Global TV, Film & Media Industry News Roundup, Friday 30 May 2025
Disney nabs CoComelon, Netflix expands reality TV, YouTube disrupts sitcoms, AI reshapes storytelling, and Europe’s studios and creators drive a global production resurgence.
Today’s Highlights:
Disney+ Snags CoComelon as Netflix Lets Licensing Deal Lapse – A seismic shift in kids’ content distribution, affecting audience retention, streamer competition, and global licensing strategies.
Sweden’s Strängnäs Becomes Global Hub for Netflix’s Love Is Blind – A strategic move for Netflix, transforming a small European town into a major year-round reality production centre.
YouTube Challenges Traditional TV with Creator-Led Sitcoms – Signals a major disruption in scripted entertainment models, particularly for younger audiences and advertisers.
Howard and Grazer See Potential and Limits in AI for Hollywood – Influential commentary from top creatives on the role of AI, shaping the industry's approach to emerging technology.
Cinecittà Studios Bounce Back with Ambitious 2025–2029 Growth Plan – Marks a key recovery in European production infrastructure post-strike and reinforces Italy’s film industry revival.
Julia Garner and Anthony Boyle to Star in Netflix’s The Altruists About FTX Collapse – A high-profile dramatization of a real-world financial scandal with broad public interest.
Jonathan Nolan’s Person of Interest and Westworld Shaped AI Narratives – Highlights the ongoing cultural and thematic relevance of AI-driven storytelling from a top-tier creator.
Canada’s Women in Entertainment Push Back and Power Ahead – Underscores a pivotal moment in industry leadership and gender equity, with long-term influence on production culture.
Bryan Cranston Reunites with Wes Anderson and Malcolm in the Middle Cast – A significant crossover of prestige cinema and beloved TV legacy that resonates with multiple audiences.
Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle: Spain and Expansion of Localised Reality Content – Expands the streamer’s global footprint and format versatility in the increasingly competitive unscripted market.
Plus: Insights, Executive Moves, Festivals & Markets, In Development, Deals, Renewals, Cancellations, Events & Jobs with SAFC, Disney, Channel 4, YouTube, Paramount, Netflix, BBC & Mediacorp in Adelaide, Melbourne, London, Leeds, SF, NYC, Bangkok & Singapore.
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INSIGHTS
Sweden’s Strängnäs Becomes Global Hub for Netflix’s Love Is Blind
Just an hour from Stockholm, the quiet town of Strängnäs has become an unlikely production hub for Love Is Blind, with Netflix filming multiple international versions there. EMEA Chief Larry Tanz, visiting the Polish edition, revealed that the franchise now operates nearly year-round, with crews on-site for up to 40 weeks annually. "This was never the plan," Tanz says, as new adaptations for the Netherlands and more keep rolling in. Read More
Howard and Grazer See Potential and Limits in AI for Hollywood
At the WSJ’s “Future of Everything” conference, Imagine Entertainment founders Ron Howard and Brian Grazer expressed excitement about AI’s potential in Hollywood. Grazer, however, stressed that AI lacks “soul or life,” essential for compelling storytelling. While he doesn’t predict AI’s long-term impact, he noted it can be a helpful tool for sparking ideas. Read More
Fallon Writers Reflect on Friendship and Figuring Life Out Through TV
Growing up, Tonight Show writers Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw found comfort in shows like Broad City, Friends, and Girls, where tight-knit friendships helped characters navigate their 20s. “I really hope… I have this friend group,” Shaw told TheWrap, adding that seeing flawed, evolving characters made her feel less alone in her own journey of growing up. Read More
Dori Media’s “Young Suchard” Set for Global Launch at 2025 LA Screenings
With a growing slate of original dramas and game shows, Dori Media is expanding its global presence. CEO Nadav Palti highlights the development of Young Suchard, a 20-episode teen drama inspired by mentalist Lior Suchard’s adolescence. Set to begin filming in Israel this August, the Hebrew-language series blends intelligence, social challenges, and personal growth, offering strong international appeal ahead of its 2025 debut at the LA Screenings. Read More
Createability Program Expands Internships for Disabled and d/Deaf Creatives
ABC, SBS, and other top cultural organisations will host interns through the NSW Government's Createability program, which aims to support creatives with disabilities or who are d/Deaf. Delivered by Create NSW, Sound NSW, and Screen NSW, the initiative offers paid, hands-on roles across arts and media sectors. With 12 interns in 2024, it's the largest cohort yet, promoting inclusion and amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals in the industry. Read More
Disney+ Snags “CoComelon” as Netflix Lets Licensing Deal Lapse
With 193 million subscribers, CoComelon is a YouTube giant and Netflix staple—but not for much longer. Starting in 2027, Disney+ will stream the hit preschool series after Netflix chose not to renew its license. The move marks a major shift in the battle for kids programming, a crucial driver of streaming loyalty for parents seeking reliable, child-friendly content. Read More
Canada’s Women in Entertainment Push Back and Power Ahead
As U.S. tensions rise, Canada's top women in entertainment are answering with strength and strategy. In time for THR's Women in Entertainment Canada summit, 45 trailblazers are being spotlighted for reshaping the film, TV, and music industries. Honorees include industry powerhouses, such as Universal Music Canada's new president, who calls her promotion a "pinch-me moment" and urges, "Bet on yourself." Margaret Atwood will be honoured with THR’s ICON Award at the May 29 gala. Read More
Bryan Cranston Reunites with Wes Anderson and ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Cast
Bryan Cranston continues his busy career, starring as Reagan alongside Tom Hanks in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, following their collaborations on Asteroid City and Isle of Dogs. At the NYC premiere, Cranston shared excitement about returning to the Malcolm in the Middle reboot, reuniting with original castmates and cherishing the chance to reconnect with the beloved “family.” Read More
