Looks like you could cover the brick wall and have it even with the walls next to it. Id probably do that and consider tearing out the hearth an reflooring the space. that would give you way more flexibility in layout.

You don't need the brick, you don't want it, so you should cover/remove it like wsea said. Put in LVP and an area rug after you remove the hearth.

This would be the appearance if you simply install an electrical fireplace with TV screen above.

I'd mount the tv where you want it and work around it.

Thank you both- how would I put the tv there though bc the iron support has to stay. Any other suggestions if brick and hearth have to stay? My husband thinks it gives the boring basement character. ;0 especially since ceilings are o low due to dropped living room above

I don’t mind the brick but if you want to cover you could hang inexpensive velvet curtains along the back wall and give the wall a bit of a theater effect

I would place a natural wood slat wall (vertical) centered on the back wall, covering the brick and everything else, leaving brick wall on either side. Mount the tv on the slat wall. It will hide the wiring. Place a console shelf (hanging) under it. I would center it on the area that comes forward. The asymmetry is fine. Use the longer right side for shelving, etc. on the brick. You might consider painting the brick behind the slat wall in black so it reads natural wood and black next to your white bricks. It would add a more modern vibe to the room. I hope this makes sense…

Why does that metal bracket look decorative? Is that curled metal with a candle holder?? Is that made out of thin metal? I hope your husband isn't gaslighting you. There is no chimney structure in the ceiling... it's all in the wall.

I would have a professional of some kind (maybe a mason) look at that bracket first. Depending on what s/he says you maybe able to remove that bracket with no adverse effects.

Take a close up picture of the side of that thing and I think we can all tell you if it's a candle holder or not.

Yes - give us a side view so we can see how much the shelving extends. Can you remove the shelving’s full depth without interfering with the structural component?

My thought as well. If you can remove the arms/shelves, then it shouldn't be hard to hang a TV in front of it -- you can use a bracket with some depth rather than mounting flush to wall.