Value of Social Media on TV Viewing

27 03 2014

FOX, TWITTER AND THE ADVERTISING RESEARCH FOUNDATION
FIND MORE THAN 90% OF THOSE WHO SEE TV SHOW-RELATED TWEETS
HAVE TAKEN IMMEDIATE ACTION TO WATCH, SEARCH FOR OR SHARE CONTENT

Groundbreaking Industry Study Examines Value of the Earned TV Twitter Audience
for Media Companies and Brands

Study Also Finds TV Show Viewers Exposed to Brand Tweets Are More Likely to
Pay Attention to The Brand’s On-Air Advertising

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), Twitter and the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) today announced new research exploring the value of the earned audience that media companies and brands gain from TV and brand-related tweets. Using Twitter’s capability to survey users on Twitter.com and the Twitter mobile app via homepage recruitment, the study, “Discovering the Value of Earned Audience – How Twitter Expressions Activate Consumers,” uncovered that:

1. The majority of those who are exposed to TV-related tweets not only have taken immediate action around a given show, but are also highly likely to watch a show they’ve never watched before, or resume watching a show that they’d previously stopped watching, as a result of a TV-related tweet.

2. TV show viewers who recall seeing tweets mentioning a show’s brand partners are much more likely to view that brand as appealing and pay more attention to that brand’s on-air ads than the general Twitter TV audience.

Specifically, FOX, Twitter and the ARF found that the majority of those who recall seeing TV-related tweets have searched for a show (76%), have taken action on Twitter (78%) – such as click on the show’s hashtag, follow a talent handle or retweet TV-related tweets – or have taken action to watch TV show content (77%). In regards to watching TV show content, 42% have made a plan to watch the show later, 38% have watched episodes online and 33% have changed the channel to watch the show. In fact, viewers who live-tweet with the linear broadcast are more likely to take action to discover content than those that don’t live-tweet.

Tweets that mention brands also generate significant action: 54% of those who recall seeing such tweets have taken action by tweeting, searching for the brand online, or considering to try the brand mentioned. This jumps to 58% when measuring actions taken by the live-TV-tweeting audience.

“This groundbreaking research has allowed us, for the very first time, to understand and quantify the very real value of the enormous volume of tweets generated by our shows and our brand partners every week,” said Judit Nagy, FOX’s Vice President of Analytics. “The level of engagement, activity and perceptual impact we’re seeing from these results far exceeds what we’d expected, and that’s really good news for networks and brands alike.”

“We know that Twitter is a complement to TV for audiences, and we’ve seen that running Twitter media alongside TV media drives greater TV ad effectiveness. This new research helps us better understand the role earned media plays in driving cross-channel effectiveness. It’s great to see more evidence that Twitter is driving results for brands and TV networks,” said Jeffrey Graham, Global Director of Advertising Research, Twitter.

In addition, the synergy between TV media and Twitter is so strong that there is a marked difference among the Twitter-engaged audience in receptivity to ads running in the shows they love to tweet about. For example, with a popular program like “American Idol,” the study found that Twitter-engaged “Idol” viewers demonstrated a 16% higher level of favorability after seeing tweets that included mentions of the brand and up to 14% higher intent to purchase that brand’s products versus the total Twitter TV audience. Additionally, the study found that after seeing a brand’s on-air advertisement, a viewer is more likely to remember seeing a tweet from that brand (48%), and 52% of viewers either visit the brand’s website, search for promotions online, consider trying the brand or search for the brand online.

Gayle Fuguitt, CEO and President of the ARF, commented on the significance of this research. “This leading edge research reflects the ARF’s commitment to showcasing cross-platform measurement that truly reflects the way consumers consume media today. The ARF is dedicated to creating dialogue and inspiring insights that will drive the growth of America’s fastest growing companies and technologies. We are very pleased to share this important research in more detail with the 2,500 industry colleagues attending our Re:Think 2014 conference.”

The study, fielded by research consultancy db5 on behalf of FOX and Twitter, looked at 12,577 people recruited on Twitter.com and the Twitter mobile app over a two-week period. Participants were surveyed within 24 hours of primetime Twitter activity (next day beginning around noon local time), ensuring a random, yet robust sample of individuals engaging on the Twitter platform during a time of day with high TV usage. The research blended behavioral data as well as self-reported media exposure to help FOX, Twitter and the ARF segment the data by viewer types, as well as gauge tweet recall and each individual’s subsequent behavior both on Twitter and off. In addition, the survey observed Twitter exposure and engagement across major brands, including three who were FOX partners.

