James Bond Is In Amazon’s Hands Now. Here’s What That Means For 007.

James Bond is in serious danger. According to Variety, the British spy franchise now lies in the hands of none other than Bezos, Jeff Bezos. For over four years, Amazon MGM Studios reportedly worked behind the scenes to gain creative control of the James Bond franchise. Longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli were the last bastions protecting 007 from finding himself as the subject of middling Prime Video series. Now, they’re stepping back from Bond.

“With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” Wilson wrote in a press release. “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

Amazon acquired MGM Studios in May 2021, before the release of No Time to Die in September 2021. The film marked both Daniel Craig’s final appearance as the British spy and the twenty-fifth film in the franchise. Looking back, No Time to Die just might go down as Bond, before he entered a world run by a company that sells “everything from toilet paper to vacuums” — which Broccoli reportedly told sources close to the deal.

Over the past four years, the producer was hardly shy about their desire to protect Bond’s legacy from Amazon. Say what you will about the controlling family’s ideas about Bond’s casting, but Wilson and Broccoli successfully preserved James Bond as a prestige film franchise for decades. Their resistance to hand Amazon the reins is largely the reason why audiences are currently experiencing the longest hiatus between Bond films in the franchise’s history. That’s likely all about to change.

Below, we broke down how we got to this point and what Amazon MGM Studios’ creative control over the James Bond IP means for the future.

Just a few months before MGM Studios planned to release the final Bond film of Daniel Craig’s career, Amazon set in motion plans to purchase the studio for roughly $6 billion. The move followed a big push for Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service, which also acquired the streaming rights to The Lord of the Rings and the Rocky franchise.

That same day, Wilson and Broccoli released a statement saying that they were “committed to continuing to make James Bond films for the worldwide theatrical audience.” Basically: If we see James Bond exclusively on Prime Video, we are going to throw up.

The producing partners, and joint heads of Eon Productions, worked with MGM Studios (formerly United Artists) on James Bond films since his debut in 1962’s Dr. No. Even with Amazon’s purchase, a previous deal with MGM gave the duo creative control of the franchise.

Daniel Craig’s last Bond film was a smash success. No Time to Die grossed over $770 million worldwide, making it the third-highest grossing Bond film in history behind two of Craig’s other Bond films: Skyfall and Spectre.

“I suppose I should be so lucky if they were to ask me back, but the fact is I need to move on from it,” Craig told The Los Angeles Times over a year later. “Go find another Bond and go find another story.”

Despite Craig’s advice to move on, conversation about who would play the next James Bond advanced at a glacial pace. I suspect that the Broccoli family and Amazon were struggling to play ball with each other. Then, MGM Studios was officially renamed Amazon MGM Studios.

“For better or worse, we are the custodians of this character,” Broccoli told Variety in 2020. “We take that responsibility seriously.”

Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kraven the Hunter) first emerged as a potential James Bond successor in 2022. Two years later, reports suggested that he was formally offered the role. Strangely, nothing actually materialized.

“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it,” a source revealed to The Sun in March 2024. “The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back… Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”

At the time, Taylor-Johnson simply stated in an interview with Numero that he found the rumors, “charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”

Barbara Broccoli had a different side to the story. “There’s nothing I can tell you about the next Bond film,” she told Deadline in March 2024. “Nothing is happening.”

In December 2024, a Wall Street Journal report blew the feud between Broccoli and Amazon wide open. It was an open secret that the two sides were not friendly with each other, but now the WSJ took it to another level. According to sources who spoke with WSJ, the Bond producer believed that her Amazon contacts were “f**king idiots.”

“She has told friends she doesn’t trust algorithm-centric Amazon with a character she helped to mythologize through big-screen storytelling and gut instinct,” the exposé continued. “She characterized the status of a new movie in dire terms — no script, no story and no new Bond.”

A suggestion by The Hollywood Reporter that Josh O’Connor (Challengers) should play the next James Bond took off on social media. Then, O’Connor appeared in Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series opposite Daniel Craig. It felt like the universe was trying to tell us something.

