Streaming Entertainment News

Streaming Entertainment

Streaming News

Blog

Media Man Streaming Blog

Netflix.com

Netflix to Become New Home of WWE 'Raw' Beginning 2025

BINGE (Australia)

Streaming Television (Wikipedia)

Streaming Media (Wikipedia)

Netflix News

Netflix: Games

News.com.au - Streaming

The Sydney Morning Herald - Culture - Streaming

Streaming Media Industry Disruptions Continue

Additional Mergers And Acquisitions Forecast

Live Sport Major Draw As Per Netflix

Compelling Storylines And Series Keeps Audience Coming Back For More As Per WWE

Combat Sports Storytelling And Talent Elevation As Per Dana Whites Contenders Series

Free Services With Ads Supported Has Taken Some Audience As Per Tubi

YouTube Cemented As Major Challenge To Netflix

Paramount's Quality And Iconic Movies Keep Them Valuable Commodity, Despite Bottom Line Loss

X Corp's X Platform One To Watch For Major Industry Disruption; WWE Speed Deal With WWE Just A Minor Preview Of What's On The Cards

News

Streaming Entertainment

Netflix

Rankings (Worldwide)

Top 10

September 30 to October 6, 2024

Nobody Wants This
Monsters
Love Is Blind

1. #NobodyWantsThis

2. #Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

3. #LoveIsBlind: S7

4. #Heartstopper: S3

5. #ThePerfectCouple

6. #MrMcMahon

7. #TheAmazingDigitalCircus

8. #UnsolvedMysteries: V5

9. #EmilyInParis: S4

10. #PrisonBreak: S1

Media Man Bonus

Streaming Industry News: Australia

Ads May Appear On More Services In Bid To Maintain Price Point And Increase Profits

October 2024

Australian Based Streaming Services Feel Global Disruption To Business Model; Consumer Churn And Viewers Spoiled By Online Options Including Free Ones For Price Of Internet Connection

Nine Entertainment's Stan is considering a move to introduce advertising, as the Aussie streaming service looks at ways of lifting revenue.

Stan is one of the few remaining streaming services to run without ads in Australia, with the only other platform not to offer a cheaper, promotion-subsidised subscription, Disney+, expected to introduce advertising sooner rather than later.

Despite managing to successfully compete against the likes of industry giants Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and Binge for close to a decade without incorporating ads, Nine Entertainment's bottom line may now force the company's hand as it looks to make up for diving incomes in a range of areas.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the departure of Nine boss Mike Sneesby has potentially opened the door for the introduction of ads on Stan, with new acting CEO Matt Stanton understood to be considering his options.

Mr Sneesby, who was head of the streaming service before ascending to the leadership of Nine, had kept a close watch over Stan before his departure, with current Stan boss Martin Kugeler apparently given little latitude to make major changes.

Stan was also largely separated from other parts of Nine under Mr Sneesby and was given its own offices while being spared from the worst of the cost-cutting which affected other parts of the business – such as the Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald and Nine Network.

However, the financial pressures which necessitated those cuts may now be set to hit home, with Mr Stanton having two main options to increase revenue from the streaming service.

The first would be to increase prices, as many other platforms have done in recent years, while the second would be to implement advertising.

The AFR reports that should Nine choose the second option, it would likely begin by placing ads in Stan Sport, given those viewers are already accustomed to having promotional materials incorporated into broadcasts.

Nine had previously considered the inclusion of ads in sports coverage, including in coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, but ultimately decided against it.

Despite this, Nine's sales team are reportedly keen on the prospect of ads in sport coverage as a potential source of revenue in future.

However, incorporating advertising into other programming, such as films and tv shows, is more challenging, and comes with the risk that viewers may move away (known as churn) from Stan and onto Nine's free-to-air options.

There is also the potential that a shift from a more expensive ad-free subscription to a cheaper ad-subsidised one could cost the company money by creating a shortfall in revenue.

Nine has not given any public indication about how it may proceed.

News

Nine mulls adding advertising to Stan in search for new revenue

October 9, 2024

Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video were once entirely commercial-free. Now almost all services have a cheaper ad-backed plan.

By Sam Buckingham-Jones

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ and Binge were once pristine islands where Australians could pay for the privilege to watch movies and TV shows without advertising.

