As Executive Editor overseeing Entertainment Weekly's TV, music, and awards coverage, Hall shapes mainstream entertainment narratives through:
Hall's exclusive casting reveal for the Suits LA spinoff demonstrates his ability to leverage industry connections during early production phases. The 1,200-word analysis contextualizes NBCUniversal's streaming strategy through the lens of the original series' Netflix resurgence, featuring exclusive quotes from showrunner Aaron Korsh about maintaining the Suits "legal drama meets workplace comedy" formula. What makes this piece particularly strategic is Hall's decision to publish during Emmy nomination week, capitalizing on renewed interest in the franchise.
This comprehensive awards preview showcases Hall's talent for balancing data journalism (breakdowns of studio nomination counts) with cultural analysis. The article positions Amazon's Reacher as a bellwether for streaming action series recognition while questioning whether Grosse Pointe Garden Society's mystery genre roots might hinder its Best Drama Series chances. Hall's inclusion of historical nomination patterns for similar shows gives publicists valuable context for crafting FYC campaigns.
In this KCAL News interview, Hall delivers concise analysis of surprise nominations like Netflix's Wednesday revival, while tactfully addressing the HFPA's ongoing diversity reforms. His on-camera explanation of "buzzy vs. worthy" campaigns helps viewers understand how FYC events and trade ads influence voting bodies - crucial context for PR teams managing talent expectations.
Hall frequently cites Parrot Analytics and Nielsen streaming charts in his analyses. Successful pitches should include viewership metrics that contextualize a project's cultural impact, like how Suits LA's pre-release social media traction compares to Netflix's Virgin River. Reference his 2024 Golden Globe article's use of Amazon MGM Studios' internal viewing time data to demonstrate this approach.
His editorial calendar revolves around Emmy/Golden Globe submission deadlines, nomination announcements, and FYC event schedules. The Suits LA story published precisely as Television Academy voters received Phase 1 ballots. PR teams should align series renewals or casting news with these key dates, as Hall prioritizes stories influencing voter perceptions.
With Hall hosting EW's podcasts and live streams, ideal pitches offer interview opportunities plus behind-the-scenes video/audio content. His YouTube analysis of Wicked's awards potential included exclusive set visit audio clips - a model for campaigns seeking integrated coverage.
Hall's Suits LA coverage emphasized how the spinoff modernizes the original's workplace dynamics for coastal audiences. Successful franchise pitches should highlight creative updates while respecting legacy elements, mirroring his approach in comparing Reacher's second season character development to Tom Cruise's film portrayal.
While Hall occasionally covers indie films like A24's civil rights drama Rustin Rising, his primary focus remains studio projects with awards potential or established fanbases. The absence of Sundance 2024 coverage in his portfolio suggests PR teams should prioritize mainstream collaborations over festival darlings.
"Hall's red carpet interviews achieve the impossible - substantive questions that reveal artistic process without sacrificing entertainment value." - The Hollywood Reporter, 2023 Media Power List
Suits Spinoff ‘Suits LA’ Adds Stephen Amell, Bryan Greenberg, Josh McDermitt, and Lex Scott Davis to Cast
Golden Globe Nominations 2024: Wicked, Reacher, and Grosse Pointe Garden Society Lead Contenders
Gerrad Hall Discusses Golden Globe Nominations and Snubs
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Entertainment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
