How award shows are adapting to keep up with changing viewership trends
Award show season kicks off Jan. 5 with the Golden Globes. But as these annual ceremonies approach, one thing is clear: traditional TV viewership is not what it used to be. Viral moments often eclipse the celebration, leaving organizers scrambling to stay relevant.
One notable example is the infamous slap involving Chris Rock and Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. The clip, which dominated social media in the days and weeks after, racked up millions of views on YouTube. It even surpassed the total viewership of that year’s Oscars broadcast, highlighting how audiences often engage more with snippets online than with full shows.
A glimmer of hope for ratings
Despite these challenges, there are signs of recovery. According to Variety, the 2023 Oscars drew more than 18 million viewers, marking a slight increase from previous years. However, ratings in the key 18-to-49 demographic continued to drop, showing there’s still work to be done.
The BAFTAs, officially known as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, also experienced a decline in viewership. The 2024 ceremony saw 800,000 fewer viewers compared to the previous year, reflecting a broader trend of declining TV audiences.
However, the decline in award show ratings isn’t unique. Cable and satellite TV usage has plummeted in recent years. Pew Research reports that only 56% of Americans now watch TV through traditional cable or satellite services, down from 76% in 2015. Among the 18-to-29 age group, that number sits at just 34%.
Award shows adapt to modern audiences
With these numbers in mind, award shows are adapting to meet viewers where they are. For the first time ever, the Oscars will stream on Hulu in addition to its traditional ABC broadcast. This shift is part of a broader effort to appeal to on-demand viewers who prefer streaming platforms over live TV.
Social media is also playing a massive role. From live-tweeting during ceremonies to posting viral-worthy moments, platforms like Instagram, X and TikTok are becoming essential tools to engage audiences who may not tune in live.
Hosts and categories bring fresh energy
Hosts are another part of the strategy to keep award shows fresh. Comedian Conan O’Brien will make his debut as host of the 2025 Oscars, bringing his unique style to the ceremony. Over at the Golden Globes, Nikki Glaser will become the first woman to solo-host Hollywood’s party of the year.
The BAFTAs are also introducing new categories for 2025, including a children’s and family film award. This addition is designed to celebrate stories that resonate with intergenerational audiences.
While many award shows struggle with declining viewership, the Grammys offer a rare bright spot. After hitting a low point of 8 million viewers in 2021, this year’s broadcast rebounded significantly, drawing nearly 17 million viewers, according to Statista.
Disney pulls transgender storyline from upcoming Pixar series
Even though the show isn’t out yet, Disney has cut a storyline from its new animated series. The storyline in one episode of Pixar’s “Win or Lose” was set to center around the gender identity of a trans character.
Disney officials said the transgender character will still be in the show. However, Disney cut the story line revolving around the character’s gender.
“When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline,” Disney said in a statement released Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Chanel Stewart, who voiced the character in question, was “very disheartened” by the change, Deadline Hollywood reported.
“From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth,” Stewart said. “I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard.”
This isn’t the first time Disney has pulled a trans storyline before it aired. Disney Channel’s animated series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” made headlines recently after some who worked on the show took to social media saying Disney banned the release of an episode focused on a recurring transgender character.
Disney denied “banning” the episode. Officials said the decision to hold its release was not because of the transgender character inclusion.
Disney-Pixar’s “Win or Lose” centers around a co-ed middle school softball team in the run-up to its championship game. It premieres on Disney+ on Feb. 19.
Disney originally planned to air the show on Dec. 6 as Pixar’s first-ever animated series. However, the company ended up swapping dates with Pixar’s other new series, “Dream Productions.” That story is based on the character of Riley from “Inside Out.”
One of TV’s most chaotic families is making a comeback. Disney+ announced that “Malcolm in the Middle” is getting a reboot with four brand-new episodes.
The streaming platform shared the news on Instagram, captioning a post, “They’re back!”
Frankie Muniz, who played the titular character, expressed his excitement, saying he’s ready to show fans where the family is now.
What made “Malcolm in the Middle” special?
The original series premiered on Fox in 2000 and ran until 2006. During its six seasons, the show earned 33 Emmy nominations and won seven awards. It became a classic sitcom thanks to its unique humor and relatable characters.
“Malcolm in the Middle” followed Malcolm, a gifted middle child navigating life with his wild and dysfunctional family. His intelligence often clashed with his brothers’ antics and his parents’ strict, chaotic parenting style.
