R. Thomas Umstead

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

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Peacock Rings Bell for ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’; Apple TV Plus Drops New Season of ’Slow Horses‘: What's Premiering This Week (Sept. 3-8)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services

Programming
Charley Humbard
The Five Spot: Charley Humbard, CEO, UP Entertainment

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Founder of faith-forward network reflects on two successful decades

Fates & Fortunes
New York City
Diversity Week Will Bring Industry’s DEI Report Card

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

AIM/PAR study results to be revealed during week of inclusion-related industry gatherings

Events
Katie Taylor (l.) and Amanda Serrano at the press conference for their November fight on the undercard of Netflix’s Mike Tyson-Jake Paul event.
Women Fighters Are Packing a Punch on TV

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Once considered a novelty, ring sports involving female combatants are gaining new acceptance, popularity

Programming
Sheduer Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes
New Conference Alignments, Expanded Playoffs Mark Changes for Upcoming College Football Season

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

TNT, truTV, The CW among networks adding game coverage

Programming
Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Daylen Everette (6) and *Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Daniel Harris (15) celebrates after an interception during the Capital One Orange Bowl game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, December 30, 2023
College Football Action, U.S. Open Tennis Coverage: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (Aug. 31-Sept. 2)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
Netflix's 'Starting 5'
Netflix Takes Shot at Sports Documentary Series Featuring NBA Stars LeBron James, Anthony Edwards

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

‘Starting 5’ to debut Oct. 9

Programming
Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the nomination for president at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
MSNBC, CNN Ride Democratic National Convention Coverage to Top of Primetime Chart

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Fox News remains most-watched network in total day

Programming
Only Murders in the Building
‘Only Murders in the Building’ Back for Season 4; 'The Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power’ Returns to Prime Video: What’s Premiering This Week (Aug. 26-Sept. 2)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services

Programming
'Everybody Still Hates Chris'
Comedy Central Sets September Premiere Date for ‘Everybody Still Hates Chris’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Animated reimagining of Chris Rock-produced ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ sitcom to debut Sept. 25

Programming
Wide Receiver Vandrevius Jacobs #19 of the Florida State Seminoles makes a catch and dives into the endzone for a score during Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase Game inside of Doak Campbell Stadium on April 20, 2024
College Football Regular Season Kicks Off; NFL Preseason Concludes: What’s On This Weekend in TV Sports (Aug. 24-25)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks for an open receiver during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Stays Hot; NFL Network Tackles Third Place in Primetime

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

News networks dominate total day chart

Programming
Pachinko
‘Pachinko’ Returns to Apple TV Plus: What’s Premiering This Week (August 19-25)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on cable and streaming

Programming
RuPaul's Drag Race
MTV Renews ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ for 17th Season

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Series spinoffs ‘RuPaul Drag Race: Untucked,’ ‘RuPaul Drag Race All Stars’ and ‘RuPaul Drag Race All Stars Untucked’ will also return

Programming
Open tip-off between Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics and Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx on August 15, 2024
WNBA Season Resumes, Premier League Season Kicks Off: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (August 17-18)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
Terry McMillian Presents: Forever
‘Fitting the Romantic Vibe’: Lifetime’s Elaine Frontain Bryant Touts Launch of ‘Terry McMillan Presents’ Movie Banner (Q&A)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Romance-themed movies ‘Tempted by Love,’ ‘Forever’ debut in August on Lifetime targeting Black women audiences

Programming
Jackie Young #13 of the USA Women's National Team dribbles the ball during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024
WNBA Tips Off Second Half of Regular Season on a Ratings Roll

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

League, distributors hope viewership continues to climb post-Olympics

Programming
Sean Hannity
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Continues Primetime Dominance

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Extends primetime winning streak to 10 weeks

Programming
Netflix's 'Supacell'
Netflix Renews Sci-Fi Series ‘Supacell’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

U.K. import to return for Season 2

Programming
Grotesquerie
FX Sets September Premiere for Ryan Murphy Horror Series ‘Grotesquerie’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

10-episode series to debut Sept. 25

Programming
The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras
‘There’s Really Nothing Like It:’ ‘The Challenge’ EP Julie Pizzi Gears Up for Series’ 40th Season (Content Spotlight Podcast)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Long-running competition series brings back former participants for milestone season

Programming
Peacock's 'Hysteria!'
Peacock Sets Oct. 18 Premiere Date for ‘Hysteria!’

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Will binge all eight episodes of thriller series with USA Network airing episodes weekly

Programming
Peacock's 'Bel-Air'
Peacock’s ‘Bel-Air,’ Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ Return to Streaming Audiences: What’s Premiering This Week (Aug. 12-18)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on cable and streaming

Programming
Stephen Curry of the United States takes a three-point shot during the Men's Semifinal Game between United States and Serbia on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Arena Bercy on August 8, 2024
Paris Summer Olympics Close; NFL Preseason Begins: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Aug. 10-11)

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services

Programming
MLB Sunday Leadoff on Roku
Roku to Launch Dedicated FAST Sports Channel

By R. Thomas Umstead Published

Channel to feature Roku's live Sunday baseball games, auto racing

Programming
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