TV News Roundup: October 21, 2015

• NBC App expands to more devices
• Netflix reviving another classic series
• 2016 Oscars host named
• More Dr. Ken

Chris Rock hosting 2016 Oscars:
Chris Rock will host the 2016 Oscars telecast, this February. Rock last hosted the Oscars in 2005.

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NBC cuts episode orders on two midseason comedies:
Set to premiere sometime in 2016, comedies HOT & BOTHERED and SUPERSTORE will now only produce 11 episodes instead of the usual 13.

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More DR. KEN:
After a few weeks of relatively good ratings, ABC has given DR. KEN a full season order for 2015-16.

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Netflix reviving another series:
For some reason it feels different when Netflix brings a classic TV series back to life. I guess it is because of the binging aspect of consuming a series or the fact that it could be a one season and done project. But, the next series to get this treatment is GILMORE GIRLS. Netflix and Warner Brothers are closing a deal that would give the streaming service four 90 minute episodes/small movies to distribute.

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NBC launching on connected devices:
NBC announced that it is launching the NBC App on Roku,  Xbox One and Apple TV, starting now. NBC will also become available on Chromecast and Fire TV soon. Pay TV authentication is not required for all content.

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NBC getting CRUEL:
NBC has ordered a TV sequel to the 1999 film CRUEL INTENTIONS, but as a non musical production. The project will battle for a spot on the 2016-17 schedule.

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Cord cutting hits ESPN:
With a recent loss of a few million subscribers, ESPN is laying off works at the network. The number of employes affected was not disclosed. Currently the mothership, ESPN, gets about $6 per subscriber, with a February 2015 base of over 94 million subscribers.