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Logo for ‘Survivor 50’ (Photo Credit: CBS)

CBS has an entire year of Survivor-themed celebrations set in support of the reality competition series’ upcoming 50th season. “From the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” stated executive producer and host Jeff Probst.

Probst continued: “‘Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans’ is unlike anything we’ve done before. For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control – deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players!”

Season 48 will premiere on February 26, 2025. Among this season’s 18 castaways are a debate professor, an attorney, a fire captain, and a stunt performer.

The 50th season of the popular survival series will air in February 2026. Emmy-winner Jeff Probst will continue as host and...

“Survivor” Season 48 is set to premiere this week, but Wednesdays will be for more than just seeing who gets their torch snuffed this time around.

That is because host Jeff Probst just announced that ahead of the CBS competition series’ milestone 50th season next year, fans will be getting to impact their favorite show with game-changing votes.

“From the very first season, ‘Survivor’ has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” Probst said in a Monday statement. “‘Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans’ is unlike anything we’ve done before. For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control – deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players!”

It’s worth noting that while the cast will be made up of returning fan-favorite players,...

“‘Alliance’ is the mot du jour for all players on the global scripted scene,” says Alice Sommer, Head of Drama at Norwegian network TV2.

She should know — her channel is part of Scandi Alliance, one of several groupings of networks in Europe who’ve teamed to beat the global economics that appear to be stacking against those trying to fund high-end TV drama.

Indeed, heading into the London TV Screenings next week, the global industry faces a scripted cash crisis. U.S. networks have largely retrenched into domestic stories, Europe’s public broadcasters face myriad funding problems and distributors appear only to want low-risk bets. Speaking to Deadline earlier this week, Catch You Later producer Mike Benson from Clapperboard Studios summed up the problem for producers: Traditionally, “Most of your Mg [minimum guarantee] is underpinned by a good American sale, and if you don’t have that you’re looking to the rest of the world.

The 50th edition of Survivor is enlisting the help of a new tribe — the show’s viewers — to help determine how the game plays out.

Host and executive producer Jeff Probst announced Saturday that the CBS competition’s 50th season, slated to air in February 2026, will be guided partly by votes from viewers. The show is calling the theme “In the Hands of the Fans.”

“From the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” Probst said in a statement. “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans is unlike anything we’ve done before. For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control — deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players.”

Viewers will be able to vote on certain elements of the season,...

Exclusive: “The cat and mouse dynamic is really good,” says Jason Watkins. “It’s a game where these two men are almost stalking each other,” adds Robson Green.

The pair are talking about the central dynamic in Catch You Later, the Channel 5 miniseries in which The Crown star Watkins plays a retired police officer, Huw Miller, who is plagued by the one case he failed to crack — stalker who taunted his town, toying with his victims before killing them. When Patrick Harbottle (Green) moves into a home on his street recently left empty when the occupier suddenly dies, Miller becomes convinced his new neighbor is the killer, thanks to three little words.

“The way Patrick says, ‘catch you later’ triggers something within Huw, who thinks he has his man,” says Green, star of shows such as Grantchester and Strike Back. “Patrick is over-friendly, and Huw feels everything is not quite what it seems.

Max got plenty of afterglow from the big “Hacks” best comedy Emmy win this fall, but series producer Universal TV would appreciate some of that halo too. “Ted Lasso” is Apple TV+’s biggest hit, but give some credit to the company behind the show, Warner Bros. TV. And yes, “The Boys” was a game changer for Amazon Prime Video, but Sony Pictures TV is making sure you know that’s actually a Sony property.

TV studios are flexing their brand muscle more than ever in the streaming age. Studios have been more aggressive in getting their names out there and making sure viewers learn which company is actually producing their favorite series.

Most programs now kick off with a vanity card announcing the production company at the start of each episode. That messaging — like “A Sony Pictures Television Studios Production” or “A Warner Bros. Television Production” — used to appear...

Exclusive: Ollie Mongo, the teenage post-apocalyptic skateboarding zombie who has built a devoted fanbase since his creation as a digital comic series in 2016 now has his wheels aimed for Broadway.

Corey Brunish and Russell Miller of Freedom Theatricals theater collective announced today that they are in development with famed animator Arlene Klasky and co-creator EP Craig Singer on a Broadway-aimed original immersive musical production of Ollie Mongo.

Ollie Mongo was created in 2016 by Klasky and Singer. The digital comic series, set 200 years in the future, follows Ollie, a high school student and skateboarder infected with Guak seeds brought back by astronauts from outer space that transform humans with type O blood into zombies. Almost 40% of humans are now Zombies, so Ollie becomes an undercover Zombie Chaser. Along with his friends Wizard and Yuki, he battles against zombie bullies and the villainous Vinnie Stitch, who seeks...

As one of Marvel's show-stealing characters, Deadpool has undergone several costume changes over the years. From joining the X-Men to undergoing personality changes, Wade Wilson has an outfit for every occasion. While his iconic appearance that began in his debut will always be one of his best, his other costumes shouldn't be overlooked.

There are several variants of Marvel's funniest mercenary, including Lady Deadpool and Kidpool. However, Deadpool is at his best when Wade is at the helm of the character. The Merc with a Mouth has several infamous one-off costumes, many of which were not mainstays and did not last long enough to be counted among his best. To be the best, Deadpool's suits have to allow him to jump into action readily and keep him easily recognizable.

Pirate Deadpool: The Biggest Opportunity Marvel Missed Deadpool (2008) #14: Jason Pearson, Daniel Way, Shawn Crystal, John Lucas, Lee Loughridge, Corey Petit...

For decades, CBS was known as the “Tiffany Network.” Now, CBS president/chief marketing officer Mike Benson is ready to “break some Tiffany glass.”

The exec, who has been giving CBS a modern image overhaul since taking over in 2019, has now turned his attention to its comedy brand. Timed to the fall launch of the Eye network’s four comedies, Benson has introduced the campaign “You’re Laughing at CBS.”

“People will say that CBS is old and stodgy, but actually, if you look at our programming, it’s really not,” Benson said. “I think we’ve got a lot of work to do, from a brand perspective, to show that we can have a lot of fun. That we are willing to poke fun at ourselves as much as we want people to come in and laugh at the shows that we’ve got.”

The “You’re Laughing at...

Like it started doing last year with Tracker, CBS is getting a head start on promoting its new fall series Poppa’s House by dropping teasers during March Madness that feature Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.

Unlike last year’s spots touting the new Justin Hartley drama, however, the newest one acknowledges how early it is to be talking up the new sitcom. Fortunately, the Wayans are in on the joke.

“Long lead marketing!” quips Damon Wayans in the 15-second spot.

“We do have a sense of humor at CBS, so allowing our talent to acknowledge what the audience is seeing, is something we feel good about,” President and Chief Marketing Office Mike Benson tells Deadline. “We also think that the audience will appreciate the honesty. Let’s call it what it is … long lead marketing and have some fun with it. It’s not only good marketing, but it...

Taylor Tomlinson has proven herself to be a big draw among younger crowds and those savvy with social media. Now CBS hopes the new “After Midnight” host will have similar appeal with a decidedly niche sector: B-to-b advertisers.

The network is trying to develop partnerships with a cluster of marketers that typically find their customers among decision-making executives at corporations. One such advertiser is Codingscape, a technology consultant that sees an alliance with Tomlinson as something that will help get potential clients to view the company as innovative. Instead of putting traditional TV ads on Tomlinson’s late-night show, however, Codingscape wants to run digital ads with its message posted alongside clips of her in action.

“This is a B-to-b that people haven’t heard of,” says Alan Gould, co-ceo of MutualMarkets, a tech upstart that has developed a system for pairing advertisers with TV programs that suit their products,...

The road to the Super Bowl often comes with a few bumps. And then there’s the one Paramount Global is devising.

The entertainment conglomerate, parent of CBS, which will broadcast Super Bowl Lviii from Las Vegas on February 11, 2024, will construct a “Paramount Mountain” atop the popular Mirage Volcano at The Mirage at 3400 South Las Vegas Blvd in Las Vegas. The display will feature a “Paramount+ Lodge” and an ersatz gondola ride that will offer interactive fan experiences built around Paramount properties including “Transformers,” “Yellowstone,” “Star Trek, “Dora The Explorer,” “Ghosts,” “Sistas” and “UEFA Champions League.” The site will operate for four days, starting Thursday, February 8 and continuing through the Sunday Super Bowl game.

“Paramount’s ‘Mountain of Entertainment’ in Las Vegas is an exciting, fan-focused physical manifestation of the expansive and popular content from across our portfolio of brands,” said Josh Line, executive vice president and chief brand officer,...

Fired By Finas

The Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas), the government-backed agency that oversees the country’s film industry, has dismissed its CEO Nasir Ibrahim after less than two years in the job. It follows the return of Kamil Othman who was appointed chairman in February.

Finas notification

The latest move was announced on the organization’s Facebook page, along with the appointment of Rozita Waty Ridzuan as Finas interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

The notice was vague on the reasons for Ibrahim’s early termination, explaining that it was part of a wider recalibration of creative industry policies. “This initiative will hopefully further help Malaysian filmmakers and industry players to produce quality films that have high value in both local and international markets,” the statement said.

Swimming Further

Zdf Studios has sold “The Swarm” (8 x 45 mins), by multiple Primetime Emmy award-winner Frank Doelger (“Game of Thrones...

Exclusive: AMC Networks’ Acorn TV and Channel 5 are serving up a third season of The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

As with Season 2, the U.S./UK co-commissioners are preparing a Christmas special along with six episodes. Filming is currently underway, with the Christmas special set to air on Acorn TV and Channel 5 in 2023, while the rest of the season will continue in 2024.

Starring and created by Sally Lindsay, The Madame Blanc Mysteries sees renowned and respected antiques dealer Jean White (Lindsay) return with her expertise in the world of antiquities, proving to be the key to solving a series of murders and mysteries against the backdrop of the beautiful French village of Sainte Victoire.

