No matter how you wanted the Netflix/Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery drama to play out, it’s probably nice to have gone through a week without breaking headlines from the ongoing merger and acquisition saga. Now that Paramount is set to take over WBD, almost all uncertainty surrounding the company’s future has been dispelled.

However, there were still plenty of casting announcements and other streaming-related stories from the week’s news you may have missed. Check out the top streaming stories from the week’s news that you may not have caught when they first broke below!

Which streaming stories did you miss this week?

Lifetime to add new vertical microdrama from Taye Diggs

Lifetime is getting in on the microdrama craze. The network announced on Wednesday that it would host a premium, vertical micro drama feature produced by Taye Diggs, Autumn Federici, and Shelby Stone on digital platforms. It will serve as a digital offshoot of the newly announced Lifetime original movie “Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise With You.”

The popularity of microdramas has been building in recent years, first in Asia and increasingly in the United States. A recent survey found that more viewing time is spent with microdramas than with longer-form streaming services on mobile phones.

Lacey Chabert to star in ‘Paris is Always a Good Idea’ on Hallmark+

On Tuesday, Hallmark+ announced it was launching a new, exclusive series titled “Paris is Always a Good Idea,” starring and executive produced by Hallmark Channel favorite Lacey Chabert. The show will pair Chabert with Scott Michael Foster, with Rebecca Hanssen, Henry Czerny, and Barbara Niven also set to star.

The show is based on the romance novel series by Jenn McKinlay, and stars Chabert as Chelsea Martin, a career-driven executive who is seeking to secure a big donation for her nonprofit. With her ally Jason Knightly by her side, she heads to Europe, retracing old footsteps on a journey of both progress and self-discovery.

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Hallmark+

Hallmark+ is a cable-free subscription service that offers thousands of hours of Hallmark’s signature feel-good programming in the form of movies and ongoing series. Nearly all media found on the service is exclusive to the Hallmark brand, created either specifically for Hallmark+, or pulled from another source such as Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, or Hallmark Family. The service can be added as a channel to Prime Video.

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MGM+ nabs new ‘Treasure Island’ adaptation in the United States

A new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” will officially air on the MGM+ premium TV channel and streaming service, as announced on Tuesday. David Oyelowo will star as Long John Silver, with Hayley Atwell attached as Bess Hawkins, Jack Huston as Aaron Graham, Tomer Capone as Billy Bones, and Tom Sweet as Jim Hawkins.

The series is a Paramount+ and MGM+ Original Series; Paramount+ will distribute the show in the U.K. and Ireland.

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MGM+ App

MGM+ is a premium subscription streaming service from Amazon MGM Studios that features a curated library of theatrical films, original series, and classic entertainment. It focuses on high-quality, cinematic programming with an emphasis on Hollywood movies, prestige dramas, and action-oriented storytelling.

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The service includes MGM+ Originals such as “From,” “Godfather of Harlem,” and “Billy the Kid,” along with a rotating selection of recent films and an extensive catalog of legacy titles from the MGM film library. Its lineup is designed for viewers who prefer a more curated, movie-first streaming experience rather than a broad, everything-at-once catalog.

MGM+ operates as a standalone subscription service and is available through its own app as well as via add-on channels on platforms like Prime Video, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and other major streaming devices. Subscribers can stream on-demand, with many titles available in HD and select content in 4K.

With its focus on cinematic storytelling, exclusive originals, and a streamlined catalog, MGM+ appeals to viewers looking for a premium, film-forward alternative to larger general-purpose streaming platforms.

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‘Bridgerton’ Season 5 status update confirms episodes are almost written

On Monday, “Bridgerton” fans got a morsel of good news about the series. Seasons 5 and 6 of the show were confirmed by Netflix nearly a year ago, but earlier this week, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed on “Bridgerton: The Official Podcast” that almost all scripts of Season 5 are finished. That means production on the season can start soon; Season 4 of “Bridgerton” is available to stream in full on Netflix now.

Netflix renews ‘Little House on the Prairie’ series before Season 1 premiere

Netflix is preparing to launch its new “Little House on the Prairie” series on July 9, but any suspense over whether the show would be brought back for a second season has been dispelled. On Tuesday, Deadline reported that the streamer has renewed the show for Season 2; the early renewal is somewhat surprising, considering the show is produced by Paramount’s television studio. An early renewal is a clear sign by Netflix that there are no hard feelings after losing out on the WBD bidding — a message no doubt made easier to communicate with sincerity after receiving a $2.8 billion break-up fee check from Paramount.

Netflix announces cast for firefighter drama series from Tyler Perry

It was a big day for announcements of new shows in Hollywood on Tuesday. Netflix’s upcoming series “Tyler Perry’s Where There’s Smoke” announced its cast on that day; the show will feature Tyler Lepley as Owen, Mike Merrill as Cameron, Da’Vinchi as Noah, Eltony Williams as Jermaine, Brock O’Hurn as Ethan, Joe Hunter as Chief Bailey, Karen Obilom as Laura, Brittany S. Hall as Angela, Mariah Goodie as Rhonda, Jordan Rodriguez as Brent, and Judi Moon as Darcy.

The show follows a group of firefighters who put their lives on the line in one of the most challenging professions on the planet, all while dealing with personal struggles, difficult relationships, and the emotional toll taken by saving lives in a world filled with danger.

Straight-to-series drama ‘Alexander’ coming to Netflix

The big week for Netflix continued on Thursday, when the streamer announced it would welcome a new series following the life and conquests of Alexander the Great. “Alexander” will be written, directed, and produced by Jacob Tierney, co-creator of the HBO hit “Heated Rivalry.”

Fellow co-creator Brendan Brady will executive produce “Alexander,” and the series will be based on Annabel Lyon’s novel “The Golden Mean,” which follows Alexander’s tutelage under the world’s greatest mind, Aristotle.

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Netflix

Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”

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The platform constantly updates its catalog, introducing fresh content alongside timeless classics and international hits. Netflix’s commitment to storytelling has also earned critical acclaim, with award-winning exclusives such as “Roma,” “Marriage Story,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Mank,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” In 2023, their animated film “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, further solidifying Netflix’s reputation for high-quality content.

Recently, Netflix has expanded beyond standard movies and TV titles with the addition of video podcasts, and is also exploring a digital store that would offer third-party streamers within the app.

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