
headlines

article summaries

NBC’s 2025–2026 season, starting Sept. 22, features major shows like ‘The Voice’, ‘Brilliant Minds’, ‘Law & Order’, and ‘America’s Got Talent’. New elements include the Carson Callback in ‘The Voice’. ‘One Chicago’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’ return, alongside freshmen comedies ‘St. Denis Medical’ and ‘Happy’s Place’. Full Read

NBCUniversal excelled at the 2025 Emmy Awards, securing 20 wins, including 12 for Saturday Night Live (SNL) and 5 for The Traitors. SNL celebrated its 50th anniversary with multiple awards, while Hacks won three, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Jean Smart. Major stars and presenters celebrated various milestones during the event. Full Read

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, set for release on September, has significantly boosted Peacock viewership, doubling numbers from earlier months. Fans are rewatching the franchise in preparation for the film, which explores the Crawley family’s challenges in the 1930s. The film features returning cast members and new additions. Full Read

NBCUniversal and Wolf Entertainment have launched the dedicated FAST channel for the iconic series Law & Order in the U.S., marking a first for the genre. Seasons 5-10 are now available on various platforms, coinciding with the show’s 25th season. The initiative aims to broaden the series’ audience. Full Read

Universal’s romantic comedies, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” and “Love Hurts,” prioritized sustainability through the GreenerLight Program. Both films employed renewable energy sources, reduced emissions, reused materials, and donated excess props. Their efforts resulted in significant carbon footprint reductions and showcased that eco-friendly practices are achievable in film production. Full Read

Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore opened, featuring attractions inspired by the Despicable Me franchise. Key highlights include a unique Minion-themed carousel and diverse dining options. This addition emphasizes RWS’s growth as a premier destination, aiming to enhance visitor experiences and attract tourists of all ages. Full Read

During Super Bowl LIX, Universal Pictures showcased trailers for highly anticipated 2025 films, including Jurassic World Rebirth, M3GAN 2.0, and How to Train Your Dragon. Other notable releases include Last Breath, BLACK BAG, The Woman In The Yard, and The Ballad of Wallis Island, promising diverse genres for audiences this year. Full Read

CNBC anchors and reporters covered the World Economic Forum in Davos, engaging with global leaders on topics like AI, tariffs, and geopolitical issues. They hosted live broadcasts, panel discussions, and interviews with notable figures like David Beckham and CEOs from major corporations, emphasizing key themes of collaboration and the global economic outlook. Full Read

The commitment to accessibility wasn’t just about enhancing the story—it was a step toward a more inclusive approach to production design. On the set of Wicked, accessibility became a core design element as the filmmakers created a wheelchair-accessible world for Nessarose, a character who uses an Ozian wheelchair. The commitment to accessibility wasn’t just about enhancing the story—it was a step… Full Read

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) received a record 25 nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, up from 18 in 2024. Key films include Universal’s Wicked and Focus Features’ Conclave, both nominated for Best Picture. DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot also set a record with three nominations. Full Read

In 2023, major studios like Universal Pictures and DreamWorks celebrated significant box office successes, with Universal’s ‘Wicked’ surpassing $700M globally and DreamWorks’ ‘The Wild Robot’ achieving a perfect critics score. Notable milestones included the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise crossing $5B and ‘Oppenheimer’ winning 7 Academy Awards. Full Read

Wicked has achieved remarkable success at the box office, surpassing $700 million globally, with $240.4 million internationally and $460.6 million domestically. It set records for the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation and achieved high ratings from critics and audiences. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it’s Universal’s second-highest-grossing film of 2024. Full Read

NBC is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL) with a series of events, including the premiere of the docuseries “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” on January 16 and a three-hour special on February 16. Sponsors like T-Mobile and Allstate will support the anniversary events, showcasing SNL’s rich legacy. Full Read

Comcast has announced Universal Ads, a new platform aimed at simplifying TV advertising for marketers of all sizes. Launching in Q1, it enables advertisers to purchase scalable video ad campaigns directly from major media companies, using advanced technology. This initiative aims to enhance access to premium content and foster direct transactions in the video advertising market. Full Read