Familiar faces returning for the reboot
Fans will see Muniz reprise his role as Malcolm in the reboot. Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek will also return as his eccentric parents, Hal and Lois. According to Variety, the official synopsis teases, “Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party.”
Linwood Boomer, the creator of the original series, will return as a writer and executive producer.
Muniz shares his excitement
Since the series ended, Muniz has pursued a professional racing career. However, he has teased the possibility of a reboot for years.
In an interview with Dr. Mayim Bialik in 2023, Muniz said, “I have a greater appreciation of even what the show is and was and would love to dive in with all those people again.” Now, that dream is becoming a reality.
No official premiere date has been set, but fans are eager to reunite with the family that brought chaos and comedy to TV screens for years.
How social media personalities are shaping the future of marketing
Forget traditional TV ads — marketing is evolving, with social media personalities driving the change. Social streaming platforms and influencers like Kai Cenat are reshaping how brands connect with consumers.
From record-breaking Twitch marathons to influencer-led campaigns, brands are finding success by tapping into authentic digital communities.
Kai Cenat’s groundbreaking Twitch “subathon“
Cenat, a 22-year-old content creator known for comedic and over-the-top livestreams, recently hosted a monthlong Twitch “subathon.”
For 24 hours a day, viewers could watch Cenat do everything from eating and sleeping to engaging with fans and special guests.
Some of his guests included Kevin Hart, Kyrie Irving and Bill Nye the Science Guy. The goal was to entertain his loyal followers while breaking Twitch’s record for the most subscribers. Cenat smashed the previous record of 326,250, ending his subathon with 727,700 subscribers and over 50 million unique viewers.
The financial impact of social streaming
Cenat’s financial gains were massive. At $4.99 per subscription, he potentially earned up to $3.6 million.
The exact amount is unclear since Twitch takes a percentage but the earnings didn’t stop there. Ads and brand deals with companies like Nike and McDonald’s add to the haul.
Social media marketing vs. traditional TV ads
According to a Statista study, 41% of consumers purchased products after seeing social media ads, compared to 43% influenced by TV commercials. Among Gen Z and millennials, social media dominates. About 62% of Gen Zers and 53% of millennials reported being influenced by online ads.
Jason McDonald, the director of JM Internet Group, told Straight Arrow News that the marketing industry has changed a lot in the last few years.
“Marketing has become a much more technical profession than it used to be, and that creates a lot of opportunities for young people,” McDonald said.
The McDonald’s restaurant’s senior marketing director highlighted how the company collaborated with Cenat, saying in a post, “because he’s one of the most influential talents in the world… and an absolute fan of the Big Mac.”
Timeless keys to marketing success
While marketing trends constantly evolve, some foundations remain essential. McDonald says there are two keys skills people need to be good at in order to be successful at marketing.
“Being a good storyteller is incredibly important… And at a technical level, getting skillful at producing video,” McDonald said.
As social media continues to grow, storytelling and video production are the cornerstones of impactful marketing strategies.
WGA calls on Hollywood studios to combat AI plagiarism
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is urging Hollywood studios to take immediate action against the growing issue of AI plagiarism. It’s a call to action that echoes the union’s concerns during the lengthy 2023 writer’s strike.
WGA calls out major studios
The WGA East and West recently sent a letter to CEOs of major studios. They include Netflix, Walt Disney Co., NBCUniversal, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery.
In the letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, the WGA claims that tech companies like Apple and Meta have “looted” the studios’ intellectual property while studios have failed to act against the violations.
“After this industry has spent decades fighting piracy, it cannot stand idly by while tech companies steal full libraries of content for their own financial gain,” the letter states.
AI models trained on copyrighted material
The letter cites a November article in The Atlantic, which reported that thousands of movies and TV episodes were being used to train AI models.
The WGA accuses studios of allowing “tech companies to plunder entire libraries without permission or compensation,” ultimately harming WGA members.
AI’s growing role in Hollywood
Despite the controversy, AI continues to gain traction in Hollywood. In September, Lionsgate—the studio behind franchises like “John Wick” and “Hunger Games”—announced a partnership with the AI video startup Runway. The technology is marketed as a tool to help filmmakers and creative teams generate cinematic visuals.
Legal victories for creatives
However, artists have recently seen progress in their legal battles against AI. In August, a federal court allowed a copyright infringement claim against AI art generators to move forward.
The case, brought by concept artist Karla Ortiz, centers on how AI firms may have used copyrighted materials to train models like Stable Diffusion. The lawsuit could significantly impact the future use of AI in Hollywood.
