Network Upfronts Canceled But Will Go on Digitally

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Network Upfronts Canceled But Will Go on Digitally

ViacomCBS announced the company's plan for the 2020 Advertising Upfront season in light of continuing concerns about COVID-19 and guidelines from public health officials. CBS Television Network will forego its live presentation to the advertising community at Carnegie Hall. Instead, network executives and CBS talent will unveil the new 2020-2021 primetime lineup and unique content from CBS Entertainment, CBS News, CBS Sports and CBS All Access in a video Upfront special to be posted to digital platforms on Wednesday, May 13. Additional details regarding the Upfront special will be announced at a future date.

Important information and insights normally shared during ViacomCBS client dinners and presentations scheduled for March and April will instead be delivered digitally via video and other formats. These communications will highlight the valuable opportunities for advertisers across the combined company, featuring the ViacomCBS cable networks and the [largest] premium digital video inventory in the industry, including the leading free streaming television service in the U.S., Pluto TV.

NBCUniversal announced the cancelation of its live Upfront event on May 11th due to health concerns. The company will instead televise and stream the Upfront Presentation for the 2020-21 season to ensure the safety of all participants while also reflecting the increasingly direct relationship between NBCUniversal, its fans and its partners. This will now allow all audiences to tune in for a sneak peek at the future of NBCUniversal's programming. NBCUniversal's new Upfront Presentation will feature talent from across its portfolio and platform, and will preview new programming announcements, trailers and more, from Entertainment to Sports to News. Tune-in and programming details will be announced at a later date.

ABC, Fox and CW Upfronts are likely going the same route as actual live presentations will not be happening. On the cable front, Discovery, Inc. announced that it has canceled its live Upfront presentation in New York scheduled for May 12 at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and care for the health and safety of employees, talent and business partners. Discovery has prepared an alternative digital experience to showcase the company, portfolio, and advanced advertising products to its valued clients and agency partners, with details to be announced at a later date.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows

Monday, June 8

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Babies and Bathwater" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Dave’s ambitious home improvement plans take a turn, prompting Calvin to step in, while Malcolm seeks Gemma’s help to overcome writer’s block. Meanwhile, Tina’s suggestion for Daphne sparks a parenting dilemma for Courtney.

The Neighorhood - "Welcome to Secrets and Santa" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
The Butlers’ anniversary plans take an unexpected turn when a blast from the past, Calvin’s ex-girlfriend, resurfaces. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s meeting gets hijacked, Marty makes a big move toward commitment and Gemma finds herself caught in a holiday misunderstanding.

St. Denis Medical - "Mama Bear Activated" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
After Bruce is attacked at the hospital, Matt helps him deal with the aftermath; Alex motivates Joyce to amp up security, while Ron and Serena debate who is more qualified to defend themselves.

St. Denis Medical - "Get Me in the Pod, Brother" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Alex and Ron spar over the wisdom of open communication; Joyce brings in a body scanner that proves overly distracting.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of June 8)

Monday, June 8

Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies) - Watch Tom on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Eric André (Man Seeking Woman/2 Broke Girls/Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23) - Eric is a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters) - Eve appears on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC. She also talks about Disclosure Day on NBC's Today sometime between 7-9am and on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your local listings.
Josh Gad (Wolf Like Me/Avenue 5/The Comedians/1600 Penn/Back to You) and Andrew Rannells (Girls/The New Normal) - Josh and Andrew are guests on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Jennifer Lopez (South Central) and Betty Gilpin (GLOW/Nurse Jackie) - Andy Cohen interviews Jennifer and Betty on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 9:15pm on Bravo.
Jane Fonda (Grace and Frankie) - Jane appears on Comedy Central's The Daily Show at 11pm.
John Reynolds (Four Weddings and a Funeral/Search Party) - John talks about Never Change! on ABC's GMA 3: What You Need to Know at 1pm.
Laverne Cox (Clean Slate) - Laverne talks about Transcendent: A Memoir on Live with Kelly and Mark (check your local listings) and with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws/The New Adventures of Old Christine/Wanda at Large) - All Access with Linsey Davis sits down with Wanda Sykes for an in-depth conversation on her 40-year career in comedy and what's next on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis at 7pm.
Meagan Good (Cousin Skeeter/Raising Dad) - Meagan and Jonathan Majors talk about their much-talked-about romance, wedding, and the story behind their new fitness brand on a repeat of Tamron Hall, so check your local listings.
Mariska Hargitay (Can't Hurry Love) - NBC's Today catches up with Mariska in the 10am hour.
Jaleel White (Family Matters/Grown Ups) and Valerie Bertinelli (Hot in Cleveland/One Day at a Time) - Jaleel tells Valerie and Ross Mathews about being a child actor and his game show Flip Side on a repeat of The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.