News & Updates
‘Toby Keith: American Icon’ named NBC’s 2024 most-watched primetime special
The all-star special was filmed in Nashville
In its August 28th telecast on NBC and Peacock, the two-hour special Toby Keith: American Icon drew 4.7 million viewers (L3).
It was NBC’s most-watched primetime entertainment special in 2024 and the top 10 across all of broadcasts.
It was the top show on August 28th among all competition in total viewers and grew 10% in total viewers from its America’s Got Talent lead-in.
The concert was filmed in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Guest performers included Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Leanne Morgan, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, and Lainey Wilson, plus a special performance by Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith. The special also included a first look at Keith’s final in-studio performance of Joe Diffie’s “Ships That Don’t Come In” recorded for the Hardy-produced Hixtape series.
Cindy Mabe, Dawn Gates and Harper Grae executive produced for Sing Me Back Home Productions in partnership with Mercury Studios executive producers Alice Webb and Barak Moffitt; Adam Reed and Jordana Hochman executive produced for Thinkfactory; Alex Coletti executive produced for Alex Coletti Productions; TK Kimbrell and R.A.Clark also served as executive producers.
Toby Keith: American Icon was produced by UMG Nashville’s Sing Me Back Home Productions and ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media, in association with Alex Coletti Productions.
One of the most prolific self-directed creative forces in country music’s modern era, singer-songwriter Toby Keith amassed 42 top 10 hits, 33 No. 1s, 44 million albums sold, 100 million BMI performances, and more than 10 billion streams largely on the strength of his own songwriting and producing. With songs including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” and so many more, Keith’s influence crosses generations and his legacy reaches around the globe. He was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame shortly before passing in February. Among his many accomplishments, the New York-based all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015, the National Medal of Arts in 2021, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021, and BMI Icon in 2022 were his most treasured.
Toby Keith Tribute Special Set at NBC Featuring Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and More
NBC will air a musical special in honor of Toby Keith, singer of country hits like “Should Have Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup,” who died at age 62 in February.
Titled “Toby Keith: American Icon,” the special will feature covers and original songs performed by country artists Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Darius Rucker, the War And Treaty and more.
The two-hour special will air on Aug. 28 at 9 p.m. Tickets for the live show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena will go on sale on June 28, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses, as well as the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Throughout his career, Keith released 42 Top 10 tracks, 33 making No. 1, and was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and the BMI Icon. Along with “Should Have Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup,” his best known songs include “How Do You Like Me Now?!” “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” ““As Good as I Once Was” and “Beer for My Horses.”
“Toby Keith: American Icon” is produced by UMG Nashville’s Sing Me Back Home Productions and ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media in association with Alex Coletti Productions. Executive producers include Cindy Mabe, Dawn Gates and Harper Grae for Sing Me Back Home; Alice Webb and Barak Moffitt for Mercury Studios; Adam Reed and Jordana Hochman for Thinkfactory; Alex Coletti for Alex Coletti Productions; T.K. Kimbrell; and R.A. Clark. Mercury Studios represents “Toby Keith: American Icon” for international sales and distribution. The show and special have been packaged by UTA, where Keith was represented. The live concert is being promoted by Live Nation.
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UMG Nashville launches film and TV arm, partners with Thinkfactory Media
Universal Music Group Nashville is launching a new film and TV production arm, Sing Me Back Home Productions, and revealed details on the shingle’s first unscripted project.
Led by UMG Nashville chair and CEO Cindy Mabe (pictured left) and Dawn Gates (right), SVP of digital business and creative development, the new division will draw on the music group’s deep catalog of country music artists to develop a content slate featuring a range of documentaries, scripted and unscripted television, feature films and short-form content. The label will also be involved in securing production partners, music supervision and distribution.
For its first project, Sing Me Back Home has partnered with ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media to develop and produce a docuseries on the Grammy-nominated act The War and Treaty, comprised of the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter. Helmed by Thinkfactory CEO Adam Reed, the series will chart the Trotters’ breakout success and accompany them as they work to balance their ascending career with the demands of their home life, which includes 13 family members living under a single roof.
The Trotter project is already set up with a broadcast partner, according to a release, which also noted that the docuseries is one of many projects that Sing Me Back Home has in development with Thinkfactory as part of the companies’ broader collaboration.
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First Look at ‘Rat in the Kitchen’ Cooking Competition With Natasha Leggero & Ludo Lefebvre
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TV’s tried-and-true recipe for cooking competitions is getting an unexpected twist thanks to the inventive new TBS series Rat in the Kitchen hosted by comedian Natasha Leggero and renowned chef Ludo Lefebvre. And ET has the exclusive first look at the sweet and savory sabotage to come!
