Warner Bros. Discovery Looking To Spin-Off It's Cable Networks Ahead Of Restructure

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Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is moving towards a potential break-up, CNBC reported on Thursday, as media companies explore options for their struggling cable TV businesses and sharpen focus on their faster-growing streaming and studios divisions.

WBD shares surged more than 4% on the news, rebounding from earlier losses of nearly 6% that were triggered by a dour quarterly report.

The company missed first-quarter revenue estimates and posted a larger-than-expected loss earlier in the day due to a sluggish box office performance and ongoing declines in cable.

The media industry is going through what some executives have called a “general disruption” as millions of subscribers abandon once-lucrative cable TV for streaming. That has piled pressure on companies to consistently produce hit studio content and boost profitability in their streaming businesses.

WBD had laid the groundwork for a possible sale or spin-off of its declining cable TV assets in December by announcing a separation from its streaming and studio operations. It reported results under the new structure for the first time on Thursday.

A split will align the company with Comcast, which is spinning off most of its cable TV networks such as MSNBC and CNBC to position itself for growth in the streaming era.

Analysts have long speculated about a break-up of WBD, formed by the 2022 merger between Warner Media and Discovery.

“WBD would be leaner and have stronger growth potential without cable assets. But finding a buyer could be difficult. Linear TV is deteriorating and WBD has big debts,” said eMarketer analyst Ross Benes.

WBD, which has $38bn (R693.4bn) of gross debt, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the CNBC report.

Its CEO David Zaslav said on Thursday the company's programming strength was helping Max attract subscribers in a crowded market for streaming services.

WBD added 5.3-million streaming subscribers in the January to March quarter, more than the 3.1-million estimated by analysts, taking its total to 122.3-million. Its content slate in the period included the third season of HBO's The White Lotus and the medical drama series The Pitt.

However, its results were hampered by a weak showing at the box office as WBD struggled to replicate the success of last year's Dune: Part Two, which grossed more than $700m (R12,7-trillion). Its marquee release for the period, Bong Joon Ho's sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, earned only slightly more than its reported budget at the box office.

Studio revenue fell 18% to $2.3bn, missing estimates of $2.7bn, according to Visible Alpha.

The company has, however, made a strong start to the second quarter with Ryan Coogler's horror film Sinners and the blockbuster A Minecraft Movie, which has raked in around $900 million globally, making it the biggest release of 2025 so far.

Revenue at the TV networks segment, which includes CNN, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, fell 7%.

Overall, revenue fell 10% to $8.98bn, missing analysts' average estimate of $9.60bn, according to data compiled by LSEG. Loss of 18c per share was also larger than expectations for a 13c loss.

BBC First Rebrands To BBC NL In Netherlands

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BBC Studios has announced that it will rebrand its premium drama channel BBC First in the Netherlands to BBC NL on May 15th. The BBC NL channel will continue to provide Dutch audiences with dramas and crime series handpicked by the local team in Amsterdam and fully localised with subtitles for Dutch audiences, in a new-look home.

Bram Husken, SVP & General Manager Benelux & Nordics at BBC Studios, commented: “We have had a fantastic response to BBC First over the past decade, consistently ranking as a top 10 channel. We believe that there is an opportunity to bring our world class storytelling to an even wider audience. Evolving to BBC NL articulates to audiences that this is a service curated specifically for the Dutch audience, with a bespoke programming line-up of some of BBC Studios’ most popular and well-nurtured brands, available with Dutch subtitles. There’s never been a better time to come to us and see the best of your British neighbours.”

To mark the launch of BBC NL, audiences can tune into the premiere of popular light crime period drama Miss Scarlet. Seasom five, which begins on May 15th, sees the Victorian detective Eliza Scarlet tasked with solving mysterious crimes alongside brand-new Detective Inspector, Alexander Blake. Audiences can also enjoy the return of the Yorkshire-based trio of vets operating against the backdrop of World War II in season 5 of All Creatures Great and Small, which airs on May 21st.

Throughout May other new premieres audiences can enjoy on BBC NL include the popular Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise season 3 which follows DI Humphrey Goodman in the sleepy town of Shipton Abbott near the Devon Coast. Further fan-favourite returners include Murdoch Mysteries season 17, Call The Midwife season 14, The Chelsea Detective season 3, Darby and Joan season 2 and the BBC’s longest running crime series, Silent Witness, returns for season 28.

