HOLLYWOOD
Julia Alexander
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February 20, 2024
The Real Housewives of Peacock
NBCU’s once forlorn streamer is having a real moment, thanks to the NFL and a couple new hits. But if the service truly wants to survive the streaming wars, it should drop its pretensions of prestige and embrace full Bravo-ization.
Scott Mendelson
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February 19, 2024
Sony’s Hard Spider-Man Lessons
After decades of trying to expand the Spider-Verse into a true Marvel franchise, ‘Madame Web’ should be a wake-up call that it’s time for Sony to move on.
Matthew Belloni
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February 16, 2024
Bob Iger Has a Brand Problem, But Does It Matter?
An exclusive survey reveals that Americans (and especially Republicans) are twice as likely to think of Disney unfavorably as other media companies, even if that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t see Pixar, Star Wars, or other Mouse House movies in theaters.
Julia Alexander
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February 14, 2024
Iger’s ‘Spulu’ Starter Marriage
It’s been a week since ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced their enigmatic three-headed sports skinny bundle. The industry is overwhelmed with questions, but one thing seems certain: this thing isn’t here to stay.
Eriq Gardner
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February 12, 2024
Assessing the Musk-Carano Case Against Disney
The wrongful termination suit, bankrolled by Elon Musk, over the actress’ firing from ‘The Mandalorian,’ is being portrayed as a battle over free speech. But the real stakes are much more complex—and Carano may be a proxy for political interests who view her as a different kind of star.
Matthew Belloni & John Ourand
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February 12, 2024
Sports Media Roulette & Broadcast Worst-Case Scenarios
After spending the better part of a week in Vegas for the Super Bowl, here’s what everyone in the sports-entertainment-media industrial complex is obsessing over: the next wave of rights deals, a super-streamer, Amazon-Diamond, what Endeavor is divesting, and if the NFL’s biggest showcase will return to Las Vegas (yes!).
Matthew Belloni
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February 9, 2024
Ryan Coogler’s 25-Year Plan
Is the ‘Black Panther’ director’s new deal with Warner Bros.—wherein the copyright for his next project, with Michael B. Jordan, will revert back to him after 25 years—part of a new ownership trend in Hollywood? Or did Coolger just pitch the right executives at the right time?
Julia Alexander
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February 7, 2024
Paramount+’s Existential Questions
Sure, the streaming home of the Super Bowl, now being circled by numerous potential acquirers, has reined in its ambitions—decreasing spending and licensing its best content to its competitors. But the real challenge for Par+ comes down to its technology.
Eriq Gardner
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February 6, 2024
The $35 Million Kevin Spacey Gamble
The ‘House of Cards’ star has quietly reached an extraordinary settlement that would wipe his debt clean if he testifies on behalf of MRC, the producer of the hit Netflix series, in its $150 million insurance claim.
Scott Mendelson
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February 5, 2024
The Oscar Bump May Be Gone for Good
Remember when well-reviewed awards contenders big and small gave a sizable boost to the box office during the early months of a new year? That economic dynamic is the latest vestige of a foregone Hollywood.
Matthew Belloni
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February 5, 2024
Another Shootout at the ‘Yellowstone’ Corral
Kevin Costner isn’t the only star in a financial standoff over TV’s No. 1 show. Now, Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes are looking for increased paydays in advance of the new spinoff, and Paramount has set a take-it-or-leave-it deadline.
Matthew Belloni & Eriq Gardner
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February 2, 2024
Lord Byron & The Courtship of Shari
Allen’s lofty $14.3 billion overture for Paramount Global—and his mysterious financial backing—isn’t being taken seriously in Hollywood. But he may have sway in Washington, where the F.C.C. could make life difficult for Byron’s rivals.
Eriq Gardner
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January 29, 2024
The Taylor Swift Deepfake Complexifier
The White House is calling for new laws to prevent the scourge of A.I. pornography. But poking holes in Section 230, the legal heat shield surrounding Silicon Valley, may be harder than it seems. And Hollywood may want a word, too…
Matthew Belloni
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January 29, 2024
A Banker’s View of Media M&A in 2024
A candid conversation with Raine Group’s Joe Ravitch, one of the sharpest and most outspoken bankers in the media/sports sectors, about the deal climate, global fears, and the future of Paramount and Lionsgate.
Scott Mendelson
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January 29, 2024
Coroner’s Report: Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’
Why is the industry surprised when expensive awards bait films, designed to impress critics more than audiences, fail at the box office? The latest Mann disappointment is an example of the chasm between film executives and filmgoers.
Baratunde Thurston
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January 29, 2024
Citizen Stewart
Jon Stewart returns to the Daily Show anchor chair as a citizen, not just a comedian, and at a time of crisis for the media he lampooned, for political comedy itself, and for the nation. No pressure!
Matthew Belloni
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January 26, 2024
Netflix Wrestles With Its Age of Empire
A $5 billion WWE deal and the exit of film chief Scott Stuber mark an inflection in the streaming wars as Ted Sarandos consolidates the market—adding live sports, producing fewer original movies, and absorbing content from the rivals Netflix is leaving behind.