O’Connor stated that if he was James Bond, he would have heard about it by now. “I made a joke about, wouldn’t it be funny if I played Bond?” he told Deadline. “Then suddenly I was James Bond. If I am Bond, I don’t know about it.”

Recently, Craig reportedly dropped out of DC’s upcoming war film, Sgt. Rock. Would Craig return as Bond, after all these years? Without anyone to tell us what is happening, we can theorize all day.

For whatever reason, Wilson and Broccoli gave up the fight. According to Variety, the duo stepped back and handed Amazon creative control of the Bond franchise moving forward.

Immediately following the news, Jeff Bezos tweeted, “Who’d you pick as the next James Bond?” His replies were quickly flooded with responses from fans asking for Henry Cavill, James McAvoy, Tom Hardy, Theo James, and many more.

This is concerning. After seeing what Amazon Prime Video did to the lackluster The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Citadel, I don’t have high hopes for what I suspect will be an extended cinematic universe of James Bond films and TV shows under the Amazon umbrella. Sure, the streaming service has had successes with Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Reacher… but Reacher is not James Bond.

Over the years, Broccoli reportedly turned down offers for Bond-related TV shows, video games, and — according to the WSJ report — a tie-in casino. Yes, you read that correctly: a tie-in casino. That’s what we may have on the horizon now.

Check back here in the coming days as Amazon likely updates fans with potential castings, plans for future films, and maybe even the dreaded tie-in casino. Folks, I’m very worried for James Bond.

8 Steps to a Revitalizing Digital Detox

In a world revving at lightning speed, the allure of constant digital connection can be overwhelming. Yet, there’s a growing movement championing the potent benefits of hitting the pause button on screens—digital detox. It’s time to unplug to recharge, as we explore how stepping back from our devices can supercharge both mental and physical wellness.

Reconnect with Nature

Venture outdoors and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the natural world. Feel the earth under your feet, the wind against your skin. Venturing into nature resets your mind, lifts your spirits, and brings a serene balance to a tech-laden life.

Scheduled Tech-Free Time

Designate sacred tech-free hours every day—times where screens are banished, and your mind is given the space to unwind and rejuvenate. It’s not just downtime; it’s an investment in your well-being.

Rediscover Hobbies

Take the reins and revisit hobbies that have been sidelined. Whether picking up an old paintbrush or strumming a forgotten tune—these offline pursuits ignite creativity, spark joy, and enrich your soul.

Mindful Meditation

Engage in mindful meditation to harness inner peace. Sitting quietly with your thoughts, away from the digital frenzy, unleashes mental clarity and reinforces resilience, setting the stage for a calmer, more focused existence.

Analog Activities

Dive into analog activities like reading physical books or journaling. These slower-paced endeavors ground you, encouraging reflection and offering a refuge from the relentless digital tide.

Digital-Free Dining

Elevate your dining experience by turning meal times into a tech-free sanctuary. Savor the flavors, relishing conversations with loved ones over the ping of notifications—the real highlights of life.

Sleep Sanctuary

Craft a tech-free oasis in your bedroom. By evicting gadgets, you pave the way for undisturbed, restorative sleep—fueling your body and mind to reach new heights of energy and productivity.

Social Connect in Real Life

Prioritize face-to-face interactions, the cornerstone of genuine emotional fulfillment. These moments forge deeper connections and nurture your emotional landscape in ways screens simply can’t replicate.

The rhythm of life demands balance—a dance between the digital and tangible. Embrace the power of a digital detox, and watch as your world expands beyond the confines of screens, invigorating your health and enriching your life with authenticity and purpose.

Placenta: 5 Ways It’s Revolutionizing Healing

In a world where medical science constantly gears up to tackle the unthinkable, one might not expect the humble placenta to take the spotlight—yet this unassuming organ has stepped up as a powerhouse for healing. From eye-saving surgeries to groundbreaking wound treatments, the amniotic wonders of the placenta are putting traditional methods under the microscope.

We dive into the realm where science and generosity intersect—where mothers’ choices to donate their placentas aren’t just acts of kindness, but indeed, lifelines. Amnion grafts, derived from the inner layer of the placenta, have emerged as game-changers in ocular health. These grafts don’t just stabilize eye injuries caused by severe burns; they become a regenerative facelift for lost sight, promoting healing where hope seemed dim.