This is no longer true. All four of those companies now offer cheaper tiers that are subsidised by limited advertising. The other big player, Disney+, has introduced ads in the US and is expected to do so in Australia soon.

There is still one exception to the rule. Stan is now the only ad-free atoll remaining in a crowded sea of streamers.

Stan, which is owned by Nine Entertainment, has been around for 10 years. It is a rare example of a home-grown streaming service that has managed to successfully compete against the likes of Netflix and achieve scale and profitability. That it has done this without advertising hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Mike Sneesby, who founded Stan and went on to run Nine, was asked about running ads more than four years ago. At the start, he usually answered along the same lines: “Just because you can make money out of selling something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should.” (AFR)

Full article and coverage via subscription to The Australian Financial Review
@FinancialReview

https://afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/nine-mulls-adding-advertising-to-stan-in-search-for-new-revenue-20241008-p5kgld

The Australian Financial Review is the Media Man 'Newspaper Of The Month'

Streaming TV Rankings

October 15, 2024

Top 10

TV Series:

1. Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

2. Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

3. The Penguin (Max)

4. High Potential (Hulu)

5. Teacup (Peacock)

6. Agatha All Along (Disney+)

7. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

8. From (MGM+)

9. Slow Horses (Apple TV+)

10. The Old Man (Hulu)

Movies:

1. It's What's Inside (Netflix)

2. Salem's Lot (Hulu)

3. Caddo Lake (Max)

4. Wolfs (Apple TV+)

5. Terrifier (Prime Video)

6. Terrifier 2 (Freevee)

7. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Netflix)

8. Hold Your Breath (Hulu)

9. Challengers (Prime Video)

10. Lonely Planet (Netflix)

Mr. McMahon

Mr. McMahon Official Trailer (Netflix YouTube)

Mr. McMahon (IMDb)

Mr. McMahon Doc Series Is an Unflinching Portrait of WWE Founder’s Legacy
“The goal was to pull back the curtain and reveal the true Vince McMahon.”

Vince McMahon is a name synonymous with professional wrestling and in the upcoming documentary series, Mr. McMahon, director Chris Smith (Tiger King) intends to “pull back the curtain to reveal the true Vince McMahon obscured beneath the persona he presented to the world.”

Smith told Netflix, “Over the four years of production, the story evolved in truly shocking ways, culminating in some extremely harrowing allegations. The final product is a revealing documentary that we believe offers a rich and nuanced portrait of the man and the complex legacy he left behind.”

What is Mr. McMahon about?

Executive produced by Smith and Bill Simmons, Mr. McMahon chronicles the rise and fall of Vince McMahon, controversial businessman and co-founder of WWE. The series covers McMahon’s transformation of WWE from a small, regional business into a global entertainment powerhouse, and the explosive sexual misconduct allegations that led to his eventual resignation.

Who is featured in Mr. McMahon?

The series was crafted from more than 200 hours of interviews with McMahon himself (prior to his resignation), his family members, business associates, and some of the most iconic names in wrestling history, as well as the journalists who uncovered McMahon's allegations.

When does Mr. McMahon premiere?

All six episodes of Mr. McMahon premiere on Netflix on Sept. 25.

News

Streaming Entertainment via Grok; X TV Tipped To Eventually Go Head To Head With YouTube, Netflix, But Will Take Many Years To Get To That Point; Customers Waiting To Churn/Switch. Changes Ahead For WBD, HBO, Binge, Paramount And Many Others - Too Many To List! Media Man Founder and Subscriber TV Veteran

Streaming entertainment has transformed how we consume media, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows, music, and more directly to our devices. Here's a breakdown of what's happening in this space as of my last update:

Major Players:

Netflix: Known for its original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game." They've been pushing into gaming and have been experimenting with ad-supported models.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with Amazon Prime membership. Notable for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and its integration with shopping and other Amazon services.

Disney+: A powerhouse for family entertainment, featuring Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney content. It's also expanding its library with more adult-oriented content under the Star banner in some regions.

HBO Max: Offers premium content like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," and a vast library of movies. It's also known for its DC Universe shows.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's making waves with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "See."

Peacock (NBCUniversal): Provides a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," WWE, and original series like "Punky Brewster."

Paramount+: Combines CBS All Access with content from Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more, featuring shows like "Star Trek: Discovery" and "The Stand."