NLRB says contestants on ‘Love is Blind’ should be counted as employees
The hit reality show “Love Is Blind” is facing scrutiny after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint against its production companies, Kinetic Content and Delirium TV. The NLRB alleges the companies violated labor laws, including using unlawful confidentiality and noncompete clauses in cast member contracts.
Reality TV stars classified as employees
The NLRB’s complaint seeks to classify “Love Is Blind” contestants as employees rather than independent contractors. This distinction could lead to significant changes in the reality TV industry. According to a legal expert speaking to CNN, this case could increase transparency in an industry long accused of exploitation.
Previous complaints against “Love Is Blind”
According to The New York Times, in 2023, contestants Renee Poche and Nicholas Thompson filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB. Poche claims she was paid just $1,000 per week during filming, with no union-negotiated standards for pay.
Thompson, a contestant from the second season, said in an Instagram post Thursday, Dec. 12, in response to the news, “Employees have important legal protections and rights that contractors don’t have, like minimum wage, overtime pay, and the right to organize.”
Poche also accused Delirium TV of initiating arbitration proceedings after she spoke out about her partner’s financial instability during her season. The company alleged she violated her nondisclosure agreement and sought $4 million in damages.
Restrictive contracts under fire
In response to separate complaints last year, the show’s creator told People magazine that the show documents the independent choices of adult participants. However, the NLRB argues that restrictive contract terms, such as a $50,000 fine for leaving without legitimate reasons, are unlawful.
Poche’s lawyer, quoted by Deadline, stated, “Mark Geragos and I, along with our legal teams, have been working closely with the NLRB for over a year and are thrilled that this collaboration has resulted in a monumental filing that promises to change the reality TV industry forever.”
This development comes just months before the premiere of the eighth season of “Love is Blind.” New episodes launch on Feb. 14.
Straight Arrow News reached out to Kinetic Content and Delirium TV for comment but has yet to receive a response.
J.J. Abrams inks new first-look deal with Warner Bros.
Filmmaker J.J. Abrams and Warner Bros. Television are starting a new chapter in their nearly 20-year relationship, according to Deadline. The new agreement follows months of negotiations and could have a major impact on TV and film projects.
Bad Robot, Abrams’ production company, has secured a deal after its previous $250 million agreement in 2019. The 2019 deal came at the height of the peak TV era, when studios were eager to secure big-name creators. However, it didn’t fully meet expectations.
One of Abrams’ most anticipated projects, the sci-fi drama “Demimonde,” was pulled by HBO in 2022 before it could go into production. The ambitious series was canceled due to high production costs, especially after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger that same year.
Another setback came when plans for a “Justice League Dark,” universe, including a “Constantine,” reboot, were scrapped during restructuring at DC Studios.
Despite these setbacks, some of Abrams’ projects made it through development, like docuseries “The Yankees Win.” The HBO Max series, “Duster,” was also green lit early last year.
This new deal could signal a fresh start for both sides. In addition to his current projects, Abrams revealed he has several other projects in development, including the science fiction film “Flowervale Street,” which is slated for release in 2025. He’s also directing his first feature film in years, a mystery movie, with production set to begin in early 2025.
The new two-year deal is a first-look, non-exclusive agreement. This means Warner Bros. has the first opportunity to develop and produce Bad Robot’s new projects. However, if the studio passes, Abrams is free to pitch those projects to other studios. This flexible collaboration could pave the way for more diverse opportunities.
Neither Bad Robot nor Warner Bros. has commented on the details of the new agreement yet. As more information becomes available, it’s clear Abrams’ company isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Suspect charged with murder in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
The man accused of gunning down the CEO of UnitedHealthcare on a New York City sidewalk is charged with murder. And the Biden administration levels allegations of war crimes against two Syrians who were high-raking members of the now ousted regime. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
Suspect charged with murder in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
After nearly a week of searching, the manhunt for the suspected gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel last week is over. Police said they located the 26-year-old suspect inside a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 300 miles from New York on Monday, Dec. 9.
The New York City Police Department filed first-degree murder charges against Luigi Mangione, according to court documents released Monday night. Mangione also faces charges of possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a forged driver’s license, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Mangione is described as a former high school valedictorian and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, who grew up in Maryland but has also had past addresses in California and Hawaii.
Mangione was taken into custody in Altoona after authorities said a McDonald’s employee recognized him as the person of interest seen in images related to Thompson’s shooting death.
When police arrived on the scene, they questioned Mangione. According to court documents, Mangione “started to shake” when asked if he’d recently been in New York City. Authorities said at first, he lied about his identity.
