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![From the premiere of Crackle's 'The Oath' [Michael Tullberg/Getty Images]](https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/1CFAAToNE0lL7XxJ1tRvog--~B/Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQ2ODtweW9mZj0wO3c9ODMyO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?crop=3000%2C1870%2C0%2C12&quality=85&format=jpg&resize=1600%2C998&image_uri=http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/eb90b05e657517cae129a28bdda79c14/206548119/actors-arlen-escarpeta-and-ryan-kwanten-executive-producers-joe-and-picture-id929060844&client=a1acac3e1b3290917d92&signature=1a74282f8de4ef551fecb0141967c0be3269758c.cf.jpg)
Sony exec wants a partner to help expand Crackle's streaming
Few people would probably speak of Crackle in the same breath as Netflix or Hulu, but Sony continues to fight for its ad-supported streaming service's place in people's devices. According to multiple sources, Sony Pictures TV chairman Mike Hopkins wants to expand Crackle -- with the help of a partner, that is. In a memo sent to employees, the former Hulu chief said Sony has "begun the process of exploring potential partnerships for... Crackle" to widen its reach and increase its revenues. He didn't quite delve into the specifics, but it's clearly an attempt at boosting its offerings to better compete against the companies at the top of the streaming totem pole.
NBC renews Community for a fifth season, possibly thanks to Amazon, Netflix
Tonight NBC revealed it is bringing back comedy Community for a fifth season. While NBC has been criticized for shifting the premiere date for this last season and dumping showrunner Dan Harmon, Variety suggests its renewal may be related to something apart from the show. The Sony Pictures-produced show could have followed the path of Cougar Town to cable but there's also new competition for content from sources like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. All are willing to pay for quality original content and would love to snatch up the audience that's already watching on NBC. One needs only look at Arrested Development or the Kickstarter for Veronica Mars to see how much hype "saving" a show brings in the digital realm. Another boost for the show is likely to come from reruns on Comedy Central, all of which adds up to a renewal order which at one time seemed unlikely to happen. Finally, NBC has other elements that are certainly in play, like stabilizing a Thursday night lineup with familiar shows as it prepares for the Winter Olympics early next year. When the show comes back it will unfortunately be without Chevy Chase's Pierce Hawthorne character, so a Journey to the Center of Hawkthorne 2 is probably not on the table. If you're not familiar with the show's pursuit of "six seasons and a movie" and wonder what all the hype is about, check after the break for one man's theory of Community as a "postmodern masterpiece."
