NBCU exits Hulu deal / "God of War" series / AMC's "Isle of the Dead" / HBO Max "DMZ" trailer

Plus today's calendar, "Apollo 10 1/2" first look, Netflix's "Is It Cake?," "The Muppets Mayhem," Shondaland WH show, and more

Inside.com Part of   Network March 08, 2022

Presented by

NBCUniversal terminated its next-day TV streaming deal with Hulu, and will begin sending its shows exclusively to Peacock. Though NBCU owner Comcast also partly owns Hulu, the streamer is majority-owned by Disney. More: The change will go into effect starting with the next TV season, this fall, and will impact both full show libraries and next-day episodes once they've aired on TV. NBC's entire current broadcast line-up will leave Hulu and move over to Peacock; some catalog shows, such as "The Mindy Project," "30 Rock," and "Friday Night Lights" will remain on Hulu. Comcast will likely sell off its 33% stake in Hulu once the option becomes available in January 2024. VARIETY

According to Deadline, Amazon and Sony are in negotiations to develop a live-action series adaptation of the "God of War" video game series. "The Expanse" creators Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby and "Wheel of Time" showrunner Rafe Judkins will reportedly collaborate on the project. More: The series would be produced by Sony Pictures Television and its PlayStation Productions banner; neither Sony nor Amazon opted to comment on the Deadline story. There are seven games in the "God of War" series across four PlayStation consoles; the story concerns a former Spartan warrior, Kratos, and his quest for revenge against famous gods of world mythology. A number of high-profile series based on games are currently in the works at streamers, including Amazon's "Fallout" and "Mass Effect" projects; Peacock's "Twisted Metal"; "The Last of Us" at HBO; Netflix's "Resident Evil" series; and Showtime's soon-to-debut "Halo." DEADLINE

A message from MALWAREBYTES Secure success for 2022 with AI-powered cyberprotection. Remote workforces continue to raise security concerns for businesses. Remote workforces make easy targets for cybercriminals. 1 out of 5 businesses experienced a remote-worker related security breach 28% of people admitted using their personal device for work more than their work-issued device Secure success in 2022 Prepare your team—and all the devices they use—against ransomware, security breaches, and other cyberattacks with easy-to-use tools designed for growing businesses. Outsmart cyberattacks and avoid downtime with Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response with 72-hour ransomware rollback recovery. Get started today with 25% off your first year of EP, EDR and server protection. Learn More

DAILY CALENDAR TUESDAY, MARCH 8 SCREAM: The fifth film in the slasher series -- the franchise's first entry not directed the late, great Wes Craven -- brings back original stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, while introducing a new cast of potential killers and victims. The filmmaking collective known as "Radio Silence," which previously helmed "Ready Or Not," took over as directors. [Paramount+] LEGACY: IN THE SHADOW OF GREATNESS: Six-part docuseries following the children of sports icons Dwyane Wade, Evander Holyfield, and Randall Cunningham as they attempt to exit their parents' shadows and embark on their own successful athletic careers. "30 for 30" vet Jonathan Hock directed. [Discovery+] UNDERCURRENT: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF KIM WALL: Two-part true-crime documentary from filmmaker Erin Lee Carr ("At the Heart of Gold") about the death of journalist Kim Wall, who vanished while touring an experimental submarine owned by Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. [HBO Max] PERFECT WORLD: A DEADLY GAME: Two-part true-crime docuseries looking back at the case of 23-year-old Ontario man Menhaz Zaman, who murdered three members of his family in 2019 and then sent messages and photographic evidence to a group of online friends he'd met through the multiplayer game "Perfect World." The gamers worked together to identify Zaman and alert authorities. [Peacock] LOUIS THEROUX: SHOOTING JOE EXOTIC: British filmmaker and documentarian Louis Theroux originally interviewed roadside zoo owner Joe Exotic in 2011 for his film "America's Most Dangerous Pets." In this 2021 follow-up -- which originally aired on BBC Two -- Theroux looks back on his 2011 experience, and interviews a number of people connected to Exotic, including his legal team, former co-workers, and even Carole and Howard Baskin. [Peacock] TAYLOR TOMLINSON: LOOK AT YOU: The comedian's new special -- a follow-up to 2020's "Quarter-Life Crisis" -- was recorded at the Wilbur Theater in Boston. Topics include grief, dating, and going to therapy. [Netflix] CHIP AND POTATO: Animated Netflix Jr. series about a young pug named Chip (Abigail Oliver) whose best friend is a mouse named Potato (Andrea Libman) that lives in her pocket. Season 3 debuts today. [Netflix] LAST ONE STANDING: Debut comedy competition show from Japan in which a group of 24 comedians and entertainers provide unscripted dramatic performances based on a series of prompts, then get voted off based on the quality of their acting and improvisation. The comedy duo of Chidori (featuring Diago and Nobu) serve as hosts. [Netflix] AN ASTROLOGICAL GUIDE FOR BROKEN HEARTS (GUIDA ASTROLOGICA PER CUORI INFRANTI): The Italian romantic comedy series stars Claudia Gusmano as Alice, a hopelessly single woman who begins dating Davide (Michele Rosiello) on the advice of charismatic astrology guru Tio (Lorenzo Adorni). It's back for a second season. [Netflix] AUTUMN GIRL (BO WE MNIE JEST SEKS): Biographical drama from Polish co-writer/director Katarzyna Klimkiewicz ("La Isla") about iconoclastic singer and film star Kalina Jedrusik (Maria Debska), who pushed boundaries and challenged conventional attitudes about morality and sex in the 1960s. [Netflix] INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES: 2021 film comedy from writer/director Greeta Malik ("Troublemaker") starring Sophia Ali as a college freshman who moves back home for the summer, gets to know the handsome son (Rish Shah) of her mother's childhood friend, and learns some long-buried secrets about her family. [Hulu] RUXX: Debut 8-episode comedy-drama series from Romania about the intersecting lives of four professional women in Bucharest. Raluca Aprodu, Alec Secareanu, Serban Pavlu, and Ioana Bugarin co-star. [HBO Max]