Additional findings include:

· Twitter-Engaged TV Viewers Tweet 24/7: While the majority (72%) of TV tweeters do so when they watch the live broadcast, 60% also said they tweet about TV shows when they are NOT watching them; and 58% tweet about TV shows while they watch on time-shifted platforms like OnDemand, Hulu, iTunes and Amazon.

· Actors/Talent Are Most Preferred Source: The majority of the Twitter audience exposed to TV Tweets prefer (Top 2 Box) to see tweets from Actor/Cast (40%); Friends/Family (26%); and official show handles (18%).

· TV Tweets Drive More on Twitter, Other Social Platforms: 78% take immediate action after seeing a TV Tweet, 41% click on the show’s hashtag to find out more information; 39% retweet a show tweet; and 35% follow an actor/judge/talent on Twitter. In addition, 60% took immediate action on other social platforms.

About The Advertising Research Foundation
Founded in 1936 by the Association of National Advertisers and the American Association of Advertising Agencies, the ARF is dedicated to aggregating, creating and distributing research-based knowledge that will help members make better business decisions. ARF members include more than 400 advertisers, advertising agencies, associations, research firms and media-tech companies. The ARF is the only organization that brings all members of the industry to the same table for strategic collaboration. The ARF celebrates more than 75 years as the industry’s authoritative source of advertising knowledge. The ARF is located at 432 Park Ave. South, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10016 and on the Web at www.thearf.org

About Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including AMERICAN IDOL, THE FOLLOWING, NEW GIRL, GLEE, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, THE SIMPSONS and SLEEPY HOLLOW. The network ranked No. 1 in the key adult demographic for eight of the past 10 seasons and continues to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news. Follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV and “Like” FOX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit www.fox.com.

About Twitter
Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) is a global platform for public self-expression and conversation in real time. By developing a fundamentally new way for people to create, distribute and discover content, we have democratized content creation and distribution, enabling any voice to echo around the world instantly and unfiltered. The service can be accessed at Twitter.com, via the Twitter mobile application and via text message. Available in more than 35 languages, Twitter has more than 240 million monthly active users. For more information, visit discover.twitter.com or follow @twitter.

About db5
db5, founded in 2009, is a research consultancy specializing in quantitative research for brands and their creative partners. db5 is different from any other research agency in three important ways: Talent, Technology, Tenacity.

1. Employs and partners with only the most extraordinary talent from the worlds of Brand Marketing, Advertising, Technology and Traditional Research Practice.
2. Integrates cutting edge technology into traditional research methodologies.
3. Is tenacious; if a better way exists db5 finds it; if not, db5 creates it.

db5’s only goal is to help its clients succeed by providing them a more profound understanding of its audience. db5 clients include automotive, consumer and IT brands, like AT&T, McDonald’s, Audi, Vice, Time Warner Cable, Beats, Joint Juice, Twitter, UPS, Facebook, Yahoo!, Hyundai and Toyota. For more information, please visit www.dogsbollocks5.com

 

(Source:  Press Release)





Fox Summer and Spring Programming News

27 03 2014

FOX ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL SPRING AND SUMMER PREMIERE DATES

GORDON RAMSAY’S “KITCHEN NIGHTMARES” RETURNS FRIDAY, APRIL 11;

NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES “RIOT” SLIDES INTO TUESDAY, MAY 13;

SEASON FIVE OF “MASTERCHEF” LAUNCHES MONDAY, MAY 19

NEW ACTION-DRAMA “GANG RELATED” TO PREMIERE THURSDAY, MAY 22

NEW DATING SERIES “I WANNA MARRY ‘HARRY’” ROMANCES TUESDAY, MAY 27;

SEASON 11 OF “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” DEBUTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

RAMSAY CHECKS INTO “HOTEL HELL” MONDAY, JULY 21

FOX is announcing additional spring and summer premiere dates for 2014. FOX spices up summer with new seasons of Gordon Ramsay’s KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, MASTERCHEF and HOTEL HELL; the debuts of event series 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY and new drama GANG RELATED; the premieres of dating show I WANNA MARRY “HARRY” and new unscripted series RIOT; and the Season 11 premiere of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

THE MINDY PROJECT returns for its Spring Premiere with two nights of all-new one-hour events airing at special times Tuesday, April 1 (9:00-9:30/9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Tuesday, April 8 (9:00-9:30/9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). The comedy then moves into its regular time period Tuesday, April 15 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), following an all-new episode of NEW GIRL (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT).

