Tarzan Swings Back In, While the Universal Backlot Goes Up in Flames (Ep. 86)

Jan 16, 2026

Join Jim Hill and Eric Hersey as they dive into the nostalgic charm of a Rockford Files reboot and a vibrant recap of Universal's awards season. Get the scoop on Universal Orlando's exciting 2026 calendar, filled with events like Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights. A listener's query leads to a fascinating exploration of Universal's forgotten 1920s Tarzan serials, revealing the drama behind casting changes and missed silent gems. Plus, discover how Tarzan's legacy intertwines with the backlot's geography.

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INSIGHT

Event Calendars Drive Trip Planning

Universal announces annual event calendars to help guests plan visits and buy passes around headline events.
Revealed dates and lineups (e.g., Mardi Gras concerts) enable targeted trip planning and pass-holder value assessment.

ADVICE

Use Passes For Discounts And Nights

Consider an annual pass if you visit frequently because discounts and pass-holder nights add clear value.
Use pass-holder events to enjoy parks with fewer crowds and exclusive perks.

INSIGHT

Lineups Shape Generational Appeal

Mardi Gras and concert lineups span generations, making events both nostalgic and cross-generational draws.
Programming choices influence when different visitor cohorts plan trips to Universal Orlando.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off with a generational pop culture moment before diving headfirst into a packed episode of Universal news, park planning, and studio history. From a newly announced Rockford Files reboot to freshly released 2026 event calendars, this episode covers what Universal fans need to know now - and then takes a long, fascinating walk through some nearly forgotten corners of the Universal backlot. Along the way, listeners get travel talk, awards season chatter, and one of those deep historical pivots that only this show can deliver.

NEWS
• NBC commits to a pilot for a Rockford Files reboot, prompting a look back at the original series and its Universal roots
• Universal’s awards season recap, including Golden Globes results and where Wicked did (and did not) land
• Universal Orlando releases its 2026 event calendar, including dates for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and passholder perks
• The full Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival concert lineup is revealed, sparking a game of “name your generation”
• Updates from Universal Hollywood on Fan Fest Nights, Butterbeer Season, and the long road toward Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift

FEATURE
• A listener letter sparks a deep dive into Universal’s forgotten Tarzan serials of the 1920s
• How Edgar Rice Burroughs’ dissatisfaction with early Tarzan films led to casting shakeups and lost silent-era movies
• The surprising connection between Tarzan, Universal’s backlot geography, and Jay Stein’s infamous tram tour gags
• A look at how Park Lake became home to submarines, parted seas, burning houses, and other classic Studio Tour illusions

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, a platinum-level earmarked travel agency providing top-tier concierge planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney Parks, cruises, and more. Start planning your next adventure at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention that the Epic Universal Podcast sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

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