Trends and Developments:

Original Content: There's a massive push towards creating exclusive content to attract subscribers. This includes movies, series, documentaries, and even live sports.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on international markets, either by offering local content or by making their service available in more countries.

Bundling: Companies are bundling their streaming services with other products. For example, Disney has bundles with Hulu and ESPN+.

Ad-Supported Models: To combat rising costs, some platforms like Netflix have introduced or are considering ad-supported tiers.

Direct-to-Streaming Releases: Movies are increasingly bypassing traditional theatrical releases, going straight to streaming platforms, especially noted during global health crises.

Quality Over Quantity: While there's a lot of content, platforms are also focusing on high-quality, award-winning productions to stand out.

Interactive Content: Some platforms are experimenting with interactive movies or shows where viewers can choose the plot direction.

Technological Integration: Enhanced with technologies like 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for audio, providing a cinematic experience at home.

Challenges:

Content Saturation: With so many platforms, there's a risk of content fatigue among viewers.

Churn: Subscribers frequently switch between services based on what's currently available, leading to high turnover.

Regulatory Scrutiny: Issues like market dominance, content licensing, and privacy are increasingly under regulatory lenses.

Piracy: Despite advanced measures, piracy remains a challenge, especially for content not easily accessible in certain regions.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of streaming entertainment or want to know about recent developments since my last update, feel free to ask! If there's a particular service or type of content you're curious about, I can dive deeper into those areas. (Grok)

News

Streaming TV

Streaming TV has revolutionized how we consume television content, offering a vast array of shows, movies, and original programming through internet-based platforms rather than traditional cable or satellite TV. Here's a breakdown of what you might be interested in regarding streaming TV as of my last update:

Key Players:

Netflix: Known for its extensive library, original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game," and a global reach.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with an Amazon Prime subscription, offering shows like "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and movies, plus the integration with shopping services.

Hulu: Offers a mix of current TV episodes, a robust library of older content, and originals like "The Handmaid's Tale." It's also notable for its live TV option.

Disney+: Focuses on family-friendly content, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. Hits include "The Mandalorian" and "WandaVision."

HBO Max: Home to HBO's acclaimed series like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," plus a wide range of Warner Bros. movies and new originals.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's gaining traction with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Foundation."

Peacock: NBCUniversal's service, offering a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," and new originals.

Trends and Features:

Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free: Many services now offer tiers where you can choose between watching with ads for a lower price or paying more for an ad-free experience.

Live TV Streaming: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV allow streaming of live broadcast channels, appealing to sports fans and those who still want traditional TV experiences.

Bundling: Some platforms offer bundles with internet service providers or other streaming services to reduce costs.

Original Content: There's a significant push towards exclusive, original content to differentiate services, leading to a golden age of TV with high-quality, diverse programming.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on global markets, offering localized content or subtitles/dubbing in multiple languages.

Technological Considerations:

4K and HDR: Many services now offer content in 4K resolution and HDR, enhancing viewing quality.

Offline Viewing: Most services allow downloading content for offline viewing, which is great for travel or areas with poor internet.

Smart TVs and Devices: Streaming is not just for computers or smartphones anymore; smart TVs, streaming sticks (like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), and gaming consoles have made streaming accessible on almost any screen.

Challenges:

Content Fragmentation: With content spread across multiple services, there's a growing issue of "streaming fatigue" where consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions needed.

Price Increases: As content quality and exclusivity rise, so do subscription costs, leading to discussions about the cost-effectiveness of streaming vs. traditional cable.

Piracy: The fragmentation and cost have somewhat revived piracy concerns as viewers look for ways to access content without multiple subscriptions.

If you're looking for recommendations or have specific questions about streaming services or shows, feel free to ask! If there's been a significant update or new service since my last update, you might want to check the latest reviews or news for the most current information. (Grok)

X's Grok Helps Fans, Online Publishers And Newsrooms Keep Up To Speed With Latest From 'The Big N'; Netflix Over Delivers Again. Combat Sports And Anime In The Mix; Geeked Week And Month! Media Man

News

New Cyberpunk Animated Series on Netflix

Based on the latest information available up to September 19, 2024, Netflix, in collaboration with CD Projekt Red, has confirmed the development of a new animated project within the Cyberpunk universe. Here's what we know:

Announcement: During Geeked Week, Netflix teased this new project, hinting at a "return to Night City," which suggests it will be set in the same universe as "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and "Cyberpunk 2077."

