The Town with Matthew Belloni

Unpacking the messy Pat McAfee saga and its implications for ESPN, including the attempt to draw younger audiences and the sustainability of the YouTube-ification model. The podcast also explores the challenges ESPN faces in promoting Pat McAfee and the larger issue of their digital subscription strategy. Additionally, the hosts analyze the announcement of a new Star Wars movie and discuss their hopes for its success.

Podcast discusses pressing Hollywood questions including Disney's proxy battle, Bob Iger's successor, NBA rights deal, Oppenheimer's Golden Globes dominance, and awards season predictions.

Matt and Brooks discuss the controversies and significance of the Golden Globes, its relationship with the Oscars and CBS, the importance of old-fashioned glamour, and the future of the awards show.

Deadline senior reporter Justin Kroll joins Matt to discuss young movie stars, highlighting their rise and fall in Hollywood after a chaotic year. They talk about movies that propelled actors into stardom and puzzling casting decisions. Matt predicts the 2024 box office.

In this entertaining podcast, the hosts discuss the executive fail of the year, media negotiations fail, controversy surrounding a former editor's book exclusion, and the winners of the 'who won the year' award in Hollywood. They reflect on box office draft picks, accurate predictions, and crazy executive moves, while acknowledging Margot Robbie's successful career. Exciting debates, insights, and predictions make this podcast a must-listen for movie industry enthusiasts.

Lucas Shaw joins Matt Belloni to give out the first round of awards at the exclusive Townie Awards. They discuss the most destructive behind-the-scenes drama, publicist fail of the year, sneaky success of the year, and more. They also talk about challenges faced by streaming businesses, the potential for DC to surpass Marvel, and the impact of press coverage on executive reputations.

Exploring the potential merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, including challenges faced by both companies in the streaming era. Examining the financial performance of streaming services like HBO Max and Paramount Plus. Discussing the importance of brands in the entertainment industry and the debate on getting bigger or smaller. Predicting the potential box office performance of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' and a subdued holiday season.

Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss the biggest disasters of 2023 in Hollywood, including the labor shutdowns and other calamitous misfires. Topics include the underperformance of 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One', David Dazlev's PR failures, the disastrous TV show 'The Idol', Pac 12's negotiation failures, and Bob Iger's misstep at Sun Valley interview.

Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri joins Matt to discuss the challenges of releasing original animated movies, the future of original films, the perception of Disney Animation, establishing brand penetration, and the aesthetic and tone of the upcoming film 'Wonka'.

Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, joins Matt to discuss Netflix’s new data transparency report. They explore the impact on the streaming industry, the success of original programming on Netflix, and speculate on the potential sale of Paramount Studios.