The Flash's Tom Cavanagh to Guest Star in Superman & Lois Finale - Main Image
The Flash star Tom Cavanagh recently revealed that he is set to make a guest appearance in the final episode of Superman & Lois.
Last year, it was announced that the upcoming fourth season of the hit CW series will be its final one. It also marks the end of an era for the DC/Arrowverse franchise in the network.
Recently, the series officially concluded its production ahead of its scheduled premiere this fall. The plot details regarding the final season are currently being kept under wraps.
Also Read: Superman & Lois Series Finale Officially Wraps Production
Tom Cavanagh Confirms Guest Role in Superman & Lois Final Episode
In a recent convention appearance, Cavanagh confirmed that he is set to guest star in the final episode of Superman & Lois.
Originally, he wanted to direct...
The Flash star Tom Cavanagh recently revealed that he is set to make a guest appearance in the final episode of Superman & Lois.
Last year, it was announced that the upcoming fourth season of the hit CW series will be its final one. It also marks the end of an era for the DC/Arrowverse franchise in the network.
Recently, the series officially concluded its production ahead of its scheduled premiere this fall. The plot details regarding the final season are currently being kept under wraps.
Also Read: Superman & Lois Series Finale Officially Wraps Production
Tom Cavanagh Confirms Guest Role in Superman & Lois Final Episode
In a recent convention appearance, Cavanagh confirmed that he is set to guest star in the final episode of Superman & Lois.
Originally, he wanted to direct...
- 5/7/2024
- EpicStream
Could The CW have one last Arrowverse crossover up its sleeve? Following remarks made by Tom Cavanagh at a convention over the weekend, TVLine has confirmed that the Flash vet will appear in the series finale of Superman & Lois, appropriately titled “It Went By So Fast.”
Cavanagh originally hoped to direct the pivotal episode, having previously helmed the Season 1 finale and Season 3 premiere, but the gig was already promised to frequent Superman & Lois director Gregory Smith. That’s when showrunner Todd Helbing got an idea, one that will leave fans theorizing for months to come.
More from TVLineAll...
Cavanagh originally hoped to direct the pivotal episode, having previously helmed the Season 1 finale and Season 3 premiere, but the gig was already promised to frequent Superman & Lois director Gregory Smith. That’s when showrunner Todd Helbing got an idea, one that will leave fans theorizing for months to come.
More from TVLineAll...
- 5/6/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Despite not being connected to the larger Arrowverse, ‘Superman & Lois’ is easily the best CW superhero show in terms of quality writing. The show did have its ups and downs, especially last year.
After Nexstar acquired CW and the network was bound to be restructured, ‘Superman & Lois’ survived the onslaught during which many shows were canceled. This led to some of the main cast being let go, fewer writers and the episode count was slashed compared to previous seasons. Now after several months of filming the last season of ‘Superman & Lois’ has wrapped filming, ready for the Fall 2024 release date.
Speaking at Fan Expo Philadelphia Tom Cavanagh revealed he is both directing and acting in the final season of ‘Superman & Lois.’
Tom Cavanagh on Directing & Acting in the Final Season of #SupermanAndLois pic.twitter.com/jJMJU8MG4h
— Mastani #SupermanAndLois (@DevsMastani) May 5, 2024
So what was interesting about the final season of ‘Superman & Lois’ — like,...
After Nexstar acquired CW and the network was bound to be restructured, ‘Superman & Lois’ survived the onslaught during which many shows were canceled. This led to some of the main cast being let go, fewer writers and the episode count was slashed compared to previous seasons. Now after several months of filming the last season of ‘Superman & Lois’ has wrapped filming, ready for the Fall 2024 release date.
Speaking at Fan Expo Philadelphia Tom Cavanagh revealed he is both directing and acting in the final season of ‘Superman & Lois.’
Tom Cavanagh on Directing & Acting in the Final Season of #SupermanAndLois pic.twitter.com/jJMJU8MG4h
— Mastani #SupermanAndLois (@DevsMastani) May 5, 2024
So what was interesting about the final season of ‘Superman & Lois’ — like,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
While ‘Superman & Lois’ remains distinct from the broader Arrowverse, it stands out as the CW’s top superhero series due to its strong writing. Despite facing challenges, including changes following Nexstar’s acquisition of CW, the show managed to survive restructuring while other series were canceled.
This resulted in some main cast members being released, fewer writers, and a reduced episode count compared to previous seasons. Now, after months of filming, the final season of ‘Superman & Lois’ has concluded production, gearing up for its Fall 2024 premiere.
Tom Cavanagh announced at Fan Expo Philadelphia that he will be both directing and acting in the upcoming final season of ‘Superman & Lois.’
Tom Cavanagh on Directing & Acting in the Final Season of #SupermanAndLois pic.twitter.com/jJMJU8MG4h
— Mastani #SupermanAndLois (@DevsMastani) May 5, 2024
So what was interesting about the final season of ‘Superman & Lois’ — like, I like to [direct] their finales and their premieres,...
This resulted in some main cast members being released, fewer writers, and a reduced episode count compared to previous seasons. Now, after months of filming, the final season of ‘Superman & Lois’ has concluded production, gearing up for its Fall 2024 premiere.
Tom Cavanagh announced at Fan Expo Philadelphia that he will be both directing and acting in the upcoming final season of ‘Superman & Lois.’
Tom Cavanagh on Directing & Acting in the Final Season of #SupermanAndLois pic.twitter.com/jJMJU8MG4h
— Mastani #SupermanAndLois (@DevsMastani) May 5, 2024
So what was interesting about the final season of ‘Superman & Lois’ — like, I like to [direct] their finales and their premieres,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Despite being set up in another universe, Superman & Lois is a thrilling tale of Earth’s mightiest DC hero and a world-renowned journalist who is also his love interest. After three successful seasons, the series will be coming to an end with its fourth and final season. Poised to have Lex Luthor as the chief villain, fans can hardly wait.
Superman & Lois
Originally slated to be part of the Arrowverse, the series will bring back one iconic The Flash actor in its series finale episode. While no other details have been revealed, the addition of the fan-favorite star can help bridge the gap between the Arrowverse and Superman & Lois.
Superman & Lois To Bring Back The Flash Star For Final Season
Tom Cavanagh as Reverse Flash in The Flash
Superman & Lois had a good run so far, starting as an Arrowverse series and then spanning into a separate one set in a different universe.
Superman & Lois
Originally slated to be part of the Arrowverse, the series will bring back one iconic The Flash actor in its series finale episode. While no other details have been revealed, the addition of the fan-favorite star can help bridge the gap between the Arrowverse and Superman & Lois.
Superman & Lois To Bring Back The Flash Star For Final Season
Tom Cavanagh as Reverse Flash in The Flash
Superman & Lois had a good run so far, starting as an Arrowverse series and then spanning into a separate one set in a different universe.
- 5/6/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Love or hate the Arrowverse, there's no denying that Tom Cavanagh's performance as the Reverse-Flash was hard to find fault with. As the years passed, The Flash diluted the character by having the actor play multiple versions of "Harrison Wells." However, in the suit, Cavanagh proved himself a truly formidable villain.
His story ended in the Scarlet Speedster's series, but we can look forward to at least one final appearance from the actor in the DC Universe.
Superman & Lois will conclude with its fourth and final season later this year, and unlike Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman, the show's creative team have received enough notice to craft what we hope will be a satisfying ending.
The question now is, will that ending include an appearance from Eobard Thawne?
