Amazon Secures International Rights for 'Baywatch' Reboot and Original Series
Amazon Prime Video has officially acquired the international streaming rights for the highly anticipated 'Baywatch' revival. This move will bring the new series to audiences across a significant portion of Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, alongside Canada, Latin America, and India. Furthermore, this comprehensive agreement grants Amazon access to the entire historical catalog of the original 'Baywatch' series, spanning its initial nine seasons and the subsequent 'Baywatch Hawaii' chapters, ensuring fans can enjoy the full saga.
The revived 'Baywatch' ensemble features talents such as Stephen Amell, Jessica Belkin, Shay Mitchell, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader. Behind the scenes, Matt Nix, known for his work on 'Burn Notice' and 'The Gifted,' is at the helm as showrunner and executive producer. He is joined by an impressive roster of executive producers, including McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. McG, acclaimed for directing 'Charlie's Angels,' is also set to direct the premiere episode.
This contemporary iteration of 'Baywatch' aims to honor its predecessor while presenting a fresh perspective for modern viewers. The original series, famously starring David Hasselhoff, initially faced cancellation after its debut season on NBC. However, it achieved remarkable global success through syndication, becoming a worldwide phenomenon broadcast in over 200 countries and captivating more than a billion viewers weekly. Beyond Hasselhoff, the show played a pivotal role in launching the careers of notable actors like Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth.
The production of the new series is a collaborative effort between Fremantle and Fox Entertainment. The inaugural 12-episode season is slated to premiere on Fox in January 2027, with its availability on Prime Video following later that year. Fox Entertainment Global holds the exclusive distribution rights within the domestic market, while Fremantle is responsible for all international sales, having successfully negotiated this deal with Amazon.
Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President of Distribution for Canada & International at Fremantle, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. She highlighted the opportunity to introduce the new 'Baywatch' to global audiences through Prime Video, while simultaneously providing fans with the chance to rediscover the beloved original series. Di Mondo underscored the enduring cultural impact of 'Baywatch,' suggesting that this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise.
UFC's White House Event: A $30 Million Loss for TKO Despite High Viewership
TKO Group, the parent company of UFC, reported a $30 million loss from its "UFC Freedom 250" event held at the White House on Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Despite the financial setback, the event garnered 8.2 million viewers on Paramount+, becoming the streamer's most-watched live exclusive event. TKO executives, including CEO Ari Emanuel, lauded the event as a success for brand exposure and future partnerships, even as it impacted their quarterly margins.
Ariana Grande's Withdrawal from 'Sunday in the Park' Surprises Production Team
Ariana Grande's recent decision to step back from the public eye and withdraw from the musical 'Sunday in the Park With George' reportedly caught key members of the production off guard, despite claims from her camp that the move was communicated and supported by the team. The London show is now actively seeking a replacement for her leading role, Dot, to meet an upcoming ticket sale deadline.
Renowned Figures to Grace Variety's Entertainment and Technology Summit
The annual Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit, hosted by EY, will feature an impressive lineup of speakers including Emmy-winning producer Bill Hader, acclaimed director James Wan, Nintendo of America President Devon Pritchard, comedic talent Nick Kroll, and Sony Pictures Television Chairman Keith Le Goy. The event, scheduled for September 17th in Los Angeles, will also host executives from Google, Warner Bros. Television, and TikTok, promising in-depth discussions on the future of entertainment and technology.
Paramount-Warner Bros. Antitrust Trial Set for March 2027
A federal judge has scheduled the antitrust trial concerning the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery for March 2027. This decision comes despite Paramount's request for an earlier trial date, highlighting the complexity and contested nature of the $111 billion deal. The lawsuit, brought by a coalition of 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America, alleges that the merger would stifle competition in the basic cable and theatrical distribution markets.
Netflix's 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' Reveals First Images and Release Date
Netflix's acclaimed 'Monster' anthology is set to unveil its fourth season, focusing on the notorious Lizzie Borden. Starring Ella Beatty as Borden, the series will explore the infamous 1892 axe murders and the subsequent trial. The new season, featuring an ensemble cast including Vicky Krieps and Charlie Hunnam, promises a deep dive into Borden's psychology and the themes of female rage and repression. All eight episodes will premiere on September 17.
New Girl Cast Reunites at Chrysalis Butterfly Ball for Rising Phoenix Award
The cast of the popular sitcom "New Girl," including Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone, and Damon Wayans Jr., will reunite on October 10th in Los Angeles to accept the Rising Phoenix Award at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball. This award celebrates the show's theme of new beginnings and honors those who facilitate such transformations. Max Greenfield, who will also host the event, initially sparked reunion rumors by misinterpreting an email.