The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to discuss Paramount's new executive team and the surprising nosedive of 'The Fantastic Four' despite favorable reviews. They delve into Peacock’s ongoing struggles with subscriber growth and its pivot toward sports programming. The conversation also touches on YouTube stars Dude Perfect venturing into theaters, highlighting the challenges of traditional cinema in attracting digital audiences, and predicts the future of Netflix's potential hits.

Seth MacFarlane, renowned creator behind Family Guy and the new Naked Gun film, joins to unpack the challenges of making studio comedies today. He discusses the reboot of The Naked Gun and how casting choices influence comedic success. Seth reflects on the evolution of humor in the industry, stressing the difficulties of satisfying modern audiences. The conversation dives into the art of joke-driven comedy and the importance of creative collaboration, leaving listeners hopeful for innovative comedic projects despite current obstacles.

Richard Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, shares insights on how the brand has transformed the movie-going experience. He discusses innovative marketing strategies that make IMAX a must-see for studios, like selling tickets for blockbuster films a year in advance. Gelfond explains the unique technological advantages that set IMAX apart in a shifting cinematic landscape. They also explore the anticipated challenges and excitement surrounding upcoming films, including Gretta Gerwig's Narnia and the nostalgic appeal of ‘The Naked Gun.’

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg media reporter who covers Hollywood, media, and technology, dives into the thrilling changes at Paramount now that David Ellison's Skydance is at the helm. They discuss the potential for exciting collaborations and the evolution of streaming services like Paramount Plus and Pluto TV. Topics also include Paramount's media asset strategy and the public's trust in news reporting amid controversies. To cap off their conversation, they predict the future of a potential 'Happy Gilmore 2,' mixing nostalgia with current market trends.

Michael Lasker, a comedy manager at Mosaic, brings insights into the irreverent new 'South Park' episode that’s causing a stir. He discusses how creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker continue to innovate while navigating comedic boundaries. The conversation shifts to the current state of the comedy market, revealing struggles for theatrical films and sitcoms, yet hints at a resurgence of interest in original scripts. Lasker also weighs in on how emerging comedians are moving away from traditional routes towards focus on personal projects and touring.

Ben Fritz, a Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter and Marvel Comics historian, joins to discuss the intense pressure on 'The Fantastic Four' as Marvel faces superhero fatigue. They analyze Marvel's recent struggles with content oversaturation and fan disengagement, as well as Kevin Feige's role moving forward. The conversation touches on the significance of star power in casting and the contrasting positions of Marvel and DC in the evolving superhero landscape. Predictions for the upcoming film's box office performance add an intriguing twist!

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.

Nick Bernstein, a veteran late-night executive, shares insider insights on the surprising cancellation of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert', despite its top ratings. He discusses the intricate balance of economics and politics in this decision, as CBS navigates merger challenges. Bernstein highlights the financial struggles of late-night programming, the impact of evolving viewer habits, and the role of streaming in reshaping comedy. This engaging conversation explores the uncertain future of late-night television and what it means for hosts and the industry.

Matthew Belloni chats with Rebecca Ford, Senior Correspondent at Vanity Fair and co-host of the Little Goldman podcast, about the quirkiest moments from the 2025 Emmy nominations. They humorously hand out awards like Biggest Winner and Most Embarrassing Nomination, while highlighting HBO's dominance and discussing Netflix's marketing strategies. The conversation dives into notable snubs, the inconsistencies in nominations, and the need for fresh contenders in a predictable landscape. They also predict potential winners for Best Comedy and Drama Series.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to discuss the impressive opening weekend of the new Superman film and its implications for a DC reboot. They analyze Marvel's recent struggles, particularly the future of the 'Fantastic Four,' as a benchmark for its cinematic universe revival. Shaw also dives into the shifting dynamics between Marvel and DC, studio leadership transitions, and how box office trends could shape the industry. Expect insights on the evolving landscape of superhero films and the fate of AMC Theatres!