Media giants turn to sports as Hollywood labor disputes continue to impact content schedules – NBC New York

Media giants pulled out all the stops at this year’s Upfront presentations, showcasing star-studded lineups and big announcements following the end of the Hollywood strikes. However, the lingering effects of last year’s work pause were evident in the content slates presented.

Sports once again took center stage, with legacy media giants emphasizing the NBA and Summer Olympics, while Netflix made waves by announcing it would host two NFL games on Christmas Day. The focus on streaming continued, with tech giants highlighting their robust upcoming slates on ad-supported platforms.

Despite the return of stars to the stage, some media companies had fewer series and movies to highlight due to cost-cutting measures implemented during the strikes. Live sports remained a key draw for advertisers, as it continues to attract the largest audiences and advertising dollars.

While companies like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery showcased upcoming series like “Agatha All Along” and “House of the Dragon,” the overall emphasis was on sports rather than scripted shows.

The movie industry also made a splash at the Upfronts, with streaming services like NBCUniversal’s Peacock benefiting from blockbusters like “Oppenheimer.” Comcast’s NBCUniversal focused on the musical film “Wicked” and the renewal of Peacock original series.

Tech giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video also made their mark, showcasing upcoming films and series alongside sports content. Amazon, now owning MGM Studios, highlighted renewals and upcoming seasons of original series, while Netflix announced a sequel to Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore.”

Overall, the Upfront presentations highlighted the industry’s shift towards streaming and sports content, with a focus on engaging audiences and attracting advertisers in a rapidly evolving media landscape.