The Town with Matthew Belloni

Journalist Ben Smith and host Matt discuss the impact of the recent presidential debate on CNN's future, challenges in TV news, and the transition to streaming era. They explore CNN's branding shift, international news coverage challenges, and debate news networks' revenue models. Speculations on CNN's future, potential sale, and talent retention are highlighted.

Mark Gill, a longtime producer, joins Matt to analyze the finances of Kevin Costner's film 'Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1.' They discuss the challenges of financing indie films, break-even points, and the risks involved. They also talk about Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' project. Matt predicts the opening weekend box office for 'Horizon'.

Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss Hollywood's struggle with YouTube and TikTok, whether young people should focus on social media instead of TV, Hollywood guilds' lack of unity against AI, the effectiveness of strikes, and a prediction on Stephen A. Smith's future.

Professor Scott Galloway and host Matt discuss Hollywood's response to AI in entertainment, economic strategies in the streaming market, challenges in the industry, declining after parties, and predict box office success for 'The Bike Riders' film.

Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss Sony Pictures acquiring Alamo Drafthouse, Sony's interest in theaters, and the future of animated movie casting. They explore if other studios should buy theaters and predict voice actor salaries for sequels like Inside Out 2.

Former 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart discusses Hollywood's approach to AI, consulting before returning to the show, potential extension post November, and media interests. They also touch on Viacom's decision regarding John Oliver and the impact of AI on media companies and workforce.

Former host of 'The Daily Show' Jon Stewart talks about the challenges of corporate constraints in the entertainment industry, including his experience with Apple. The conversation also touches on media and comedy landscape changes since his departure from 'The Daily Show'.

Discussion on the abrupt termination of the Paramount-Skydance deal by Shari Redstone, implications for Paramount and potential buyers. Speculation on Paramount's future, strategic changes in streaming landscape, and Inside Out 2 premiere. Delve into introducing new emotion 'horniness' in Pixar's Inside Out sequel.

Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss Will Smith's comeback in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die.' They debate movie stars opening original movies, director versus actor bankability, and NBA Finals ratings. Exploring the enduring appeal of 90s actors like Robert Downey Jr, and the success of action stars in attracting international audiences. Analyzing actors' career performances, box office success, and rising talent impact.

Joshua Lynn, President of Piedmont Media Research, discusses the research studios use to green-light movies based on what audiences want. Topics include predictions on Denzel Washington's box office potential and a Netflix stock price forecast.