Appearing at Fan Expo Philadelphia this past weekend, Cavanagh reflected on his work as a director behind the camera in the...
His story ended in the Scarlet Speedster's series, but we can look forward to at least one final appearance from the actor in the DC Universe.
Superman & Lois will conclude with its fourth and final season later this year, and unlike Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman, the show's creative team have received enough notice to craft what we hope will be a satisfying ending.
The question now is, will that ending include an appearance from Eobard Thawne?
Appearing at Fan Expo Philadelphia this past weekend, Cavanagh reflected on his work as a director behind the camera in the...
- 5/6/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Love or hate the Arrowverse, there's no denying that Tom Cavanagh's performance as the Reverse-Flash was hard to find fault with. As the years passed, The Flash diluted the character by having the actor play multiple versions of "Harrison Wells." However, in the suit, Cavanagh proved himself a truly formidable villain.
His story ended in the Scarlet Speedster's series, but we can look forward to at least one final appearance from the actor in the DC Universe.
Superman & Lois will conclude with its fourth and final season later this year, and unlike Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman, the show's creative team have received enough notice to craft what we hope will be a satisfying ending.
The question now is, will that ending include an appearance from Eobard Thawne?
Appearing at Fan Expo Philadelphia this past weekend, Cavanagh reflected on his work as a director behind the camera in the...
His story ended in the Scarlet Speedster's series, but we can look forward to at least one final appearance from the actor in the DC Universe.
Superman & Lois will conclude with its fourth and final season later this year, and unlike Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman, the show's creative team have received enough notice to craft what we hope will be a satisfying ending.
The question now is, will that ending include an appearance from Eobard Thawne?
Appearing at Fan Expo Philadelphia this past weekend, Cavanagh reflected on his work as a director behind the camera in the...
- 5/6/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
A Sky News Australia anchor has made an apology live on air after his line of inquiry during an interview with a teenage fishing champion was widely slammed.
News.com.au reports that Peter Stefanovic, who hosts the First Edition flagship news show, made his apology after he was criticised for interviewing Northern Territory fishing champion Keegan Payne, and asking him about the alleged theft of two vehicles more than three years before.
Critics said Stefanovic’s questioning of the 19-year-old fisherman tapped into stereotypes of Indigenous youth in the region.
Stefanovic made his apology Monday, telling viewers:
“An apology from me, last Wednesday we invited Keegan Payne onto our show to discuss his win in the Million Dollar Fish competition in the Northern Territory,” Stefanovic said during First Edition on Monday.
“During that interview I asked him about a theft that had occurred several years earlier. I should not...
News.com.au reports that Peter Stefanovic, who hosts the First Edition flagship news show, made his apology after he was criticised for interviewing Northern Territory fishing champion Keegan Payne, and asking him about the alleged theft of two vehicles more than three years before.
Critics said Stefanovic’s questioning of the 19-year-old fisherman tapped into stereotypes of Indigenous youth in the region.
Stefanovic made his apology Monday, telling viewers:
“An apology from me, last Wednesday we invited Keegan Payne onto our show to discuss his win in the Million Dollar Fish competition in the Northern Territory,” Stefanovic said during First Edition on Monday.
“During that interview I asked him about a theft that had occurred several years earlier. I should not...
- 5/6/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
After garnering immense popularity following his appearance in Arrow, Grant Gustin’s Scarlet Speedster received his own standalone series in 2014, often considered the peak of the Arrowverse. Although the next two seasons had their fair share of issues but were received positively, from season 4, it was all downhill for the series, and it hit a new low with season 7.
While The Flash was notable for its pop culture references, season 7’s finale went a little above and beyond with its Star Wars homage, which didn’t sit well with fans in the slightest.
Fans Weren’t Thrilled by the Star Wars-Inspired Climax of The Flash Season 7 A still of Grant Gustin in The Flash | CW
Writing a speedster is always tricky due to the nature of its power and requires the utmost attention to detail to ensure no loose ends persist. The challenge further magnifies when it comes to writing...
While The Flash was notable for its pop culture references, season 7’s finale went a little above and beyond with its Star Wars homage, which didn’t sit well with fans in the slightest.
Fans Weren’t Thrilled by the Star Wars-Inspired Climax of The Flash Season 7 A still of Grant Gustin in The Flash | CW
Writing a speedster is always tricky due to the nature of its power and requires the utmost attention to detail to ensure no loose ends persist. The challenge further magnifies when it comes to writing...
- 5/5/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
NBCUniversal is looking to wring more money out of Peacock subscribers, with the streamer set to raise prices this summer — one year after its last fee hike — going into effect for new customers ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
Beginning in mid-July, the price for Peacock Premium (with ads) will increase by $2 to $7.99 per month and Peacock Premium Plus (mostly ad-free) is also going up by $2 to $13.99 per month. Peacock Premium’s annual price will increase from $59.99 to $79.99, while Premium Plus is going from $119.99 to $139.99 per year.
The new prices will be effective starting July 18 for new Peacock customers and for existing subscribers with their next billing date on or after Aug. 17.
The Peacock Premium Plus tier provides ad-free content, the ability to download episodes and live local NBC channels. Due to streaming rights, per NBCU, a “small amount of programming” still contains ads on some Peacock channels, events, and a few shows and movies.
Beginning in mid-July, the price for Peacock Premium (with ads) will increase by $2 to $7.99 per month and Peacock Premium Plus (mostly ad-free) is also going up by $2 to $13.99 per month. Peacock Premium’s annual price will increase from $59.99 to $79.99, while Premium Plus is going from $119.99 to $139.99 per year.
The new prices will be effective starting July 18 for new Peacock customers and for existing subscribers with their next billing date on or after Aug. 17.
The Peacock Premium Plus tier provides ad-free content, the ability to download episodes and live local NBC channels. Due to streaming rights, per NBCU, a “small amount of programming” still contains ads on some Peacock channels, events, and a few shows and movies.
- 4/29/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts’ Pay Rises to $35.5M, President Michael Cavanagh’s Drops to $29.6M in 2023
NBCUniversal owner Comcast has disclosed higher 2023 compensation packages for chairman and CEO Brian Roberts and president Michael Cavanagh, along with pay details for other top executives.
Comcast’s proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, a day after the company’s first-quarter 2024 earnings report, showed that Roberts’ pay hit $35.5 million in 2023, up 11 percent compared with $32.1 million in 2022. He had made $34 million in 2021, $32.7 million in 2020 and $36.4 million in 2019.
Cavanagh’s compensation package was worth $29.6 million last year, down 27 percent from $40.5 million in 2022 when he had served as chief financial officer until being promoted to president in October 2022, which brought him a pay boost. Jason Armstrong then took over as CFO in early 2023.
Cavanagh saw increases across most compensation categories, but his options awards for 2023 amounted to $7.0 million, compared with $21.1 million in 2022 when he was elevated.
Robert’s salary remained at $2.5 million in 2023, but his stock awards rose from $13.4 million in 2022 to $15.0 million,...
Comcast’s proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, a day after the company’s first-quarter 2024 earnings report, showed that Roberts’ pay hit $35.5 million in 2023, up 11 percent compared with $32.1 million in 2022. He had made $34 million in 2021, $32.7 million in 2020 and $36.4 million in 2019.
Cavanagh’s compensation package was worth $29.6 million last year, down 27 percent from $40.5 million in 2022 when he had served as chief financial officer until being promoted to president in October 2022, which brought him a pay boost. Jason Armstrong then took over as CFO in early 2023.