Imagine the impact—where a placenta, often discarded without a second thought, turns into a shield against the most devastating burns. This membranous marvel, elastic and translucent, gears up to combat inflammation, slashing recovery times and scarring in the process.

But it doesn’t stop at eyes or burns. Picture a soldier back from the frontlines of trauma—placental membranes working overtime to close wounds that once defied recovery. The speed and efficiency with which these biological wraps encourage healing aren’t just astonishing; they’re paving the path for new regenerative therapies that could redefine recovery as we know it.

Beyond the clinic’s doors, consider the psychological boon these advancements bring. Knowing a new life can turn back the clock on trauma delivers an emotional boost, infusing patients with hope—a powerful adjunct to physical healing.

As researchers delve deeper into placenta’s secrets, one can’t help but wonder—what other doors could this powerhouse organ unlock? Could it become the crux of regenerative medicine? A testament to how nature’s designs, once destined for waste, may hold the keys to humanity’s most profound questions.

So next time you think of the placenta, think beyond its biological confines—think of it as nature’s unsung hero, now stepping boldly into the spotlight of medical innovation. In the journey of healing, it’s not just the magic of science at play, but the cascading effect of generosity and life itself.

8 Steps to a Durable Fitness Routine

Let’s face it—getting into shape isn’t just about popping on a pair of sneakers and hitting the treadmill. Building a sustainable workout routine is an art form, the kind that leaves you not just fitter, but more balanced and resilient in life. So, if you’re tired of fads that fizzle out as quickly as they gear up, it’s time to sculpt a plan that sticks.

Start with Realistic Goals. Now, don’t leap into this like a caffeine-fueled rabbit on a pogo stick! Set achievable targets that match your current lifestyle and capabilities—then slowly crank up the intensity. This way, you’re not setting yourself up to crash and burn.

Mix It Up. Variety isn’t just the spice of life; it’s the fuel of fitness. Weave in strength training, cardio, and flexibility workouts to keep your routine dynamic and your body guessing. This blend not only staves off boredom but also prepares your body to face myriad challenges.

Implement Rest and Recovery. Here’s the kicker—your muscles grow while resting, not while you’re deadlifting your weight in gold. Schedule rest days, focus on quality sleep, and marvel as your performance blossoms under this well-deserved recovery time.

Listen to Your Body. Aches and pains are your body’s way of issuing a little red card—ignore them at your peril. Adjust your routine when fatigue or discomfort strikes, prioritizing longevity over fleeting advancements.

Create a Support System. You don’t have to go it alone—partner up with friends, family, or even a fitness community to share goals, wisdom, and those sweet, sweet triumphs. This camaraderie fosters motivation and holds you accountable.

Track Progress Meaningfully. Now, I’m all for tracking success, but let’s not get bogged down by numbers. Use a journal or a non-intrusive app to celebrate improvements and milestones. This approach shifts the focus from metrics to meaningful change.

Prioritize Fun and Enjoyment. No one should dread their workout like a Monday morning meeting. Choose activities you genuinely dig—whether it’s dancing, hiking, or tossing around a frisbee—and transform your routine into a joy factory.

By embracing these principles, your workout routine evolves into a lifestyle choice—a solid foundation that withstands the test of time. Remember, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling empowered, energized, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.

Conquer Autoimmune Woes with Diet Power

Let’s talk about an unsung hero in the fight against autoimmune conditions — diet. While traditional treatments may involve a cocktail of medications, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that what you eat can have a powerful impact on managing these relentless diseases. It’s not just about survival; it’s about taking the reins of your health journey and potentially thriving.

Imagine your body as a well-oiled machine — a precision instrument fine-tuned by the nutrients you feed it. When autoimmune conditions arise, it’s like this machine’s gears start grinding against each other. An anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly diet can be the oil that helps these gears turn smoothly again, easing symptoms and improving quality of life. It’s a proactive choice — turning to foods rich in nutrients that can help calm the storm inside.

