This Week's Streaming Highlights and Industry Insights
“Now Streaming” is The Fly’s comprehensive weekly recap that delves into the most significant stories surrounding the leading content streamers in today’s entertainment landscape.
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PLAYING THIS WEEKEND: This weekend, viewers have a plethora of new content available for streaming. On Hulu, fans can tune into the engaging comedy-drama miniseries Dying for Sex, which features the talented Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. This series promises to weave humor into poignant narratives, exploring themes of love and life's fragility.
Meanwhile, Netflix (NFLX) subscribers can immerse themselves in the intense medical drama The Pulse. This show has been garnering attention for its gripping portrayal of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, navigating both personal and professional crises. Additionally, Netflix is also debuting the animated series Devil May Cry, which draws inspiration from the beloved Capcom (CCOEY) video game franchise, promising action-packed adventures and stunning visuals.
Amazon Prime Video (AMZN) users are in for a treat as they can catch the action horror series The Bondsman. This series, featuring Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles, is expected to blend horror elements with thrilling action sequences, captivating audiences with its gripping storyline.
AMAZON MOVIE STRATEGY: In a significant development for the film industry, Amazon’s movie strategy is poised to make an impressive entrance onto the big screen. According to Nicole Sperling of The New York Times, Amazon is preparing to take center stage at the annual convention for theater owners. The company aims to showcase its serious commitment to producing and releasing around 14 major commercial films annually in theaters worldwide. Following their theatrical runs, these films will typically remain in theaters for 45 days before becoming available on pay-per-view platforms and eventually on Prime Video.
COMCAST/YES NETWORK: In a surprising twist, YES Network and Comcast (CMCSA) reached a new carriage agreement on Monday night. This last-minute deal was struck just hours before the regional sports network was set to go dark for Xfinity customers across northern New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. As reported by Sportico’s Anthony Crupi, an informal extension in the ongoing YES-Comcast carriage dispute was on the verge of expiring at 11:59 p.m. ET, which would have led to the immediate removal of the RSN from affected households.
COMCAST/LOOP: Analyst Alan Gould from Loop Capital has maintained a Buy rating on Comcast with a price target of $50. In his analysis, he emphasized that Comcast stands out among its peers as his top pick in the current “tariff world.” While no media or digital company is entirely safe from the repercussions of tariffs, it’s notable that approximately 70% of Comcast’s revenue stems from subscription and affiliate services, with almost 80% of its revenue generated domestically. Consequently, Gould points out that the stock is currently trading at the lowest multiple among telecom companies, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
PARAMOUNT/DEUTSCHE BANK: In a recent market update, Deutsche Bank downgraded Paramount (PARA) from a Buy to a Hold rating, adjusting the price target to $12 from a previous $15. The firm expressed concerns regarding the increasing risks to Paramount’s advertising outlook, attributing these challenges to broader macroeconomic conditions. Analysts suggested that investors might find more appealing opportunities in the sector, highlighting companies like Fox (FOXA) and Formula One (FWONK), which are better positioned to navigate cyclical downturns. They also pointed to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Disney (DIS) as firms offering attractive valuations with clearer outlooks for the future.