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Welcome back to The Brief by Kuro House, your daily dose of what’s moving and shaking in the world of marketing, media, and culture. I’m glad you’re joining us today, because we’ve got a lineup of stories that show how brands are pushing boundaries, streaming is breaking records, and media legends are celebrating historic milestones. Let’s dive right in.

First up, let’s talk about a marketing crossover that’s as bold as it is supernatural. KFC has teamed up with Netflix’s Stranger Things for a U.K. campaign that’s grabbing headlines and turning heads. Reported by Adweek, the campaign, crafted by agency Mother, imagines KFC staff in Hawkins, Indiana, risking it all to deliver fried chicken as the town is thrown into chaos by supernatural monsters. The spot is set against the backdrop of Stranger Things’ fifth and final season, where the military has Hawkins on lockdown to contain the interdimensional threats. But, according to the campaign, nothing—not even the Upside Down—can stop KFC’s delivery crew. The collaboration supports a limited-edition Stranger Things menu in the U.K., featuring a spicy chicken burger on a red bun and “Stranger Wings” doused in a special sauce. This is all part of KFC’s ongoing “Believe” platform, which positions the brand as a comforting constant in a world gone mad. Kate Tipper, KFC UKI’s marketing director, summed it up: “KFC and Stranger Things fans know that when you have an obsession, you’ll stop at nothing for it.” The campaign joins a wave of brand integrations riding the Stranger Things nostalgia wave, with Doritos and Target also jumping in before the series finale.

Switching gears, let’s look at what’s dominating our screens. According to Adweek’s streaming ratings for the week of October 6, Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story has held onto the top spot in Nielsen’s Top 10 Overall Streaming chart for a second week, racking up a staggering 2.3 billion viewing minutes—a 51% jump from the previous week. The core audience? Adults 18-49, who make up 61% of the viewers, but there’s a notable uptick among 18-34s as well, moving from 22% to 28%. Netflix had a strong showing overall, with five titles on the chart and two breaking the billion-minute mark. Love Is Blind landed in second with 1.1 billion minutes viewed—95% of which came from the newest season, thanks to three fresh episodes dropping on October 8. The rest of the chart is a who’s-who of streaming staples: NCIS, SpongeBob SquarePants, KPop Demon Hunters, Law & Order, Bluey, Grey’s Anatomy, Bob’s Burgers, and Law & Order: SVU all made the cut. It’s a testament to the power of both new content and evergreen favorites in the streaming wars.

Now, onto a major milestone in broadcast history. ABC News’ Good Morning America just celebrated its 50th anniversary with an on-air reunion, as reported by Adweek’s TVNewser. The event gathered a veritable who’s who of past and present GMA talent—think Lara Spencer, Sam Champion, Diane Sawyer, Charlie Gibson, Joan Lunden, and many more—along with Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger, all inside the show’s newly dedicated studio at 7 Hudson Square. During the celebration, Charlie Gibson took a moment to highlight the unsung heroes behind the scenes, emphasizing the tireless work of the staff who labor around the clock to bring the show to life each morning. The segment was a heartfelt tribute to the legacy and collective effort that’s kept GMA at the forefront of morning television for half a century.

In the same ticker, there’s recognition for journalistic excellence at this year’s Walter Cronkite Awards, administered by USC’s Annenberg School. CBS News emerged as the big winner, taking home two awards: one for Scott Pelley’s 60 Minutes piece on the Rule of Law, and another for outgoing anchor John Dickerson’s “exceptional essays” on CBS News Plus. Other notable honorees include NBC’s Peter Alexander, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, PBS NewsHour’s Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett, and Noticias Telemundo for its coverage of the 100 Días de Trump. The awards spotlight the ongoing importance of holding power accountable and defending democratic values—something that feels especially relevant in today’s media landscape.

And finally, a heads-up for documentary fans: CNN Films is set to premiere “Prime Minister,” a documentary chronicling Jacinda Ardern’s remarkable tenure as New Zealand’s leader, on Sunday, November 16 at 9 p.m. Eastern. The film, shot over seven years by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, traces Ardern’s rise to power at just 37 years old—making her one of the world’s youngest heads of state and only the second to give birth while in office. The premiere will be followed by a CNN All Access roundtable hosted by Abby Phillip, featuring women thought leaders and journalists discussing the documentary’s themes. The film promises a deep dive into leadership, optimism, and the unique challenges faced by women in power.

That’s it for today’s Brief. From KFC’s supernatural marketing adventures to record-breaking streaming numbers and milestone moments in broadcast journalism, it’s clear that the worlds of media and marketing are more interconnected—and more dynamic—than ever. Thanks for tuning in, and remember: stay curious, keep questioning, and we’ll see you next time.