Cavanagh saw increases across most compensation categories, but his options awards for 2023 amounted to $7.0 million, compared with $21.1 million in 2022 when he was elevated.
Robert’s salary remained at $2.5 million in 2023, but his stock awards rose from $13.4 million in 2022 to $15.0 million,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with executive comments. Nearly four years since the launch of NBCUniversal streaming flagship Peacock, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh says the service is “seeing traction” with its blend of entertainment and sports.
The exec delivered the comment to Wall Street analysts after Comcast reported solid first-quarter financials, including Peacock’s $1.1 billion in revenue, narrower losses and subscriber count of 34 million.
Asked about Peacock’s original content spending outlook, Cavanagh replied in a qualitative rather than quantitative way.
“I think you can expect to see us having a very broad approach,” he said, without offering any specific figures. Sports and entertainment are “interplaying well with each other” on Peacock, he said. He noted the breakouts of Ted and Traitors Season 2 in the first quarter, which coincided with a record-setting NFL playoff telecast.
“It’s sports, it’s originals, it’s next-day airing of NBC content, it’s our library and it’s our pay-1 movies,...
The exec delivered the comment to Wall Street analysts after Comcast reported solid first-quarter financials, including Peacock’s $1.1 billion in revenue, narrower losses and subscriber count of 34 million.
Asked about Peacock’s original content spending outlook, Cavanagh replied in a qualitative rather than quantitative way.
“I think you can expect to see us having a very broad approach,” he said, without offering any specific figures. Sports and entertainment are “interplaying well with each other” on Peacock, he said. He noted the breakouts of Ted and Traitors Season 2 in the first quarter, which coincided with a record-setting NFL playoff telecast.
“It’s sports, it’s originals, it’s next-day airing of NBC content, it’s our library and it’s our pay-1 movies,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Tuesday was not a good day for Ronna McDaniel — or, is it Ronna Romney McDaniel again, as she now admits the 2020 election was not stolen? She went from a high-profile gig on NBC to no gig and no agent, as CAA also dropped her.
It was also a bad day for NBC News Group chairman Cesar Conde, who found it necessary to “personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down.” Conde didn’t exactly fall on his sword by himself; he mentioned in his letter to staff that this was “a collective recommendation by some members of our leadership team.” But he acknowledged that the buck stopped with him.
At least McDaniel is getting a payout. So, no harm, no foul, right? Well, not exactly. This was hardly the simple loss of a job, as the fallout at NBC has made it impossible for her to...
It was also a bad day for NBC News Group chairman Cesar Conde, who found it necessary to “personally apologize to our team members who felt we let them down.” Conde didn’t exactly fall on his sword by himself; he mentioned in his letter to staff that this was “a collective recommendation by some members of our leadership team.” But he acknowledged that the buck stopped with him.
At least McDaniel is getting a payout. So, no harm, no foul, right? Well, not exactly. This was hardly the simple loss of a job, as the fallout at NBC has made it impossible for her to...
- 3/27/2024
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Regardless of one’s opinions towards the Arrowverse, it was difficult to criticize Tom Cavanagh’s portrayal of Eobard Thawne / Reverse-Flash. He has even played multiple versions of Harrison Wells on the CW’s The Flash, which stars Grant Gustin in the lead.
Cavanagh recently said that he would be amenable to reprising his role as Reverse-Flash in James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe. Well, the Guardians of the Galaxy director, 57, would have a good reason to bring the Canadian actor back to the role in the Dcu since the viewers praised his portrayal of Eobard Thawne.
Tom Cavanagh as Eobard Thawne a.k.a Reverse-Flash
And now, Cavanagh’s interest to reprise his role received a response from James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios. With a strong reception from both critics and viewers, The Flash ranked as The CW’s second-most-watched show ever. It also took home the People...
Cavanagh recently said that he would be amenable to reprising his role as Reverse-Flash in James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe. Well, the Guardians of the Galaxy director, 57, would have a good reason to bring the Canadian actor back to the role in the Dcu since the viewers praised his portrayal of Eobard Thawne.
Tom Cavanagh as Eobard Thawne a.k.a Reverse-Flash
And now, Cavanagh’s interest to reprise his role received a response from James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios. With a strong reception from both critics and viewers, The Flash ranked as The CW’s second-most-watched show ever. It also took home the People...
- 3/23/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Taking control over DC studios, James Gunn has previously explained his priorities regarding reshaping the Dcu. Promising to make “interesting” projects and avoiding “the same old thing” Gunn raised fans’ expectations with his decision to hire “great directors and great writers”, as he shared with newspaper El País.
DC Studios co-ceo James Gunn | Image: Inside Of You Clips/Yt
But while James Gunn’s decision seemed like a solid strategy that could prove to be more successful than Marvel, fans believe there’s a more important thing to focus on, to determine confirmed success. Taking to X, self-proclaimed journalist Luiz Fernando thus shared what he believes should be Gunn’s priority over anything.
James Gunn Shared His New Strategy for Dcu
After James Gunn was appointed co-chairman and co-ceo of DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran, he started building plans to turn the franchise to eventually overtake Marvel. Finally taking control and creating Dcu,...
DC Studios co-ceo James Gunn | Image: Inside Of You Clips/Yt
But while James Gunn’s decision seemed like a solid strategy that could prove to be more successful than Marvel, fans believe there’s a more important thing to focus on, to determine confirmed success. Taking to X, self-proclaimed journalist Luiz Fernando thus shared what he believes should be Gunn’s priority over anything.
James Gunn Shared His New Strategy for Dcu
After James Gunn was appointed co-chairman and co-ceo of DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran, he started building plans to turn the franchise to eventually overtake Marvel. Finally taking control and creating Dcu,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Tom Cavanagh who played Reverse-Flash in the CW series The Flash, is now ready to jump ship to DC. The actor made his return to the CW show for its series finale and the actor recently revealed that he is willing to appear in James Gunn’s new DC universe.
Tom Cavanagh as Reverse Flash
Reverse Flash is one of the wonderful additions to the world of Barry Allen in CW, the fitting nemesis to the Speedster. However, as the show has reached the final end, new reports suggest that Cavanagh is not over playing the character.
Will Tom Cavanagh Join Dcu As Reverse Flash? Tom Cavanagh as Eobard Thawne a.k.a Reverse-Flash
James Gunn’s Dcu revamp created opportunities for many actors as he intends to change the entire atmosphere. The DC boss has already sidelined the mainline DC hero actors including Superman actor Henry Cavill and Batman star Ben Affleck from Snyderverse.
Tom Cavanagh as Reverse Flash
Reverse Flash is one of the wonderful additions to the world of Barry Allen in CW, the fitting nemesis to the Speedster. However, as the show has reached the final end, new reports suggest that Cavanagh is not over playing the character.
Will Tom Cavanagh Join Dcu As Reverse Flash? Tom Cavanagh as Eobard Thawne a.k.a Reverse-Flash
James Gunn’s Dcu revamp created opportunities for many actors as he intends to change the entire atmosphere. The DC boss has already sidelined the mainline DC hero actors including Superman actor Henry Cavill and Batman star Ben Affleck from Snyderverse.
- 3/16/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
Peacock Gained Millions of Customers During Exclusive NFL Wild Card Game, But How Does it Keep Them?
NBCUniversal executives acknowledge that retaining customers is the next challenge for the service, which is building scale steadily.
