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Streaming service Peacock closed 2022 with more than 20 million paid subscribers, helping Comcast slip past Wall Street estimates during a challenging fourth quarter in the media business. Total revenue came in at $30.55 billion in the period, less than 1% ahead of the prior-year quarter but just above analysts’ consensus. Earnings per share of 70 cents fell short of estimates, but exceeded them on a non-GAAP basis. Along with Peacock, a strong return for theme parks helped NBCUniversal post solid numbers on the top line, with revenue up 6% to $9.9 billion. Advertising revenue increased 4%, which the company credited to Spanish-language coverage of the World Cup by Telemundo and rising Peacock ad revenue. The profit story was less encouraging, with adjusted EBITDA falling 36% to $817 Theatrical revenue at the film studio soared 47% over the prior year, with Ticket to Paradise , Puss , Violent Night and Halloween Ends closing the year on a high note. … [Read more...] about Peacock Clears 20M Subscribers, Helping Comcast Nip Wall Street Q4 Estimates

SPOILER ALERT: This post contains details from the first four episodes of Peacock ’s Poker Face . Natasha Lyonne is a casino waitress with an uncanny ability to tell when people are lying in her latest collaboration with Rian Johnson , Peacock’s Poker Face . She’s not reading their faces or their body language. It’s “just a feeling,” her character Charlie explains in the first episode, which debuted Thursday along with three additional episodes. As the premiere unfolds, Charlie agrees to help her boss take down a high-profile gambler, only to realize that he had previously been responsible for murdering her co-worker to keep her silent about the sins of that very same gambler. Rather than stick around and meet her own demise, Charlie goes on the lamb. Along the way, the finds herself embroiled in a series of small-town murder mysteries in each place she stops. “I’ve learned that this is a character who just really can’t stand bullsh*t. She just really … [Read more...] about ‘Poker Face’: Natasha Lyonne Breaks Down Debut Episodes & Discusses Collaborating With Rian Johnson For Peacock Series

Starzplay has announced its first Arabic-language original series, created in collaboration with Emirati content powerhouse Image Nation Abu Dhabi . The international streaming service of Starz has a big following in the Middle East and North Africa where its regional offering Starzplay Arabia is available in 19 territories. The new show, called Kaboos , features five standalone episodes and is billed as a modern-day retelling of Arab folklore. It explores urban legends in Saudi Arabia , Kuwait, Egypt and the UAE, across a variety of genres from classic horror stories to noir psychological thrillers. Some of MENA’s hottest rising young directors are attached to the show, including the UAE’s Majid Al Ansari ( Zinzana , Paranormal ) and Hana Kazim ( Makr ) as well as Iraq-born, Abu Dhabi-based Yasir Al Yasiri ( 122 ), Egypt’s Ahmed Khaled ( 30 March ) and Bahraini, U.S.-based director and producer Hala Matar ( Streetcar ). The horror anthology … [Read more...] about Starzplay & Image Nation Abu Dhabi Unveil Streamer’s First Arabic Original Series ‘Kaboos’

TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. Oh, to be a kid again! If you're looking to bring out your inner child and get outside more , a drone is the perfect toy for " kidults" to play with. This 2-for-1 drone bundle gives you two high tech drones that give you a bird's-eye view to explore the world with. And during the Kidults Campaign, TMZ readers can score this for $129.99 for a limited time. This buy one, get one free deal on drones lets you see the world from new heights and angles, as it includes two drones with dual cameras . The Alpha Z PRO comes in sleek black with an ultra HD dual camera, while the Flying Fox has a clean silver finish with a 4K wide angle dual camera. Both share similarities like WiFi connectivity, altitude hold mode for a stable hovering fly to secure stunning shots, real time FPV to view images on the app on your phone or tablet , a one key automatic return enabling both drones to find … [Read more...] about Get This 4K Drone Set for $129.99

TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. Can't live without your phone? If you use your phone regularly for games, social media, or for just taking videos of everything, you've probably found yourself hovering at 20% or lower on your smartphone. It's time to avoid the ever awful feeling of knowing your phone's about to die, and meet your new tech best friend: the wireless charger . This sleek and compact wireless magnetic charger for your iPhone is only $39.99 and quickly starts charging as soon as you pop it onto the back of your phone. Plus, it's got a small display that shows you the battery percentage. It charges iPhone 8 and newer models wirelessly, plus all Qi-enabled wireless devices (including Androids). However, iPhone 12 or newer is required for the magnetic attachment feature. It's also small and discreet, so you can carry it around with you in your pocket, purse, or backpack as you go about your day. This … [Read more...] about This Ultra Fast Wireless Charger is Only $39.99 for a Limited Time

