Netflix Global TV Head Bela Bajaria Takes Pride in ‘Entertaining the World’

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNetflix has ordered a comedy series called “God’s Favorite Idiot” from Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, Variety has learned.The streamer has commissioned 16 episodes of the series, in which both McCarthy and Falcone will star. Falcone wrote the series, with both he and McCarthy also serving as executive producers via their company On the Day.

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has inked a multi-million dollar deal for near-global rights to sci-fi survival thriller Stowaway, starring Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect), Toni Collette (Hereditary), Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii Five-0) and Shamier Anderson (Wyonna Earp).

Maisie Smith has revealed she's put on some weight since taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.The 19 year old, who is reportedly "cooling down her romance" with HRVY so they can "concentrate" on the competition, opened up on how her body has changed over the last month while training with her professional dancing partner Gorka Marquez, 30.The EastEnders star explained that while she's put on a little weight, the star feels she's getting "strong every day".

The Big Give Christmas Challenge is launching tomorrow with 765 charities taking part and with backing from celebrity supporters including ballerina Dame Darcey Bussell.James Reed, the boss of the recruitment company of the same name, whose father Sir Alec founded the Big Give in 2007, said charities had suffered a slump in donations and a surge in demand this year due to Covid. Two-thirds of charities reported a drop in income averaging 43 per cent since the pandemic hit, with more than half

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIsabella Gomez is set to lead the “Head of the Class” reboot pilot currently in the works at HBO Max, Variety has confirmed.News of Gomez’s casting comes just one day after it was announced that “One Day at a Time” had been canceled for a second time.

Dade Hayes Finance EditorCindy Holland, whose departure from Netflix after an 18-year run this year highlighted the changes rippling through the streaming giant, has joined the board of a newly formed entity called Horizon Acquisition Corp. II.The November 17 appointment was disclosed Monday in an SEC filing.

Mike Fleming Jr Co-Editor-in-Chief, FilmEXCLUSIVE: New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos are right now announcing that Netflix will boost its presence in the state by expanding its ABQ Studios and committing to an additional $1 billion in production spending.The Studio expansion will add 300 acres to the company’s existing studios, located in Albuquerque’s Mesa Del Sol area.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Adam Ruins Everything” star Adam Conover and the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions are teaming up for a Netflix comedy series that explores the world of government.“The G Word with Adam Conover” is described as a blend of sketch comedy and documentary that takes viewers inside the complex machinery of the U.S. government.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorJennifer Prince, a seven-year Twitter veteran, has been promoted to global VP and head of content partnerships, overseeing the teams that work with creators, media and entertainment companies to leverage the platform.In the new role, Prince reports to Matt Derella, Twitter’s global VP of customers.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming “Cowboy Bebop” live-action series at Netflix is rounding out its main cast with six new additions.Geoff Stults, Tamara Tunie, Mason Alexander Park, Rachel House, Ann Truong, and Hoa Xuande have all joined the series.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.Local Jehovah’s Witnesses will be among those taking part in a worldwide campaign this month to distribute the issue of the Watchtower magazine entitled ‘What Is God’s Kingdom?’The answer to that question has captivated the attention of people from many different faiths for centuries.Jehovah’s Witnesses will distribute the magazine to the general public, business owners, local and national government

who left the company in September when new co-CEO Ted Sarandos promoted Bajaria. (Channing Dungey, Jane Wiseman and Nina Wolarsky followed Holland out the door.) Until that post is occupied, the execs above will report directly to Bajaria.Also Read: Netflix TV Chief Bela Bajaria Sets Global Leadership Team, Restructures US OperationsSaid Pakosta: “I’ve spent many hours watching as a fan, and now I am incredibly excited to join Bela and the Netflix original series team.

Elaine Low Senior TV WriterAfter nearly a decade at NBCUniversal, NBC’s co-president of scripted programming Tracey Pakosta is leaving the company to join Netfix as its head of comedy.The longtime TV exec will oversee development and current programming at the streaming giant, including adult animation and live-action family comedies, as well as stand-up and comedy formats.“I’ve spent many hours watching as a fan, and now I am incredibly excited to join Bela and the Netflix original series

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVNBC Co-President of Scripted Programming Tracey Pakosta is leaving the broadcast network to join Netflix as head of comedy, reporting to Global TV head Bela Bajaria.Pakosta will oversee both development and current programming for Netflix’s slate of scripted comedy series, including adult animation and live-action family comedies. Pakosta will also oversee the stand-up and comedy formats team.