AMC announced a new "Walking Dead" spin-off series, "Isle of the Dead." The network picked up a six-episode first season of the series, which is set on a zombie-filled Manhattan that has long since been cut off from the mainland. More: "Walking Dead" stars Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan will reprise their roles as Maggie and Negan, respectively, for the new series, while "Walking Dead" vet Eli Jorné will serve as showrunner. "The Walking Dead" is currently airing the final episodes of its final season; other spin-offs include the prequel series "Fear the Walking Dead," "The Walking Dead: World Beyond," and the upcoming anthology "Tales of the Walking Dead." "Isle of the Dead" will air on AMC and stream on AMC+ in 2023. IGN

A message from FINIX Software companies have a unique opportunity to turn payments processing into a profit center, but they don’t do it alone - most work with a partner. Finix is a thought leader in the payments space, and we want to share our knowledge in this (somewhat daunting) area.  When you download our guide you’ll learn what to look for in a payments processing company, including: How they understand the unique payments needs (and opportunities) for software companies How they should enable your payments processing strategy The different models of payments that you’ll find in the market and how their level of effort and risk varies for your company The payments fee structures available and which rate types will increase your revenue from payments The technology end of payments integration, from the importance of APIs to merchant onboarding and underwriting processes How they can make payments compliance easier What to look for in back office operations Get ready to harness the power of integrated payments. Download Now

"DMZ" NEW TRAILERS CATHERINE COHEN: THE TWIST...? SHE'S GORGEOUS: Debut Netflix comedy special from the cabaret singer and stand-up, recorded at famed New York venue Joe's Pub. It premieres on March 15. [Netflix] DMZ: Alternate history limited series, based on the comic books by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli, set in a divided and despotic New York City following a second American Civil War. Rosario Dawson stars as Alma, a medic crossing this dystopian New York in a desperate attempt to locate her son. "Sons of Anarchy" vet Roberto Patino wrote the pilot; filmmaker Ava DuVernay directed. It debuts on March 17. [HBO Max] BELOW DECK DOWN UNDER: New spin-off of the Bravo reality series "Below Deck," debuting exclusively on Peacock on March 17. The new series follows the franchise's youngest captain to date, Jason Chambers, as he leads a luxury yacht crew on a voyage to Australia. Cast members include Aesha Scott, Ryan McKeown, Tumi Mhlongo, and Magda Ziomek. [Peacock] JELLYSTONE: Animated comedy series in which all the classic Hanna-Barbera characters -- from Yogi Bear to Quick-Draw McGraw to Snagglepuss and beyond -- live together in the wacky town of Jellystone. "Harvey Beaks" mastermind C.H. Greenblatt created the series, which returns for a second season on March 17. [HBO Max] IS IT CAKE?: Comic reality competition series -- inspired by the viral memes -- in which bakers attempt to fool a panel of celebrity judges by preparing hyper-realistic pastries and desserts that closely resemble everyday items. "Saturday Night Live" star Mikey Day hosts. The series drops on March 18. [Netflix] DEEP WATER: Erotic thriller from filmmaker Adrian Lyne ("Fatal Attraction"), based on the 1957 novel by Patricia Highsmith and co-adapted by "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson. (This is Lyne's first new film since 2002's "Unfaithful.") Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas co-star as a married couple whose relationship turns toxic, prompting them to begin playing deadly mind games with one another. It arrives on March 18. [Hulu] APOLLO 10 1/2: A SPACE AGE CHILDHOOD: Animated coming-of-age drama from writer/director Richard Linklater ("Waking Life"), set in the summer of 1969, during preparations for the Apollo moon landing. The story is told from the perspective of a 10-year-old boy who fantasizes about being enlisted by NASA for a dangerous mission of his own. The voice cast includes Jack Black, Glen Powell, Josh Wiggins, and Zachary Levi; the film arrives on April 1. [Netflix] RUSSIAN DOLL: The fantasy comedy-drama series from co-creator, showrunner, and star Natasha Lyonne returns for a long-awaited second season on April 20. Lyonne and Charlie Barnett return as a couple trapped in an inexplicable time loop; "Schitt's Creek" vet Annie Murphy joins the cast for Season 2. [Netflix] THE TERMINAL LIST: Chris Pratt stars in this action-thriller series, based on the novel by Jack Carr, as a Navy SEAL whose team is ambushed during a covert mission. Upon returning home, he struggles with conflicting memories about the incident and faces questions about his culpability. Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Riley Keough, Arlo Mertz, Jai Courtney, JD Pardo, and Patrick Schwarzenegger co-star. The series debuts on July 1. [Amazon]

