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CBS' reworked film division will focus on streaming
CBS' ongoing streaming push is now affecting its movie business. Variety has revealed that CBS is folding its Films division into the larger Entertainment Group over the next year, and it will shift its focus to streaming after the last of its four in-progress movies (Five Feet Apart, Lexi, Pavarotti and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark) reaches theaters. The details of what happens next are reportedly still up in the air, but there's a good chance All Access plays a major part in that strategy.
CBS Super Bowl coverage features augmented reality and 8K
CBS has big, high-tech plans for its Super Bowl LIII coverage this February. To start with, it's using 14 cameras, including aerial systems, to create live virtual graphic elements designed to blend into the background. The network promises to show you those AR graphics up close and from various angles -- even if you're just watching on TV -- by using wireless handheld cameras that can track them on the field.
CBS launches streaming-only news service for New York City
CBS is acting on its promise to add a local flavor to its streaming news service. The broadcaster has launched CBSN New York, its first major local streaming service. The internet-only channel promises around-the-clock coverage of NYC's goings on, with CBS 2 and WLNY 10/55 providing both their usual live news broadcasts as well as hour-long live shows just for CBSN. It'll also provide continuous coverage of any breaking events as well as on-demand streams.
'Star Trek: Discovery' season two trailer shows plenty of Spock
Now that Star Trek: Discovery's second season is almost here, CBS All Access has released a full trailer to drum up hype -- and to no one's surprise, the stakes are high this time around. The season will see the Discovery crew partnering with Captain Pike to investigate seven unusual signals and the arrival of the mysterious Red Angel, who apparently brought warnings that "someone or something" is going to wipe out sentient life in the galaxy. And naturally, Spock gets ample screen time. He's a vital ally to the crew, but clearly at odds with Commander Burnham's tendency to shoulder everything herself. We wouldn't be surprised if there's more friction to come.
CBS gives 'Entertainment Tonight' its own streaming service
CBS expanding its repertoire of free streaming services. It just launched ET Live, a no-cost Entertainment Tonight offshoot that provides 24/7 coverage of celebrity news, fashion and other not-so-deep fare. It's not a strict expansion of the TV show -- it relies primarily on original programming with a new set of hosts (including Lauren Zima, above), and will only occasionally feature appearances from ET regulars. There will be tie-ins with CBS' other online properties, though. Deadline notes that you'll have quick access to ET Live from services like CBS All Access and CBSN, and you may see guest spots from ET Live elsewhere when there's relevant news.
Genre fans are getting milked by streaming services
Like Thanos at the end of Infinity War, Marvel has culled some of its Netflix universe, canceling both Iron Fist and Luke Cage in the past few weeks. That leaves Daredevil and Jessica Jones as the remaining Defenders on the streaming service, plus spinoff property Punisher. The company promised that this wasn't the last time we'd see either hero, just that it was the end of their respective shows "on Netflix," fueling speculation that they'd be heading to Disney's upcoming streaming service. Now we'll have to cough up even more money if we want to keep up with the continuing adventures of Luke, Colleen, Misty and maybe Danny. (Ed. note: Nobody wants to keep up with Danny.)
Star Trek animated comedy 'Lower Decks' is coming to CBS All Access
CBS All Access has been forging ahead with new Star Trek programming, and the streaming network has just greenlighted a new show. Star Trek: Lower Decks is a half-hour animated comedy developed by Mike McMahan, a writer for Rick and Morty and the upcoming Short Trek "The Escape Artist." CBS All Access has ordered two seasons of the show, which will focus on the support crew on one of Starfleet's less important ships. There's no word yet about the time frame for the show.
'Star Trek: Discovery' season two premieres January 17th
After months upon months of teasing and production challenges, CBS is finally ready to set the stage for Star Trek: Discovery's second season. The network has announced that the 13-episode next chapter of its signature All Access show will premiere on January 17th, 2019. Accordingly, CBS has also debuted a trailer (below) that gives a glimpse as to how the storyline will continue -- including a first glimpse of Spock.
Four 'Star Trek: Discovery' shorts are coming to CBS All Access
CBS All Access is getting a quartet of Star Trek: Discovery preludes to tide you over until the show's return in early 2019. Star Trek: Short Treks is comprised of four standalone episodes, described as "short stories", each focusing on a different character or theme from the franchise's bulging universe.
Jordan Peele will host CBS All Access’ ‘Twilight Zone’ reboot
We knew that CBS was working on a Twilight Zone reboot and that it was being produced by Jordan Peele. Now the company has released a short teaser that reveals Peele will also host and narrate the new series. The Twilight Zone will stream on CBS All Access and is set to debut sometime in 2019.
