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The Streaming Divide: How NBCU’s Entertainment Networks Ended Up On Different Sides In Comcast Spinoff After Years Of Integration


Comcast's decision to spin off most of its cable networks has split NBCUniversal linear networks' into two groups. Here is why Bravo is staying.

As for how the lines were drawn among the English-language networks, a simplistic answer would be paraphrasing James Carville’s 1992 quip, “it’s the streaming, stupid.” One look at Peacock’s list of Top 10 shows provides a clue into the decision — it is dominated by NBC and Bravo titles like Law & Order: SVU and the Chicago, Real Housewives and Below Deck franchises. Among NBCU’s cable networks, it addition to its streaming prowess, Bravo stands out for its ability to transcend linear TV and become a popular culture brand with wide mass appeal that has spawned sold-out live events like BravoCon. A seismic change like the division of NBCU’s linear assets is expected to lead to restructuring and likely staff cuts within NBCUniversal’s entertainment operation when the dust settles on the new company, slated to be up and running in a year.

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