Whitney Leavitt Joins Broadway's Chicago Cast as Roxie Hart

Hulu is a leading American online media streaming service headquartered in Santa Monica, California, launched in 2007 as a joint venture among major media companies including NBCUniversal, Fox, and Disney-ABC. It provides subscribers with access to a vast library of current television shows, classic series, films, and critically acclaimed original programming such as *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Only Murders in the Building*[1][2][5][6]. Initially conceived as a platform to stream recent TV episodes from its founding partners' networks, Hulu expanded in 2010 by launching a subscription service called Hulu Plus, offering full seasons and next-day access to new episodes. Over time, it diversified its offerings to include both an ad-supported free tier and subscription plans with options for commercial-free viewing and live TV streaming, now bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for broader appeal[1][2][4][6]. Hulu has played a pivotal role in reshaping television consumption habits, popularizing binge-watching, and influencing digital media engagement. It has grown substantially under Disney’s ownership, which acquired a controlling stake in 2019 and has since moved to fully consolidate the platform, including buying out Comcast’s minority share by late 2023. As of 2025, Hulu boasts around 55.5 million paid subscribers, making it one of the largest streaming services in the United States, though it still ranks behind Netflix in subscriber count[1][3][5]. Hulu’s business model combines subscription revenue with advertising income, and its content includes programming from Disney-owned networks like ABC, FX, and 20th Century Studios, as well as exclusive originals. The platform continues to innovate with live TV offerings and strategic content partnerships, exemplified by a 2025 carriage deal adding TelevisaUnivision channels to its live TV service[2][4][6]. Overall, Hulu stands out as a major player in the competitive streaming landscape, blending legacy media strengths with digital innovation

**Dancing with the Stars: A Cultural Phenomenon in Entertainment and Technology** *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) is a globally recognized reality dance competition television series that has redefined the intersection of entertainment, celebrity culture, and audience engagement since its debut in 2005. Produced by ABC in the United States, DWTS pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, who compete weekly in choreographed routines judged by a panel of experts and voted on by viewers. The show’s format—combining live performance, real-time scoring, and interactive voting—has set a benchmark for audience participation in reality TV, leveraging technology to create immersive viewer experiences. Originally inspired by the British series *Strictly Come Dancing*, DWTS quickly became a cultural touchstone, launching 33 seasons and spawning international adaptations in over 40 countries. The show’s success lies in its ability to blend star power with dance artistry, while consistently innovating its production and engagement strategies. Notable achievements include the first African American woman (Amber Riley, 2013) and the first deaf dancer (Nyle DiMarco, 2016) winning the Mirrorball Trophy, as well as the inclusion of groundbreaking contestants like double amputee Amy Purdy (2014). DWTS has also been a pioneer in integrating digital platforms, allowing fans to vote via phone, online, and social media, and offering behind-the-scenes content through streaming services like Disney+. The show has won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards and continues to attract high-profile celebrities and dancers, maintaining its relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Today, DWTS remains a leader in reality television, demonstrating how traditional broadcast formats can adapt to technological advancements and shifting audience preferences. Its enduring popularity underscores the power of live entertainment, audience interaction, and the universal appeal of dance.

Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), now known as ATG Entertainment, is a global powerhouse in live entertainment, renowned for its vertically integrated business model that combines venue ownership, ticketing, and show production. Founded in 1992 by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire, ATG has grown from a UK-based theatre operator into the world’s largest theatre group, managing over 64 venues across the UK, US, and Germany. Its portfolio includes iconic West End and Broadway theatres, and it serves more than 10 million customers annually. ATG’s success is rooted in its innovative approach to both business and technology. The company operates three major ticketing platforms, handling over 50 million sessions a year, and has consistently invested in digital experiences to enhance customer engagement. Notably, ATG pioneered immersive seat preview technology, allowing patrons to see what their view will be from specific seats—a feature that has set new standards for online ticketing in the live entertainment industry. Key achievements include major acquisitions such as the Foxwoods Theatre on Broadway and The Ticket Machine Group, the UK’s largest theatre ticketing provider. ATG’s vertically integrated model—spanning venue management, production, and ticketing—has positioned it as a leader in industry innovation and profitability. Today, ATG Entertainment continues to expand its global footprint, supporting producers and creatives in bringing world-class shows to audiences worldwide. With a strong commitment to customer experience, technological advancement, and industry leadership, ATG remains a benchmark for success in the live entertainment sector.