Project Details: While it's confirmed to be set in the Cyberpunk universe, specifics like whether it will be a direct sequel or a new story entirely, akin to "Edgerunners" but with a different narrative or characters, remain undisclosed. There's been no confirmation if this is an "Edgerunners Season 2," though the nature of the announcement leaves room for speculation.

Reception and Context: The original "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" series was well-received, contributing to a surge in interest back towards "Cyberpunk 2077." This positive reception might influence the new project's direction, aiming to leverage the existing fanbase while expanding the universe's lore.

Teasers and Speculation: From posts on X (formerly Twitter), there's excitement and speculation among fans. The mention of "another animated series set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe" and teases about exploring new stories in Night City suggest a continuation or expansion of the thematic elements fans enjoyed in "Edgerunners."

Release Information: As of now, no release date or further detailed plot information has been shared. Netflix and CD Projekt Red have promised more details at a later date, keeping the community in anticipation.

This new venture into the Cyberpunk animated series by Netflix represents a commitment to exploring more narratives within this dystopian world, potentially tapping into different aspects of Night City's lore, characters, or even new tech developments within its universe. While fans eagerly await more concrete details, the announcement itself has reignited discussions and excitement around what new stories might unfold in one of the most visually and narratively rich settings in recent sci-fi history. (Grok)

News

Squid Game Season 2 Premiere Date

"Squid Game" Season 2 is set to premiere on December 26, 2024, on Netflix. This information was confirmed through multiple sources, including official announcements and teasers released by Netflix during their Geeked Week event, as well as posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) from various users sharing the premiere date. The season continues the story with Lee Jung-jae reprising his role as Seong Gi-hun, diving back into the deadly games with new twists and returning characters. (Grok)

News

Bridgerton Season 3 Dominates Netflix

Bridgerton Season 3 has emerged as the most consumed series on Netflix in the first half of 2024, amassing 733.8 million hours viewed. This season, focusing on the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, has captivated audiences, leading to widespread acclaim and discussions about its popularity and narrative. Fans have particularly celebrated the fulfillment of Penelope's lifelong dream to be with Colin, highlighting emotional moments like their wedding and Penelope's voiceover in the final scene. Despite some criticism regarding the inclusion of certain scenes, the season's success is evident, with many expressing their ongoing affection for the characters and the show's romantic and dramatic elements. (Grok)

News

Wednesday Season 2 First Look Revealed.

The latest on "Wednesday Season 2" includes a behind-the-scenes first look that was revealed as part of Netflix's Geeked Week celebrations, indicating the series will return in 2025. Here's what's known:

First Look: Fans have been treated to behind-the-scenes footage featuring the cast, including Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, providing a glimpse into what's coming in the new season. This footage emphasizes that Season 2 will be "bigger and more twisted," promising a deeper dive into the horror elements of the series,

Cast and Crew: Returning cast members include Jenna Ortega, Luis Guzmán, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emma Myers, and more, under the direction of Tim Burton for at least part of the season. The show also features new cast members and promises to expand on the existing characters' stories.

Plot Teases: While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, Jenna Ortega has hinted at incredible set pieces, suggesting visually richer environments or significant events that might tie into unresolved cliffhangers from Season 1, like the transformation and fate of Tyler.

Themes and Tone: There's an indication that Season 2 will continue to focus on Wednesday's journey of self-discovery and her relationship dynamics, particularly her attempt to carve out her path away from her family's influence. Additionally, the emphasis will be on horror over romance, aligning with Ortega's comments about avoiding forced romantic narratives.

Production: Filming for Season 2 commenced in May 2024, with locations including Ireland, signaling a potentially broader or different setting for some of the storylines.

Release: The series is set to return in 2025, maintaining the suspense and anticipation among fans who are eager for more of Wednesday Addams's dark-hearted adventures at Nevermore Academy and beyond.