NBCUniversal is enhancing its global theme park offerings with major projects launching in 2025. Highlights include the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights in Hollywood, Illumination’s Minion Land in Singapore, an expanded SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Japan, and Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. Full Read

Universal Pictures has showcased nearly a century of musical films, with “Wicked” (2024) marking a pinnacle in this legacy. This piece explores past classics like “Show Boat,” “Flower Drum Song,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which laid the groundwork for modern movie musicals, celebrating cultural significance and diversity. Full Read

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards nominations feature Jon M. Chu’s Wicked and Edward Berger’s Conclave leading with 11 nominations each. Hosted by Chelsea Handler and airing on January 12, the ceremony recognizes excellence in film and television, with NBCUniversal achieving notable successes across various categories in both realms. Full Read

The thriller series “The Day of the Jackal,” starring Eddie Redmayne, has been renewed for a second season on Peacock and Sky after its successful debut. Sold in nearly 200 territories worldwide, it has gained critical acclaim, including nominations for Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, reflecting its broad international appeal. Full Read

The Grand Opening Ceremony for Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan featured Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and USJ’s J.L. Bonnier. Guests celebrated with a countdown, entering a vibrant jungle resembling the game. The area includes attractions like Mine-Cart Madness, emphasizing family-friendly fun. This expansion showcases the collaboration between Nintendo and Universal. Full Read

Samsung and Universal Pictures introduce the Music Frame WICKED Edition, a customizable wireless speaker that offers surround sound and acts as a picture frame. This limited-edition product enhances the experience of the film’s soundtrack and features exclusive photo cards and themed packaging. It is currently available online for $299.99. Full Read

In just 14 days, “Twisters” has become Peacock’s most successful Pay 1 film launch, surpassing “Oppenheimer.” Directed by Lee Isaac Chung and starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, it opened with $81.1 million, a 98% increase over the original “Twister.” The film streams on Peacock until March 14, 2025. Full Read

NBCUniversal collaborates with Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Challenged Athletes Foundation, and the campaign “The More You Know” to promote sisterhood, mentorship, and accessibility ahead of the release of ‘Wicked’. Through PSAs and initiatives, they emphasize kindness and inclusivity, aiming to inspire young people and foster community connections. Full Read

In 2024, Peacock has emerged as a leading streaming platform, showcasing live events, exclusive sports, and popular series. Key highlights include record viewership for the NFL Wild Card game, Olympic coverage, and Emmy wins for shows like The Traitors. Anticipated future content promises continued growth and engagement. Full Read

NBCUniversal won three EMA Awards for environmental storytelling, celebrating productions like Twisters, Hacks, and Top Chef. Director Lee Isaac Chung emphasized sustainable filmmaking efforts during his acceptance speech. The company achieved a record 32 Gold Seals, showcasing advancements in eco-friendly practices across productions. They aim to minimize environmental impact in media. Full Read

Netflix has renewed its licensing deal with Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, securing rights to animated films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation, while adding live-action titles starting in 2027. The partnership aims to enhance entertainment offerings for U.S. viewers by combining licensed content with Netflix originals, maximizing audience reach. Full Read

Since its acquisition by NBCUniversal in 2016, DreamWorks has expanded its animation capabilities while celebrating 30 years of success with iconic franchises like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. The studio has released numerous films and series, grossing over $17 billion globally, and continues to innovate through collaborations, theme parks, and original content. Full Read

DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, The Wild Robot, topped the global box office, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. The film features Roz, a robot dedicated to nature protection, and partnered with Universal’s GreenerLight Program to inspire audiences. NBCUniversal also highlighted sustainability at Climate Week NYC through screenings and discussions on environmental storytelling. Full Read

The Wild Robot premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival with a 100% critics score, now at 98%. The film debuted globally with $53.9 million, led by $35.7 million in North America. Based on Peter Brown’s novel, it follows robot Roz’s journey of self-discovery and community. The film features notable voice talents. Full Read

Actress Emma Roberts expresses her enthusiasm for potentially portraying Britney Spears in an upcoming biopic based on the singer’s memoir. Roberts, a devoted fan, recounts her admiration for Spears and her music, even singing her songs to her son. The biopic, “The Woman in Me,” has been confirmed by Universal Pictures, with Jon M. Chu as director. No casting announcements… Full Read

Universal Studios Hollywood will debut Universal Fan Fest Nights in Spring 2025, featuring Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Anime experiences inspired by popular franchises like Star Trek, Back to the Future, and Dungeons & Dragons. The limited-time event will offer immersive in-world experiences, live entertainment, themed foods, merchandise, and an opportunity for like-minded fans to celebrate together. Full Read

Rotten Tomatoes introduced the “Rotten Tomatoes Verified Hot” Audience badge, awarding it to films with a Verified Audience Score of 90% or higher on the Popcornmeter. The badge complements the “Certified Fresh” Tomatometer badge for highly-reviewed films by professional critics aimed to provide more information to fans. Full Read

The director of Despicable Me franchise, Chris Renaud, firmly opposes the idea of a live-action Minions movie. He believes that the animated nature of the franchise allows for creative freedom that would be lost in a live-action adaptation. The franchise has been highly successful, grossing $5.3 billion globally, making it the biggest animated franchise of all time. Full Read

NBCUniversal has achieved a historic high in advertising revenue for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, surpassing the combined advertisers from the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games. The Summer Games saw an influx of new advertisers, with digital ad revenue doubling that of Tokyo. Viewers in the U.S. can expect extensive coverage across various platforms. Full Read

NBCUniversal and the NBA have announced an 11-year partnership, starting from the 2025-26 season. NBC and Peacock will present 100 national NBA regular-season games, robust lineup of playoff games, and NBA All-Star Game every year. The partnership will also cover WNBA games, NBA Conference Finals series, and USA Basketball, among other events. Full Read

NBCUniversal earns 75 Emmy Award nominations with “The Traitors” and “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie.” Peacock receives its first-ever program nods with “The Traitors” and “Mr. Monk’s Last Case,” while “Saturday Night Live” leads with 18 nominations. Universal Studio Group garners 55 nominations, and the Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on Sept. 15. Full Read

Google has been named the Official Search AI Partner of Team USA, in collaboration with NBCUniversal, for the Paris Games. This partnership will integrate Google’s search and AI features into NBCUniversal’s coverage, aiming to enhance viewer experience. The collaboration will also showcase Google’s innovative technology and AI-powered products like Google Search and Google Maps. Full Read

Despicable Me, featuring the iconic Minions, has become a global phenomenon with over $5 billion in box office revenue. The franchise’s latest installment, Despicable Me 4, opened as the No. 1 film globally and earned $230 million. The announcement of Minions 3 for June 2027 further solidifies the enduring popularity of these beloved characters. Full Read

At Cannes Lions, NBCUniversal highlighted the enduring appeal of live TV, from its historic origins to its modern expansion across platforms and languages. The company emphasized live TV’s ability to engage and unite diverse audiences across sports, entertainment, and news, showcasing its ongoing relevance and communal impact in the evolving media landscape. Full Read

More than fifty industry supporters, including NAMM, Sydney University, and BandLab Technologies, stand alongside Roland and Universal Music Group to champion “The Principles For Music Creation With AI.” These principles aim to protect human creativity in the responsible use of AI, promoting transparency, equity, and ethical industry standards. The coalition encourages global adoption of these principles to shape a responsible… Full Read

NBC’s iconic show “Saturday Night Live” is set to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2025 with Allstate, L’Oreal Groupe, T-Mobile, and Volkswagen of America as presenting sponsors. These sponsors will mark the occasion with custom content and experiences across NBCUniversal’s platforms. The network plans a three-hour “SNL50 Primetime Special” on Feb. 16. Full Read

Universal Pictures is partnering with various brands to release merchandise inspired by the film “Wicked.” Products include apparel, accessories, toys, beauty items, and more. Retailers worldwide, including Bloomingdales, H&M, and Amazon, will carry the merchandise along with immersive retail experiences at Universal theme parks. Full Read

The official trailer for Wicked has been released. NBC will air a behind-the-scenes special before the film’s release. Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and is set for release this holiday season as a generation-defining cinematic event. Full Read

NBCUniversal is transforming traditional presentation of the Olympic Games, from a unique Opening Ceremony along the River Seine to IMAX and AMC screenings. Peacock provides interactive streaming features, while a star-studded lineup enhances audience engagement. Innovative advertising opportunities aim to captivate diverse demographics across various platforms, creating a groundbreaking Olympic experience. Full Read