For many, the journey begins at the plate with colorful vegetables, rich in antioxidants, and lean proteins that fuel without flare-ups. Fermented foods, those gut health marvels, introduce beneficial bacteria that support intestinal fortitude. And don’t overlook the power of good fats — avocados, nuts, and olive oil — which provide more than just calories; they offer essential building blocks that the body craves.

The success stories are mounting. Individuals like Caragh Keane, who bravely battled lupus, have put these dietary principles under the microscope and emerged victorious — transforming their lives and inspiring others to follow suit. By swapping processed foods for whole, nutrient-dense alternatives, they experience not only a reduction in symptoms but often a revival of energy and zest for life.

It’s not just the physiological effects — there’s a psychological dimension as well. When we take control of our diet, we empower ourselves to defy the oppressive weight of chronic disease. Each meal becomes a statement of resilience, each grocery trip a commitment to better health. Families often play a pivotal role, providing support and the vital ingredient of laughter, without which the journey might seem insurmountable.

So, if you or a loved one are battling an autoimmune condition, consider what you put on your plate. With the support of medical advice, turning to an anti-inflammatory diet may be your path to healing — not just physically, but mentally. Embrace this powerful tool, and remember, you’re not just eating; you’re engaging in a daily act of determination and hope. Let’s fuel our bodies to fight together.

Arm Yourself Against Norovirus With Impeccable Hygiene!

As the country gears up for the battle against the so-called “winter vomiting bug,” there’s one crucial weapon everyone should wield—impeccable hygiene. While some viruses sneak in through the back door, norovirus barges in like an uninvited guest during your winter dinner party. But with a few strategic moves, you can keep this intruder at bay.

First things first: soap and water—your new best friends. When it comes to fending off norovirus, these two powerhouses are your go-to. Alcohol gels may shine in the world of sanitizers, but against norovirus, they’re about as effective as using a sieve to hold water. Instead, give germs the farewell they deserve by washing your hands thoroughly and often. Picture it: warm water running over your hands, lather transforming into a frothy fortress of cleanliness—this is your ritual of defense.

But don’t stop there. Surfaces, too, hold the secrets to a germ-free space. Armed with bleach-based cleaners, you’re not just wiping—you’re waging war. Each sweep of the cloth is a tactical strike against invisible threats, each stroke securing your domain.

Now, let’s talk strategy—avoiding close-quarter combat with the virus. If symptoms strike, it’s crucial to retreat into isolation for at least 48 hours post-recovery. This isn’t just etiquette—it’s your frontline strategy to prevent further spread. Picture your home as a quarantine castle, where the walls are your safeguard, and your dedication to cleanliness is the noble quest to protect those around you.

As public health officials warn against the storm of infections, remember the power lies in your hands—literally. With every scrub, wipe, and hygienic habit, you wield the ability to turn the tide in your favor. So, embrace the challenge, and let your commitment to cleanliness become a beacon of health this season. In this battle against norovirus, it’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving, with soap and water as the heroes of your story.

Adult ADHD Unveiled: It’s More Than A Phase

ADHD Awareness: Shedding Light on a Growing Adult Dilemma

ADHD — three letters that once huddled under the umbrella of childhood concerns — is emerging in a new spotlight. Recent research unveils that this condition, commonly seen as a rite of passage for the hyperactive youth, has taken up residence in adult lives. Are you one of the many adults grappling with attention deficits, impulsivity, or that nagging feeling of being off-sync?

The world gears up for an ADHD revelation — a behavioral quirk, once pigeonholed to the schoolyard, now unfolds within the bustling adult habitat. Modern studies are putting under the microscope not just the presence of ADHD in adults but the rising awareness that comes with it.

While historically dismissed as a childhood phase, ADHD’s roots dig deeper, affecting approximately 5% of children in the U.S. and continuing to shadow many of them into adulthood. Adults now facing a barrage of restless energy may find their childhood diagnosis of ADHD was not just a phase after all.

Data reveals a stunning rise in adult ADHD diagnoses, driven partly by a shift in recognition. As more stories surface — from celebrities to everyday individuals — the notion that ADHD dissipates with age is being debunked. The reality is ADHD persists, carving its distinct path through life’s many juggernauts.