The excitement around "Wednesday" Season 2 is palpable, with fans and critics alike looking forward to how the series will expand on its established gothic universe while introducing new elements of horror and mystery. (Grok)

News

Based on the information available up to September 19, 2024, here are some updates and insights regarding Netflix:

Pricing and Plans: Netflix offers several subscription tiers, with the most basic ad-supported plan starting at $6.99 per month, which allows streaming on two devices in 1080p. The ad-free plans include Standard for $15.49 per month, which also supports streaming on two devices at 1080p, and Premium for $22.99 per month, which ups the ante to four simultaneous streams at 4K resolution. There's also an option to add extra member slots for an additional cost.

Content Updates: Netflix continues to add new TV shows, movies, and original content regularly. Recent or upcoming releases as of September 2024 include a variety of genres from survival dramas to supernatural horror, indicating Netflix's broad content strategy remains intact.

Event and Announcements: There was an event around the time of inquiry where Netflix planned to reveal updates on several highly anticipated series such as "One Piece Season 2", "Wednesday Season 2", "Black Mirror Season 7", "Squid Game Season 2", "Stranger Things", a "Devil May Cry" anime, and "Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2". This event underscores Netflix's commitment to both continuing popular series and exploring new avenues like anime.

User Interaction and Features: Netflix provides a service where content can be downloaded for offline viewing, which is particularly useful for viewers on the go or in areas with unreliable internet. The platform's user interface also includes features like profiles for kids with parental controls, and recommendations that improve with more viewing data.

Market Sentiment and Discussions: From X posts, there's considerable excitement and discussion around Netflix's content strategy, with users and media outlets focusing on new releases, price changes, and the platform's approach to both original content and licensed material.

Cost Considerations: There's mention in discussions about how Netflix's cost has nearly doubled for some users, reflecting the ongoing debate on the value of streaming services versus their cost, which might influence subscriber behavior and expectations for content quality and quantity.

Subscription Model: Netflix emphasizes its month-to-month subscription model, which allows users to cancel anytime without long-term contracts or cancellation fees, providing flexibility which is often appreciated in the dynamic streaming market.

Given these points, Netflix in 2024 continues to evolve, focusing on a diverse content library, enhancing user experience through technology and personalization, while facing the usual industry challenges like pricing satisfaction and content competition. The platform's strategy appears to blend global appeal with niche interests, aiming to cater to a broad audience while also pushing the boundaries with original programming. (Grok)

Media Man Editors: Massive few months for Netflix. Also mark down Terminator: Zero, The Queen Of The Villains and Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson (November 2024). And don't forget WWE Raw hits Netflix in January 2025. And even the official WWE Vault YouTube channel has plugged Netflix, and specifically "Dump", while uploading some classic Japanese pro wrestling matches to their own platforms.

Websites

Netflix
http://netflix.com

Netflix: TUDUM
http://netflix.com/tudum

Netflix YouTube
http://youtube.com/@Netflix

Pro Wrestling

WWE Raw

Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

September 9, 2024

Full Raw highlights: Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHGULgW_fDU&t=13s&ab_channel=WWE

"Oh God. Howie is stirring" Wade Barrett

"Uncle Howdy staring down Gable and Gable not looking for Rowan who came flying in" Joe Tessitore

"Onto the steel stairs" JT

"That Iron Claw slam from Erik Rowan" Wade Barrett

"This one is as good as over. Get him in the ring. Pin that man. And mercyfully this carnage will finally be over" WB

"With all due respect Bret, but your not in my league" Gunther

"Hockey style punch up right here in Calgary" WB

"And Drew I can assure you of this. When its over, and it will be over, I'm going to find peace. And you know why I'm going to find peace. I'm going to find peace 'cause I'll know in my heart that it will be over and its going to be over because October, Atlanta, Georgia, Bad Blood, it will be CM Punk. It will be Drew McIntyre. It will be Hell In A Cell" Adam Pearce

"Oh, let's go" JT

Fans cheer

Bret Hart returns home to Raw in Calgary: Raw, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evRp3gGxIrg&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre will face CM Punk inside Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRcQhjaxLkY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre to Wade Barrett: “Stay out of my business”: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkfpnQc3UUw&ab_channel=WWE

Natalya helps Lyra Valkyria & Zelina Vega def. Pure Fusion Collective: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yemWPWKPJIY&ab_channel=WWE

FULL MATCH: Jey Uso wins Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament: Raw, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7usaFHDITo&t=5s&ab_channel=WWE

Jey Uso is focused on becoming a singles champion: Raw exclusive, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rzOTentGAQ&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE

The Judgment Day ambush The Terror Twins: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOC0W5swIcA&ab_channel=WWE

Liv Morgan helps steal win for “Dirty” Dom as Judgment Day brawls with The LWO: Raw, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa-6fCUHPUI&ab_channel=WWE

The Wyatt Sicks conquer American Made in a Street Fight: Raw highlights, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLzsxsdjoyo&t=11s&ab_channel=WWE

Survivor Series: War Games comes to Vancouver - Tickets on sale this Friday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFsLqanLseQ&ab_channel=WWE

Recap

Wyatt Sicks vs American Made - Street Fight

Bret "The Hitman" Hart to appear!