In an epic KITCHEN NIGHTMARES Season Six Premiere, Friday, April 11 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, the fan-favorite series catches up with the most talked-about restaurant in KITCHEN NIGHTMARES history: Amy’s Baking Company in Scottsdale, AZ. Find out what has happened with Amy and Samy in the past year since the original episode aired, and the media firestorm ensued. In this special edition of the show, Chef Gordon Ramsay will reveal never-before-seen footage and take the audience through the highlights of the public’s reactions.

Slide into Tuesdays with the premiere of RIOT (formerly titled SLIDE SHOW) on May 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following the Season Finale of GLEE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). From executive producer Steve Carell and Shine America, and hosted by Australian comedian and talk show host Rove McManus, the series features the nation’s funniest celebrities and comedians facing unpredictable song, dance and sketch challenges, often while navigating the show’s trademark one-of-a-kind set, tilted at a 22 degree angle.

MASTERCHEF returns for an exciting fifth season on Monday, May 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). MASTERCHEF gives talented home cooks from all walks of life the chance to showcase their skills, knowledge and passion in front of the show’s esteemed judges: Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot.

Gritty new action-drama GANG RELATED will have its series premiere on Thursday, May 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following an all-new installment of HELL’S KITCHEN (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The series follows RYAN LOPEZ (Ramon Rodriguez, “Battle Los Angeles,” “The Wire”), a rising star in Los Angeles’ elite Gang Task Force – led by SAM CHAPEL (Emmy Award winner Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”) – who teams up with longtime Task Force member CASSIUS GREEN (RZA, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “Californication”) to take on the city’s most dangerous gangs, including one that he swore an allegiance to as a boy. Encores of GANG RELATED will air Fridays, beginning May 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Reality meets romance, with a little twist, in the surprising dating show I WANNA MARRY “HARRY,” premiering Tuesday, May 27 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Summer love is in the air, as an average English “bloke” is given the royal treatment and an upper crust makeover before meeting 12 single American women searching for Prince Charming. Will he be able to convince them he’s regal? And if he does, will they fall for the crown, or fall in love with the real him? Join “Harry” as he courts each of the ladies, taking them on romantic dates worthy of a princess and trying to make some version of their fairytales come true.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE soars into its 11th season with a two-hour premiere event showcasing America’s most talented dancers during the audition rounds, beginning Wednesday, May 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Hosted by Cat Deeley, and featuring resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, the new season of the Emmy Award-nominated hit dance competition series once again will include awe-inspiring performances, as well as nail-biting eliminations, as the contestants compete to be named America’s Favorite Dancer.

HOTEL HELL opens its doors for a second season on Monday, July 21 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Gordon Ramsay is back and hitting the road to fix some of America’s most horrendous hotels, troubled inns and struggling resorts, many of which are on the brink of closure. Ramsay will travel to locations including Applegate, OR; Las Cruces, NM; Longview, WA; Murphys, CA; Pipestone, MN; Starkville, MS; West Dover, VT; and Woodbury, CT.

As previously announced, new comedy series SURVIVING JACK, starring Emmy Award nominee Chris Meloni (“True Blood,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), premieres tomorrow, Thursday, March 27 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). Also, as announced, the iconic pulse-pounding clock resets when 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY premieres with a special two-hour television event Monday, May 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and makes its time period premiere the following week on Monday, May 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Set and shot in London, the suspenseful event series once again will follow the exploits of heroic agent JACK BAUER (Kiefer Sutherland), as he attempts to thwart an unthinkable terrorist attack that could change the world forever. An encore of 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY’s two-hour Series Premiere event will air Friday, May 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Beginning the following week, Friday, May 16, encores of the highly anticipated event series will air at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT.

FOX finales include: RAISING HOPE (one-hour series finale Friday, April 4; 9:00-9:30/9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), THE FOLLOWING (Monday, April 28; 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), NEW GIRL (Tuesday, May 6; 9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), THE MINDY PROJECT (Tuesday, May 6; 9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), BONES (Monday, May 12; 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), GLEE (Tuesday, May 13; 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), SURVIVING JACK (Thursday, May 15; 9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), BOB’S BURGERS (Sunday, May 18; 7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT), AMERICAN DAD (Sunday, May 18; 7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT), THE SIMPSONS (Sunday, May 18; 8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), FAMILY GUY (Sunday, May 18; 8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), AMERICAN IDOL XIII (two-night Season Finale Tuesday, May 20; 8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed and Wednesday, May 21; 8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY (Sunday, June 8; 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Additional finale dates, summer premiere dates and schedule information to be announced.