With this revelation comes a call to action. Understanding is key — not just for those diagnosed but for friends and family who stand beside them. Compassionate awareness turns to informed action as more seek assistance in navigating the waters of adult ADHD. It is crucial to replace archaic perspectives with a modern appreciation of ADHD’s complexity and persistence.

The road to addressing ADHD is not without bumps. Traditional medications wield the double-edged sword of relief paired with side effects. However, as research progresses — and innovative treatments like repurposed medications surface — the landscape of managing ADHD evolves, promising smoother journeys ahead.

So, as we stand at the crossroads of awareness and action, the call is clear: ADHD is not just a chapter from childhood but an ongoing narrative. And the story of adult ADHD is just beginning to unfold.

‘Zero Day,’ a thought-provoking political series on Netflix, syncs up with today’s reality

The parallels between our present-day reality and the Netflix political thriller series “Zero Day” are major and many.

In this dense and talky but dramatically satisfying six-parter from creators Eric Newman (“Griselda,” “Narcos”) and Noah Oppenheim (the former president of NBC News), tensions run high between the United States and Russia after a devastating cyberattack on America. An eccentric and controversial tech billionaire is becoming more and more politically active, conservatives and liberals have never been further apart, and a charismatic and bombastic conspiracy theorist is fueling the fires of divisiveness on his wildly popular TV show. Oh, and the government has given itself unprecedented powers to cast your liberties aside in the name of pursuing justice.

It’s all fictional, but much of it feels chillingly possible.

One of the great pluses in “Zero Day” is the presence of the great Robert De Niro, who still has a mesmerizing and singularly powerful capacity to carry a project from kickoff to conclusion. This is the first starring TV series role for the 81-year-old De Niro — he was brilliant as Bernie Madoff in the 2017 HBO movie “The Wizard of Lies,” but he’s never done a multi-episode TV arc before — and it’s Emmy-level work.

De Niro plays the well-respected former President George Mullen, who spends his days going for morning runs on his property (he’s a little obsessed with a bird feeder that always needs refilling), reading the papers over breakfast and doing everything he can to avoid completing his memoir, though his shelves are stacked with handwritten notebooks.

There’s a little bit of Clinton dynamic to George’s relationship with his wife Sheila (Joan Allen, who was so memorable as a vice-presidential appointee in “The Contender” back in 2000), who had her own career in law before setting it aside to raise a family, but is now a nominee to the federal bench. You get the sense that while George and Sheila have a warm and strong union, they’ve been through some things, and there’s just a little veneer of frost that surfaces once in a while.

After a nationwide cyberattack results in thousands of casualties and infrastructural damage — a cataclysmic event dubbed “Zero Day” — Angela Bassett’s President Evelyn Mitchell, a savvy tactician, calls on George to head the Zero Day Commission, which will be tasked with investigating the attack and sussing out how to keep it from happening again. A number of key players are introduced to the mix, and it’ll be challenge for any series this year to come up with a more impressive cast.

Jesse Plemons plays Roger Carlson, a cunning fixer who was one of the few staffers to remain fiercely devoted to Roger after Roger declined to run for re-election due to personal concerns, while Plemons’ former “Friday Night Lights” castmate Connie Britton is Valerie Whitesell, who was Mullen’s chief of staff and has returned to his side at the urging of George’s wife Sheila, who is worried about George’s state of mind after a couple of alarming incidents, including George having conversations with a house manager who isn’t there and hasn’t been on the job since retiring five years earlier.

Lizzy Caplan plays Alexandra Mullen, a rising young congresswoman from New York who hasn’t been close with her father in years and has a very different political outlook, while Matthew Modine is the publicity-hungry Speaker of the House, and Bill Camp pops in to casually swipe every scene he’s in as the CIA Director Jeremy Lasch, who always seems to be lurking in the shadows and warns George that the future of the country is hanging in the balance.

