Jason Isaacs on the End of the White Lotus Bubble, Plus Natalie Jarvey on the Creators Taking Over Hollywood
Apr 8, 2025
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Natalie Jarvey, author of The Ankler's Like and Subscribe newsletter, explores Hollywood's attempt to partner with popular internet creators and their quest for Emmy recognition. Jason Isaacs, known for his roles in Harry Potter and HBO's The White Lotus, reflects on the fascinating dynamics of modern television. He shares insights on storytelling, the blend of traditional and new media, and the unique challenges actors face in an evolving landscape. Their discussions reveal the intricate balance between fame, creativity, and authenticity in today’s entertainment world.
The creator economy is reshaping Hollywood, as artists from platforms like TikTok and YouTube demand recognition alongside traditional filmmakers.
Audiences are now gravitating towards content that blends the spontaneity of the internet with the structure of traditional television formats.
Mainstream Hollywood is adapting by exploring collaborations with successful creators, aiming to honor their unique identities while merging with established narratives.
Deep dives
The Influence of User-Generated Content
User-generated content platforms like TikTok and YouTube are changing the landscape of entertainment by drawing audiences away from traditional movie-going experiences. This trend suggests that consumers find entertainment readily available at home, thereby reducing their motivation to purchase movie tickets or watch longer formats like Netflix dramas. Such platforms empower creators to bypass Hollywood, enabling them to become successful without needing the conventional studio system. The rise of these formats is a significant factor in the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry that traditional formats must adapt to survive.
The Emergence of the Creator Economy
The creator economy has emerged as a powerful force within the entertainment industry, with a wide array of content creators building substantial followings. These creators, once operating from their bedrooms, have now transitioned into a legitimate industry generating over $250 billion each year. They often aim for recognition, seeking accolades such as Emmy nominations while producing content that resonates with their audiences. As platforms like YouTube and TikTok provide new avenues for creativity, the interest in mainstream recognition from such creators highlights the shifting perceptions of legitimacy within the industry.
The Evolution of Content Formats
Content on different platforms is evolving, with a noticeable trend toward longer, more complex formats, especially on YouTube. Creators are beginning to mimic traditional television formats like talk shows with series that can run 20 to 30 minutes, challenging the notion that online content must be brief. Hit shows such as Good Mythical Morning combine elements of classic television with unique internet flair, appealing to audiences seeking alternative entertainment. This evolution indicates a blending of formats, suggesting that what started as simple content creation is developing into a more polished and sophisticated craft.
Hollywood's Response to the Creator Phenomenon
Mainstream Hollywood is beginning to engage with content creators more meaningfully, driven by a need to adapt to changing industry dynamics. The traditional model of Hollywood has historically struggled to appropriately integrate popular creators, leading to failed collaborations and misunderstandings of what makes these individuals successful. However, recent partnerships, such as Mr. Beast's Amazon show, demonstrate a more thoughtful approach from Hollywood that leverages the creators’ strengths while maintaining their unique identity. This shift indicates an evolving relationship between traditional and digital media, paving the way for potential collaboration that honors both industries.
Recognizing Internet Content as Art
The question of when internet content transcends its digital origins to be recognized as art remains a complex one, with varying perspectives on how to define this crossover. Shows like Hot Ones and Good Mythical Morning challenge traditional concepts of television by integrating unique formats and engaging storytelling that resonates with viewers. As audiences increasingly consume content from smart TVs, the lines separating internet shows from traditional television are blurring. Understanding this evolution encourages a broader discussion about the nature of art in the context of modern entertainment, as internet creators push for acknowledgment within esteemed award categories like the Emmys.
First, Natalie Jarvey, the author of the Ankler's Like and Subscribe newsletter, joins Katey to talk about how Hollywood is trying once again to partner with some of the Internet's most popular creators — and why those creators still want Emmy recognition, too. Then Katey talks to Jason Isaacs, fresh off watching the finale of The White Lotus alongside his cast mates, about the wild ride of being on the most talked-about show in television, and some hard-won lessons from a career onscreen.
