Buyers list for IMG. Raunchy TV. Megyn Kelly’s debut solid.
After the coffee. Before seeing if my back pain has abated enough for exercise.
The Skinny: I watched “League of Denial†on “Frontline†about the NFL’s response (or lack thereof) to the concussion issue. Tough stuff. You can find it online if you missed it. Wednesday’s roundup includes a look at sex on TV and reviews of “American Horror Story†and “Tomorrow People.†Also, a guide to watching the Dodgers on TV for all you bandwagon jumpers. Special welcome to some Twitter execs who have joined my distribution list. Hope you find this worthwhile. If any reader is interested in receiving an email alert when the Morning Fix is live please send me a note.
Daily Dose: Last week, ABC’s “Lucky 7†became the first casualty for the new TV season. The next show to go is likely to be the new CBS Monday night comedy “We Are Men,†which has posted very low ratings in two airings. The question is whether CBS will replace it with reruns of “The Big Bang Theory†or bring the sitcom “Mike and Molly†off the bench.†Also, don’t be surprised if the Monday night drama “Hostages†moves to Friday.
PHOTOS: Hollywood backlot moments
Dodgers for dummies. Admit it. Until last week, you didn’t really know who Clayton Kershaw was and thought Yasiel Puig was a back muscle you may have pulled in high school. Now, however, you are on the Dodger bandwagon. But you’ve never really watched baseball and you don’t even know how to find the games on television. Well, here is our guide for watching the Dodgers on TV. Now you won’t ask embarrassing questions that will reveal that you’re a fair-weather fan.
Help! The biggest bomb last weekend was “Runner Runner,†The Ben Affleck - Justin Timberlake gambling thriller, which took in just $7.7 million. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Affleck knew the movie was in trouble for a while and brought in film editor William Goldenberg, who won an Oscar for Affleck’s “Argo,†to try to salvage the flick. Wish I had a Pulitzer-winning editor I could reach out to with a phone call when I’m in trouble, which is often.
Down and dirty. Variety devoted its most recent issue to sex on television, which is no doubt increasing and getting more risque. Pay-TV channels such as HBO and Showtime are not the only ones pushing the envelope. FX’s “The Bridge†had some pretty racy scenes. Variety columnist Brian Lowry offers some perspective, while Brian Steinberg looks at how Cinemax has actually cut back on the sex.
PHOTOS: Celebrities by The Times
Watching what? Americans are consuming a lot of television but more of that consumption is happening on a screen that is not technically a TV. For example, I watch a lot of Jon Stewart but I couldn’t tell you the last time I watched it on my TV at 11 p.m. So what’s that all mean, both for viewers and the industry? The Wall Street Journal takes a look.
Strong start. Megyn Kelly’s new Fox News prime-time show made its debut this week, and Monday’s numbers were bigger than what Sean Hannity had been averaging in the time slot. Of course, given the amount of promotional spots Fox News ran, a big opening was expected. Fox News is hoping Kelly can bring Fox News some younger viewers (meaning under 55) but she still finished behind MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow in the 25-to-54 demographic. The New York Times looks at the numbers.
Get out the checkbook. The New York Post says Creative Artists Agency and WME are among the Hollywood talent shops kicking the tires of IMG Worldwide, which specializes in models and sports. Also expressing some interest is Peter Chernin.
Collector’s items. Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that starting Oct. 16 it would no longer issue physical stock certificates, meaning it will offer electronic delivery only. That means no more cool certificates with Disney characters on them, so if you want one, buy some stock now. Details from Bloomberg.
Inside the Los Angeles Times: Mary McNamara on the new season of FX’s “American Horror Story.†Robert Lloyd on the CW’s “Tomorrow People.â€
Follow me on Twitter. Lots of people who work for Twitter do so that must be worth something. @JBFlint.
From the Oscars to the Emmys.
Get the Envelope newsletter for exclusive awards season coverage, behind-the-scenes stories from the Envelope podcast and columnist Glenn Whipp’s must-read analysis.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