So proud of @NYPDMTN Detectives, and our Major Case and Homicide Squads, who worked around-the-clock on the homicide investigation in Midtown. I joined them last night to thank them for their dedication. No doubt, their work was instrumental to identifying the person of interest… pic.twitter.com/jAFA7JDcHd
Court documents show he was carrying a black 3-D printed pistol with a silencer. The NYPD said the “ghost gun” found on him was consistent with the one used in the murder. Ghost guns do not have serial numbers.
Police said Mangione also had on him a fake ID, matching the one used by the suspect at a New York City hostel before the shooting, and a three-page written note.
“That document is currently in the possession of the Altoona Police Department as part of their investigation but just from briefly speaking with them, we don’t think that there’s any specific threats to other people mentioned in that document, but it does seem that he has some ill will toward corporate America,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenney said.
Multiple reports Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, claimed those writings included the phrases “these parasites had it coming” and it “had to be done.”
During a press conference Monday evening, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) spoke of how the killing has led to some people online sharing their frustrations and anger over the healthcare system but emphasized that Mangione is not a martyr.
“In some dark corners, this killer’s being hailed as a hero,” Shapiro said. “Hear me on this: he is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this [Monday] morning. The real heroes every day in our society are the women and men who put on uniforms like these and go out in our communities to keep us safe. This killer is not a hero. He should not be hailed.”
Mangione will remain in custody in Pennsylvania pending his extradition to New York, which is expected to take place later this week.
Jury finds former US Marine not guilty in NYC chokehold death trial
Tensions remain high in New York after a jury acquitted U.S. Marine veteran Daniel Penny of all charges on Monday, including criminally negligent homicide, in the chokehold death of a schizophrenic man, whose behavior had some people on the New York subway testifying they feared for their lives.
The caught-on-camera deadly incident from May 2023 saw Penny put Jordan Neely in a chokehold from behind after Neely walked up and down the F train saying “somebody is going to die today”.
Prosecutors said the chokehold lasted too long, was reckless, and resulted in the 30-year-old homeless man’s death. The defense brought an expert in to show Neely was under the influence of the synthetic marijuana drug K2, arguing he died from drug use and a previous medical condition.
Outside the Manhattan courthouse Tuesday, fights broke out as protesters and counter-protesters clashed. After the verdict Neely’s father stated, “There is no justice.”
US charges 2 former Syrian officials with war crimes
The United States has charged two former high-ranking Syrian intelligence officials with war crimes. The DOJ said during Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Jamil Hassan and Abdul Salam Mahmoud oversaw operations of a detention facility where Americans and civilians who had been deemed enemies of the state were tortured.
In other developments in the Middle East, the U.S. has also sent a special envoy to Beirut, Lebanon to find out what happened to Austin Tice. Tice is an American journalist who vanished in Syria 12 years ago.
"We have heard from sources that have been vetted by the U.S. government that Austin is alive." Austin Tice has been missing in Syria for 12 years. Today his brother & sister tell me "every day is a day that Austin should be released and a day that Austin could be released." pic.twitter.com/o08OgOFKEm
On Sunday, Dec. 8, President Joe Biden said he believes Tice is still alive and his administration is committed to bringing him home. Syria has publicly denied holding Tice.
Meanwhile, Israel has launched a large-scale attack on Syria, striking what it called strategic military sites after the fall of the al-Assad government. It also expanded its presence into the Golan Heights, a buffer zone along the country’s border with Syria.
Israel claimed the move is temporary and aimed at ensuring nearby areas are not exposed to any potential security threats, but Iran has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, saying the expansion is a “flagrant violation” of U.N. charter, breaking a 50-year cease-fire agreement.
Hegseth looks to shore up Senate support on Capitol Hill
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary is back on Capitol Hill this week. He’s looking to shore up support from Senate Republicans.
Pete Hegseth met with Senators Joni Ernst and Lindsey Graham on Monday. Both had expressed concerns over allegations against Hegseth of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement of veterans’ charities and excessive drinking.
Hegseth denies a lot of it and says he is changed man. He served in the Army in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Lord & Taylor to relaunch as online discount luxury retailer
Another department store chain is set to make an internet comeback. Lord & Taylor is set to relaunch in 2025 as a discount luxury e-commerce platform offering designer goods and Lord & Taylor-branded products, according to its new owner.
Regal Brands Global acquired the Lord & Taylor intellectual property in September after its previous owner, Saadia Group — which had re-launched the chain as an e-commerce website in 2021 — ceased operations.
