The Town with Matthew Belloni

Join comedian John Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and memorable SNL sketches, as he dives into his experience writing for the SNL 50th Anniversary special. He shares insights on getting creative freedom with his late-night Netflix show and reflects on the evolution of late-night television. Mulaney also reminisces about touring with his family while navigating the unique challenges of comedy in today’s media landscape, sprinkled with humor and nostalgia.

Stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia, known for his Netflix special 'The Good Life' and podcast 'Working It Out', dives into the evolving world of comedy. He discusses how the landscape has shifted over the last decade, emphasizing the vital role of podcasts and social media in building a fanbase. Mike explores Netflix's transformative impact on stand-up and questions if traditional media still holds sway. He also touches on the importance of long-form storytelling and the current Oscar buzz surrounding films from the Cannes Film Festival.

Seth Rogen, a versatile actor and co-founder of Point Grey Pictures, joins forces with collaborator Evan Goldberg to dive into the wild world of Hollywood. They discuss their unconventional decision to choose Netflix's Ted Sarandos over Tim Cook for a cameo and the frantic pitch to Ice Cube. Filming in a real Las Vegas casino brought unique challenges, and they offer insights on what made the cutting room floor. The duo also analyzes the shifting tides of theatrical comedy and shares their ambitious plans for future projects.

Seth Rogen, a talented writer, director, and actor known for his collaborations with Evan Goldberg, joins the conversation to share wild stories from the set of their new show, ‘The Studio’. They dive into the challenges of capturing Hollywood’s quirky dynamics and the importance of creating a positive atmosphere during filming. The duo also reflects on how their characters embody real-life figures while exploring gratitude in the film industry. Plus, they touch on the box office buzz around the nostalgic release of 'Lilo & Stitch'.

Sean Evans, the innovative host of 'Hot Ones,' shares his journey from a niche internet show to a beloved celebrity favorite. He dives into the art of interviewing, revealing how he balances corporate interests with creative integrity. Evans debunks spicy myths surrounding the show, and humorously recounts challenges from filming in various cities. He also candidly discusses health management after the hot sauce challenges, all while teasing the upcoming 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' buzz. Get ready for spicy insights and laughter!

Charlie Hellman, Spotify's VP and global head of music, shares insights into the music industry. He discusses the tumultuous impact of streaming, revealing how artists earn from Spotify and their frustrations. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape against platforms like YouTube and the rising trend of AI-generated music. Hellman highlights the complexities of artist visibility and compensation, addressing ongoing challenges while emphasizing Spotify's role in enhancing artist relations. He concludes with thoughts on upcoming industry changes.

In this discussion, CNBC Media and sports reporter Alex Sherman shares insights on the evolving landscape of television and streaming. He highlights HBO Max's rebranding and its new strategy focusing on premium content. The conversation reveals how the NFL is globalizing its media rights and experimenting with new platforms like YouTube. Sherman also critiques the trend of franchising in streaming, addressing the competitive atmospheres at Netflix and ESPN, and examines YouTube's impact on the entertainment world, likening it to MTV's cultural dominance.

Neal Mohan, the CEO of YouTube and a longtime Google executive, joins the conversation to reveal how YouTube is transforming the television landscape. He discusses the challenges posed by TikTok and Instagram and why creators are exploring various platforms despite their success. Mohan also highlights YouTube's new deal with the NFL for exclusive games and shares exciting plans for reinventing sports viewing. The dialogue provides a fascinating insight into the evolving dynamics between YouTube and traditional media.

Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg's media and entertainment reporter, joins to dissect Hollywood's latest financial updates. They discuss Disney’s ambitious plan for a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, balancing brand values with regional challenges. The conversation shifts to Warner Bros. Discovery's potential split and how companies like Paramount are struggling. They also tackle the evolving profitability landscape of streaming services, showcasing the financial health of Netflix and Disney amidst competitors facing adversity. It's a lively analysis of an industry in transition!

Scott Mendelson, a box office expert at Puck, joins to explore the summer blockbuster landscape. He shares intriguing insights on anticipated films like 'Final Destination Bloodlines' and 'How to Train Your Dragon,' analyzing their potential box office performance. The discussion highlights shifting audience expectations amidst the rise of Disney Plus and the risks of franchise fatigue. They also dive into the nostalgic appeal driving interest in sequels and adaptations, wrapping up with a look at the new Best Podcast category at the Golden Globes.