Yesterday, WarnerMedia announced its new streaming platform, HBO Max, which will launch next spring. And it’ll feature the, “exclusive streaming rights to all 236 episodes of ‘Friends’.” HBO Max will also have “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and “Pretty Little Liars”, plus new original shows like an animated “Gremlins” reboot and a thriller called “The Flight Attendant” starring Kaley Cuoco. Netflix confirmed “The One Where We Have To Say Goodbye. We’re sorry to see ‘Friends’ go to Warner’s streaming service at the beginning of 2020 (in The US). Thanks for the memories, gang.” “Friends” has been on Netflix since 2015. Last year, they supposedly coughed up $100 MILLION to keep it through 2019. Before that, they were paying $30 million a year for it.
RIP TORN died yesterday. There’s no word yet on the cause of death. He was 88 years old. His credits include “Men in Black”, “Dodgeball”, and Disney’s “Hercules”.
Billionaire and former presidential candidate ROSS PEROT lost his battle with leukemia yesterday. He was 89.
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN is selling off clothes from “Grease” and some of her other movies for cancer research.
LUKE BRYAN announced the lineup for his 11th Annual Farm Tour. Performers include Cole Swindell, Mitchell Tenpenny, the Peach Pickers, and DJ Rock.
This year’s Farm Aid will be held September 21st in East Troy, Wisconsin. Performers include Brothers Osborne, Margo Price, Tanya Tucker, Jamey Johnson, and Bonnie Raitt . . . along with board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews.
CASSADEE POPE has returned from a USO Tour that took her all over the world. She hit up social media yesterday to thank the U.S. military . . . also on the tour – “The Big Bang Theory’s” Mayim Bialik.
CHRIS YOUNG is getting a building named after him at Middle Tennessee State University. He went to school there in 2005 and since then has donated time and money. The Chris Young Café will be used for classes during the day and as a performance venue at night.
The Staples Center in Los Angeles is bringing in KANE BROWN to headline their 20th Anniversary Concert on October 18th. Kane says, “Staples Center is an incredibly diverse and iconic venue and it is an honor to headline and be a part of their 20th anniversary celebration.
CAMERON DUDDY of Midland says it was “an impossible scenario” that led to them getting Dennis Quaid to star in their “Mr. Lonely” video. Dennis just happened to hear through a friend of a friend that they were looking for somebody.’
The World Cup-winning U.S. Women’s National Team will be celebrated by New York City with a victory parade this morning. The ticker tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes will commemorate the team’s fourth World Cup title since 1991. … The parade will take place at 9:30 AM, followed by an event at City Hall Plaza at 10:30.
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD has issued a statement about their DuQuoin State Fair cancellation. It was written by the band’s leader, DANNY SHIRLEY – who thanked everyone for their kind words and support. “This was very disappointing as we have played this fair before and enjoyed it very much. The outpouring of support from fans, fans of other acts, and the public in general, has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. I would also like to thank the actors, athletes, and fellow country music artists who have spoken out in support.” He made it very clear that he WANTS fans to still go to the concert. “It has been brought to my attention that several people have asked RESTLESS HEART and SHENDANDOAH to cancel their shows in protest of our cancellation. I have spoken to both acts and encouraged them to perform as scheduled. Live concerts are how we pay our bills and feed our families. I would never want to see another act lose a payday because of this. Please go hear these two great bands.”
“The 2019 ESPYs” at 8:00 p.m. on ABC. Tracy Morgan is your host.
Jessica Simpson is 39.
Sofia Vergara is 47.
Gary LeVox is 49.