CBS All Access' 'Star Trek: Discovery' is viewable offline with a catch
We're inching closer to a future where more of our streaming services make their offerings available offline. The latest is CBS All Access, as spotted by TechCrunch. Unfortunately, this feature is exclusive to folks paying for the no-commercials tier. In addition to Star Trek: Discovery you'll also be able to grab a range of TV episodes from the service's catalog including Big Brother and Survivor.
CBS chief Les Moonves to step down amid new sexual assault claims (updated)
After weeks of swirling sexual misconduct allegations, CBS chief Les Moonves appears to be on the way out. CNN's executive sources have claimed that Moonves is about to step down now that an exit deal is effectively complete. CBS could announce the departure by the morning of September 10th, according to the insiders. Just how he'll leave isn't clear, but he may not have a gentle departure due to a follow-up exposé from The New Yorker detailing more claims of sexual assault and harassment.
CBS will stream Super Bowl LIII on mobile devices without a sign-in
CBS is determined to make the most of the NFL's loosened streaming rules. The broadcaster has revealed its streaming plans for Super Bowl LIII, and you'll finally have the option to watch on mobile devices without a sign-in through CBS Sports' website and mobile apps. You'll also have mobile access through authenticated apps from CBS' cable, satellite, telecom and streaming TV partners. To no one's surprise, you can watch through All Access on mobile if you're a subscriber.
Both CBS All Access tiers are available on Amazon Channels
In January, Amazon added the commercial-free version of CBS All Access, the network's subscription streaming service, to Prime Video Channels. Now, the $6 limited commercial tier is available as well. Earlier this month, Deadline reports, CBS CEO Les Moonves said that having All Access available through Amazon definitely impacted subscriber rates. "Amazon has been absolutely amazing in terms of growing our subs," he said. The company now aims to have 16 million All Access and Showtime subscribers by 2022.
'Star Trek: Discovery' has its Spock
CBS just cast one of the most important roles in Star Trek: Discovery's future. The network has chosen Ethan Peck to play the iconic Spock in its streaming sci-fi series. According to the broadcaster, the In Time actor "effortlessly" reflected Spock's half-Vulcan mix of cool logic and bubbling emotions. It's not certain exactly when he'll show up, although there's a good chance he'll appear sometime in season two given that he both serves under the Enterprise's Christopher Pike and is the foster brother to "Michael Burnham."
CBS All Access' 'One Dollar' trailer links money to murder
CBS wants to remind you that its All Access streaming service isn't just about Star Trek, and it's doing that in grand fashion. The network has posted the first trailer for One Dollar, a thriller series that underscores the dangers of money. It features singer Sturgill Simpson as a former steel mill worker swept up in class and culture wars that ignite after a strange multiple murder. The hook, as the name implies, is a dollar bill -- its path through a declining company town provides different perspectives from people desperate for and corrupted by cash.
Picard returns to 'Star Trek' in a new series for CBS All Access
CBS is banking on more Star Trek shows as a way to draw in more viewers, and it's clearly ready to pull out all the stops in the process. The network has confirmed that it's launching an All Access series that will continue the story of Star Trek: The Next Generation's Jean-Luc Picard -- and yes, it will star Patrick Stewart. Discovery co-creator Alex Kurtzman will oversee the new show with help from other veterans from All Access' inaugural Star Trek show.
CBS plans local news streaming starting in NYC and LA
While CBS' board investigates its CEO for sexual misconduct, the company continues to move forward with its day to day business. Say hello to CBSN Local, a streaming news service that will show anchored local news coverage to major markets served by the company. The new service follows CBSN proper, a global streaming news offering that delivers national and global news, and CBS All Access, which streams shows like Star Trek: Discovery.
CBS CEO Les Moonves faces sexual misconduct investigation
The CBS board of directors will investigate allegations of sexual misconduct laid against CEO Les Moonves. The New Yorker published an exposé from investigative reporter Ronan Farrow detailing the accusations of six women who say that between the 80s and mid-aughts, the executive sexually harassed them. Four of them, including the actress Illeana Douglas said they were forcibly touched or kissed during business meetings, while two accused him of employing physical intimidation and threats to derail their careers. The report also contains claims of harassment against other men in the CBS and CBS News divisions, including 60 Minutes executive producer Jeff Fager.
'Star Trek: Discovery' mini episodes arrive this fall
CBS All Access won't have the next season of Star Trek: Discovery ready for streaming until early 2019, but fans won't have to wait until then for new content. Today at Comic-Con executive producer and co-creator Alex Kurtzman revealed four "Short Treks" will arrive throughout the fall, as 10 - 15 minute standalone episodes. Rainn Wilson's character Harry Mudd will be featured in one, Aldis Hodge as Craft in another, while the other two follow characters Saru and Tilly. Naturally CBS also dropped off a trailer for season two, which you can check out after the break.