows that one in five Americans say it’s “perfectly fine” to share a major plot twist immediately. Netflix says that number is likely to grow.

    “In the past, viewers might have gotten angry,” the spokesperson said. “Today, as TV has gotten more spoil-worthy, and with everyone watching at different times, 76% of Americans say spoilers are simply a fact of life. In fact, almost all of them (94%) say that hearing a spoiler doesn’t make them want to stop watching the rest of a TV series. And 13% report that a spoiler actually makes them more interested in a show they hadn’t seen or weren’t planning to watch.”

    Well, it still makes me angry.

    Netflix says there are five types of spoilers. Here’s how they define them:

    The Shameless Spoiler. The one who’s totally uncensored. As far as they’re concerned, everyone watches on their own schedule, so once something’s out there it’s fair game.

    The Power Spoiler. The one who does it for sport. You can count on this frenemy to introduce you to your next TV show, but they’ll be sure to remind you who saw it first.

    The Coded Spoiler. The one who’s the master of saying it without saying it. They speak the language of spoilers so fluently, they can sneak them into conversations where only another fan can find them.

    The Clueless Spoiler. The one who lives in their own innocent world. If they’ve seen it, everyone else must have too, so it never dawns on them they’ve casually revealed a huge plot twist.

    The Impulsive Spoiler. The one so excited they just can’t hide it. They’re thrilled to be talking about their favorite show…so thrilled they gave away the next 3 seasons in a single breath.

    There’s even a website where you can find out what kind of spoiler you are. It also talks about spoilers that are in the public domain, and gives you instant access to actual spoilers from shows.

    Additional survey findings:

    Among those who have spoiled a TV show, the majority (66%) of Americans are Clueless Spoilers, 12% are Impulsive Spoilers, 8% are Coded Spoilers, 5% are Shameless Spoilers, and 3% are Power Spoilers

    32% do not feel guilty after sharing a major plot twist.

    The majority of viewers (54%) say people should speak in code when talking about major plot twist.

    Male colleagues are more likely to spill the beans. Men who have ever spoiled a TV show are more likely than women who have to say they have spoiled a show for their co-workers (42% vs. 26%)

    Image via Netflix

  • Sling Adds Chromecast Support

    Sling Adds Chromecast Support

    Google’s inexpensive Chromecast device keeps getting better and better, and it’s mostly not even by Google’s own hands (though the recent launch of screen mirroring was pretty big). More third-party apps continue to offer support, and today the device gets a big one.

    Sling, which lets people watch their own TV set-ups remotely by way of mobile app, now supports Chromecast, meaning users can watch from any TV with a Chromecast (and they’re quite portable) just as if they were in their own living room.

    Sling says in a blog post:

    If you’re not familiar with Chromecast, here’s a quick rundown: It’s a dongle (don’t you love that word?) made by Google that you plug into a TV’s HDMI port. It lets you “cast” content onto the big screen wirelessly from apps running on your mobile device. When paired with the Slingplayer app, you’ll be able to watch any of your cable or satellite programming (live or recorded) on any TV that’s been set up with Chromecast. Remember, both the Chromecast device and Slingplayer-equipped mobile device must be on the same network. And when they are, you’ll be able to control your TV with a soft remote interface that shows up on your phone or tablet:

    Chromecast, like the other popular Sling-supported video streamers including Roku players and Apple TV, is compact (less than three inches long) and inexpensive ($35). We feel this will present a simple but powerful solution for our Sling customers who want to watch on multiple home TVs without setting up more than one set-top box, or would like to use Sling to watch their home content on a TV in a hotel, vacation home, office or anywhere else.

    Chromecast support is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android Phones, with Android tablet support on the way.

    The news follows Google’s announcement this week that Chromecast has also gained support from Twitch, Disney’s TV apps, iHeartRadio, and DramaFever. Other recent additions include Watch ABC and NPR One.

    Image via Sling