Apple's Push Into Hollywood Detailed in Businessweek Feature Ahead of Apple TV+ Launch

Ahead of the launch of Apple TV+ on November 1, Bloomberg Businessweek has explored Apple's foray into original content in a feature titled "The One Where Apple Tried to Buy Its Way Into Hollywood."

apple dickinson premiere
Many of the the reported details are already known, ranging from some Hollywood executives frowning upon Apple's culture of secrecy to Apple spending over $250 million on the ‌Apple TV‌+ series "The Morning Show," including over $1 million per episode for stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

In its early discussions about scripted programming, Apple also reportedly considered a project involving actor Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in movies like "The Matrix," "John Wick," and "Speed."

‌Apple TV‌+ is Apple's upcoming subscription-based streaming video service, launching November 1 in over 100 countries. The service will be available on the ‌Apple TV‌ app on iPhone, iPad, ‌Apple TV‌, Mac, and other platforms, including online at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial.

‌Apple TV‌+ is led by former Sony Pictures Television executives Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, who have reportedly been tasked with securing original content that is appropriate to be previewed in Apple's retail stores around the world, although it seems there will be some exceptions to that rule.

‌Apple TV‌+ will debut with the aforementioned "The Morning Show," which also stars Steve Carell, as well as the post-apocalyptic thriller "See" starring Jason Momoa, coming-of-age comedy series "Dickinson" starring Hailee Steinfeld, kids shows "Snoopy in Space" and "Helpsters," and more.

apple tv plus series
Since September 10, customers who purchase any ‌iPhone‌, ‌iPad‌, ‌Apple TV‌, iPod touch, or Mac can get one year of ‌Apple TV‌+ for free.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....

Top Rated Comments

Herrpod Avatar
77 months ago
Even for 4.99 a month, that's an incredibly sad lineup of shows.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gkarris Avatar
77 months ago
SNOOPY!!!

"For All Mankind" - hopefully will be good.

"See" looks interesting (ha, ha). Met Jason Momoa years ago at a Stargate Con - great guy, right before he filmed "Conan". Maybe they should do a GOT and film an episode in complete darkness... ;)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ShadowJade Avatar
77 months ago

Even for 4.99 a month, that's an incredibly sad lineup of shows.
My wife paid $2.99 last night for an episode of Grey's Anatomy that Tivo didn't tape while the cable was out. You pay $2.00 for a Blu-Ray on Redbox. Guess it is all in the value that you place on $1. I figure if I watch 5 hours of programming per month, I am good with that price..(hell, just paid $75 for my family of 4 to prebuy Star Wars tickets...that will only be a collective 8 hours of entertainment at $9.38 per hour!).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bb9 Avatar
77 months ago

MacRumors content image ('https://www.macrumors.com/2019/10/23/apple-in-hollywood-businessweek/')


Ahead of the launch of Apple TV+ on November 1, Bloomberg Businessweek ('https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-10-23/apple-tv-is-apple-s-answer-in-the-streaming-wars') has explored Apple's foray into original content in a feature titled "The One Where Apple Tried to Buy Its Way Into Hollywood."

MacRumors content image

Many of the the reported details are already known, ranging from some Hollywood executives frowning upon Apple's culture of secrecy to Apple spending over $250 million on the Apple TV+ series "The Morning Show," including over $1 million per episode for stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

In its early discussions about scripted programming, Apple also reportedly considered a project involving actor Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in movies like "The Matrix," "John Wick," and "Speed."

Apple TV+ is Apple's upcoming subscription-based streaming video service, launching November 1 in over 100 countries. The service will be available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and other platforms, including online at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial.

Apple TV+ is led by former Sony Pictures Television executives Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, who have reportedly been tasked with securing original content that is appropriate to be previewed in Apple's retail stores around the world, although it seems there will be some exceptions to that rule.

Apple TV+ will debut with the aforementioned "The Morning Show," which also stars Steve Carell, as well as the post-apocalyptic thriller "See" starring Jason Momoa, coming-of-age comedy series "Dickinson" starring Hailee Steinfeld, kids shows "Snoopy in Space" and "Helpsters," and more.

MacRumors content image

Since September 10, customers who purchase any iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, or Mac can get one year of Apple TV+ for free.

Article Link: Apple's Push Into Hollywood Detailed in Businessweek Feature Ahead of Apple TV+ Launch ('https://www.macrumors.com/2019/10/23/apple-in-hollywood-businessweek/')
Looking forward to check it out :)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ElectricPotato Avatar
77 months ago
How is it Snoopy in Space is still alive with his helmet off?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rojaaemon Avatar
77 months ago
Hey, where's the Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon photo?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)