Press Release: Netflix Announces Live Action Scooby-Doo Series

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The eight-episode show goes back to the haunting case that started it all.

Half a century, three theatrical films, and more than a dozen animated series later, Scooby-Doo remains one of pop culture’s most recognizable and entertaining characters. But few people know about how the cowardly dog and his mystery-solving gang first got together. In a new series, showrunners Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg (and their production company, Midnight Radio) are going back to the beginning, to the terrifying case that started it all.

Based on the characters from Hanna-Barbera, the latest show is a modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at Camp Ruby-Spears, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever-so-handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.  

The series will be executive produced by Rosenberg and Appelbaum, as well as Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman (via Berlanti Productions), and André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner (via Midnight Radio). “One of my first and favorite jobs in Hollywood was sitting with Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera while they signed animation cels,” says Greg Berlanti. “Josh and Scott and everyone at Midnight Radio have crafted a story that captures their amazing spirits and their genius creation. We are grateful to them and everyone at Warner and Netflix for the partnership in helping bring this iteration of Scooby-Doo to life!”

This isn’t the first time a beloved franchise has made its live-action debut on Netflix. Netflix has continued the world-building of beloved franchises with live-action adaptations of ONE PIECE and Avatar: The Last Airbender, as well as fan-favorite characters like Wednesday. “Mystery Inc. is back in business! We’re excited to bring Scooby-Doo to TV as a live-action series for the first time,” said Peter Friedlander, vice president of scripted series at Netflix. “The beloved franchise has had an impact on pop culture that is undeniable — it’s rich with universal themes of friendship that generations of fans have long embraced. Together with creative powerhouses Berlanti Productions and Midnight Radio, we’re committed to delighting longtime fans and opening up a world of groovy adventures for a new era of meddling kids.” 

The show is a result of Berlanti Productions’ overall deal with Warner Bros. Television. Clancy Collins White, president of creative affairs at Warner Bros. Television, added, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with our longstanding partners at Berlanti Productions and with Midnight Radio to bring the legendary Scooby-Doo franchise to a live-action series for the first time. It’s no mystery why audiences continue to love these iconic characters after more than a half century. We’re excited for a new generation to discover Mystery Inc. And we’re grateful to our partners at Netflix for the opportunity.”

Power Rangers TV Series In Development For Disney+

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“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are in talks to write, showrun and produce a live-action “Power Rangers” series for Disney+ and 20th Century TV, TheWrap has exclusively learned.

Hasbro will produce the series, which will reinvent the franchise for a whole new generation of fans while delighting those who already know and love the world of Power Rangers.

The ’90s TV show, originally called “The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” was inspired by a Japanese children’s show, “Super Sentai” (even using footage from that show). It featured five teenagers who gain the ability to “morph” into superheroes known as the Power Rangers, complete with their own mech fighters. A film version of the series that starred most of the original cast was released in 1995, with a second one in 1997 (this one featured only a few original cast members).

The series has had many different iterations throughout the past 25 years.

Lionsgate and Saban Film attempted to reboot the original “Power Rangers” franchise in 2017 as a gritty, YA adaptation. The film grossed only $142 million on a budget of around $100 million, scrapping hopes for a bigger franchise.

Hasbro then acquired Power Rangers in 2018 in a deal designed to capitalize on the franchise’s full potential across all of the company’s divisions. 

The development of “Power Rangers” is part of Hasbro Entertainment’s ongoing strategy to elevate storytelling and produce series based on Hasbro’s most iconic brands alongside the industry’s best talent, studios and distribution platforms. Beyond “Power Rangers,” Hasbro Entertainment’s active projects include a re-imagining of “Clue” across film and television with Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Television; a live-action “Dungeons & Dragons” series “Forgotten Realms,” currently in development at Netflix with Academy Award nominee Shawn Levy executive producing; showrunner Terry Matalas’ animated “Magic: The Gathering” series, currently in production at Netflix; a major, live-action film and television universe adapted from “Magic: The Gathering,” produced alongside Legendary Entertainment; and game shows based on “Trivial Pursuit” and “Scrabble,” which both premiered on The CW this past fall.

Steinberg and is currently the co-creator, executive producer and showrunner of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for Disney+, along with his producing partner Shotz. It just wrapped its second season and has been renewed for a third. Other credits include the critically acclaimed series “The Old Man,” starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow for FX. Both series are produced by 20th Television/The Walt Disney Company, where Steinberg and Shotz have housed their production company, Quaker Moving Pictures, since 2019.

