Dear Reader,

It has been a chaotic few weeks in the streaming market: Netflix's numbers are down and its stock is over a barrel. David Zaslav killed off CNN+ in less than a month. Hulu will presumably be absorbed in the coming years, and what's to say about Paramount Global and Peacock? Are theaters, once the albatross of the industry, somehow in again? Indeed, what's old can be new in this shape-shifting era, as the market tries to recalibrate the size and scope of the business. It's important stuff, and there's plenty of dish to go around.

This Wednesday (4/27), I'll be holding an off-the-record conference call with fellow Puck partner Matthew Belloni at 3pm ET/12pm PT. We'll discuss the new economics of the streaming arms race and what it signals for Hollywood, Wall Street, and consumers. This call is only for Puck Inner Circle Subscribers, our highest tier of membership, complete with access to live events, new product features, and off-the-record calls like this one.

Because you've been with us from the start, we're offering one time access to my Inner Circle call Wednesday when you subscribe for a Puck Annual Membership between now and then. You'll get a taste of the value of our $250 membership for the annual cost ($100) and be contacted with a direct link to join the call.

And since you'll be on your 7-day free trial, you can listen in, and, if you're still not convinced Puck is worth the price of admission, cancel without ever being charged. 

Chronicle of CNN+’s Death Foretold

Dylan Byers (April 22, 2022)

The birth, life, and death of CNN+ reads like a tragic, surrealist novel: a not-fully conceived plan, a change in leadership, dueling executive viewpoints, and a shocking defenestration.

The Movie Theater Resurgence?

Matthew Belloni (April 24, 2022)

The Great Netflix Correction has some Hollywood executives wondering if the industry prematurely pulled the plug on the theatrical business. Sure, we know streaming is the future. But are theaters now underutilized profit centers?

Netflix’s Post-Crash Identity Crisis

Matthew Belloni (April 22, 2022)

Everyone in Hollywood knew that Reed and Ted were due for a correction, sooner or later—but they were happy to take their checks in the meantime. Now, to get back on top, Netflix may have to become more like the traditional rivals it set out to disrupt.

The Maddow Iceberg

Dylan Byers (April 15, 2022)

Maddow’s non-surprise surprise announcement has been foreshadowed for months. So why doesn’t the network have a viable solution? Is 20 percent Maddow at 1.25x or so the price really better than nothing? And at what cost?

Start your free trial today for full access to all the great writing and reporting happening at Puck.

We look forward to you joining us.

With gratitude,

Dylan Byers