The Town with Matthew Belloni Colbert’s Next Home, and Netflix Earnings Flexes and Anxieties
47 snips
Jul 21, 2025 
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dissect the future of late-night television and Stephen Colbert's potential new roles. They also delve into Netflix's latest earnings report, exploring why strong financials didn’t lead to stock gains. Key topics include Netflix's challenges in capturing audience engagement amid rising competition, its bold AI initiatives, and the strategic potential of children's programming. The discussion wraps up with insights on the Murdoch-Trump lawsuit and its media implications.
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Netflix's Growth Expectations Challenge
- Netflix's stock fell despite strong earnings because Wall Street now expects extraordinary growth from the company.
- Their share of US TV viewing has stagnated, signaling a challenge amid growing competition like YouTube.
Colbert Cancellation Mostly Financial
- Stephen Colbert's show cancellation seems driven mainly by financial considerations despite political speculation.
- The late-night format is declining in influence with smaller audiences and less social media impact.
Late Night and Netflix Clash
- Late night shows don't naturally fit Netflix's on-demand viewing model.
- Netflix is not yet a lean-back service like traditional TV despite its large subscriber base.