North America has its TV moment … eventually

PASADENA, Cal. – As North America gets ready for its close-up, it has bad and good news. Both involve the BBC unit that makes lush nature films:
– The bad news: The continent will no longer provide the opening of “Seven Worlds, One Planet” (shown here), which debuts Saturday (Jan. 18) on four cable channels. It series had planned to open with North America, but now switched to Australia, due to its current wildfire crisis.
– And the good: In 2024 – yes, four years from now – it will be part of an epic series. Paul Telegdy, chairman of NBC (which will share it with BBC) promised “an amazing piece of entertainment.”
“The New World” focuses on the Americas. It’s being timed to follow the 2024 Olympics.
Prior to that, there’s the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Telegdy said it will be followed by “That’s My Jam,” a music-dance-comedy series from Jimmy Fallon.
Telegdy talked to the Television Critics Association on Saturday. He also said:
– “New Amsterdam” has been given a three-year renewal. That’s similar to the one given to “This Is Us” (which shares Tuesdays with it) last year.
– The network hasn’t given up on live musicals, despite the long delay. There will be more, Telegdy promised, but he can’t yet say which one.
– Some comedies have already drawn commitments for next season. One stars Ted Danson; another stars Kenan Thompson. A third, “Young Rock,” is about the chaotic early years of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson … who will appear (perhaps briefly) as the adult Rock in each episode.
– Danson’s show is being produced by Tina Fey. She’ll also be co-hosting next year’s Golden Globes with Amy Poehler … whose “Making It” competition show has been renewed for a third season.