The Town with Matthew Belloni
The Ringer
Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni takes you inside Hollywood, using exclusive reporting and insight to explain the backstories on everything from Marvel movies to streaming wars. Multiple times each week, Matt will touch on what is getting made and why, who is winning and losing, and what people in show business are actually talking about.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
May 9, 2024 • 36min
Are Producers in Hollywood Nearing Extinction?
Longtime producer Cathy Schulman and experienced producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura discuss the devaluation of producers in Hollywood and advocate for better rights under Producers United. They delve into the financial squeeze on producers, the misunderstood role of producers in the industry, and the impact of producers on the entertainment we all enjoy.
May 8, 2024 • 31min
The Year of Peacock?
Kelly Campbell, President of Peacock, discusses Peacock's unique streaming position, growth via live sports, plans for Olympics coverage. They debate NBA rights impact, joint ventures with Paramount Plus, Max. Matt predicts ESPN's over-the-top service after Disney earnings call.
May 6, 2024 • 32min
‘The Fall Guy’ Swung and Missed … Should We Panic?
Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins to dissect why 'The Fall Guy' flopped, questioning if Ryan Gosling is a bankable star, and the impact on the summer box office. Also, predictions on the Tom Brady roast on Netflix.
May 3, 2024 • 41min
The 2024 Summer Blockbuster Confidence Scale
Guest Scott Mendelson joins to rate the confidence levels of upcoming summer blockbusters. Analyzing box office potential of Fall Guy, Pixar sequels, Despicable Me 4, and Deadpool 3. Discussing creating successful franchises without nostalgia and predicting success of Alien Romulus and M. Night Shyamalan films.
May 1, 2024 • 35min
The Fight for the Last NBA Rights With Bill Simmons
The Ringer's Bill Simmons joins Matt to discuss the intense competition for NBA media rights. They dissect potential deals with ESPN/ABC and Amazon, speculate on who will secure the third spot, and envision the NBA's future in streaming. Insights on financial implications, evolving sports content distribution, and the impact on stock prices are explored.
Apr 30, 2024 • 32min
A CEO Firing, and the Chaos at Paramount
Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss Paramount's CEO firing and potential sale, Skydance vs. Apollo deal predictions, and the implications of no deal. They also touch on the upcoming action movie 'Fall Guy' box office forecast.
8 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 32min
The Rise of Tubi and If “Free” Is Really the Future of Entertainment
Tubi CEO Anjali Sud discusses the rise of free content, competing with YouTube, the future of entertainment, and predictions for 'Inside the NBA' with host Matt Belloni.
Apr 26, 2024 • 30min
Aaron Sorkin, Live From D.C.
Aaron Sorkin discusses Hollywood, AI impact on writers, politics, and firing agents in a live episode with Matt and Peter. Topics include writer's block, AI in screenwriting, news consumption, portrayal of newsrooms, Trump's campaign coverage, misinformation, Elon Musk, and tech story adaptation.
Apr 24, 2024 • 32min
Which Bidder Is Best for Paramount?
Author and Puck writer Bill Cohan joins Matt to discuss the Paramount bidding war, comparing bids from Sony and Apollo. They explore the implications for stockholders and speculate on Shari Redstone's preferences. Matt ends with a 'Challengers' box office prediction.
5 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 32min
Netflix’s Backtrack on Transparency
Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins to discuss Netflix's shift from transparency in reporting subscriber data, questioning its impact on the streaming industry. Matt predicts the future of primetime TV amidst Netflix's changes.