RECAP – FOX 2014 ADDITIONAL PREMIERE DATES

(All times ET/PT, except as noted)

Thursday, March 27:

9:30-10:00 PM SURVIVING JACK (Series Premiere)

Tuesday, April 1:

9:00-10:00 PM THE MINDY PROJECT (One-Hour Spring Premiere)

Friday, April 11:

9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Season Premiere)

Monday, May 5:

8:00-10:00 PM 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY (Two-Hour Series Premiere)

Monday, May 12:

9:00-10:00 PM 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY (Time Period Premiere)

Tuesday, May 13:

9:00-10:00 PM RIOT (Series Premiere)

Monday, May 19:

8:00-9:00 PM MASTERCHEF (Season Premiere)

Thursday, May 22:

9:00-10:00 PM GANG RELATED (Series Premiere)

Saturday, May 24:

7:00-10:00 PM ET Live FOX SPORTS SATURDAY: BASEBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA

Tuesday, May 27:

8:00-9:00 PM I WANNA MARRY “HARRY” (Series Premiere)

Wednesday, May 28:

8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (Season Premiere)

Monday, July 21:

9:00-10:00 PM HOTEL HELL (Season Premiere)

 

(Source: Press Release)





Fox Shows Returning Next Year

7 03 2014

FOX COMEDIES “BROOKLYN NINE-NINE,” “THE MINDY PROJECT” AND “NEW GIRL,” ALONG WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER “THE FOLLOWING,”

RENEWED FOR 2014-2015 SEASON

All-New THE FOLLOWING Airs Monday, March 10;

All-New Episodes of NEW GIRL and BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Air Tuesday, March 11;

One-Hour Spring Premiere of THE MINDY PROJECT Airs Tuesday, April 1

FOX has picked up Golden Globe Award winner BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, along with critically acclaimed comedies THE MINDY PROJECT and NEW GIRL, for the 2014-15 season. Psychological thriller THE FOLLOWING also was renewed, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, and Joe Earley, Chief Operating Officer, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“These shows are some of the best and acclaimed series on television, with influential, culture-driving stars, and some of the best, most creative talent behind the camera,” said Reilly and Earley. “All four are core assets within our 2014-15 portfolio of content, and we’re really happy to bring them back to our FOX fans for another season.”

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE was picked up for a second season. THE MINDY PROJECT received a third season order, and NEW GIRL was renewed for a fourth season. THE FOLLOWING was picked up for its third season.

As previously announced, SLEEPY HOLLOW was picked up for a second season, GLEE was renewed for its sixth season and BONES was picked up for its tenth. Additional pickups to be announced.

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE stars Golden Globe Award winner Andy Samberg as a talented, but carefree, detective and Andre Braugher as his new precinct captain with a lot to prove. The Season One finale of BROOKLYN NINE-NINE airs Tuesday, March 25 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT). The series is produced by Universal Television, 3 Arts Entertainment and Fremulon. Created and written by Dan Goor (“Parks and Recreation”) and Michael Schur (“Parks and Recreation”), the series is executive-produced by Goor, Schur and David Miner (“30 Rock”). “Like” BROOKLYN NINE-NINE on Facebook at facebook.com/BrooklynNineNine. Follow the series on Twitter @Brooklyn99FOX and join the discussion using #brooklyn99.

Created and written by Mindy Kaling (“The Office”), THE MINDY PROJECT stars Kaling as a skilled OB/GYN trying to balance both her personal and professional life. The special one-hour Spring Premiere, featuring back-to-back episodes of THE MINDY PROJECT, airs Tuesday, April 1 (9:00-9:30/9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) and then returns to its normal timeslot on Tuesdays at 9:30 PM ET/PT. THE MINDY PROJECT is produced by 3 Arts Entertainment in association with Universal Television. The series is created and written by Mindy Kaling. Kaling, Howard Klein (“The Office,” “Parks and Recreation”), Matt Warburton (THE SIMPSONS), Michael Spiller (“Modern Family”) and Jack Burditt (“30 Rock”) are executive producers. “Like” THE MINDY PROJECT on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/TheMindyProject. Follow the series on Twitter @MindyProjectFOX and join the discussion at #themindyproject.

Airing Tuesdays (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), NEW GIRL stars Emmy Award- and Golden Globe Award-nominated actress Zooey Deschanel as a smart and spirited woman navigating her way through the highs and lows of modern friendship and romance, alongside her male roommates (Jake Johnson, Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Damon Wayans, Jr.) and her beautiful best friend (Hannah Simone). Created by Liz Meriwether (“No Strings Attached”), NEW GIRL is produced by Chernin Entertainment in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Meriwether, Dave Finkel, Brett Baer, Jake Kasdan, Peter Chernin and Katherine Pope are executive producers. “Like” NEW GIRL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NewGirlonFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @NewGirlOnFOX and join the discussion at #newgirl.

