Dive into the shifting landscape of the James Bond franchise as key figures step back, leaving the future in limbo. Will Amazon's influence reshape 007's legacy? Meanwhile, Meghan Markle's rebranding ventures stir curiosity and controversy. Can her new lifestyle show rival Goop? The complexities of celebrity branding and the trend of hate-watching provide insight into audience engagement. The blend of nostalgia, innovation, and lighthearted banter makes the exploration of these cultural icons both entertaining and thought-provoking.
48:30
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Quick takeaways
The potential rebranding and direction of Meghan Markle's upcoming lifestyle show could define her future success in the entertainment industry.
The James Bond franchise faces creative challenges and opportunities for reinvention following significant leadership changes amid evolving audience expectations.
Deep dives
Megan's New Netflix Show
Megan's upcoming Netflix lifestyle show, 'With Love, Megan,' aims to redefine lifestyle programming by incorporating her perspective and celebrity interactions. A notable shift is the rebranding of her initial project 'American Riviera Orchard' to 'As Ever,' which hints at potential future product launches, such as a fragrance. The show's trailer features an emphasis on elevating ordinary experiences, with Megan showcasing activities like flower picking and intimate gatherings with celebrity friends. However, critics express skepticism about the authenticity and intent behind the show, questioning whether Megan's statements about creating joy resonate with audiences beyond mere marketing.
The Impact of Previous Deals
The podcast discusses the financial implications of Megan and Harry's deals with Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House, emphasizing the enormous initial payouts and the mixed success of their projects. The revelation that their documentary had the biggest debut for a Netflix documentary illustrates the financial stakes involved, as both parties seek globally appealing content. Despite their early success, the podcast highlights that many subsequent projects have not met viewer expectations, leading to concerns about the viability of future collaborations. The discussion also touches upon the cultural expectations placed on Meghan to become a lifestyle guru akin to Martha Stewart, stressing the difficulty of achieving sustained success in this niche.
Hate-Watching Phenomenon
The podcast delves into the concept of hate-watching, revealing its significant impact on viewership ratings for certain shows, including those associated with Meghan. A survey indicated that hate-watched dramas have seen an increase in viewership at a rate almost double that of shows enjoyed by audiences, indicating a unique viewer dynamic. The idea that audiences might enjoy engaging in negative conversations regarding certain series, like 'Emily in Paris,' showcases how public perception can drive interest and viewership, irrespective of actual enjoyment. Furthermore, the hosts speculate that Meghan's show might spark considerable conversation and viewer engagement, potentially allowing for a successful run despite polarizing opinions.
The Future of the Bond Franchise
The podcast transitions into discussing major developments surrounding the James Bond franchise, particularly with Amazon's acquisition of MGM and its resulting creative control over the iconic series. The complexities arising from the earlier decision to kill off the character of James Bond in 'No Time to Die' complicate future narratives, leading to speculation about how the franchise might adapt or reinvent itself going forward. There are calls for new storytelling approaches that might include spin-off series or a return to James Bond's younger years. The conversation highlights significant concerns about maintaining the franchise's integrity while facing pressures from corporate interests and evolving audience expectations.
After Richard & Marina asked if Bond was in crisis on last week’s show, longtime custodians of ‘brand Bond’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson announced they are stepping down.
Who will next play the role of Bond, and the likelihood of future films or spinoffs, are now in Amazon’s hands. Following this bombshell announcement Marina takes us inside the bombshell story and why they’re stepping back now.
Meghan Markle has had yet another rebrand. Ahead of her Netflix lifestyle series drops on Netflix on March 4th - Marina and Richard ask if this is the final chance for the Duchess of Sussex to launch the next Goop?
Recommendations:
Richard - Blatro (iPhone App)
Marina - Joan Rivers Fashion Police (YouTube)
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Producers: Neil Fearn + Joey McCarthy
Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude
Executive Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport
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