*By Max Godnick*
The Emmy Awards have officially entered the streaming era.
Netflix received 112 nominations ー the most of any network or streaming platform ー when nominations for the [70th annual Primetime Emmy Awards](https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/emmys-nominations-list-2018-1202871084/) were announced Thursday morning.
The achievement breaks HBO's 17-year streak and marks a significant milestone for the entertainment industry. The AT&T-owned cable giant came in second with 108 nods, just four behind Netflix. While the gap between the two networks is small, the symbolism is anything but.
"I think it speaks to a sea change that's been happening in television for a long time and this is confirming that," said Jen Chaney, a TV critic at Vulture, in an interview with Cheddar on Thursday.
It wasn't all bad news for HBO. "Game of Thrones" received more recognition than any other show with 22 nominations. The fantasy drama will return to the ceremony this year after missing the window of eligibility in 2017. Chaney described it as a "juggernaut show" that's able to compete across multiple creative and technical categories. While Netflix is missing its own series capable of drawing as much individual praise, the sheer quantity of shows Netflix produces makes it the network to beat.
"Because there are so many Netflix shows, they can really kind of flood the zone in a way that HBO cannot," Chaney said.
Netflix said it well spend more than $8 billion on content in 2018 and plans on having close to 700 original series by the end of the year. Hulu, Amazon, and NBC each boast contenders in "The Handmaid's Tale," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," and "This Is Us," but no network comes close to matching Ted Sarandos and his team's unprecedented production volume.
"There are so many Netflix shows that it seems inevitable that it's going to end up being the dominant network," Chaney said. "Probably from here forward."
Michael Che and Colin Jost of "Saturday Night Live" will host the 70th annual Emmy Awards, Sept. 17 on NBC.
For the full segment, [click here.](https://cheddar.com/videos/netflix-ends-hbos-historic-emmys-streak)
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, it's also a time to reflect on how they can be better heard and supported.
Black Americans are still fighting for voting rights, facing more severe impacts from COVID-19, and experiencing gaps in workforce representation and pay. Alexandra Schrecengost, hybrid work expert and CEO of "Virtual With Us" and "Culture With Us,' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