Despite all of the progress that Peacock has made over the past year, the streamer still has a ways to go in order to achieve the all-important status of being profitable. Peacock added 3 million subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2023, and another 2.8 million signed up just to watch the streamer’s exclusive NFL Wild Card game on Jan. 13. But during the company’s conference call to discuss its Q4 2023 earnings, executives from NBCUniversal’s parent company Comcast acknowledged that the challenge is not only in getting new customers signed up but keeping them signed up.
Peacock will get “Oppenheimer,” which led all movies with 13 Oscar nominations in February. The streamer will also offer every event of the 2024 Summer Olympics live. The real key to engagement for Peacock will be new, scripted originals...
Despite all of the progress that Peacock has made over the past year, the streamer still has a ways to go in order to achieve the all-important status of being profitable. Peacock added 3 million subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2023, and another 2.8 million signed up just to watch the streamer’s exclusive NFL Wild Card game on Jan. 13. But during the company’s conference call to discuss its Q4 2023 earnings, executives from NBCUniversal’s parent company Comcast acknowledged that the challenge is not only in getting new customers signed up but keeping them signed up.
Peacock will get “Oppenheimer,” which led all movies with 13 Oscar nominations in February. The streamer will also offer every event of the 2024 Summer Olympics live. The real key to engagement for Peacock will be new, scripted originals...
- 1/26/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Comcast execs did some more crowing about Peacock’s landmark AFC Wild Card game this month and said it drove paid signups to the streaming service. They declined to specify how many new customers came aboard but said they’re focused on retaining those — and all — subscribers and scaling up the streamer, which passed $1 billion in revenue and hit 31 million subscribers last quarter.
Losses of $845 million were narrowed, and peaked in 2023, but, in any case, the company isn’t stressing about that or about content spending — a bit of different playbook from other traditional media companies who have been pushing profitability over sub growth for the past year and a half. Comcast is bigger, more diversified and has the strongest balance sheet of the group. It has a massive “connectivity” business with cable, broadband and wireless.
Related: Peacock Restructures Marketing Operation, Resulting In Layoffs
That’s driven speculation the company...
Losses of $845 million were narrowed, and peaked in 2023, but, in any case, the company isn’t stressing about that or about content spending — a bit of different playbook from other traditional media companies who have been pushing profitability over sub growth for the past year and a half. Comcast is bigger, more diversified and has the strongest balance sheet of the group. It has a massive “connectivity” business with cable, broadband and wireless.
Related: Peacock Restructures Marketing Operation, Resulting In Layoffs
That’s driven speculation the company...
- 1/25/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock, the streaming service of Comcast’s entertainment unit NBCUniversal, grew its fourth-quarter revenue by 57 percent to surpass $1 billion for a quarter for the first time, while narrowing its loss. The streamer ended 2023 with 31 million paying subscribers, the media, entertainment and technology giant disclosed Thursday.
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh said at an investor conference in early December that Peacock had reached 30 million subs. It ended September with 28 million subscribers after adding 4 million during the third quarter. That meant a gain of around 3 million in the final quarter of 2023.
Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong told analysts during a morning call that the 3 million new Peacock subscribers during the latest financial quarter came in part from viewers drawn to NFL and Big Ten football games, without specifying actual numbers. NBCU’s loss related to Peacock amounted to $825 million in the fourth quarter, compared with a year-ago loss of $978 million on revenue of $660 million.
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh said at an investor conference in early December that Peacock had reached 30 million subs. It ended September with 28 million subscribers after adding 4 million during the third quarter. That meant a gain of around 3 million in the final quarter of 2023.
Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong told analysts during a morning call that the 3 million new Peacock subscribers during the latest financial quarter came in part from viewers drawn to NFL and Big Ten football games, without specifying actual numbers. NBCU’s loss related to Peacock amounted to $825 million in the fourth quarter, compared with a year-ago loss of $978 million on revenue of $660 million.
- 1/25/2024
- by Georg Szalai and Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Connor MacLeod says “There Can Be Only One” in the original Highlander he had no idea he’d be repeating that line for years. Just when he thinks he has finally made it to be the only one, another immortal seems to pop up, challenging him for that title. How many “ones” can there be? It turns out a lot.
After the problems with making Highlander II and the anemic box office for it, it was decided to completely ignore everything surrounding that film and create a direct sequel to the original film. They dropped any mention of the planet Zeist, ignored that immortals are supposed to be aliens, and reverted the setting to seven years after the first film.
Even under the best of circumstances, films are hard to produce. How does one fare after completely rebooting the franchise? Surprisingly well. The creation of Highlander 3: The Final Dimension is far from perfect,...
After the problems with making Highlander II and the anemic box office for it, it was decided to completely ignore everything surrounding that film and create a direct sequel to the original film. They dropped any mention of the planet Zeist, ignored that immortals are supposed to be aliens, and reverted the setting to seven years after the first film.
Even under the best of circumstances, films are hard to produce. How does one fare after completely rebooting the franchise? Surprisingly well. The creation of Highlander 3: The Final Dimension is far from perfect,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
The streaming service has also achieved its goal of peak losses this year, says Comcast President Mike Cavanagh.
Peacock has officially taken flight. NBCUniversal’s streaming service had an impressive 2022 that saw it double its subscriber total while other streamers labored to change their models, prioritizing a boost in average revenue per user (Arpu) over subscriber numbers.
Peacock now numbers 30 million users, an increase from the 28 million it claimed in its third quarter earnings report. The additions mean that Peacock will have added at least 10 million users in 2023. Comcast President Mike Cavanagh says that Peacock has achieved peak losses, and can start building toward profitability. Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com Peacock’s Continued Growth
At last count in October, Peacock revealed that it had 28 million subscribers. That number represented its third quarter totals, showing a slower growth than mega-sized streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, but steady progress nevertheless.
The...
Peacock has officially taken flight. NBCUniversal’s streaming service had an impressive 2022 that saw it double its subscriber total while other streamers labored to change their models, prioritizing a boost in average revenue per user (Arpu) over subscriber numbers.
Peacock now numbers 30 million users, an increase from the 28 million it claimed in its third quarter earnings report. The additions mean that Peacock will have added at least 10 million users in 2023. Comcast President Mike Cavanagh says that Peacock has achieved peak losses, and can start building toward profitability. Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com Peacock’s Continued Growth
At last count in October, Peacock revealed that it had 28 million subscribers. That number represented its third quarter totals, showing a slower growth than mega-sized streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, but steady progress nevertheless.
The...
- 12/5/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Peacock has hit 30 million paying subscribers, and Comcast thinks it will only continue to get bigger.
At the Ubs Global Media and Communications conference Monday morning, Comcast president Mike Cavanagh revealed the new subscribers number, adding that the average Arpu (average revenue per user) is $10 per month.
“Remember we started cold three years ago because of the change in ownership of Hulu,” Cavanagh said, adding that the company was pleased with Peacock’s growth, and is focused on growing it domestically.
Peacock, he added, is NBCUniversal’s gateway to streaming.
“We’re still very significant in distribution — as much as anybody in the traditional linear world — nothing’s going to change the gravity that that side of the business is feeling, but the infrastructure that we have as we bring it to life, in the form of Peacock, is a great is a great way to think about the game we’re trying to play,...
At the Ubs Global Media and Communications conference Monday morning, Comcast president Mike Cavanagh revealed the new subscribers number, adding that the average Arpu (average revenue per user) is $10 per month.
“Remember we started cold three years ago because of the change in ownership of Hulu,” Cavanagh said, adding that the company was pleased with Peacock’s growth, and is focused on growing it domestically.
Peacock, he added, is NBCUniversal’s gateway to streaming.
