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Los Angeles Times
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
TV networks want in on your ‘watercooler moment.' In fact, they're trying to re-create it
In an age of changing media consumption (and work-from-home) habits, the phrase 'watercooler television' may be something of an anachronism. But as anyone following shows like 'The White Lotus' can tell you, discussing, dissecting and debating hit series never goes out of style. And of all networks, HBO knows how best to capitalize on such buzzed-about moments: The network's 'Inside the Episode' programs have long offered viewers the chance to process shocking plot twists and jaw-dropping deaths. That's where viewers of Season 3 got to hear creator Mike White break down everything from Saxon and Lochlan's drunken exploits to Chelsea and Rick's doomed ending. 'Shows like this are the new watercooler moment,' says Emmy nominee Natalia Echeverria, a creative director at HBO and an executive producer of 'The White Lotus: Unpacking The Episode.' 'We try to anticipate what beats from the episode people will be talking about and then we dive in, giving audiences an inside peek only we can provide.' Owing a debt to post-episode talk shows like 'The Talking Dead' and podcasts like 'Private Joke: The Official How I Met Your Mother Podcast' and 'The Good Place: The Podcast,' such companion series, now commonplace across platforms, have risen in popularity in the last decade. This year, in fact, they make up the entirety of the short form nonfiction or reality series Emmy category. Projects like 'Making of: The Last of Us' and 'Adolescence: The Making of Adolescence' (also nominated) necessarily straddle the line between creative and marketing. They're meant to bridge the gap between a show and its fandom. But, in borrowing the familiar format of making-of documentaries, DVD bonus featurettes, even episodic reviews or recaps, they insist on a vision of television as an art worthy of discussion and dissection. 'I think of these pieces like the movie theater parking lot after a film,' says Badger Denehy, an Emmy-nominated executive producer of 'Making of: The Last Of Us' and an HBO creative director. 'They remind me of that moment when you turn to your friend and dive into all the biggest moments you just watched. It's my favorite type of project because we get to create something for fans as huge fans of the programming ourselves.' For Shannon Ryan, president of marketing for Disney Entertainment Television and an Emmy nominee for 'Only Murders in the Building: Unlocking the Mystery,' the decision to produce the show was driven by a desire to better serve fans of the hit Hulu comedy. 'These short-form series offer fans a peek behind the curtain to hear directly from the talented people that bring the show to life,' she says. 'And for our creators, this is a meaningful way to share more with the fans, give insight into their work, share some entertaining — and often hilarious — behind-the-scenes stories, and also spotlight some of the critical crew members that make every episode of the show so special.' To 'The Last of Us' viewers, there was likely no bigger moment this season than 'Through the Valley,' the jaw-dropping second episode. Fans looking for insights on how that action-packed tragic set piece was orchestrated had to look no further than 'Inside Episode 2,' where director Mark Mylod, co-creator Craig Mazin and star Pedro Pascal spoke about shooting Joel's untimely and quite gruesome death. Boasting more than 710,000 views on YouTube alone, that featurette showcased both the artistry behind such a high-octane hour of television (with talk of prosthetics and wintry shooting conditions) and candid reflections from cast members about the emotional fallout the episode would undoubtedly create. The history of this Emmy category alone tracks the increased investment from streamers and networks in this kind of programming. Past nominees have included behind-the-scenes series tied to everything from '30 Rock' and 'American Horror Story' to 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and 'Pose.' And the last two winners ('Succession: Controlling the Narrative' and 'Shōgun — The Making of Shōgun') prove that the industry is similarly invested in (and impressed with) them, in turn. John Wilhelmy, Emmy-nominated creative director of 'Hacks: Bit by Bit,' notes that short-form projects now must be produced so they can exist across different platforms. 'Certain stories within the conversation lend themselves well to TikTok and [Instagram] Reels, so we'll pick those out and optimize them editorially,' he says. 'They're often funny outtakes or quick stories that we'll post on those platforms alongside the full-length episodes hitting HBO Max and YouTube.' In an era where fan-driven episode recaps, YouTube reaction videos and TikTok explainers contribute greatly to a show's success in an increasingly fractured media ecosystem, these projects suggest a way to positively harness that engagement in a way that still puts TV creators front and center. Echeverria puts it more simply: 'Fan-made content has a huge place, but there's nothing like seeing how the sauce is made from the chefs themselves.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Robert Irwin revealed as first celebrity contestant on DWTS season 34
Robert Irwin has been announced as the first celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars season 34. On Tuesday, at Disney Entertainment Television's Get Real Event, the network revealed the dancing competition show would not only be renewed for another season, but that the son of late Australian zookeeper Steve Irwin, 21, would be joining the cast. 'I cannot tell you what a privilege, what an honor it is to be joining this season,' he said at the event while he walked around shirtless with a snake draped on his neck. 'I said, 'One day, that's gonna be me.' And now, that dream is a reality, and I am over the moon. Let's do this!' Robert will likely have a lot of external pressure to receive the Mirrorball trophy as his older sister, Bindi, 26, won season 21 of the show with her partner, Derek Hough. Bindi penned a sweet Instagram post about how excited she is to watch him dance. 'DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 34 - LET'S GOOOO! Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom,' she wrote. 