How Upfronts 2022 Became Covid Superspreader Event

Dave Navarro is sharing an update about his health.

Ever since the demise of indie powerhouse Carsey-Werner, there has been no studio focused on broadcast comedy series. Surprisingly, another indie, Lionsgate Television, has found itself carrying the C-W mantle. In a tough economic environment, Lionsgate managed to go 3-for-3 with its existing broadcast series  — CBS’ Ghosts, ABC’s Home Economics and Fox’s Welcome To Flatch — all of which were renewed for next season. All of them are single-camera comedies — a genre whose financials have become partially challenging under the increasingly fragile broadcast model — and the tally, three, matches the bulk of Lionsgate’s entire previous broadcast haul of Fox’s Running Wilde, ABC’s Nashville and NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorThe broadcast network upfront presentations returned to New York last week, although they’re not really about broadcast — or networks — anymore. The media buyers were back, executives were back, talent returned, and members of the press were also there.But here’s what wasn’t back: The shows.

Selome Hailu Upfronts returned to New York City in 2022, and even amid all the merger updates, positive COVID tests and screen-only presentations, there were still new shows to share.While The CW had a rough week in terms of cancellations, saying goodbye to several fan-loved projects, including “Dynasty” and “Legacies,” the network’s series orders based on already-popular properties proved to be the hottest of the week. NBC’s most exciting new title is an original comedy from a classic comedian — while CBS passed over all of its comedy pilots, ordering three promising dramas instead.

Caroline Framke Chief TV CriticWhatever you think of the continuing relevance of the upfronts and/or broadcast television, it’s always interesting to see how networks will frame their wares in order to sell themselves to the highest bidders. In between all the advertising jargon, corporate synergy and lofty promises of blockbuster programming to come, the upfronts presentations can be extremely informative as to what those in charge are betting on in the months to come.

Fox Corp, Telemundo, TelevisaUnivision, Disney, YouTube, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount and the CW.

Khloe Kardashian wows in a bright blue dress while arriving for the 2022 ABC Disney Hulu Upfronts held at Basketball City on Tuesday (May 17) in New York City.

Selena Gomez, Kerry Washington and Hilary Duff hit the red carpet at the 2022 ABC Disney Upfronts!

Unlike the upfronts themselves, Jimmy Kimmel was not back on-stage live in NYC today for the first time since 2019. Having tested positive for Covid-19 again, the late-night host had to change plans and appear virtually to take a flamethrower to some of Disney’s executives, streaming dreams, and offerings old and new.

Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia took the stage at Disney’s upfronts presentation to announce a carriage deal for all 43 of the XFL’s games when the spring pro football league returns in 2023.

vocally expressing his criticism of the coronavirus vaccine, Eric Clapton has contracted COVID-19.Announced via his Facebook page, Clapton’s team revealed he is “suffering from COVID,” testing positive “shortly after” playing at Royal Albert Hall. “He has been told by his medical advisors that if we were to resume traveling and performing too soon, it could substantially delay his full recovery,” the statement read.

In today’s traditional doubleheader opening of the upfronts in New York, Fox and NBCUniversal execs took digs at the “paywall” strategy of Netflix and Disney, in the first of many salvos expected this week.

The Bravo stars are attending the 2022 NBC Upfronts!

S. Epatha Merkerson‘s jaw dropped when she saw just what Taylor Kinney had his jacket lined with while attending the 2022 NBCUniversal Upfront held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Monday (May 16) in New York City.

One of the more memorable moments from NBC upfront presentations of yesteryear was when the cast members of The West Wing took the stage at Radio City Music Hall after their first season. The reception was huge: The cast received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Miley Cyrus will help ring in the New Year on NBC yet again as she returns to host the network’s 2023 celebration.