Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Tuesday, March 5th, 2024.
PROGRAMMING NOTE:
A very short newsletter tonight. I'm fighting some sort of bug and just need to rest a bit. Hopefully I'll be back to normal tomorrow.
SOME MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT THAT 'SEAL TEAM' WRITER LAWSUIT
I wrote a bit in yesterday's newsletter about SEAL Team script coordinator Brian Beneker, who said in a complaint that he suffered by not being part of “the favored hiring groups; that is, they were nonwhite, LGBTQ, or female.” He also called out the “illegal policy” of diversity, equity and inclusion measures.
My suspicion is that the lawsuit will ultimately be settled out-of-court before trial. CBS certainly doesn't want to go through discovery and Stephen Miller's law firm doesn't need a win in court. They just need the appearance of a win and a settlement provides that. As for Beneker, he walks away with a bit of money and can spend a couple of years as the Kevin Sorbo of script coordinators, appearing on various conservative media outlets complaining that a white man can't get a fair break in Hollywood.
And btw, I've reached out both to Beneker and his law firm asking for a comment or even better - an interview. I am truly interested in hearing their point of view and what they see as important issues at play here.
The piece also prompted a lot of reader feedback/comments. Here are some of the highlights:
* There is a REAL discussion to be had about the goals the efficacy of DEI programs in our industry, and how to make certain that talent and hard work get equal representation with melanin and estrogen. Unfortunately that conversation can’t happen at the moment because anyone questioning of this new Hollywood orthodoxy will automatically get one dismissed as in bed with Stephen Miller and the worst people on earth. Which is too bad. We’re in the idea business. We should he able to talk about different ideas.
* We are likely to see more of these complaints as the universe for available writing jobs continues to shrink. When people are unhappy, they tend to look for someone to blame. And we know how that usually works out.
* This clown is a putz. I don't know him well at all. But I've seen enough of his work to suspect there are really good reasons why he never moved up on the show.
* I don't know of this specific lawsuit is valid. But Hollywood's liberals need to be kicked in the ass and this is a good first start.
* Based on what I've read about this situation, I don't know that I agree with lawsuit. But I think CBS made some real mistakes with the way they've dealt with the issue of gender and racial equity. I certainly didn't have any sense they were serious about it. It always felt like just another thing they had to check off. And that half-ass approach leads to problems like this.
And finally, this Deadline piece is a reminder that anytime you post on Twitter/X, you run the risk of your snark being aggregated into a quick post.
ODDS AND SODS
* Last June, I wrote a piece about the amazing number of what I referred to as cable TV's "Zombie networks." The AP has a similar piece today, although I'd argue that it is more of a collection of quotes than an actual look at the causes and solutions.
* At today's Morgan Stanley media conference, Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns confirmed the company is shopping an animated take on the Twilight series, as well as some sort of John Wick universe live action show.
* Wicked Tuna Captain Charlie “Griff” Griffin and his dog Leila died on the Outer Banks in what is presumed to be a boating accident.
* Janice Burgess, the creator behind The Backyardigans, died at 72 on March 2. The Nickelodeon executive also oversaw the production of shows like Blue’s Clues and Little Bill.
* As had been expected, CBS has ordered the Young Sheldon Georgie & Mandy spinoff series starring Montana Jordan and Emily Osment.
WHAT'S NEW TONIGHT AND TOMORROW
TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH:
* Alert: Missing Persons Unit Season Premiere (Fox)
* Alice Nevers Season Six Premiere (MHz Choice)
* A Revolution On Canvas (HBO)
* Bail Jumpers Series Premiere (Investigation Discovery)
* Hannah Gadsby's Gender Agenda (Netflix)
* Port Protection Alaska Season Premiere (NatGeo)
* The Cleaning Lady Season Premiere (Fox)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6TH:
* Animal Control Season Premiere (Fox)
* Erika Jayne: Bet It All On Blonde (Bravo)
* Extraordinary Season Two Premiere (Hulu)
* Family Guy Season Premiere (Fox)
* Full Swing Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Guy's Grocery Games Season Premiere (Food)
* My 600-Lb Life Season Premiere (TLC)
* See You In Another Life Series Premiere (Disney+)
* Supersex (Netflix)
* The Amazing Race (CBS)
* The Masked Singer Season Premiere (Fox)
* The Program: Cons, Cults And Kidnapping (Netflix)
SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY!