Entertainment Industry Shifts Gears

The entertainment industry is undergoing significant changes, with various platforms and creators making bold moves to stay ahead of the curve. From podcasting to Formula 1, the latest developments are shaping the future of entertainment.

Kenya Barris, the creator of Black-ish, has released a new scripted podcast for Audible called Big Age. The comedy series, which stars Jenifer Lewis, Cedric the Entertainer, and Niecy Nash-Betts, is set in a retirement community and explores themes of aging and identity. Barris pointed to Eddie Murphy's 1980s stand-up specials as inspiration for the podcast, highlighting the delicate balance between explicit comedy and wider audience appeal.

"In audio, you definitely have more freedom" than film and TV, Barris said. "I can cut things because you're not seeing them. … And the story can still last." This freedom is likely to appeal to fans of Barris' previous work, which has often pushed boundaries and sparked important conversations.

Meanwhile, Apple and Netflix have struck an unusual shared-rights deal for an upcoming Formula 1 race and the eighth season of the docuseries F1: Drive to Survive. The deal will see both platforms share live coverage of the Canadian Grand Prix in May, as well as the new season of Drive to Survive, which premieres on Friday.

This move marks a significant shift in the way streaming platforms are approaching content, with Apple and Netflix opting for a collaborative approach rather than competing directly. The deal is likely to benefit both parties, with Apple gaining access to Netflix's expertise in sports coverage and Netflix expanding its reach through Apple's platform.

In other news, Netflix has released a trailer for its upcoming docuseries Dynasty: The Murdochs, which chronicles the real-life story of the Murdoch family and their media empire. The four-part series, which premieres on March 13, promises to offer an unprecedented look at the family's inner workings and the power struggles that have defined their dynasty.

The trailer draws comparisons to the popular HBO series Succession, which also explores the inner workings of a powerful media family. However, Dynasty: The Murdochs is based on real events and features thousands of pages of documents, emails, and text messages that have never been seen before on television.

Finally, Emily Orozco has been promoted to correspondent for Access Hollywood, based in the entertainment news program's New York City bureau. Orozco, who joined Access Hollywood in 2017 as an associate field producer, has risen through the ranks to become a respected voice in the industry. She has covered numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, Grammy Awards, and Met Gala, and has appeared on Today, Sherri, and E! News.

Orozco's promotion is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the industry, and she is likely to continue making waves in the world of entertainment news.

In France, the 51st Cesar Awards are underway, with Richard Linklater's "Nouvelle Vague" leading the race with 10 nominations. The awards, which are France's equivalent to the Oscars and BAFTAs, are being held at the Olympia theater in Paris. Jim Carrey will receive the honorary Cesar Award, in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.

Overall, the entertainment industry is undergoing significant changes, with new platforms, creators, and deals emerging all the time. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape the future of entertainment.