Edge-of-your-seat thriller THE FOLLOWING, from Kevin Williamson (“Vampire Diaries,” “Scream” franchise) and starring Golden Globe Award winner Kevin Bacon (“X-Men: First Class,” “Frost/Nixon”) and James Purefoy (“Rome”), follows a deadly cat-and-mouse chase between a former FBI agent (Bacon) and a devious and diabolical serial killer (Purefoy). THE FOLLOWING airs Mondays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The series is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson. Marcos Siega (“Dexter,” “The Vampire Diaries”) serves as an executive producer and director on the series. “Like” THE FOLLOWING on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheFollowing. Follow the series on Twitter @TheFollowingFOX and join the discussion at #thefollowing.

(Via press release)





Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey Preview

6 03 2014

CosmosLogoIt has been three long decades since Carl Sagan’s groundbreaking series, “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” premiered. Brought to you by executive producers Brannon Braga, Mitchell Cannold, Ann Druyan and Seth MacFarlane, and hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, we set off on the Ship of the Imagination to discover our Cosmic Address and our coordinates in space and time. First, we meet Giordano Bruno in the Italy of the Renaissance, a wandering priest who had a spiritual epiphany of this much grander universe. Later, Tyson takes us on a walk across the Cosmic Calendar, where all of time is compressed into a football field-sized year at a glance calendar, with each month representing a little more than a billion years, in the all-new “Standing Up in the Milky Way” series premiere episode of COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY airing Sunday, March 9 from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT across multiple U.S. Fox networks, including Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, FX, FXX, FXM, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Life.

After the cross-network premiere event, COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY will continue its epic 13-episode run, airing Sundays from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT on FOX and Mondays — with all-new bonus footage and behind-the-scenes content — on the National Geographic Channel from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT.
The original series “COSMOS: A PERSONAL VOYAGE” first premiered in September 1980 on PBS, and for 10 years was the most watched series ever on public television in America. Based on his book of the same name, and written for television by Sagan, Ann Druyan and Steven Soter, the series was a stunning and iconic exploration of the universe as revealed by science that took viewers through a galaxy of topics to help explain the universe and humanity’s place in it. Called “a watershed moment for science programming” by Dave Itzkoff of The New York Times, Sagan brought science into the mainstream by explaining complex theories in a way that everyone could comprehend and appreciate. Among the areas explored are the life cycle of stars, genetics, laws of planetary motion, the journey to Mars, the search for intelligent life beyond Earth and The Big Bang Theory.
More than three decades after the debut of “COSMOS: A PERSONAL VOYAGE,” Seth MacFarlane has teamed with Sagan’s original creative collaborators Druyan and Soter to conceive the 13-part series that will serve as a successor to the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning original series.

I had goosebumps when the show started and they did not stop until the end. The graphics are stunning. The most important thing about this show is the science. This is a show that can be watched by families together on a Sunday night and open up dialogues of discussion and perhaps inspire the next generation of astronomers, astrophysicists, astronauts, and teachers.

Fortunately for me my world is big enough for God and science to co-exist without contradicting one another. You may be surprised that many religions, including Christianity, embrace the theory of evolution: Bahá’í, contemporary Christian religions (including Anglicanism, United Methodist Church, Church of the Nazarene, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Roman Catholic Church), Deism, Hinduism, Daśāvatāras, Islam, Ahmadiyya, Judaism, and Pantheism. Of course I am certain that there are members of these religions that would beg to differ. I was born Catholic. On October 22, 1996, Pope John Paul II, in a speech to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences plenary session at the Vatican, said, “This theory has been progressively accepted by researchers, following a series of discoveries in various fields of knowledge. The convergence, neither sought nor fabricated, of the results of work that was conducted independently is in itself a significant argument in favor of this theory.” Pope John Paul II believed it is the human soul that is created by God.

The end of this particular episode had a touching tribute to Carl Sagan that made tears fall from my eyes. It is the power of passing things on from teacher/mentor to student. I think Carl Sagan, if he were here among us on this Earth, would be proud.

(COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY is produced by Cosmos Studios, the Ithaca, N.Y.-based company Ann Druyan co-founded in 2000, and Fuzzy Door Productions, MacFarlane’s company. Druyan and Steven Soter are the series’ writers. Druyan, MacFarlane, Cosmos Studios President Mitchell Cannold and Brannon Braga (the “Star Trek” franchise, “24”) executive-produce the series. Jason Clark (“Ted,” “42”) co-executive produces. “Like” COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY on Facebook at facebook.com/COSMOSonTV. Follow the series on Twitter @COSMOSonTV and join the discussion at #cosmos.)