“We’re still very significant in distribution — as much as anybody in the traditional linear world — nothing’s going to change the gravity that that side of the business is feeling, but the infrastructure that we have as we bring it to life, in the form of Peacock, is a great is a great way to think about the game we’re trying to play,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comcast has collected what it hopes will be a first payment from Disney for its stake in Hulu, marking “the beginning of a process” to value the streamer, company President Mike Cavanagh said at a media conference Monday.
The anticipated $8.61 billion dollar check arrived Friday, he told investors at a Ubs media conference in NYC.
Disney said it that it will acquire the remaining 33% stake in Hulu it doesn’t already own from the NBC Universal parent. A deal between the Hulu owners established a floor of that amount. Any additional payout, or not, will depend on an evaluation process underway with both companies and their investment banks. The process was moved up — to this fall from January of 2024 — and the Disney check was due Dec. 1.
The 2019 agreement included a put/call that allowed Comcast to ‘put’ its stake to Disney, or the Bob Iger-run company to buy it.
The anticipated $8.61 billion dollar check arrived Friday, he told investors at a Ubs media conference in NYC.
Disney said it that it will acquire the remaining 33% stake in Hulu it doesn’t already own from the NBC Universal parent. A deal between the Hulu owners established a floor of that amount. Any additional payout, or not, will depend on an evaluation process underway with both companies and their investment banks. The process was moved up — to this fall from January of 2024 — and the Disney check was due Dec. 1.
The 2019 agreement included a put/call that allowed Comcast to ‘put’ its stake to Disney, or the Bob Iger-run company to buy it.
- 12/4/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Wall Street gave decidedly mixed reviews to Comcast’s third-quarter earnings report, even though the numbers beat analysts’ expectations on both the top and bottom lines.
Shares in the media giant fell more than 8% to close at $39.15, in part due to investor angst over a surprising decline in broadband subscribers. The total dropped 18,000 year-over-year to settle at 32.3 million, though analysts had forecast an increase of 3,600 subscribers.
The closing price is the stock’s lowest since June 6. While stocks across the media sector, including notables like Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, have been in the red thus far in 2023, Comcast’s is up 5%.
During a fairly uneventful, hour-long conference call with analysts after the release of the numbers, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh was asked about domestic advertising. Although the vital line item declined 8% compared with the year-ago quarter, a bigger drop than the 5% one in the prior quarter, Cavanagh...
Shares in the media giant fell more than 8% to close at $39.15, in part due to investor angst over a surprising decline in broadband subscribers. The total dropped 18,000 year-over-year to settle at 32.3 million, though analysts had forecast an increase of 3,600 subscribers.
The closing price is the stock’s lowest since June 6. While stocks across the media sector, including notables like Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, have been in the red thus far in 2023, Comcast’s is up 5%.
During a fairly uneventful, hour-long conference call with analysts after the release of the numbers, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh was asked about domestic advertising. Although the vital line item declined 8% compared with the year-ago quarter, a bigger drop than the 5% one in the prior quarter, Cavanagh...
- 10/26/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast is donating $2 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Israel and the region after Hamas terror attacks that hit the country over the weekend.
The NBCUniversal parent is the latest Hollywood media giant to support humanitarian efforts after Paramount and Disney announced their own donations this week.
“We are horrified and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on Israel. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones through unspeakable acts of terrorism and the devastation of war,” Comcast CEO and chairman Brian Roberts and Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Corp. president, said in a joint statement sent to employees on Oct. 10 and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
In another move on Friday, Comcast announced it will commit in all $2 million to aid the humanitarian efforts in Israel and the Middle East region. That includes $1.5 million going immediately to Save the Children Federation Inc., Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief,...
The NBCUniversal parent is the latest Hollywood media giant to support humanitarian efforts after Paramount and Disney announced their own donations this week.
“We are horrified and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on Israel. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones through unspeakable acts of terrorism and the devastation of war,” Comcast CEO and chairman Brian Roberts and Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Corp. president, said in a joint statement sent to employees on Oct. 10 and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
In another move on Friday, Comcast announced it will commit in all $2 million to aid the humanitarian efforts in Israel and the Middle East region. That includes $1.5 million going immediately to Save the Children Federation Inc., Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars: Diane Franklin, Graham Cole, Carolyn Pickles, Joe Acres, Dawn Perllman, Stuart Morris, Charlotte Grice, Sandy Johnson | Written by Aiden Truss | Directed by Aaron Truss
When director Aaron Truss got in touch regarding checking out his latest film, the short Pareidolia, I jumped in feet first with a resounding yes. Why? Well, Truss had produced a great documentary on the VHS era, Cult of VHS, and this short film starred one of my all-time favourite actresses Diane Franklin… a performer whose roles in Better Off Dead, The Last American Virgin and later Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure had, I’m sure, shaped my idea of the perfect girlfriend and whose roles in Summer Girl and Amityville 2 stirred something in my teenage libido too!
For those unfamiliar with the term, Pareidolia is the scientific term for seeing meaningful images in random visual patterns. It’s what the Rorschach inkblot test is based on,...
When director Aaron Truss got in touch regarding checking out his latest film, the short Pareidolia, I jumped in feet first with a resounding yes. Why? Well, Truss had produced a great documentary on the VHS era, Cult of VHS, and this short film starred one of my all-time favourite actresses Diane Franklin… a performer whose roles in Better Off Dead, The Last American Virgin and later Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure had, I’m sure, shaped my idea of the perfect girlfriend and whose roles in Summer Girl and Amityville 2 stirred something in my teenage libido too!
For those unfamiliar with the term, Pareidolia is the scientific term for seeing meaningful images in random visual patterns. It’s what the Rorschach inkblot test is based on,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Mark Marshall, a nearly 10-year veteran of NBCUniversal, has been promoted to Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships.
The elevation follows a hectic period last May when Marshall took on new duties on short notice at the NBCU upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall. Marshall was pressed into service to handle the day’s lead remarks and spearhead the event after his former boss, Linda Yaccarino, abruptly decamped during rehearsals to join Twitter (now X) as CEO. Marshall and NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus both addressed the stunning departure of Yaccarino (as well as the exit of former NBCU CEO Jeff Shell in April) in scripted onstage comments.
As interim chairman, Marshall presided over an upfront process yielding cash commitments described by NBCU as “roughly in line” with record-setting 2022 results. The ad market has been turbulent for all sellers of late, with labor strife adding to a cluster of economic stresses.
The elevation follows a hectic period last May when Marshall took on new duties on short notice at the NBCU upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall. Marshall was pressed into service to handle the day’s lead remarks and spearhead the event after his former boss, Linda Yaccarino, abruptly decamped during rehearsals to join Twitter (now X) as CEO. Marshall and NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus both addressed the stunning departure of Yaccarino (as well as the exit of former NBCU CEO Jeff Shell in April) in scripted onstage comments.
As interim chairman, Marshall presided over an upfront process yielding cash commitments described by NBCU as “roughly in line” with record-setting 2022 results. The ad market has been turbulent for all sellers of late, with labor strife adding to a cluster of economic stresses.
- 8/30/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The writers and actors strikes are good for business? Fake news, says the guilds. Well, technically, the WGA called that point-of-view “calculated disinformation.” Of course, they’re also the union back at the bargaining table with the studios of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Truth is, the companies are saving money, but only in the short term. With no productions comes no production costs — the free cash flow is truly free-cash flowing. It’s been a temporary reprieve for both the strapped streamers who now realize their business isn’t bulletproof and for the legacy media companies reliant on the dying linear-television medium. But that’s the whole thing; it’s temporary.