Described as a “game of high stakes cat and mouse,” Rat in the Kitchen combines the best parts of Top Chef and The Mole. Over the course of the 10-part competition, a mix of professional chefs and home cooks face off in a series of creative culinary challenges in hopes of collecting a cash prize while attempting to expose the rat trying to undermine their chances at victory.
Each episode will see the contestants not only trying to impress Chef Ludo with their dishes, but also playing detective as they try to identify the person working against them. But according to TBS, if they are “successfully duped, then the rat walks away with the cheddar.”
Rat in the Kitchen is produced by ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media, in association with ITV Studios’ Possessed. It is executive produced by Adam Reed, Adam Freeman, Simon Thomas, Bernie Schaeffer, Kenny Rosen and Michael O’Sullivan for Thinkfactory, and by Glenn Hugill for Possessed. It is distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
Rat in the Kitchen premieres Thursday, March 31 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TBS.
Adam Reed talks “Carole Baskin’s Cage Fight”
The bridge from Netflix’s Tiger King series in 2020 to a new unscripted series premiering on Saturday (Nov. 13) featuring Carole Baskin was just one Instagram message.
Adam Reed, Thinkfactory Media CEO, tells Realscreen that after watching the hit true crime docuseries last year, he and his development team began talking about characters in the series they could develop projects around. Without knowing any other way to contact Baskin, a Thinkfactory development executive cold-messaged her on Instagram.
“There were about 40 other producers that had also reached out to her, wanting to do some iteration of an unscripted project with her. But ultimately it ended in our favor, because we got on the phone with her,” Reed says.
“I think she was pitched a lot of different things from a lot of different producers, and I think she liked our angle and our pedigree… we were off to the races quickly when she decided we were the ones.”
Carole Baskin to Investigate Treatment of Big Cats at Joe Exotic’s Former Zoo in Discovery+ Docuseries
Carole Baskin’s Cage Fight will document Baskin’s investigation into the treatment of these animals alongside her husband, Howard, and their team.
Said Baskin: “This is a unique opportunity for audiences to come behind the scenes with us for an unfiltered look at how we expose the cub-petting exploiters and roadside zoos we feel are mistreating animals. This is our real-life work within a dangerous world, and viewers will see it comes with our people being threatened, guns pointed at us and the bad guys shooting at our drones.”
The docuseries, which debuts Nov. 13 on discovery+, is produced by ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media, where Adam Reed, Adam Freeman, Tim Cohen-Laurie, and Pat McGee serve as executive producers, along with Carole and Howard Baskin. Keith Hoffman and Joseph Schneier are executive producers for discovery+.
Exclusive: TLC slates Thinkfactory Media-produced special “Born with Albinism”
Ahead of Discovery’s virtual Upfront tomorrow (May 18), TLC is revealing its newest special, Born with Albinism, produced by ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media.
The special follows Jon and Liz Grabowski, who have adopted five children from China, four of whom have Albinism, a genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and/or eyes. Viewers will see Jon and Liz navigate having children with disabilities, and decide whether to adopt again.
Adam Reed, Adam Freeman, Tim Cohen-Laurie, Jenna Cole and Hollie Loboski are the executive producers.
Born with Albinism premieres May 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Los Angeles-based Thinkfactory Media, run by CEO Reed, produces across formats and genres, including docu-series, docusoaps and feature-length documentaries.
Projects include TBS’s upcoming Rat in the Kitchen; A&E’s Nature Gone Wild and What’s it Worth?, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy; WE tv’s Marriage Boot Camp empire, encompassing flagship Reality Stars, as well as Family Edition and Hip Hop Edition; Mama June: From Not to Hot and Million Dollar Matchmaker, also for WE tv.
10 Things You Didn’t Know about “What’s It Worth?”
We’ve all heard the saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” but is it really true? A&E’s new series, What’s It Worth? sets out to answer that question. Hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, the show visits people across the country to find out how much some of their trinkets and heirlooms are worth. Some people have been hanging on to these items because they’ve always been told how valuable they are. In some cases, these items are worth more than anyone could have ever imagined, and in others they’re simply not worth anything at all. Either way, viewers will be taken on an interesting journey that may even inspire them to look into their own ‘junk’. Continue reading for 10 things you didn’t know about What’s It Worth?
1. There Will Be A Wide Variety Of Items
One of the best things about What’s It Worth? is that viewers will get to see appraisals on lots of different items. The show doesn’t just focus on people who own or collect certain types of items. No matter what kind of collecting you’re into, there’s a good chance you’ll see something like it on the show.