(I wish to thank FOX VIP and Fox Broadcasting for the privilege of viewing the episode).





The X-Factor USA Is Cancelled

7 02 2014

SIMON COWELL TO DEPART U.S. VERSION OF “THE X FACTOR”

Entertainment Mogul to Return as Judge on “The X Factor UK”

and Focus on Continued Global Success of International Formats

The award-winning international phenomenon THE X FACTOR has concluded its domestic run after three seasons, it was announced today by Syco, FremantleMedia North America and Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX).

“I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on THE X FACTOR and AMERICAN IDOL. And apart from being lucky enough to find some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public (most of the time!),” said Simon Cowell. “Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the U.K. version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the U.K. and I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon!”

“To all of us at FOX, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time –he’s part of our family. A consummate showman and partner, there’s no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years,” said Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Unfortunately, there is no X FACTOR USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it’s our sincere hope that we work together again soon.”

“‘The X Factor’ has become a true global hit entertainment format produced locally in 45 countries, and since its launch in 2004, has been watched by more than half a billion people around the world,” said Trish Kinane, President of Entertainment Programming and Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America. “The U.S. version of THE X FACTOR has had a great run dominating the social media charts and discovering internationally successful artists, but Simon’s return to the U.K. ‘X Factor’ has been long anticipated. We have long-running partnerships both with FOX and Syco Entertainment and very much look forward to what the future holds for our ongoing relationships with them.”

In 2013, Alex & Sierra won Season Three of THE X FACTOR, and during the live shows, the duo reached No. 1 on the iTunes singles chart twice with six singles also breaking into the iTunes Top 20. Emblem3 and Fifth Harmony became international stars after Season Two of THE X FACTOR. Emblem3’s first album, “Nothing To Lose,” debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Fifth Harmony’s EP, “Better Together,” debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard chart and reached Top 10 on iTunes in 41 countries, giving them the biggest debut album from any U.S. television competition series in 2012. Fifth Harmony were listed on MTV’s “Artist to Watch” for 2014 and also were the voices of Barbie’s new anthem, “Anything Is Possible.” They are on tour this spring with Demi Lovato, Little Mix and Cher Lloyd. Emblem3’s debut album, “Nothing To Lose,” reached No. 1 on iTunes in 14 countries.

THE X FACTOR won three TEEN CHOICE 2012 Awards for Reality Competition Show, Breakout Show and Simon Cowell – Male Personality. In 2013, THE X FACTOR won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Competition Show and Demi Lovato won for Favorite Celebrity Judge. It also took home seven TEEN CHOICE 2013 Awards, including Reality Competition Show, Simon Cowell – Male Personality, and Emblem3 – Breakout Group, to name a few.

ABOUT SYCO ENTERTAINMENT

Syco Entertainment is one of the world’s leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for some of the world’s most successful global TV and music franchises. Syco Entertainment is also the world’s most successful producer of international talent with Syco Music being the record label home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Little Mix, IL Divo, Emblem3, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Ella Henderson and Alex & Sierra. Syco’s television assets include the global franchises “The X Factor” and “Got Talent.”

Local versions of “The X Factor” are commissioned in 45 territories and around the world, “The X Factor” is now watched by more than a half billion people. The show has increased the average demographic for many broadcasters by up to 250%. The single, “Impossible,” from the 2012 U.K. winner James Arthur, became the fastest-selling single of the year, and was the biggest worldwide “X Factor” single ever – selling over 2.5 million copies. Artists discovered by the “X Factor” format have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including 130 No. 1s and 250 Top 10 records.

In 2010, “The X Factor UK” discovered and put together One Direction, who have since sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and have won countless awards across the globe. One Direction have made U.S. chart history as the first group to ever have their first three albums debut at No. 1. Little Mix’s – the first group to ever win “The X Factor” – debut album, “DNA,” made history as the highest-charting debut album for a U.K. girl group – even beating the Spice Girls. Leona Lewis has sold over 30 million records and her hit single, “Bleeding Love,” reached No. 1 in over 30 countries and was the fastest-selling debut album of all time in the U.K. Lewis is the first British female solo artist to score eight U.K. Top 5 singles.

(Press Release)





American Idol Season 13 Atlanta Auditions

4 02 2014

LogoThat was such a cute opening with Ryan Seacrest and his mom. And changes already? Can Harry Connick, Jr. judge just as well from the left of the panel as on the right? Time will tell.

Majesty Rose has a name that sounds already like a star. She is a 21-year-old preschool teacher from Goldsboro, North Carolina. I loved her. I had goosebumps. It was very quiet but beautiful. Harry thought it was elegant in a refreshing way. Jennifer said it was effortless. Keith said she pulled him in. Going to Hollywood.