Still, the town’s chief financial officers are making hay while the sun shines and the studio lights do not. Better-than-expected results in the June quarter have given way to improved forecasts for the September one.
Truth is, the companies are saving money, but only in the short term. With no productions comes no production costs — the free cash flow is truly free-cash flowing. It’s been a temporary reprieve for both the strapped streamers who now realize their business isn’t bulletproof and for the legacy media companies reliant on the dying linear-television medium. But that’s the whole thing; it’s temporary.
Still, the town’s chief financial officers are making hay while the sun shines and the studio lights do not. Better-than-expected results in the June quarter have given way to improved forecasts for the September one.
- 8/15/2023
- by Brian Welk and Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Studio-owning conglomerate warns of “negative impact all round” from prolonged stoppage.
Comcast Corporation is “committed to reaching a fair deal with the guilds as soon as possible,” according to president Michael Cavanagh, who commented on the Hollywood labour strikes while discussing the conglomerate’s strong second quarter financial results.
Cavanagh added, though, that if the labour unrest is prolonged “the longer it goes, the worse it will be. It’s going to have a negative impact all around.”
The comments came as Comcast, owner of NBCUniversal and Sky, reported revenue of $30.5bn (up 1.7% from the previous year) for the second...
Comcast Corporation is “committed to reaching a fair deal with the guilds as soon as possible,” according to president Michael Cavanagh, who commented on the Hollywood labour strikes while discussing the conglomerate’s strong second quarter financial results.
Cavanagh added, though, that if the labour unrest is prolonged “the longer it goes, the worse it will be. It’s going to have a negative impact all around.”
The comments came as Comcast, owner of NBCUniversal and Sky, reported revenue of $30.5bn (up 1.7% from the previous year) for the second...
- 7/27/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh pushed back against recent speculation that the media conglomerate would consider a strategic partnership with Disney for ESPN.
“I’ve been asked about and read some speculation that in some way we might be interested in swapping businesses [with Disney] as part of what’s going on in the sports space, and I would just say that that’s very improbable,” he said during the company’s second quarter earnings call on Thursday. “As you could imagine, there’s tremendous issues around tax, minority shareholders, structuring generally, so I would put aside the idea that there’s anything inorganic that is likely to happen around ESPN in particular.”
Cavanagh went on to tout NBCUniversal’s own sports business and Peacock’s live sports lineup
“I think we’ve got one of the best portfolios in sports. Sunday Night Football, Big 10, Nascar, Epl, WWE, Olympics next year, PGA rights.
“I’ve been asked about and read some speculation that in some way we might be interested in swapping businesses [with Disney] as part of what’s going on in the sports space, and I would just say that that’s very improbable,” he said during the company’s second quarter earnings call on Thursday. “As you could imagine, there’s tremendous issues around tax, minority shareholders, structuring generally, so I would put aside the idea that there’s anything inorganic that is likely to happen around ESPN in particular.”
Cavanagh went on to tout NBCUniversal’s own sports business and Peacock’s live sports lineup
“I think we’ve got one of the best portfolios in sports. Sunday Night Football, Big 10, Nascar, Epl, WWE, Olympics next year, PGA rights.
- 7/27/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The relationship between Disney and Comcast is… complex, to say the least. The House of Mouse is currently expected to buy the 33% stake of Hulu that Comcast currently owns, but a very public discourse regarding the valuation of that stake has caused some eyebrow-raising over the past year in media circles.
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com
Still, companies spar over valuations all the time, and it’s unlikely that the business relationship between the two companies is frayed to the breaking point. In fact, some industry analysts believe that Comcast and Disney might decide to partner again, as Disney is seeking allies to help it launch a streaming version of ESPN and its sibling channels that won’t require a cable or satellite subscription.
Speaking during Comcast’s second-quarter earnings report, the company’s president Mike Cavanagh said that he felt it was “highly improbable” that Comcast would partner with Disney on ESPN.
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com
Still, companies spar over valuations all the time, and it’s unlikely that the business relationship between the two companies is frayed to the breaking point. In fact, some industry analysts believe that Comcast and Disney might decide to partner again, as Disney is seeking allies to help it launch a streaming version of ESPN and its sibling channels that won’t require a cable or satellite subscription.
Speaking during Comcast’s second-quarter earnings report, the company’s president Mike Cavanagh said that he felt it was “highly improbable” that Comcast would partner with Disney on ESPN.
- 7/27/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Comcast President Mike Cavanagh called the notion that the company could enter the picture as rival Disney looks for a strategic partner for ESPN “very improbable.”
Speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call, Cavanagh said the scenario would involve too many complications to be feasible.
“I’ve been asked about and read about speculation that in some way we might be interested in swapping businesses as part of what’s going on in the sports space, and I would just say that that’s very improbable,” the exec said.
Disney CEO Bob Iger initiated a round of armchair quarterbacking earlier this month when he laid out his thinking about ESPN’s future during an interview with CNBC. While the company remains bullish on sports, he said, “We’re going to be open minded about looking for strategic partners that could either help us with distribution or content.” A team-up...
Speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call, Cavanagh said the scenario would involve too many complications to be feasible.
“I’ve been asked about and read about speculation that in some way we might be interested in swapping businesses as part of what’s going on in the sports space, and I would just say that that’s very improbable,” the exec said.
Disney CEO Bob Iger initiated a round of armchair quarterbacking earlier this month when he laid out his thinking about ESPN’s future during an interview with CNBC. While the company remains bullish on sports, he said, “We’re going to be open minded about looking for strategic partners that could either help us with distribution or content.” A team-up...
- 7/27/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast who was recently named the de-facto head of NBC Universal, said the company remains “committed to reaching a fair deal [with actors and writers] as soon as possible, so we can get back to doing what we do best, which is making great content together.”
In a change, he kicked off the media giant’s post-earnings conference call today instead of CEO Brian Roberts. The hands-on chief executive spoke very little this time.
Disney CEO Bob Iger was excoriated by guild members for recent comments on CNBC calling the demands of striking guilds “unreasonable.”
Cavanagh, a former banker who works closely with Roberts, added oversight of NBCU in April after the suden departure of Jeff Shell and has just restructured the entertainment business under four top executives with Donna Langley in the top studios chair. Asked to elaborate a bit more on the strike, and its impact on Peacock in particular,...
In a change, he kicked off the media giant’s post-earnings conference call today instead of CEO Brian Roberts. The hands-on chief executive spoke very little this time.
Disney CEO Bob Iger was excoriated by guild members for recent comments on CNBC calling the demands of striking guilds “unreasonable.”
Cavanagh, a former banker who works closely with Roberts, added oversight of NBCU in April after the suden departure of Jeff Shell and has just restructured the entertainment business under four top executives with Donna Langley in the top studios chair. Asked to elaborate a bit more on the strike, and its impact on Peacock in particular,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh poured cold water on speculation that the media and cable conglomerate might ink a deal with Disney to take a piece of ESPN.
“I’ve been asked about and read some speculation that in some way we might be interested in swapping businesses [with Disney]… in the sports space,” he said on Comcast’s Q2 earnings call. “And I would just say that that’s very improbable,” given “tremendous issues” around taxes and minority shareholder deal structures. “So I would put aside the idea that there’s… anything inorganic, you know, that is likely to happen around ESPN in particular, which is what we’ve been asked about,” Cavanagh said.
