Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Tuesday, July 29th 2025:
THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Apparently the two links to the new NBC and Fox fall schedules that were in last night's newsletter weren't working correctly. Here is the corrected link to the NBC fall primetime schedule and the Fox primetime fall schedule.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REINVENT THE LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW?
I was swapping emails back and forth today with an executive at one of the broadcast networks, who at one point asked me a question I didn't have a ready answer for? Is it possible to create a "next generation" late night talk show? Some format that would include enough familiar elements to still feel like a late night talk show, without including any of the things that make those shows often seem like a relic of a long-gone time in television history?
I've been giving it some thought and to be honest, it was a pretty exciting thing to contemplate. I love a challenge and reinventing the late night talk show is the biggest challenge I can think of. The overall format hasn't changed all that much since the days of Steve Allen's talk show and in fact Allen was a big inspiration for people like David Letterman. So I decided the only way to do this is to essentially blow everything up. And here are some quick thoughts on the approach I would take:
* The Location
Late night talkers have always been based in New York or Los Angeles, because "that's where the stars are." But in a day when celebrities seem to be simultaneously everywhere while being less important to the cultural discourse, not having huge names every night can be a positive for this new show. I'd pick Chicago for the home base. It has existing studio facilities, it feels more grounded and down to Earth culturally while still being a big urban area. And even better for our purposes, it gives the show access to a lot of comedy and music talent, in the same way that TV shows like Law & Order take advantage of NYC's pool of trained actors.
* The Host
In the past, the choice of host has been driven by the consideration of finding someone who is funny, can think quickly and interview well enough not to be an embarrassment. This show needs someone who can interview anyone. Every other skill can be learned or passed off to someone else on the show. One of the reasons why longform podcasts continue to make news is that those conversations are more natural and unscripted. I'm not arguing for a two hour-long interview. But the host needs to be able to possess that rare gift of being able to listen and instinctually feel where the conversation should be headed.
* What! No Comedian? No Monologue?
If the host is capable of doing it, sure. But if not, it's not a dealbreaker. You could start the show with a monologue from a rotating group of comedians who tell their jokes along with some generated by the show's writing staff. What matters are the interviews.
* No In-House Band
House bands are great, but they tend to be more expensive than they're worth. Bring in guest bands to play the bumper music and then do a full number of their own later in the show. Well-known bands are great, but it's also important to highlight as many new and mid-level bands as possible. They all have their own audiences and it's important culturally for the show to be seen as the place to be introduced to new and up-and-coming talent.
* Integrate Social Media Into Every Aspect Of The Show
Hire a dedicated person to shoot short video clips all day of the pre-production process and post them everywhere. Build out robust dedicated show channels on YouTube, TikTok and other social media. This will potentially drive a lot of attention (and revenue) for the show. Post short band performances, quickie interviews and whatever else you can think of. As soon as a guest is booked, it's time to start thinking about the social media aspects of their appearance. I'm not talking about over-produced videos like you see from Jimmy Fallon. You want grounded, natural, off-the-cuff moments.
These are just a few suggestions and honestly, I could write thousands of words on this. But I'm curious about what you think. Is it possible to reinvent the late night talker format? If so, how would you do it? Email me at
FCC LAUNCHES OFFICIAL INQUIRY INTO COMCAST AND NBC UNIVERSAL
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has launched a formal inquiry into Comcast and NBCUniversal, citing rising concerns about the network's treatment of local broadcast affiliates and potential violations of federal regulations:
In a letter sent today to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Carr noted that he directed the FCC's Media Bureau to examine the network's affiliate agreements and determine whether Comcast's practices undermine the independence and public service obligations of local stations.
Carr's decision follows complaints from multiple local broadcast station groups that have alleged that major networks — including NBC and other top broadcasters — are using coercive tactics in negotiations for renewal of their affiliation agreements.
These include threats to terminate long-standing affiliations unless stations accept stringent financial and operational terms, as well as restrictions on digital carriage and local content decisions.
I have previously written that the relationship between the networks and their affiliates was likely to be a pressure point for Carr's FCC. Especially since this is a contentious issue already, with networks using significantly higher affiliate fees as a way to help pay for the increasingly more expensive sports media rights.
TWEET OF THE DAY
A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR LATE NIGHT TELEVISION
Bill Carter's piece for Late Nighter about Josh Johnson's hosting debut on The Daily Show argues that while it's just a first chance, the success of his appearance hints at the possibility that it's possible to draw a younger audience for a late night television show:
But if those executives stumbling around in the dark reaching out for any object they could grab onto were hoping for a sliver of light, there was this: Johnson’s first foray as Daily Show host was a ratings winner, pulling in the best numbers this season of any episode not hosted by Stewart. That was promising enough.
Much more eye-opening was Johnson’s performance among an audience now close to being categorized as an endangered species on linear television: younger viewers.
Johnson’s first night attracted more viewers in the 18–49 age subset—the arena the big ad money has always called home—than any other Daily Show episode this season, including the ones hosted by Stewart.