Add to that Dan Stevens as the incendiary TV host Evan Green, Gaby Hoffman as a Silicon Valley billionaire and Clark Gregg as a serpentine corporate raider, and you’ve got a series brimming with intriguing and complex characters. (The twists and reveals in “Zero Day” are many, and while some are melodramatic and soapy and rather predictable, there’s never a dull moment.)

There’s also a “Manchurian Candidate” element to the proceedings, with “Who Killed Bambi”? by the Sex Pistols becoming a hair-raising needle drop, and we’ll say no more about that.

It almost feels as if we’re racing to the finish line in the finale, with certain plot points and characters getting tied up in too-convenient fashion, and some questions still hovering over the proceedings as we fade to black. Still, “Zero Day” is a timely and thought-provoking slice of alternate political reality, with the great De Niro in commanding form.

TV procedurals up their game, with doctors on cruises and quirky…

NEW YORK (AP) – The idea for a new TV show came to Craig Sweeny as he was driving. The producer and screenwriter, thinking about how to put his own stamp on a medical series, had to pull over when a familiar figure popped into his mind: Sherlock Holmes.

Why not combine a hospital procedural with the lore of Britain’s greatest detective? It would have a medical mystery every week and also tell stories of Holmes’ good friend, Dr. John Watson. It was a mashup of two popular draws, the TV equivalent of peanut butter and jelly.

“They´re sort of each their own show-worthy premise in a way. And we´re blessed to have both. So they compete for space in a really interesting way,” says Sweeny.

So was born “Watson,” a CBS series starring Morris Chestnut as the titular character who leads a team of medical detectives set in a present-day Pittsburgh populated with Arthur Conan Doyle´s characters.

“It´s one of those blessed moments,” says Sweeny, who was well-versed with the world of Holmes after executive producing and writing for “Elementary,” a contemporary update.

“Watson” is not alone among the networks jazzing up the tried-and-true procedural. While the traditional form remains the bedrock of modern TV – think the prime-time blocks of “NCIS,” “FBI” and “Chicago Med” – new twists are emerging.

This image released by ABC shows Daniel Sunjata, left, and Kaitlin Olson in a scene from “High Potential.” (Carlos Lopez-Calleja/Disney via AP)

ABC´s “Doctor Odyssey” is a medical procedural aboard a luxury cruise ship and NBC´s “The Hunting Party” mashes up “The Blacklist” and “Criminal Minds.” CBS has Kathy Bates in “Matlock” playing an underestimated, retirement-age lawyer – with the twist that she´s really a hard-charging mom out for vengeance.

“There´s something really pleasurable about the self-contained, 43-minute procedural that gives you a beginning, middle and end, a little bit of a mystery and the fun of watching something get figured out,” says Jonathan Tolins, a playwright, TV writer and showrunner. “I think that the audience is so familiar with it that it does reward you if you come up with a sort of fun twist on it.”

Tolins’ own current take on the procedural is CBS’ “Elsbeth,” which takes the quirky character Elsbeth Tascioni from “The Good Wife” and plops her down in a “Columbo”-style police procedural.

Elsbeth, played by Carrie Preston, is a sleuth in bright colors and a bucket hat, blunt and unpredictable, playing off the guest star of the week. Tolins says the writers and camera crew try not to make her feel like the show’s lead, even though she’s the very title.

“I said early on that I think the show works best when it feels like a CBS police procedural with Elsbeth thrown into it,” he says. “We talked about always keeping her sort of out of the center of the frame in wide shots.”

Another elevated procedural with a quirky lead character is ABC´s “High Potential,” a police show starring a genius – but this time, she´s a single mom of three who has an IQ of 160 and is played by Kaitlin Olson.

“She´s a bit of a unicorn,” says Todd Harthan, executive producer and showrunner. “You throw a unicorn into the bullpen with a bunch of detectives and they go, ‘What are we supposed to do with this colorful creature with the horn coming out of her head?´”

Supercharging procedurals comes as streaming increasingly offers subscribers a highly curated selection of unconventional, relatively short series with big names and high production values.

“I think that, inevitably, the innovations that streaming is doing bleed into what happens in network TV and challenge what we´re doing to compete for eyeballs in a healthy way,” says Sweeny.