Cavanagh’s comments come after Disney chief Bob Iger said in a July 13 interview with CNBC that the Mouse House was looking for a strategic partner for ESPN. Subsequently CNBC reported that Disney has had talks with the NFL,...
“I’ve been asked about and read some speculation that in some way we might be interested in swapping businesses [with Disney]… in the sports space,” he said on Comcast’s Q2 earnings call. “And I would just say that that’s very improbable,” given “tremendous issues” around taxes and minority shareholder deal structures. “So I would put aside the idea that there’s… anything inorganic, you know, that is likely to happen around ESPN in particular, which is what we’ve been asked about,” Cavanagh said.
Cavanagh’s comments come after Disney chief Bob Iger said in a July 13 interview with CNBC that the Mouse House was looking for a strategic partner for ESPN. Subsequently CNBC reported that Disney has had talks with the NFL,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh addressed the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes during the NBCUniversal parent company’s second quarter earnings call Thursday.
“We are committed to reaching a fair deal with the guilds as soon as possible,” Cavanagh said. “Beyond that, for all involved in the industry, broadly, a prolonged work stoppage and the longer it goes, the worse it’ll be. It is obviously going to have a negative impact all around.”
The WGA work stoppage has been ongoing since May 2, while SAG-AFTRA went on strike July 14.
The strikes have brought scripted film and TV production to a standstill across Hollywood as the actors and writers unions continue picketing against the studios repped by the AMPTP.
“As you look at Peacock, I wouldn’t point out anything in particular related to strikes and its effect in 2023, the second half of the year,” Cavanagh told analysts Thursday. “Obviously, the longer a strike,...
“We are committed to reaching a fair deal with the guilds as soon as possible,” Cavanagh said. “Beyond that, for all involved in the industry, broadly, a prolonged work stoppage and the longer it goes, the worse it’ll be. It is obviously going to have a negative impact all around.”
The WGA work stoppage has been ongoing since May 2, while SAG-AFTRA went on strike July 14.
The strikes have brought scripted film and TV production to a standstill across Hollywood as the actors and writers unions continue picketing against the studios repped by the AMPTP.
“As you look at Peacock, I wouldn’t point out anything in particular related to strikes and its effect in 2023, the second half of the year,” Cavanagh told analysts Thursday. “Obviously, the longer a strike,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Media giant Comcast beat on its top and bottom line for the three months ended in June with theme parks and studio strong, even as the latter basks in another giant opening, for Opppenheimer, in the current third quarter.
Total revenue nosed up 1.7% to $30.5 billion for the second quarter ended in June. Net income jumped 25% to $4.28 billion. Eps of $1.02 compared with $0.76 a year ago.
At studios, adjusted Ebitda surged by $258 million to $255 million driven by the The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed $1.3 billion in worldwide box office in the second quarter, and Fast X.
Theme Parks adjusted Ebitda increased 32% to $833 million, its highest on record, reflecting year-on-year growth at Universal Beijing, Universal Japan and Universal Hollywood. The parks in Asia were still partly closed or at reduced capacity for part of last year.
“The consistent investments...
Total revenue nosed up 1.7% to $30.5 billion for the second quarter ended in June. Net income jumped 25% to $4.28 billion. Eps of $1.02 compared with $0.76 a year ago.
At studios, adjusted Ebitda surged by $258 million to $255 million driven by the The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed $1.3 billion in worldwide box office in the second quarter, and Fast X.
Theme Parks adjusted Ebitda increased 32% to $833 million, its highest on record, reflecting year-on-year growth at Universal Beijing, Universal Japan and Universal Hollywood. The parks in Asia were still partly closed or at reduced capacity for part of last year.
“The consistent investments...
- 7/27/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast reported its Q2 earnings Thursday, with its NBCUniversal division reporting some huge gains but also underscoring the challenge of making streaming into a profitable business. Overall, Comcast handily smashed Wall Street expectations in both revenue and earnings per share.
Peacock now has 24 million subscribers, up from 22 million last quarter and 13 million a year ago, and its revenue rose by 85 percent to $820 million. But the streaming service continues to lose money, reporting a loss of $651 million in the quarter, compared to a loss of $704 million last quarter, and $444 million a year ago. Notably, Comcast said that most of the new subscribers in the quarter were the result of converting free Comcast subs into paying subs.
And the advertising market continues to be challenged, with the media division reporting an advertising decline of 4.9 percent compared to last year. Overall media revenue was essentially flat, thanks to improved distribution revenue (including the...
Peacock now has 24 million subscribers, up from 22 million last quarter and 13 million a year ago, and its revenue rose by 85 percent to $820 million. But the streaming service continues to lose money, reporting a loss of $651 million in the quarter, compared to a loss of $704 million last quarter, and $444 million a year ago. Notably, Comcast said that most of the new subscribers in the quarter were the result of converting free Comcast subs into paying subs.
And the advertising market continues to be challenged, with the media division reporting an advertising decline of 4.9 percent compared to last year. Overall media revenue was essentially flat, thanks to improved distribution revenue (including the...
- 7/27/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peacock hit a total of 24 million paid subscribers during the second quarter of 2023 as Comcast beat Wall Street expectations.
The cable and media conglomerate reported adjusted net income for the quarter of $4.7 billion on Thursday, or $1.13 per share. Total revenue grew 1.5% year over year to $30.5 billion, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization grew 4.2% year over year to $10.2 billion.
Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected the NBCUniversal parent to report earnings of 98 cents per share on revenue of $30.3 billion.
Peacock, which added 2 million paid subscribers during the quarter, posted revenue of $820 million, up from $444 million in the prior year period. But the streamer posted an adjusted Ebitda loss of $651 million, widening from $467 million a year ago. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said there is “no change” to the company’s guidance that Peacock will hit peak losses of around $3 billion in 2023.
To help Peacock reach profitability, NBCUniversal is...
The cable and media conglomerate reported adjusted net income for the quarter of $4.7 billion on Thursday, or $1.13 per share. Total revenue grew 1.5% year over year to $30.5 billion, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization grew 4.2% year over year to $10.2 billion.
Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected the NBCUniversal parent to report earnings of 98 cents per share on revenue of $30.3 billion.
Peacock, which added 2 million paid subscribers during the quarter, posted revenue of $820 million, up from $444 million in the prior year period. But the streamer posted an adjusted Ebitda loss of $651 million, widening from $467 million a year ago. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said there is “no change” to the company’s guidance that Peacock will hit peak losses of around $3 billion in 2023.
To help Peacock reach profitability, NBCUniversal is...
- 7/27/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Comcast investors will get a closer look Thursday at Mike Cavanagh and Brian Roberts’ strategy for getting Peacock to profitability and revamping NBCUniversal’s leadership as the cable company reports its second-quarter earnings.
Over the last several months, that strategy has been complicated not only by the existential threat of cord-cutting in the traditional TV business but also the historic double strike by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America.
The direct effects of the labor dispute won’t be visible in the quarter’s results, which ended in June before talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA broke down. But Michael Hodel, Morningstar’s director of equity research for media and telecommunications, anticipates the topic will loom large over the earnings call. It might even help the company’s bottom line, at least in the near term.
“I expect the actors’ and writers’ strikes will be a topic of conversation...
Over the last several months, that strategy has been complicated not only by the existential threat of cord-cutting in the traditional TV business but also the historic double strike by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America.
The direct effects of the labor dispute won’t be visible in the quarter’s results, which ended in June before talks between the studios and SAG-AFTRA broke down. But Michael Hodel, Morningstar’s director of equity research for media and telecommunications, anticipates the topic will loom large over the earnings call. It might even help the company’s bottom line, at least in the near term.
