The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Andrew Ross Sorkin
Dec 15, 2025
Andrew Ross Sorkin, bestselling author and financial columnist for The New York Times, delves into the intense competition for Warner Bros. assets, highlighting Netflix and Paramount's bids. He discusses the affordability gap impacting American consumers despite seemingly positive economic numbers. Sorkin also warns of potential fallout if the AI bubble bursts, exploring its implications across various sectors. He ties these insights to themes from his new book, '1929,' drawing parallels to today's financial climate.
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Episode notes
Content Libraries Drive Mega-Bids
- Warner Bros. and HBO's IP is the real prize driving Netflix and Paramount's massive bids.
- Political influence may shape which bidder wins due to unprecedented presidential involvement.
The Affordability Gap Explains Discontent
- Stock market and unemployment can look healthy while consumers still feel squeezed.
- Rising prices and stagnant wages create an affordability gap that drives negative public sentiment.
AI Spending Has Broad Economic Reach
- AI investment is already injecting hundreds of billions into many sectors beyond chips.
- If AI funding collapses, bank exposure and job losses could ripple through the broader economy.