Disney+ ordered a first season for the comedy series "The Muppets Mayhem." Former late-night host and YouTube sensation Lilly Singh will star as the series' human lead character. More: The series will center on the Electric Mayhem Band -- who first debuted on "The Muppet Show" in 1975 -- as they record their first-ever album. Singh stars as Nora, a junior A&R executive tasked with supervising and managing the group. "The Goldbergs" creator Adam F. Goldberg developed the series along with Muppet vet Bill Barretta and writer/editor Jeff Yorkes; all three will also serve as writers on the series. Another Muppet-themed series, titled "Muppets Live Another Day," was in development at Disney+ before creative differences stalled out the project; the streamer is also home to the short-form series "Muppets Now." HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Shonda Rhimes will executive produce a scripted Netflix series based on the Kate Andersen Brower book "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House." The series is described as a "screwball whodunit" that uses the book as a jumping-off point. More: The eight-episode series comes from showrunner and producer Paul William Davies, who previously worked on "Scandal" with Rhimes. The story follows an eccentric detective solving a murder in the White House, with 157 potential suspects among the visitors and staff. Rhimes and her business partner Betsy Beers will produce through the Shondaland banner. HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

QUICK HITS More than half of US organizations said they currently spend $1M to $50M on AI initiatives every year, while another 15% are spending $51M or more according to LXT's new executive report.* According to "The Batman" director Matt Reeves, a planned HBO Max spin-off of the film -- set within the Gotham Police Department -- is permanently on hold following the departure of writer Terence Winter; a series based on Colin Farrell's Penguin character remains in development. Netflix will phase out its operations in Russia, suspending new sign-ups and canceling subscriptions for roughly 1 million subscribers, following the country's invasion of Ukraine. During appearances at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday, star Colman Domingo and consultant Jeremy O. Harris defended HBO's "Euphoria" and creator Sam Levinson from accusations of a toxic workplace and "messy behind-the-scenes drama"; HBO also responded with a statement, noting "The production was in full compliance with all safety guidelines and guild protocols." According to a report from Bloomberg, YouTube is offering to pay selected podcast networks to record and post video versions of their shows. Original "Fresh Prince" stars Daphne Maxwell Reid (who played Will's Aunt Viv in the show's later seasons) and Vernee Watson-Johnson (who played Will's mom) will make upcoming guest appearances on Peacock's dramatic reboot series, "Bel-Air." Demi Lovato will no longer appear on camera in the NBC comedy pilot "Hungry" but they remain attached to the project as an executive producer; Ariel Winter ("Modern Family") will step into Lovato's vacated role. The Apple TV+ service debuts today on Comcast's Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, and XClass TV platforms and devices; Xfinity users are currently eligible for a three-month free trial. WarnerMedia is developing a number of new projects along with "Sesame Street" producers Sesame Workshop, including the new robot-themed Cartoon Network series "Sesame Street Mecha Builders." Not getting what you need from your payments processing company? Maybe it’s time for a new one.* *This is sponsored content

Lon Harris is the writer and editor of Inside Streaming and was the very first person to ever write an Inside newsletter. He lives in Los Angeles, California, and also writes about TV and film for Fandom, Screen Junkies, Rotten Tomatoes, Gamma Ray and others. Plus he has a Game of Thrones podcast called "Casterly Talk" and competes on The Movie Trivia Schmoedown as "The Professor." Editor Jonathan Harris is a writer and editor who lives in Los Angeles.

Industry-leading antivirus software to protect your business against hackers and online cyber threats.

Integrate payments and increase profits with Finix payments infrastructure.

Click to Share ➞

767 Bryant St. #203, San Francisco, CA 94107 Copyright © 2022 Inside.com

Did someone forward this email to you? Head over to inside.com to get your very own free subscription! You received this email because you subscribed to Inside Streaming. Click here to unsubscribe from Inside Streaming list or manage your subscriptions.