The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dive into Netflix’s surprising success with ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’ They discuss how it became a box office hit despite its earlier streaming release, exploring the movie's theatrical strategy and its implications for traditional Hollywood. Shaw analyzes the evolving landscape of film distribution, Netflix’s innovative marketing moves like a sing-along version, and the challenges theaters face today. The conversation wraps up with a playful look at potential cast changes in the upcoming season of SNL.

Stephen Lambert, a veteran television producer known for creating reality hits like The Traitors and Undercover Boss, chats about the evolution of reality TV. He shares insights on the crucial role of casting, explaining how personality dynamics can make or break a show. Lambert discusses the cultural differences between American and British formats and the growing demand for fresh, innovative concepts. He also highlights the art of crafting pitches in a risk-averse industry and the dramatic techniques that keep viewers engaged.

In this engaging discussion, Pete Distad, CEO of Direct-to-Consumer for Fox Corp and former Apple executive, delves into the launch of Fox One, the network's entry into streaming. He reveals their strategy to combine news, sports, and entertainment seamlessly. The conversation touches on pricing challenges, the risk of cannibalizing cable subscribers, and the potential bundling with ESPN. Distad also highlights the evolving trends in sports accessibility and audience engagement, making for a forward-looking exploration of the streaming landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dissect the worst moments in Hollywood since 2010. They rank top disasters, spotlighting the pitfalls of streaming and corporate blunders like AT&T's merger. Shaw reveals how a focus on franchises stifles originality, and they discuss the overwhelming impact of high-priced sports broadcasting deals. Finally, they muse over potential performances by pop icons, leaving listeners buzzing with speculation.

Brooks Barnes, a NYT staff reporter covering Hollywood, joins to discuss Paramount's new direction under David Ellison. They dive into strategic shifts in theater windows and content spend, touching on potential sales of cable assets like MTV. The duo also tackles the impact of transparency in leadership and ongoing changes in media ownership. As a fun wrap-up, they predict how Taylor Swift's appearance on a popular podcast will affect listener engagement and viewership, showcasing her powerful influence in today's media landscape.

A.J. Wolfe, creator of the Disney Food Blog and author on Disney culture, dives into the fascinating world of 'Disney adults'—millennials drawn to nostalgia and magic. She explores their psychological motivations, how Disney tailors experiences to this community, and the financial impact on the company. A.J. also discusses the love-hate dynamics within this subculture and how social media shapes engagement. The conversation reveals the unique power of Disney adults in the modern entertainment landscape, all while reflecting on shifting social norms.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into media, joins Ashley Carman, a podcast and music industry expert, to dive into UFC’s monumental $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. They discuss the strategic choice of Paramount for UFC’s broadcasting rights and analyze the implications for the media landscape. The conversation shifts to Amazon's integration of Wondery into Audible, highlighting challenges in podcast monetization. Lastly, they debate contenders who might challenge Joe Rogan's podcast supremacy in this evolving market.

Aamir Khan, the celebrated Indian actor and producer known for 'Stars on Earth,' shares his innovative approach to film distribution by choosing to debut his latest project on YouTube over conventional streaming services. He discusses the creative liberation this brings and the importance of accessibility for diverse audiences. Aamir also highlights the financial and strategic shifts affecting filmmakers, emphasizing a balance between theatrical experiences and digital formats. His insights could reshape the indie film landscape and redefine how audiences engage with cinema.

Joe Pompliano, a sports business reporter and founder of the Huddle Up newsletter, joins the conversation to break down ESPN's new partnership with the NFL. They explore the implications of the NFL acquiring a stake in ESPN, including changes to its streaming offerings. The discussion touches on the challenges of sports media rights negotiations, the future of fan engagement, and the shift towards personalized viewing experiences. Pompliano also shares insights on the competitive dynamics between traditional broadcast and emerging streaming platforms.

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.