Cinecittà Studios Bounce Back with Ambitious 2025-2029 Growth Plan
After disruptions from Hollywood strikes and tax rebate concerns, Rome’s Cinecittà Studios are back in business. CEO Manuela Cacciamani, appointed last July, outlined a plan targeting nearly €60 million in revenue and a €4.3 million profit by 2029. The revival signals renewed confidence in Italy's international production incentives and the studio's pivotal role in the global filmmaking industry. Read More
Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Turns MomTok Drama into Big Business
Hulu’s hit reality series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has transformed MomTok influencers into major social media stars, boosting brand deals and business opportunities. Executive producer Lisa Filipelli reveals how off-camera feuds, sponsorship envy, and fourth-wall breaks shaped the show’s narrative. With season two hitting 5 million views in five days, the series continues to redefine influencer-driven reality TV. Read More
Celebrity Publicity in the Digital Age: Navigating a Fragmented Media Landscape
Traditional magazine covers, TV interviews, and press junkets are now supplemented or, in some cases, replaced by podcasts, YouTube series, TikTok segments, and social media campaigns. Stars like Andrew Garfield and Timothée Chalamet have embraced these digital formats, but publicists remain uncertain about what truly resonates with audiences. As celebrity branding evolves, the challenge lies in striking a balance between authenticity and reach in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. Read More
Jonathan Nolan’s Person of Interest and Westworld Shaped AI Narratives
Jonathan Nolan’s Person of Interest (2011–2016) introduced audiences to AI-driven surveillance and predictive technology, while Westworld expanded on the concept of AI consciousness and autonomy. Nolan, who co-wrote Memento, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Interstellar, sees AI as the defining story of our time. His work reflects real-world advancements, making him a key figure in AI-driven storytelling. Read More
Streaming Overload: Why Finding What to Watch Feels Like a Full-Time Job
With more film and TV content than ever, audiences struggle to navigate streaming platforms, where algorithms bury new releases and laggy interfaces slow discovery. Tech has complicated media consumption, making it harder for viewers to find and enjoy content. Read More
Carnival Films Adapts to Prestige TV’s Budget Challenges
Carnival Films, known for Downton Abbey, faces rising production costs, with CEO Gareth Neame noting that the show’s original budget of $1.5 million per episode would be unimaginable today. As period dramas struggle to secure funding, Carnival pivots to modern thrillers, including The Day of the Jackal and All Her Fault. Read More
YouTube Challenges Traditional TV with Creator-Led Sitcoms
YouTube is reshaping the television landscape by enabling creators to produce sitcom-style series that rival traditional network offerings. Leveraging its vast audience and algorithm-driven recommendations, the platform allows creators to develop serialised content with high production values and direct fan engagement. This shift is attracting younger viewers and advertisers, signalling a significant transformation in how audiences consume scripted entertainment. Read More
HBO’s Industry Season 3 Gains Emmy Momentum with White Mischief: Read the Script
HBO’s Industry has evolved from a word-of-mouth underdog to an Emmy contender, with Season 3 earning a Critics Choice nomination and Marisa Abela winning Best Leading Actress at the BAFTA TV Awards. Episode 304, White Mischief, written by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, takes a high-stakes deep dive into Rishi’s gambling-fuelled downfall, marking one of the show’s most intense episodes yet. Read More
Mastering Dance, Sound and French in the Post-Production Genius Behind Étoile
Director Carl Franklin & Editor Peggy Tachdjian On Setting Tone For ‘Monsters’ With Memorial Scene
'Three Women' EPs Say Having All Female Directors and DPs Added a 'Sense of Safety' on Set
"Three Women" executive producers Lisa Taddeo and Laura Eason explain why an intimacy coordinator was so important to their Starz original series.
Ted Danson on A Man on the Inside’s Perfect Ending
Creator Mike Schur, stars Ted Danson and Stephanie Beatriz, and the production team discuss how they shaped A Man on the Inside’s rom-com-style finale. The episode balances friendship, grief, and redemption, featuring Charles and Calbert’s backgammon reunion and Elliott and Virginia’s heartfelt wedding.
How Director Danny McBride Recreated the Civil War with THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES Filmmaking Team
For the Season 4 premiere of The Righteous Gemstones, Danny McBride directed a stand-alone episode set during the Civil War, introducing a Gemstone ancestor (played by Bradley Cooper) who laid the foundation for the family’s empire. The ambitious episode required hundreds of extras, elaborate battle sequences, and a fresh visual approach, with cinematographer Paul Daley and editor Justin Bourret helping craft the historical spectacle.
Hugh Bonneville, Tom Cullen, Charlotte Spencer and Neil Forsyth on The Gold S2
Merzigo’s Strategy for Maximising Digital Content Revenue
Dilip Bala, SVP & GM of Merzigo U.S., breaks down how the company helps broadcasters and studios optimise content for YouTube and Facebook, unlocking global reach and revenue. Merzigo specialises in revitalising older IP, enhancing TV ratings through digital platforms, and leveraging data-driven localisation. The discussion highlights Facebook’s unexpected role as a key player in content monetisation.
The Rushfield Lunch With Tom Segura And Jeremy Konner
Tom Segura and Jeremy Konner discuss their raunchy Netflix sketch series, Bad Thoughts. They chat about how Segura was able to leverage standup success into the show, how to make genre parodies, the implosion of Comedy Central and comedy films, advice for their younger selves, and much more.
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