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Matthew Belloni, Eriq Gardner, Julia Alexander, Kim Masters & Scott Mendelson
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Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
An essential, insider-friendly Hollywood tip sheet from Matthew Belloni, who spent 14 years in the trenches at The Hollywood Reporter and five before that practicing entertainment law. What I’m Hearing also features contributions from veteran Hollywood journalist Kim Masters, media analyst Julia Alexander, entertainment law expert Eriq Gardner, and special box office dispatches from Scott Mendelson.
THE LATEST ARTICLES
Matthew Belloni & William D. Cohan
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February 27, 2026
The Ellisons Catch the Warners Falling Knife
Netflix’s shock exit from the Warner Bros. Discovery sweepstakes likely gives Paramount the victory, saddling them with a mountain of debt, and a slightly smaller mountain of unanswered questions. Why did Ted & Co. walk away so abruptly? Can Paramount get this thing through regulators? And exactly how many people are about to get fired?
Matthew Belloni
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February 20, 2026
Ted Sarandos Hits the Mattresses on the 45-Day Window
As Warner Bros. gives Paramount another week to raise its bid, Netflix’s unflappable co-C.E.O. shares his thoughts (and makes some promises) about movie releases and the entertainment business in a post-merger world.
Matthew Belloni
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February 13, 2026
Ted Cruz’s Very Special ‘NCIS’ Set Visit
Ahead of last week’s subcommittee hearings on the Warner Bros. sale, during which the Texas senator grilled Netflix C.E.O. Ted Sarandos, Cruz visited Netflix’s rival suitor—and toured the set of one of its tentpole franchises. Plus a Pete Davidson podcast union update, and more.
Matthew Belloni
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February 13, 2026
The Wasserman Witch Hunt
Casey Wasserman’s amorous emails with Ghislaine Maxwell more than 20 years ago have put clients of his music agency on edge, his Olympics chairmanship in the crosshairs, and given an opening to anyone he’s ever crossed over a couple decades in one of the world’s most cutthroat businesses.
Matthew Belloni
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February 6, 2026
Can Disney’s Josh and Dana Honeymoon Last?
After a year-plus contest for the C.E.O. gig ended with a D’Amaro victory and a pretty good consolation prize for Walden, the highly choreographed vibes have been only positive. But conflicting styles and potentially existential challenges in Walden’s expanded film and TV fiefdom could soon capsize the boat.
Matthew Belloni
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February 3, 2026
Did ‘Melania’ Cook the Box Office Books?
After months of hype and $75 million in production and marketing costs, Amazon unleashed the first lady’s documentary to big-ish grosses. It’s still a sure money loser in theaters for Bezos & Co.—and some suspect an orchestrated box office boost.
Matthew Belloni
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February 3, 2026
Dana Walden’s Disney Denouement
After a year-plus contest in which Walden, the TV chief, was often considered to be in pole position, Experiences head Josh D’Amaro will likely succeed Bob Iger. That’s because for Disney, in the short and long run, parks and cruises will be far more important than TV and streaming.
Matthew Belloni
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January 29, 2026
Will the Grammys Leave Downtown L.A.?
Music’s biggest night arrives as its contract with Crypto.com Arena expires, Recording Academy production costs are skyrocketing, and sources say Steve Ballmer wants to lure the show to the crosstown Intuit Dome. Plus: why Harry Styles could be the biggest tour of 2026, the high price of Bieber’s facial paralysis, and whether the Trump guys will kill Live Nation.
Matthew Belloni
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January 23, 2026
Can ‘Melania’ Open?
On top of the $40 million Amazon ponied up for Brett Ratner’s docu-hagiography, the studio is spending another $35 million to open it in 27 countries, including a splashy Kennedy Center premiere to be attended by top executives. But for all the expense, Melania is for an audience of one.
Matthew Belloni
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January 19, 2026
Movie Theaters Want a Ted Sarandos Blood Oath
Regal’s Eduardo Acuna goes public with his pitch for Netflix to sign a 10-year binding pledge with the Trump D.O.J. (and other ideas), ensuring Sarandos won’t go back on his recent promise to give Warner Bros. movies a 45-day window. Offering Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ a wide release would help, too.