LISTEN: Upfronts 2026: What We Learned From TV’s Biggest Platforms; Crafting the Music of ‘Heated Rivalry’

On the latest installment of the "Daily Variety" podcast, host Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, provides a comprehensive breakdown of the final stretch of upfronts week. Major players including Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, and YouTube took center stage to present their upcoming programming to advertisers. Meanwhile, Variety's music chief Jem Aswad delves into the sonic landscape of "Heated Rivalry," engaging in an insightful discussion with showrunner Jacob Tierney, composer Peter Peter, and music supervisor Scotty Taylor. This segment was recorded on May 7 at Toronto's Departure Festival, an event dedicated to music creatives. The full episode is available for listening here.

The upfronts, a traditional springtime ritual for television networks, have undergone a dramatic transformation in the post-COVID era. As Variety has extensively documented this week, the primary focal points were sports, streaming services, and extensive discussions about technology that industry leaders consider essential for modernizing the legacy TV business, which has historically relied on advertising and subscription models. The sobering impact of industry consolidation was particularly evident at Warner Bros. Discovery's event, held on May 13 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden—a venue with a rich history of hosting iconic performances and events. The presentation began with a tribute to Ted Turner, the visionary founder of Turner Broadcasting and CNN, who passed away earlier this year. This homage set a reflective tone that persisted throughout the event, overshadowing the usual upbeat atmosphere.

In contrast, Schneider highlighted how the industry's biggest names leveraged star power to captivate Madison Avenue's attention. "Amazon's presentation was packed with A-list celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey," he noted. "They also invested in a performance by Kacey Musgraves to open the show, and Arnold Schwarzenegger made a surprise appearance. Shaboozey performed at their after-party. Amazon clearly spent significantly, but Disney followed suit. They concluded their event with Olivia Rodrigo performing three songs." Netflix, meanwhile, showcased a wealth of its talent, opening with Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein. This emphasis on high-profile talent underscores the intense competition for advertiser dollars in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

During the "Heated Rivalry" conversation, composer Peter Peter elaborated on the diverse influences shaping his score, ranging from techno to the works of Baroque composer George Frideric Handel. Peter, a Montreal-based singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics, carefully considered the sound design to capture the romance between characters Shane and Ilya. "I knew I wanted to create something noble for them," he explained. "When I read the script, I saw it as a profound quest for love. The entire world of 'Heated Rivalry' is deeply connected to Renaissance aesthetics, so I aimed for an elegant theme that reflects the journey of two souls." This creative approach highlights the meticulous craftsmanship behind the series' emotional depth.