Cordkillers 589: Gold Zone, Cold Zone
Milan-Cortina gave NBCU a big Winter Olympics win, and “Gold Zone” proved the whip-around format still rules. Meanwhile, streaming keeps getting weirder - from boxing rematches at The Sphere to vertical “microdramas” outpacing major apps on phones.
Supply Run
NBC’s Olympics whip-around “Gold Zone” pops again, and the crew brainstorms what else could work with a RedZone-style treatment (elections, weather, reality shows, and more).
Also: Peacock finally stopped spoiling Six Nations rugby scores in descriptions/highlights (a small mercy for delayed watchers).
Search Party
Toy Story 5 trailer drops - in theaters June 19, 2026.
Netflix will livestream a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch from The Sphere on Sept. 19 (both fighters now late-40s).
Fight Club gets a 4K digital + Blu-ray release May 12, plus a one-night theatrical return April 22.
Hulu greenlights a pilot for Ryan Coogler’s X-Files reboot concept (two FBI agents, paranormal cases).
Jury Duty Season 2 gets details: company retreat setup, premieres March 20 with a staggered rollout through April 3.
Apple partners with IMAX for live in-theater screenings of five 2026 F1 races (US select theaters).
For All Mankind Season 5 trailer is out - returns March 27.
Wednesday Season 3 adds Winona Ryder and starts production in Ireland (more cast details in the follow-up).
ESPN begins distributing MLB.TV through the ESPN app/site, with different pricing for “Unlimited” subscribers.
Netflix teases its Pride & Prejudice series (coming later this year).
Buried Treasure
Brian: More 11.22.63 (and whatever else is in the queue).
Tom: Secret Friends Club (iQiyi).
Got something we should be on the lookout for? Email cordkillers@gmail.com
Scanning the Horizon
DOJ is investigating Netflix’s proposed acquisition of WBD; Paramount clears a 10-day DOJ waiting period on its own deal moves, and the corporate sniping ramps up.
Nielsen “Gauge” watch share: Disney jumps to 11.9% (boosted by sports), closing in on YouTube’s 12.5%; Netflix sits at 8.8%.
AMC reports revenue slightly down, but attendance down nearly 10% - the real gut punch.
Netflix funds a new building at the UK’s National Film and Television School, named for producer Albert R. Broccoli.
Report: Americans spend more time on vertical video than watching Netflix/Disney+/Prime on mobile.
New UK law brings major streamers under “Tier 1” regulation (accessibility requirements like subtitles and audio description).
Chatter
Ander: Got hyped by the Rousey-Carano talk, wonders what “counts” as meaningful engagement on streamers (beyond watch time), and whether subbing for a single event then canceling still lights up the algorithm.
John (“Your boss”): Shares the “this isn’t the show I thought it was” problem - bailed on Lost when it went supernatural, and Last Man on Earth once it wasn’t truly “last.” Asks if Tom/Brian have had that happen.
Josh: Tried Can This Love Be Translated? on Tom’s recommendation, got fully converted into a rom-com guy, and argues K-dramas nail awkward life moments better than Western shows.