BabyTV Unveils A Batch Of Programming To Commemorate 20 Years

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BabyTV, the world’s first global dedicated television channel for babies and toddlers, marks its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, BabyTV has redefined early childhood entertainment with safe, high-quality and engaging content for children aged five and under, and has been a trusted partner for parents.

Founded in 2005, BabyTV was acquired by Fox International Channels in 2007, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a trusted brand for parents worldwide. In 2019, The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox, making BabyTV part of Disney’s global family of networks. This transition has further strengthened BabyTV’s ability to innovate and deliver premium content to families worldwide.

To celebrate this milestone, BabyTV is kicking off a special anniversary celebration starting April 1. Viewers can look forward to a festive programming lineup featuring birthday-themed episodes of beloved shows; a social media tribute to iconic moments, characters and series from the past 20 years; and exclusive collections on the BabyTV app and YouTube channels. Plus, plenty of surprises along the way to thank families for making BabyTV a part of their journey.

Co-founder Ron Isaak and the BabyTV team have also taken the milestone as an opportunity to introduce its latest productions:

• The Jungle Book – BabyTV’s unique take on The Jungle Book, featuring “Baloo’s Forest School,” followed by “Welcome to the Jungle,” a new song series exploring Mowgli’s first experiences in the jungle.

• Travelers – Join the level-headed Perry and the mischievous Harley as they discover that there’s more than one way to solve a problem.

• Olly – Meet Olly, a playful three-year-old monkey who loves dressing up with his toy friends — whether as a bus driver, doctor, or dancer!

• My Robot & I – Follow Kim and her robot friend Kit as they explore the world together.

• The Lollipops – A toddler pop trio whose upbeat songs and performances will get everyone singing and dancing along.

• Billy and Bam Bam DIY Song Series – Sibling duo Billy and Bam Bam turn everyday objects into imaginative play.

• Family Song Series – With Mom and Dad leading the way, Taylor (seven years old), Robbie (four) and Eddie (two) turn everyday moments into fun adventures.

• Charlie & Friends – A lively song series where Charlie builds friendships through music and play.

• Tulip’s Daycare – Ms. Tulip and her students care for their vegetable garden while finding creative ways to befriend hungry animal visitors.

Nickelodeon Unveils New Animated Series, ‘Wylde Pak’

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Nickelodeon has revealed a first look at the new 2D animated comedy series, Wylde Pak. Inspired by co-creators and executive producers Paul Watling and Kyle Marshall’s family life, the series follows half siblings Lily and Jack as they learn to navigate blended multigenerational Korean American family dynamics. Wylde Pak is slated to debut this summer on the network.

“Nickelodeon’s commitment to showcasing stories about the human experience, filled with humor and adventure, holds true with the debut of the original series Wylde Pak,” said Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. “We can’t wait for our audience to meet this wonderfully blended family, which encapsulates what it means to be a modern family navigating the world around them while learning more about each other along the way."

In the first look clip, Lily, Jack, and their family navigate their local Asian market, Woori World, and compete to find a highly coveted box of imported Hallasand cookies. With mind-bending obstacles coming at them from every direction, Jack, Lily and their family must work together to stand a chance against some tough competition.

Wylde Pak stars Nikki Castillo as Lily Pak and Benjamin Plessala as Jack Wylde. Additional voices include Ben Pronsky as William Wylde; Jee Young Han as Min-Ju Pak; and Jean Yoon as Halmoni.

The show is the second short from Nickelodeon’s Intergalactic Shorts Program to be greenlit into a series. Seonna Hong (My Life as a Teenage Robot) and Conrad Vernon (Shrek) executive produce alongside Watling and Marshall. Development and production are overseen by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, TV Series Animation, Nickelodeon and Daniel Wineman, Vice President of Original Animation Development. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

ARD And Canal+ Join Forces For Sherlock Holmes Spin-Off, Baker Street Four

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Production has started on Baker Street Four. The animated series follows a ragtag trio of street urchins – and a cat called Watson – who act as legendary detective Sherlock Holmes’ eyes and ears on the ground.

German public broadcaster ARD has come on board the project, joining the previously announced French pay TV giant Canal+ and teeing up big-ticket European co-production.