“I expect the actors’ and writers’ strikes will be a topic of conversation...
- 7/26/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Donna Langley is a dame in waiting no more.
The veteran movie executive, with deep ties to Hollywood filmmakers and a knack for shepherding blockbusters to the screen, ascended to NBCUniversal’s content throne on Thursday, one of the big winners in a sweeping reorganization made by Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who oversees NBCUniversal.
In her new role as chief content officer, Langley won’t just be overseeing Universal’s slate of films. She will also take ownership of its TV and streaming creative strategy. It’s an elevation that many industry players saw as inevitable – after all, how much longer could the company keep the in-demand executive without expanding her portfolio?
However, that also shortchanges Langley’s talent for C-suite survival, one that’s seen her withstand mergers and sales, as well as a revolving door of leaders and associates such as Ron Meyer, Adam Fogelson and Jeff Shell,...
The veteran movie executive, with deep ties to Hollywood filmmakers and a knack for shepherding blockbusters to the screen, ascended to NBCUniversal’s content throne on Thursday, one of the big winners in a sweeping reorganization made by Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who oversees NBCUniversal.
In her new role as chief content officer, Langley won’t just be overseeing Universal’s slate of films. She will also take ownership of its TV and streaming creative strategy. It’s an elevation that many industry players saw as inevitable – after all, how much longer could the company keep the in-demand executive without expanding her portfolio?
However, that also shortchanges Langley’s talent for C-suite survival, one that’s seen her withstand mergers and sales, as well as a revolving door of leaders and associates such as Ron Meyer, Adam Fogelson and Jeff Shell,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Anyone looking for a sign of Comcast president Mike Cavanagh’s strategy as the recently installed overseer of NBCUniversal got a bright one Thursday.
The seasoned finance exec unveiled a significant revamp of the company’s senior management ranks today. Donna Langley, Mark Lazarus and Cesar Conde headed the list of those gaining promotions, while Susan Rovner, chairman of entertainment content for NBCU television and streaming, was a high-profile exec to exit the company.
Donna Langley
One notable aspect of the new org chart is Langley’s new dual role overseeing both film and TV. At companies of comparable scale to NBCU, the film and TV realms are still generally run separately even though the line between them gets blurrier every day. Amazon, Apple and Netflix have all made moves to unify the management at the very top of the food chain, but traditional media firms still have separate silos.
The seasoned finance exec unveiled a significant revamp of the company’s senior management ranks today. Donna Langley, Mark Lazarus and Cesar Conde headed the list of those gaining promotions, while Susan Rovner, chairman of entertainment content for NBCU television and streaming, was a high-profile exec to exit the company.
Donna Langley
One notable aspect of the new org chart is Langley’s new dual role overseeing both film and TV. At companies of comparable scale to NBCU, the film and TV realms are still generally run separately even though the line between them gets blurrier every day. Amazon, Apple and Netflix have all made moves to unify the management at the very top of the food chain, but traditional media firms still have separate silos.
- 7/6/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
David Zaslav should be sending a fruit basket right about now to Comcast boss Mike Cavanagh.
Hollywood’s gaze has moved from Warner Bros Discovery to NBCUniversal, which has just undergone its latest restructure under the new Comcast president, a move that saw film chief Donna Langley expand her empire into television and the departure of Susan Rovner.
What do the changes mean for NBCU’s television business under Langley, is the company destined for another shake-up on the television side, and was Rovner, who oversaw series such as NBC’s Night Court, one of the biggest new broadcast comedies in the last few years, and Peacock’s acclaimed Poker Face, a success?
During a keynote at SXSW in March, Rovner told a story about how former CEO Jeff Shell – who exited after a sexual harassment investigation – told her that when someone walks into one of its theme parks, it...
Hollywood’s gaze has moved from Warner Bros Discovery to NBCUniversal, which has just undergone its latest restructure under the new Comcast president, a move that saw film chief Donna Langley expand her empire into television and the departure of Susan Rovner.
What do the changes mean for NBCU’s television business under Langley, is the company destined for another shake-up on the television side, and was Rovner, who oversaw series such as NBC’s Night Court, one of the biggest new broadcast comedies in the last few years, and Peacock’s acclaimed Poker Face, a success?
During a keynote at SXSW in March, Rovner told a story about how former CEO Jeff Shell – who exited after a sexual harassment investigation – told her that when someone walks into one of its theme parks, it...
- 7/6/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive is one of four operational heads to lead NBCU as Comcast head decides not to name one CEO.
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley has been promoted to chairman of NBCUniversal Studio Group & chief content officer, taking charge of the new unified division in a role which adds oversight of television and streaming content strategy to her purview.
Langley is one of four operational heads at NBCU under Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who said on Thursday (July 6) he will not name a new CEO following the recent departure of Jeff Shell.
She will now oversee NBCU’s creative...
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley has been promoted to chairman of NBCUniversal Studio Group & chief content officer, taking charge of the new unified division in a role which adds oversight of television and streaming content strategy to her purview.
Langley is one of four operational heads at NBCU under Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who said on Thursday (July 6) he will not name a new CEO following the recent departure of Jeff Shell.
She will now oversee NBCU’s creative...
- 7/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Executive is one of four operational heads to lead NBCU as Comcast head decides not to name one CEO.
Universal filmed Entertainment chairman Donna Langley has been promoted to chairman of the newly created NBCUniversal Studio Group & chief content officer.
Langley will oversee a unified content strategy across the NBCUniversal portfolio bringing together the film and television studios and is one of four operational heads at NBCU under Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who said on Thursday (JUly 6) he will not name a new CEO following the recent departure of Jeff Shell.
Langley will oversee NBCU’s creative teams including Universal...
Universal filmed Entertainment chairman Donna Langley has been promoted to chairman of the newly created NBCUniversal Studio Group & chief content officer.
Langley will oversee a unified content strategy across the NBCUniversal portfolio bringing together the film and television studios and is one of four operational heads at NBCU under Comcast president Mike Cavanagh, who said on Thursday (JUly 6) he will not name a new CEO following the recent departure of Jeff Shell.
Langley will oversee NBCU’s creative teams including Universal...
- 7/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The CEO of NBCUniversal parent Comcast said it’s “more likely than not” the company will end up selling its third of Hulu to Disney, after his Mouse counterpart indicated clearly last week that this would be Disney’s preferred outcome. There’s been some grandstanding over the past year as the deadline approaches, but both of Hulu’s parents appear to be on or near the same page now.
“The fact is that Bob Iger, on his earnings call last week, said that they’re now interested in general entertainment, which is no surprise,” Brian Roberts told investors at the MoffettNathanson Tmt conference. Earlier this year, Iger was a bit more skeptical on “undifferentiated” general entertainment streaming, versus Disney+ targeted brands.
Comcast can put its stake to Disney, or Disney can call it in, early next year. The Disney chief said that the two sides have had “cordial” and “constructive” conversations about Hulu.
“The fact is that Bob Iger, on his earnings call last week, said that they’re now interested in general entertainment, which is no surprise,” Brian Roberts told investors at the MoffettNathanson Tmt conference. Earlier this year, Iger was a bit more skeptical on “undifferentiated” general entertainment streaming, versus Disney+ targeted brands.
Comcast can put its stake to Disney, or Disney can call it in, early next year. The Disney chief said that the two sides have had “cordial” and “constructive” conversations about Hulu.
- 5/16/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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