Jesse Cline, a 19-year-old gas station attendant from Ashland, Kentucky, drove straight through to the audition. I was very surprised. I wasn’t expecting that voice. Harry said to Keith that he was the ultimate Cinderella. I loved it. He is through to Hollywood.

Alyson Ragona with pink hair and a ukulele is a 19-year-old sales associate from Eldridge, Iowa and a definite no for me. She was a no for the judges, too.

Chris Medina? No, not THAT Chris Medina from 2011. And his dog, Bubbie? Harry adopts the dog. He is a 23-year-old in the Army National Guard. I was not sure at first, but then I perked up. Harry: “I believe I have a wet spot on my pants.” Chris: “From the DOG???” Harry: “No…dog’s been great. This is a personal matter.” I was laughing so hard. There are three yeses for Chris but Harry keeps the dog. What? He wants to shed the Harsh Harry image? What “Harsh Harry” image? He tells Chris to bring the dog to Hollywood. Chris says he isn’t sure that is allowed but if the dog is then he will.

Next collage of two individuals: Kristen O’Connor, a 24-year-old nurse tech from Sebastian, Florida. She had a beautiful voice. Emily Piriz is a 17-year-old student from Orlando, Florida. I liked it. Both are given yeses to Hollywood.

Ben Briley, nicknamed Brother Gumbo by the judges, is a 24-year-old server from Gallatin, Tennessee. His voice is nice but I do not like country music. I thought it was odd because he brought a guitar but then did not use it. Three yeses.

Nica Nashae, a 24-year-old student from Milledgeville, Georgia has a nice voice, but will I remember her? I don’t know. Three yeses

Jordan Brisbane says he has what it takes to shut the American Idol series down. Oh boy. This is not going to end well. He is an adorable 15-year-old student and cook from Savannah, Georgia, but a singer? I hope he cooks better than he sings. But he gets three yeses.

Sam Burchfield, a 21-year-old student, from Athens, Georgia made me smile and laugh. It is a yes for me. Jennifer thought it was original. Keith loved the voice. Harry thought there was a weird impediment and votes no, but he is through to Hollywood.

Endless jokes are made about Slapout, Alabama, but Jessica Meuse, a 22-year-old student, proves she is just as unique as the name of the town. She has this gritty rocker sound with her original song. I loved her. The right shoulder is a bit annoying and distracting, but hopeful she can work that out. Three yeses.

For the segment of #IdolHollywood or #IdolHome on Twitter, I felt this contestant was more suited towards Broadway. Fifty-three percent thought Hollywood and 47% thought home.

I hope Travis Hunter-Brown, a 26-year-old barista from St. Petersburg, Florida makes better coffee.

Jennifer got goosies with this Lauren Ogburn‘s performance. I thought it was a good singing voice for pleasure but not for Idol. She is a 19-year-old receptionist from Lake City, Florida. She gets three yeses, but Harry tells her to tone down the dressing statement.

This year marks the return of two season 11 contestants, Caleb Johnson from Asheville, NC, and Neco Starr from Atlanta. I like both their voices. Three yeses for Caleb. Two yeses from the boys for Neco.

There are so many people who can wear purple lipstick and I am envious of Bria Anai, a 15-year-old student from Lithonia, Georgia. She calls her stage mom her “mom-ager” and Harry quips, “You should meet her da-gent.!” Harry is just so funny. I had goosebumps from her voice in 3 seconds. Jennifer thought it was amazing. Harry thought it was impossible. Three yeses.

Forty-four people got tickets in Atlanta plus the 119 from other auditions brings the total thus far to 163 golden tickets.

Next up: Salt Lake City





Enlisted: Preview of “Homecoming”

30 01 2014

EnlistedLogoIt’s Army vs. Marines in a game of flag football. The bet: Cheesecake! There are no losers when cheesecake is involved (except perhaps your health). In a parallel story, Derrick makes a promise to a woman he would like to impress. Like all things in this show, it takes a team effort to try to pull it off. The episode has all the things I love about this show: Intelligent comedy, memorable lines, team work and brotherly love. And there is an ending that will “play your heartstrings like Yo Yo Ma.”

This episode guest stars Geoff Pierson and Brandon Routh and Pam Oliver. Don’t forget “Enlisted” has changed times to Friday at 9 Eastern/8 Central. Tune in!

(My thanks to Fox Broadcasting and the Fox VIP program for the privilege of viewing the screener.) 





