SlopeThe collection of cable networks and digital platforms that will be spun off from Comcast early next year made the news this morning, reporting new streaming plan for MS Now, Fandango's free streamer, plus acquisitions of Free TV Networks and Indy Cinema Group.
However, on the Hollywood side, the company also took the wraps off its programming strategy, with Entertainment President Val Boreland laying out his hopes and dreams for the scripted and non-scripted space.
USA Network The film adaptation of John Grisham's 1995 novel starring John Slattery premiered. Rainmaker in August and quickly renewed it for a second season. There are also drama series. Anna Dove, starring Tracy Spiridakos and based on the book series by Nevada Barr, scheduled for release in 2026.
Boreland, speaking at Versant's investor day, said she is looking for “recognizable IP and famous personalities,” also highlighting the series' third season. Ark coming to Syfi next year.
“Everything on the Menu” with Braun Strowman (US Network)
On the unrecorded side, it has “Everything on the Menu” with Braun Strowman a food travel show that follows a WWE wrestler as he tries everything on the menu at various restaurants. It is produced by WWE Studios and BrightNorth Studios, with Boreland hinting at the possibility of a second season as they prepare to launch the season finale tomorrow. “I'm very optimistic that we'll get a second season of this show,” she said.
For Oxygenthe network continues to rely on true crime with series like Hooter Murders And Latched spin off.
Eh!which focuses on fashion shows and awards shows like the Critics' Choice Awards, hosted by Chelsea Handler, will also move further into the true-crime realm. The network recently launched Dirty rotten scandals a strand whose features are exposed America's Next Top Model, The Dr. Phil Show And The price is right.
Corey Abraham, SVP of Development, Unscripted Content, Versant and VP of Development Blake Levin were in London today to tell UK producers what they need.
The couple said they have “proposed quite a few versions” of AI matchmaking shows and were even developing an AI dating show about people who fall in love with robots a few years ago.
“We're very open to AI in general,” Abraham said at Content London. “What's interesting about Versant is that we're a new company, and the way we've done things in the past isn't necessarily what we need to do now. So we're open to just about anything.”
However, don't take E! straight dating show because the presentation needs to take E!'s MO into account. “It's supposed to be very nostalgic or something celebrity-oriented. We're not like 'everyone'. If it's a regular dating show, then it doesn't make 100% sense for E!”
The company is also looking for talent that isn't “serious” and highlighted June Squibb, who hosts Killer granniesAnd Traitors presenter Alan Cummings, presenter A killer is among us as examples.
“If your neighbor is a great talent, give us a call,” she joked. “We want some snark and fun and entertainment, but characters that make you say, 'Oh, hey, that's the guy doing that.'
Another news Versant unveiled in the content space concerns Fandango, its digital movie ticketing service. The company will launch a free, ad-supported streamer around Fandango at Home, and the service, which debuts in the second half of next year, will feature original programming.
“We are currently developing a content strategy that will make the most of our significant library resources,” Borland said. “We are working on strategic content acquisitions with third-party studios and will ultimately create original programming. Fandango at Home will provide a valuable opportunity to reach streaming audiences and we will be able to leverage our linear networks to push back into AVOD service.”
Speaking of streaming, Boreland also said it just struck a deal with a “major streamer” for its programming following its split from NBCUniversal streamer Peacock. “We're currently in talks with a number of streamers about licensing our library of content, and we actually just this week closed a really big licensing deal with a major streamer that we're going to announce in a couple of days,” she said.
Boreland said Versant's “biggest misconception” is that it will “be challenged without NBCUniversal.” “I can't say that what we built as part of NBCUniversal wasn't very successful and very profitable, but we weren't a priority for that company,” she added. “[Now]we will be able to reinvest in our business and create more opportunities to experiment and move quickly.”
