Lesley Goldberg, the former TV editor of The Hollywood Reporter, joins to dissect the financial frenzy of costly showrunner deals during the peak TV era. They delve into staggering nine-figure contracts that yielded no new shows, analyzing which deals hit the mark and which fizzled out. The conversation includes a look at high-stakes agreements, such as the $250 million deal with Bad Robot, and how different release strategies impact viewership. Tune in for insights on navigating creative control and the dynamics of TV's competitive landscape!

Lesley Goldberg, a television industry expert, shares insights from her latest survey of top writers on improving TV development. Topics include the surprising resurgence of mini-rooms, with writers advocating for their return, and how Zoom pitching has altered the landscape, creating new opportunities. She discusses the need for better training for showrunners and highlights Amazon's growing role in film distribution. The conversation ultimately reveals the urgent need for fair compensation and creative control in today’s evolving industry.