Latest in Universal Studios

"Here in Los Angeles, it's a big day tomorrow," NBCUniversal chief executive Jeff Shell said Monday, with California set to drop most pandemic restrictions. "Tomorrow is the day that we can go to full capacity [and] we feel very good about demand” at Universal Studios Hollywood, including a new attraction for families…

Universal Studios Hollywood is ramping up for full-capacity operations. With the ability to jump from its currently-mandated 35% attendance limit to full capacity on June 15, the theme park announced Tuesday that it is looking to fill more than 2,000 jobs. The openings include a wide variety of full-time, part-time…

At least a few of California’s numerous amusement and theme parks are set to open next week, and the state Dept. of Public Health has finally set guidelines for those wishing to indulge. The theme parks have been asking the state government for the guidelines over many months. Finally, the state issued them on Friday…

Comcast theme parks swung from nearly $3 billion in profit to $500 million in losses “in a flash” during 2020, but their current outlook is “encouraging,” CFO Mike Cavanagh said. Cavanagh discussed parks, Universal’s film and TV operations, streaming service Peacock and other topics in an online appearance today at a…

Almost exactly a year since the park closed due to Covid-19, Universal Studios Hollywood will take its first step in re-opening with "Taste of Universal," an outdoor dining and shopping experience taking place within select themed lands. The event will take place Friday to Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m. beginning…

Universal Studios’ tram tour took a sour turn when Dan Levy’s presenter-in-training, Thoby, shared his thoughts during a Saturday Night Live sketch.  Set at the Southern California theme park, the SNL skit centered the backlot tour that reopens after an extended closure. However the tram ride is far from smooth as…

Jeff Shell, chief executive of NBCUniversal, said the film business had "stayed stuck in the mud" and was "leaving a lot of money on the table" even as the rest of the entertainment industry has rapidly evolved. Speaking at a UBS conference on the topic that's currently roiling Hollywood, he described "a whole segment…

Consumer demand for high-speed internet surged last quarter at NBCUniversal parent Comcast even as theme park revenue plunged 80% in a mixed earnings report that reflected the ongoing pandemic. Theatrical revenue, for instance, plunged 95%, home entertainment sales surged nearly 50%. Peacock sign-ups hit 22 million…

UPDATED with latest: After a group of 18 California senators and assemblymembers issued a letter on Monday asking Governor Gavin Newsom to issue guidelines for theme parks to reopen, the state’s top health official addressed the matter. Asked when guidance for theme parks would be released, Dr. Mark Ghaly said, "We're…

UPDATED on Wednesday: Two days after the trade association that represents Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm, among others, called for California Governor Gavin Newsom to release guidelines that would allow them to reopen their parks, the governor gave an update on the state’s progress. In his…

Hasbro will remove a Trolls World Tour doll from major retailers following complaints that it encourages child abuse and pedophilia. The toy company announced Wednesday that it will remove the movie’s “Trolls World Tour Giggle and Sing Poppy” doll from store shelves after an online petition signed by upwards of 160…

The market fell Thursday on a plunge in second-quarter economic growth, a glum outlook from the Federal Reserve and the second week of rising unemployment claims since the summer COVID surge – with California again clocking the most newly jobless. Congress and the White House meanwhile were struggling to hash out the…