CM Punk & McIntyre appearance

"Dirty" Dom vs Dragon Lee - mask in danger thanks to Judgement Day?

WWE I/C Contenders Match

Superheroes vs Fyre and Dawn. WWE Women's Tag Team Title

and more.

Bret Hart returns to Raw tonight: WWE Now, Sept. 9, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXObhqqFXXI&ab_channel=WWE

Media Man: Pumped. Buzz for CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. McIntyre as seen in the upcoming movie, 'The Killers Game' Fantasy Booking: Hitman Hart vs Killer McIntyre in a steel cage! How about it CM Punk? Gonzo Pro Wrestling scribe! Strong thumbs up.

Media Man Int

WWE News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/wwe_news.html

USA Network (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/usa_network.html

Pop Culture (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/pop_culture.html

Media Man

News

Streaming Movies Top 10 (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Furiosa (Max)

2. The Union (Netflix)

3. Jackpot (Prime Video)

4. The Instigators (Apple TV+)

5. Alien (Hulu)

6. The Bikeriders (Peacock)

7. Immaculate (Hulu)

8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

9. Alien: Covenant (Hulu)

10. Twister (Max)

News

Top 10 Streaming TV (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)

2. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

3. Industry (Max)

4. The Bear (Hulu)

5. From (Prime Video)

6. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

7. Emily in Paris (Netflix)

8. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

9. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

10. Evil (Paramount+)

Media Man

Pop Culture/Streaming Entertainment

Top 10 Movies Streaming (United States)

1. The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

2. Deadpool 2 (Disney+)

3. Twister (Max)

4. Deadpool (Disney+)

5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Netflix)

6. Tarot (Netflix)

7. If (Paramount+)

8. Wicked Little Letters (Netflix)

9. Challengers (MGM+)

10. Abigail (Peacock)

Others

The Beekeeper (Prime Video)

Find Me Falling (Netflix)

My Spy: The Eternal City (Netflix)

*correct at time of publication

Streaming TV (United States)

Top 10 TV

1. House of the Dragon (Max)

2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

3. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

4. Batman: Caped Crusader (Prime Video)

5. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

6. The Decameron (Netflix)

7. The Bear (Hulu)

8. The Boys (Prime Video)

9. Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)

10. Evil (Paramount+)

Streaming Service

An online provider of entertainment (music, movies, multi-episode series, etc.) that delivers content over an Internet connection to the subscriber's computer, TV or mobile device.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Binge (Australia), Kayo Sports (Australia), Hulu, HBO, Disney, ESPN Plus, Gaia, Passionflix, Spotify, Discovery, Peacock, Paramount Plus, Triller TV, UFC Fight Pass, WWE Network and Apple TV+ are examples of paid streaming services.

Examples of free services include Amazon ABC iView, Freedive, Free TV, Hoopla, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Snagfilms, Sony Crackle, SBS On Demand, Tubi TV, VUDU and Xumo.

The big streamers have been cutting their original content output

Where did all the new shows go?

By Tom Jones

Seasons change

If you’ve been mindlessly scrolling through streaming services and have been feeling even less enthused than usual, you may not be entirely to blame: almost all major US streamers have been cutting their original TV output this year, according to new analysis from Variety.

From content monolith Netflix, which released 203 original shows in the first half of 2023 compared with 174 in H1 ‘24, to Disney+, which has halved its already-slim original TV library as it continues an apparent shift to quality over quantity, shrinkage has hit the streaming world hard. Indeed, of the 8 major streamers Variety studied from Luminate data, only Max and Peacock maintained their output level year over year.

All told, the number of original seasons fell 19% at the 8 streamers tracked.