2. There’s Some Comic Relief
What’s It Worth? isn’t necessarily a comedy, however, since Jeff Foxworthy is the host, you can bet that there will be lots of funny moments. After all, we all could use a little extra humor during these times so it’ll be nice to enjoy something that is entertaining and humorous.
3. Jeff Foxworthy Works With A Team Of Experts
Even though Jeff Foxworthy is the host, he won’t be on this journey alone. He will be working with a team of expert appraisers to determine how much each item is worth. The team consists of Gina Theesfield who owns an auction company and collectors/appraisers, Christie Hatman and Chris Childers.
4. The Show Is Self Shot
COVID-19 still has production across the entertainment industry at a complete stand still. In order to produce new content, networks have had to get a little creative. As a result, What’s It Worth? is entirely self shot. Foxworthy and the rest of the team will be able to visit people from all over the country without ever leaving the house.
5. Jeff Foxworthy Is Also A Collector
Some people may feel like Jeff Foxworthy is a random choice to host a show like What’s It Worth? However, he has more of a connection to the show than many people realize. Foxworthy is actually a collector himself and has been buying all sorts of items for many years.
6. Not All Cast Members Are Collectors
Not only will the show feature a wide variety of items, but it’ll also have a diverse cast. Some of the people will be collectors who have been buying and selling things for years, some will be people who simply enjoy thrifting, while others will be people who simply bought or were given an item that they think could hold some value.
7. The Show Has An Official Instagram Account
If you’re a fan of What’s It Worth? A&E has made it very easy for you to keep up with the latest clips and updates. The show has an official Instagram page where information pertaining the show is posted. Not only can you see clips of the show, but you can also get the chance to learn more about the experts.
8. Viewers Will Learn About The Auction Process
Have you ever wondered how appraisers are able to determine how much something is worth? Watching What’s It Worth? will give you an inside scoop to the world of auctioning rare and antique items. You might even feel inspired to have some of the items in your house appraised.
9. The Show Is Produced By Think Factory Media
Although What’s It Worth airs on A&E, the network isn’t the only company responsible for making the show possible. The series is produced by Think Factory Media. The company is responsible for producing several other shows including Marriage Boot Camp, Million Dollar Matchmaker, and Mama June: From Not to Hot.
10. The Show Focuses On More Than Just The Items
The focal point of the show will be the items and discovering how much they’re worth, but that won’t be the only thing viewers get to see. During a Q&A, Jeff Foxworthy explained that the show will also give us some insight into the cast member’s lives. Additionally, since the show is self shot, it will give viewers a more intimate feel than a typical reality show.
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Winter Park family featured on new A&E show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy
A Winter Park family will be featured in the premiere episode of A&E’s “What’s It Worth?” hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy.
On the show, which debuts Aug. 4, a team of experts and authenticators appraise various antiques and collectibles that families have had in their households for years.
Winter Park resident Dane Koller and his 12-year-old son Kamron hope to find out if their Donkey Kong arcade machine is worth big bucks during the premiere.
Dane had posted his classic Donkey Kong arcade machine on Facebook Marketplace for $2,000. After sinking $1,100 into it, he was looking to make a return on his investment. Then the show contacted him, asking if he would like to appear with his game.
He said the filming experience, which took place about three weeks ago at their home, was great.
“They were wonderful, and they sent us equipment, the cameras. They shipped everything to us.,” Dane said. “We went through several takes and a couple weeks of back and forth, emails, videos, things like that.”
Both the father and son have acted and modeled, so filming wasn’t new to the pair, but the method was.
“It was kind of neat seeing how they did everything through Skype,” said Dane, who noted that viewers should tune in to the show for a surprise.
“There’s something that’s gonna be pretty exciting about something I did for Jeff that he didn’ have any clue about,” Dane said.
Catch new episodes of “What’s It Worth” at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on A&E.
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Thinkfactory, A&E weigh in on revamping artefactual with “What’s It Worth?”
There has been much talk about reinvention over the last few months as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have upended the television production industry and caused broadcasters to overhaul schedules. But in the unscripted business, reinvention has been a programming prerequisite for some time, as producers and their network partners are constantly in search of the format that can offer a fresh twist on the familiar.
In the spring, A&E announced the greenlight of a new series in the “artefactual” genre pioneered by the network and its sister network History following the 2008 financial crisis. From the network group that brought us Pawn Stars and American Pickers, a new series, What’s It Worth… Live, was unveiled, to be produced by ITV America prodco Thinkfactory Media and hosted by American comedian Jeff Foxworthy (pictured). The series would see participants with potential hidden treasures in their attics and elsewhere bring them to the studio, where both experts and the folks at home could weigh in, in real time, on what the items could be worth.
