2026 TV Upfronts: Scripted TV is Back, Baby!

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the 2026 TV Upfronts and the return of scripted television.

Support #Millennial!⁠⁠⁠ Visit Patreon.com/millennial to get exclusive bonus episodes, live stream access, and more! Visit our merch store: ⁠⁠https://shop.millennialshow.com⁠⁠ Follow the show in your favorite podcast app and leave us a review! In the Dumpster Fire Corner: Is anyone really surprised at the reported under bookings of hotels leading up to the FIFA World Cup in US host cities? Then, Pam has some insights into what this year's TV Upfronts mean for what audiences will be seeing on the small screen in the next year. We break down what the annual TV industry preview event actually is, what studios announced for the upcoming season, and what it all means for your watchlist. The big headlines: scripted programming is making a comeback on broadcast networks, lighter and more optimistic TV is the vibe networks are chasing, and comedy is somehow still getting left behind. Also, AI is everywhere — even in how advertisers are targeting you mid-episode. Then we get into something we're all guilty of: the second screen problem. We're sharing our favorite background shows (no judgment) and already calling which Upfronts announcements are destined for the "playing while I fold…

People in this episode

Hosts: Pam, Laura

Topics covered

• TV Upfronts
• scripted programming
• advertising
• second screen problem
• background shows

Keywords

• TV Upfronts
• scripted TV
• FIFA World Cup
• advertising
• background shows

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FIFA, Starz, BritBox

Books & works: Amadeus, The Other Bennett Sister

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