Regal Brands reportedly aims to position Lord & Taylor products to compete with other high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.
‘Emilia Perez’ receives most Golden Globe nominations
The pet business is projected to reach over $150 billion in sales this year and one big player in the industry is Lamb Chop. The beloved sock puppet from a children’s television show has become the hottest chew toy for dogs.
In 2008, the pet product company Multipet got the license to Lamb Chop and soon began making toys for dogs. Nowadays, Multipet sells several million of them each year.
Dog owners on social media have been chronicling how much their canines love their Lamb Chop toys.
Comedian and “Simpsons” writer Broti Gupta posted on X in February her dog Niko is “obsessed” with the toy, writing, “He puts it in front of the door on our way out so it can be the first thing he sees when we get back.”
question: my dog is OBSESSED with his lamb chop toy. he literally puts it in front of the door on our way out so it can be the first thing he sees when we get back. He hugs it constantly. He won't go anywhere in the house without it. Does he think it's his child? His mom? ?? pic.twitter.com/obg9wiVMOA
And just a few days ago, Gupta posted another image with her dog holding the toy in his mouth –– telling her followers that Niko and Lamb Chop want them to watch the latest “Simpsons” episode.
Just do Niko this one favor. Watch the Simpsons on Hulu tomorrow. It’s such a fun episode written by @jessicajconrad so you KNOW you’re in for a good time. Niko and lamb chop really want this for you pic.twitter.com/zisGZ4gZJr
Other dog owners have turned to Reddit to make sure they are not alone when it comes to their dog’s fascination with Lamb Chop.
It’s been a long road for the sock puppet to become man’s best friend’s best friend.
It all started when Peabody Award-winning ventriloquist, puppeteer and entertainer Shari Lewis introduced Lamb Chop on “The Captain Kangaroo Show” in the 1950s.
Lewis took Lamb Chop with her when she started her own show, “The Shari Lewis Show,” in the early 1960s.
Then, three decades later, Lamb Chop met a new generation of kids when Lewis began “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along” series on PBS. They both also ventured onto another PBS series, “Sesame Street.” Her show won five Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Series.
Millennials who watched the show as a kid are now pet owners. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 32% of dog owners are millennials, which means a dog toy based on Lamb Chop not only checks the box for a fun chew toy for Fido –– but also a whimsical, nostalgic purchase for Fido’s owner, too.
Since Lewis’ passing in 1998, her daughter Mallory Lewis has taken over the mantle of being the voice of lamb chop.
Her TikTok account — @yourfavlambchop — where she posts videos with her puppet companion has over 250,000 followers. Mallory Lewis recently recorded a video reacting to dog owners giving their pets the chew toys.
“Well, it’s complicated because on the one hand, or one mitten, I am thrilled that people love me and want to share their love of me with their fur babies,” the puppet said. “On the other hand, I don’t like seeing pictures of people’s doggies chewing my head off.”
According to the software company Pet Exec, millennials and Gen Z spend around $100 on their pets for the holidays.
The APPA said 52% of dog owners are planning to purchase holiday gifts this year for their furry friends. And it’s a safe bet many of those pet parents will be purchasing one of these Lamb Chop chew toys — if they don’t have a few already lying around at home.
Digital assets including Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes will also be part of the new standalone company. In its press release, Comcast is referring to the company as “SpinCo.”
Comcast’s NBCUniversal division is keeping cable network Bravo, the NBC broadcast network, its Peacock streaming service, and all other assets, like NBC Sports and the Universal theme parks.
“This transaction positions both SpinCo and NBCUniversal to play offense in a changing media landscape,” said Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast. “Taken together, the entirety of NBCUniversal will be on a new growth trajectory, fueled by our world-class content, technology, IP, properties and talent – all working in concert with each other as an integrated media company.”
SpinCo will be led by Mark Lazarus, current Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, who will serve as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Anand Kini, current Chief Financial Officer of NBCUniversal and EVP of Corporate Strategy at Comcast, will be its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Cavanagh previewed this move during an earnings call on Oct. 31.
“We are now exploring whether creating a new well-capitalized company, owned by our shareholders and comprised of our strong portfolio of cable networks, would position them to take advantage of opportunities in the changing media landscape and create value for our shareholders,” Cavanagh said. “We are not ready to talk about any specifics yet, but we’ll be back to you as and when we reach firm conclusions.”
Comcast said over the last twelve months, which ended Sept. 30, 2024, SpinCo generated approximately $7 billion in revenue. Comcast said it is targeting to complete the spinoff in approximately one year.