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
![James Brown](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HDWEEYpAh9uCgL6rTXhoyh-320-80.jpg)
Deborah Riley Draper: ‘James Brown’s Music Is a Blueprint of How to Live in America … and Be Free’ (Content Spotlight)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
‘James Brown: Say It Loud’ director discusses A&E documentary series about The Godfather of Soul's legacy
![LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks during the first quarter in the 2023 NBA All Star Game between Team Giannis and Team LeBron at Vivint Arena on February 19, 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mcEHYtW6vGnzo9eo5qBJLb-320-80.jpeg)
NBA All-Star Weekend, NHL Stadium Series: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Feb. 17-19)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend’s top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Sarah Kate Ellis attends the 75th Primetime Emmy performer nominees celebration at JW Marriott LA Live on January 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9HtjKu6egXF79FCWKPKYkk-320-80.jpeg)
GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis Named 'MCN' Woman of Influence
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Longtime advocate for LGBTQ acceptance to be feted at annual Wonder Woman event March 21
![Bret Baier of Fox News](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g5v2PSug7259Xda9tBudZD-320-80.jpg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Notches Fourth-Straight Sweep of Ratings Charts
By R. Thomas Umstead published
MSNBC comes in a distant second on primetime, total day chart
![Netflix](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wR8KSbnBZ5wk8zJ8DPSG8B-320-80.jpg)
Netflix Renews Comedy Series ‘Survival of The Thickest’
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Star Michelle Buteau also sets new standup special
![Apple TV Plus' 'The New Look'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hc69MXnGVtnP4QDtktij4S-320-80.jpg)
‘The New Look,’ ‘James Brown: Say It Loud,’ ‘The Dynasty: New England Patriots’: What’s Premiering This Week (Feb. 12-19)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
![Wynonna Earp](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rZE7DEVotHej83FHzfcErf-320-80.jpg)
'Wynonna Earp' to Ride Again in New Special on Tubi
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Streaming service to resurrect Syfy's western-themed supernatural drama series
![FX chairman John Landgraf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eBy2BpgZ3kJj8iL6VhAnbU-320-80.jpg)
FX's John Landgraf: Peak TV Is Finally Over (TCA)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Network chairman’s prediction on the drop in scripted series is finally realized
!['American Horror Story: Delicate'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sgMJNuB6ATRLzNijEtuqyJ-320-80.jpeg)
FX’s ‘American Horror Story: Delicate’ Returns April 3 (TCA)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
‘Welcome to Wrexham’ kicks off season 3 on April 18
![Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers in 2022](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4w2qLvTDUy2rGx3eSPpTGE-320-80.jpeg)
Super Bowl LVIII: Chiefs-49ers: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Feb. 10-11)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Anthem Entertainment's Anthony Cicione](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fFYCRACJTAPGAXCs3XJ8uU-320-80.jpg)
Anthem Entertainment's Anthony Cicione Pins Down TNA Wrestling President Role
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Cicione to oversee day-to-say operations of pro wrestling company
![Fox News Primetime Hosts](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W6uiQ5vpPsHi5vkLcHo8eX-320-80.jpg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Wins Third Straight Primetime, Total Day Race
By R. Thomas Umstead published
MSNBC, ESPN finish in the top three on both charts
![Limitless with Chris Hemsworth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xQxqMX7x3wPUauVS9zgNx4-320-80.jpg)
Nat Geo Renews ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth,’ Taps Paul Rudd to Narrate ‘Secrets of Octopus' Series (TCA)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
At TV Critics tour, network slates second season of ‘A Real Bug's Life’
![Lifetime EVP and Head of Programming Elaine Frontain Bryant and "Long Island Medium" star Theresa Caputo at 2024 TCA Winter Press Tour](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wxwYrk8mnSP7g98mVKemTR-320-80.jpeg)
Lifetime To Celebrate 40th Anniversary With ‘Undeniable,’ Female-Centric Fare (TCA)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Programming chief Elaine Frontain Bryant says new Lifetime-Terry McMillian production deal will add to originals lineup
![Interview With The Vampire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wWVEVBSYpnpGzzfP3TyELh-320-80.jpg)
AMC Sets New Installment of ‘The Terror’ Franchise; WE tv Welcomes Back ‘The Braxtons’ (TCA)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
‘Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’ returns for second season May 12
![Paramount Plus' 'Halo'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eB6q75FGmeMhijPKu9vYR9-320-80.jpg)
‘Halo’ Returns to Paramount Plus: What’s Premiering This Week (Feb. 5-11)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
![Apple TV Plus' 'Franklin'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GiuRmtcmEmU9eEUicK2mw6-320-80.jpg)
Apple TV Plus Rolls Out Ambitious New Series Slate at TCA
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Renews series 'Loot,' 'The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy'
![Matthew Tkachuk skates in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game at FLA Live Arena on February 4, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T6XtrZryhP6LeXsPdEBSxN-320-80.jpeg)
NHL All-Star Weekend, NFL Pro Bowl Games: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Feb. 3-4)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
!['Genius: MLK/X' on Nat Geo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b7MFN2SDttcfYxjHz4L2W8-320-80.jpg)
Nat Geo Does Double Take With ‘Genius: MLK/X’ (Content Spotlight Podcast)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Season 4 producers talk about their deep dive into the lives of civil-rights icons Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X
![Fox News coverage of the 2024 New Hampshire Primary](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SDmLUE7g4gXx693gRiHoi6-320-80.jpg)
Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News Rolls in Primetime, Total Day
By R. Thomas Umstead published
New Hampshire primaries propel news networks in total day
![Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PxAHYuvepAfhWCyKybr7tK-320-80.jpg)
‘Mr. & Ms. Smith,’ ‘Genius: MLK/X’ Debut; ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Starts Final Season: What’s Premiering This Week (Jan. 29-Feb. 4)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A listing of original new and returning series, movies and documentaries debuting this week on streaming and cable services
![Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson vs. the Houston Texans in a 2024 AFC divisional playoff game.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o6zWaToutYV9MFzeFimMF3-320-80.jpeg)
NFL Championship Games; Australian Open Finals: What’s on This Weekend in TV Sports (Jan. 27-28)
By R. Thomas Umstead published
A look at the weekend's top TV sports events on broadcast, cable and streaming services
![Keith Thurman (L) versus Manny Pacquiao in 2019 fight](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cyvRV5ddcHho3S5ikKfDQ-320-80.jpg)
Prime Video Steps into PPV Boxing Ring in March with Keith Thurman-Tim Tszyu Fight Card
By R. Thomas Umstead published
Streaming service to distribute first pay-per-view boxing event March 30