For a while, it seemed we might float forever on an endless stream of new series, as companies competed to supply viewers who’d become accustomed to basking in the Golden Age of Television. However, the financial reality of producing content in an increasingly-competitive arena where margins are tight and churn rates are growing is becoming apparent.

It’ll be interesting to see how streamers’ original show libraries stack up in the latter half of this year compared to H2 2023, when original production tallies at some major players began to reflect the effects of the extended Hollywood strikes. (Credit: Chartr with Sherwood_

Full article via subscription to Sherwood

Big Streamers Cutting Original Content
https://sherwood.news/culture/big-streamers-cutting-original-content-output-fewer-shows-to-watch/

Movie Streaming (United States)

July 11 - 17, 2024

1. If - Paramount+

2. The Beekeeper - Prime Video

3. Hillbilly Elegy - Netflix

4. Twister - Max

5. X - Kanopy

6. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F - Netflix

7. Pearl - Prime Video

8. Monkey Man - Peacock

9. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire - Max

10. A Quiet Place - Paramount+

Streaming TV/Pop Culture News

Top 10 Streaming Television Rankings

July 11 - 17

1. The Bear - Hulu

2. Presumed Innocent - Apple TV+

3. Sunny - Apple TV+

4. The Boys - Prime Video

5. House of the Dragon - Max

6. My Lady Jane - Prime Video

7. Evil - Paramount+

8. Your Honor - Netflix

9. The Acolyte - Disney+

10. Sausage Party: Foodtopia - Prime Video

Streaming Media News

Netflix Netflix Q2 2024 Earnings
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wro9lCCgW0E

Netflix beats estimates as ad-supported memberships rise 34% from last year

Adds 8M Subscribers

278 million global subscribers

The streamer’s global paid memberships rose 16.5% year over year to 278 million. This marks one of the last updates Netflix will release regarding its membership numbers

Shareholder Letter:

“our biggest update in a decade.”

“This new interface provides more visible title information at a glance — including synopsis, genre and ratings”

“Title previews are also larger and more dynamic, with more immersive trailers and bigger box art to make browsing easier. We’ve also simplified the navigation bar and moved it to the top of the page to create quicker, easier short cuts. And this new design includes My Netflix, which has everything members have saved or watched and was previously only available on mobile.”

“The challenge for so many of our competitors is that while they are investing heavily in premium content, it’s generating relatively small viewing on their streaming services and linear continues to decline”

“we believe our biggest opportunity is winning a larger share of the 80%+ of TV time (primarily linear and streaming) that neither Netflix nor YouTube has today.”

“This has driven industry leading penetration, engagement and retention for us, which limits the benefit to Netflix of bundling directly with other streamers”

More Intel:

Netflix shares were down about 1.5% in extended trading following the earnings release.

Company performance per WSJ

Earnings per share: $4.88 vs $4.74 per share expected by LSEG

Revenue: $9.56 billion vs.9.53 billion expected by LSEG

Total memberships: 277.65 million global paid memberships vs. 274.4 million expected, per StreetAccount

Revenue was roughly $9.6 billion, up 17% compared to the same quarter last year, driven primarily by the increase in average paid memberships.

Netflix said it now expects full-year reported revenue growth of 14% to 15%, compared with previous guidance of 13% to 15%.

The company reported net income of $2.15 billion, or $4.88 per share, up from $1.49 billion, or $3.29 per share, during the second quarter of 2023.

Netflix’s global paid memberships rose 16.5% year over year to 278 million. This signals one of the last updates Netflix will release regarding its membership numbers.

News

Netflix Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Interview
https://ir.netflix.net/investor-news-and-events/investor-events/event-details/2024/Netflix-Second-Quarter-2024-Earnings-Interview-2024-HkuRh-_yAj/default.aspx

Pop Culture/Combat Sports News

Netflix

Japanese Female Pro-Wrestling Drama Series ‘The Queen of Villains’ Premieres September 19

How did one woman whip Japan into a frenzy? Launching on September 19, The Queen of Villains unveils the story of Dump Matsumoto, the most terrifying “heel” during the golden age of women’s pro wrestling in Japan. Spanning five episodes, the series explores the events that led to her rise decades ago.