'I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved. Can't wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness, and determination. Here's to an extraordinary journey ahead.' She concluded: 'Ps. Can't believe it's been 10 years since I won @dancingwiththestars with the most remarkable human being, @derekhough.' The rest of season 34's celebrities and professional dancers have yet to be announced. A premiere date for the new season is also to be announced; however, recent seasons aired their first episode in September. Last year's season of Dancing with the Stars saw former Bachelor Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson take home the trophy, making Graziadei the first male Bachelor to win. 'It means everything,' Graziadei said following his win. 'This experience has been unbelievable, honestly. Everyone from the beginning. Ilona, you have been amazing this season. I love you. All the finalists, the judges, thank you for bearing with us. I tried my best, I promise. Thank you.' The last season also saw record numbers as it was ranked first among adults in the age 18 to 49 demographic in live and same-day viewing for the first time in its history. The season received its highest total viewer audience at 7.95 million. Season 33 also broke several fan voting records, with the finale receiving over 32 million votes for the final five couples, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The news of Robert joining the show's cast comes after he broke the internet earlier this month, appearing stripped to his underwear in photos for a campaign with the Australian brand Bonds as it expanded into the United States for the first time.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scott Disick did 'bad things' on TV
Scott Disick has done "a lot of bad things" on TV. The 41-year-old reality star doesn't regret much of what he has said on camera but he knows some of his antics, such as an infamous moment in season four of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' where he stuffed a $100 bill in a waiter's mouth while telling him to shut up, don't reflect well on him. Asked what he's said on TV that still haunts him at Disney Entertainment Television's Get Real Event, he said: 'I don't think I've said that many bad things. I've just done a lot of bad things. 'I probably should have never stuffed that money in that man's mouth. 'I probably shouldn't have invited girls on vacation while we were on vacation." However, Scott - who has Mason, 15, Penelope, 12, and Reign, 10, with former partner Kourtney Kardashian - still thinks he kept viewers interested with his antics. He added: 'I've done a lot of bad things, but they were entertaining, I guess.' Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian admitted "a lot of things still haunt" her from filming her family reality shows, including making a "love tape" for then-husband Lamar Odom. She said: 'I cringe when I have to see me naked in a bath of candy." Scott has struggled with alcohol addiction and admitted earlier this year he has had candid conversations with his eldest son about his problems. Speaking on Khloe's 'Khloe in Wonderland' podcast, he said: "The truth is, I do explain to Mason how drinking affected me and how badly it put me in certain places, and he knows that. "And he for a while thought I would treat him differently because of that. And I said, 'I'm not treating you any different because of my mistakes or how I lived.' "'But if I see a problem with alcohol with you, I will take actions. You're gonna try drinking when you're gonna try drinking. But if I see a problem that's hereditary then I'll jump in. But until then, you're treated like every other kid.' "But I would not love to have him see the crazy…it's funny that he hasn't seen some of these things. Maybe he has." But Khloe felt that Mason seeing his dad's "outlandish" behaviour could be a good thing. She said: "Maybe if he sees the outlandishness of you, like the Miami days and all that, maybe that would prevent him from drinking because he'll see how… "But he also knows how incredible you are now. So it's not like you're still like this."
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Scott Disick did 'bad things' on TV
Scott Disick has done "a lot of bad things" on TV. The 41-year-old reality star doesn't regret much of what he has said on camera but he knows some of his antics, such as an infamous moment in season four of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' where he stuffed a $100 bill in a waiter's mouth while telling him to shut up, don't reflect well on him. Asked what he's said on TV that still haunts him at Disney Entertainment Television's Get Real Event, he said: 'I don't think I've said that many bad things. I've just done a lot of bad things. 'I probably should have never stuffed that money in that man's mouth. 'I probably shouldn't have invited girls on vacation while we were on vacation." However, Scott - who has Mason, 15, Penelope, 12, and Reign, 10, with former partner Kourtney Kardashian - still thinks he kept viewers interested with his antics. He added: 'I've done a lot of bad things, but they were entertaining, I guess.' Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian admitted "a lot of things still haunt" her from filming her family reality shows, including making a "love tape" for then-husband Lamar Odom. She said: 'I cringe when I have to see me naked in a bath of candy." Scott has struggled with alcohol addiction and admitted earlier this year he has had candid conversations with his eldest son about his problems. Speaking on Khloe's 'Khloe in Wonderland' podcast, he said: "The truth is, I do explain to Mason how drinking affected me and how badly it put me in certain places, and he knows that. "And he for a while thought I would treat him differently because of that. And I said, 'I'm not treating you any different because of my mistakes or how I lived.' "'But if I see a problem with alcohol with you, I will take actions. You're gonna try drinking when you're gonna try drinking. But if I see a problem that's hereditary then I'll jump in. But until then, you're treated like every other kid.' "But I would not love to have him see the crazy…it's funny that he hasn't seen some of these things. Maybe he has." But Khloe felt that Mason seeing his dad's "outlandish" behaviour could be a good thing. She said: "Maybe if he sees the outlandishness of you, like the Miami days and all that, maybe that would prevent him from drinking because he'll see how… "But he also knows how incredible you are now. So it's not like you're still like this."
