Strictly Business CES 2026 Highlights: Simon Helberg and Billy Magnussen Talk AMC Network's 'The Audacity'; Roku Chief Anthony Wood
Jan 9, 2026
In this session, Dan McDermott, head of programming for AMC Networks, discusses the vision behind the dramedy The Audacity. Billy Magnussen shares his journey in preparing to play a tech CEO, revealing the character's depth and the show's exploration of modern themes. They emphasize the importance of relatable storytelling over tech glamor. The podcast also highlights Roku founder Anthony Wood's insights on streaming evolution and the significance of their new ad-free service, Howdy, which aims to bridge gaps in content accessibility.
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What AMC Looks For In Series
- AMC seeks shows with unique worlds, breakout characters, and cultural meaning.
- Dan McDermott positions The Audacity as a human-focused Silicon Valley deep dive rather than a tech spectacle.
Billy On Saying Yes To The Script
- Billy Magnussen recounts why he joined the show after reading Jonathan Glatzer's script.
- He praises Dan McDermott's faith and calls Glatzer's writing uniquely specific and powerful.
Loneliness At The Heart Of Characters
- Simon Helberg describes Martin as a maladjusted genius who built AI to help alienated teens.
- The show centers loneliness and characters trying to connect through technology.