TCM, also still known as Turner Classic Movies, has made its first revamp in seven years with a new tagline, new logo and new sets.
But its fundamental mission has not changed since its inception in 1994: curated commercial-free, uncut classic films with the commensurate commentary, context and historical nuggets.
The new tagline is “where then meets now.” The network will continue to connect the past with the present. As a New York Times story noted, “Visitors to this month’s Telluride Film Festival, for example, will be greeted with banners bearing artwork that juxtaposes scenes from the George Cukor and Bradley Cooper remakes of ‘A Star Is Born,’ or the John Wayne and Jeff Bridges incarnations of Rooster Cogburn from their versions of ‘True Grit.’”
Most of its tapings continue at what used to be Techwood campus but is now called the Ted Turner campus in Midtown Atlanta right off the I-85/I-75 Downtown Connector.
Ben Mankiewicz, the network’s primary host, made the announcement today in a YouTube video. He has been with the network 18 years and has effectively taken over for the late great Robert Osborne.
“TCM isn’t merely a TV channel, it’s part of who you are,” Mankiewicz said. “And you fear whenever we change anything, that part will go away. So let me ease your panic. This new look is a refresh to make sure TCM and classic movies stay culturally relevant as we move deeper into the 21st century.”
His new set has already been built while other hosts will get their revamp in coming months.
The network’s core film library from the 1920s to the 1970s has not changed. But it did recently add “Reframed,” a series that provides modern context to films such as “The Jazz Singer,” “Gone With the Wind” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which have not necessarily aged well on issues of race, gender and sexuality.
Credit: TCM
Credit: TCM
TCM faces a challenge all cable networks are grappling with: the loss of cable subscribers as more people go to streaming services. TCM does have a home on HBO Max and is trying to figure out how to draw newer and existing viewers in that new environment.
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