From the ‘70s to the ‘80s, female pro-wrestling tag teams like “Beauty Pair” (Jackie Sato and Maki Ueda) and “Crush Gals” (Chigusa Nagayo and Lioness Asuka) became national icons. They captivated Japan not only by competing but also by singing and dancing in the ring. On the other side of this was Dump Matsumoto, the sworn rival of the “Crush Gals.” She made all of Japan her enemy, wreaking havoc in and outside of the ring. But once upon a time, young Dump Matsumoto was told she was too kind to be a villain. What events made her one of the most disliked figures in Japanese wrestling history?

Bringing these iconic female wrestlers to life is a talented cast chosen through auditions:

Multi-talented comedian Yuriyan Retriever portrays Dump Matsumoto.

Erika Karata (Desert of Namibia) plays Chigusa Nagayo, who starts as a failed wrestling trainee but eventually rises to stardom.

Ayame Goriki (Watashi ga Ore no Jinsei?!) portrays Lioness Asuka, known for being the most athletic and technical wrestler among her peers.

The renowned Osamu Suzuki developed, wrote, and produced the series. After hearing Matsumoto talk about the women’s pro wrestling era on his show, Suzuki was inspired to turn her story into a series and wrote the screenplay himself. Kazuya Shiraishi (The Devil’s Path, The Blood of Wolves, Lesson in Murder) serves as the supervising director, while Chigusa Nagayo herself led the actors’ physical training and presided over the wrestling scenes.

Watch the rise of these women to fame and the lessons their journeys hold today. The Queen of Villains premieres globally on September 19, only on Netflix.

About Netflix Series The Queen of Villains Cast: Yuriyan Retriever, Erika Karata, Ayame Gorik Developer, Producer, Screenwriter: Osamu Suzuki Supervising Director: Kazuya Shiraishi Director: Katsuhito Mogi Writer: Junya Ikegami Producers: Haruhiko Hasegawa Hidehisa Chiwata Produced by: Netflix Production Company: KADOKAWA Release Date: September 19, 2024 Episode: 5 episodes. (Credit: Netflix)

https://netflix.com/thequeenofvillains

#TheQueenofVillains

Logline: The Queen of Villains unveils the untold story of Dump Matsumoto, a professional wrestler who ignited a boom in women's wrestling in the 1980s with her cult-like following. Unlike the iconic “Crush Gals” duo, Chigusa Nagayo and Lioness Asuka, Matsumoto made her mark as the most famous heel. Dominating television screens, they became a cultural phenomenon, captivating Japan. (Credit: Netflix)

Media Man: Pumped for Dump. We used to bring in VHS tapes of Dump and her associates into Australia in the late 80s and early 90s. One of the greatest women pro wrestlers of all time. The killer heel and queen bee of the ring. Netflix makes a killer and smart move in delivering this gem to the global audience. This will more than satisfy the cast majority of pro wrestling and fight fans, and we as those who love the hero vs villain scenario - a base of storytelling. Shakespearean and a beautiful violence. This is pop culture history.

Your text advertisement here from as little as $100USD per 12 months

Profiles

Steaming Television Music Movies Hollywood WWE Wrestling Business Gaming Entertainment

Advertising Promotions

Pop Culture/Pro Wrestling/Streaming News

OVW and pro wrestling lifestyle continues to be showcased via Netflix

Wrestlers | Real Life | Official Clip | Netflix
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2ZCAkE-alzk&ab_channel=Netflix

"I started wrestling kinda like a last-resort type thing. You can only take so many hits before you get angry" Hollywood Haley Evans

At a storied professional wrestling organization, new owners and a roster of rising stars strive to make an impact beyond the ring in this docuseries.

Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Kentucky was once a proud finishing school for young wrestlers who hoped for a chance at a career in big time Pro Wrestling but times have changed. With new owners in the picture, once-famous pro wrestler Al Snow has been given the summer to turn OVW's dire financial situation around. Wrestlers tells the story of a handful of eccentric misfits who attempt to come together to help Al save this historic gym while achieving their own wild dreams of wrestling professionally. Now streaming on Netflix. (Credit: Netflix)

Wrestlers | Official Trailer | Netflix
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hY9CISx70Oo&t=1s&ab_channel=Netflix

"Wrestling is my escape" Hollywood Haley Evans

Media Man: Strong thumbs up. Much respect. The sort of show you can watch again and again, and gain more insight and respect, as we are. Keeping the dream alive. Never give up.