Friday, February 5, 2021

THE FRIDAY FIVE: Top 5 TV News Stories of the Week Ending 2/5/21

Here's a look at my Top 5 TV news stories of the week!

#1 - GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS
The Golden Globe nominations came out this week and, as per usual, there was a mix of exciting and head-scratching choices. Getting the most scrutiny were the inclusion of Ratched in the Drama Series category and Emily in Paris in the Musical/Comedy Series category. Both Netflix shows were buzzy during their fall releases but mixed at best from critics. Joining Ratched in Drama Series are The Crown, Lovecraft Country, The Mandalorian and Ozark while The Flight Attendant, Ted Lasso, Schitt's Creek and The Great rounded out the Musical/Comedy Series nominees. The Crown and Schitt's Creek led the nomination totals and are considered frontrunners though Ted Lasso certainly has a chance. Limited Series/TV Movie nominees were Normal People, The Queen's Gambit, Small Axe, The Undoing and Unorthodox. Notable snubs included Bridgerton (the Netflix series that seemed more likely than Ratched or Emily), Mrs. America (a travesty!), Michaela Coel and I May Destroy You, Issa Rae from Insecure and all the Lovecraft Country actors. The Golden Globes will air February 28 and be hosted (on separate coasts) by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.

#2 - SAG AWARD NOMINEES
Some shows and people snubbed by the Globes got revenge in the Screen Actors Guild Award nominations that were announced the next day. Most notably, Bridgerton did make it in for Drama Series and Michaela Coel was nominated for I May Destroy You. Netflix dominated the drama categories with The Crown and Ozark taking every single slot in the Drama Actress category. The leaders in nominations were once again The Crown and Schitt's Creek while Broadcast TV had just two nominations (Sterling K. Brown for This is Us, and Anthony Anderson for Black-ish). That's better than broadcast's showing at the Globes as it was only Jane Levy for Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.

#3 - CW RENEWAL FLURRY
As usual, the CW announced a huge slate of renewals in one swoop. Included on the list is Walker, which had a breakout series premiere a couple weeks ago. Also on the list are shows that started their seasons recently: Riverdale, Nancy Drew, All American, Legacies, Batwoman and Charmed. Five of the seven renewals haven't even premiered their current season: The Flash, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, In the Dark, Roswell, New Mexico, and Dynasty. Perhaps it would have been easier to list the shows that did not get renewed: it's just Black Lightning and Supergirl, which have already had announced final seasons and the yet to premiere newbies Superman & Lois, Kung Fu and The Republic of Sarah. The CW's business model is not really related to linear ratings so it makes sense that they don't need to see the ratings for these shows to inform decisions. That being said, it's a little surprising some of these shows keep getting renewed.

#4 - MORE NBC MIDSEASON MOVES
NBC announced some new midseason plans. First off, Good Girls will return for its fourth season on Sunday, March 7 at 10pm, preceded by a new night for Ellen's Game of Games. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist will return from its hiatus and join the Sunday night lineup at 8pm starting March 28. Then on April 1, NBC will premiere the third season of Manifest at 8pm. That same night will feature a crossover episode of Law & Order: SVU which will lead to the debut of Law & Order: Organized Crime starring SVU alum Christopher Meloni at 10pm. Still missing a premiere date is the latest season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

#5 - "FRASIER" REVIVAL IN DEVELOPMENT
Because nothing is ever dead, it was announced this week that the upcoming Paramount Plus streaming service is eyeing a Frasier revival with original stars Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce attached. The Cheers spinoff had a very successful and acclaimed run from 1993-2004 on NBC and has done alright in syndication and streaming, but it doesn't seem to be something audiences are clamoring for.

Check back next week for a new week of blog posts!

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