This Week in TV News: The Oscars, Roku and Bob Einstein

It’s 2019, and we’re back with more TV news. The Academy Awards are still looking for a host; Roku makes subscribing to premium streaming services easier within their channel; and a star from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” passed away this week. 

And the Oscar host job goes to… No one. After Kevin Hart’s ouster from the role, there are still no firm takers for the award show job next month. Apparently the Academy is looking for someone who doesn’t speak about politics and has appeal beyond older audiences who can be counted on to tune in regardless of the host. (THR)

Roku adds streaming channel subs, all in one interface. The Roku Channel will offer subscriptions to more than 20 premium channels including Showtime, Epix and Starz, all in one bill. A caveat: you won’t be able to find HBO, Netflix and Hulu through The Roku Channel. Apple and Facebook are said to be considering a similar offering. (CNBC)

Hackers expose smart device vulnerabilities. This week, hackers forced almost 3,000 Google Chromecast streaming adapters, Google Home smart speakers and smart TVs to display a message promoting controversial YouTuber PewDiePie. Variety reports that the hackers took advantage of “badly configured routers” and technically didn’t hack the devices to pull the stunt. (Variety)

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” actor Bob Einstein dies at 76. Einstein, who won two Emmy awards for his writing, was well known for his “Curb” role Marty Funkhouser and his bumbling daredevil character Super Dave Osborne, which he used on multiple television shows including “Bizarre,” “Super Dave” and “Super Dave’s SpikeTacular.” (Deadline)

See the previous TV recap covering 2018’s top-viewed ads on Youtube and how Netflix finds rom coms that resonate with viewers.