R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.
Latest articles by R. Thomas Umstead
![Zambia's defender #04 Esther Siamfuko (L) and US' forward #11 Sophia Smith vie for the ball in the women's group A football match between the USA and Zambia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Nice Stadium in Nice, on July 25, 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n9r33brRGVoZeEJhHwWCnK-320-80.jpg)
The Paris Olympic Games Begin; Yankees-Red Sox on ‘Sunday Night Baseball’: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (July 27-28)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Canelo Alvarez of Mexico (L) lands a punch on Jaime Munguia (R) during their super middleweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on May 04, 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MoPv22dxohj6w3ydoPYDSV-320-80.jpg)
Prime Video Sets Canelo Alvarez Pay-Per-View Boxing Card for September
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Super middleweight champion Alvarez will defend his title Sept. 14 against Edgar Berlanga
![Jordan Peele speaks on stage as Universal Pictures presents the SXSW premiere of "Monkey Man" at The Paramount Theater on March 11, 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TFttGRZvmt6672Cpo9qSUb-320-80.jpg)
USA Network, Jordan Peele Team for ‘Scare Tactics’ Reboot
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Prank unscripted series to debut in fall
![Mel Brooks poses for a portrait during the 2024 Peabody Awards at Beverly Wilshire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vUEyK9UNfaiGvGHKYgiWK6-320-80.jpg)
Mel Brooks Documentary on Tap for HBO
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Judd Apatow, Michael Bonfiglio on board to direct two-part documentary profiling iconic comedian
![Fox News](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yLjGTHhTV6jjjksUXX7eNd-320-80.png)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Eventful Week Helps Fox News Hit Primetime, Total-Day Highs
By R. Thomas Umstead published
News network rolls with coverage for RNC, Biden’s withdrawal from presidential race
!['What We Do in the Shadows'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zYiSyzN83pbcD8b6xdjaef-320-80.jpg)
FX Sets October Debut for Final Season of ‘What We Do in The Shadows’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Comedy series earned 8 2024 Emmy nominations
![Stade de France, venue for Rugby Sevens at Paris Summer Olympics](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WQc76HQHbNhXJRATxgg6L-320-80.jpg)
Paris Olympics Coverage Kicks Off With Soccer, Rugby Matches
By R. Thomas Umstead published
NBCU hopes live Olympics event coverage, celebrity-based shoulder programming will keep viewers tuned in
!['Time Bandits'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZZCDRE9xZ9vgeN4MPTTT8P-320-80.jpg)
Apple TV Plus Bows ‘Time Bandits’: What’s Premiering This Week (July 22-28)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on cable and streaming
![Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky look on during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TAKr5yqoM5C3MgA9DXvviB-320-80.jpg)
WNBA All-Star Game, Jake Paul-Mike Perry Fight: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (July 20-21)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
!['Lou Dobbs Tonight'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6ydJv2bKTAFB9b7CAKexgF-320-80.jpg)
Veteran Cable TV Journalist Lou Dobbs Dies
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Conservative CNN, Fox Business Network host passes away at 78
!['The Bear' on FX](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CteLNXjxb2ttVTWLcU3pGM-320-80.jpg)
FX Series ‘The Bear,’ ‘Shōgun’ Dominate Emmy Nominations
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Restaurant series sets a record with 23 nods in comedy categories
!['Loot'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CnaUJi7tA84QESdH246bzf-320-80.jpg)
Apple TV Plus Renews Comedy Series ‘Loot’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Maya Rudolph starrer renewed for third season
![Fox News](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kTaPRdicVvbrU48yhbigR4-320-80.png)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Donald Trump Rally Shooting Coverage Drives Fox News, Cable News Nets
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Fox News, CNN, MSNBC are most-watched networks in primetime, total day
!['County Rescue'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/92tsyGgYMq6jvuaKjJUi5a-320-80.jpg)
Great American Family Renews ‘County Rescue’ for Second Season
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Drama series to return in January
!['Welcome to the J-Rod Show'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wTswZA8iGPbFbZJwQR8MGK-320-80.jpg)
Fox Sports Lines Up Julio Rodriguez Documentary To Follow MLB All-Star Game
By R. Thomas Umstead published
FS1’s ‘Welcome to the J-Rod Show’ to profile Seattle Mariners superstar
!['Lady In The Lake'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tQKXrC7AZvmXKWXiT6QFu-320-80.jpg)
‘Lady in the Lake’ Launches on Apple TV Plus; Final Season of Netflix's 'Cobra Kai' Debuts: What’s Premiering This Week (July 15-21)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
![Shannen Doherty attends the 9th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 05, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HPpqurKPo4sDp9FYVmwXXc-320-80.jpg)
‘Charmed,’ ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Actress Shannen Doherty Dies
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Actress succumbs to cancer at 53
![Shogun on FX](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pMbhSa4FG3p3oXXbLe7fQT-320-80.jpg)
FX’s ‘Shōgun’ Leads TCA Awards Winners
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Max’s ‘Hacks’ garners multiple wins
![England captain Harry Kane celebrates with his trademark jump after scoring the first England goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/isT937uF29yFraKS67huZ3-320-80.jpg)
UEFA Euro 2024, Copa America, Wimbledon Finals: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (July 13-14)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Starz's 'Fat Joe Talks'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rvPobEzis55PwapwS5MPtW-320-80.jpg)
Starz Taps Music Artist Fat Joe for New Talk Show
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Network also greenlights ‘Sweetpea’ drama series
![Hallmark Media sign in Studio City, Calif.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4H4ndPuZbS4yXsDUfE2J3j-320-80.jpg)
Hallmark Media To Launch New Streaming Service in September
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Hallmark Plus to replace Hallmark Movies Now
![Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AssqFeS2Yp5jxRTeCqHZd9-320-80.jpg)
Horowitz: Black Viewers Gravitate To Platforms That Offer Culturally Relevant Content
By R. Thomas Umstead published
SVOD services, FAST channels establish strong foothold in Black households
![The Old Man](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/shhJgT2mgeNSQNHpxH9Kma-320-80.jpg)
FX Will Premiere ‘The Old Man’ Season 2, ‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez‘ in September
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Comedy ‘English Teacher,’ docuseries ‘Social Studies’ will also debut that month