The show is based on the successful French comic book series ‘Les Quatre de Baker Street’, written by Jean-Blaise Djian and Olivier Legrand, and illustrated by David Etien.

Folivari and Blue Spirit are making the series, bringing together two award-winning France-based animation houses. News of the series first surfaced at the Annecy animation fest in 2019. With ARD on board it is now full steam ahead on production.

Skewing to a 6-to-10-year-old audience, the series is directed by Francis Canitrot. It will run to 12 parts and hit screens in 2027.

Specifically, Baker Street Four follows three of Holmes’ helpers and is an inside look at some of the group known in the Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories as the Baker Street Irregulars.

From the slums of Victorian London, the Baker Street Four of the series are Billy, who see himself as the brains of the band of urchins, Tom, an acrobat and ace pickpocket, and Charlotte, the resourceful one of the group. Their stray cat Watson completes the quartet.

Folivari International – which is headed by Melissa Vega and was founded last year by her and Folivari founders Damien Brunner, Thibaut Ruby, Sarah Delmas and Didier Brunner – is across sales. Vega is at the Kidscreen confab in San Diego this week as the global rollout of the series takes shape.

“We’re thrilled to kick off production on the series, thanks to ARD’s greenlight,” she said. “We want the children to discover this series as their first co-viewing experience – one that brings the whole family together through thrilling investigations filled with comedy and adventure.”

MSNBC Will Not Undergo A Name Change Once It Is Spun Off From Comcast

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 MSNBC will retain its name after it is spun off from Comcast along with other cable assets.

Mark Lazarus, who is leading the new company, told network staffers of the plans at a meeting today to announce the departure of Rashida Jones as the network’s president and the naming of Rebecca Kutler as interim leader, according to a network source.

“I know there was some discussion with the MSNBC name, so you can take that off of your worry list on things,” Lazarus said at the meeting.

Kutler also will be hiring a head of newsgathering and head of talent, Lazarus said. Throughout its history, MSNBC has drawn on correspondents and anchors from sister network NBC News, which will remain part of Comcast.

Lazarus said, “The only thing I’ll say is the worst thing any leader can do is change something that’s working just because they can. So, if this is working, then there’s no reason to change it.”

The spinoff, announced in November, is expected to take about a year to complete. It also will include USA Network, CNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel.

MSNBC launched in 1996 as a venture between NBC News and Microsoft. It had a heavy emphasis on the then-emerging internet, but its primetime eventually evolved into a progressive alternative to right-leaning Fox News.

Lionel Messi Inspired Animated Series Is Coming To Disney Channel And Disney+

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A Lionel Messi-inspired animated series will soon premiere on Disney Channel after Disney Branded Television acquired Messi and the Giants from Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television – Kids, Billboard has learned. 

The sci-fi animated show follows a 12-year-old boy named Leo, who is transported from his home in Argentina into an alternate universe. The series will demonstrate how the character faces adversity, builds a team, and discovers how to become a hero. 

“I always dreamed of being involved in a project that would share the values of sports, the very same values that have been so important to my career, with younger generations,” Messi expressed in a press release. “Nothing truly is impossible with teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. I look forward to sharing this series with kids around the world, and I hope I will inspire them and motivate them to achieve their own dreams. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved animated series, and I look forward to watching this series with my own kids.” 

Each episode of Messi and the Giants is 22-minutes long and will premiere on Disney Channel, followed by Disney Channel On Demand and globally on DIsney+, and will be available in English, Spanish and other languages.  

“Football — or soccer as we call it in the United States — is the world’s most beloved sport, uniting and captivating millions of fans of all ages,” noted Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “We are proud to work with Lionel Messi and Sony Pictures Television to bring ‘Messi and the Giants’ to our passionate, global kids’ audience. We know that its themes of family, friendship, and teamwork will resonate with not only football enthusiasts but everyone everywhere who loves a great story.” 

“It’s been a privilege to team with Leo and our colleagues at Sony Music on this first-time collaboration,” Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP and general manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids added. “We’re thrilled that Disney is giving a global platform to this fun take on a classic tale and look forward to launching a global consumer products and branded partnerships program alongside the show’s debut.” 

“There is an incredible team all working together on this project, with Leo’s magic as the inspiration behind it all,” said Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia. “We are thrilled that Disney has now joined our roster to help bring this imaginative series to audiences and inspire fans all around the world.”