Procedurals are often referred to as the comfort food of TV, offering a predictable, solvable hour with a familiar cast. So strong is our attachment to the form that streaming services have also been stretching their form with shows like the also “Columbo”-like “Poker Face” on Peacock and Max’s “The Pitt,” which takes a medical show like “ER” and breaks it down into different hours of a hospital shift, like “24.”

Harthan believes the gap between the streaming and network may be closing as networks offer writers a bit of a longer leash to try different things and streaming looks enviously at the broad audiences that networks pull.

“You´re always sort of learning and trying to glean certain things from different shows that are very different than the one you´re working on day-to-day,” Harthan says. “It´s just part of the growth of doing what we do for a living.”

Showrunners caution that mixing different elements into a show to raise the level can’t be done willy-nilly. The creator of “Watson” notes that its hero was already a doctor in the world of Sherlock Holmes, so making him head of a clinic makes sense.

“It is an exotic combo, but it´s also very organic,” says Sweeny. “Mechanically you don´t have to force anything into place. Everything´s already there.”

A few years ago, the term “gourmet cheeseburger” was given to streaming shows that were both premium and commercial – take “Bridgerton” – and network TV may be going through their own gourmet cheeseburger phase.

“The more the two converge, the better,” says Robert King. He and his wife, Michelle King, are the prolific creators of shows on networks (“The Good Wife,” “Evil” and “Elsbeth”) and streaming (“Happy Face”).

“We love working in both and we don´t start with, ‘Oh, we must do a network show,´ or, ‘We must do a streaming show.´ It’s very much, ‘This idea we have fits more comfortably either in network or in streaming,´” says Michelle King.

Robert King considers one of the greatest TV hybrids to be “The Sopranos,” which mixed a comic premise with violence and put it into a serialized format. It was a hit for HBO but was originally pitched to a network, Fox.

“I do think the hybrid goes back to ‘The Sopranos,´ at least and I´m sure beyond that,” he says.

Tolins, who leads the “Elsbeth” writing room, recently got some nice feedback about his elevated procedural skills. CBS did a focus group about the new season’s premiere episode, which starred – spoilers – Nathan Lane as the killer of an obnoxious operagoer.

“One of the women who saw it afterwards kept saying, ‘This is network? I´m going to have to watch more network television,´ which of course was very, very satisfying for all of us listening,” Tolins says.

This image released by Disney shows Kate Berlant, left, and Joshua Jackson in a scene from “Doctor Odyssey.” (Ray Mickshaw/Disney via AP)

Cynthia Erivo to Host the 2025 Tony Awards

Cynthia Erivo to Host the 2025 Tony Awards

Brent Lang

February 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Cynthia Erivo, fresh off the box office success of “Wicked,” will command center stage on Broadway’s biggest night as host of the 78th Tony Awards.

She takes over as emcee from Ariana DeBose, who hosted the past three shows. Erivo is a former Tony winner herself, having captured the best actress in a musical prize in 2016 for her turn in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple.” She is currently nominated for an Oscar for her work as Elphaba in “Wicked.” Previously, she earned nods for her performance in 2019’s “Harriet,” as well as for co-writing “Stand Up,” a song that was featured in that film. Erivo has also won an Emmy for a televised performance of “The Color Purple,” plus a Grammy for the show’s cast recording, putting her tantalizingly close to EGOT status.

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“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,” Erivo said in a statement. “I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.”

This year’s Tony Awards will return to the Radio City Music Hall in New York City for the first time since 2022. It was held at the United Palace in 2023 and at Lincoln Center in 2024, and there were gripes that neither venue had as much seating as the cavernous Radio City. The show will air live on June 8 on the CBS Television Network, and it will also stream on Paramount+.

Erivo, who headlined one of 2024’s biggest films, injects some serious star power into the event. Her schedule is packed these days. Erivo will reprise her role as Elphaba in this year’s “Wicked: For Good.” She also recently wrapped production on a guest role in “Poker Face.” Her other credits include her acclaimed turn as Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha,” as well as a lead role on HBO’s “The Outsider.”

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