Comedy Central on Monday morning announced that The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore would be coming to an end. It was a swift cancellation, with the late-night show, created by Jon Stewart, given one last week before going off the air a month and a half before the November Presidential elections. Comedy Central brass pointed to The Nightly Show ‘s modest ratings and viral play as a reason for ending the show. Wilmore spoke with Deadline following the taping of the Tuesday episode, in which the show had revisited segments on the kinds of topics that became its signature – Baltimore gangs who called truce during the riots, and food choices for low-income people. In the interview, Wilmore talks about how the cancellation came about, his plans for the final shows (will Stewart show up?) and what he may do next, including weighing in on the rest of the presidential campaign. Before getting The Nightly Show gig, Wilmore was a Daily Show contributor, the Black-ish showrunner and … [Read more...] about Larry Wilmore Exit Interview: ‘The Nightly Show’ Host Talks Cancellation, His Final Week, Regrets & What’s Next

As Angela Bassett enjoys a serious awards-season run for her supporting role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , she’s about to dress up her trophy case even more. The current Oscar nominee and recent Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award winner will receive the Spotlight Award at the Costume Designers Guild ’s gala next month. She will be honored with the awards, which honors an actor whose talent and career personify an enduring commitment to excellence, including a special awareness of the role and importance of costume design, at the 25th CDGA on February 27 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. “The Costume Designers Guild could not be more honored to be celebrating the career of the incomparable Angela Bassett at our 25th anniversary celebration” said Terry Gordon, President of the Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892. “Her collaborations with costume designers have captivated audiences around the globe for decades, making her the perfect … [Read more...] about Angela Bassett Set For Costume Designers Guild’s Spotlight Award

The Oscar nominations this week set off a new round of speculation about corporate image: Does it matter that Netflix ’s potential Oscar take had dropped to 16 from 36 in 2020? “I don’t give a f*ck about my corporate image and companies shouldn’t waste their time worrying about their’s.” Those were the words of Martin Davis, the only press agent ever to become CEO of a major media company. Davis’ behavior in the ‘90s reflected his views: During his decade-long tenure at Paramount, the company endured a succession of public brawls and setbacks. The Davis Doctrine is worth pondering today given the stalwart efforts of entities like Netflix, Disney and Warner Bros Discovery on image enhancement. Under Bob Chapek, Disney spent $8.3 million to reward its newly recruited PR chief, Geoff Morrell, for his stint on improving the company’s corporate image. Morrell’s four-month tenure culminated in his firing and, later, that of his boss prior to the re-anointment of Bob … [Read more...] about Peter Bart: Big Media Honchos Hunt For Ways To Accentuate The Positive In Turbulent Moment

EXCLUSIVE : The Gotham Film & Media Institute has unveiled the winners of its fourth annual Focus Features & JetBlue Student Short Film Showcase. The five filmmakers chosen are Saleem Gondal ( Post Term , Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema), Yingtong Li ( The Silent Whistle , Emerson College), Taylor Mannsman ( Obscura , University of Texas at Austin), Shannon M. Sutherland ( They Flew Like Blackbirds , Florida State University) and Cheryl Wong ( Stigma, Style , NYU). The Gotham’s Short Film Showcase aims to discover and empower a diverse group of emerging filmmakers, and to foster multi-platform distribution of their work. Winners of this year’s showcase, supported by returning partners JetBlue and Focus Features, as well as new partner Soho House, had their works selected by a jury of filmmakers, curators and critics, with shorts from 23 graduate schools having been submitted. Each was recognized during the 2022 Gotham Awards Ceremony on November 28, received … [Read more...] about The Gotham Names Winners Of 4th Annual Focus Features & JetBlue Student Short Film Showcase

Hasbro , which has been reeling from a series of economic and corporate shocks, plans to cut 15% of its global workforce this year, or about 1,000 positions. In addition to those reductions, the company plans to unveil “a new organizational model, commercial alignment, and leadership changes” during its quarterly earnings call on February 16. One preliminary exec move announced today was the departure of Eric Nyman as president and chief operating officer. The consumer products group Nyman used to oversee will now report directly to CEO Chris Cocks. The toy maker and film and TV supplier elevated Cocks to CEO about a year ago following the death weeks earlier of Brian Goldner, who had steered the Rhode Island company to a more high-profile role in Hollywood. Under Goldner, Hasbro reached deals with studios and streamers for adaptations of Transformers, G.I. Joe and many other properties. During the pandemic, though, and with resulting supply-chain and retail pressures, Hasbro has … [Read more...] about Hasbro To Cut 15% Of Workforce, Warns Q4 Results Hurt By “Challenging Holiday Consumer Environment”