Community is Probably Not Coming Back
There hasn't been a show with a more tumultuous existence than Community. Creators and cast constantly leaving and returning, seasons where fans outright hated the show, cancellations, and finally moving to the Internet only Yahoo Screen. The sixth season (the first part of the fan pushed hashtag joke #sixseasonsandamovie) came and went, and I absolutely loved it. In fact, the final episode, which should be the series finale, was the best Community had ever produced in the last two seasons and I'd even argue of the series overall. Few shows get a proper ending everyone agrees with, so all this talk about Community's maybe return is a little disheartening.
It all started with Joel McHale speaking to Metro Weekly about the show's unlikely return:
[Yahoo!] wanted to [give us another season]. But all of our contracts were up after six years. All the actors on the show, almost without exception — their stock has risen significantly and it’s out of the pay rate that is affordable to make the show. So you’re not going to be able to get Alison Brie or Gillian Jacobs at a normal television salary anymore. There is just not enough money to be able to pay for the show.
Then Deadline reported that Yahoo is still in talks, and Joel McHale tweeted the show wasn't canceled yet. So what's going to happen? The cast once expressed the desire to return for a Harmon written film, but they really should end it all here. Community lasted far longer than anyone thought it would, and there's no reason it should be dragged through the ground. Besides, everyone's moved on. So Community's probably not coming back, and as of this writing, there's no reason it should.
[via Deadline and Metro Weekly]
Yahoo Buys Tumblr for $1.1 Billion
In an attempt to appeal to younger generations, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer confirmed the purchase of blogging service Tumblr for a startling $1.1 billion. Tumblr, a site known for its assortment of GIF-heavy blog posts, is popular amongst younger crowds. Mayer wrote a Tumblr post herself, promising "not to screw it up." A good sign of Yahoo's promise is retaining Tumblr founder David Karp in the same role as CEO. Karp also assured no major changes would be made, stating, "Our team isn't changing. Our roadmap isn't changing. Tumblr gets better faster with more resources to draw from."
However, what does the acquisition mean for both Yahoo visitors and Tumblr loyalists? Tumblr might see an increase in advertisements as a way for Yahoo to monetize the site. However, a huge problem potential advertisers face is the large number of Tumblr accounts sharing pornographic material. Yahoo might claim to act as transparent as possible, but I wouldn't be surprised if they begin to come down on the more adult-driven blogs. On the plus side, popular Tumblr blogs could be displayed on Yahoo's front page.
Only time will tell exactly how the acquisition will affect either party, but one thing's for sure: Yahoo's ready to jump back into the fray alongside Google. Who knows? Maybe we'll hear the classic "Yahooooo!" yodel from yesteryear once again.
[via CNN Money]