“In looking at the collectibles space, we realized no one had really upended or revamped that arena anytime in recent memory,” says Thinkfactory CEO Adam Reed, in advance of the premiere of a summer iteration of the series, airing tonight (August 4). “We felt it was ripe for an overhaul and saw an opportunity to create a louder, splashier series that offered more.
“It started with, ‘Can we create a series where people showcase interesting items from their homes?’” he adds. “And in taking things a step further, that conversation turned into, ‘What if we gave folks across America the opportunity to bid on those items?’ Building from the interactive element, we incorporated the ‘live’ piece, and we were off to the races.”
While the prodco pitched it wide, Reed says A&E, home to Storage Wars, “immediately sparked to the idea” and taking it to the network seemed like a “perfect marriage.”
Says A&E’s EVP of programming, Elaine Frontain Bryant, “We were excited about that live element because it felt like a re-invention of the existing shows in the genre but with a new, exciting live twist, which viewers hadn’t seen before.”
But then along came the pandemic.
While the live version of the series was originally slated to debut this summer, Frontain Bryant says, “it became clear that bringing people in from all over the country wasn’t practical.” To keep the idea afloat, a COVID-proof revamp was in order.
“We went through extraordinary lengths to ensure the version we developed – What’s it Worth? – didn’t feel like ‘COVID programming,’” says Reed. “It was important to us that what people see when they tune in to A&E on Tuesday nights stands on its own as a great series – COVID or no COVID. This isn’t something that was thrown together as a temporary solution; it was carefully thought out and executed by our team and our counterparts at the network.”
“With people suddenly spending more time in their homes and looking for projects, they’ve started taking a closer look at what items they own which has led them to wondering what hidden treasures they might be coming across buried in their attics and basements,” says Frontain Bryant. “From that revelation, we realized that a new remote version of the show could work and viewers might relate to this new virtual format.
“Also, in the summer — especially this summer — people are really looking for feel good options to watch,” she adds. “From a pure entertainment perspective, we feel our audience really craves seeing positive outcomes for people during these times we are living in.”
Once the decision was made to revamp the format for remote production, the hard work of putting it together began.
“Jeff was filmed in the basement of his house, while we operated remote cameras from a control room in Washington D.C.,” explains Reed. “The show’s experts all joined from their own homes via video conferencing links, and the item owners and their families all self shot with various devices.
“Our remote team in D.C. is managing all feeds, while also coordinating communications between Jeff, the production team, our experts and the item owners – ensuring all goes smoothly,” he elaborates. “I’m operating out of my home office in LA, as our entire producing team does the same from their homes, overseeing the various feeds from across the country, while on video conference with my production team on one monitor and with the network’s team on another monitor. Meanwhile, Jeff has the whole team in his ear and one crew member in his basement with him at any given time.”
Says Frontain Bryant: “Connectivity was definitely an early issue just in terms of making sure everyone was able to see and hear each other while shooting. But in a weird way that also speaks to the times we are living in because we are all facing that same challenge day-to-day so it adds to the authenticity of this show.”
Both Frontain Bryant and Reed point to some unexpected, surprising moments that arise under such conditions that probably wouldn’t have happened under a normal shoot.
“There were wives trying to film their husbands, and vice versa; we had a kid walk in in his underwear while his parents were on camera,” Reed says. “We didn’t shy away from those unplanned moments; it all just added to the fun.”
As Thinkfactory looks forward to the response to the 10-episode summer series, the company — now fully owned by ITV America — is looking to hone in on further format development and broaden its formats catalog.
“It’s not enough to have a good concept, you also need to bring elements to the table that put that good concept through a funhouse mirror, creating something that feels bigger and more intriguing than anything that’s come before it,” says Reed, adding that the company has recently sold original formats to History and OWN, and has adapted and sold an international format to TBS.
As prodcos and networks kick production back into gear, they both face uncertain financial challenges wrought by the pandemic but also, conversely, newfound opportunity as unscripted content emerges as a schedule savior of sorts, in the absence of scripted series hobbled by production lags. While Reed asserts that “co-viewing is the holy grail right now,” Frontain Bryant draws parallels between the time that birthed the original wave of transactional TV, and today’s cultural climate.
“History’s Pawn Stars and American Pickers, as well as our own Storage Wars, were born from the 2008 recession,” she says. “Leaning into and finding the value of what you already have, with a little entrepreneurial grit, is likely to come about again and I cannot wait to see all the ways people reinvent themselves after this crisis.”
(Photo: Justin Stephens)
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