Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, and YouTube dominated the 2026 upfronts, focusing on sports, streaming, and technology to modernize TV's advertising model.
Warner Bros. Discovery's Somber Tribute
The Warner Bros. Discovery event on May 13 at Madison Square Garden paid tribute to the late Ted Turner, setting a somber tone. Despite this, the event leaned heavily on star power.
Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, observed, "Amazon had a presentation filled with A-listers, including Oprah Winfrey and a performance by Kacey Musgraves. Arnold Schwarzenegger also made an appearance. Disney concluded their event with Olivia Rodrigo performing three songs." Netflix featured stars like Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein.
Music of 'Heated Rivalry'
In a session at Toronto's Departure Festival, composer Peter Peter, showrunner Jacob Tierney, and music supervisor Scotty Taylor discussed the music of "Heated Rivalry." Peter's score draws from techno and Handel, aiming for a noble sound.
Peter explained, "I wanted to create something noble for them because, for me, it was a quest of love. The world of 'Heated Rivalry' is connected to the Renaissance, requiring an elegant theme for the two souls."
Star Power and Performances
Amazon's event was noted for its star-studded lineup, with Oprah Winfrey and a show-opening performance by Kacey Musgraves. Shaboozey performed at their after-party. Olivia Rodrigo's performance capped Disney's presentation, showcasing the heavy investment in talent to captivate audiences and advertisers alike.
Netflix's event featured big names like Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, emphasizing the importance of celebrity presence in drawing attention to the platform's offerings.
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Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/upfronts-netflix-heated-rivalry-music-daily-variety-podcast-1236749025/
