Local TV expansion pushes out syndicated fare (updated)

WGN-TV, Fox 32 expands local programming [Editor’s Note: This post was updated on Sept. 8 to reflect the last-minute scheduling changes made at Fox 32 and Fox Chicago Plus.] If there’s any indication about the struggles of first-run and off-network syndication, look no further than this season’s new crop of shows, in which you count on one hand whereas in […]

Fox, YouTubeTV come to terms on a new agreement

Also: DirecTV Stream adds Weigel’s WCIU As expected after agreeing to a short-term extension, Fox Corporation and YouTubeTV reached an agreement on Thursday.  “We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Fox to keep their content on YouTube TV, preserve the value of our service for our subscribers and offer more flexibility in the future. This means that […]

NBC in 2025-26: More NBA, less entertainment

Tuesdays are set aside for hoops; Jimmy Fallon adds a primetime show NBCUniversal held its upfront presentation on Monday, and while the focus wasn’t necessarily on NBC and its 2025-26 season (but on Peacock and the newly-reacquired NBA instead), we are seeing how primetime is shaping up next season and if you’re a fan of scripted and unscripted fare, you […]

Poll: Chicagoans have lote-hate relationship with their native shows

Though viewers are proud of their homegrown shows, their portrayal of Chicago often brings headaches While Chicago viewers tune in every week to see how their shows portray their city to the world, some are concerned about how they shape the perception of the city on the world stage. Chicago-based The Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson recently penned a piece […]

The Media Notepad: Few are partying with “Chicago Party Aunt”

Bad reviews, viewer feedback sink show as show falls off radar. Also: ESPN 1000’s Mike Thomas exits; ex-B96 jock Roxanne Steele leaves Detroit radio job; Peanuts specials back on PBS Remember a month ago when this space crowed about Chicago Party Aunt, telling her to party on? Well, the party may be soon over as not too many viewers are […]

Partying with a Chicago aunt

Netflix’s new Chicago Party Aunt is creating a lot of buzz Over the years, we were treated to jokes regarding all the number of Chicago shows Dick Wolf has created for NBC: Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. What’s next? Chicago Sanitation Department? Chicago Animal Control?  Well, how about Chicago Party Aunt?  For once, we have a show with […]

Media Notepad: NewsNation makes schedule changes – again

Also: A Shark becomes a judge; Pictionary returns; MyNetworkTV adds Chicago Fire and a new Detroit affiliate Once again, Chicago-based NewsNation is making changes to its lineup. Announced last week, the network formerly known as WGN America is adding another personality show in primetime, featuring a show hosted by former Fox News personality Leland Vittert, who’ll helm On Balance. Beginning […]

Getting ready to board “The Red Line”

Limited-series debuts amid back drop of real-life problems, including Jussie Smollett The latest drama to be based in Chicago debuts (or debuted) Sunday night titled The Red Line. But you wonder if Chicago TV viewers would board for the ride. Named after the “L” line running from Howard Street in the North Side’s Rogers Park community to 95th Street on […]

New Year’s Eve programming: Same as last year

Networks, local stations remain status quo as hosts return There’s nothing like ringing in 2019 than watching the same people who did so with 2018. No major changes are expected in New Year’s Eve programming December 31, both nationally and locally as viewers will same the same familiar faces they saw last year. The stability is a nod to the […]

Wednesday night ratings roundup: Cubs outdraw NBC’s “Chicago” shows in Chicago

Broadcast networks continue to struggle; Empire top-rated 18-49 show of night nationally Wednesday night, NBC’s Chicago shows returned with their season premieres. But it was the Chicago Cubs who beat the Chicago-based dramas on their own home turf. Fueled by their chase for the NL Central championship, the Cubs game from Wrigley Field topped all prime-time programs in viewership in […]

Chicago Fire strikes exclusive deal with ESPN Plus

Three-year pact means no linear TV – for now If you want to watch Chicago Fire, you can still watch it on NBC. But if you want to watch the soccer team of the same name…well, you are out of luck – for now. The Major League Soccer team announced Friday it has struck a deal with the new over-the-top […]

“Will & Grace” shines in return; NFL, Bears fall flat

Strong start for veteran sitcom – and oh yeah…Chicago’s NFL Lakefront Team was also in action The return of Will & Grace to NBC Thursday night went better than expected. The “season nine” comedy – starring Eric McCormick and Debra Messing premiered with a 3.0 adults 18-49 rating – better than any season eight episode eleven seasons ago (in 2005-06) […]

NBC makes changes to Tuesday, Thursday fall lineups

This Is Us remains on Tuesday; new Will & Grace avoids showdown with Big Bang Theory The month of June hasn’t arrived yet, and we already have our first change in the 2017 fall schedule. NBC announced Tuesday it was keeping This Is Us in its regular Tuesday slot after all, keeping it as a lead-out of The Voice. Meanwhile, […]