Series creator, Lindsay, reprises her role and again joins forces with Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant), who returns as Gloria Beaushaw and as series co-writer. Also reprising their roles are Steve Edge (Starlings), Robin Askwith (Strike), Sue Holderness...

After a fight that lasted eight rounds, Jake Paul had his first boxing-career loss to Tommy Fury, half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. But Paul wasn’t the only celebrity who had a loss last night.

Ahead of the highly anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the betting platform Stake took to Instagram to share that their brand partner, Drake, has bet $400,000 that Paul would knockout Fury. Had Paul won the fight, the rap star would have pocketed a whopping $1.4 million.

Drake lost $400,000 betting on Jake Paul to beat Tommy Fury… pic.twitter.com/le8y4MvjcC

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 26, 2023

After his victory over the YouTuber-turned-boxer, Fury is now on a winning streak of 9-0. But the duo is likely to fight again, as per Paul’s rematch clause in the event that Fury won.

“If he wants a rematch, bring it on,” Fury said accepting the social media star’s demands.

“Ghosts” magic mirror writer Trevor will answer your questions this week as part of a special in-person and online event by CBS, TheWrap can report exclusively.

Fans in Santa Monica can visit the “Ghosts”-branded Victorian style mirror at the Third Street Promenade to pose questions to the ’90s financial bro ghost. The mirror will fog up, just like it does at Woodstone Mansion in the series, and the words Ask Me Anything” will appear on its surface. “Livings” can pose questions to the stock broker’s spirit on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 6 – 10 p.m. and on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 8 p.m. On Thursday, the digital version launches on Twitter (@GhostsCBS) and receive their own foggy mirror message from the beyond.

CBS Marketing Chief Mike Benson told TheWrap the promotion came out of an internal brainstorming session inspired by an episode in the first season where we learn about Trevor...

Paramount Global’s Channel 5 is well known for its love of luxury cruise liners and its next drama series will be set aboard one sailing the Mediterranean Seas.

The British network has ordered Hms Murder (working title), an eight-part murder mystery series from by UK indie Clapperboard, in association with Endeavor Content, that’s been billed as “Murder She Wrote meets Below Deck.”

Set aboard a luxury cruise liner touring Mediterranean holiday hotspots, it follows the ship’s new cabaret singer, Jack Grayling, who discovers there are sinister elements below the surface. After a passenger is found murdered in the first port of call, ambitious First Officer Kate Woods’ dream of her own command is thrown into jeopardy and Jack finds himself thrust back into his former life as a detective. A wave of murder mysteries follows — each set against the backdrop of a different stunning coastal destination.

The...

Distribution

PBS Distribution will be the North American distribution partner for West Road Pictures and All3Media International series “Ridley.” It stars Adrian Dunbar (“Line of Duty”) as Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who has retired from the police after 20 years of dedicated service. Now working in a consultancy role, Ridley resumes his partnership with his former protégée, Di Carol Farman, when she turns to him for help on a complex murder investigation.

The series, which consists of four two-hour episodes, is currently filming across Northern England, and will premiere on ITV in the U.K. It has sold to Npo in the Netherlands, Vrt in Flemish Belgium, BritBox for exclusive Australia streaming, Pumpkin TV has China VOD rights, and Rlj Entertainment has secured DVD/Video rights for Australia and New Zealand.

“Ridley” is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson (“Vera”) and co-created by Jonathan Fisher (“Blood”), MD of West Road Pictures,...

PBS Boards Adrian Dunbar Detective Drama ‘Ridley’ For North American Distribution

PBS Distribution has taken North American rights to upcoming ITV detective drama Ridley, which stars Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar, following a deal with All3Media International. Currently filming in northern England, the show follows retired police officer Ridley who resumes his partnership with former protégée Di Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh) to solve complex murder cases. All3 has secured pre-sales for the four-part drama with Npo in the Netherlands, Vrt in Flemish-speaking Belgium and Britbox in Australia. Pumpkin TV has taken VoD rights in China. The show comes from Paul Matthew Thompson (Vera) and is co-created by former Midsomer Murders exec Jonathan Fisher, whose All3-owned indie West Road Pictures is producing in association with All3Media International.

Channel 5 Orders First True Crime Drama

British broadcaster Channel 5 has turned to long-time scripted partner Clapperboard Studios to create its...

ITV Studios Strikes Major CBC Content Deal

ITV Studios has struck a major scripted and non-scripted content deal with Canadian network CBC as the London Screenings approaches. The deal includes BBC drama Showtrial from ITV Studios-backed Line of Duty producer World Productions, the second series of Kelsey Munro’s Bump, Paramount+’s Australian comedy Spreadsheet, adult animation Ten Year Old Tom and Swedish procedural Thin Blue Line. On the non-scripted side, CBC has taken British factual titles such as Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs and The Queen Unseen. The Canadian network has also extended its deal to air ITV soap Coronation Street. “This is a top notch list of amazing scripted and factual titles from across the globe,” said Craig Bohland, ITV Studios’ Vice President Sales, Canada. The deal comes as ITV Studios gears up for next week’s London Screenings, which will feature major distributors pitching shows...