AMC networks

FX and AMC push forward, against a streamer surge

The TV world keeps transforming. Streamers soar; broadcast networks stumble.
But what about all of those in-between – the basic channels that come free to cable subscribers?
“The basic-cable business is really struggling to compete,” John Landgraf, whose FX domain includes the upcoming “Snowfall” (shown here) told the Television Critics Association. “I think FX sand AMC are kind of holding the fort right now.”
Both looked potent in his staff’s tabulation of critics’ top-10 lists for 2022. FX was No. 2, trailing only the HBO Max streamer; AMC had the No. 1 individual show – the final season of “Better Call Saul.” And both had impressive lineups to show the TCA: Read more…

From “Saul” to “Eve,” these networks aim high

Right now, all those networks – streaming and cable – are trying to get our time and our money. They bring opposite attitudes, with:
— The shotgun approach. Paramount+ wants “something for everyone,” said Tanya Giles, its chief programming officer. The same could be said of Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and more.
— And the laser approach. “We’re not trying to be all things to all people,” said Dan McDermott, president of AMC Entertainment.
His line-up includes basic cable networks (AMC, IFC, Sundance, BBC America) plus streamers – AMC+, Acorn, Sundance Now, Shudder. Shows range from the stylish drama of “Better Call Saul” (shown here) to the light British mysteries of Acorn to the horrors of Shudder … but they also avoid a lot. Read more…

Nature and zombies brighten (?) our future

What we all need now, perhaps, is a gorgeous portrait of nature, soothing and serene.
Then again, we might need vampires on the prowl. Either way, the AMC cable networks have it covered; on Friday, they announced plans for:
– “Planet Earth: A Celebration,” at 8 p.m. Aug. 31 on all four channels – BBC America, AMC, IFC and Sundance. It repackages some of the scenes from “Planet Earth II” (shown here) and “Blue Planet II,” adding new narration (by David Attenborough and new music by Hans Zimmer and colleagues; the string parts will be by the BBC Orchestras, with British rapper Dave on piano
– And the return of AMC’s zombie world. Read more…