CinemaCon 2024 showcased upcoming movies from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation. Donna Langley highlighted the studio’s success and emphasized continual innovation. Notable releases include ‘Despicable Me 4’, ‘Wicked’, and ‘The Wild Robot’. The event also featured trailers for ‘Twisters’ and ‘Nosferatu’. Full Read

NBCUniversal showcased technology and data capabilities at its One24 technology conference. Executives presented innovations for television advertising, including generative AI, commerce, and measurement partnerships. The event also featured a first look at the 2024 Olympics experience on Peacock. Full Read

Kung Fu Panda 4 and World Wildlife Fund teamed up to raise awareness about real wildlife depicted in the film. The campaign encourages people, especially the youth, to be heroes in protecting wild animals and places. The movie emphasizes the importance of protecting all species for the benefit of people and nature.wcsstore Full Read

NBCUniversal revealed new tech and data capabilities at One24 to revolutionize television advertising. This includes generative AI-powered audience targeting, programmatic access to Olympic and Paralympic Games inventory, and innovative shoppable experiences for viewers. The company also introduced a comprehensive measurement framework and announced key partnerships to provide in-depth insights and performance metrics for marketers. Full Read

During Super Bowl LVIII, Universal premiered five film trailers: Wicked, The Fall Guy, Twisters, Kung Fu Panda 4, and Despicable Me 4. The trailers reveal upcoming releases from Universal’s film studios in 2024, including Night Swim, Argylle, and Lisa Frankenstein, among others. Numerous exciting movies await in 2024 from Universal and DreamWorks Animation. Full Read

The biopic “Oppenheimer” has made history, grossing over $950 million worldwide and leading to a resurgence in moviegoers. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film received critical acclaim and Golden Globe awards for its talented cast and iconic score. It is now available to own from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Full Read

NBCUniversal unveiled One Platform Total Audience, an AI-driven technology for cross-platform advertising. It leverages automation and data to provide unduplicated reach across linear and streaming, meeting industry demand. The technology aims to maximize ad effectiveness and engagement, with early results showing increased reach and efficiency. With broad industry adoption, it sold out across key categories for Q1 2024. Full Read

Peacock and Instacart partnership allows Instacart+ members to access Peacock Premium at no extra cost. This collaboration offers free delivery, reduced fees, and a 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders. The ad spot will feature iconic holiday scenes from Peacock shows, and the partnership aims to enhance customer experience during the holiday season. Full Read

Consumers today have unparalleled access to digital content, but the appeal of tangible experiences remains strong. NBCUniversal harnesses storytelling and cultural relevance to unite communities and fuel viral moments. Brands that align with these cultural touchpoints see significant benefits. In-person events like BravoCon and the Citi Summer Concert Series create lasting connections and impactful advertising opportunities. Full Read

The team, led by Mark Marshall, showcased NBCUniversal’s go-to-market strategy and commitment to diversity at Advertising Week. Discussions with Savannah Sellers highlighted NBCUniversal’s advertising approach, while the Road to Paris 2024 event exhibited its marketing prowess. Furthermore, the team emphasized brand safety and transparency with a new industry capability. Full Read

NBCUniversal is turning beloved video games into TV series, films, and theme park attractions. The success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the Twisted Metal TV series proves the potential of game adaptations. Five Nights at Freddy’s is the next anticipated release. Collaboration with game creators is crucial for successful adaptations. Full Read

NBCUniversal and Visa have launched “Tap into Tahiti,” a program to send a content creator to cover the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti for NBCU’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Creators can participate by posting content on TikTok using #TapIntoTahiti2024 and tagging @NBCOlympics. Visa will provide support for the selected creator. Full Read

October 21st is the annual Back to the Future day. The franchise’s success led to theme park rides, a musical, and video games. Fans can enjoy a limited-time in-game bundle and new Pop! collectibles. The original film will also return to theaters for a special screening as part of the celebration. Full Read

The Weeknd collaborates with Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights for a haunted house featuring his albums ‘After Hours’ and ‘Dawn FM’. The experience will include remixes of his tracks and showcase his blend of music and horror. The event will run from September 29 to November 4, offering a unique blend of Asian and Western elements. Full Read

Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s enduring legacy is showcased in Universal Pictures’ blockbuster “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan. The film received critical acclaim, boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Universal leveraged its extensive portfolio for the movie, highlighting its historical significance with NBC’s news division. Additionally, NBC explored Oppenheimer’s story in a companion documentary. Full Read

Peacock received eight nominations, with Natasha Lyonne getting the first-ever acting nod for “Poker Face.” NBC landed 27 nominations, incl. 10 for “Saturday Night Live.” Bravo got 5 noms for “Top Chef” and its first-ever for “Vanderpump Rules,” while Universal Studio Group secured 22 nominations. In total, NBCUniversal earned 48 Emmy Award nominations. Full Read

NBCUniversal announced new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) linear content offerings from across the NBCU Television & Streaming portfolio and NBCUniversal Global Distribution library. For the first time ever, viewers can access programming across all NBCUniversal genres centered on popular titles and categories available anytime at no additional cost. Full Read

The 2024 “People’s Choice Awards” will be live on NBC, Peacock, and E! in certain markets, marking the first time it streams live on Peacock. Fan favorites in movies, TV, music, and pop culture will be honored, with additional honorary awards and performances. The show aims to amplify the people’s voice and will also extend to social platforms. Full Read

In 1993, “Jurassic Park” revolutionized filmmaking, grossing over $1 billion. It spawned a successful franchise with blockbuster sequels and theme park attractions globally. Universal Orlando and Hollywood celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary with exclusive merchandise, themed food, and special screenings. Fans can continue the celebration with Jurassic-themed events and movie rentals. Full Read

Rotten Tomatoes celebrates Pride Month by spotlighting LGBTQIA+ voices, featuring queer outlets, trans and nonbinary rising stars, essential LGBTQ+ TV shows and movies. They also partner with GALECA to sponsor LGBTQIA+ women and nonbinary students of color. Check out their RT25 hub for exciting lists in honor of their 25th anniversary. Full Read

Universal’s Fast & Furious franchise revs up with the release of Fast X, speeding past financial projections with a $319 million global debut. The film, directed by Louis Leterrier, introduces a new adversary and features a star-studded ensemble. With plans for Fast 11 in 2025, the franchise continues to expand its global appeal. Full Read

86% of moviegoers plan to see more movies in theaters this summer compared to last year. 89% are excited about the increased movie offerings. The top 10 most anticipated summer movies include “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “The Flash.” The study also highlights the importance of concessions and the preference for the theatrical experience. Full Read

SYFY’s hit series “The Ark” renewed for second season after reaching 6.5 million viewers. Executives express excitement for the show’s success and collaboration. Set 100 years in the future, the show follows a space mission’s struggle for survival. Season one finale on April 19, streaming available on Peacock. Cast includes Christie Burke and Richard Fleeshman. Full Read

Season four of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” premiers on Bravo US, with familiar faces and new additions shaking up the group dynamics. The season promises drama with Lisa Barlow repairing friendships, Monica Garcia causing waves, and tensions rising between the women. The show is produced by Shed Media and Andy Cohen. Full Read

The “People’s Choice Country Awards,” a collaboration between NBC and the Grand Ole Opry, will debut on Sept. 28, celebrating country music through fan-driven recognition. The event, broadcast live from the Grand Ole Opry stage, will feature musical performances, awards chosen by fans, and behind-the-scenes access for viewers. Full Read

The USA Network/SYFY show “Chucky” has been renewed for a third season after successful response to season two. Executive producer Don Mancini expressed gratitude and promised a scary season in 2023. Meanwhile, SYFY’s “Reginald the Vampire” is also set for a second season, with enthusiastic anticipation from the executive producer. Full Read

We are the media’s guide to industry headlines! Nothing to News is the ultimate destination for lovers and consumers of content and entertainment. Whether it’s a local online trend or major studio announcement, our goal is to inform, inspire and provide a well-rounded view of what’s making news in today’s evolving media landscape. See the stories that matter and why they go from Nothing to News.
© 2025 Nothing to News.

Keeping an eye on things?
Enter your email for alerts and the latest industry headlines