Showtime’s Demise, MAGA Media War, Gunn’s DC Universe

Happy Friday and welcome back to The Daily Courant, your afternoon guide to everything new at Puck.

Today, we kick things off with Tara Palmeri’s penetrating assessment of Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s self-made pickle as unhappy members of his slim majority begin demanding committee assignments in return for their loyalty during his pursuit of the gavel.

Then, below the fold: Matt Belloni offers the definitive eulogy for Showtime as the network is folded into Paramount+. Tina Nguyen and Peter Hamby dig into an eight-figure MAGA media talent war. Dylan Byers and Ben Landy discuss whether Gayle King will take her talents to CNN. And on The Town, Matt and THR’s Borys Kit break down James Gunn’s new DC universe—and whether DC will ever catch Marvel.

Lastly, if you have a moment, we would seriously appreciate five minutes of your time to complete a quick audience survey. A handful of participants will win free Puck merch, or an automatic upgrade to Inner Circle membership. Thanks in advance.

TARA PALMERI

His imperiled speakership was a collaborative effort that resulted in plenty of begging and favor-trading. Now, as members expect reciprocity for loyalty in the form of committee assignments, McCarthy’s up to his eyeballs placating unhappy former allies in his slim majority.

MATTHEW BELLONI

We all knew this day was coming. The collapse of a one-time HBO rival into Paramount+ was the guillotine drop that employees and fans had feared for months, if not years. The accompanying layoffs, I’m told, are likely just weeks away.

PETER HAMBY, TINA NGUYEN, BEN LANDY, and DYLAN BYERS

Tina Nguyen and Peter Hamby dig into an eight figure media talent war that's redefining the space. And then Dylan Byers and Ben Landy discuss whether Gayle King might consider taking her talents to CNN (at least for 9 p.m.).

MATTHEW BELLONI

Matt is joined by The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit to discuss DC’s latest press event revealing what the future of the DC universe will look like, James Gunn’s bold new vision, how this changes the trajectory for DC and Warner Bros. Discovery, and more.