The Following Season 2 Preview

18 01 2014

TheFollowingPreviewLogoThe first five minutes of The Following‘s episode “Resurrection” had my adrenaline rushing at warp speed. It’s a year later. Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) is trying to adjust to all the changes in his life and we find him in a much better space than he was at the beginning of season 1. He has a new job teaching criminology and is enjoying it very much. With the anniversary of Joe Carroll’s (James Purefoy) death approaching, people still loyal to Joe have hatched a plan to resurrect the cause in these very creepy Joe Carroll masks. Bronx trains are never fun to ride; this time is no exception.

There are many new faces joining the cast, including at least three alumni from Dexter: Keith Carradine, Valerie Cruz, and Sam Underwood. Sam was creepy as Zach Hamilton on Dexter and his role here raised the bar to a whole new sinister level. I found it odd that two cast members, Valerie Cruz and Connie Nielsen, look very similar to two cast members in season 1 of The Following. I doubt that is a coincidence, but you never know with this show. Joining the cast is Jessica Stroup who plays Ryan’s sister (not the same sister from last season). I like the brother/sister interaction that takes place between them.

What things are the same: Flashbacks to fill in storyline. If one looks carefully, there are little tidbits of things relating to Edgar Allan Poe throughout the episode. A lot of people die (and die horribly).

One criticism I have heard from people is that so many characters were followers of Joe Carroll in season 1 that it almost became ridiculous, especially the number of people within the law enforcement community. There is a fine line between fascinating and ridiculous. Oddly enough, it did condition my behavior as I find myself wondering while watching this episode which ones are friends and which ones are foes especially one particular individual.  I like that I cannot predict the outcome of a show or which characters are good or evil. It makes for a suspenseful television viewing experience. I know that by the end of the show a song for my childhood will never be listened to the same way again.

The Following returns on Sunday, January 19, 2014, after the NFC Championship Game.

(My thanks to Fox Broadcasting and Fox VIP for allowing me the privilege of watching the screener)





Top Ten Reasons to Keep Watching “Enlisted” on Fox

16 01 2014

1. They promised it would “get better.” Having seen the next 3 episodes, I can guarantee that.  EnlistedLogo

2. Women will like this comedy. It has a strong female leader with Sgt. Jill Perez. She can keep up keep up with supersoldier Sgt. Pete Hill (see Friday’s episode “Randy Get Your Gun” for an example).

3. How many shows can you let your kids watch with you anymore? The show has great lessons families can talk about.

4. Double entendre. There are so many lines that work for a child’s level but also have an entirely different meaning for adults (see Friday’s episode “Randy Get Your Gun” for an example). Just like Shrek.

5. “Prank War” will give you all deliciously wonderful ideas on how to prank your co-workers (or your family).

6. Brothers! Brothers by family or brothers-in-arms. There is a co-plot in “Randy Get Your Gun” with Randy and Derrick that melts your heart.

7. It’s funny! So many people are getting bogged down in “this is NOT the Army” stuff. CHILL-OUT! They are working hard to get better with the rules and regulations while keeping it light and funny. Instead of just criticizing make suggestions on how to make it better. Obviously they have an open mind.

8. It’s smart! It is not easy to write and then deliver lengthy lines of spot-on comedy.

9. It’s sexy! There is a scene in “Pete’s Airstream” that rivals Jamie Bamber’s infamous equivalent scene in Battlestar Galactica. And since I can’t post the picture from the “Enlisted” episode, let me give you the visual of that scene.

JamieBamberTowelScene

10. Because it deserves a chance. There is so much crap on television. When a funny show comes on, one that you can watch with your family. Fortunately on Fox, they take all forms of viewing into consideration when deciding on whether to renew or cancel a show. Watch it live. Watch it on DVR. Watch it on Hulu or Fox.com. JUST WATCH IT!

And if you needed a number 11, don’t forget Enlisted is running a campaign to help Operation Gratitude. Show them your best salute and they will donate $1 to help support our troops. Details can be found here: http://www.fox.com/enlisted/salutes

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Almost Human Previews

12 11 2013

I know my international friends have been complaining that they haven’t been able to see the 8-minute preview on Hulu.  I thought it was not out there.  I don’t know if this is what Hulu has, but if you combine the first 3-minutes of the show with the additional 8-minute preview, this is going to give you a good idea what the show is like:

Here is the first 3-minutes of the show:

 

 

Here is another 8-minute segment of the show (not exactly right after the original 3 minutes, but HELL YEAH, you have just now gotten to see 11 minutes of the show.

Thank you to @SilkenSoul for testing the links to be sure our international friends could get access to these particular YouTube videos!

Are you excited? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section!