Not only that, but Johnson also beat all of the other late-night shows in that young viewer category.
I don't think that late night television is dead. But what is dead is the business model that makes the linear television audience the primary force in driving revenue.
ODDS AND SODS
* The next new episode of South Park premieres Wednesday, August 6th and this short tease has Cartman playing a Charlie Kirk-like figure and Trump playing "grab the knee under the table" at a banquet.
* The South Korean drama Tempest premieres Wednesday, September 10th on Hulu. Here is a first look at the teaser trailer. And here is the official logline: "Featuring one of the most impressive international line-ups in a Korean drama to date, Tempest follows Seo Munju, a skilled former diplomat, as she tries to uncover the truth behind an attempt on a presidential candidate’s life. After discovering the candidate was accused of being a North Korean spy, Munju digs into his past, unlocking a Pandora’s box of deception, state secrets and more. Protected by Paik Sanho, a mercenary with a suspicious history and a hidden backer, Munju repeatedly finds herself under attack as she uncovers an international conspiracy stretching all the way to the White House. But, with danger drawing ever closer, will Sanho be able to keep his principal safe and his emotions in check?"
* Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story premieres Thursday, August 28th on AMC+. Here is the official logline: "The ripped from the headlines 6-part series is a dramatization of British model Chloe Ayling’s (Nadia Parkes), kidnapping in Milan, Italy, while also exploring the aftermath in which Ayling is accused of faking her own abduction as a publicity stunt.
* Props to Matt Webb Mitovich for including a mention of Michael Weatherly's sexual harassment settlement in his coverage of the "declining an intimacy coordinator" story I wrote about yesterday.
* Nintendo insists that Mario and Princess Peach are "just good friends."
* Beginning Monday, August 18th, TNT Sports will air eight consecutive weeks of exclusive Banana Ball coverage featuring the Savannah Bananas. Interestingly, even though the programming is billed as coming from TNT Sports, it will actually air on truTV and will be available live in the United States on HBO Max. There's no word if this is a U.S.-only deal or whether the shows will also be available internationally.
* The natural history series Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age will premiere Wednesday, November 26th on Apple TV+. Here is the official logline: “Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age uses the latest scientific research and cutting-edge visual effects to bring this frozen world to life like never before, unveiling the spectacular habitats and inhabitants of ancient Earth for a one-of-a-kind experience. From towering woolly mammoths to elusive snow sloths, terrifying saber-toothed tigers to resilient dwarf elephants (only 3 feet tall), the series reveals the epic struggles and unexpected stories of animals that once ruled the Ice Age. Viewers will journey through vast tundras, barren deserts, expanding grasslands and melting permafrost as these creatures battle for survival in the face of extreme climates, shifting landscapes and the onset of "The Big Freeze," and ultimately, "The Big Melt."
* Netflix has renewed Untamed for a second season.
* The feature film The Lost Bus premieres in select films on Friday, September 19th and Friday, October 3rd on Apple TV+. Here is a first look at the movie. And here is the official logline: "The film is a white-knuckle ride through one of America's deadliest wildfires, as a wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno."
* The Daily Show has released Jon Stewart's “Go f*ck yourself!” reaction to Stephen Colbert's cancellation as a 2-minute, 38-second digital single that is available at all of the normal digital music sites.
* The true crime documentary Blood & Myth will premiere Thursday, September 4th on Hulu. Here is the official logline: "After a series of shocking violent crimes shatter a remote native village in Northern Alaska, one man embarks on a journey to investigate a terrifying paranormal connection.When James Dommek Jr. first learns about a string of bloody attacks in a remote Alaskan community, the details don’t add up. At the center of the rampage is an unlikely fugitive: Teddy Kyle Smith, a fellow Iñupiaq man and successful actor who was greatly admired within his tribe. The mystery only deepens when Teddy is finally apprehended and makes a shocking claim: while out in the wilderness, he had a frightening encounter with Iñukuns — sinister beings well-known and long-feared by the Iñupiaq people – and that they had guided his violent actions."
WHAT'S NEW TOMORROW
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH:
* Chasing The West Series Premiere (HGTV)
* Conversations With A Killer: The Son Of Sam Tapes (Netflix)
* Don't Hate Your House With The Property Brothers Season Premiere (HGTV)
* Human Footprint Season Two Finale (PBS)
* Mr. And Mrs. Murder (Hulu)
* MTV's The Challenge Season Premiere (MTV)
* My Strange Arrest Season Premiere (A&E)
* My Unspeakable Sins Series Premiere (Netflix)
* War Of The Worlds Series Premiere (Prime Video)
THURSDAY, JULY 31ST:
* An Honest Life (Netflix)
* Glass Heart Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Leanne Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Lost Treasures Of Egypt Season Premiere (NatGeo Wild)
* Marked Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Project Runway Season Twenty-One Premiere (Freeform)
* The Sandman Bonus Episode (Netflix)
* Twisted Metal Season Two Premiere (Peacock)
SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY!