Which Streaming Service Cancels TV Series at the Highest Rate? This New Study Sets the Record Straight

Brian Steinberg Senior TV Editor At least one of the big companies that distribute CNN via cable or satellite is unnerved by how closely the company’s new live-streaming service looks like its TV network. Big satellite distributor DirecTV has let executives at Warner Bros. Discovery know via letter that its executives believe the similarities between the two products violate the carriage contract between the two companies, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho is set to be adapted for the screen. Legendary Entertainment has acquired the film, TV, and ancillary rights to the acclaimed book, Variety has learned. The company will lead development of a film adaptation along with Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Palmstar, with TriStar set to distribute under their distribution partnership with Legendary.

Refresh for latest…: Here we are with a sort of hybrid weekend at the international box office: there were fresh entries from the Hollywood studios, as well as major new titles timed to holiday play in local markets, and a holdover that’s continuing to rack up records.

The New York Jets are ready for game day!

Joe Otterson TV Reporter ABC has canceled the comedy series “Home Economics” after three seasons, Variety has learned. In addition, the new series “High Potential” starring Kaitlin Olson is now slated to debut in fall 2024. “Home Economics” aired its third season finale in January of this year, which will now serve as its series finale.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter The megahit animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” has been renewed for Season 15 at Nickelodeon. The new season will consist of 26 episodes and will bring the show to 345 total episodes since it originally launch in 1999. The show will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its debut in 2024.

In a good sign that the industry is quickly getting back on its feet after the WGA strike, Netflix returned to filming its Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning and Omar Epps limited series, The Perfect Couple in Nantucket, Mass. today, less than 48 hours after scribe pickets stopped.

Hackney Diamonds. “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven” showcases the iconic lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Steve Jordan, with the added brilliance of Stevie Wonder’s piano accompaniment.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter As writers hit the picket lines during the 146-day WGA strike, they were absolutely barred from writing anything for the Hollywood studios and streamers. But there was no reason they couldn’t write their own scripts on spec. Now, as Hollywood’s writers return to work, those TV pilot and movie scripts written over the course of the strike could make their way to market.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter HBO has set the premiere date for the Season 4 of “True Detective.” Officially dubbed “True Detective: Night Country,” the six-episode season will launch on Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.

Emma Stone’s next project promises to be a big departure from her previous roles, evident from a series of first-look photos unveiled on Tuesday.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Starz is canceling four of its series, Variety has learned exclusively. Specifically, “Heels,” “Run the World,” and “Blindspotting” will not get new seasons at the cable network, while “The Venery of Samantha Bird” Season 1 is being scrapped without airing. “Heels,” “Run the World,” and “Blindspotting” all recently aired their second season at Starz, while “The Venery of Samantha Bird” was in production on its first season.

This is Day 144 of the WGA strike and Day 71 of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter “Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin” has been canceled at Peacock despite the fact the show was previously renewed for a second season. The spinoff of the “Pitch Perfect” film franchise originally debuted on Peacock in November 2022 and was renewed in January 2023. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, the decision was made to cancel the series as the ongoing strikes in Hollywood meant that production was not able to begin as originally scheduled.

Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old Australian media magnate whose creation of Fox News made him a force in American politics, is stepping down as leader of both Fox’s parent company and his News Corp. media holdings.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter WWE’s “SmackDown” is officially set to return to USA Network in a new five-year rights deal. The weekly show currently airs on Fox but will move to its new network home in October 2024 when the Fox deal expires. “Smackdown” originally began airing on Fox in 2019 as part of a five-year deal between the network and WWE.

Alix Earle is setting the record straight about accusations that she began NFL player Braxton Berrios while he was still involved with ex Sophia Culpo.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter “Dark Winds” has been renewed for Season 3 at AMC, Variety has learned. The news comes after the second season wrapped up on AMC and AMC+ on Sept. 3.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter “Good Burger 2” officially has a premiere date at Paramount+. The streaming service announced Monday that the followup to the beloved 1990s film will debut on Nov. 22 in the U.S.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Apple TV+ is expanding its kids and family programming slate with the order of the new animated series “Curses!” Variety has learned exclusively. “Curses!” will premiere on the streaming service on Oct. 27.